LU100537B1

LU100537B1 - Bicycle stabiliser and damper therefor

Info

Publication number: LU100537B1
Application number: LU100537A
Authority: LU
Inventors: Bastien MIEST; William Evrard
Original assignee: Bastien MIEST; William Evrard
Priority date: 2017-12-08
Filing date: 2017-12-08
Publication date: 2019-06-12

Abstract

A damper (4) for a bicycle stabilizer (2), the damper (4) comprising a first end (20), configured to be attached to a bicycle frame, and a second end (22), configured to have a stabilizing wheel (8) mounted for rotation thereto. The damper (4) comprises a first arm (24) having an arcuate profile and extending between the first end (20) and the second end (22) and a second arm (26) having an arcuate profile and extending from the first end (20). The first arm (24) and the second arm (26) interlockingly engage so as to permit, in use, limited movement of a distal end (27) of the second arm (26) relative to the first arm (24), whereby the plane in which the frame of the bicycle lies is movable between a first angle (e.g. 92 degrees) and a second angle (77 degrees) to the axis (38) of the stabilizing wheel (8). In an embodiment, the first arm (24) includes at least one through hole (30-1, 30-2), and the first arm (24) and the second arm (26) interlockingly engage whereby at least a second end portion (29) (e.g. comprising two projections (28-1, 28-2)) of the second arm (26) at the distal end (27) thereof passes through and is movable, during said limited movement, relative to a through hole (30-1, 30-2). A shoulder (44) on a distal end (27) of the second arm (26) abuts, in use, a first surface portion (42) on the first arm (24) when the second arm (26) is at a first limit of said limited movement corresponding to the second angle, and a second abutment element abuts, in use, a second surface portion when the distal end (27) of the second arm (26) is at a second limit of said limited movement, corresponding to the first angle and opposite to said first limit. The first arm (24) and/or the second arm (26) preferably have a convex arcuate profile, and the first arm (24), the second arm (26), the first end (20) and/or the second end (22) may be integrally formed. Also disclosed is a bicycle stabilizer (2) for an infant or child's bicycle (46), the bicycle stabilizer (2) comprising a damper (4) as described herein, a fixing mechanism (6) configured for fixedly attaching the first end (20) of the damper (4) to a frame of the bicycle (46), and a wheel (8) configured for mounting to the second end (22) of the damper (4). The fixing mechanism (6) may comprise a first fixing element (10) and a second fixing element (12), whereby the second fixing element (12) is slidably positionable at each of a plurality of positions with respect to the first fixing element (10) and locked at that position using one or more locking elements, each position corresponding to a different size of bicycle frame.

Description

Bicycle stabiliser and damper therefor

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention generally relates to bicycle accessories, and moreparticularly to a damper and a bicycle stabiliser, e.g. for use on a child’s bicycle

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is known to provide, especially on or for childrens’ bicycles, stabilisers - alsosometimes called training wheels - in the form of a device attached to the bicycle frameon each side, with each consisting of an additional small wheel supported at a positionlateral to the plane of the bicycle frame, to provide additional stability and safety andassist with self-learning/driving by children.

[0003] Numerous designs for stabilisers have been contemplated, from quite simple torather complex construction.

[0004] US5707069A discloses a stabilizer training wheel for bicycle in which a sidewheel attachment comprises a single structural rod which is folded in the desired shape,i.e. forms a helical torsion spring. In natural unbiased condition, the first and secondends of the spring rod extend generally perpendicularly to one another. The first end ofthe spring is inversely U-shaped and tangentially engages by its web the rear axle ofthe bicycle where it can be fixed after adjusting its vertical position relative to thebicycle. The second end of the spring rod is rotatably engaged by the auxiliary sidewheel, therefore acting as its axle. Both ends can angularly move relative to oneanother due to the helical spring. Therefore, in use, both auxiliary side wheels (installedon one side and the other of the rear bicycle wheel) and the rear bicycle wheel loadedby a bicycle rider, always stay in contact with the ground so as to accomplish theirrespective tasks. A drawback is that, other than the spring resistance, there is nolimitation to the amount (angle) of lean that may be experienced, and with the helicaltorsion spring the robustness of the damper is not optimised.

