AU2006100968A4 - A Cycle - Google Patents

Description

10-NOU-2006 16:25 FROM A J PARK TO 0061262837999 P.04/28 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT, 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR AN INNOVATION PATENT

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: Actual Inventor: Address for service in Australia: Invention Title: RICHARD DAVID BARNABY LATHAM Richard David Barnaby LATHAM AJ PARK, Level 11, 60 Marcus Clarke Street, Canbertr ACT 2601, Australia A Cycle The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me.

Bl067111.D(X: COMS ID No: SBMI-05321164 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:28 Date 2006-11-10 10-NOU-2006 16:25 FROM A J PARK TO 0061262837999 P.05/288

O

SA

CYCLE

O FIELD OF THE INVENTION 0 This invention relates to a cycle.

00 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

O

o Tricycles are often used by young children who have not yet learned to balance a bicycle.

S 10 Conventional tricycles have a frame with a seat, a front wheel, two rear wheels, and a o handlebar for steering the front wheeL The tricycle may be driven by pedals connected to the front wheel or pushed by an adult. Alternatively, the tricycle may be driven by the child pushing themselves along the ground with their feet. When a child has developed sufficient balance, they will start to use a bicycle. This will generally require the purchase of a new bicycle to replace the tricycle.

Over time, the child will outgrow the tricycle or the bicycle. This will also require the purchase of a new tricycle or bicycle that fits the child.

It is an object of at least preferred embodiments of the invention to provide a cycle that can adapt to a growing or developing child, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In one aspect, the invention broadly consists in a cycle comprising: a frame convertible between a high rider configuration and a low rider configuration by inverting the frame, and which operatively supports a seat for supporting a rider; a front wheel that is rotatable relative to the frame; and a rear wheel arrangement, convertible between a bicycle configuration and a tricycle configuration, comprising: 8ti497-1 COMS ID No: SBMI-05321164 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:28 Date 2006-11-10 10-NOV-2006 16:25 FROM A J PARK TO 0061262837999 P.06/28 3 0 0 in said bicycle configuration, one rear wheel that is rotatable relative to the frame, and 0 in said tricycle configuration, two rear wheels that arc rotatable rehtive to the o frame.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification means "consisting at least in part of; 00 0that is to say when interpreting statements in this specification which include "comprising", the features prefaced by this term in each statement all need to be present but other 0features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprised" are to be 10 interpreted in similar manner.

0 0 In one embodiment, the cycle is a "walking" cycle, which is driven by a child sitting on the seat and walking or pushing on the ground with their feet. In an alternative embodiment, the cycle may be provided with pedals and cranks that are operatively connected to at least one of the wheels to move the cycle. In another alternative embodiment, the cycle could be motorisecL In one embodiment, at least a major portion of the frame is curved and is generally concave relative to a reference point above the frame in the low rider configuration and is generally coavex relative to a reference point above the frame in the high rider configuration.

Preferably, the rear whecl arrangement comprises: in said bicycle configuration, a relatively short bicycle axle for rotatably mounting the single rear wheel tclativc to the frame, and in said tricycle configuration, a relatively long tricycle axle for rotatably mounting the two rear wheels relative to the frame, wherein the bicycle and tricycle axles are interchangeable to convert the cycle between the bicycle and tricycle configurations.

In another aspect, the invention broadly consists in a kit of parts for assembling a cycle, comprising: 803497-1 COMS ID No: SBMI-05321164 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:28 Date 2006-11-10 10-NOU-2006 16:26 FROM A J PARK TO 0061262837999 P.07/28 4 0 0 a front wheel arrangement having a wheel support and a wheel; a frame that is attachable to the wheel arrangement m a high rider configuration or Z a low rider configuration; o a seat for supporting a rider; and a rear wheel arrangement, convertible between a bicycle configuration that provides a single tear wheel that is rotatable relative to the frame and a tricycle configuration that 00 0provides two tear wheels that are rotatable relative to the frame, the rear wheel oarrangement comprising a relatively short bicycle axle for rotatably mounting the single rear 0 wheel relativc to the frame, and a relatively long tricycle axle for rotatably mounting the INC 10 two rear wheels relative to the frame, wherein the bicycle and tricycle axles are ointerchangeable to covert the cycle between the bicycle and tricycle configurations.

