Improvements relating to three-wheeled vehicles

Abstract

A dual-mode tricycle 1 has a ride-on mode wherein the rider is able to steer the front wheel (2) of the tricycle using handlebars (8) and a stroller mode wherein a stroller handle (10) provided at the rear of the tricycle is used to steer the vehicle. A fork (20) supporting the front wheel (2) is moveable between a position wherein the axle of the front wheel (2) is vertically in line with the vertical axis of a front frame member (3a) in the ride-on mode and a trailing position wherein the axle of the front wheel (2) trails behind the vertical axis of the front frame member (3a) towards the rear wheels (4) in the stroller mode. The tricycle has a gear mechanism (30) to allow the vehicle to be collapsed easily and single-handedly into a highly compact state when not in use.

Description

[0001] IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO THREE-WHEELED VEHICLES

[0002] Field of the Invention.

[0003] The present invention relates generally to three-wheeled vehicles having dual-mode operation, particularly but not exclusively having a mode wherein the vehicle is in a stroller configuration steered by a third party behind the vehicle and a tricycle configuration steered by the rider of the vehicle.

[0004] Background

[0005] Tricycles and other three-wheeled toys for children are well known in the art. These vehicles have been developed over the years to incorporate a dual-mode of operation to increase their versatility. In this respect, in one mode of operation, the front wheel of the vehicle is controlled via a handle or pole that is attached to the rear of the vehicle enabling an adult to push and steer the vehicle from behind. In another mode of operation, the rear handle or pole is disengaged from the front wheel and the front handlebars may be used to steer the vehicle, enabling the rider of the vehicle to control steering.

[0006] A wide variety of mechanisms have been employed to enable a tricycle to change between these two modes but only with limited success. Problems exist such as the need to include expensive cabling between the handle and the front steerable wheel and / or poor manoeuvrability of the tricycle when in the stroller configuration.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved three-wheeled vehicle overcomes, or at least alleviates, the abovementioned problems.

[0008] Summary of the Invention.

[0009] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a three -wheeled vehicle having a rider-operating mode and a stroller-operating mode, the vehicle comprising a main frame supporting a seat, the frame having two diverging rear limbs, each limb having at least one rear wheel mounted at an end of the limb; a vertical front frame member rotatably mounted with respect to the main frame, the upper end of the vertical front frame member supporting a cross bar and a lower end of the vertical front frame member being connectable to a fork, the fork comprising at least one arm connectable by an axle to at least one front wheel; and a handle positioned rearwardly of the seat wherein the at least one arm of the fork is configured to be moveable between a position wherein the axle of the front wheel is vertically in line with the vertical axis of the front frame member in the rider-operating mode and a trailing position wherein the axle of the front wheel trails behind the vertical axis of the front frame member towards the rear wheels in a stroller-operating mode.

[0010] Preferably, the range of movement of the at least one arm of the fork is at least 15 degrees in a direction towards the rear of the vehicle. The offset distance between the vertical axis of the vertical frame member and the trailing axle of the front wheel is preferably at least 40mm in the trailing mode. More preferably, the fork is lockable in both the vertical orientation and in the trailing orientation. Preferably, a single button enables the fork to be switched between a locked and unlocked state.

[0011] Preferably, the vertical frame member is attached to the fork by a vertical rod. The rod preferably allows complete rotation, i.e. 360-degree rotation, of the fork about the vertical axis but preferably, the fork may also be locked in a limited crossbar rotation configuration wherein the range of rotation of the fork is limited to that of the crossbar, for example to less than 100 degrees, preferably around 50-60 degrees. Preferably, a button or lever serves to change the degree of rotation of the fork about the vertical axis, between being freely rotatable and being limited by the degree of rotation range of the crossbar.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fork includes two arms and an axle extends between lower ends of the arms for receipt of the front wheel. Preferably, the upper ends of the arms are connected via a connection member including a hub, the hub being connectable to the vertical frame member.

[0013] The hub preferably comprises a housing having a cylindrical central aperture extending from one side to the other and a smaller vertical front side slot on one side of the housing only. The hub may connect the fork to the vertical front frame member via the vertical rod. At least one arm of the fork preferably comprises a cylindrical plug extending inwardly at an upper end thereof that is receivable within the central aperture of the hub. The other fork arm may include a socket for receipt of the end of this plug. In this manner, the plug serves as an axle for the fork arms for enabling rotation of the fork arms within the hub.