[0005] NZ513075A discloses a side wheel apparatus for bicycle, which has an armfixed to a side wheel and selectively engaged with an engaging unit without having toremove fasteners from a rear axle or frame of bicycle. A bracket is held to the rearwheel axle of a bicycle as the wheel nut is tightened and the end of the bent trainerwheel arm is slipped into the sleeve formed in the bracket and fixed to the bracket by apair of pins projecting under the bias of a spring through the holes in the arm end.

Pushing the button allows the pins to be retracted from the holes so that the trainerwheel can be readily attached to or removed from the bike.

[0006] EP0127425A1 discloses an auxiliary wheel arrangement of a bicycle. Thearrangement comprises a supporting member consisting of a long bar or pipe bent in a"J"-shape and arms extending sideways from the bicycle body to be verticallydisplaceable and a coil spring to impart to the arms the torque required for lowering thetips of these arms and auxiliary wheels attached to the tips of the arms. The arms areattached e.g. to the rear wheel of the bicycle on both sides thereof. However, thearrangement involves numerous parts, including a pin for rotation of the arm and thecoil spring, which are exposed and can be subject to corrosion and reducedperformance / operational life.

TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0007] A problem addressed by the present invention is how to provide a damper andstabilizer that are robust in their construction, and preferably where at least the majorpart of the damper is integrally formed. The claimed subject matter also addresses theissue of how to limit the amount of rotational movement or lean of the bicycle, as well asproviding torsional resistance within the limited range of movement. The claimedsubject matter also addresses the issue of how to avoid having moving parts protrudingfrom an upper or exposed portion of the damper and stabilizer, so as to avoid insertionof a child’s fingers in a mechanism. Also addressed is the issue of how to facilitatemounting of the stabilizer on bicycles of different frame size.

[0008] The present invention seeks to address these and other problems, and toprovide an improved damper and a bicycle stabiliser, e.g. for use on a child’s bicycle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In order to overcome the abovementioned problems, the present inventionprovides a damper for a bicycle stabilizer, the damper comprising a first end, configuredto be attached to a bicycle frame. The damper further comprises a second end,configured to have a stabilizing wheel mounted for rotation thereto. The damper furthercomprises a first arm having an arcuate profile and extending between the first end andthe second end. The damper further comprises a second arm having an arcuate profileand extending from the first end. The first arm and the second arm interlockingly engageso as to permit, in use, limited movement of a distal end of the second arm relative to the first arm, whereby the plane in which the frame of the bicycle lies is movable between afirst angle and a second angle to the axis of the stabilizing wheel.

[00010] Preferably, the movement of the plane is substantially rotational limitedmovement.

[00011] The first angle may lie in the range 90 to 95 degrees, more preferably 91 to94 degrees, more preferably 92 to 93 degrees, and is more preferably 92 degrees.

[00012] The second angle may lie in the range 70 to 80 degrees, more preferably75 to 80 degrees, more preferably 76 to 79 degrees, and is more preferably 77 degrees[00013] Preferably, the first arm includes at least one through hole, and the first armand the second arm interlockingly engage whereby at least a second end portion of thesecond arm at the distal end thereof passes through and is movable, during said limitedmovement, relative to a through hole. Preferably, the at least a second end portion of thesecond arm comprises at least one projection, whereby the or each projection passesthrough and is movable, in use, relative to a respective through hole.

[00014] Preferably, the first arm includes at or near the second end a first endportion having a first surface portion. Preferably, the surface portion extends, in use,substantially parallel to the axis of the stabilizing wheel.

