Convertible ride-on toy

Abstract

A convertible riding toy is configured with a removable push bar so that the riding toy can be propelled and controlled by a rider or by a user manipulating the push bar when connected. The riding toy includes a body having a straddle-type seat. Front and back support members having wheel assemblies are located and configured to enhance stability when riding, but also to provide a free space for the rider's feet to move readily and without interference when the rider wishes to propel and control the toy. Foot pegs are located both to provide convenient access and comfort for the rider when desired, but also so as to be out of the way of the free space when the rider is propelling the toy.

Description

Atty Docket No. 22939.005WO2CONVERTIBLE RIDE-ON TOYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Application No. 63 / 693,165, filed September 10, 2024, and to US Application No. 29 / 970,636, filed October 29, 2024, the entireties of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND

[0002] The present disclosure relates to the field of wheeled riding toys

[0003] Wheeled riding toys, such as wheeled riding horses, are known. In such toys, a child sits on a saddle or seat. Wheels are disposed at four corners of the riding toy, which can have a seat for supporting the rider. The rider can propel the toy using her feet, pedals or the like. Some such riding toys having steering mechanisms. Often, the direction of rolling is limited, and often the toy itself interferes with the user’s efforts to push it around. Further, such toys can be unstable and / or uncomfortable.SUMMARY

[0004] The present specification describes embodiments employing technological aspects of thematic wheeled riding toys.

[0005] A convertible riding toy is discussed herein. The riding toy has a removable push bar. When the push bar is attached, the riding toy can be propelled and controlled by a user manipulating the push bar. A rider seated on the toy can also propel and control the riding toy using their feet. Structurally, the riding toy includes a body having a straddle-type seat. Left and right front and back support members, or legs, each have wheel assemblies that are located forwardly and outwardly from the body so as to enhance stability when riding, but also to provide a free space for the rider’s feet to move readily and without interference when the rider wishes to propel and control the toy. Footpegs are located on the front support members adjacent the wheel assemblies. This location provides convenient access and comfort for the rider when desired, but also keeps the footpegs out of the way of the free space when the rider wishes to propel the toy.

[0006] In accordance with one embodiment the present specification provides a convertible ride-on toy The toy comprises an elongated body frame extending from a front end toAtty Docket No. 22939.005WO2 a back end along a longitudinal axis and having an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion that are spaced from one another but interconnected with one another. A seat portion is defined on the upper frame portion. A left front support member and a right front support member each depend from at or adjacent the front end of the body frame that each terminate at a wheel mount, the left front support member and right front support member each extending forwardly and transversely outwardly from the body frame so that their respective wheel mounts are disposed forwardly of the front end of the body frame and transversely outwardly from the body frame. A left back support member and a right back support member each depend from at or adjacent the back end of the body frame that each terminate at a wheel mount, the left back support member and right back support member each extending rearwardly and transversely outwardly from the body frame so that their respective wheel mounts are disposed rearwardly of the back end of the body frame and transversely outwardly from the body frame. Each of the wheel mounts has a wheel mount axis. A wheel assembly attached to each wheel mount, each wheel assembly being rotatable about the associated wheel mount axis and comprising a wheel adapted to rotate about an axle, the axle being spaced from the wheel mount axis. A wheelbase distance is defined between the left front support member wheel mount axis and the left back support wheel mount axis and is greater than a length of the body frame. A front wheel width is defined from the left front support member wheel mount axis to the right front support member wheel mount axis and is greater than a maximum width of the body frame. A back wheel width is defined from the left back support member wheel mount axis to the right back support member wheel mount axis and is greater than the maximum width of the body frame. A left footpeg and a right footpeg are provided. The left footpeg is attached to the left front support member adjacent the wheel mount and extends transversely outwardly. The right footpeg is attached to the right front support member adjacent the wheel mount and extends transversely outwardly. The left footpeg and right footpeg are disposed forwardly of the body frame front end.

