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Title:
ADJUSTABLE FORK AND VEHICLES HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE FORK
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/072684
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
Adjustable forks and vehicles having an adjustable fork are described herein. The fork comprises: a first arm (140a) having a first aperture arrangement (145a) configured to receive a first end of an axle (110); a second arm (140b) having a second aperture arrangement (145b) configured to receive a second end of the axle(140a); a first removable cover (200) configured to fittingly engage the first aperture arrangement(145a) to at least partially cover the first aperture arrangement; and a set of positioning surfaces configured to co-operatively retain the axle between the first arm and the second arm at a plurality of axle positions along the first arm and the second arm. The set of positioning surfaces are included with at least one of: the first aperture arrangement (145a)and the second aperture arrangement(145b), and the first removable cover (200).

More Like This:
Inventors:
BASLER MAX (ZA)
KRUGER JACO (ZA)
KIRSTEN ANINE (ZA)
Application Number:
PCT/IB2016/056457
Publication Date:
May 04, 2017
Filing Date:
October 27, 2016
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
CHROME CHERRY DESIGN STUDIO (PTY) LTD (ZA)
International Classes:
B62K25/02
Foreign References:
US20140049020A12014-02-20
US20110316249A12011-12-29
US20070154286A12007-07-05
US20140300077A12014-10-09
DE202004006422U12004-06-24
US20150145231A12015-05-28
Other References:
None
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BREDENKAMP ATTORNEYS (ZA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1. A fork for a wheel of a vehicle, the wheel being rotatably supported on an axle having a first end and a second end, the fork comprising:

a first arm having a first aperture arrangement configured to receive the first end of the axle;

a second arm having a second aperture arrangement configured to receive the second end of the axle;

a first removable cover configured to fittingly engage the first aperture arrangement to at least partially cover the first aperture arrangement; and

a set of positioning surfaces configured to co-operatively retain the axle between the first arm and the second arm at a plurality of axle positions along the first arm and the second arm,

wherein the set of positioning surfaces are included with at least one of:

the first aperture arrangement and the second aperture arrangement, and the first removable cover.

2. A fork as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:

a second removable cover configured to fittingly engage the second aperture arrangement to at least partially cover the second aperture arrangement.

3. A fork as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:

the positioning surfaces include at least one shoulder for at least one of:

the first aperture arrangement and the second aperture arrangement, and the first removable cover.

4. A fork as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, in use, the first removable cover substantially covers the first aperture arrangement such that the first end of the axle is inaccessible.

5. A fork as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first removable cover is shaped such that, in use, the first end of the axle is accessible.

6. A fork as claimed in claim 1 , wherein:

the first removable cover includes a first supporting aperture having a first one of the set of the positioning surfaces, and

wherein

in a first orientation, the first cover supports the axle in a first one of the plurality of axle positions, and

in a second orientation, the first cover supports the axle in a second one of the plurality of axle positions along the first arm and the second arm.

7. A fork for a wheel of a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first removable cover is coupled to the first end of the axle, and the fork further comprises:

a bolt configured to enter and engage the axle via the second end;

a cap coupled to the bolt and configured to abut the second end of the axle when the bolt enters and engages with the axle;

a quick release lever configured to move between a first position in which the lever applies a tensile force to the bolt and the axle when the bolt is engaged with the axle, and a second position in which the lever releases the tensile force to allow the bolt to be disengaged from the axle; and

a spring coupled to the axle proximate the first end and the first removable cover, the spring being biased to apply an opposing tensile load against the axle and the bolt when the quick release lever is in the first position.

8. A vehicle comprising:

at least one wheel;

an axle configured to rotatably support the at least one wheel, the axle having a first end and a second end; and a fork configured to support the axle, the fork having

a first arm having a first aperture arrangement configured to receive the first end of the axle;

a second arm having a second aperture arrangement configured to receive the second end of the axle;

a first removable cover configured to fittingly engage the first aperture arrangement to at least partially cover the first aperture; and

a set of positioning surfaces configured to co-operatively retain the axle between the first arm and the second arm at a plurality of axle positions along the first arm and the second arm,

wherein the set of positioning surfaces are included with at least one of:

the first aperture arrangement and the second aperture arrangement, and the first removable cover.

9. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the fork further comprises:

a second removable cover configured to fittingly engage the second aperture arrangement to at least partially cover the second aperture arrangement.

10. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein:

the positioning surfaces include at least one shoulder for at least one of:

the first aperture arrangement and the second aperture arrangement, and the first removable cover.

1 1. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein, in use, the first removable cover substantially covers the first aperture arrangement such that the first end of the axle is inaccessible.

12. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first removable cover is shaped such that, in use, the first end of the axle is accessible.

13. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein:

the first removable cover includes a first supporting aperture having a first one of the set of the positioning surfaces, and

wherein

in a first orientation, the first cover supports the axle in a first one of the plurality of axle positions along the first arm and the second arm, and

in a second orientation, the first cover supports the axle in a second one of the plurality of axle positions along the first arm and the second arm.

14. A vehicle as claimed in claim 8, wherein the first removable cover is coupled to the first end of the axle, and the fork further comprises:

a bolt configured to enter and engage the axle via the second end;

a cap coupled to the bolt and configured to abut the second end of the axle when the bolt enters and engages with the axle;

a quick release lever configured to move between a first position in which the lever applies a tensile force to the bolt and the axle when the bolt is engaged with the axle, and a second position in which the lever releases the tensile force to allow the bolt to be disengaged from the axle; and

a spring coupled to the axle proximate the first end and the first removable cover, the spring being biased to apply an opposing tensile load against the axle and the bolt when the quick release lever is in the first position.

Description:
ADJUSTABLE FORK AND VEHICLES HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE FORK

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/247,516, filed October 28, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The specification relates generally to vehicles having at least one wheel that is rotatably supported on an axle, and specifically to an adjustable fork for vehicles having at least one wheel that is rotatably supported on an axle. BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0003] In many typical wheeled vehicles in which the wheels are supported on axles connected to forks, the position of the wheels is fixed. As a result, the wheelbase (the distance between the wheels) cannot be adjusted without making involved modifications to the frame. Particularly for vehicles used by children, whose size and weight will likely change over a period of time, it may be desirable to make changes to the vehicle's overall geometry. However, for the wheeled vehicles in which some modifications may be made to the vehicle's geometry, the size and shape of the components used to make such alterations may leave gaps or spaces in which a child's fingers can get caught or hurt.

[0004] It may be helpful to develop components that address one or more of these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] According to one set of embodiments, there is described a fork for a wheel of a vehicle, the wheel being rotatably supported on an axle having a first end and a second end. The fork includes, but is not necessarily limited to, a first arm, a second arm, a first removable cover and a set of positioning surfaces. The first arm includes a first aperture arrangement configured to receive the first end of the axle. The second arm includes a second aperture arrangement configured to receive the second end of the axle. The first removable cover is configured to fittingly engage the first aperture arrangement to at least partially cover the first aperture arrangement. The set of positioning surfaces are configured to co-operatively retain the axle between the first arm and the second arm at a plurality of axle positions along the first arm and the second arm. The set of positioning surfaces are included with at least one of: the first aperture arrangement and the second aperture arrangement, and the first removable cover. [0006] According to one set of embodiments, there is described a vehicle including, but not necessarily limited to, at least one wheel, an axle configured to rotatably support the at least one wheel, the axle having a first end and a second end, and a fork configured to support the axle. The fork includes, but is not necessarily limited to, a first arm, a second arm, a first removable cover and a set of positioning surfaces. The first arm includes a first aperture arrangement configured to receive the first end of the axle. The second arm includes a second aperture arrangement configured to receive the second end of the axle. The first removable cover is configured to fittingly engage the first aperture arrangement to at least partially cover the first aperture arrangement. The set of positioning surfaces are configured to co-operatively retain the axle between the first arm and the second arm at a plurality of axle positions along the first arm and the second arm. The set of positioning surfaces are included with at least one of: the first aperture arrangement and the second aperture arrangement, and the first removable cover.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a vehicle, according to a non-limiting embodiment; [0009] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle depicted in FIG. 1 ;