[00015] Preferably, the second arm includes a first abutment element near the distalend of the second arm. Preferably, the first abutment element comprises a shoulder at thedistal end of the second arm from which the second end portion extends. Preferably, thefirst abutment element abuts, in use, the first surface portion when the distal end of thesecond arm is at a first limit of said limited movement corresponding to the second angle.

[00016] Preferably, the first end portion has a second surface portion on a sidethereof opposite the first surface portion.

[00017] Preferably, the second arm includes a second abutment element at thedistal end of the second arm. Preferably, the second abutment element comprises aT-section at the distal end of the second end portion. Preferably, the second abutmentelement abuts, in use, the second surface portion when the distal end of the second arm isat a second limit of said limited movement, corresponding to the first angle and opposite tosaid first limit.

[00018] In one embodiment, the first arm and/or the second arm have a convexarcuate profile.

[00019] The first arm, the second arm, the first end and/or the second end may beintegrally formed.

[00020] The first arm, the second arm, the first end and/or the second end may beformed of one of (i) a resilient material, (ii) a metal, (iii) a metal alloy, (iv) steel, (v)aluminium, (vi) aluminium alloy and (vii) magnesium.

[00021] Preferably, there are two projections. Preferably, the or each projectionpasses through a respective through hole near a respective outer edge of the first arm.

[00022] According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a bicyclestabilizer e.g. for an infant or child’s bicycle, the bicycle stabilizer comprising a damper asdescribed above. The bicycle stabilizer further comprises a fixing mechanism configuredfor fixedly attaching the first end of the damper to a frame of the bicycle. The bicyclestabilizer further comprises a wheel configured for mounting to the second end of thedamper.

[00023] Preferably, the fixing mechanism comprises a first fixing elementconfigured to be fixedly attached, in use, to the frame of the bicycle and extending in afirst orientation. Preferably, the fixing mechanism comprises a second fixing elementconfigured to be fixedly attached, in use, to the damper and extending in a secondorientation, the second orientation being at a third angle to the first orientation.Preferably, the first fixing element includes at least one engagement portion for engagingthe second fixing element and/or the frame of the bicycle and thereby preventingrotation, in use, of the bicycle stabilizer about the axis of the wheel. Preferably, the atleast one engagement portion comprises, at a first end of the first fixing element, a slotfor receiving a member of the bicycle frame. Preferably, the second fixing element has aflattened U-shaped profile and the at least one engagement portion comprises, at asecond end of the first fixing element, a flattened U-shaped channel for slidably receivingthe second fixing element in a form-fitting manner.

[00024] Preferably, the second fixing element is slidably positionable at each of aplurality of positions with respect to the first fixing element and locked at that positionusing one or more locking elements, each position corresponding to a different size ofbicycle frame. Preferably, the first fixing element includes a first aperture and the secondfixing element includes a plurality of second apertures, each of the positionscorresponding to the first aperture being aligned with a respective one of the secondapertures. Preferably, the locking elements comprise a bolt configured to pass throughthe first aperture and the respective second aperture, and a nut.

[00025] The third angle may be a right angle and/or the first fixing element mayextend horizontally and the second fixing element may extend vertically.

[00026] An advantage of the invention, at least in embodiments, is that the damperand stabilizer are robust in their construction.

[00027] A further advantage is that the damper and stabilizer limit the amount ofrotational movement or lean of the bicycle, as well as providing torsional resistancewithin the limited range of movement.

[00028] A further advantage is that the damper and stabilizer avoid havingmoving parts protruding from an upper or exposed portion of the damper and stabilizer,so as to avoid insertion of a child’s fingers in a mechanism.

[00029] A further advantage is that the damper and stabilizer facilitate mountingof the stabilizer on bicycles of different frame size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00030] The present invention will be more apparent from the followingdescription of several non-limiting embodiments with reference to the attacheddrawings, wherein [00031] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stabilizer according to anembodiment of the invention; and [00032] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stabilizer of Fig. 1 ; [00033] Figure 3 is a rear longitudinal view of a bicycle to which two stabilizers have been mounted; and [00034] Figures 4 and 5 are longitudinal views of the stabilizer of Fig. 1 in use,schematically indicating the limits of rotation or lean by the plane of the bicycle frame.[00035] Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of a stabilizer

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[00036] In the following and the drawings, like numerals will be used to indicatelike elements.