[0007] In some embodiments a distance from a front left corner of the seat portion to the left footpeg is greater than a vertical distance from the front left corner of the seat portion to a riding surface plane, the riding surface plane defined by bottom-most points of the wheel assemblies.

[0008] In additional embodiments a free space is defined between the left and right front wheel assemblies, left and right back wheel assemblies and a bottom surface of the body. In someAtty Docket No. 22939.005WO2 such embodiments a body frame height is defined from the upper frame portion to the lower frame portion, and a free space height is defined from the lower frame portion to the riding surface plane, the free space height being about 1.5-3 times the body frame height. In further embodiments, no footpeg or footpeg-supporting structure depends from the body frame between the front and rear support members.

[0009] In further embodiments a back maximum width of the body frame at the back end is greater than a front maximum width of the body frame at the front end. In some such embodiments an upper frame portion width is less than a lower frame portion width along the entire length of the body frame. In other such embodiments the upper frame portion maximum width is about 55-75% of the lower frame portion maximum width. In still other such embodiments the upper frame portion is configured to have the upper frame portion maximum width at or behind the seat portion and a front zone of the upper frame portion defined from a front end of the seat portion to the front end of the body frame has a front zone width that is less than the upper frame portion maximum width. In yet additional such embodiments an upper frame portion front width at the front end of the body frame is about 65-75% of the upper frame portion maximum width. In yet additional embodiments the wheelbase distance is 110-150% of the length of the body frame. In yet further embodiments the wheelbase distance is 120-130% of the length of the body frame. In still other embodiments the front wheel width is between about 80-90% of the back wheel width.

[0010] In yet additional embodiments, for each the wheel assemblies attached to the left and right front support members, a distance between the wheel mount axis and the associated axle is less than a distance between the wheel mount axis and a vertical line depending from the body frame front end. In some such embodiments, for each of the wheel assemblies attached to the left and right back support members, a distance between the wheel mount axis and the associated axle is less than a distance between the wheel mount axis and a vertical line depending from the body frame back end.

[0011] Still further embodiments comprise an elongated push bar having a distal end, the body frame supporting a push bar receiver comprising front and rear walls that are sized and configured to complementarily receive the push bar distal end, the push bar receiver disposed at an incline angle relative to the upper frame member so that the elongated push bar extendsAtty Docket No. 22939.005WO2 upwardly from the upper frame member at the incline angle. Tn some such embodiments the push bar receiver is positioned behind the seat portion and in front of the back end of the body frame.

[0012] In yet further embodiments, for each of the left back support member and right back support member the wheel mount axis is inclined forwardly between 1 and 5°. In some such embodiments, for each of the left front support member and right front support member the wheel mount axis is vertical.

[0013] Yet further embodiments additionally comprise a textile cover extending over the body frame, the textile cover comprising a padded saddle disposed atop the seat portion and having a receiver pad with an attached end and a free end and configured to rotate between a closed position in which the receiver pad covers the push bar receiver and an open position in which the push bar receiver is accessible by the push bar, wherein the attached end is disposed behind the push bar receiver, and the free end has a greater padding thickness than does the attached end.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a convertible ride-on toy having features of embodiments;

[0015] Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 1;

[0016] Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 1;

[0017] Fig. 4 is a right side elevational view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 1;

[0018] Fig. 5 is a left side elevational view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 1;

[0019] Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 1;

[0020] Fig. 7 is a bottom plan view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 1;

[0021] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of another configuration of a convertible ride-on toy in accordance with an embodiment;

[0022] Fig. 9 is a front elevational view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 8;

[0023] Fig. 10 is a rear elevational view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 8;

[0024] Fig. 11 is a right side elevational view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 8;

[0025] Fig. 12 is a left side elevational view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 8;Atty Docket No. 22939.005WO2

[0026] Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 8;

[0027] Fig. 14 is a bottom plan view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 8;

[0028] Fig. 15 depicts a view of the convertible ride-on toy shown in Fig. 1, showing internal frame componentry;

