Modular ride-on vehicle

Abstract

A front assembly for use with a rear module to form a passenger vehicle is disclosed.SOLUTION: The front assembly 18 has an elongated frame 24, a mount 54 disposed below the elongated frame 24, a head assembly 18 having a front wheel 6 and handlebars 10, and a seat 14 attached to the elongated frame 24. The elongated frame 24 terminates in two laterally spaced prongs that are removably secured to the connectors of the posterior module 20. The connectors and the elongated frame 24 together form the bicycle frame 12. The riding vehicle may be convertible to different configurations, such as a balance bike 4 and a pedal bicycle, by replacing the rear module 20. The rear module 20 may have different wheel sizes and connector configurations while maintaining compatibility with the front assembly 18.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The subject matter herein relates to a modular passenger vehicle having a front assembly and an interchangeable rear module. [Background technology]

[0002] Evans' patent US9669891B2 discloses a children's bicycle (1, 51, 61, 81, 91) that can "grow" with a child. The bicycle includes a frame (3, 53, 63, 83, 93) with a seat tube (5). The frame has a front wheel (11), a rear wheel (13), a pair of handlebars (19), and a saddle (15) with a seat post (17) for insertion into the seat tube. The bicycle includes a detachably attached drivetrain (27) for releasably engaging the frame, allowing the bicycle to be converted into either a balance bicycle or a pedal bicycle. Furthermore, the bicycle frame itself allows the height of the seat tube (5) to be adjusted from the ground, and the distance between the saddle (15) and the handlebars (19) to be adjusted. Providing such a bicycle allows conversion from a balance bicycle to a pedal bicycle, and the bicycle has a frame with adjustable height and reach. This bike will be suitable for a wide range of children's heights and cycling abilities. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The subject matter of this specification refers to a front assembly used with a rear module attachable to the front assembly to form a passenger vehicle, such as a bicycle-type passenger vehicle. This specification relates to a passenger vehicle formed from the front assembly and the rear module. In particular, the passenger vehicle may be assembled from the front assembly and a first rear module to form a first bicycle configuration. Furthermore, the first rear module may be replaced with a second rear module to form a second bicycle configuration. In this manner, the passenger vehicle of the present disclosure may be converted into two or more different configurations by attaching different rear modules to the front assembly.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, there is provided a front assembly for use with a rear module attachable to a front assembly to form a passenger vehicle, the rear module having a rear wheel rotatable on an axle and two laterally spaced apart connectors, each of the two connectors having a front and a rear portion, the front portion being spaced forwardly from each side of the axle, and the two connectors being attached to each side of the axle via the rear portion, the front assembly comprising: A long, slender frame and a mount disposed below the elongated frame, the mount allowing the rear module or a component connected to the rear module to be fastened to the elongated frame; a head assembly having a handlebar for steering the front wheel connected to a lower end thereof; a seat attached to the elongated frame; the elongated frame extends distally from the head assembly and terminates in two laterally spaced apart prongs, each prong releasably securable to a respective front portion of at least the two connectors to facilitate attachment of the rear module to the front assembly to form a bicycle, the two connectors together with the elongated frame constituting a bicycle frame of the bicycle; A front assembly is disclosed.

[0005] In some embodiments, the spaced apart claws do not have the ability to be directly secured to the wheel axle.

[0006] In some embodiments, the elongate frame includes a hinge at an intermediate location between the head assembly and the seat for folding the front assembly into a compact storage configuration.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is disclosed a passenger vehicle comprising a front assembly according to the first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter and a rear module.

[0008] In some embodiments, the rear module comprises a first rear module including a first rear wheel rotatable on a first wheel axle and two laterally spaced first connectors on either side of the first wheel axle, each first connector having a first rear portion and a first front portion, the first connector attached to each side of the first wheel axle via the first rear portion, the first front portions spaced forward from the first wheel axle, and each first front portion releasably securable to a respective claw portion via the first front portion, such that the two first connectors together with the elongated frame form a first bicycle frame of a first bicycle configuration, and the first rear module is replaceable by a second rear module, the second rear module including a second rear wheel rotatable on a second wheel axle and two laterally spaced second connectors on each side of the second wheel axle, each second connector having a second rear portion and a second front portion, the second connector attached to each side of the second wheel axle via the second rear portion, the second front portions spaced forward from the second wheel axle, and each second front portion removably securable to a respective claw portion via the second front portion, such that the two second connectors, together with the elongated frame, form a second bicycle frame of a second bicycle configuration different from the first bicycle frame.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first front portion of the first connector and the second front portion of the second connector may have identical claw engagement portions that can engage the claw portions.

[0010] In some embodiments, the lateral spacing between the first connectors and the lateral spacing between the second connectors corresponds to the lateral spacing between the tabs.

[0011] In some embodiments, in the first bicycle frame, at least the first front portion of each of the first connectors is aligned with a respective claw portion, and in the second bicycle frame, at least the front and second front portions of each of the second connectors are aligned with a respective claw portion, and the first front portion of each of the first connectors and the second front portion of each of the second connectors are located at different positions relative to the axes of the first rear wheel and the second rear wheel, respectively.

[0012] The passenger vehicle has an imaginary reference plane (e.g., the ground on which the vehicle is located) that is tangent to the lowest point of each of the front and rear wheels of the passenger vehicle, the first rear portion is spaced a first rear distance above the imaginary reference plane, and the second rear portion is spaced a second rear distance above the imaginary reference plane, and the first rear distance and the second rear distance differ by an amount corresponding to the difference in radii of the two wheels.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a passenger vehicle convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration, the passenger vehicle comprising: a front assembly; a rear module; The front assembly includes: A long, slender frame and a head assembly having a handlebar connected at a lower end to the front wheel for steering the front wheel; a seat attached to the elongated frame; the rear module has rear wheels rotatable on wheel axles; the rear module being removably secured to the elongated frame and comprising the following modules interchangeably secured to the front assembly to convert the passenger vehicle between the first and second configurations: a first rear module including a first rear wheel having a first radius and rotatable on a first wheel axle, and two laterally spaced first connectors on each side of the first wheel axle, each first connector having a first rear portion and a first front portion, the first connector attached to each side of the first wheel axle via the first rear portion and the first connector fixed to the elongated frame via the first front portion; a second rear module including a second rear wheel having a second radius smaller than the first radius and rotatable on a second wheel axle, and two laterally spaced second connectors, each second connector having a second rear portion and a second front portion, the second connector attached to each side of the second wheel axle via the second rear portion and the second connector fixed to the elongated frame via the second front portion; It consists of one of A passenger vehicle is disclosed.

[0014] In some embodiments, the passenger vehicle has an imaginary reference plane tangent to the lowest point of each of the front and rear wheels of the passenger vehicle; the first rear portion is spaced a first rear distance above the imaginary reference plane; the second rear portion is spaced a second rear distance above the imaginary reference plane; The first rear distance and the second rear distance differ by an amount corresponding to a difference in radius between the first rear wheel and the second rear wheel.

[0015] The front assembly and the first and second rear modules may form part of a kit that allows the first and second rear modules to be interchangeably secured to the front assembly to convert the vehicle between a first bicycle configuration and a second bicycle configuration. In some cases, the front assembly is provided with one of the rear modules already secured to the front assembly, and the other rear module is provided separately.

[0016] In one example, one of the first and second bicycle configurations comprises a pedal bicycle configuration, and the other of the first and second bicycle configurations comprises a balance bike configuration.

[0017] In some embodiments, the diameter of the rear wheel of the rear module used in the pedal bicycle configuration is larger than the diameter of the rear wheel of the rear module used in the balance bike configuration.

[0018] The passenger vehicle further comprises a mount connected to the elongated frame, and each rear module or a component connected to each rear module can be secured via the mount.

[0019] When the vehicle is in a balance bike configuration, the vehicle may further include a shell that at least partially encloses the mount, and in one example, each side of the shell may include a laterally protruding foot rest.

[0020] If the vehicle is configured in a pedal bicycle configuration, the corresponding rear module may be: a chain drive located on one side of the corresponding rear wheel; Two pedals that can be operated to drive the rear wheel via a chain drive, a chain cover covering at least a portion of the chain drive, the chain cover having a rearward end and a forward end, the rearward end being connected to a corresponding wheel axle, and a first of the two pedals extending laterally from the forward end; may further be provided.

[0021] In some embodiments, the rear end of the chain cover may include a rear portion of a corresponding connector located on the same side of the rear wheel, with the front portion of that connector located between the front and rear ends of the chain cover.

[0022] In some embodiments, the chain cover and corresponding connector form a unitary body.

[0023] The chain cover may constitute a first casing portion, and the corresponding rear module may further have a second casing portion arranged on the side of the corresponding rear wheel where the chain drive is not provided, the second casing portion having a rear end connected to the corresponding wheel axle and a front end from which the second of the two pedals extends laterally.