[00037] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a stabilizer 2 (generally designated)according to an embodiment of the invention. The stabilizer 2 comprises a damper 4, afixing mechanism 6 for fixedly attaching the damper 4 to a frame (not shown) of thebicycle (not shown) and a wheel 8. In this embodiment, the fixing mechanism 6comprises a first fixing element 10 configured to be fixedly attached, in use, to theframe (not shown) of the bicycle (not shown) and extending in a horizontal direction.The fixing mechanism further comprises a second fixing element 12 configured to befixedly attached, in use, to the damper 4 and extending, in this embodiment, in avertical direction so that it can be mounted easily on bicycles with large and bicycleswith small wheels.

[00038] As will be discussed in more detail hereinbelow, the second fixingelement 12 is slidably positionable (through sliding as indicated by arrows A) at eachof a plurality of positions with respect to the first fixing element 10 and locked at thatposition using one or more locking elements, such as bolts 14, with each positioncorresponding to a different size of bicycle frame.

[00039] In this embodiment, the damper comprises a first end 20, configured to beattached to a bicycle frame (not shown) and a second end 22, configured to have astabilizing wheel 8 mounted for rotation thereto. Further, in this embodiment, the dampercomprises a first arm 24 having an arcuate profile and extending between the first end 20and the second end 22, and a second arm 26 having an arcuate profile and extendingfrom the first end 20. The first arm 24 and the second arm 26 interlockingly engage so asto permit limited movement of a distal end 27 of the second arm 26 relative to the first arm24, whereby in use a plane in which the frame of the bicycle (not shown) lies is movablebetween a first angle and a second angle to the axis of the stabilizing wheel, as will bediscussed in more detail below.

[00040] In this embodiment, the first arm 24 includes two through holes 30-1, 30-2, and the first arm 24 and the second arm 26 interlockingly engage whereby twoprojections 28-1, 28-2 in a second end portion 29 of the second arm 26 at the distal endthereof pass through and are movable, during the limited movement, relative to arespective through hole 30-1, 30-2. It will be appreciated that one or more projections /through holes may be used. Each projection 28-1, 28-1 preferably passes through arespective through hole 30-1,30-2 near a respective outer edge of the first arm 24.

[00041] In a preferred embodiment, the first arm 24 and/or the second arm 26have a convex arcuate profile. Further, the first arm 24, the second arm 26, the first end20 and/or the second end 22 are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the first arm 24,the second arm 26, the first end 20 and/or the second end 22 are formed of a resilientmaterial such as plastic such as polyamide in particular polyamide 6 and I or polyamide66, PE, PP, ABS etc, a glass fiber reinforced plastic, a metal, a metal alloy, steel,aluminium, aluminium alloy or magnesium.

[00042] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the stabilizer of Fig. 1. Ascan be seen, the second end 22 of damper 4 includes a cylindrical recess 32, forexample with an inner screw thread, for receiving a second bolt 34 which attaches wheel8 to the second end 22 of damper 4 via wheel bearings 36, so as to mount stabilizingwheel 8 for rotation thereto about an axis 38.