[0029] Fig. 16 is a left side view of the configuration shown in Fig. 15;

[0030] Fig. 17 is a top view of the configuration shown in Fig. 15;

[0031] Fig. 18 is a side view of a push bar for use with the configuration of Fig. 1;

[0032] Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 of Fig. 15;

[0033] Fig. 20 is a side view of a wheel assembly mounted in accordance with one embodiment; and

[0034] Fig. 21 is a side view of a wheel assembly mounted in accordance with another embodiment.DESCRIPTION

[0035] With initial reference to Figure 1-7, an embodiment of a convertible riding toy 30 is shown. The illustrated riding toy 30 is in the form of a unicorn. It is to be understood, however, that additional embodiments can have various aesthetic forms, such as a normal horse or pony, motorcycle, go-kart, dragon, other real or imagined animal, or the like.

[0036] The illustrated riding toy 30 comprises an elongated body 32 extending longitudinally from a front end 34 to a back end 36. A head assembly 38 extends generally upwardly and forwardly from the front end 34 of the body 32. A pair of left and right forward support members 40, 42, or front legs, extends generally forwardly and downwardly from the front end 34 of the body 32. A pair of left and right back support members 44, 46, or back legs, extend generally backwardly and downwardly from the back end 36 of the body 32. A wheel assembly 50 is provided at a bottom end of each of the front and back support members 40, 42, 44, 46. A seat 52 is defined atop the body 32 between the front end 34 and back end 36. The seat 52, or saddle, is configured to facilitate a rider sitting upon the body 32 so as to straddle the body 32, with her legs on either side of the body 32, and preferably is sized so that the rider’s feet can readily touch the ground, or riding surface, when the rider is seated upon the seat 52. The body 32 comprises a bottom surface 54 opposite the seat 52. The front and back support members 40, 42 extend downwardly relative to the bottom surface 54. As such, when the riding toy 30 is restingAtty Docket No. 22939.005WO2 upright on a flat riding surface, the bottom surface 54 of the body 32 is spaced from the riding surface.

[0037] With additional reference to Figures 15 and 16, the riding toy 30 comprises a frame 58 assembly to which padding, foam and plush textile can be attached so as to define an aesthetic shape. The frame assembly 58 comprises a body frame 60 that generally corresponds to the body 32, and extends from a front end 61 to a back end 63. The body frame 60 has an upper body frame 62 and a lower body frame 64 comprising multiple interconnected rigid members 66, such as metal tubes that form the upper and lower body frames 62, 64 and are rigidly interconnect them with one another. The upper body frame 62 comprises a seat plate 70 attached atop tubular frame members. The seat plate 70 preferably is arranged to correspond to the seat 52, or saddle, of the riding toy 30, and can comprise a rigid metal plate upon which a layer of foam padding is placed.

[0038] A head frame 72 extends upwardly from the body frame 60 and includes handle supports 74 configured to support handles 76 (see Figure 1). The head frame 72 is part of the head assembly 38, and is configured to support aesthetic features such as the unicorn neck and head depicted in Figure 1. Preferably, the head assembly 38, including the head frame 72, is selectively attachable to the body 32 and body frame 60.