[0024] In some embodiments, the rear end of the second casing portion has a rear portion of a corresponding connector located on the same side of the rear wheel, and the front portion of that connector is located between the forward and rearward ends of the second casing portion.

[0025] It is also conceivable that the second casing part and the corresponding connector may be integral.

[0026] A forward end of the chain cover and a forward end of the second casing portion are at least indirectly secured to the elongate frame and optionally to each other.

[0027] In some examples, the chain cover and the fixed forward end of the second casing portion define a recess therebetween that receives at least a portion of the mount.

[0028] The vehicle may further include a seat support post having an upper end to which the seat is attached.

[0029] If the vehicle has at least a balance bike configuration, the mount may at least partially engage with a lower portion of the post.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect of the subject matter of the present disclosure, there is provided a ride-on vehicle convertible between a balance bike configuration and a pedal bicycle configuration, the ride-on vehicle comprising: a front assembly; a rear module; The front assembly includes: A thin frame connected to the mount, a head assembly having a handlebar connected at a lower end to the front wheel for steering the front wheel; a seat attached to the elongated frame; the rear module has rear wheels rotatable on wheel axles; The rear module is removably secured to the front assembly and comprises the following modules: a first rear module operable in the pedal bicycle configuration and having a first rear wheel rotatable on a first wheel axle, a chain drive disposed on a first side of the first rear wheel, and two pedals for driving the first rear wheel via the chain drive; a second rear module operable in a balance bike configuration and having a second rear wheel rotatable on a second wheel axle; It is composed of one of the the first and second rear modules are interchangeably securable to the elongated frame to convert the riding vehicle between the pedal bicycle configuration and the balance bike configuration; the first rear module at least partially surrounds the mount in the pedal bicycle configuration; In the balance bike configuration, the riding vehicle includes at least one component that at least partially surrounds the mount, the at least one component being located forward of the second rear module. A passenger vehicle is disclosed.

[0031] The at least one component may comprise a shell securely and removably attached to the mount so as to at least partially enclose the mount in the balance bike configuration, hi one example, each side of the shell includes an outwardly protruding foot rest at its lower end.

[0032] In some embodiments, the first rear module further includes a chain drive cover that covers at least a portion of the chain drive, the chain cover having a rear end and a front end, the rear end being connected to the first wheel axle, and a first of the two pedals extending laterally from the front end.

[0033] The chain drive cover may constitute a first casing portion, and the first rear module further includes a second casing portion arranged on the side of the first rear wheel that does not have the chain drive, the second casing portion having a rear end connected to the first wheel axle and a front end from which the second of the two pedals extends laterally, and the first casing portion and the second casing portion form a chain drive casing.

[0034] In some embodiments, the forward end of the chain cover and the forward end of the second casing portion may be secured to the mount or, optionally, to each other. As one example, the secured forward ends of the chain cover and the second casing portion may define a recess therebetween that receives at least a portion of the mount.

[0035] The passenger vehicle may further include a seat support post having an upper end above the elongated frame to which the seat is attached and a lower portion configured to extend at least partially through the elongated frame.

[0036] The mount may be positioned below the elongated frame when the vehicle is in at least the bicycle configuration, and may be positioned such that the seat support post is at least partially received by the mount.

[0037] In some embodiments, the height of the seat relative to the elongated frame is adjustable so that when the seat is in its lowest position, the lower part of the post projects downwardly from the elongated frame to its maximum extent.

[0038] In some embodiments, the shell surrounds at least a majority of the lower portion of the post when the lower portion of the post projects downwardly from the elongate frame to its maximum extent.

[0039] The elongated frame comprises: a riding state in which the front wheels are aligned with the rear wheels of each of the rear modules fixed to the front assembly; a stowed state in which the front wheels are positioned adjacent to and parallel to the rear wheels of each of the rear modules secured to the front assembly; The folding mechanism is lockably foldable between the first and second folding mechanisms.

[0040] In one example, an intermediate portion of the elongated frame between the head assembly and the seat is foldable so that the front wheels are aligned with the rear wheels of each of the rear modules when the vehicle is folded into the stowed state.

[0041] The vehicle further includes a latch operable to selectively lock the vehicle in a riding position and a stowed position, the latch being substantially flush with the elongated frame when the vehicle is locked at least in the riding position. In some embodiments, the upper end of the head assembly is at least partially foldable to fold the handlebars downwardly toward the front wheel.

[0042] The vehicle may further include a braking mechanism for braking the front wheels, the braking mechanism being at least partially housed within the head assembly.

[0043] In some embodiments, the lower end of the head assembly includes laterally opposed front claws extending downwardly to each side of the front axle of the front wheel, and the brake mechanism includes laterally opposed brake pads for braking across the rim of the front wheel, each brake pad extending from a respective front claw toward the rim.

[0044] In some embodiments, each of the leading claws has an inwardly facing recess that receives at least a portion of a brake pad.

[0045] In some embodiments, the first rear module comprises a connector that extends forward of the first wheel axle a distance less than a radius of the first rear wheel.

[0046] In some embodiments, the second rear module comprises a connector that extends forward of the second wheel axle a distance less than the radius of the second rear wheel.

[0047] In some embodiments, the mount is at least indirectly axially below the seat. In one example, the seat is attached to a frame of a front assembly, and the mount is located below the frame and substantially aligned with the seat position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0048] In order to better understand the subject matter of the present disclosure and to illustrate how it may be carried out in practice, certain embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0049] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a riding vehicle configured as a balance bike formed from a front assembly and a rear module, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. [Figure 2] 2A is a side view of the passenger vehicle of FIG. 1 with the front assembly and rear module separated from one another, and FIG. 2B is a side perspective view of the rear module of FIG. 2A. [Figure 3] FIG. 2B is a side perspective view of the front assembly of FIG. 2A. [Figure 4] FIG. 2B is a rear perspective view of the front assembly of FIG. 2A. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective side view of the rear part of the passenger vehicle shown in FIG. [Figure 6] 6A is an enlarged view of the underside of the front assembly of FIG. 2A at the location where the seat post extends through the mount in a vehicle, and FIG. 6B is a top perspective view of components configured to at least partially surround the mount and seat post shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 7] 6B is a partially transparent side perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 showing the mount and seat post surrounded by the components of FIG. 6B. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the front assembly of FIG. 3 with the seat and handlebars raised to configure the front assembly for use with a rear module to form a passenger vehicle with a different configuration than that shown in FIG. 1 . [Figure 9] 9 is a side view of the front assembly of FIG. 8 and a rear module attachable to the front assembly such that the front assembly and rear module together form a riding vehicle configured as a pedal bicycle. [Figure 10] 10 is a front perspective view of the front assembly and rear module of FIG. 9 assembled to form a riding vehicle in the form of a pedal bicycle. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of the rear module of FIG. 9. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the rear module of FIG. 9. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a partial perspective side view of the passenger vehicle of FIG. [Figure 14] 14A is a side view of the rear module of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 14B is a side view of the rear module of FIG. [Figure 15] 15A is a partial perspective cross-sectional view of the rear module of FIG. 9 taken along the XX' plane of FIG. 10, and FIG. 15B is a side perspective view of the rear module of FIG. 9 taken along the XX' plane of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a partially transparent side perspective view of the rear portion of the passenger vehicle of FIG. 10. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a side view of a ride-on vehicle configured as a balance bike with the vehicle's elongated frame and handlebars partially folded, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a side view of the vehicle of FIG. 17 with the elongated frame and handlebars folded down, with the vehicle in a stowed position. [Figure 19] 1 is a side view of a vehicle configured as a pedal bicycle with the vehicle's elongated frame and handlebars folded and the vehicle in a stowed position, in accordance with the subject matter of the present disclosure. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0050] The present disclosure relates to a riding vehicle. The riding vehicle may generally be in the form of a bicycle. For example, the riding vehicle may be in the form of a bicycle with pedals that allow the bicycle to be manually powered. The riding vehicle may also be in the form of a balance bike that can be ridden by young children before they learn to ride a pedal bicycle, or as an alternative to a pedal bicycle. Balance bikes are often sized so that, when ridden, at least one, if not both, of the rider's feet can contact the ground, allowing the rider to push off the ground to power the balance bike.

[0051] The riding vehicle of the present disclosure includes a front assembly and a rear module attachable to the front assembly. For example, the riding vehicle can be formed by combining the front assembly and the rear module. In some embodiments, the front assembly can include a generally forward portion of the bicycle, such as a front wheel, handlebars, and at least a front portion of the bicycle frame. The rear module can include a generally rear portion of the bicycle, such as a rear wheel, with a connector extending therefrom. In this manner, the front assembly and the rear module are connected or engaged with each other, such that the front assembly and the rear module together substantially form the riding vehicle. For example, the front assembly and the rear module can be configured to form a balance bike when assembled. Also, the front assembly and the rear module can be configured to form a pedal bicycle when assembled. In some embodiments, two or more different rear modules are interchangeably attached to the front assembly to form different configurations of riding vehicles. For example, a first rear module can be configured to form a balance bike when secured to the front assembly. A second rear module may be configured to form a pedal bicycle when secured to the front assembly.