[0014] Preferably, at least one limiter is provided to limit the range of movement between the plug and the hub to thereby limit range of movement of the fork arms. More preferably, the limiter is activated and deactivated by a single button or switch. In a preferred embodiment, the plug has at least two side slots, preferably being staggered or offset, which align with the front side slot of the hub when the plug is received within the central aperture. Preferably, each slot may be provided with locking pins, preferably being spring-mounted, which are compressible and / or decompressible by movement of the button or switch receivable within the vertical front side slot on one side of the housing of the hub.

[0015] These locking pins serve to lock the hub in which the button is housed. In one configuration, the button may be out / depressed with a first locking pin sitting in the hub and a second locking pin captured within the hub and inactive. In this position, the fork arms are locked in the vertical arrangement and the vehicle is in the rider-operated or pedal-steering mode.

[0016] Pressing button inwardly depresses the first pin enabling the plug within the hub to rotate thereby enabling the fork arms extending from the plug to rotate backwards towards a trailing mode. This rotates the second locking pin downwardly so that it springs out of the hub into the locked position. The first pin is then captured within the hub and inactive, locking the vehicle in its trailing or stroller mode.

[0017] In this manner, activation of the button or switch compresses one or other of the locking pins to provide a different range of movement of the plug with respect to the hub.

[0018] In other embodiments, a single button or switch button is configured to allow both the front fork to rotate freely about 360 degrees in a first mode or be restricted to the limited handle rotation in a second mode, and enable the fork to move between the vertical position wherein the axle of the front wheel is vertically in line with the vertical axis of the front frame member into the rider-operating mode to the trailing position wherein the axle of the front wheel trails behind the vertical axis of the front frame member towards the rear wheels in the stroller-operating mode. In embodiments, movement of the front frame between the vertical and trailing positions may enable automatic switching of the front fork from being freely rotatable to being limited to the degree of rotation of the handle.

[0019] The steering handle may be detachable from the main frame and / or telescopically extendable.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the steering handle and frame is preferably collapsible or foldable.

[0021] According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a threewheeled vehicle moveable between an extended state and a collapsed state, the vehicle comprising a main frame supporting a seat, the frame having two diverging limbs, each limb having at least one rear wheel mounted to an end of the limb; a vertical front frame member rotatably mounted with respect to the main frame, a lower end of the vertical front frame member being connectable to a fork, the fork having at least one arm connectable by an axle to at least one front wheel; and a stroller handle positioned rearwardly of the seat wherein the stroller handle is attached to the rear limbs by interconnecting gears, whereby folding the handle inwardly rotates a first gear connected to the handle to rotate a second gear to cause the vehicle to move from the extended state to the collapsed state, the second gear being connected to the rear limbs whereby the rear limbs rotate inwardly towards the front frame member.

[0022] Preferably, the upper end of the vertical front frame member supports a cross bar. Preferably, the vertical frame member is attached to the fork by a vertical rod. The rod preferably allows 360-degree rotation of the fork but the fork may be locked in a limited crossbar rotation wherein the range of rotation of the fork is limited to that of the crossbar, for example to less than 100 degrees, preferably around 50-60 degrees. Preferably, a button or lever serves to change the degree of rotation of the fork about the vertical axis, between being freely rotatable and being limited by the rotation range of the crossbar.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the second gear connected to at least one rear limb includes a peg connected to a series of rods or levers and / or pulleys which are connected to the front frame. Preferably, the peg moves forwardly upon rotation of the second gear to push the series of rods and pulleys that are connected to the front frame via a pivot point. Optionally, the rods may be interconnected by one or more foot levers. This mechanism allows easy folding of the vehicle into a collapsed state and for the front and rear frames to rotate to their limit at the same time despite one requiring a rotation about its axis of 90 degrees and the other (the rear limbs) requiring rotation about 135 degrees.

[0024] More preferably, the peg is contained within a slot of a gear whereby the gear and its connected parts rotate to a greater degree than the degree of rotation of the peg.

[0025] In alternative embodiments, additional gears may be provided to allow collapsing and extending of the parts of the vehicle. More preferably the gears and any interconnected rods, levers and / or pulleys are provided within the frame of the vehicle. In embodiments, the foot lever may be rotatably connected to a rod connected to the pivot point of the front frame and rotatably connected to a rod connected to a gear connected to the stroller handle and / or rear limbs, preferably wherein the connections of the foot lever to the front and rear parts are separate connections providing different degrees of rotation.

[0026] Thus, the steering handle, rear limbs and front frame are all connected together and rotate together into a folded or collapsed state. Preferably, a locking mechanism is provided to lock the vehicle in its extended state and, optionally, its collapsed state. More preferably, two locking mechanisms may be provided which require different actions to unlock the gears and allow extension or folding of the parts of the vehicle.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention a three-wheeled vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention is provided in combination with the foldable mechanism of the second aspect of the present invention.