[0039] Front left and right support frames 80, 82 that correspond to the front left and right support members 40, 42 extend forwardly and downwardly from the body frame 60 at or adjacent the front end 61, and a pair of back left and right support frames 84, 86 that correspond to the back left and right support members 44, 46 extend backwardly and downwardly from the body frame 60 at or adjacent the back end 63 . A wheel assembly 50 can be attached to the bottom end of each of the front and back support frames 80, 82, 84, 86. With additional reference to Figure 20, each wheel assembly 50 can comprise a wheel 90 configured to rotate about an axle 92. The axle 92 is supported by a wheel mount 94. The wheel mount 94 includes a rotatable interface 96 that is rotatable 360° about a wheel mount axis 100. In some embodiments the rotatable interface 96 can be attached directly to the bottom end of the associated front or back support frame 80, 82, 84, 86. In some embodiments a mount post 102 (see Figure 20) extends upwardly from the rotatable interface 96 and along the wheel mount axis 100. In the illustrated embodiment each of the wheel assemblies 50 are attached to the corresponding support frame 80, 82, 84, 86 so that the wheel mount axis 100 is substantially vertical. In the illustrated embodiment the axle 92 is spaced fromAtty Docket No. 22939.005WO2 the wheel mount axis 100 in the style of a caster. As such, and as is typical with casters, when the body 32 is moved in any direction the wheel mount 94 will rotate to align the wheel 90 to roll in that direction. And thus the riding toy 30 can roll freely in any direction.

[0040] As shown in Figure 16, the front support frames 80, 82 are configured so that their bottom ends are disposed forwardly of the front end 61 of the body frame 60. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the bottom ends are sufficiently forward of the front end 61 of the body frame 60 so that even when the wheel 90 is in a forward-rolling orientation (as shown in Figure 15 and 16), the axle 92 of the wheel 90 is still forward of the front end 61 of the body frame 60. Put another way, a distance between the wheel mount axis 100 and the associated axle 912 is less than a distance between the wheel mount axis 100 and a vertical line depending from the body frame front end 61.

[0041] As also shown in Figure 16, the back support frames 84, 86 are configured so that their bottom ends are disposed rearwardly of the body frame 60, and thus the wheel mount axis 100 of the corresponding wheel assembly 50 is disposed rearwardly of the body frame 60. And similar, though opposite, of the arrangement at the front, a distance between the wheel mount axis 100 and the associated axle 92 is less than a distance between the wheel mount axis 100 and a vertical line depending from the body frame back end 63.

[0042] With continued reference to Figures 1-16, preferably a free space 110 is provided to provide ample room for a user seated upon the seat 52 to propel the riding toy 30 using his or her feet. As such, in the illustrated embodiment there are no structures interposed between the front wheel assembly and the back wheel assembly on each side of the body 32. Also, in the illustrated embodiment a distance between the lower body frame 64 and the riding surface, which can be defined as a plane defined by the bottom-most points of the wheels 90, is about 1.5-3 times the height of the body frame 60 (i.e., the distance between the upper body frame 62 and lower body frame 64). As such, free space 110 is provided underneath and adjacent the body 32 for the user’s feet to move freely while propelling the riding toy 30 in any direction without interference from the body 32 or the front and rear support frames 80, 82, 84, 86. Additionally, preferably no footholds such as footpegs extend downwardly from the body 32 into the free space 1 10 between the front and rear support frames 80, 82, 84, 86.Atty Docket No. 22939.005WO2

[0043] With particular reference next to Figures 1 -8, footpegs 120 can be removably attached to the front support members 40, 42 adjacent their bottom ends. The footpegs 120 extend outwardly relative to a longitudinal axis of the riding toy 30. Further, as shown, the footpegs 120 are disposed forwardly of the body front end 34. As such the footpegs 120 do not interfere with the user’s efforts to propel the riding toy 30, but provide a comfortable place to rest his feet with the legs at least partially extended. Also, as the seat 52 is low enough to the ground for the user’s feet to readily touch the ground / riding surface when propelling the riding toy 30, placement of the footpegs 120 both forwardly of the front 34 of the body frame 60 and adjacent the bottom ends of the front support members 40, 42 facilitates allowing the rider to extend their legs, increasing comfort without interfering with the free space 110. Structurally speaking, a distance from the front left corner of the seat plate 70 to the left foot peg 120 is greater than a distance vertically from the front left corner of the seat plate 70 to the riding surface upon which the riding toy 30 is resting / rolling. As such, the rider’s legs are extended more fully when on the footpegs 120 than when her feet are engaged with the riding surface while propelling the riding toy 30.