[0052] Of course, the ability to interchangeably secure two or more rear modules of different configurations to the front assembly need not be limited to conversions between balance bikes and pedal bicycles. For example, each rear module can be configured differently by changing the size of the rear wheels, the number of rear wheels, whether or not it has a foot rest, or whether or not it has a chain drive. For example, one rear module may have a rear wheel with a first diameter, while another rear module may have a rear wheel with a second diameter different from the first diameter. In this manner, the size of the rear wheels of the resulting riding vehicle can be easily changed by simply replacing one rear module with another. While this specification primarily focuses on riding vehicles in the form of bicycles, it will be understood that other riding vehicles, such as tricycles and bicycles with training wheels, are also within the scope of this specification. For example, one rear module may have a main rear wheel and a pair of laterally disposed training wheels so that, when connected to the front assembly, the riding vehicle is configured as a bicycle with a pair of rear training wheels. Other rear modules may include two spaced-apart rear wheels, and when the rear module is attached to the front assembly, the resulting ride-on vehicle has the shape of a tricycle. Accordingly, ride-on vehicles of the present disclosure may have a variety of configurations based on the configuration of the rear module attached to the front assembly. Thus, ride-on vehicles formed by the front assembly and rear module may include, for example, pedal bicycles, balance bikes, tricycles, and bicycles with training wheels.

[0053] Some potential advantages of such interchangeable, modular ride-on vehicles include: When a rider transitions from a balance bike to a pedal bike, the same front assembly can be used instead of discarding the balance bike and purchasing a pedal bike, potentially reducing waste and costs associated with purchasing separate bikes. Using the same front assembly across all vehicle configurations may also facilitate transitions for child users who may be familiar with a typical vehicle design. Combining the same front assembly with different rear modules may also allow for more compact storage compared to, for example, the storage space occupied by two separate ride-on vehicles. Interchangeability also allows for quick conversion from one bicycle configuration to another, with easy reversion to the first configuration when needed.

[0054] In at least one embodiment, the rear module includes a rear wheel rotatable on an axle and two laterally spaced connectors, one associated with each side of the axle and configured to facilitate securing the rear module to the front assembly. For example, each connector may extend generally forward of the rear wheel axle and may include an engaging portion that removably engages with the front assembly to form a passenger vehicle.

[0055] In at least one embodiment, each connector includes a front portion spaced forward from each side of the wheel axle and a rear portion through which the connector can be attached to each side of the wheel axle. Thus, the rear end of each connector is secured to each side of the wheel axle, and each connector projects forward and terminates at a respective front end of the connector. The front end or front portion of each connector is configured to lockably secure the rear module to the front assembly, thereby resulting in a passenger vehicle.

[0056] The front assembly may generally include a front wheel of the passenger vehicle along with an elongated frame. For example, the elongated frame may constitute at least a portion, if not most, of the bicycle frame of a bicycle configuration formed by the front assembly and rear module. The front assembly may also include a head, head member, head portion, or head assembly coupled to a generally forward-facing part of the bicycle-type passenger vehicle. For example, a lower end of the head assembly may be coupled to the front wheel of the passenger vehicle. An upper end of the head assembly may include or be coupled to a handlebar. In this manner, the head assembly constitutes a forward portion of the front assembly and is configured to facilitate steering of the front wheel of the passenger vehicle via the handlebar.

[0057] In at least one embodiment, the front assembly includes a seat attached to the elongated frame. For example, the seat may be directly or indirectly attached to the elongated frame of the front assembly. The seat is configured to not move relative to the elongated frame when in use with a rider seated on the seat, providing a stable seating surface for the rider. As described below, the height of the seat above the elongated frame may be adjustable. Facilitating seat adjustment may provide a more comfortable ride for riders of different sizes. Additionally, seat adjustment may accompany and / or facilitate conversion of the riding vehicle from one configuration (e.g., balance bike configuration) to another configuration (e.g., pedal bicycle configuration).

[0058] The elongated frame of the front assembly of the present disclosure may extend distally from the head assembly. That is, the elongated frame may extend generally rearward relative to the head assembly. The rearward-extending elongated frame may terminate in two laterally spaced apart claws. For example, the claws may be configured to clamp at least a portion of the rear wheel and be spaced apart from each other. In other words, each distal claw of the elongated frame may extend along either side of a portion of the rear wheel, ensuring free rotation of the rear wheel without directly contacting the rear wheel. The claws may form a distally extending fork shape.

[0059] In at least one embodiment, each of the tabs on the elongated frame is configured to be removably secured to a respective connector on the rear module. For example, each tab may be removably engaged with a respective front portion of each connector. Thus, the connectors on the rear module are securable to the tabs on the distal end of the elongated frame, facilitating attachment of the rear module to the front assembly to form a riding vehicle, which may be in the form of a bicycle (e.g., a balance bike, a pedal bicycle, etc.). In this manner, the two forwardly extending connectors of the rear module, together with the elongated frame of the front assembly, constitute the bicycle frame of the bicycle formed by the engagement of the rear module with the front assembly. In other words, the rearwardly extending elongated frame of the front assembly and the forwardly extending connectors of the rear module are coupled to form a generally continuous bicycle frame of the riding vehicle. The tabs cannot engage the rear wheel axle itself, but instead are configured to removably engage with the respective forwardly extending connectors of the rear module. In particular, each of the claws is configured to be attached to the front of a respective connector of the rear module to facilitate the formation of a bicycle-type riding vehicle.

[0060] As described above, a ride-on vehicle may be formed by the engagement of a front assembly with a rear module. In particular, two or more differently configured rear modules may be interchangeably secured to the front assembly to form different ride-on vehicle configurations. For example, a rear module may be formed by a first rear module that can be secured to the front assembly to form a first bicycle configuration. The first rear module may be interchangeable with a second rear module that can be secured to the front assembly to form a second bicycle configuration that is different from the first bicycle configuration. For example, one of the bicycle configurations may include a balance bike configuration, and another configuration may include a pedal bicycle configuration.

[0061] The first rear module may include a first rear wheel rotatable on a first wheel axle and two laterally spaced first connectors configured to engage respective tabs of the elongated frame on each side of the first wheel axle. Each of the first connectors may have a first rear portion (the first connector is attached to each side of the first wheel axle via the first rear portion). Each connector extends generally forward from each side of the first wheel axle and terminates in a respective first front portion, which is removably securable to a respective tab of the elongated frame to facilitate formation of a first bicycle configuration. In this first bicycle configuration, the two first connectors, together with the elongated frame, constitute a first bicycle frame of the first bicycle configuration.

[0062] As previously described, the first rear module is interchangeable with a second rear module. In particular, the first rear module can be selectively removed from the front assembly by decoupling the first connector from the elongated frame, thereby making the tabs on the elongated frame available for connection to another rear module, such as the second rear module. The second rear module can include a second rear wheel rotatable on a second axle and two laterally spaced second connectors configured to connect to respective tabs on the elongated frame on each side of the second axle. Each second connector can have a second rear portion such that the second connector is attached to each side of the second axle. Each second connector extends generally forward from each side of the second axle and terminates in a respective second front portion that is removably securable to a respective tab on the elongated frame to facilitate formation of a second bicycle configuration. In this second bicycle configuration, the two second connectors together with the elongated frame form a second bicycle frame of the second bicycle configuration that is different from the first bicycle frame.

[0063] The attachment and detachment of the rear module to the front assembly is generally configured to allow a user (e.g., a parent) to easily release and connect the module to the front assembly with little or no tools. The detachable attachments may not include screws, rivets, nails, anchors, etc., which require the application of force and / or designated tools for assembly and disassembly. The detachable attachment of the rear module may include snap-fit ​​mechanisms, pressure mechanisms, lever or latch actuation mechanisms, spring-loaded mechanisms, or other suitable mechanisms. In some cases, the detachable attachments only require a single motion or actuation by the user.

[0064] In some embodiments, a modular passenger vehicle can include components that include reinforcing inserts or other reinforcing elements. Optionally, the reinforcing elements are formed from metal (e.g., aluminum). These reinforcing elements can be incorporated into various portions of the vehicle, including, for example, the head assembly (e.g., the front claw of the head assembly), portions of the elongated frame, and / or portions of the rear module. In some cases, components can be formed by a plastic material molded around a metal insert, such as an overmolding process in which a plastic material is injected over a metal reinforcement to create a composite structure. This structure can be advantageous, for example, in that the components are relatively lightweight compared to all-metal components, yet the metal reinforcement allows them to withstand forces encountered during use of the passenger vehicle. In some examples, the reinforcing elements are located at attachments or joints between components at a central location in the frame, extend along the length of the frame, or are incorporated into the passenger vehicle components.

