GB2466825A - Vehicle convertible between bicycle and tricycle - Google Patents

Vehicle convertible between bicycle and tricycle Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2466825A
GB2466825A GB0900297A GB0900297A GB2466825A GB 2466825 A GB2466825 A GB 2466825A GB 0900297 A GB0900297 A GB 0900297A GB 0900297 A GB0900297 A GB 0900297A GB 2466825 A GB2466825 A GB 2466825A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
ride
wheel
vehicle
axle
clutch member
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB0900297A
Other versions
GB0900297D0 (en
Inventor
Paul Wright
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EARLY LEARNING CT Ltd
Original Assignee
EARLY LEARNING CT Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by EARLY LEARNING CT Ltd filed Critical EARLY LEARNING CT Ltd
Priority to GB0900297A priority Critical patent/GB2466825A/en
Publication of GB0900297D0 publication Critical patent/GB0900297D0/en
Publication of GB2466825A publication Critical patent/GB2466825A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K9/00—Children's cycles
    • B62K9/02—Tricycles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K13/00—Cycles convertible to, or transformable into, other types of cycles or land vehicle
    • B62K13/04—Cycles convertible to, or transformable into, other types of cycles or land vehicle to a tricycle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K9/00—Children's cycles

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Automatic Cycles, And Cycles In General (AREA)

Abstract

A ride-on vehicle (2) for selective use in a tricycle configuration or a bicycle configuration which comprises a front wheel (4), a rear axle (8, 10) free of a mechanical drive connection, a first rear wheel (6a) mounted on the rear axle and a frame (20) which comprises a rear fork assembly (22). The rear fork assembly comprises a first fork arm (24a) and a second fork arm (24b) spaced apart from the first fork arm. The first fork arm and the second fork arm support the rear axle and define a wheel mounting slot (28) between them. In the bicycle configuration, the first rear wheel is mounted on the rear axle (10, figure 6b) within the wheel mounting slot and in the tricycle configuration, the first rear wheel is mounted on the rear axle outside the wheel mounting slot and the wheel mounting slot is wheel-free. The ride-on vehicle may be propelled by means of pedal cranks (18) driving a front wheel (4) via a clutch which is used to engage / disengage the driving connection between the cranks (18) and front wheel (4). The clutch may be engaged or disengaged by grasping a collar (62, figure 7a) and sliding said collar (62) axially relative to the pedal crank axis (18).