[0010] FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of an axle in a first position, according to a non- limiting embodiment;

[0011] FIG. 3B is an enlarged view of an axle in a second position, according to a non- limiting embodiment;

[0012] FIG. 4A is a partially exploded view of the vehicle depicted in FIG. 1 , having an adjustable fork according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 4B is an enlarged view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 4A;

[0014] FIG. 4C is an enlarged view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 4A;

[0015] FIG. 5A is an enlarged view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 4A, in which the axle is in a first position, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 5B is an enlarged view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 4A, in which the axle is in a first position, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 6A is side elevation view of the fork depicted in FIG. 5A in which the axle is in a first position and the quick release lever is in a first position, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0018] FIG. 6B is a side elevation view of the fork depicted in FIG. 5A in which the axle is in a second position and the quick release lever is in a first position, according to a non- limiting embodiment;

[0019] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of the fork depicted in FIG. 5A in which the quick release lever is in a second position, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0020] FIG. 6D is a second perspective view of the fork depicted in FIG. 5A in which the quick release lever is in a second position, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0021] FIG. 7 is a schematic of the quick release lever, the fork, the axle and the first removable cover, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 8A is a side elevation view of an adjustable fork in which the axle is in a first position, according to a second non-limiting embodiment; [0023] FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 8A;

[0024] FIG. 8C is a partially exploded view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 8A;

[0025] FIG. 9A is a side elevation view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 8A in which the axle is in a second position, according to the second non-limiting embodiment;

[0026] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 9A;

[0027] FIG. 9C is a partially exploded view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 9A;

[0028] FIG. 10A is a side elevation view of an adjustable fork in which the axle is in a first position, according to a third non-limiting embodiment;

[0029] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 10A;

[0030] FIG. 10C is a partially exploded view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 10A;

[0031] FIG. 1 1A is a side elevation view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 10A in which the axle is in a second position, according to the second non-limiting embodiment;

[0032] FIG. 1 1 B is a perspective view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 1 1 A;

[0033] FIG. 12A is a side elevation view of an adjustable fork in which the axle is in a first position, according to a third non-limiting embodiment;

[0034] FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 12A;

[0035] FIG. 12C is a partially exploded view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 12A;

[0036] FIG. 12D is a schematic of a first removable cover of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 12A in a first position, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0037] FIG. 12E is a schematic of a second removable cover of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 12B in a first position, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 13A is a side elevation view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 12A in which the axle is in a second position, according to the second non-limiting embodiment;

[0039] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 12A;

[0040] FIG. 13C is a partially exploded view of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 13A; [0041] FIG. 13D is a schematic of a first removable cover of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 13A in a first position, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0042] FIG. 13E is a schematic of a second removable cover of the adjustable fork depicted in FIG. 13B in a first position, according to a non-limiting embodiment; [0043] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a vehicle having two adjustable forks in a first position, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 15A is an enlarged view of a first fork of the vehicle depicted in FIG. 14 in a first position;

[0045] FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of a second fork of the vehicle depicted in FIG. 14 in a first position;

[0046] FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of a vehicle having two adjustable forks in a second position, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0047] FIG. 17A is an enlarged view of a first fork of the vehicle depicted in FIG. 16 in a second position;

[0048] FIG. 17B is an enlarged view of a second fork of the vehicle depicted in FIG. 16 in a second position;