[0065] FIG. 1 illustrates a ride-on vehicle 2 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. The illustrated ride-on vehicle 2 is configured as a balance bike 4 suitable for riding by a young child. The illustrated balance bike 4 includes a front wheel 6 and a rear wheel 8, but does not include a chain or pedals that would allow a rider to drive the rear wheel 8. The balance bike 4 also includes other features common to bicycle-type ride-on vehicles, such as handlebars 10 (via which the rider can steer the front wheel 6), a main bicycle frame 12, and a seat 14 for the rider. In the illustrated balance bike configuration 4, the seat 14 is lowered to a minimum height so that it is mounted on or very close to the top of the bicycle frame 12. As will be described, the height of the seat 14 is adjustable to accommodate different rider sizes and to facilitate conversion of the ride-on vehicle 2 into one or more different bicycle configurations. The illustrated balance bike 4 includes a braking mechanism 16 that allows the rider to slow or stop the riding motion of the ride-on vehicle 2 during use.

[0066] The balance bike 4 includes a front assembly 18 and a balance bike rear module 20 attached to the front assembly 18. As described below, the balance bike rear module 20 can be removed from the front assembly 18 or replaced with another type of rear module, such as a pedal bicycle rear module 220, to configure the riding vehicle 2 as a pedal bicycle 204, as shown in FIG. 10 . For simplicity, the balance bike rear module 20 may also be referred to herein as a balance module, balance bike module, rear balance module, rear module, etc.

[0067] FIG. 2A shows the balance bike 4 of FIG. 1 in an exploded state. Specifically, two major components of the balance bike 4, a front assembly 18 of the riding vehicle 2 and a rear module 20 of the riding vehicle 2, are shown separated from one another. The front assembly 18 includes a head assembly 22 and an elongated frame 24 extending rearward from the head assembly 22. The lower end of the head assembly 22 is coupled to the front wheel 6 of the balance bike 4, and the head assembly 22 further includes a handlebar 10 for steering the front wheel 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end of the head assembly 22 includes a pair of laterally disposed front claws 26 that receive a front wheel axle 28 and the front wheel 6 that rotates thereon. As such, the head assembly 18 generally refers to a particular feature of the riding vehicle 2 that is in front of a seated rider and includes the front claws 26 and, therefore, the handlebar 10 for steering the front wheel received between the front claws 26. The head assembly 22 may include at least a portion of the braking mechanism 16 , such as a manual front brake 30 for braking the front wheels 6 .

[0068] Extending rearward from the head assembly 22 is the elongated frame 24 of the front assembly 18. The elongated frame 24 forms the main structure of the riding vehicle 2. In use, a rider typically straddles the elongated frame 24, with one leg on each side of it. The elongated frame 24 is also shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , where it can be seen that the frame extends distally from the head assembly 22 and terminates in a pair of laterally spaced claws 32. As described below, the claws 32 are generally identical to one another, and the lateral spacing between opposing claws 32 is sized to receive at least a portion of the rear wheel of the rear module, allowing the rear wheel to rotate freely. Each claw 32 is configured to engage a respective connector on the rear module to form the riding vehicle 2 in a desired configuration (e.g., balance bike, pedal bicycle, etc.), facilitating attachment of the rear module to the front assembly 18.

[0069] An exemplary balance module 20 is shown in FIG. 2B. The rear module 20 includes a rear wheel 8 rotatable on a rear axle 34 and two laterally spaced connectors 36 configured to be secured to the elongated frame 24 of the front assembly 18. Each connector 36 is located on each side of the rear wheel 8 and extends generally forward from the axle 34 such that it is alignable with and securable to a rearwardly extending detents 32 of the elongated frame 24 of the front assembly 18. When a connector 36 is secured to the detents 32 of the elongated frame 24, the connector 36 and the elongated frame 24 together are said to form the bicycle frame of the resulting bicycle configuration. In the illustrated embodiment, when the balance module 20 is connected to the front assembly 18, the corresponding connector 36 and the elongated frame 24 together form what may be referred to as the bicycle frame 12 of the balance bike 4. In other words, if the front assembly 18 and the rear module 20 are not secured together, the bicycle frame of the passenger vehicle 2 is not yet formed and is incomplete. The bicycle frame of the passenger vehicle 2 is formed by engaging the connectors of the rear module with the elongated frame 24 of the front assembly 18.

[0070] In the illustrated balance module 20, each connector 36 can be considered to form the rearmost tip or end of the resulting bicycle frame 12 of the balance bike 4. In other words, when the rear module 20 and the front assembly 18 are connected together, each connector 36 of the rear module 20 can be considered to be an extension of each of the tabs 32 of the elongated frame 24 to complete the bicycle frame 12 of the balance bike configuration 4. In this manner, the elongated frame 24 forms a major portion of the resulting bicycle frame 12, while the connector 36 of the rear module 20 merely forms the tip or end of the overall bicycle frame 12. For this reason, the connection between the elongated frame 24 and the rear module 20 is made at a distal end portion of the bicycle frame 12, rather than at a more central or critical point (e.g., the midpoint), which could, for example, compromise the stability and strength of the bicycle frame 12.

[0071] In at least one embodiment, the lateral spacing between the connectors generally corresponds to the lateral spacing between the tabs on the elongated frame. Furthermore, the angle at which each connector extends forward from the rear axle (relative to a horizontal reference plane or ground plane) substantially corresponds to the angle at which the elongated frame and / or its tabs project rearward. Thus, when the connectors are secured to the tabs, the resulting bicycle frame is substantially continuous, with a longitudinal axis passing through the elongated frame and its aligned connectors (see, e.g., dashed lines A-A' in FIG. 1 and dashed lines B-B' in FIG. 10). In the illustrated embodiment, each connector 36 includes a rear portion 38 through which the connector 36 is attached to each side of the rear axle 34. From the rear portion 38, each connector 36 extends generally forward and upward in a straight line (see dashed line D-D' in FIG. 2A ) to align with the rearwardly and downwardly extending elongated frame 24 and its tabs 32 (see dashed line C-C' in FIG. 2A ). Each connector 36 extends a relatively short distance such that, when viewed from the side, the connector 36 does not extend beyond the rim of the rear wheel 8, as shown in FIG. 2A . In the illustrated embodiment, the length of each connector 36 is less than or equal to approximately half the radius of the rear wheel 8. Thus, when the rear module 20 is secured to the front assembly 18, the tabs 32 of the elongated frame 24 are configured to extend around both sides of the upper forward quadrant of the rear wheel 8 so that the rear wheel 8 can be accommodated in the space between the tabs 32, for example.

[0072] Each connector 36 of the rear module 20 extends forward from the rear axle 34 and terminates in a respective front portion 40 configured to engage with a respective claw 32 of the elongated frame 24. For example, each front portion 40 may include a claw-engaging portion 42 engageable with the claw 32. The claw 32 may also have a corresponding or complementary connector-engaging portion 44 that engages with the connector 36. For example, the surface of the front portion 40 or each connector 36 may include protrusions, tongues, grooves, slots, etc., and the distal end or distal surface of each claw 32 may include complementary and / or cooperating features for engaging therewith. It is contemplated that any number of different connection mechanisms may be provided to facilitate releasable engagement between the connector and the claw of the elongated frame. In yet another example, the connector and each claw may telescope to engage with one another. For example, the distal end of the claw may be inserted into a corresponding opening in the front of the respective connector. The connection mechanism may include a latch, lever, etc. The connection mechanism provides a strong and secure connection between the front assembly and the rear module, and is envisioned to be relatively easily releasable, preferably without the use of additional tools or fastening components. In this manner, the connectors can be easily manually engaged toward the tabs (e.g., by moving the connectors toward or pressing them against the tabs). Therefore, when the rear module is to be removed from the front assembly, the rear module can be easily released from the tabs of the elongated frame with little or no tools, for example, by operating a lever or pressing a quick-release button.

[0073] The front assembly 18 of the riding vehicle 2 also includes a seat 14 on which a rider can sit during use. The seat 14 is attached to the elongated frame 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the seat 14 is attached forward of the distal claws 32 of the frame 24. For example, the seat 14 may be attached directly or indirectly to the frame 24, which may fix the position of the seat 14 relative to the elongated frame 24 and stabilize the seat 14 against movement while the riding vehicle 2 is in motion. The illustrated riding vehicle 2 includes a seat support post 46 (see FIG. 7 ) having an upper end 48 to which the seat 14 is attached. The post 46 is securable relative to the elongated frame 24 so that the seat 14 is positioned above the post 46. In the balance bike configuration 4, as shown in FIG. 2 , the seat 14 can be lowered to a minimum height at which the post 46 maximally extends below the elongated frame 24. Of course, the height of the seat 14 above the elongated frame 24 can be adjusted as needed to accommodate the rider.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3 , the rear portion of the elongated frame 24 is provided with means for securely securing the seat 14 to the frame 24 for height adjustment. To this end, the elongated frame 24 includes downwardly extending channels 50 located at the “bases” or forward ends of the two distal claws 32. The posts 46 of the seat 14 are receivable through the channels 50 and can be selectively locked into place by operation of a manual height adjustment means, such as a latch or lever 52. Of course, other known mechanisms for adjusting seat height are within the scope of this specification and can be utilized by the passenger vehicle 2 of the present embodiment to facilitate manual seat height adjustment.