Description

RIDE-ON VEHICLE
The present invention relates to a vehicle (e.g. a ride-on vehicle).
Tricycles are used by young children. As children grow older, their motor skills and balance develop. Older children with better motor skills and balance will want to change from using a tricycle to using a bicycle. Teaching children to change from a first tricycle to a second, separate bicycle can be difficult. The difference in shape and stability between the tricycle and the bicycle and the different riding positions can make it difficult for a child to use the bicycle. Furthermore, the purchase of a separate tricycle and bicycle is an additional cost.
US-A-2007/0052 199 discloses a ride-on vehicle which can be converted from a first tricycle configuration to a second bicycle configuration. The vehicle comprises many of the components of a standard bicycle including a frame which comprises a head tube, top tube, down tube, seat tube, bottom bracket tube and left and right seat and chain stays. The bottom bracket tube encloses a crankcase which comprises a set of pedals which are mechanically linked to a rear axle by a chain or belt so that the pedals drive the rear axle when they are turned. The vehicle comprises two rear wheels. The rear wheels can be connected to and driven by the rear axle in either a tricycle or a bicycle configuration. In *..* : the tricycle configuration, the rear wheels are located outside the left and right seat and
I
* *. chain stays. In the bicycle configuration, the rear wheels are located side by side between the left and right seat and chain stays.
I..... * * **. * * ****
The present invention is based on the recognition that by dispensing with a mechanical rear * wheel drive system, a ride-on vehicle is readily interchangeable between a tricycle * : configuration and a bicycle configuration and is useful in training a child to ride a bicycle.
Thus viewed from one aspect, the present invention provides a ride-on vehicle for selective use in a tricycle configuration or a bicycle configuration comprising: a front wheel; a rear axle free of a mechanical drive connection; a first rear wheel mounted on the rear axle; and a frame which comprises a rear fork assembly; wherein the rear fork assembly comprises: a first fork arm; and a second fork arm spaced apart from the first fork arm wherein the first fork arm and the second fork arm support the rear axle and define a wheel mounting slot between them; wherein in the bicycle configuration, the first rear wheel is mounted on the rear axle within the wheel mounting slot; and wherein in the tricycle configuration, the first rear wheel is mounted on the rear axle outside the wheel mounting slot and the wheel mounting slot is wheel-free.
By deploying a rear axle free of a mechanical drive connection, the ride-on vehicle is advantageously easy to convert from a tricycle configuration to a bicycle configuration.
This is because the or each rear wheel is not driven by the rear axle. Therefore the or each rear wheel may be free to rotate on the rear axle. This means that changing the ride-on vehicle between the tricycle and bicycle configuration is a straightforward operation.
Changing between the tricycle and bicycle configuration may involve removing the first rear wheel, a second rear wheel and a first rear axle from the ride-on vehicle and replacing them with a single rear wheel and a second rear axle. *.S. * * * ** . *** S
The single rear wheel may be the first rear wheel. The single rear wheel may be the second rear wheel. The single rear wheel may be a third rear wheel.
*..S.. * * **S. * *
The first rear axle may be a long rear axle. The second rear axle may be a short rear axle. S. * * S * * S.
* : In this specification, the term outside' or outer' means away from the vertical plane of symmetry of the ride-on vehicle while the term inside' or inner' means towards the vertical plane of symmetry of the ride-on vehicle.
In this specification, the term ride-on vehicle' means a vehicle which is rideable by a rider.
To propel the rider, the front wheel may be driven by pedals. Alternatively, the rider may be pushed along by another person or the rider may propel himself by using his feet to push along the ground. Preferably pedals are connected to the front wheel. Preferably the pedals are directly connected to the front wheel to allow the rider to apply a braking force to the front wheel.
Typically, the rider of the ride-on vehicle is a child.
The ride-on vehicle may be a non-motorised ride-on vehicle.
The front wheel and the or each rear wheel may be sized for a particular height range of rider. Preferably the front wheel is less than 40cm in diameter. Preferably the front wheel is less than 30cm in diameter. Preferably the front wheel is more than 10cm in diameter.
Preferably the or each rear wheel is less than 40cm in diameter. Preferably the or each rear wheel is less than 30cm in diameter. Preferably the or each rear wheel is more than 10cm in diameter. The front wheel and the or each rear wheel may be the same diameter.
These sizes of front and rear wheel allow a rider to practice balancing when the ride-on vehicle is in the bicycle configuration without the rider being too far off the ground.
Therefore the chance of injury to the rider is reduced in the event that the rider falls off the *S..
*..* : vehicle. S... * S S...
The frame may comprise an elongate top tube extending from front to rear (e.g. substantially longitudinally). The elongate top tube may be connected at the front to a * 25 head tube and at the rear to the rear fork assembly. Preferably the frame is free of a down * .* tube. Preferably the elongate top tube is the sole connection between the front wheel and * : * the or each rear wheel. This may make the ride-on vehicle simpler or cheaper to produce.
The rear fork assembly comprises a first fork arm and a second fork arm spaced apart from the first fork arm. Preferably the first fork arm and the second fork arm extend in substantially the same axial direction as the elongate top tube. This allows the frame to be in the correct orientation for the rider in both the bicycle and the tricycle configuration.
Typically, the head tube is hollow and the interior passage of the head tube receives a head shaft. The interior passage of the head tube may have an axial direction which is substantially perpendicular to the elongate top tube. This allows the front wheel to be in a suitable position for pedals on the front wheel to engage the rider's feet.
The head shaft may be joined at its top end to a set of handlebars. Typically, the head shaft is joined at its bottom end to a front fork which guides the front wheel. The head shaft is normally received in the head tube in such a way that it can rotate with respect to the head tube but it cannot move in an axial direction. In this way the handlebars can steer the front fork and front wheel.
The ride-on vehicle may comprise a first pedal and a second pedal attached to the front wheel. The first pedal and second pedal may be detachable. The front wheel may be mounted on a front axle. The front axle may be connected to the first pedal and second pedal. Preferably the front wheel is selectively engageable with and disengageable from the front axle by a clutch. Preferably when the clutch is in an engaged position, the front wheel is connected to the front axle and the first pedal and second pedal drive the front wheel when they are turned. Preferably when the clutch is in a disengaged position, the front wheel is disconnected from the front axle and the front wheel can rotate around the : front axle without turning the first and second pedals. Therefore when the clutch is in a