[0044] As discussed above, the head frame 72 defines handle supports 74 to which handles 76 can be releasably attached - preferably via a threaded connection. The handles 76 extend outwardly from each side of the head. Preferably the handles 76 are positioned forwardly of the body front end 34 and can be longitudinally aligned with or slightly behind the footpegs 120.

[0045] With particular reference to Figures 1 -17, a receiver plate 130 is attached atop the tubular frame members behind the seat plate 70. In the illustrated embodiment the receiver plate 130 is immediately behind the seat plate 70 and extends to the back 63 of the upper body frame 62. The receiver plate 13 includes a plate aperture 132 that is configured to receive and support a push bar receiver 134 which, as will be discussed in more detail below, is configured to removably receive and support a push bar 140.

[0046] As shown in Figure 17, the upper body frame 62 along the longitudinal length of the receiver plate 130 has a generally constant width. The upper body frame 62 tapers inwardly moving forwardly from the front of the receiver plate 130 until reaching a head transition point 143, from which it extends straight to the front end 61 of the body frame 60. As such, a back width of the upper body frame 62 is greater than a front width of the upper body frame 62.Atty Docket No. 22939.005WO2

[0047] The lower body frame 64 is generally wider than the upper body frame 62, such that a back width of the lower body frame 64 is greater than the back width of the upper body frame 62 and a front width of the lower body frame 64 is greater than the front width of the upper body frame 62. The lower body frame 64 also generally tapers moving forwardly so that the lower body frame back width is greater than the lower body frame front width. In the illustrated embodiment, along the entire length of the body frame 60 the upper body frame 64 has a width that is less than that of the lower body frame 62. Preferably the upper body frame 62 widths are about 55-75% of the corresponding lower body frame 64 widths. Also, the front width of the upper body frame 62 preferably is between about 65-75% of the back width of the upper body frame 62 and the front width of the lower body frame 64 preferably is between about 80-90% of the back width of the lower body frame 64.

[0048] Similarly, although the front support frames 80, 82 extend outwardly and forwardly from the body frame 60, and the back support frames 84, 86 extend outwardly and backwardly from the body frame 60, a front wheel width defined between the front wheel mount axes is less than a back wheel width defined between the back wheel mount axes. Preferably, the front wheel width is between 80-90% of the back wheel width. Also, a longitudinal wheel distance (i.e., wheelbase) between a front wheel mount axis 100 and a corresponding back wheel mount axis 100 is about 110-150%, more preferably about 115-140%, and yet more preferably about 120-130%, of a longitudinal length of the body frame 60 from the front end 61 to the back end 63.

[0049] With additional reference to Figure 19, the receiver plate 130 includes the plate aperture 132 through which a push bar receiver 134 extends. The push bar receiver 134 comprises a flange 144 from which an elongated body 146 depends. The flange 144 is configured to rest atop the receiver plate 130 and can be secured thereto with fasteners 148 such as screws or bolts. The elongated body 146 extends downwardly from the flange 144, preferably at an angle 9 between about 100-150°, and more preferably between about 115-125°. The body frame 60 can include receiver supports 149 that depend from the upper body frame 62 and are configured to fit complementarily about the receiver body 146 so as to provide frame support for the receiver body 146, which can be formed from a plastic material.

[0050] The receiver body 146 includes a plurality of walls, including a front wall 150, a back wall 152, opposing side walls 154 and an end wall 156. The front wall 150 and back wallAtty Docket No. 22939.005WO2152 preferably are inclined at the angle 0 relative to the receiver plate 130. Inner surfaces of the walls define a receiver space 160. The receiver space 160 is shaped and configured to be complementary to a distal portion of the push bar 140 (See Figure 18). As such, and as depicted in Figure 19, the distal portion 142 of the push bar 140 can be advanced into the receiver space 160 and fits snugly within the receiver space 160. Preferably the push bar 140, and the receiver space 160, each have a non-circular cross-section so that the push bar 140 does not rotate relative to the receiver space 160 when fit therein as shown. When the distal end 142 is disposed within the receiver space 160, the push bar 140 extends upwardly, inclined at the angle 0.