[0075] At least one embodiment of the riding vehicle of the present disclosure includes a mount. The mount is generally positioned below a rear portion of the elongated frame, e.g., in a location corresponding to the seat. In some embodiments, the mount may be integrally formed with the elongated frame. Of course, the mount may also be a separate component from the elongated frame. As will be explained, the mount is operable to facilitate configuring the riding vehicle into a desired balance bike configuration. Referring also to FIGS. 5 and 6A , the illustrated mount 54 includes a body defining an internal channel. The mount's channel is aligned with and located below the aforementioned channel 50 of the elongated frame 24. Thus, in balance bike configuration 4, in which the seat 14 may be desired in its lowest position, the seat post 46 can extend through both aligned channels such that at least a portion or section of the seat post 46 extends downwardly through the mount 54. In this manner, the mount 54 can further help secure the position of the seat 14 relative to the elongated frame 24. In some embodiments, the mount 54 may include means for removably securing the seat post 46 to the mount 54. In other embodiments, the posts 46 may simply slide freely within the channels of the mounts 54. In at least one embodiment, the mounts 54 are configured to facilitate assembly of the front assembly and rear module. For example, the mounts can facilitate configuring the vehicle as a balance bike. As described below, the mounts can also facilitate configuring the vehicle as a pedal bicycle.

[0076] 6B and 7, when the riding vehicle 2 is configured as a balance bike 4, the riding vehicle 2 further includes a component that may be in the form of a shell 56. The shell 56 is configured to at least partially surround the mount 54 and / or the portion of the seat post 46 that extends through the mount 54. As shown in FIG. 1, in the illustrated embodiment, the shell 56 substantially surrounds both the mount 54 and the downwardly extending post 46. Referring to FIG. 2, the shell 56 has been removed, but the exposed seat post 46 can pose a safety hazard to the rider. Such posts are often made of metal and may be accidentally contacted by the rider's feet or legs when pushing off the ground to propel the balance bike 4. In fact, if the shell 56 were not attached to the post 46, a large enough gap could be created between the rear wheel 8 and the post 46 that the rider's feet or legs could accidentally slip in, creating a risk of accidental contact between the rear wheel 8 and the post 46. This is particularly dangerous when the balance bike 4 is in motion. Therefore, the shell 56 is shaped and sized not only to cover the post 46 but also to occupy the space in front of the rear wheel 8, preventing the rider's feet or legs from contacting the rear wheel 8. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7 , the shell 56 defines a housing having an internal cavity 58 shaped and sized such that the upper end of the shell 56 surrounds the mount 54 and the lower end of the shell 56 at least surrounds the lower end of the seat post 46, even when the seat post 46 is fully lowered. The shell 56 also includes laterally protruding platforms at the lower end on each side that function as foot rests 60. The laterally protruding foot rests 60 in the shell 56 help prevent the rider's feet from contacting each other below the elongated frame 24 or below the rear wheel 8, which could pose a safety hazard. Advantageously, when the rider attains a sufficient speed to ride the balance bike 4 without having to balance on one or both feet, the rider can easily place their feet on the foot rests 60 of the shell 56 to rest.In some embodiments, each foot rest 60 extends laterally enough to receive a child's foot with minimal interference with the rider's leg as the rider pushes off the ground.

[0077] The shell 56 may be removably secured to the mount 54 and / or elongated frame 24. In the illustrated embodiment, a securing means, such as a screw 62, may extend into a corresponding opening 64 in the mount 54 on the front upper surface of the shell 56. The shell's upper end includes a rearward projection 66 that may be secured (e.g., screwed) into a correspondingly shaped opening or recess 68 formed in the underside of the elongated frame 24. Of course, other means for securing the shell 56 to the mount 54 and / or elongated frame 24 are also within the scope of this specification. In at least one embodiment, the securing means may be of a type that requires minimal tools or no fastening accessories. For example, the shell may be simply clipped or locked onto the mount and / or elongated frame by pressing it against the mount and / or elongated frame. A quick-release mechanism, button, lever, or the like may also be provided to facilitate removal of the shell from the mount and / or elongated frame.

[0078] As previously described, the front assembly and rear module of the riding vehicle of the present disclosure are separable from each other, and by replacing one rear module with another, different configurations of the riding vehicle can be created. As one such example, the balance bike riding vehicle 4 described above may be converted into a pedal bicycle riding vehicle 204. To do this, as shown in FIG. 2A , the balance bike rear module 20 is first released from the front assembly 18. If a shell 56 is included in the balance bike configuration 4, the shell 56 can also be removed.

[0079] Larger riders (e.g., taller riders) are often better suited to pedal bicycles than balance bikes, and therefore, it may be desirable to adjust the front assembly to accommodate larger riders. In this manner, the front assembly can be adjusted as needed to ensure the resulting pedal bicycle configuration is appropriately comfortable for the rider. For example, with reference to FIG. 8 , the height of the handlebars 10 can be increased. In such embodiments, the head assembly 22 may include a headset 70 extending upward from the front of the elongated frame 24, the headset 70 housing a lockable stem 72 of the handlebars 10 that is slidably adjustable relative to the headset 70 to adjust the height of the handlebars 10. In some embodiments, a cable 74 connected to the brake mechanism 16 is partially housed within the head assembly 22 (e.g., headset 70). The brake mechanism 16 also includes laterally opposed brake pads 76 for clamping and braking the rim of the front wheel 6. In at least one embodiment, each brake pad 76 is at least partially housed or embedded within a respective front claw 26 of the headset assembly 22. One embodiment in which the front brake mechanism 16 adjacent the front wheel 6 is substantially housed within the front claw 26 is shown in FIG. 7. Optionally, each front claw 26 is formed with a designated recess 82 into which at least an outer portion of each brake pad 76 is housed. In this manner, at least a portion of the brake mechanism 16 is concealed, or at least made less susceptible to accidental physical contact, reducing the likelihood of a young rider unnecessarily engaging with these components of the riding vehicle 2.

[0080] In configuring the front assembly 18, the height of the seat 14 may also be increased to accommodate a greater height of the rider. FIG. 8 shows the seat 14 raised to its maximum height above the elongated frame 24. In this configuration, the majority of the seat post 46 is above the elongated frame 24, and the lower end of the seat post 46 is received through the channel 50 in the elongated frame 24, not necessarily within the aligned channel in the mount 54. For example, in FIG. 13, only the lowermost end 78 of the seat post 46 protrudes into the channel in the mount 54. Of course, the seat 14 could actually be lowered so that a greater percentage of the post 46 protrudes into the channel in the mount 54.

[0081] In configuring the front assembly, it is contemplated that, in at least one embodiment, the length of the handlebar 10 can be selectively adjusted to vary the distance between the hand grip ends 80. In some cases, this can be achieved via a telescoping mechanism that allows the hand grip ends 80 of the handlebar 10 to be pulled apart to lengthen or lengthen the handlebar 10, and the hand grip ends 80 to be pressed together to shorten or shorten the handlebar 10.

[0082] Optionally, following or prior to adjustment of the front assembly, the vehicle can be converted to a pedal bicycle by attaching an alternative rear module to the front assembly. This alternative rear module may also be referred to as a pedal bicycle rear module, a rear module, a pedal bicycle module, or simply a "pedal module." Figure 9 shows an exemplary pedal module 220 positioned and ready for attachment to the front assembly 18 to form the pedal bicycle 204 shown in Figure 10.

[0083] The pedal module 220 includes a rear wheel 208 rotatable on a rear axle 234 and two laterally spaced connectors 236 configured to be secured to the elongated frame 24 of the front assembly 18. Each connector 234 is located on each side of the rear wheel 208, extends generally forward from the rear axle 234, and is alignable with and securable to a rearwardly extending tab 32 of the elongated frame 24 of the front assembly 18. When the connectors 236 are secured to the tabs 232 of the elongated frame 24, the connectors 236 and the elongated frame 24 together form the bicycle frame of the resulting pedal bicycle. In the illustrated embodiment, when the pedal module 220 is connected to the front assembly 18, the corresponding connectors 236 and the elongated frame 224 together form what may be referred to as the bicycle frame 212 of the pedal bicycle 204. In other words, without the front assembly and rear module secured together, the bicycle frame of the ride-on vehicle is not yet formed and is incomplete. The bicycle frame 212 of the pedal bicycle 204 is formed by engaging the connector 236 of the pedal module 220 with the elongated frame 24 of the front assembly 18. In at least one embodiment, the configuration of the bicycle frame 212 of the pedal bicycle 204 differs from the bicycle frame 12 of the balance bike 4, as described below.