To those skilled M the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figurc I is a perspective view of a cycle according to the invention in a tricycle configuration and in a low rider configuration; Figure 2 is a side view of the cycle of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a perspective view of the cycle of Figure 1 n -a high rider configuration; Figure 4 is a side view of the cycle of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a plan view of the cycle of Figure 3; Figure 6 is a front view of the cycle of Figure 3; COMS ID No: SBMI-05321164 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:28 Date 2006-11-10 10-NOU-2006 16:26 FROM A J PARK TO 0061262837999 P.08/28 0 0 Figure 7 is a perspective view of a cycle according to the invention in a bicycle ci configuxation and in a low rider configuration; 0 Z Figure 8 is a side view of the cycle of Figure 7; o Figure 9 is a perspective view of a cycle according to the invention in a bicycle configuration and in a high rider configuration; Figure 10 is a side view of the cycle of Figure 9;

OF

Figure 11 is a plan view of the cycle of Figure 9; and ONFigure 12 is a front view of the cycle of Figure 9.

DETALED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED FORMS ci Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cycle I according to a preferred form of the invention in a low rider tricycle configuration. The cycle has a frame 3, a seat 5, an interchangeable rear wheel arrangement indicated generally by reference numeral 7, and a front wheel 9 rotatably mounted to the frame via a steering arrangement indicated generally by reference numeral 11- The front wheel and steering arrangement together form a front wheel arrangement. The cycle is a "walking' cycle, which is driven by a child sitting on the seat and walking or pushing on the ground with their feet The frame 3 has two frame members 13. Each frame rnember is a panel, which is curved when viewed from the side, as shown in Figure 1. The curved frame is convertible, as described below, between a low rider configuration in which the frame is concave telative to a reference point above the frame and a high rider configuration in which the frame is convex relative to a reference point above the frame, by disconnecting the frame from the steering arrangement and inverting the frame relative thereto.

Referring to Figure 2, when viewed from the side, each frame member 13 extends downwardly and rearwardly from a head tube 15. When viewed from above, the frame members extend generally parallel to each other from the head tube to an intermediate portion of the frame, as shown in Figure 5 for example. From the intermediate portion, the frame members diverge rearwardly from each other to form rear stays 17. In the embodiment shown, the rear ends of the rear stays have parallel portions. In an alternative COMS ID No: SBMI-05321164 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:28 Date 2006-11-10 10-NOU-2006 16:26 FROM A J PARK TO 0061262B37999 P.09/28 6 0 o embodiment, each frame member could extend in a substantially straight line from the head tube to the rear stays, when viewed from above.

0 z The seat 5 of the cycle has a seat body 19, with a curved upper surface 21 for a child to sit on, and may have a padded or cushioned surface (not shown). The seat 5 is detachably connected to the intermediate portion of the frame by a seat post 23, which is slideably 0received in the space formed between the frame members 13. The seat is preferably height Oadjustable.

The seat post 23 has a plurality of apertures (not shown) and each frame member has a pair oof corresponding apertures (not shown). The seat post is secured at a selected height by a fastener, for example a screw or bolt (not shown), extending through the top aperture in one frame member, through a selected aperture in the seat post and through the top aperture in the other frame member. The fastener is secured, for example by a nut. The seat post is further secured by another fastener (not shown) extending through another set of apertures of the frame members.

The steering arrangement 11 comprises a pair of front forks 25 that are arranged to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the head tube 15, via a head shaft (not visible) that extends through the head tube. The forks 25 are operatively connected to the head shaft by a top strut 27 and bottom strut 29 that extend between the forks at each end of the head shaft.

The struts are releasably attached to the forks by fasteners (not shown). A handlebar 31 is connected to the upper end of the front forks. The front wheel 9 is rotatably mounted at the lower end of the front forks via beatings (not visible) and a front wheel axle 32.

When in the tricycle configuration, the rear wheel arrangement 7 comprises a relatively long tricycle axle 33 and two rear wheels 35, 36 rotatably mounted at respective ends of the tricycle axle. Each rear wheel 35 has a beaing for receiving an end of the tricycle axle, and the tricycle axle is secured to each wheel by a fastener (not shown). The rear stays 17 of the frame have apertures for receiving the tricycle axle 33.

t103497-t COMS ID No: SBMI-05321164 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:28 Date 2006-11-10 10-NOU-2006 16:26 FROM A J PARK TO 0061262837999 P.10/28 7 0 o The rear wheels 35, 36 are positioned on each side of the frame 3. In the embodiment shown, the rear wheels are spaced from the frame to provide greater balance to the tricycle.

0 The spacing of the rear wheels from the frame will be chosen or designed depending on z o the required stability and turning characteristics of the tricycle. The rear wheels are spaced by tubular s1acers 38 extending between each rear wheel and the frame, the spacers around the axle. A further spacer 38a may be positioned between the stays 12. Alternatively, the 00 tricycle axle may be provided with shoulders near each end of the axle for the wheels to bear against, or the tricycle shaft may have a threaded portion to receive a fastener, such as oa nut.