[0028] To this end, a third aspect of the present invention provides a three-wheeled vehicle having a rider-operating mode and a stroller-operating mode and being extendable between an extended state and a collapsed state, the vehicle comprising a main frame supporting a seat, the frame having two diverging rear limbs, each limb having at least one rear wheel mounted at an end of the limb; a vertical front frame member rotatably mounted with respect to the main frame, the upper end of the vertical front frame member supporting a cross bar and a lower end of the vertical front frame member being connectable to a fork, the fork comprising at least one arm connectable by an axle to at least one front wheel; and a stroller handle positioned rearwardly of the seat wherein the at least one arm of the fork is configured to be moveable between a position wherein the axle of the front wheel is vertically in line with the vertical axis of the front frame member in the rider-operating mode and a trailing position wherein the axle of the front wheel trails behind the vertical axis of the front frame member towards the rear wheels in a stroller-operating mode, the stroller handle being attached to the rear limbs by interconnecting gears, whereby folding the handle inwardly rotates a first gear connected to the handle to rotate a second gear to cause the vehicle to move from the extended state to the collapsed state, the second gear being connected to the rear limbs whereby the rear limbs rotate inwardly towards the front frame member.

[0029] Any suitable materials may be used for the different component parts. Additionally, the three-wheeled vehicle may be provided with other optional components that are standard in the art, such as, for example, a canopy, safety harness and / or safety barrier. Optionally, the front wheel may be provided with pedals for imparting motion to the front wheel. Alternatively, foot rests may be provided for the rider of the vehicle.

[0030] The invention may be incorporated into any type of three-wheeled vehicle, including tricycles and ride-on toys.

[0031] Brief Description of the Drawings.

[0032] For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a tricycle according to one embodiment of the present invention, shown in the rider-steering mode;

[0034] Figure 2 is a schematic rear view of the tricycle shown in Figure 1 ; Figure 3A is a side view of the tricycle shown in Figure 1 shown in the stroller mode and Figure 3B is an isometric view of the tricycle of Figure 1 shown in the stroller mode;

[0035] Figures 4A to 4C are isometric views of a front wheel and fork of a tricycle according to an embodiment of the invention respectively showing the apparatus in a first vertical state, a second unlocked state and a third trailing state;

[0036] Figures 5A to 5C are side views of a front wheel and fork of a tricycle according to an embodiment of the invention respectively showing the apparatus in a first vertical state, a second unlocked state and a third trailing state;

[0037] Figure 6 is an exploded view of parts of a connection member of the fork shown in Figures 4A to 5C;

[0038] Figures 7A to 7C are isometric views illustrating respectively the configurations of a partial connection member in the first vertical state, second unlocked state and third trailing state;

[0039] Figures 8A to 8C are front views illustrating respectively the configurations of the whole connection member in the first vertical state, second unlocked state and third trailing state;

[0040] Figure 9A is a sectional view through line A-A of Figure 8A;

[0041] Figure 9B is a sectional view through line B-B of Figure 8B;

[0042] Figure 9C is a sectional view through line C-C of Figure 8C;

[0043] Figures 10A to 10D schematically illustrate the attachment of the fork and front wheel to the main vertical frame member;

[0044] Figure 10E schematically illustrates the fork hub without the fork attached thereto; Figure 10F schematically illustrates the fork hub of Figure 10E with part of the fork received therein;

[0045] Figures 10G and 10H schematically illustrate the positioning of locking pins within the fork hub;

[0046] Figure 101 is a longitudinal sectional view through the fork hub, illustrating the positioning of the locking pins and button;

[0047] Figure 11 A and Figure 11 B are respectively a side view and a rear perspective view of the tricycle shown in Figure 1 with gear mechanism uncovered;

[0048] Figures 12A and 12B illustrate the tricycle in a folded configuration, with Figure 12B showing the internal positioning of the gear mechanism;

[0049] Figure 13A is a top view of the tricycle of Figure 1 in the folded configuration;

[0050] Figure 13B is a bottom view of the tricycle of Figure 1 in the folded configuration;

[0051] Figures 14A to 15D are schematic drawings illustrating an alternative embodiment of a folding mechanism according to the second aspect of the present invention

[0052] Figure 16A to 16C are schematic drawings illustrating a further embodiment of the folding mechanism according to the second aspect of the present invention;

[0053] Figures 17A to 17D are schematic drawings illustrating a tricycle with folding mechanism according to another embodiment of the present invention provided with a secondary locking mechanism;

[0054] Figures 18A is a partial side view of the front part of a tricycle according to yet another embodiment of the present invention, having a single button for movement of an internal locking pin; and Figures 18B and 18C are expanded views of part of the tricycle shown in Figure 18A showing respectively the internal locking pin in its locking position and the locking pin in its unlocked position.