[0084] In the illustrated pedal module 200, each connector 236 can be considered to constitute the rearmost tip or end of the bicycle frame 212 of the resulting pedal bicycle 220. In other words, when the rear module 220 and the front assembly 18 are connected together, each connector 236 of the pedal module 220 can be considered to be an extension of each of the claws 32 of the elongated frame 24 to complete the bicycle frame 212 of the pedal bicycle configuration 204. As such, the lateral spacing between the connectors 236 generally corresponds to the lateral spacing between the claws 32 of the elongated frame 24. Furthermore, the angle at which each connector 236 extends forward from the rear wheel axle 234 (relative to the ground plane) corresponds to the angle at which the elongated frame 24 and / or its claws 32 protrude rearward, such that when the connectors 236 are secured to the claws 32, the resulting bicycle frame 212 is substantially continuous and has a longitudinal axis passing through the elongated frame 24 and the aligned connectors 236 (see, e.g., dashed line B-B' in FIG. 10 ). Thus, each connector 236 has a rear portion 238 through which the connector 236 is attached to each side of the rear wheel axle 234. From the rear portion 238, each connector 236 extends generally forward and then upward to align with each of the claws 32 of the elongated frame 24 (see, dashed line E-E' in FIG. 9 ). Each connector 236 extends a relatively short distance so that, when viewed from the side, the connector 236 does not extend beyond the rim of the rear wheel 208, as shown in FIG. 14B . Thus, when the pedal module 220 is secured to the front assembly 18, the claws 32 of the elongated frame 24 are configured to extend around both sides of the upper forward quadrant of the rear wheel 208, for example, so that the rear wheel 208 can be accommodated in the space between the claws 32 of the elongated frame 24.

[0085] Each connector 236 of the pedal module 220 extends forward and upward from the rear axle 234 and terminates in a respective front portion 240 configured to engage with a respective claw 32 of the elongated frame 24. For example, each front portion 240 may include a claw-engaging portion 242 that can engage with the claw 32. As previously described, the claw 32 may have a corresponding or complementary connector-engaging portion 44 that can engage with the pedal module connector 236. For example, the front or front surface of each connector 236 may include a protrusion, tongue, groove, slot, etc., and the distal end or distal surface of each claw 32 may include a complementary and / or cooperating feature for engaging with the protrusion, tongue, groove, slot, etc. of the pedal module connector 236. It is contemplated that any number of different connection mechanisms may be provided to facilitate releasable engagement between the connector and the claw of the elongated frame. In yet another example, the connector and each claw may telescope to engage with one another. For example, the distal ends of the tabs can be inserted into corresponding openings in the front of the respective connectors. The connection mechanism may include a latch, a lever, or the like. The connection mechanism provides a strong and secure connection between the front assembly and the pedal module that can be relatively easily released, preferably without the use of tools or fastening parts. In this manner, the connectors can be easily manually engaged with the tabs (e.g., by moving the connectors toward or pressing them against the tabs). Therefore, when removing the pedal module from the front assembly, the pedal module can be easily released from the tabs of the elongated frame with little or no tools, for example, by operating a lever or pressing a quick-release button.

[0086] In at least one embodiment, both the pedal module and the balance module are engageable with the tabs of the front assembly via the same connection mechanism. In such an embodiment, the tab engagement portion of the connector of the pedal module is the same as the tab engagement portion of the connector of the balance module. In this manner, neither the rear module nor the front assembly requires further adjustment or adaptation to enable conversion between the balance bike configuration and the pedal bicycle configuration. In fact, one rear module can simply be disconnected from the front assembly for easy replacement with the other rear module, with the tabs of the front assembly engaging each module via the same engagement mechanism. In this manner, the front assembly, the pedal bicycle rear module, and the balance bike rear module may form a kit that allows the vehicle to be converted between the pedal bicycle configuration and the balance bike configuration by the pedal module and balance module being interchangeably securable to the front assembly. Of course, as already described, other kits can be formed depending on the configuration of the rear module. For example, the kit can also include a rear module to enable conversion to a tricycle configuration, a configuration with a rear training wheel, etc. In at least one embodiment, a passenger vehicle includes a front assembly and one of the rear modules pre-assembled, allowing a user (e.g., a parent) to selectively replace the rear module as desired.

[0087] In the illustrated embodiment, the rear wheel 208 of the pedal module 220 has a larger diameter than the rear wheel 8 of the balance module 20. For example, in the balance bike configuration 204, the rear wheel 8 of the balance module 20 may be smaller in diameter than the front wheel 6 of the front assembly 18. In a specific example, the diameter of the rear wheel 8 of the balance module 20 is approximately 14 inches, and the diameter of the rear wheel 208 of the pedal module 220 is approximately 16 inches. The smaller diameter rear wheel 8 of the balance module 20 may result in the balance bike 4 being lower to the ground, thereby making it easier for the rider's feet to make contact with the ground. In the pedal bicycle configuration 204, the rear wheel 208 of the pedal module 220 is larger than the rear wheel 8 of the balance module. In at least one embodiment, the rear wheel 208 of the pedal module 220 has the same diameter as the front wheel 6 of the front assembly 18. In other words, in the illustrated balance bike configuration 4, the wheels 6, 8 of the balance bike 4 are different sizes, with the rear wheel diameter being smaller than the front wheel diameter. In contrast, in the illustrated pedal bicycle configuration 204, the wheels 6, 208 of the pedal bicycle 204 are of the same diameter. Thus, the diameter of the rear wheel of the pedal module 220 is larger than the diameter of the rear wheel of the balance module 20.

[0088] Because the elongated frame 24, and therefore the claws 32, of the front assembly 18 are utilized in each vehicle configuration 4, 204 and the rear wheels 208 of the pedal module 220 are larger in diameter than the rear wheels 208 of the balance module 20, the connectors 236 of the pedal module 220 should be different in shape, size, position, and / or orientation from the connectors 36 of the balance module 20 to facilitate attachment of the pedal module 220 to the claws 32 of the front assembly 18. Indeed, this can be seen by comparing FIGS. 14A and 14B, which show the balance module 20, 220 and the pedal module 20, 220, respectively, relative to an imaginary contact plane G-G' tangent to the lowest points of the rear wheels 8, 208. The rear wheels 8 of the balance module 20 have a first diameter that is smaller than the rear wheels 208 of the pedal module 220. Thus, the balance module rear wheel axle 34 and the corresponding rear portion 38 of the balance module connector 36 are spaced a first rearward distance R1 from the ground plane G-G', while the rearward portion 238 of the pedal module connector 236 is spaced a second rearward distance R2 from the ground plane G-G' that is greater than the first rearward distance R1 by a first degree "E1." Notably, the difference between the first and second rearward distances R1, R2 corresponds to the difference in wheel size diameter between the pedal module 220 and the balance module 20. Furthermore, the connector 236 of the pedal module 220 extends further forward of the pedal wheel axle 234 compared to the connector 36 of the balance module 20. In other words, the front portion 240 of the pedal module connector 236 is closer to the rim of the pedal module rear wheel 208 compared to the front portion 40 of the balance module connector 36 relative to the rim of the balance module rear wheel 8. As can be seen, the front 40 of each balance module connector 36 is spaced a first front distance F1 above the ground plane G-G', and the front 240 of each pedal module connector 236 is spaced a second front distance F2 above the ground plane G-G'. In some embodiments, F2 is generally longer than F1 due to the larger diameter of the pedal module rear wheels 208.

[0089] The above-described geometric relationship between the pedal module connectors 236 and the balance module connectors 36 facilitates engagement between each module 220, 20 and the front assembly 18. In particular, because the structure of the claws 32 of the front assembly 18 is not changed in each vehicle configuration 4, 204, both sets of connectors 36, 236 have similar, if not identical, structured claw-engaging front portions 40, 240 for engaging the claws 32 of the front assembly 18.

[0090] In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 14A, the balance module connector 36 extends linearly from the balance rear wheel axle 34 at a first angle relative to the ground plane G-G', as indicated by dashed line H-H'. For comparison, and referring to Figure 14B, the pedal module connector 236 has an elbow-like configuration, as indicated by dashed line JKL, with a rear portion 238 extending forward from the rear wheel axle 234 along a downwardly sloping path toward the ground plane G-G', then sloping upward to terminate at a front portion 240 slightly above the level of the pedal module wheel axle 234.