[00043] In a preferred embodiment, the first arm 24 includes at or near the secondend 22 a first end portion 40 having a first surface portion 42. The first surface portion 42 extends, in use, substantially parallel to the axis 38 of the stabilizing wheel 8. The secondarm 26 includes a shoulder 44 near the distal end 27 of the second arm 26 from which thesecond end portion 29 (projections 28-1, 28-2) extends. In use, the shoulder 44 abuts thefirst surface portion 42 when the distal end 27 of the second arm 26 is at a first limit of thelimited movement corresponding to the second angle, i.e. when the plane of the bicycleframe has been permitted to rotate or lean in one sense to its maximum permitted extent.[00044] In a preferred embodiment, the first end portion 40 has a second surfaceportion (underneath in Fig. 2; not shown) on a side thereof opposite the first surfaceportion 42. Further, the second arm 26 includes an abutment element in the form of a T-section (not shown) at the distal end 27 of the second end portion 29. In use, the T-section (not shown) abuts the second surface portion (not shown) when the distal end 27of the second arm 26 is at a second limit of the limited movement, corresponding to thefirst angle and opposite to said first limit, i.e. when the plane of the bicycle frame has beenpermitted to rotate or lean in an opposite sense to its maximum permitted extent.

[00045] Figure 3 is a rear longitudinal view of a bicycle 46 to which twostabilizers 2 of Fig. 1 have been mounted. The nature of the movement (substantiallyrotational movement) afforded by the stabilizers 2 is indicated schematically by arrowsB.

[00046] Figures 4 and 5 are longitudinal views of the stabilizer 2 of Fig. 1 in use,schematically indicating the limits of rotation or lean by the plane of the bicycle frame.

[00047] As seen in Fig. 4, for the stabilizer 2 on the right hand side of the bicycle,the maximum amount of counter-clockwise movement about the intersection 50 of theplane of the bicycle frame and the axis 38 of the wheel 8, i.e. the first angle, is preferably92 degrees. However, the first angle may lie in the range 90 to 95 degrees, morepreferably 91 to 94 degrees, and more preferably 92 to 93 degrees.

[00048] As seen in Fig. 5, for the same stabilizer 2 the maximum amount ofclockwise movement about the intersection 50 of the plane of the bicycle frame and theaxis 38 of the wheel 8, i.e. the second angle, is preferably 77 degrees. However, thesecond angle may lie in the range 70 to 80 degrees, more preferably 75 to 80 degrees,and more preferably 76 to 79 degrees.

[00049] It should be noted that the projections 28-1 and 28-2 may comprise aseries of through holes in which a metal shaft or the like may be introduced if themovements of the plane must be limited to a narrower range respectively if themovements of the plane must be blocked the completely at a certain angle. Depending onthe cyclists capabilities, the maximum movement can thus be adapted easily by inserting a shaft in these through holes and thus limiting the angle of inclination of the bicycleframe.

[00050] It should be noted that instead of two projections 28-1 and 28-2, it is alsopossible to use only one projection 28 as depicted on Figure 6. In such a case, the designof the shoulder 44 and of the distal end 27 must be adapted accordingly.

[00051] Returning to Fig. 2, cooperating second bolt 54 and second nut 56 areused to fixedly attach damper 4 to the second fixing element 12 and thus to fixingmechanism 6, the second bolt 54 passing through fixing aperture 58.

[00052] Returning to Fig. 2, cooperating second bolt 54 and second nut 56 areused to fixedly attach damper 4 to the second fixing element 12 and thus to fixingmechanism 6, the second bolt 54 passing through fixing aperture 58. The first fixingelement 10 includes at least one engagement portion for engaging the second fixingelement 12 and/or the frame (not shown) of the bicycle (not shown) and therebypreventing rotation, in use, of the bicycle stabilizer about the axis 38 of the wheel 8. Moreparticularly, a first engagement portion comprises, at a first end of the first fixing element10, a slot 60 for receiving a member (not shown) of the bicycle frame (not shown).