[0055] Detailed Description

[0056] The present invention provides a dual-mode tricycle or other type of three-wheeled vehicle that may be switched between a ride-on mode wherein the rider is able to steer the front wheel of the tricycle using the handlebars of the vehicle and a stroller mode wherein a handle provided at the rear of the tricycle is used to steer the vehicle. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tricycle is provided with a gear mechanism to allow the vehicle to be collapsed easily and single-handedly into a highly compact state when not in use.

[0057] Referring to the accompanying drawings, a preferred embodiment of a three-wheeled vehicle according to the present invention is shown. The tricycle 1 has a main frame with two rear wheels 4 mounted on axles respectively arranged at bottom parts of two rear limbs 3c of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear limbs are rotatably mounted to the main frame via gears but it is to be appreciated that the rear limbs may be fixedly secured to the main frame. The frame has a substantially horizontal central section 3b supporting a seat 12 and a front substantially vertical frame member 3a having horizontal member 5 which is selectively rotatably mounted with respect to the central section via pivot point 36. The upper end of the vertical frame member receives a crossbar providing rider handlebars 8 such that the vertical frame member serves as a steering column. The lower end of the vertical frame member 3a terminates in a fork 20 including connection member 25, each arm 20a, 20b of the fork terminating in a recess 23 for receiving an axle 24 for mounting a front wheel 2 between the arms 20a, 20b of the fork 20.

[0058] The connection member 25 is attached to the vertical frame member 3a via a metal rod 40 that is permanently fixed (discussed in further detail in relation to Figures 10A to 10C below) and the fork arms 20a, 20b are housed within the connection member 25. The metal rod 40 allows 360-degree rotation. An upper button or lever 45 allows the front fork to rotate freely about 360 degrees with movement of the rod, or it can be locked for limited handle rotation. In this respect, the handlebars 8 are only able to rotate through 50 degrees so when the handlebar and front fork are fixed together by pressing of the button 45, rotation of the front fork 20 and thereby the front wheel 2 is also limited to 50 degrees.

[0059] The tricycle includes a pair of pedals 6 mounted on opposing ends of the axle 24 and has a back support 14 and a steering handle 10 mounted to the rear of the seat 12 and back support 14. A safety surround member 16 is also provided extending from the back support 14. Thus, a young child is able to be placed on the seat 12 and be supported by the back support and safety surround member. It is to be appreciated that the pedals may be replaced with footrests.

[0060] The tricycle has two modes of operation. In a first mode, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fork 20 is locked in a vertical orientation with respect to the vertical frame member 3a which acts as the steering column and the button 45 is activated so that rotation of the fork and wheel is limited to the range of rotation of the handlebars 8. As a result, any rotational movement imparted to the steering column via the handlebars 8 turns the fork and in doing so turns the front wheel. Thus, in this mode of operation, the rider is able to control steering of the tricycle. In a second mode, shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the fork 20 is moved to a trailing mode wherein the axle

[0061] 24 of the front wheel 2 trails behind the vertical axis of the vertical frame member 2a due to rotation about an axis provided by connection member 25 between the vertical frame member and fork 20. Ideally, the fork is able to rotate rearwardly by at least 15 degrees from vertical, preferably at least 20 degrees, i.e. the angle between the vertical frame member and the fork arm is less than 165 degrees in the trailing mode. In this mode, the button 45 is depressed to allow complete 360-degree rotation of the front wheel and rotation of the handlebars has no affect on the front wheel, thereby removing control of steering from the rider and imparting control to the rear steering or stroller handle 10.

[0062] Figures 4A to 101 illustrate in further detail the mechanism for changing between the rider operable and stroller operable modes. The arms 20a, 20b of the fork 20 are connected via a connection member or hub 25. The connection member 22 and hub

[0063] 25 allow a predetermined range of movement of the fork arms 20a, 20b to allow the front wheel 2 that is supported between the arms to move from a mode wherein the axis is in line with the vertical axis of the front frame member (see Figs. 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B) to a trailing mode wherein the axis 24 of the front wheel lies towards the rear of the vehicle (see Figs. 4C and 5C). This mechanism allows locking of the wheel in either position by pressing a single button 28 located at the front of the hub 25.