[0091] The rear portions 38, 238 of the balance and pedal module connectors 36, 236 are at different heights above the ground plane G-G' corresponding to the difference in wheel diameters. Additionally, the length L1 between the vertical axis passing through the center of the front portion 40 of the balance rear module and the axle 34 is, in some embodiments, shorter than the corresponding length L2 of the pedal rear module (L2 extending between the axle 234 and the vertical axis passing through the center of the front portion 240). Due to these geometric differences, when the pedal rear module is attached to the front assembly, the front assembly "rotates" or tilts slightly (e.g., relative to the axis of the front wheel axle), elevating the end of the pawl above the ground and elevating at least the rear portion of the front assembly frame, e.g., a portion including the seat, slightly above the ground. Furthermore, due to the difference between L1 and L2, the overall length of the completed bicycle frame in the pedal bicycle configuration may be longer than the overall length in the balance bike configuration. In this way, the pedal bicycle may be more suitable for taller children.

[0092] (For clarity, note that when a "part" is referred to in the context of dimensions and / or geometric relationships to other parts, the reference points may be at least the respective centers of those parts.)

[0093] A further difference between the balance module 20 and the pedal module 220 is that the pedal module 220 includes a chain drive 84 disposed on one side of the pedal module rear wheel 208 and two pedals 86 operable to drive the rear wheel 208 via the chain drive 84. The pedal module 220 further includes a chain cover 88 that covers at least a portion of the chain drive 84, the chain cover 88 including a rear end 90 coupled to the pedal module rear wheel axle 234 and a front end 92 from which one of the two pedals 86 extends laterally. In at least one embodiment, the chain cover 88 may include a pedal module connector 236 located on the same side as the chain cover 88, formed around the pedal module connector 236, or formed integrally with the pedal module connector 236. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 14B , the rear end 90 of the chain cover 88 includes a rear portion 238 of the pedal module connector 236 located on the same side of the rear wheel 208 as the chain cover 88. It can also be seen that the front portion 240 of the connector 236 is located between the rearward end 90 and the forward end 92 of the chain cover 88. As will be described below, the chain cover 88 may define a first casing portion that forms part of a chain drive casing 94 that is at least partially attached to a mount 54 located below the elongated frame 24.

[0094] The pedal module 220 further includes a second casing portion 96 on the side of the rear wheel 208 that does not include the chain drive 84 and chain cover 88. The second casing portion 96 may have a shape somewhat similar to the chain cover 88 in that it includes a rear end 98 connected to the corresponding side of the rear wheel axle 234 and a front end 100 from which the other of the two pedals 86 extends. In at least one embodiment, the rear end 98 of the second casing portion 96 has a rear portion 238 of a pedal module connector 236 located on the same side of the rear wheel 208 as the second casing portion 96. Similarly, a front portion 240 of the connector 236 is disposed between the rear end 98 and the front end 100 of the second casing portion 96. In at least one embodiment, the second casing portion 96 may be integrally formed with the pedal module connector 236 on the same side of the rear wheel 208, as shown in FIG. 12 .

[0095] In at least one embodiment, the chain cover 88 and the second casing portion 96 are laterally opposed to one another on either side of the rear wheel 208, and the forward ends 92, 100 of the chain cover 88 and the second casing portion 96 are secured or securable to one another to form a shell-like receptacle 102 for at least partially enclosing a portion of the mount 54 and / or seat post 46. In this manner, the chain cover 88 can be considered a first casing portion that interfaces with the second casing portion 96, and together they form the chain cover casing 94. FIG. 15A illustrates the shape of a recess or cavity 104a formed in the forward end 92 of the chain cover 88, and FIG. 15B illustrates the shape of an opposing recess or cavity 104b formed in the forward end 100 of the second casing portion 96. When the chain cover casing portion 88 and the second casing portion 96 are brought toward one another, the cavities 104a, 104b in their respective forward ends 92, 100 define an interior receiving portion 108 shaped to snugly receive or circumferentially surround the mount 54, as shown in FIG. 16 . Additionally, the lower end of each cavity 104a, 104b also includes a downwardly extending recess 108a, 108b sized to receive a portion of the seat post 46. In this manner, the chain cover casing 102 defines an interior space or receiving portion 106 that accommodates both the mount 54 and at least the lower portion of the seat post 46 when the seat 14 is at least partially lowered relative to the elongated frame 24. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the seat 14 is in the highest position, the lower end 78 of the post 46 can be received to a predetermined extent within correspondingly shaped recesses 108a, 108b defined between the chain cover casing portion 88 and the second casing portion 96, thereby allowing the seat 14 to be lowered.

[0096] The forward end of the chain cover casing 102 may be secured to the underside of the mount 54 and / or elongated frame 24, similar to the shell component 56 associated with the balancing module 20. For example, with reference to FIG. 12 , the forward end of the chain cover casing 102 (formed from the forward ends 92, 100 of the chain cover 88 and second casing portion 96, respectively) may similarly be provided with fastening elements, such as screws 62, that may be threaded into corresponding openings 64 formed in the front face of the mount 54. The forward end of the casing 102 may also include a rearward projection 266 at its upper end that may be secured (e.g., threadable, lockable, etc.) into a correspondingly sized slot or recess 68 formed in the underside of the elongated frame 24. Of course, alternative mechanisms for securing the chain cover casing to the mount and / or elongated frame are also within the scope of this specification. For example, it is contemplated that the chain cover casing may be snapped, latched, secured, etc. to the mount and / or elongated frame with little or no tools or fastening accessories. Thus, the front assembly may further position and secure the pedal module relative to the front assembly through engagement of the chain cover casing of the rear module with the mount and / or elongated frame, in addition to engagement of the pawls with the corresponding pedal module connectors. It is also contemplated that a quick release mechanism or the like may be utilized to easily remove the pedal module, including the chain cover casing, from the mount and / or elongated frame and from the front assembly.

[0097] In at least one embodiment of the passenger vehicle of the present disclosure, the elongated frame is lockably foldable. Folding the vehicle can improve the storage and / or portability of the vehicle. For example, when the vehicle is in a riding position, the elongated frame is locked in an unfolded state such that the front wheel is aligned with the rear wheel of the rear module, and the vehicle is configured for riding (e.g., as a balance bike or pedal bicycle). By folding the elongated frame, the vehicle can be configured from the unfolded riding position to a folded or stowed position in which the front wheel is adjacent to and parallel to the rear wheel of the rear module. Advantageously, because it is the elongated frame that folds, the passenger vehicle can be folded to the stowed position regardless of whether a particular rear module is secured to the front assembly. In this manner, the passenger vehicle can be folded to the stowed position whether in a balance bike configuration or a pedal bicycle configuration.

[0098] In at least one embodiment, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , it is an intermediate portion or location 110 of the elongated frame 24 that is configured to fold. For example, the folding location 110 may be located generally between the front of the elongated frame 24 (near the head assembly) and the location of the seat 14. Generally, the location of the fold 110 along the elongated frame 24 is such that, when folded into a stowed state, the front and rear wheels of the vehicle are positioned relative to one another to minimize the footprint of the stowed vehicle. For example, the elongated frame may be folded such that the front wheels and corresponding wheels of the rear module are generally aligned with one another, thereby preventing one wheel from extending outward beyond the other. This may be achieved, for example, in a balance bike configuration where the diameter of the rear wheels is smaller than the diameter of the front wheels, but may also be achieved in a pedal bicycle configuration where the diameters of the rear and front wheels are similar or identical.

[0099] The vehicle may include a latch or other manually operated mechanism to facilitate lockable folding and unfolding of the elongated frame. In at least one embodiment, such a mechanism may include one or more latches and / or levers that, when locked, are configured to be substantially flush with the elongated frame and therefore cannot be accidentally activated. FIG. 7 illustrates an elongated frame hinge 112 that enables folding of the elongated frame. A lockable leverage mechanism 114 is located on the opposite side of the elongated frame 24 and can be manually operated to release the frame 24 to fold into a stowed position, or to lock the leverage mechanism 114 to maintain the vehicle in the stowed position.

[0100] The folding hinge of the elongated frame is located at a distance from the distal claw-like end where the front assembly releasably engages the rear module. This can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. For example, the distanced location can reduce the likelihood that a user (e.g., a parent) will confuse a manually operated mechanism (e.g., a first lever) for folding the elongated frame with a separate manually operated mechanism (e.g., a second lever) for detaching the rear module from the front assembly. The distanced location can also improve the durability of the bicycle frame (compared to bicycle frames in which the folding hinge and the attachment / detachment of the rear module are close together).

[0101] Additionally, to further minimize the volume and / or footprint of the ride-on vehicle in the stowed position, the top of the head assembly can be folded downward toward the handlebars 10 toward the front wheel. For example, the headset 70 may be hinged to the elongated frame 24, and the vehicle may further include a manually operable latch, lever, or the like to selectively lock the headset 70 and allow the handlebars 10 to fold downward. FIG. 17 illustrates an exemplary balance bike configuration in the process of folding toward a stowed position, with the elongated frame 24 unlocked and partially folded, and the headset 70 unlocked and the handlebars 10 partially folded downward. FIG. 18 illustrates the balance bike of FIG. 17 with the elongated frame 24 folded and the handlebars 10 reclined, resulting in the balance bike ride-on vehicle 2 being in the stowed position. FIG. 19 illustrates the pedal bicycle configuration folded toward a stowed position.