S
disengaged position the first and second pedals can be used as foot rests by the rider while * the ride-on vehicle is moving.
*S*S.. * * *S*.
The ride on vehicle may be pedal free in the tricycle configuration.
The frame may further comprise a seat post tube. The seat post tube may receive a seat post with a saddle attached to its top end. Typically, the interior passage of the seat post tube has an axial direction which is substantially parallel to the interior passage of the head tube. This allows the rider of the ride-on vehicle to sit on the saddle in the correct orientation with respect to the first and second pedals on the front wheel.
Typically, the seat post has several seat post holes along its length. The seat post tube may have a seat post bolt passage which may receive a seat post bolt. By aligning the seat post bolt passage with a particular seat post hole, the seat post bolt may pass through the seat post bolt passage and the seat post hole to lock the seat post to the frame and position the saddle at a desired height. By choosing a different seat post hole, the height of the saddle can be adjusted. In this way, the ride-on vehicle can be adapted to the height of the rider.
In the tricycle configuration the ride-on vehicle comprises a first rear wheel and a second rear wheel. The first and second rear wheels may be mounted spaced apart on a long rear axle. Preferably the long rear axle extends through the first fork arm and the second fork arm. Preferably the first rear wheel is positioned outside the first fork arm and the second rear wheel is positioned outside the second fork arm.
The first rear wheel may be secured by a first wheel nut on the outside of the first rear wheel and a first axle spacer on the inside of the first rear wheel. The second rear wheel may be secured by a second wheel nut on the outside of the second rear wheel and a second axle spacer on the inside of the second rear wheel.
The axle spacers are typically hollow tubes which are fitted over the long rear axle.
Preferably the rear wheels are free to rotate around the long rear axle. The axle spacers : may stop the rear wheels from sliding axially along the long rear axle. S... * S
The first and second fork arms may each comprise an outside face and an inside face. The **S..
outside end of the first axle spacer may abut against the inside face of the first rear wheel.
The inside end of the first axle spacer may abut against the outside face of the first fork arm. The outside end of the second axle spacer may abut against the inside face of the * : * . second rear wheel. The inside end of the second axle spacer may abut against the outside face of the second fork arm.
Preferably each fork arm includes a rear axle tube. Preferably each rear axle tube is sized to accomodate the long rear axle. Preferably the axle spacers are wider than the rear axle tubes. Therefore the long rear axle may pass through the rear axle tubes while the axle spacers are retained in position.
Preferably the rear axle is mounted in the first fork arm and the second fork arm such that the first fork arm and the second fork arm fully encircle the circumference of the rear axle.
Typically, the inside faces of the first and second fork arms are opposed and define the wheel mounting slot between them. The wheel mounting slot is sized so that a single rear wheel is mountable on a short rear axle in the wheel mounting slot when the ride-on vehicle is in the bicycle configuration.
In the tricycle configuration, a parent handle support may be mounted on the long rear axle in the wheel mounting slot. A parent handle may be attached to the parent handle support.
The parent handle may comprises a parent handle grip. A person can hold the parent handle grip and use the parent handle to guide the ride-on vehicle in a controlled manner.
Preferably the parent handle is an elongate parent handle.
In the bicycle configuration, the first rear wheel may be mounted on a short rear axle in the wheel mounting slot. Preferably the short rear axle passes through the rear axle tubes and is secured by wheel nuts. The wheel nuts may abut the outside faces of the first and e.
* second fork arms. Preferably the first and second pedals on the front axle are detatched.
Without pedals, the ride-on vehicle can be propelled by the rider pushing on the ground with his or her feet. Alternatively, the ride-on vehicle can be propelled by a person * * pushing the rider. * *
Preferably the ride-on vehicle is pedal-free in the bicycle configuration. * * *
The ride-on vehicle may further comprise: a front axle; a first pedal and a second pedal connected to the front axle to drive the front axle; a clutch member mounted on the front axle to rotate with the front axle, the clutch member comprising a driving portion; and a front wheel mounted on the front axle, the front wheel comprising a driven portion; wherein the clutch member is moveable between a disengaged position where the driving portion is disengaged from the driven portion of the front wheel and the front wheel is not driven by the front axle and an engaged position where the driving portion engages the driven portion of the front wheel and the front wheel is driven by the front axle and the pedals.
When the clutch member is in the disengaged position, the pedals of the ride-on vehicle may advantageously not turn when the front wheel turns i.e. the front wheel may freewheel'. This allows a rider to rest his or her feet on the pedals when the rider is being pushed by a non-rider.
In addition, when the clutch member is in the engaged position, the pedals may advantageously be used to brake as well as drive the front wheel.
Preferably the driving portion and the driven portion are engageable in a male to female fit. S...
Preferably the driving portion comprises at least one protrusion. *5** * S *.*.
Preferably the driven portion comprises at least one cavity in which is receivable the at *..... * .
least one protrusion. * 0 0***
* * Preferably the driving portion comprises a plurality of protrusions and the driven portion comprises a plurality of cavities in which is receivable the plurality of protrusions.
Preferably the clutch member is axially moveable between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
Preferably the clutch member is axially slideable along the front axle to move between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
Preferably the clutch member comprises a clutch flange which is gripable to move the clutch member between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
The clutch member may be attached to the front axle so that it rotates with the front axle and is slidable axially between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