[0051] With continued reference to Figures 18 and 19, the illustrated push bar 140 has an actuator member 170 comprising a key 172 that can selectively extend from the front surface of the push bar 140 in the distal portion 142, an interface 174 that extends outwardly from the back surface of the push bar 140 proximal of the distal portion 142, and an arm 176 that connects the key 172 to the interface 174. The arm 176 is supported within the push bar 140 by at least a pivot 178, and a spring member 180 is configured and arranged to bias the key 172 to extend outwardly from the front surface of the push bar 140. Depressing the interface 174 has the effect of rotating the arm 176 about the pivot 178 so as to draw the key 172 (as well as the interface 174) inwardly, enabling the distal portion 142 of the push bar 140 to be slid fully into (or out of) the receiver space 160 without interference from the key 172. A key aperture 182 is formed in the front wall 150 of the receiver space 160 and is spaced from the receiver space end wall 156 substantially the same distance as the key 172 is spaced from a push bar end wall 184 so that, when the push bar 140 is fully inserted into the receiver space 160 so that the push bar end wall 184 engages the receiver space end wall 156, the key 172 is aligned with the key aperture 182, as shown in Figure 19. The interface 174 can then be released, and the key 172 will move outwardly into the key aperture 182. Interference between the key 172 and the receiver space front wall 150 will thus block the push bar 140 from being pulled out of the receiver space 160.

[0052] Notably, the interface 174 extends from the back wall of the push bar 140 and is proximal of the distal portion 142. As such it is easily accessible by a person behind the riding toy 30, which typically would be a parent holding and pushing the push bar 140 so as to control movement of the riding toy 30. It is to be understood that other types and configurations of actuator members can be employed. In the illustrated embodiment, while the key 172 is configured to resist removal of the push bar 140 from the receiver 160, engagement between the push bar outerAtty Docket No. 22939.005WO2 surfaces and receiver space walls facilitates the lion’s share of force transmission between the push bar 160 and the receiver 134 so as to enable control of the riding toy 30 by the user manipulating the push bar 140. Also, as shown in Figures 1-8 and 15-16, since the receiver 134 is located just behind the seat 52 and in front of the back wheels, control forces applied to the push bar 140 are transferred to the riding toy 30 behind the rider seated on the seat 52 but in front of the back end 63 of the body frame 60, and in front of the back wheels 90. The position at which the push bar 140 interacts with the riding toy 30 body 32 is particularly advantageous for the embodiment in which all four wheels 90 are enabled to rotate freely in any direction, enabling the push bar user advantageous leverage to guide the riding toy 30 in substantially any direction.

[0053] Also, consistent with the discussion above, the push bar 140, when inserted into the receiver 134, is inclined directly behind the seat at an angle 0. As such, the rider can lean back so as to rest upon the inclined push bar 140, which can partially function as a comfortable, inclined back rest for the rider.

[0054] With reference next to Figure 21, another embodiment of a wheel assembly is shown in which the wheel assembly 50 is mounted to the corresponding frame support 80, 82, 84, 86 in a manner so as to rotate about a non-vertical wheel mount axis 100. In this embodiment, only the rear wheel assemblies are mounted so that their wheel mount axes 100 are inclined forwardly (see Figure 21) at an angle relative to vertical, while the front wheel assemblies 50 retain a vertical wheel mount axis 100 (see Figure 20). Preferably the angle is mild, such as between 1 and 20°, more preferably between 1 and 10°, and even more preferably between 1 and 5°. In this manner, all of the wheel assemblies 50 maintain their ability to rotate freely in any direction. However, due to their inclined wheel mount axes 100 the back wheel assemblies are mildly biased toward a rolling-forward orientation. As such, if, for example, the riding toy 30 is freely rolling in a sideways direction, the front wheels will readily accept this direction without substantial resistance, but the back wheels will be mildly biased toward the rolling-forward orientation, and the riding toy 30 will tend to gradually rotate toward the rolling-forward orientation, which tends to be more natural for a rider to control.