Figures 7 and 8 show the preferred form cycle in a bicycle configuration. In the bicycle configuration, the rear wheel arrangement 7' has a relatively short bicycle axle 37 for rotatably mounting the single rear wheel 39 to the frame. The rear wheel has a bearing (not visible) for receiving the axle. The bearing of the rear wheel may bear against the frame, or the rear wheel arrangement may have suitable spacers. For example, the spacers may be generally tubular members that are positioned between the wheel and the stays of the frame.

The bicycle and tricycle axles are interchangeable to convert the cycle between the bicycle and tricycle configurations. To convert the cycle form the tricycle configuration, one or both of the rear wheels 35, 36 are removed by removing the corresponding fasteners. The spacers 38 and the tricycle axle 33 are then removed from the frame 3. The bicycle wheel configuration 7' can then be assembled with the frame.

To convert the cycle from the bicycle configuration, at least one fastener is removed, which releases the bicycle axle 37 and allows the bicycle axle along with the rear wheel 39 to be removed. The tricycle wheel configuration 7 can then be assembled with the frame 3.

In the low rider configuration shown in Figures 1, 2, 7, and 8, the frame is a concave shape relative to a reference point above the frame. Due to the curvature of the frame, the intermediate portion of the frame that supports the seat is positioned at a lower position 803497-1 COMS ID No: SBMI-05321164 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:28 Date 2006-11-10 10-NOU-2006 16:27 FROM A J PARK TO 0061262837999 P.11I/28 8 0 orelative to the ground than if the frame was formed mi a straight line from the head tube to ci the rear stays.

0 z o Figures 3 to 6 and 9 to 12 show the preferred form cycle 1 in a high rider configuration. In the high rider configuration, the frame is a convex shape relative to a reference point above the frame. The high rider configuration is obtained by iverting the frame from the low 0 rider configuration. Due to the curvature of the frame, the intermediate portion of the frame is positioned at a higher position than if the frame was formed in a straight line from Othe head tube to the rear stays.

INC oTo convert the cycle 1 from the low rider to the high rider configuration, the seat post 23 and steering arrangement 11 are disconnected from the frame. The steering arrangement is removed from the head tube 15 by removing the fasteners (not shown) that fix the struts 27, 29 to the forks 25. The frame is inverted so that the frame members are convex relative to a ref~ence point above the frame. The steering arrangement 22 and seat post 23 are reassembled with the frame. A similar method is used to convert the cycle I back to the low rider configuration from the high rider configuration. It is not necessary to remove the rear wheel arrangement 7, 7' when converting the cycle between low rider and high rider configurations, unless it is also desired to convert the cycle between the bicycle and tricycle configuration.

The curvature of the frame will be chosen or designed depending on the required difference in height between the low rider and high rider configurations- For example, a greater curvature of the frame will provide a greater difference in seat height between the low rider and high rider configurations. In the embodiment shown, the low rider configuration provides a seat height from about 10' (about 23 cm) to about 14" (about 36 cm) and the high rider configurations provides a seat height from about 14" (about 36 cm) to about 17" (about 41 cm.) above the ground.

It will be appreciated that it is not necessary for the entire length of the frame members to be curved and that the frame will provide high rider and low rider configurations if at least a portion of the frame members are curved. Altematively, the frame could have a generally 803497-I COMS ID No: SBMI-05321164 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:28 Date 2006-11-10 10-NOU-2006 16:27 FROM A J PARK T 016673 .22 TO 0061262B37999 P.12/28 9 o straight front portion that extends rearwardly and downwardly frorn the head tube to a generally straight rear portion that extends In a substantially level or horizontal direction, 0 when in the low rider configuration- The angle of the forks may change as; the frame is converted between the high rider and low rider configuration. For example, the angle of the forks relative to horizontal in the 00 low rider con Ifiguration may be lesthan the angle of the forks in the high rider configuration. The lesser angle provides increased stability to the steering arrangement of o the cydle. The distance between the front wheel and the rear wheel arrangement may also ID 10 change as the frame is converted between the high rider and low rider configuration. 'Me o distance between the wheels may increase as the frame is convented to the low rider configuration. The increased distance increases the stability of the cycle.

In the preferred form, the frame members 13, front forks, struts 25, handlebars 31, seat and seat post 23 are nade from a suitable timber material, such as plywood. The frame members may be formed into the curved and diverging shape shown in the accompanying figures by laminating together layers of plywood. rhes components may be treated or painted for weather protection and aesthetic purposes. Alternatively, these components may be made from other suitable muaterial such as an aluminium or steel alloy, or a polymeric material.