[00053] As seen in Fig. 2, the second fixing element 12 has a flattened U-shapedprofile and the first fixing element 10 comprises, at a second end thereof, a secondengagement portion in the form of a flattened U-shaped channel 62 for slidably receivingthe second fixing element 12 in a form-fitting manner. The second fixing element 12 isslidably positionable at each of a plurality of positions with respect to the first fixingelement 10 and locked at that position using one or more locking elements, each positioncorresponding to a different size of bicycle frame. In this embodiment, the first fixingelement 10 includes a first aperture 64 and the second fixing element 12 includes aplurality of second apertures 66, and each of the different positions corresponds to thefirst aperture 64 being aligned with a respective one of the second apertures 66. Thelocking elements suitably comprise a third bolt 14 configured to pass through the firstaperture 64 and the respective second aperture 66, and a nut 68.

[00054] In this embodiment, the third angle (of the first fixing element 10 relative tothe second fixing element 12) is a right angle. More particularly, in an embodiment, thefirst fixing element 10 extends horizontally and the second fixing element 12 extendsvertically.

[00055] While embodiments have been described by reference to embodiments ofa damper and stabilizer having various components in their respective implementations, itwill be appreciated that other embodiments make use of other combinations andpermutations of these and other components.

[00056] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced withoutthese specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniqueshave not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of thisdescription.

[00057] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be thepreferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that otherand further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of theinvention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling withinthe scope of the invention.

List of reference signs 2 stabilizer 4 damper 6 fixing mechanism 8 wheel 10 first fixing element 12 second fixing element 14 bolt 20 first end 22 second end 24 first arm 26 second arm 27 distal end 28-1 projection 28-2 projection 29 second end portion 30-1 through hole 30-2 through hole 32 cylindrical recess 34 second bolt 36 wheel bearings 38 axis 40 first end portion 42 first surface portion 44 shoulder 46 bicycle 50 intersection 54 second bolt 56 second nut 58 fixing aperture 60 slot 62 U-shaped channel 64 first aperture 66 second aperture 68 nut

Claims

A shock absorber (4) for a bicycle stabilizer (2), the shock absorber (4) comprising: a first end (20) configured to be connected to a bicycle frame; a second end (22), configured to have a rollator (8) mounted for rotation relative thereto; a first arm (24) having an arcuate profile and extending between the first end (20) and the second end (22); a second arm (26) having an arcuate profile and extending from the first end (20); wherein the first arm (24) and the second arm (26) engage in interlocking manner to permit, in use, limited movement of a distal end (27) of the second arm (26) relative to the first arm ( 24), whereby the plane in which the frame of the bicycle is located is movable between a first angle and a second angle relative to the axis (38) of the stabilizing wheel (8).

2. Damper (4) according to claim 1, wherein the duplan movement is a substantially rotational limited movement.

Shock absorber (4) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first angle is in the range of 90 to 95 degrees.

A damper (4) according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the second angle is in the range of 70 to 80 degrees, more preferably 75 to 80 degrees.

A damper (4) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first arm (24) comprises at least one through hole (30-1,30-2); and the first arm (24) and the second arm (26) engage in reciprocal locking, whereby at least a second portion (29) of the second arm (26) at the distal end (27) thereof passes to through and is movable, during said limited movement, relative to a through hole (30-1, 30-2).

Shock absorber (4) according to claim 5, in which the at least one second end portion (29) of the second arm (26) comprises at least one piece (28-1, 28-2), whereby the or each projection ( 28-1, 28-2) passes through and is movable, in use, with respect to a respective through hole (30-1, 30-2).

A damper (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm (24) comprises at or near the second end (22) a first end portion (40) having a first surface portion (42). .

Shock absorber (4) according to claim 7, wherein the first surface portion (42) extends, in use, substantially parallel to the axis (38) of the stabilizing wheel (8).

A damper (4) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second arm (26) comprises a first abutment member proximate the distal end (27) of the second arm (26).

The damper (4) of claim 9, wherein the first abutment member comprises a shoulder (44) at the distal end (27) of the second arm (26) from which the second end portion (29) extends.

Shock absorber (4) according to claim 9 or 10, when dependent on claim 7, wherein the first abutment member abuts, in use, against the first surface portion (42) when the distal end (27). second arm (26) is at a first limit of said limit movement corresponding to the second angle.