[0049] FIG. 18A is a side elevation view of a part of an adjustable fork, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0050] FIG. 18B is a side elevation view of a first removable cover of the adjustable fork of FIG. 18A oriented to fit the aperture arrangement of the adjustable fork of FIG. 18A in a first position, according to a non-limiting embodiment;

[0051] FIG. 18C is a side elevation view of the first removable cover of FIG. 18B oriented to fit the aperture arrangement of the adjustable fork of FIG. 18A in a second position, according to a non-limiting embodiment; and [0052] FIG. 18D is a side elevation view of a second removable cover of the adjustable fork of FIG. 18A oriented to fit the aperture arrangement of that adjustable fork in a first of four positions corresponding to the first position of the first removable cover of FIG. 18B, according to a non-limiting embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] Described herein are vehicles having at least one wheel that is rotatably supported on an axle, such as bicycles, tricycles and unicycles, and having a fork in which the axle can be placed in a variety of positions along the arms of the fork. By changing the position of the axle, the longitudinal distance between wheels and the centre of gravity for a user may be increased or decreased. For example, for a bicycle, lengthening the distance between the two wheels (i.e., the wheelbase) can, in one aspect, produce a more stable ride for a user. In another aspect, lengthening said wheelbase may reduce manoeuvrability of the bicycle and shortening the wheelbase may increase said manoeuvrability. Alternatively, extending the longitudinal distance between the two wheels can produce a less stable ride, which may help the user do tricks using the bicycle, such as wheelies. In some embodiments, the fork is provided separately from the vehicle and is retrofit to the vehicle.

[0054] It is understood that for the purpose of this disclosure, language of "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "one or more of X, Y and Z" can be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XYY, YZ, ZZ).

[0055] It is also understood that the terms "couple", "coupled", "connect", "connected" and the like are not limited to direct mating between the described components, but also contemplate the use of intermediate components to achieve the connection or coupling. [0056] FIGS. 1 , 2 and 4A depict an example vehicle 100 that includes at least one wheel and an axle that is configured to rotatably support the at least one wheel. For example, the vehicle 100 includes a first wheel 105a and a second wheel 105b (also referred to collectively as wheels 105), and a first axle 1 10a and a second axle 1 10b (also referred to collectively as axles 1 10). The vehicle 100 also includes a first fork 1 15a and a second fork 1 15b that are configured to support the first axle 1 10a and the second axle 1 10b, respectively. Although the vehicle 100 is depicted as a bicycle, the vehicle 100 is not limited to a bicycle and may be any vehicle in which at least one of the wheels is rotatably supported on an axle, which axle is, in turn, supported by a fork. Examples of other vehicles 100 include a tricycle and a unicycle. [0057] In the example of FIG.1 , the vehicle 100 also includes a steering assembly 120 and a seat 125, which are, in use, coupled to the frame 130. The frame 130 is coupled to the first fork 1 15a and the second fork 115b via any suitable mounting structures. In this example, the second fork 1 15b includes a mounting structure 235, which, in some embodiments, may be described as a mounting post 235 (FIGS. 6A to 6D).

[0058] As depicted in FIGS. 4A to 4C, the second axle 110b has a first end 135a and a second end 135b. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4B, the first end 135a and the second end 135b are the terminal ends of the axle 110b. In some embodiments, the first end 135a and the second end 135b may include fasteners and other devices, such as bolts and caps, coupled to the terminal ends of the axle 1 10b. At least one example of such an embodiment is further discussed below.

[0059] In this example, the second fork 115b includes a first arm 140a and a second arm 140b. The first arm 140a includes a first aperture arrangement 145a that is configured to receive the first end 135a of the axle 110b. For example, the first aperture arrangement 145a is sized to allow the first end 135a to enter the first aperture arrangement 145a. In some embodiments, the first aperture arrangement 145a is configured to allow the first end 135a of the axle 110a to pass through the first aperture arrangement 145a. In some embodiments, the first aperture arrangement 145a is configured to allow the first end 135a to enter the first aperture arrangement 145a such that the first end 135a rests within the first aperture arrangement 145a.