[0102] In this specification and the appended claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" are to be understood as implying the inclusion of specified integers or steps or groups of integers or steps and not the exclusion of other integers or steps or groups of integers or steps.

[0103] The reference herein to any prior document (or information derived therefrom) or known matter is not intended, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or in any way implied that the prior document (or information derived therefrom) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the art to which this specification pertains.

[0104] It should be understood that various changes, modifications and / or additions may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth in this disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A front assembly for use with a rear module attachable to a front assembly to form a passenger vehicle, the rear module having a rear wheel rotatable on an axle and two laterally spaced apart connectors, each of the two connectors having a front and a rear portion, the front portion being spaced forwardly from each side of the axle, the two connectors being attached to each side of the axle via the rear portion, the front assembly comprising: A long, slender frame and a mount disposed below the elongated frame, the mount allowing the rear module or a component connected to the rear module to be fastened to the elongated frame; a head assembly having a handlebar for steering the front wheel connected to a lower end thereof; a seat attached to the elongated frame; the elongated frame extends distally from the head assembly and terminates in two laterally spaced apart claws, each claw releasably securable to a respective front portion of at least the two connectors to facilitate attachment of the rear module to the front assembly to form a bicycle, the two connectors together with the elongated frame constituting a bicycle frame of the bicycle; Front assembly.

2. the spaced apart claws do not have the ability to be directly secured to the wheel axle; The front assembly of claim 1 .

3. an intermediate location of the elongated frame between the head assembly and the seat, the intermediate location including a hinge for folding the front assembly into a compact storage configuration; The front assembly of claim 1 .

4. A front assembly according to claim 1; a rear module; A passenger vehicle equipped with:

5. the rear module is formed by a first rear module including a first rear wheel rotatable on a first wheel axle and two laterally spaced first connectors on each side of the first wheel axle; each first connector has a first rear portion and a first front portion, the first connector is attached to each side of the first wheel axle via the first rear portion, the first front portion is spaced forward from the first wheel axle, and each first front portion is removably securable to each claw portion via the first front portion, such that the two first connectors, together with the elongated frame, form a first bicycle frame of a first bicycle configuration; the first rear module being replaceable by a second rear module, the second rear module comprising a second rear wheel rotatable on a second wheel axle and two laterally spaced second connectors on each side of the second wheel axle; each second connector has a second rear portion and a second front portion, the second connector is attached to each side of the second wheel axle via the second rear portion, the second front portion is spaced forward from the second wheel axle, and each second front portion is removably securable to each claw portion via the second front portion, such that the two second connectors, together with the elongated frame, form a second bicycle frame of a second bicycle configuration different from the first bicycle frame; 5. The passenger vehicle according to claim 4.

6. the first front portion of the first connector and the second front portion of the second connector are provided with the same claw portion engaging portion capable of engaging with the claw portion; 6. The passenger vehicle according to claim 5.

7. a lateral distance between the first connectors and a lateral distance between the second connectors corresponding to a lateral distance between the claws; 6. The passenger vehicle according to claim 5.

8. In the first bicycle frame, at least the first front portion of each first connector is aligned with a respective claw portion; In the second bicycle frame, at least the front portion of each second connector is aligned with a respective claw portion; the first front portion of each of the first connectors and the second front portion of each of the second connectors are located at different positions relative to the axes of the first rear wheel and the second rear wheel, respectively; 6. The passenger vehicle according to claim 5.

9. the passenger vehicle has a virtual reference plane that is in contact with the lowest point of each of the front wheels and the rear wheels of the passenger vehicle; the first rear portion is spaced a first rear distance above the imaginary reference plane; the second rear portion is spaced a second rear distance above the imaginary reference plane, the first rear distance and the second rear distance differing by a first degree; the first front portion is spaced a first front distance above the imaginary reference plane; the second front portion is spaced a second front distance above the imaginary reference plane, and the first rear distance and the second rear distance are equal to or differ by a second degree less than the first degree; 6. The passenger vehicle according to claim 5.

10. 1. A passenger vehicle convertible between a first configuration and a second configuration, the passenger vehicle comprising: a front assembly; a rear module; The front assembly includes: A long, slender frame and a head assembly having a handlebar connected at a lower end to the front wheel for steering the front wheel; a seat attached to the elongated frame; the rear module has rear wheels rotatable on wheel axles; the rear module being removably secured to the elongated frame and comprising the following modules interchangeably secured to the front assembly to convert the passenger vehicle between the first and second configurations: a first rear module including a first rear wheel having a first radius and rotatable on a first wheel axle, and two laterally spaced first connectors on each side of the first wheel axle, each first connector having a first rear portion and a first front portion, the first connector attached to each side of the first wheel axle via the first rear portion and the first connector fixed to the elongated frame via the first front portion; a second rear module including a second rear wheel having a second radius smaller than the first radius and rotatable on a second wheel axle, and two laterally spaced second connectors, each second connector having a second rear portion and a second front portion, the second connector attached to each side of the second wheel axle via the second rear portion and the second connector fixed to the elongated frame via the second front portion; It is composed of one of Passenger vehicle.

11. the passenger vehicle has a virtual reference plane that is in contact with the lowest point of each of the front wheels and the rear wheels of the passenger vehicle; the first rear portion is spaced a first rear distance above the imaginary reference plane; the second rear portion is spaced above the virtual reference plane by a second rear distance, and the first rear distance and the second rear distance differ by an amount corresponding to a difference in radius between the first rear wheel and the second rear wheel; 11. The passenger vehicle of claim 10.

12. the front assembly and the first and second rear modules form part of a kit that allows the first and second rear modules to be interchangeably secured to the front assembly to convert the vehicle between a first bicycle configuration and a second bicycle configuration.

11. The passenger vehicle of claim 10.

13. one of the first and second bicycle configurations constitutes a pedal bicycle configuration, and the other of the first and second bicycle configurations constitutes a balance bike configuration; 14. The passenger vehicle of claim 12.

14. The passenger vehicle of claim 10, further comprising a mount connected to the elongated frame, wherein each rear module or a component connected to each rear module is securable via the mount.

14. 1. A ride-on vehicle convertible between a balance bike configuration and a pedal bicycle configuration, the ride-on vehicle comprising: a front assembly; a rear module; The front assembly includes: A thin frame connected to the mount, a head assembly having a handlebar connected at a lower end to the front wheel for steering the front wheel; a seat attached to the elongated frame; the rear module has rear wheels rotatable on wheel axles; The rear module is removably secured to the front assembly and comprises the following modules: a first rear module operable in the pedal bicycle configuration and having a first rear wheel rotatable on a first wheel axle, a chain drive disposed on a first side of the first rear wheel, and two pedals for driving the first rear wheel via the chain drive; a second rear module operable in a balance bike configuration and having a second rear wheel rotatable on a second wheel axle; It is composed of one of the the first and second rear modules are interchangeably securable to the elongated frame to convert the riding vehicle between the pedal bicycle configuration and the balance bike configuration; the first rear module at least partially surrounds the mount in the pedal bicycle configuration; In the balance bike configuration, the riding vehicle includes at least one component at least partially surrounding the mount, the at least one component being located forward of the second rear module. Passenger vehicle.

15. The at least one component comprises a shell securely and removably attached to the mount in the balance bike configuration so as to at least partially enclose the mount, each side of the shell having an outwardly protruding foot rest at a lower end.

15. The passenger vehicle of claim 14.

16. The first rear module further includes a chain drive cover covering at least a portion of the chain drive, the chain cover having a rear end and a front end, the rear end being connected to the first wheel axle, and a first of the two pedals extending laterally from the front end.

15. The passenger vehicle of claim 14.

17. the passenger vehicle further comprises a seat support post having an upper end to which the seat is attached above the elongated frame and a lower portion configured to extend at least partially through the elongated frame; the mount is positioned below the elongated frame such that the seat support post is at least partially received by the mount when the vehicle is in at least the bicycle configuration.

15. The passenger vehicle of claim 14.

18. The elongated frame includes: a riding state in which the front wheels are aligned with the rear wheels of each of the rear modules fixed to the front assembly; a stowed state in which the front wheels are positioned adjacent to and parallel to the rear wheels of each of the rear modules secured to the front assembly; and an intermediate portion of the elongated frame between the head assembly and the seat is foldable so that the front wheels are aligned with the rear wheels of each of the rear modules when the vehicle is folded into the stowed condition; 15. The passenger vehicle of claim 14.

19. the first rear module includes a connector extending forward of the first wheel axle a distance smaller than a radius of the first rear wheel; the second rear module includes a connector extending forward of the second wheel axle a distance smaller than a radius of the second rear wheel; 15. The passenger vehicle of claim 14.

20. the mount is located at least indirectly axially below the seat; 15. The passenger vehicle of claim 14.

Images