The clutch member may be positioned between the front axle and the front fork. The clutch member may be substantially annular and may comprise a clutch flange, a clutch body and a wheel engaging portion. The wheel engaging portion is typically cylindrical and annular. The inside radial face of the wheel engaging portion may face the front wheel. The protrusions may be spaced around the inside radial face. The protrusions may face the cavities on the outside face of the front wheel.
The outside radial face of the wheel engaging portion may be joined to the clutch body.
The clutch body may be cylindrical and annular. Preferably the internal diameter of the clutch body is equal to the internal diameter of the wheel engaging portion. Preferably the external diameter of the clutch body is greater than the external diameter of the wheel * * * * engaging portion. S... * . *S..
The outside radial face of the clutch body may be joined to the clutch flange. Typically the S..... * S
clutch flange comprises an inner cylindrical portion joined to the clutch body and an outer flanged portion. Preferably the outer flanged portion can is gripable to move the clutch * .* member axially between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
S..... * .
Preferably the clutch member is held in place by a stopper. The stopper may be fastened (e.g. screwed) to the front axle. The stopper may prevent the clutch member from moving axially outwardly further than the disengaged position by abutting the clutch body.
Typically the stopper is connected to a pedal.
Viewed from a further aspect the present invention provides a ride-on vehicle assembly comprising: a front axle; a first pedal and a second pedal connected to the front axle to drive the front axle; a clutch member mounted on the front axle to rotate with the front axle, the clutch member comprising a driving portion; and a front wheel mounted on the front axle, the front wheel comprising a driven portion; wherein the clutch member is moveable between a disengaged position where the driving portion is disengaged from the driven portion of the front wheel and the front wheel is not driven by the front axle and an engaged position where the driving portion engages the driven portion of the front wheel and the front wheel is driven by the front axle and the pedals.
When the clutch member is in the disengaged position, the pedals of the ride-on vehicle assembly may advantageously not turn when the front wheel turns i.e. the front wheel may freewheel'. This allows a rider to rest his or her feet on the pedals when the rider is being pushed by a non-rider.
In addition, when the clutch member is in the engaged position, the pedals may be used to S...
: brake or drive the front wheel. The ability to brake or drive the front wheel is advantageous when combined with the first aspect of the invention because the ability to brake or drive the front wheel is advantageous when the rear axle is free of a mechanical drive connection.
* *: The pedals of the ride-on vehicle assembly may be detachable. * *
Preferably the driving portion and the driven portion are engageable in a male to female fit.
Preferably the driving portion comprises at least one protrusion.
Preferably the driven portion comprises at least one cavity in which is receivable the at least one protrusion.
Preferably the driving portion comprises a plurality of protrusions and the driven portion comprises a plurality of cavities in which is receivable the plurality of protrusions.
Preferably the clutch member is axially moveable between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
Preferably the clutch member is axially slideable along the front axle to move between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
Preferably the clutch member comprises a clutch flange which is gripable to move the clutch member between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
The clutch member may be attached to the front axle so that it rotates with the front axle and is slidable axially between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
The clutch member may be positioned between the front axle and the front fork. The clutch member may be substantially annular and may comprise a clutch flange, a clutch body and a wheel engaging portion. The wheel engaging portion is typically cylindrical : and annular. The inside radial face of the wheel engaging portion may face the front wheel. The protrusions may be spaced around the inside radial face. The protrusions may face the cavities on the outside face of the front wheel. * .
* * .* 25 a...
The outside radial face of the wheel engaging portion may be joined to the clutch body.
The clutch body may be cylindrical and annular. Preferably the internal diameter of the * clutch body is equal to the internal diameter of the wheel engaging portion. Preferably the external diameter of the clutch body is greater than the external diameter of the wheel engaging portion.
The outside radial face of the clutch body may be joined to the clutch flange. Typically the clutch flange comprises an inner cylindrical portion joined to the clutch body and an outer flanged portion. Preferably the outer flanged portion can is gripable to move the clutch member axially between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
Preferably the clutch member is held in place by a stopper. The stopper may be fastened (e.g. screwed) to the front axle. The stopper may prevent the clutch member from moving axially outwardly further than the disengaged position by abutting the clutch body.
Typically the stopper is connected to a pedal.
The ride-on vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention may further comprise any of the features of the ride-on vehicle assembly according to the further aspect of the invention.
The ride-on vehicle assembly according to the further aspect of the invention may further comprise any of the features of the ride-on vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention.
The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
S
: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the ride-on vehicle and a first
IS I
S.. embodiment of the ride-on vehicle assembly of the invention in a tricycle configuration; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the ride-on vehicle and a second S.....
*:... 25 embodiment of the ride-on vehicle assembly of the invention in a tricycle configuration, *I..
including a parent handle; Figure 3A is a top plan view of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3B is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 3C is a side elevation of the embodiment of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the ride-on vehicle of the invention in a bicycle configuration; Figure 5A is a top plan view of the embodiment of Figure 4; Figure 5B is a front view of the embodiment of Figure 4; Figure 5C is a side elevation of the embodiment of Figure 4; Figure 6A is an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 1; Figure 6B is an exploded view of the embodiment of Figure 4; S Figure 7A is a cross sectioned view of the clutch of a fourth embodiment of the ride-on vehicle and a third embodiment of the ride-on vehicle assembly of the invention with the clutch in a disengaged state; Figure 7B is a cross sectioned view of the clutch of Figure 7A with the clutch in an engaged state; Figure 7C is an enlarged view of Figure 7A; and Figure 7D is an enlarged view of Figure 7B.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the ride-on vehicle of the invention.
Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a ride-on vehicle 2 and ride-on vehicle assembly 2a for use by a rider (not shown) which can be converted from a tricycle configuration to a bicycle configuration. Figures 1, 2, 3A, 3B, 3C and 8 show the ride-on vehicle 2 and ride-on vehicle assembly 2a in the tricycle configuration. Figures 4, 5A, SB and 5C show the ride-on vehicle 2 in the bicycle configuration.
Referring to Figure 1, the ride-on vehicle 2 and ride-on vehicle assembly 2a comprises a .. : frame 20. The frame 20 comprises an elongate top tube 54 which is connected at the front * to a head tube 38 and at the rear to a rear fork assembly 22. The rear fork assembly 22 comprises a first fork arm 24a and a second fork arm 24b which extend in substantially the : 25 same axial direction as the elongate top tube 54.
The head tube 38 is hollow and the interior passage of the head tube 38 receives a head shaft 40, The interior passage of the head tube 38 extends in an axial direction which is substantially perpendicular to the elongate top tube 54. The head shaft 40 is joined at its top end to transverse handlebars 32. The head shaft 40 is joined at its bottom end to a front fork 30 which guides a front wheel 4. The head shaft 40 is received in the head tube 38 in such a way that it can rotate with respect to the head tube 38 but it cannot move in an axial direction. In this way the handlebars 32 can steer the front fork 30 and front wheel 4.
The front wheel 4 is mounted on a front axle 60. The front axle 60 is connected to detachable pedals 18. The front wheel 4 can be connected to or disconnected from the front axle 60 via a clutch 70. When the front wheel 4 is connected to the front axle 60, the pedals 18 drive the front wheel 4 when they are turned. When the front wheel 4 is disconnected from the front axle 60, the front wheel 4 can rotate around the front axle 60 without turning the pedals 18. Therefore when the front wheel 4 is disconnected from the front axle 60 the pedals 18 can be used as foot rests by the rider. The clutch 70 will be described in greater detail below with reference to Figures 7A and 7B.
The frame 20 further comprises a seat post tube 46. The seat post tube 46 is hollow and the interior passage of the seat post tube 46 receives a seat post 42. The interior passage of the seat post tube 46 has an axial direction which is substantially parallel to the interior passage of the head tube 38. The seat post 42 is a shaft which has a saddle 44 attached to its top end. The seat post 42 has several seat post holes 48 along its length. The seat post tube 46 has a seat post bolt passage 50 which receives a seat post bolt 52. By aligning the seat post bolt passage 50 with a selected seat post hole 48, the seat post bolt 52 can pass through the seat post bolt passage 50 and the seat post hole 48 to lock the seat post 42 to the frame 20 and position the saddle 44 at a desired height. By choosing a different seat post hole 48, the height of the saddle 44 can be adjusted. In this way, the ride-on vehicle 2 *SI can be adapted to the height of the rider.
S
The rear fork assembly 22 of the frame 20 has a first rear wheel 6a and a second rear wheel *S.* 6b positioned transversely relative to it. The rear wheels 6a, 6b are mounted on a long rear *:. axle 8. The first rear wheel 6a is kept in place by a first wheel nut 14a on the outside of the first rear wheel 6a and a first axle spacer 12a on the inside of the first rear wheel 6a. The second rear wheel 6b is kept in place by a second wheel nut 14b on the outside of the second rear wheel 6b and a second axle spacer 12b on the inside of the second rear wheel 6a.
The axle spacers 12a, 12b are hollow tubes which are fitted over the long rear axle 8. The rear wheels 6a, 6b are free to rotate around the long rear axle 8 so the axle spacers 1 2a, 1 2b are required to stop the rear wheels 6a, 6b from sliding axially along the long rear axle 8.
The first and second fork arms 24a, 24b each comprise an outside face 64a, 64b and an inside face 66a, 66b. The outside end of the first axle spacer 12a abuts against the inside face of the first rear wheel 6a while the inside end of the first axle spacer 1 2a abuts against the outside face 64a of the first fork arm 24a. The outside end of the second axle spacer I 2b abuts against the inside face of the second rear wheel 6b while the inside end of the second axle spacer 1 2b abuts against the outside face 64b of the second fork arm 24b.
Each fork arm 24a, 24b includes a rear axle tube 68a, 68b. The rear axle tubes 68a, 68b are sized so that the long rear axle 8 can fit inside the rear axle tubes 68a, 68b. However the axle spacers 12a,b are wider than the rear axle tubes 68a, 68b. Therefore the long rear axle 10 passes through the rear axle tubes 68a, 68b while the axle spacers I 2a,b are kept in position.
The inside faces 66a, 66b of the first and second fork arms 24a, 24b are opposed to each other and define a wheel mounting slot 28 between them. The wheel mounting slot 28 is sized so that a single rear wheel 6c can be mounted on a short rear axle 10 in the wheel mounting slot 28 when the ride-on vehicle is in the bicycle configuration (see Figure 4 and description below). When in the tricycle configuration, a parent handle support 16 is mounted on the long rear axle 8 in the wheel mounting slot 28. S... * .
* : ...: Figures 2 and 3A to 3 C show the ride-on vehicle 2 and ride-on vehicle assembly 2a of * *..* 25 Figure 1 with a parent handle 34 attached to the parent handle support 16. The parent SS* handle 34 comprises a parent handle grip 36. A person can hold the parent handle grip 36 and use the parent handle 34 to guide the ride-on vehicle 2 in a controlled manner. ***.S *
Figure 4 shows the ride-on vehicle 2 in the bicycle conliguration. In the bicycle configuration, the long rear axle 8 is replaced with a short rear axle 10. The short rear axle passes through the rear axle tubes 68a, 68b and is kept in position by wheel nuts 14a and 14b. The wheel nuts 14a, 14b abut the outside faces 64a, 64b of the first and second fork arms 24a, 24b. A single rear wheel 6c is mounted on the short rear axle 10 in the wheel mounting slot 28. The pedals 18 on the front axle 60 can be removed and replaced with wheel nuts 14 if required. Apart from these differences, the ride-on vehicle 2 is the same in the tricycle and bicycle configurations.
Referring to Figures 6A and 6B the method for converting the ride-on vehicle 2 from the tricycle configuration to the bicycle configuration and vice versa is as follows.
To convert the ride-on vehicle 2 from the tricycle configuration to the bicycle configuration, the following steps are taken: a. using a spanner (not shown) the user detaches the wheel nuts 14a, 14b; b. the user removes the rear wheels 6a, 6b, the axle spacers 12a, 12b, the long rear axle 8 and the parent handle support 16; c. the user then places one of the rear wheels 6a, 6b (which becomes a single rear wheel 6c)in the wheel mounting slot 28 of the rear fork assembly 22 and inserts the short rear axle 10 through the rear axle tubes 68a, 68b and the single rear wheel 6c; d. the user puts the wheel nuts 1 4a, 1 4b on the short rear axle 10 and tightens them with the spanner to abut against the outside faces 64a, 64b of the first and second fork arms 24a, 24b; and e. the pedals 18 on the front axle 60 are removed and replaced with wheel nuts 14. * * * ** *