[0060] Similarly to the first arm 140b, the second arm 140b includes a second aperture arrangement 145b that is configured to receive the second end 135b of the axle 1 10b. For example, the second aperture arrangement 145b is sized to allow the second end 135b to enter the second aperture arrangement 145b. In some embodiments, the second aperture arrangement 145b is configured to allow the second end 135b of the axle 110a to pass through the second aperture arrangement 145b. In some embodiments, the second aperture arrangement 145b is configured to allow the second end 135b to enter the second aperture arrangement 145b such that the second end 135b rests within the second aperture arrangement 145b. [0061] Although the first aperture arrangement 145a and the second aperture arrangement 145b are depicted as slots, other configurations are contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, the first aperture arrangement 145a and/or the second aperture arrangement 145b may include multiple apertures along the first arm 140a and/or the second arm 140b. As another example, the first aperture arrangement 145a and/or the second aperture arrangement 145b include a combination of at least one slot and at least one aperture along the first arm 145a and/or the second arm 145b.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C, one or more of the first aperture arrangement 145a and the second aperture arrangement 145b may each include an internal shoulder, such as the internal shoulder 165a (FIG. 4C) and the internal shoulder 165b (FIG. 4B) respectively.

[0063] The second fork 1 15b may also include a first removable cover 150a that may be configured to fittingly engage the first aperture arrangement 145a to at least partially cover the first aperture arrangement 145a. For example, the first removable cover 150a may be sized and shaped such that a peripheral side 155a may abut, and frictionally engage, an interior peripheral face 160a of the first aperture arrangement 145a. In some embodiments, gap or gaps between the peripheral side 155a and the interior peripheral face 160a may be sized to prevent the fingers of a user from fitting into an aperture arrangement and getting caught therein. For example, in some embodiments, gaps between the peripheral side 155a and the peripheral face 160a may be less than 5 millimetres or greater than 12 millimetres.

[0064] The second fork 1 15b may include a set of positioning surfaces that are configured to co-operatively retain, as in place or position, the second axle 1 10b between the first arm 140a and the second arm 140b at a plurality of locations along the first arm 140a and the second arm 140b. The set of positioning surfaces may be included with at least one of: the first aperture arrangement 145a and the second aperture arrangement 145b, and the first removable cover 150a.

[0065] For example, as shown in FIG. 4C, the first end 135a of the second axle 1 10b is coupled to the first removable cover 150a. In a first position along the first arm 140a (shown in FIG. 3A), at least a portion of the second axle 1 10b, proximate the first end 135a, rests on a lower interior surface 170a of the first aperture arrangement 145a (FIG. 4B). In a corresponding first position along the second arm 140b (shown in FIGS. 5A, 6A), the second end 135b (hidden) of the second axle 1 10b rests on a lower surface 170b of the second aperture arrangement 145b (FIG. 5B).

[0066] In a second position along the first arm 140a (FIG. 3B), the first end 135a of the second axle 110b rests on an interior surface of 175a of an aperture 180a (FIG. 4C) in the first removable cover 150a. In a corresponding second position along the second arm 140b (FIG. 6B), the second end 135b rests on a bolt 185 including a threaded bolt body 187 having a cap 190 (FIG. 4C). In some embodiments, the second end 135b of the second axle 110b includes the bolt 185 with the cap 190. In the corresponding second position, the cap 190 rests on a supporting surface 195 of a quick release lever 200 (FIG. 6B), which bears at least a portion of the weight of the second wheel 105b when the second axle 110b is in the second position.

[0067] In order to change the position of the second axle 110b along the first arm 140a and the second arm 140b, the orientation of the first removable cover 150a and the quick release lever 200 is changed. A first orientation, shown in FIG. 3A, corresponds to a first position of the second axle 1 10b along the first arm 140a and the second arm 140b, and second orientation, shown in FIG. 3B, corresponds to a second position of the second axle 110b along the first arm 140a and the second arm 140b. To change the orientation of the second axle 110b, the quick release lever 200 is moved from a first position, shown in FIG. 4D, to a second position, shown in FIG. 6C. The operation of the quick release lever 200 is discussed below.

