The Lynden High School InvenTeam has filed a provisional patent on a self-balancing recumbent tricycle created with funding from a Lemelson-MIT grant.

The tricycle is equipped with an active-leaning suspension that allows riders to lean into corners as if they were riding a bicycle, but with additional stability. The invention is intended to allow people with physical limitations, such as spina bifida, with a safe way to exercise.

The Lynden InvenTeam is one of 15 teams from throughout the U. S. that participated in the 2012 Lemelson-MIT EurekaFest.

The Northwest Innovation Resource Center, a Bellingham nonprofit, has joined with other community partners to aid the team in its pursuit of a patent.

Dennis Williams, a local attorney with Barron Smith Law assisted the InvenTeam with the formation of the limited liability company required to manage the team’s group ownership of the potential patent.

Dwayne Rogge, a patent agent with Schacht Law Office, also volunteered time and expertise.

Dave Weidkamp, Lynden High School teacher and the InvenTeam leader, said the team was the only group at the EurekaFest event to have already filed a provisional patent.

“The added recognition this garnered the group provided more reward for the extremely hard work of each team member,” Weidkamp said, in a press release.