* .. To convert the ride-on vehicle 2 from the bicycle configuration to the tricycle configuration, steps a. to e. above are preformed in reverse.
:...: 25 S...
Figures 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D show the front wheel 4 and the clutch 70 in more detail. The clutch 70 comprises a clutch member 62 with protrusions 72. The clutch member 62 is * : * slidably mounted on the front axle 60. In an engaged position the protrusions 72 engage corresponding cavities 74 on the front wheel 4 and the front wheel 4 is locked to rotate with the front axle 60 via the clutch member 62. In a disengaged position, the protrusions 72 and cavities 74 are disengaged and the front wheel 4 is free to rotate on the front axle 60. The clutch member 62 is attached to the front axle 60 so that it rotates with the front axle 60 and can slide axially from the disengaged position to the engaged position and vice versa.
The clutch member 62 is positioned between the front axle 60 and the front fork 30. The clutch member 62 is substantially annular and comprises a clutch flange 76, a clutch body 82 and a wheel engaging portion 84. The wheel engaging portion 84 is cylindrical and annular. The inside radial face of the wheel engaging portion 84 faces the front wheel 4 and the protrusions 72 are spaced around the inside radial face. The protrusions 72 face the cavities 74 on the outside face of the front wheel 4. The outside radial face of the wheel engaging portion is joined to the clutch body 82. The clutch body 82 is cylindrical and annular. The internal diameter of the clutch body 82 is equal to the internal diameter of the wheel engaging portion 84 while the external diameter of the clutch body 82 is greater than the external diameter of the wheel engaging portion 84. The outside radial face of the clutch body 82 is joined to the clutch flange 76. The clutch flange 76 comprises an inner cylindrical portion 77 joined to the clutch body 82 and an outer flanged portion 78. The outer flanged portion 78 can be pushed or pulled to move the clutch member 62 axially from the disengaged position to the engaged position and vice versa.
The clutch member 62 is held in place by a stopper 80 which is screwed on to the front axle 60. The stopper 80 prevents the clutch member 62 from moving axially outwardly further than the disengaged position by abutting the clutch body 82. The stopper 80 is connected to a pedal 18. * * ****
The embodiment of Figure 8 is the same as Figure 1 except the pedals 18 of Figure 1 are ****, 25 detached in Figure 8. Referring to Figure 8, the ride-on vehicle 2 comprises a frame 20. ***S
The frame 20 comprises an elongate top tube 54 which is connected at the front to a head tube 38 and at the rear to a rear fork assembly 22. The rear fork assembly 22 comprises a first fork arm 24a and a second fork arm 24b which extend in substantially the same axial direction as the elongate top tube 54.
The head tube 38 is hollow and the interior passage of the head tube 38 receives a head shaft 40. The interior passage of the head tube 38 extends in an axial direction which is substantially perpendicular to the elongate top tube 54. The head shaft 40 is joined at its top end to transverse handlebars 32. The head shaft 40 is joined at its bottom end to a front fork 30 which guides a front wheel 4. The head shaft 40 is received in the head tube 38 in such a way that it can rotate with respect to the head tube 38 but it cannot move in an axial direction. In this way the handlebars 32 can steer the front fork 30 and front wheel 4.
The front wheel 4 is mounted on a front axle 60. The front wheel 4 can be connected to or disconnected from the front axle 60 via a clutch 70. When the front wheel 4 is disconnected from the front axle 60, the front wheel 4 can rotate around the front axle 60.
The frame 20 further comprises a seat post tube 46. The seat post tube 46 is hollow and the interior passage of the seat post tube 46 receives a seat post 42. The interior passage of the seat post tube 46 has an axial direction which is substantially parallel to the interior passage of the head tube 38. The seat post 42 is a shaft which has a saddle 44 attached to its top end. The seat post 42 has several seat post holes 48 along its length. The seat post tube 46 has a seat post bolt passage 50 which receives a seat post bolt 52. By aligning the seat post bolt passage 50 with a selected seat post hole 48, the seat post bolt 52 can pass through the seat post bolt passage 50 and the seat post hole 48 to lock the seat post 42 to the frame 20 and position the saddle 44 at a desired height. By choosing a different seat post hole 48, the height of the saddle 44 can be adjusted. In this way, the ride-on vehicle 2 can be adapted to the height of the rider. **** * . * ** .
* * The rear fork assembly 22 of the frame 20 has a first rear wheel 6a and a second rear wheel 6b positioned transversely relative to it. The rear wheels 6a, 6b are mounted on a long rear axle 8. The first rear wheel 6a is kept in place by a first wheel nut 14a on the outside of the **.* first rear wheel 6a and a first axle spacer 12a on the inside of the first rear wheel 6a. The second rear wheel 6b is kept in place by a second wheel nut 14b on the outside of the second rear wheel 6b and a second axle spacer 12b on the inside of the second rear wheel 6a.
The axle spacers 12a, 12b are hollow tubes which are fitted over the long rear axle 8. The rear wheels 6a, 6b are free to rotate around the long rear axle 8 so the axle spacers I 2a, I 2b are required to stop the rear wheels 6a, 6b from sliding axially along the long rear axle 8.
The first and second fork arms 24a, 24b each comprise an outside face 64a, 64b and an inside face 66a, 66b. The outside end of the first axle spacer 12a abuts against the inside face of the first rear wheel 6a while the inside end of the first axle spacer I 2a abuts against the outside face 64a of the first fork arm 24a. The outside end of the second axle spacer 1 2b abuts against the inside face of the second rear wheel 6b while the inside end of the second axle spacer I 2b abuts against the outside face 64b of the second fork arm 24b.
Each fork arm 24a, 24b includes a rear axle tube 68a, 68b. The rear axle tubes 68a, 68b are sized so that the long rear axle 8 can fit inside the rear axle tubes 68a, 68b. However the axle spacers 12a,b are wider than the rear axle tubes 68a, 68b. Therefore the long rear axle 10 passes through the rear axle tubes 68a, 68b while the axle spacers 1 2a,b are kept in position.
The inside faces 66a, 66b of the first and second fork arms 24a, 24b are opposed to each other and define a wheel mounting slot 28 between them. The wheel mounting slot 28 is sized so that a single rear wheel 6c can be mounted on a short rear axle 10 in the wheel mounting slot 28 when the ride-on vehicle is in the bicycle configuration (see Figure 4 and associated description). When in the tricycle configuration, a parent handle support 16 is mounted on the long rear axle 8 in the wheel mounting slot 28. * S S...
S
*5**S* * * * S S... S. S * * S * I.
S *..e S *