[0064] Figures 6 to 101 illustrate the configuration of the fork connection member or hub 25, button 28 and fork arms 20a, 20b in further detail. The fork hub 25 is fixedly connected to the vertical frame member 3a via the metal rod 40 and has a large cylindrical central aperture 25a extending from one side to the other and a smaller vertical front side slot 25b on the front side of the hub only. One of the arms 20a of the fork has a cylindrical plug 29 extending inwardly at an upper end thereof that is receivable within the central aperture 25a of the hub 25. The other fork arm 20b has a socket for receipt of the end of this plug so that in the assembled device the plug 29 extends through the hub 25 and forms an axle for the fork arms 20a, 20b. The plug 29 has staggered side slots 29a 29b which align with the front side slot 25b when the plug is received within the central aperture 25a, each slot being provided with springmounted locking pins 26, 27 provided with compression springs 26b, 27b. A button 28 is provided within front slot of 25b of the hub to communicate with the pins 26, 27. This allows for the fork arms to be rotated about the fork hub 25 between a locked vertical position and a locked trailing position, as explained below.

[0065] As discussed above, housed inside the plug 29 or connecting fork axle are two separate sprung loaded locking pins 26, 27. They are offset so that only one locking pin can lock into place at a time. These pins lock the hub 25 in which the button 28 is housed. When the hub is in a locked vertical position, as shown in Figures 7A, 8A, 9A, button 28 is out / depressed with pin 27 sitting in the hub 25 and pin 26 is captured within the hub and inactive. In this position, the fork arms are locked in the vertical arrangement (see Fig. 4A and 5A) and the vehicle is in the rider-operated or pedalsteering mode. Pressing button 28 inwardly depresses the pin 27 allowing the forks to rotate backwards towards a trailing mode (see Fig 4B and 5C). This rotates the left pin 26 downwardly so that it springs out of the hub into the locked position. The right pin 27 is now captured within the hub and inactive, as shown in Figures 7C, 8C and 9C and the vehicle is locked in its trailing or stroller mode (see Fig 4C and 5C) wherein steering of is disengaged from the crossbar 8 or handlebars of the rider and is instead under the control of the steering handle 10 at the rear of the vehicle. It has been found that movement of the front wheel between a vertical position in line with the longitudinal axis of the front vertical member and a trailing position wherein the axle of the front wheel is at least 15 degrees from the vertical axis of the vertical frame member and at last 40mm behind the vertical axis provides for enhanced operation of the vehicle in each mode. Furthermore, the mechanism is simple to use, enabling easy changing between the modes by a simple press of a button. There is also no need for any cabling which can reduce the reliability of the mechanism and also reduces the cost of the vehicle.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the tricycle according to the invention may be provided with a mechanism to allow for its easy collapse into a folded configuration without removal of the handle. However, it is to be appreciated that the vehicle could be provided without this, for example the handle may be detachable from the rear of the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the tricycle is collapsible wherein the rear wheels are movable towards the front wheel and the handle may be folder over the vehicle.

[0067] Figures 11A to 13B of the accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred folding mechanism for the vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention. The rear steering handle 10 is telescopically extendable and a pair of gears 30a, 30b connect the end of the handle and the top of the rear limbs 3c. A peg 31 is attached to the rear limb gear 30b which is connected to a series of rods or levers 32 and pulleys 34 which are connected to the front frame 3a at pivot point 36. This mechanism allows easy folding of the vehicle into a collapsed state and for the front and rear frames to rotate to their limit at the same time despite one requiring a rotation about its axis of 90 degrees and the other (the rear limbs) requiring rotation about 135 degrees.

[0068] Referring in particular to Figure 11A, the arrows indicate the steps of collapsing the tricycle into a compact state. The telescopic steering handle 10 is pushed downwardly into its lowermost position (arrow A) and the locking mechanism (not shown) that fixes the tricycle in its extended configuration is deactivated. The handle is then rotated forward (arrow B) causing rotation of gear 30a which then causes rotation of interlocking gear 30b. This causes automatic rotation of the rear limbs 3c forwardly (arrow C) as the handle is pushed forward. The peg 31 is also moved forwardly to push a series of rods and pulleys 32, 34 that are connected to the front frame via pivot point 36 (arrows D and E). Thus, the steering handle, rear limbs and front frame are all connected together and rotate together into a folded or collapsed state. Finally, the support back and optional canopy are folded down to create a completely collapsed and folded product (see arrow F). The steps may be reversed to re-extend the tricycle which, once in its extended state, is locked in this position using the locking mechanism.