[0068] The bolt 185 is configured to enter and engage the second axle 110b via the second end 135b. For example, the bolt 185 could include external threads 205 on the bolt body 187, which are configured to engage internal threads 210 of the second axle 110b (FIG. 7). The cap 190 is coupled to the bolt 185 and is configured to abut the second end 135b of the second axle 1 10b when the bolt 185 enters and engages the second axle 1 10b. The quick release lever 200 can be pivotally coupled to the cap 190 by, for example, pivot member 215. [0069] As stated above, the quick release lever 200 is configured to move between a first position (for example, as shown in FIGS. 6A-B) and a second position (for example, as shown in FIG. 6C). The quick release lever 200 can include a cutout 219 that is sized such that a user's finger, such as a child's finger, can safely pull the quick release lever 200 from the second aperture arrangement 145b and pivot the quick release lever 200 about the pivot member 215.

[0070] When in the first position, the quick release lever 200, braced against the shoulder 165b, applies a tensile force T1 to the bolt 185, which is transferred into the second axle 1 10b via engagement between the external threads 205 of the bolt 185 against the internal threads 210 of the second axle 110b. A spring 220 is coupled to the second axle 110b proximate the first end 135a and is braced against shoulder 165a to apply an opposing tensile force T2 against the second axle 1 10b, that is equal and opposite to tensile force T1.

[0071] As is typical with a quick release lever on an axle of a typical bicycle, lifting the quick release lever 200 would initially increase the tension in the axle 1 10b further before reaching a position of lower tension as the lever 200 reaches the position shown in Fig. 6C. Thus the configuration of the quick release lever 200 keeps the quick release lever 200 in the first position, so that the quick release lever 200 does not easily open in the event that the rider hits a bump or otherwise jostles the vehicle 100.

[0072] By moving the quick release lever 200 to the second position (FIG. 6C), the tensile force T1 is reduced and the bolt 185 can be at least partially disengaged from the second axle 110b (e.g., by rotating the bolt 185 to unscrew the bolt 185 from the second axle 1 10b), thereby releasing any remaining tension in the axle 110b and bolt 185. Once the tension in the axle 1 10b is reduced sufficiently (e.g. optionally to zero), the second axle 110b can be moved to the other available position (i.e., the orientation of the first cover 150a and the quick release lever 200 can be changed) and locked down.

[0073] To help support and position the quick release lever 200 in the first and second positions, the quick release lever 200 can include supporting protrusions 225 that are configured to engage recesses 230 in the second aperture arrangement 145b. [0074] FIGS. 8A to 9C depict another example fork 300 that can be used with the vehicle 100. The fork 300 includes a first arm 305a and a second arm 305b. Similarly to the second fork 115b, the first arm 305a includes a first aperture arrangement 310a that is configured to receive and support a first end 315a of an axle 320, and the second arm 305b includes a second aperture arrangement 310b that is configured to receive and support a second end 315b of the axle 320. The axle 320 optionally includes an axle body 321 having ends 330a and 330b, and two fasteners 325a and 325b that mount into the ends 330a and 330b respectively. Alternative embodiment, the axle body 321 has a flanged end at one of the ends 330a or 330b instead of the associated fastener 325a or 326.

[0075] The fork 300 includes the mounting structure 235 configured to couple the fork 300 to the frame 130.

[0076] Although the first aperture arrangement 310a and the second aperture arrangement 310b are depicted as single slots, other configurations are contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, the first aperture arrangement 310a and/or the second aperture arrangement 310b include multiple apertures along the first arm 305a and/or the second arm 305b. As another example, the first aperture arrangement 310a and/or the second aperture arrangement 310b include a combination of at least one slot and at least one aperture along the first arm 305a and/or the second arm 305b.