Claims (1)

  1. CLAIMS: 1. A ride-on vehicle for selective use in a tricycle configuration or a bicycle configuration comprising: a front wheel; a rear axle free of a mechanical drive connection; a first rear wheel mounted on the rear axle; and a frame which comprises a rear fork assembly; wherein the rear fork assembly comprises: a first fork arm; and a second fork arm spaced apart from the first fork arm wherein the first fork arm and the second fork arm support the rear axle and define a wheel mounting slot between them; wherein in the bicycle configuration, the first rear wheel is mounted on the rear axle within the wheel mounting slot; and wherein in the tricycle configuration, the first rear wheel is mounted on the rear axle outside the wheel mounting slot and the wheel mounting slot is wheel-free.
    2. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the frame further comprises an elongate top tube extending from front to rear. S... * * .
    3. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in claim 2 wherein the frame is free of a down tube. S... * . *..*
    4. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in claim 2 or 3 wherein the rear fork assembly *. 25 extends in substantially the same axial direction as the elongate top tube. **SS
    A ride-on vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 4 further comprising an elongate parent handle.
    6. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in claim 5 further comprising a parent handle support mounted in the wheel mounting slot wherein the parent handle is attached to the parent handle support.
    7. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in any of claims Ito 6 wherein the rear axle is mounted in the first fork arm and the second fork arm such that the first fork arm and the second fork arm fully encircle the circumference of the rear axle.
    8. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in any of claims I to 7 wherein the ride-on vehicle is pedal-free.
    9. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the ride-on vehicle comprises a first pedal and a second pedal attached to the front wheel.
    10. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in any of claims I to 7 further comprising: a front axle; pedals connected to the front axle to drive the front axle; a clutch member mounted on the front axle to rotate with the front axle, the clutch member comprising a driving portion; and a front wheel mounted on the front axle, the front wheel comprising a driven portion; wherein the clutch member is moveable between: a disengaged position where the driving portion does not engage the driven portion of the front wheel and the front wheel is not driven by the front axle; and an engaged position where the driving portion engages the driven portion of the front S...: wheel and the front wheel is driven by the front axle and the pedals. S. S. * S S...
    * : * 25 11. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in claim 10 wherein the driving portion and the driven portion are engageable in a male to female fit. * S..
    12. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein the driving portion comprises at least one protrusion.
    13. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in claim 12 wherein the driven portion comprises at least one cavity in which the at least one protrusion is receivable.
    14. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in claim 13 wherein the driving portion comprises a plurality of protrusions and the driven portion comprises a plurality of cavities.
    15. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in any of claims 10 to 14 wherein the clutch member is axially slideable along the front axle to move between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
    16. A ride-on vehicle as claimed in any of claims 10 to 15 wherein the clutch member comprises a clutch flange which is gripable to move the clutch member between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
    17. A ride-on vehicle assembly comprising: a front axle; pedals connected to the front axle to drive the front axle; a clutch member mounted on the front axle to rotate with the front axle, the clutch member comprising a driving portion; and a front wheel mounted on the front axle, the front wheel comprising a driven portion; wherein the clutch member is moveable between: a disengaged position where the driving portion does not engage the driven portion of the front wheel and the front wheel is not driven by the front S... * * S* axle; andSIan engaged position where the driving portion engages the driven portion of the front wheel and the front wheel is driven by the front axle and the pedals. * . *... * S *5,S
    18. A ride-on vehicle assembly as claimed in claim 17 wherein the driving portion *: * and the driven portion are engageable in a male to female fit.
    *S*S'' * * 19. A ride-on vehicle assembly as claimed in claim 17 or 18 wherein the driving portion comprises at least one protrusion.
    20. A ride-on vehicle assembly as claimed in claim 19 wherein the driven portion comprises at least one cavity in which the at least one protrusion is receivable.
    21. A ride-on vehicle assembly as claimed in claim 20 wherein the driving portion comprises a plurality of protrusions and the driven portion comprises a plurality of cavities.
    22. A ride-on vehicle assembly as claimed in any of claims 17 to 21 wherein the clutch member is axially slideable along the front axle to move between the disengaged position and the engaged position.
    23. A ride-on vehicle assembly as claimed in any of claims 17 to 22 wherein the clutch member comprises a clutch flange which is gripable to move the clutch member between the disengaged position and the engaged position. S... * . . S. S *SS*S *SSSS *5SS* * S *.*S * S S. S * I S * S.S*SS*SS * S
GB0900297A 2009-01-09 2009-01-09 Vehicle convertible between bicycle and tricycle Withdrawn GB2466825A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0900297A GB2466825A (en) 2009-01-09 2009-01-09 Vehicle convertible between bicycle and tricycle