[0069] Figures 14A to 15D illustrate an alternative embodiment for the folding mechanism for a vehicle according to the second aspect of the present invention. The rear steering handle 100 is again connected to a gear 300a that interlocks with another gear 300b connected to the rear limb (omitted from the figures for simplicity). However, additionally, a foot peg 400 is provided as part of the mechanism to reduce the number of cut outs C (see Figures 14C and 14D) that have to be provided in the main frame of the vehicle. The foot peg 400 moves about 90 degrees and interconnects the rods 320, 340 between the rear peg 310 and the front pivot point 360.

[0070] The rear gear push peg 310 swivels inside a slot 310a provided in the rear gear 300b (see Figures 15A to 15D). This is so the rear leg and gear can rotate 135 degrees in total but the push peg 310 only rotates 90 degrees. In the open position, the gear 300b holds the peg 310 backwards in a locked position (see Figure 15B). When folding the tricycle, the rear leg and gear rotate forward 45 degrees before engaging the peg 310 (see Fig. 15C). The rear leg then continues to fold forward and then pushes the peg 310 forward by around 90 degrees. Thus, all three push points rotate around 90 degrees.

[0071] Figures 16A to 16C illustrate a further preferred embodiment of the folding mechanism for a vehicle according to the second aspect of the present invention. In this embodiment, the components of the mechanism have been internalised within the main horizontal cross section 3b of the main frame, with the external push rods and levers that ran below the frame and between the footrest and peg being removed, thus increasing the safety of the appliance, reducing the parts that may be accidentally damaged and enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

[0072] The mechanism comprises three internal interconnecting gears 3000a, 3000b, 3000c, the first gear 3000a being connected to the rear steering handle 100 that interlocks with the second gear 3000b connected to the rear limb 3c (omitted in Figure 16B for simiplicity) . The second gear interconnects with an internal third gear 3000c which moves an internal push rod 3200 pivotally connected to the footrest 4000. This is connected to a push rod 3400 movement of which affects rotation of the front pivot point 3600 which rotates the front vertical frame member 3a of the frame section of the frame.

[0073] Thus, as illustrated by arrows in Figure 16A, folding or collapsing of the vehicle comprises rotating the stroller handle 100 forward (see Figure 16B) to effect rotation of the first gear 3000a (see arrow 1) which rotates the second gear 3000b (arrow 2) causing the rear limit 3c to be moved inwardly towards the main frame 3b. The second gear rotates the third gear 3000c (arrow 3) which via push rods 3200 and 3400 causes the footrest 4000 to be folded inwardly to the main frame and the front vertical frame member to rotate about pivot point 3600 to be folded against the main frame.

[0074] Figure 16C illustrates the attachment of the footrest 4000 to the internal push rods 3200 and 3400 in further detail. The upper end of the footrest that connects to the push rods is provided with two separate connection points 4000a and 4000b that enable a different degree of rotation to be provided between the rear limbs and the front frame member. This enables a smooth folding up of the parts of the vehicle and thus the connection is not just to allow the footrest to fold up out of the way.

[0075] Figures 17A to 17D of the accompanying drawings illustrates an additional safety locking mechanism 5000 that may be provided on a vehicle or tricycle according to the present invention, the mechanism maintaining the vehicle in its extended state but also operates as a carry handle when in the folded state. The secondary lock 5000 has a U-shaped member 5000a extending from the rear of the main frame 3b, the lock having a plug 5000b which engages with the first gear 3000a. A first, primary locking mechanism 6000 is a push button that is activated by depressing with the thumb to enable rotation of the handle 100 (see Figure 17B). In contrast, the secondary locking mechanism 5000 is activated by pulling the U-shaped member 5000a outwardly (Figure 17C) with the fingers to remove the plug 5000b from engagement with gear 3000a thereby enabling movement of the stroller handle 100.

[0076] In its locked position, when the member 5000a is released, the plug engages with the gear to prevent any rotation of the stroller handle (Figure 17D). A further modification to the vehicle of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 18A to 18C wherein again identical features to those already discussed in relation to earlier embodiments are provided with the same reference numerals and only the differences are discussed in detail. In this embodiment, the vehicle has an upper button or lever 700 in the front frame member 3a that allows the front fork 20 to rotate freely about 360 degrees in a first mode or be restricted to the limited handle rotation in a second mode, as well as enabling the fork to move between the vertical position wherein the axle of the front wheel is vertically in line with the vertical axis of the front frame member into the rider-operating mode to the trailing position wherein the axle of the front wheel trails behind the vertical axis of the front frame member towards the rear wheels in the stroller-operating mode.