[0055] It is to be understood that, in yet additional embodiments, other methods and structures can be employed to mildly bias the rear wheels toward a rolling-forward direction. ForAtty Docket No. 22939.005WO2 example, a spring mechanism within the wheel mount could provide such bias. Other methods and structures can also be employed.

[0056] With reference again to Figures 8, 11 and 13, a receiver pad 190 is disposed behind the seat 52 so as to selectively sit atop the opening of the receiver 134 when the push bar 140 is removed. With additional reference to Figures 1, 4, 16 and 19, the receiver pad 190 preferably comprises an attached end 192 and a free end 194. The attached end 192 can be attached to a layer of textile 196 just behind the receiver opening so that the receiver pad 190 can rotate between a closed position (see Figure 11) and an open position (see Figure 19). When the receiver pad 190 is in the open position, the receiver 134 is accessible so as to receive the push bar 140. When the receiver pad 190 is in the closed position, the receiver pad 190 hides the receiver opening and also provides padding atop the hard surfaces surrounding the receiver opening.

[0057] The attached end 192 can be attached to the textile 196 by any means, such as by sewing. In order to facilitate rotation, the attached end 192 can be padded relatively mildly. The free end 194 is adapted to lie adjacent the back of the seat 52 when in the closed position. Preferably the free end 194 comprises 2-3 times as much, or more, padding than does the attached end 192. Hook and loop fasteners 198, or any other desired fastening structure, can be provided to hold the receiver pad 190 in the closed position. In some embodiments hook and loop fastener 198 can also be provided on the push bar 140 to secure the receiver pad 190 in place adjacent the push bar 140. In some embodiments a bottom surface of the receiver pad 190 can have a rigid or semi-rigid member so as to enhance closure over the receiver opening when in the closed position.

[0058] The embodiments discussed above have disclosed structures with substantial specificity. This has provided a good context for disclosing and discussing inventive subject matter. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments may employ different specific structural shapes and interactions.

[0059] Although inventive subject matter has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred or illustrated embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inventive subject matter extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the disclosed embodiments have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of the inventive subjectAtty Docket No. 22939.005WO2 matter, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the inventive subject matter. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventive subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the inventive subject matter herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.

Claims

Atty Docket No. 22939.005WO2WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A convertible ride-on toy, comprising: an elongated body frame extending from a front end to a back end along a longitudinal axis and having an upper frame portion and a lower frame portion that are spaced from one another but interconnected with one another, a seat portion defined on the upper frame portion; a left front support member and a right front support member that each depend from at or adjacent the front end of the body frame that each terminate at a wheel mount, the left front support member and right front support member each extending forwardly and transversely outwardly from the body frame so that their respective wheel mounts are disposed forwardly of the front end of the body frame and transversely outwardly from the body frame; a left back support member and a right back support member that each depend from at or adjacent the back end of the body frame that each terminate at a wheel mount, the left back support member and right back support member each extending rearwardly and transversely outwardly from the body frame so that their respective wheel mounts are disposed rearwardly of the back end of the body frame and transversely outwardly from the body frame; each of the wheel mounts having a wheel mount axis; a wheel assembly attached to each wheel mount, each wheel assembly being rotatable about the associated wheel mount axis and comprising a wheel adapted to rotate about an axle, the axle being spaced from the wheel mount axis; a wheelbase distance defined between the left front support member wheel mount axis and the left back support wheel mount axis and being greater than a length of the body frame, a front wheel width defined from the left front support member wheel mount axis to the right front support member wheel mount axis and being greater than a maximum width of the body frame, and a back wheel width defined from the left back support member wheel mount axis to the right back support member wheel mount axis and being greater than the maximum width of the body frame; and a left footpeg and a right footpeg, the left footpeg attached to the left front support member adjacent the wheel mount and extending transversely outwardly, the right footpeg attached to the right front support member adjacent the wheel mount and extending transversely outwardly, the left footpeg and right footpeg disposed forwardly of the body frame front end.Atty Docket No. 22939.005WO2 . The convertible riding toy of Claim 1, wherein a distance from a front left corner of the seat portion to the left footpeg is greater than a vertical distance from the front left corner of the seat portion to a riding surface plane, the riding surface plane defined by bottom-most points of the wheel assemblies.