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0900297A GB2466825A (en) 2009-01-09 2009-01-09 Vehicle convertible between bicycle and tricycle

Publications (2)

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GB0900297D0 GB0900297D0 (en) 2009-02-11
GB2466825A true GB2466825A (en) 2010-07-14

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GB (1) GB2466825A (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120292881A1 (en) * 2011-05-16 2012-11-22 Henry Chong Vehicular system having user-interface assembly
CN103192862A (en) * 2013-04-09 2013-07-10 高春培 Foldable multi-functional children's tricycle
US20130277934A1 (en) * 2010-12-22 2013-10-24 The Chillafish Company Nv Balance bike
US11780531B2 (en) 2019-10-26 2023-10-10 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Methods and apparatus for reconfigurable autonomous vehicle
USD1001690S1 (en) * 2021-07-09 2023-10-17 Shenzhen COOGHI Funkids Technology Co., Ltd Tricycle

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US2209058A (en) * 1938-08-31 1940-07-23 Johnson Lorenzo Ralph Convertible vehicle
US2212741A (en) * 1938-11-09 1940-08-27 Johnson Lorenzo Ralph Convertible vehicle
US2451665A (en) * 1947-11-12 1948-10-19 Bartolomeo Joseph A Di Child's vehicle
US2458127A (en) * 1947-02-25 1949-01-04 Charles R Ahrens Convertible vehicle
US3724873A (en) * 1971-03-26 1973-04-03 Glamb H Three-wheeled vehicle
DE4325443A1 (en) * 1993-07-29 1995-02-02 Puky Fahrzeugfab Gmbh Lockable freewheel coupling for children's vehicles
GB2384760A (en) * 2002-01-30 2003-08-06 Jung-Jyh Wu Front wheel driving mechanism for a child's tricycle
JP2004017718A (en) * 2002-06-13 2004-01-22 Eishindo:Kk Drive wheel
FR2849131A1 (en) * 2002-12-18 2004-06-25 Berchet Groupe Soc Driving device for infant tricycle comprises first cylindrical part with inclined teeth forming part of bearing and second cylindrical part forming second bearing part with housing for pawl engaging teeth creating unidirectional connection
AU2006100968A4 (en) * 2006-11-10 2006-12-14 Richard David Barnaby LATHAM A Cycle
EP2055623A1 (en) * 2007-11-01 2009-05-06 Li, Ying-Yi Dual-mode tricycle
US20090127817A1 (en) * 2007-11-17 2009-05-21 Li Ming-Jhang Dual-Mode Tricycle

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US2209058A (en) * 1938-08-31 1940-07-23 Johnson Lorenzo Ralph Convertible vehicle
US2212741A (en) * 1938-11-09 1940-08-27 Johnson Lorenzo Ralph Convertible vehicle
US2458127A (en) * 1947-02-25 1949-01-04 Charles R Ahrens Convertible vehicle
US2451665A (en) * 1947-11-12 1948-10-19 Bartolomeo Joseph A Di Child's vehicle
US3724873A (en) * 1971-03-26 1973-04-03 Glamb H Three-wheeled vehicle
DE4325443A1 (en) * 1993-07-29 1995-02-02 Puky Fahrzeugfab Gmbh Lockable freewheel coupling for children's vehicles
GB2384760A (en) * 2002-01-30 2003-08-06 Jung-Jyh Wu Front wheel driving mechanism for a child's tricycle
JP2004017718A (en) * 2002-06-13 2004-01-22 Eishindo:Kk Drive wheel
FR2849131A1 (en) * 2002-12-18 2004-06-25 Berchet Groupe Soc Driving device for infant tricycle comprises first cylindrical part with inclined teeth forming part of bearing and second cylindrical part forming second bearing part with housing for pawl engaging teeth creating unidirectional connection
AU2006100968A4 (en) * 2006-11-10 2006-12-14 Richard David Barnaby LATHAM A Cycle
EP2055623A1 (en) * 2007-11-01 2009-05-06 Li, Ying-Yi Dual-mode tricycle
US20090127817A1 (en) * 2007-11-17 2009-05-21 Li Ming-Jhang Dual-Mode Tricycle

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20130277934A1 (en) * 2010-12-22 2013-10-24 The Chillafish Company Nv Balance bike
US8967641B2 (en) * 2010-12-22 2015-03-03 The Chillafish Company Nv Balance bike
US20120292881A1 (en) * 2011-05-16 2012-11-22 Henry Chong Vehicular system having user-interface assembly
US8991845B2 (en) * 2011-05-16 2015-03-31 Henry Chong Vehicular system having user-interface assembly
CN103192862A (en) * 2013-04-09 2013-07-10 高春培 Foldable multi-functional children's tricycle
US11780531B2 (en) 2019-10-26 2023-10-10 Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Methods and apparatus for reconfigurable autonomous vehicle
USD1001690S1 (en) * 2021-07-09 2023-10-17 Shenzhen COOGHI Funkids Technology Co., Ltd Tricycle

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