[0077] The fork 300 includes a first removable cover 335a that is configured to fittingly engage the first aperture arrangement 310a to at least partially cover the first aperture arrangement 310a. For example, the first removable cover 335a can be sized and shaped such that a peripheral side 340a abuts or frictionally engages an interior peripheral face 345a of the first aperture arrangement 310a. In some embodiments, a gap or gaps between the peripheral side 340a and the interior peripheral face 345a are sized to prevent the fingers of small children from getting caught therebetween. For example, in some embodiments, gaps between the peripheral side 340a and the peripheral face 345a, at any location along the peripheral side 340a, may be less than 5 millimetres or greater than 12 millimetres. [0078] In some embodiments, the fork 300 includes a second removable cover 335b that, like the first removable cover 335a, is configured to fittingly engage the second aperture arrangement 310b to at least partially cover the second aperture arrangement 310b.

[0079] As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the first removable cover 335a substantially covers the first aperture arrangement 310a such that the first end 315a of the axle 320 is inaccessible (when the first removable cover 335a is in use). In some embodiments, the second removable cover 335b also substantially covers the second aperture arrangement 310b such that the second end 315b of the axle 320 is inaccessible (when the second removable cover 335b is in use). For example, the first removable cover 335a and the second removable cover 335b can include notched portions, which are sized to receive the first end 315a and the second end 315b, respectively, and to cooperate with the first and second aperture arrangement 310a and 310b respectively to support the axle 320. The notched portions for the cover 335a are shown at 354a. The notched portions for the cover 335b are obscured in the views shown, but are analogously shaped to the notched portions 354a.

[0080] Similarly to the second fork 115b, the fork 300 is configured to allow the axle 320 to be placed in a plurality of axle positions along the first arm 305a and the second arm 305b. The fork 300 includes a set of positioning surfaces that are configured to co- operatively retain the axle 320 between the first arm 305a and the second arm 305b at any of a plurality of locations along the first arm 305a and the second arm 305b. The set of positioning surfaces can be included with at least one of: the first aperture arrangement 310a and the second aperture arrangement 310b, and the first removable cover 335a.

[0081] For example, the first aperture arrangement 310a includes a first surface 350a and the second aperture arrangement 310b includes a second surface 350b upon which the axle 320 rests in at least one position. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, when the axle 320 is in a first position along the first arm 305a and the second arm 305b, the first end 315a rests against the first surface 350a and the second end 315b rests against the second surface 350b. In a second position (FIGS. 9A to 9C), the axle 320 rests against at least one shoulder, such as shoulders 355a and 355b, of the first aperture arrangement 310a and the second aperture arrangement 310b. To change the position of the axle 320 from the first position to the second position, the first removable cover 335a and the second removable cover 335b can be disengaged from the first aperture arrangement 310a and the second aperture arrangement 310b by applying a disengagement load against interior faces 360a and 360b of the first removable cover 335a and the second removable cover 335b. The axle 320 may then be shifted along the first aperture arrangement 310a and the second aperture arrangement 310b. The fasteners 325a and 325b may also be disengaged from the terminal ends 330a and 330b, and the axle 320 completely removed from the fork 300 to be re-inserted into the first aperture arrangement 310a and the second aperture arrangement 310b at the second position.

[0082] FIGS. 10A to 1 1 B depict another example fork 400 that can be used with the vehicle 100. The fork 400 shares many features with the fork 300, with like or similar features given like or similar numbers, beginning with a "4" instead of a "3".

[0083] The fork 400 includes a first arm 405a and a second arm 405b. Similarly to the fork 300, the first arm 405a includes a first aperture arrangement 410a that is configured to receive and support a first end 415a of the axle 320, and the second arm 405b includes a second aperture arrangement 410b that is configured to receive and support a second end 415b of the axle 320.