A damper (4) according to claim 7, or any claim depending thereon, wherein the first end portion (40) has a second surface portion on one side thereof opposite the first surface portion (42). ).

A damper (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second arm (26) comprises a second abutment member at the distal end (27) of the second arm (26).

The damper (4) of claim 13, wherein the second abutment member comprises a T-section at the distal end (27) of the second end portion (29).

A damper (4) according to claim 13 or 14, when dependent on claim 12, wherein the second abutment member abuts, in use, against the second surface portion when the distal end (27) of the second arm ( 26) is at a second limit of said limit movement, corresponding to the first angle and the opposite of said first limit.

16. Shock absorber (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm (24) and / or the second arm (26) have an arquéconvexe profile.

Shock absorber (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm (24), the second arm (26), the first end (20) and / or the second end (22) are formed of one piece.

Shock absorber (4) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm (24), the second arm (26), the first end (20) and / or the second end (22) are composed of one of (i) a resilient material, (ii) a metal, (iii) a metal alloy, (iv) a steel, (v) aluminum, (vi) an aluminum alloy and (vii) magnesium.

Shock absorber (4) according to claim 6, or any claim depending on it, in which there are two projections (28-1, 28-2).

The damper (4) of claim 19, wherein the or each piece (28-1, 28-2) passes through a respective through hole (30-1, 30-2) near a respective outer edge of the first arm (24).

Bicycle stabilizer (2) for a child or infant bicycle, the bicycle stabilizer comprising: a shock absorber (4) according to any one of the preceding claims; an attachment mechanism (6) configured to securely link the first end (20) of the damper (4) to a frame of the bicycle (46); a wheel (8) configured for mounting on the second end (22) of the damper (4).

The bicycle stabilizer (2) of claim 21, wherein the fastening mechanism (6) comprises a first fastener (10) configured to be fixedly connected, in use, to the frame of the bicycle (46) and extending in a first orientation.

Bicycle stabilizer (2) according to claim 21 or 22, in which the fastening mechanism (6) comprises a second fastening element (12) configured to be fixedly connected, in use, to the shock absorber (4). and extending in a second orientation, the second orientation being at a third angle with respect to the first orientation.

The bicycle stabilizer (2) of claim 23, wherein the first fastener (10) comprises at least one engaging portion for engagement with the second fastener (12) and / or the frame of the bicycle (46) and thereby preventing rotation, in use, of the bicycle stabilizer (2) about the axis (38) of the wheel (8).

The bicycle stabilizer (2) of claim 24, wherein the at least one engaging portion comprises, at a first end of the first fastener (10), a slot (60) for receiving a frame member bicycle.

The bicycle stabilizer (2) according to claim 24, or the claim 25 when dependent on claim 24, wherein said second fastener member (12) has a flattened U-shaped profile and the at least one biasing portion engagement comprises, at a second end of the first attachment member (10), a flattened U-shaped channel (62) for slidably receiving the second fastener (12) by shape adjustment.

The bicycle stabilizer (2) according to claim 23, when independent of claim 22, wherein the second fastener (12) is slidably positionable at each of a plurality of positions relative to the first member fastening (10) and locked at this position using one or more locking members, each position corresponding to a different size of bicycle frame.

The bicycle stabilizer (2) according to claim 27, wherein the first fastening element (10) comprises a first opening (64) and the second fastening element (12) comprises a plurality of second openings (66), each of the corresponding positions at the first opening (64) being aligned with a respective opening of the second openings (66).

The bicycle stabilizer (2) according to claim 28, wherein the locking elements comprise a bolt (14) configured to pass through the first opening (64) and the respective second opening (66) and a nut (68).

A bicycle stabilizer (2) according to claim 23, or any of the dependent claims, wherein (i) the third angle is a right angle and / or (ii) the first attachment member (10) is extends horizontally and the second fastening element (12) extends vertically.