3. The convertible riding toy of Claim 2, wherein a free space is defined between the left and right front wheel assemblies, left and right back wheel assemblies and a bottom surface of the body.

4. The convertible riding toy of Claim 3, wherein a body frame height is defined from the upper frame portion to the lower frame portion, and a free space height is defined from the lower frame portion to the riding surface plane, the free space height being about 1.5-3 times the body frame height.

5. The convertible riding toy of Claim 4, wherein no footpeg or footpeg-supporting structure depends from the body frame between the front and rear support members.

6. The convertible riding toy of Claim 1, wherein a back maximum width of the body frame at the back end is greater than a front maximum width of the body frame at the front end.

7. The convertible riding toy of Claim 6, wherein an upper frame portion width is less than a lower frame portion width along the entire length of the body frame.

8. The convertible riding toy of Claim 7, wherein the upper frame portion maximum width is about 55-75% of the lower frame portion maximum width.

9. The convertible riding toy of Claim 7, wherein the upper frame portion is configured to have the upper frame portion maximum width at or behind the seat portion and a front zone of the upper frame portion defined from a front end of the seat portion to the front end of the body frame has a front zone width that is less than the upper frame portion maximum width.

10. The convertible riding toy of Claim 9, wherein an upper frame portion front width at the front end of the body frame is about 65-75% of the upper frame portion maximum width.

11. The convertible riding toy of Claim 9, wherein the wheelbase distance is 110-Atty Docket No. 22939.005WO212. The convertible riding toy of Claim 11, wherein the wheelbase distance is 120- 130% of the length of the body frame.

13. The convertible riding toy of Claim 11, wherein the front wheel width is between about 80-90% of the back wheel width.

14. The convertible riding toy of Claim 1, wherein for each the wheel assemblies attached to the left and right front support members, a distance between the wheel mount axis and the associated axle is less than a distance between the wheel mount axis and a vertical line depending from the body frame front end.

15. The convertible riding toy of Claim 14, wherein for each of the wheel assemblies attached to the left and right back support members, a distance between the wheel mount axis and the associated axle is less than a distance between the wheel mount axis and a vertical line depending from the body frame back end.

16. The convertible riding toy of Claim 1, comprising an elongated push bar having a distal end, the body frame supporting a push bar receiver comprising front and rear walls that are sized and configured to complementarily receive the push bar distal end, the push bar receiver disposed at an incline angle relative to the upper frame member so that the elongated push bar extends upwardly from the upper frame member at the incline angle.

17. The convertible riding toy of Claim 16, wherein the push bar receiver is positioned behind the seat portion and in front of the back end of the body frame.

18. The convertible riding toy of Claim 1, wherein for each of the left back support member and right back support member the wheel mount axis is inclined forwardly between 1 and 5°.

19. The convertible riding toy of Claim 18, wherein for each of the left front support member and right front support member the wheel mount axis is vertical.

20. The convertible riding toy of Claim 16, additionally comprising a textile cover extending over the body frame, the textile cover comprising a padded saddle disposed atop the seat portion and having a receiver pad with an attached end and a free end and configured to rotate between a closed position in which the receiver pad covers the push bar receiver and an open position in which the push bar receiver is accessible by the push bar, wherein the attachedAtty Docket No. 22939.005WO2 end is disposed behind the push bar receiver, and the free end has a greater padding thickness than does the attached end.

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