The cycle described above follows the growth and skill development of the child. As the child grows, the seat height can be -adjusted and the frame converted from the low rider configuration to the high rider configuration as well as from the tricycle configuration to the bicycle configuration. 'The cycle may be configured in a tricycle and low rider configuration, a tricycle and high rider configuration, a bicycle and low rider configuration, or a bicycle and high rider configuration.

The cycle will generally be provided in kit form. The kit will have a front wheel arrangement having a wheel support and a wheel, a frame that is attachable to the wheel arangemnent in a high rider configuration or a low ridecr configuration, and a seat fox supporting a rider. The it will also have a rear wheel arrangement, convertible between a 8034"A- COMS ID No: SBMI-05321164 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:28 Date 2006-11-10 10-NWU-2006 16:27 FROM A J PARK T 016879 .32 TO 0061262837999 P.13/28 01 o bicycle configuration that provides a single rear wheel that is rotatable relative to the frame and a tricycle configuration that provides two rear wheels that are rotatable relative to the o frame. The tear wheel arrangement comprises a relatively short bicycle axle for roratably o mounting the rear wheel relative to the frame, and a relatively long tricycle axle for rotatably mounting the rear wheels relative to the fr-ame, wherein the bicycle and tricycle axles are interchangeable to convert the cycle between the bicycle and tricycle 00 configurations. Parts of the cycle may be provided in a preasseinbled form in the kit.

o Preferred forms of the invention have been described by way of example only and INC 10 modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, the cycle may be provided with pedals and aranks to drive the cycle instead of the chd "walkcing" the cycle. The pedals and cranks could be connected to the front wheel. Alternatively, the pedals and cranks could be connected to the frame and configured to drive the rear wheel arrangement via an endless drive link. As another alternative, the cycle could be mororised such as via a smnall electric motor for example.

Rather than having split frame members, the frame could be a single solid member, and the seat and single rear wheel (in the bicycle configuration) could be mounted to a side of the frame. In another embodiment, the firont portion of the frame may be a single solid member, say as far back as the seat, and the frame may divide into split frame members in the rear portion.

The wheels could bc fixed relative to the respective axles in use, and the axles could be rotatable relative to the frame by being mounted in bearings.

$03497-1I COMS ID No: SBMI-05321 164 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:28 Date 2006-11-10

Claims (1)

10-NOU-2006 16:28 FROM A J PARK TO 0061262837999 P.14/28 11 Va 0 o THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: CA z 1. A cycle comprising o a frame convertible between a high rider configuration and a low rider configuration by inverting the frame, and which operatively supports a seat for supporting a rider; 0 00 a front wheel that is rotatable relative to the frame; and a rear wheel arrangement, convertible between a bicycle configuration and a tricycle 0 o configuration, comprising; V0 10 in said bicycle configuration, a single rear wheel that is rotatable relative to the O frame, and in said tricycle configuration, two rear wheels that are rotatable relative to the frame, 2. A cycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least a major portion of the frame is cuved and is generally concave relative to a reference point above the frame in the low rider configuration and is generally convex relative to a reference point above the frame in the high rider configuration. 3. The cycle as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rear wheel arrangement comprises: min said bicycle configuration, a relatively short bicycle axle for rotatably mounting the single rear wheel relative to the frame, and in said tricycle configuration, a relatively long tricycle axle for rotatably mounting the two rear wheels relative to the frame, wherein the bicycle and tricycle axles arc interchangeable to convert the cycle between the bicycle and tricycle configurations, 4. A kit of parts for assembling a cycle, comprising: a front wheel arrangement having a wheel support and a wheel; a frame that is attachable to the wheel arrangement in a high rider configuration or a low rider configuration; COMS ID No: SBMI-05321164 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:28 Date 2006-11-10 10-NOU-2006 16:28 FROM A J PARK TO 0061262837999 P.15/28 12 VO 0 o a seat for supporting a rider; and a rear wheel arrangement, convertible between a bicycle configuration that provides Sa single rear wheel that is rotatable relative to the frame and a tricycle configuration that o provides two rear wheels that are rotatable relative to the frame, the rear wheel arrangement comprising a relatively short bicycle axle for rotatably mounting the single rear wheel relative to the frame, and a relatively long tricycle axle for rotatably mounting the I two rear wheels relative to the frame, wherein the bicycle and tricycle axles are interchangeable to convert the cycle between the bicycle and tricycle configurations. 0 \O 10 5. A cycle, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any embodiment o disclosed. M03497- COMS ID No: SBMI-05321164 Received by IP Australia: Time 14:28 Date 2006-11-10