[0077] As with earlier embodiments, the fork hub 25 is fixedly connected to the vertical frame member 3a via a rod 40. Pushing the button 700 inwardly allows the front forks 20a, 20b to move from one mode to the other by affecting movement of a rotational locking pin 702. Figure 18B shows the locking pin 702 engaged in the front frame member limiting the front fork rotation to that of the limited rotation of the handlebar. Figure 18C shows the locking pin 702 disengaged from the front frame member allowing 360-degree rotation of the front forks 20a, 20b. When the front forks 20a, 20b are rotated from rider-operating mode backwards into the trailing strolleroperating mode, the rotational locking pin 702 automatically drops from its locked position and allows the front forks to disengage from the limited rotation of the handlebar and to rotate freely in a 360-degree rotation. Activation of the button 700 and rotating the front forks forward from the trailing mode back into the rider steering mode, automatically pushes the same rotational locking pin 702 upwards, thereby locking the front forks to the handlebar and limiting the front fork rotation to that of the limited rotation of the handlebar.

[0078] Thus, the present invention provides various configurations for providing a dual-mode tricycle having a ride-on mode wherein the rider is able to steer the front wheel of the tricycle using handlebars and a stroller mode wherein a stroller handle provided at the rear of the tricycle is used to steer the vehicle. A fork supporting the front wheel is moveable between a position wherein the axle of the front wheel is vertically in line with the vertical axis of a front frame member in the ride-on mode and a trailing position wherein the axle of the front wheel trails behind the vertical axis of the front frame member towards the rear wheels in the stroller mode. The tricycle may have a gear mechanism to allow the vehicle to be collapsed easily and single-handedly into a highly compact state when not in use.

[0079] It is to be appreciated that the three-wheeled vehicle according to the invention may be provided with optional fittings that are standard in the art. For example, a removable harness may be provided for securing a toddler on the trike and the pedals may be replaceable by footrests. The rear steering handle may be permanently attached to the rear of the trike or it may be detachable and a permeant or removable canopy may be provided for extending over the seat. The angle and / or height of the rear steering handle may also be adjustable.

[0080] The present invention is Illustrated in relation to a tricycle but aspects of the invention may be provided on other three-wheeled vehicles, such as ride-on toys or strollers.

[0081] Further modifications to the three-wheeled vehicle may be made without departing from the principles embodied in the examples described and illustrated herein.

Claims

CLAIMS.

1. A three-wheeled vehicle having a rider-operating mode and a stroller-operating mode, the vehicle comprising a main frame supporting a seat, the frame having two diverging rear limbs, each limb having at least one rear wheel mounted at an end of the limb; a vertical front frame member rotatably mounted with respect to the main frame, the upper end of the vertical front frame member supporting a cross bar and a lower end of the vertical front frame member being connectable to a fork, the fork comprising at least one arm connectable by an axle to at least one front wheel; and a handle positioned rearwardly of the seat wherein the at least one arm of the fork is configured to be moveable between a position wherein the axle of the front wheel is vertically in line with the vertical axis of the front frame member in the rider-operating mode and a trailing position wherein the axle of the front wheel trails behind the vertical axis of the front frame member towards the rear wheels in a stroller-operating mode.

2. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a range of movement of the at least one arm of the fork is at least 15 degrees in a direction towards the rear of the vehicle and preferably wherein the offset distance between the vertical axis of the vertical frame member and the trailing axle of the front wheel is at least 40mm in the trailing mode.

3. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the fork is lockable in both the vertical orientation and in the trailing orientation.

4. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in 3, wherein a single button enables the fork to be switched between a locked and unlocked state.

5. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vertical frame member is attached to the fork by a vertical rod, the rod allowing 360 degree rotation of the fork about the vertical axis but being lockable in a limited crossbar rotation configuration wherein the degree of rotation of the fork is limited to that of the crossbar, preferably being less than 100 degrees of rotation, more preferably around 50-60 degrees.

6. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein a button or lever serves to change the degree of rotation of the fork about the vertical axis, between being freely rotatable and being limited by a rotation range of the crossbar.

7. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fork includes two arms and an axle extends between lower ends of the arms for receipt of the front wheel and wherein upper ends of the arms are connected via a connection member including a hub, the hub being connectable to the vertical frame member.

8. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the hub comprises a housing having a cylindrical central aperture extending from one side to the other and a smaller vertical front side slot on one side of the housing only, the hub connecting the fork to the vertical front frame member via the vertical rod.

9. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one arm of the fork comprises a cylindrical plug extending inwardly at an upper end thereof that is receivable within the central aperture of the hub and the other fork arm includes a socket for receipt of the end of this plug, the plug serving as an axle for the fork arms for enabling rotation of the fork arms within the hub.

10. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least one limiter is provided to limit the range of movement between the plug and the hub to thereby limit range of movement of the fork arms, preferably wherein the limiter is activated and deactivated by a single button or switch.

11. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the plug has at least two side slots, preferably being staggered or offset, which align with the front side slot of the hub when the plug is received within the central aperture.

12. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein each slot is provided with locking pins, preferably being spring-mounted, which are compressible and / or decompressible by movement of a button or switch receivable within the vertical front side slot on one side of the housing of the hub.

13. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein activation of the button or switch compresses one or other of the locking pins to provide a different range of movement of the plug with respect to the hub14. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 13, wherein the locking pins serve to lock the hub in which the button is housed, wherein, in one configuration, the button is out / depressed with a first locking pin sitting in the hub and a second locking pin captured within the hub and inactive to lock the fork arms in the vertical arrangement with the vehicle in the rider-operated mode and wherein, in another configuration, the button is pressed in to depress the first pin enabling theplug within the hub to rotate thereby enabling the fork arms extending from the plug to rotate backwards towards a trailing mode, thereby rotating the second locking pin downwardly so that it springs out of the hub into the locked position, the first pin being captured within the hub and inactive to lock the vehicle in its trailing or stroller mode.

15. A three-wheeled vehicle moveable between an extended state and a collapsed state, the vehicle comprising a main frame supporting a seat, the frame having two diverging limbs, each limb having at least one rear wheel mounted to an end of the limb; a vertical front frame member rotatably mounted with respect to the main frame, a lower end of the vertical front frame member being connectable to a fork, the fork having at least one arm connectable by an axle to at least one front wheel; and a stroller handle positioned rearwardly of the seat wherein the stroller handle is attached to the rear limbs by interconnecting gears, whereby folding the handle inwardly rotates a first gear connected to the handle to rotate a second gear to cause the vehicle to move from the extended state to the collapsed state, the second gear being connected to the rear limbs whereby the rear limbs rotate inwardly towards the front frame member.

16. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 15, wherein the second gear connected to at least one rear limb includes a peg connected to a series of rods or levers and / or pulleys which are connected to the front frame.

17. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 16, wherein the peg moves forwardly upon rotation of the second gear to push the series of rods and pulleys that are connected to the front frame via a pivot point, optionally, wherein the rods are interconnected by one or more foot levers, thereby enabling folding of the vehicle into a collapsed state and for the front and rear frames to rotate to their limit at the same time despite their different ranges of rotation.

18. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 17, wherein the peg is contained within a slot of a gear whereby the gear and its connected parts rotate to a greater degree than the degree of rotation of the peg.

19. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein an upper end of the vertical front frame member supports a cross bar, preferably wherein the vertical frame member is attached to the fork by a vertical rod, the rod allowing for 360 degree rotation of the fork but the fork being lockable in alimited crossbar rotation wherein the range of rotation of the fork is limited to that of the crossbar.

20. A three-wheeled vehicle having a rider-operating mode and a stroller-operating mode and being extendable between an extended state and a collapsed state, the vehicle comprising a main frame supporting a seat, the frame having two diverging rear limbs, each limb having at least one rear wheel mounted at an end of the limb; a vertical front frame member rotatably mounted with respect to the main frame, the upper end of the vertical front frame member supporting a cross bar and a lower end of the vertical front frame member being connectable to a fork, the fork comprising at least one arm connectable by an axle to at least one front wheel; and a stroller handle positioned rearwardly of the seat wherein the at least one arm of the fork is configured to be moveable between a position wherein the axle of the front wheel is vertically in line with the vertical axis of the front frame member in the rider-operating mode and a trailing position wherein the axle of the front wheel trails behind the vertical axis of the front frame member towards the rear wheels in a stroller-operating mode, the stroller handle being attached to the rear limbs by interconnecting gears, whereby folding the handle inwardly rotates a first gear connected to the handle to rotate a second gear to cause the vehicle to move from the extended state to the collapsed state, the second gear being connected to the rear limbs whereby the rear limbs rotate inwardly towards the front frame member.

21. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the front wheel is provided with pedals for imparting motion to the front wheel.

22. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein foot rests are provided for the rider of the vehicle.

23. The three-wheeled vehicle as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the vehicle is a tricycle or a ride-on toy.

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