[0084] Although the first aperture arrangement 410a and the second aperture arrangement 410b are depicted as single slots, other configurations are contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, the first aperture arrangement 410a and/or the second aperture arrangement 410b include multiple apertures along the first arm 405a and/or the second arm 405b. As another example, the first aperture arrangement 410a and/or the second aperture arrangement 410b include a combination of at least one slot and at least one aperture along the first arm 405a and/or the second arm 405b.

[0085] The fork 400 includes a first removable cover 435a that is configured to fittingly engage the first aperture arrangement 410a to at least partially cover the first aperture arrangement 410a. For example, the first removable cover 435a can be sized and shaped such that a peripheral side 440a abuts or frictionally engages an interior peripheral face 445a of the first aperture arrangement 410a. In some embodiments, a gap or gaps between the peripheral side 440a and the interior peripheral face 445a are sized to prevent the fingers of small children from getting caught therebetween. For example, in some embodiments, gaps between the peripheral side 440a and the peripheral face 445a, at any location along the peripheral side 440a, may be less than 5 millimetres or greater than 12 millimetres.

[0086] In some embodiments, the fork 400 includes a second removable cover 435b that, like the first removable cover 435a, is configured to fittingly engage the second aperture arrangement 410b to at least partially cover the second aperture arrangement 410b.

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 10A and 11A, the first and second removable covers 435a, 435b may be shaped such that the axle 320 can be secured to and released from the fork 400 while the first and second removable covers 435a, 435b are on the fork 400. For example, the each of said removable covers 435a, 435b may include notched portions 480a (FIG. 10C) and 480b sized to receive the first end 415a and the second end 415b of an axle, respectively, and to allow fasteners 425a and 425b to be removed from and attached to the axle 320 without taking said removable covers 435a, 435b off the fork 400.

[0088] In another aspect, the fork 400 may be configured to allow the axle 320 to be placed in a plurality of axle positions along the first arm 405a and the second arm 405b. The fork 400 may include a set of positioning surfaces configured to co-operatively retain an, as in place or position, and support an axle 320 between the first arm 405a and the second arm 405b at a plurality of locations along the first arm 405a and the second arm 405b. In an aspect, a set of such positioning surfaces may be included in corresponding aperture arrangements 410a, 410b. In a further aspect, a set of such positioning surfaces may be included in corresponding removable covers 435a, 435b.

[0089] As shown, the first aperture arrangement 410a includes a first surface 450a and the second aperture arrangement 410b includes a second surface 450b upon which the axle 320 rests in at least one position. In particular, as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C, when the axle 320 is in a first position along the first arm 405a and the second arm 405b, the first end 415a rests against the first surface 450a and the second end 415b rests against the second surface 450b. In a second position (FIGS. 1 1 A and 11 B), the axle 320 rests in a supporting aperture having at least one of the positioning surfaces, such as a first supporting aperture 482a of the first removable cover 435a having an inner surface 485a and a second supporting aperture 482b of the second removable cover 435b having an inner surface 485b.

[0090] To change the position of the axle 320 from the first position to the second position, the first removable cover 435a and the second removable cover 435b can be disengaged from the first aperture arrangement 410a and the second aperture arrangement 410b by applying a disengagement load against interior faces 460a and 460b of the first removable cover 435a and the second removable cover 435b. The axle 320 may then be shifted along the first aperture arrangement 410a and the second aperture arrangement 410b.

[0091] The orientation of the first removable cover 435a and the second removable cover 435b can be changed from a first orientation (FIG. 10B) corresponding to the first position to a second orientation corresponding to the second position of the axle 320 (FIG. 11 A). In some embodiments, the fasteners 425a and the 425b are also disengaged from the terminal ends 430a and 430b, and the axle 320 completely removed from the fork 400 to be re-inserted into the first aperture arrangement 410a and the second aperture arrangement 410b at the second position.

[0092] FIGS. 12A to 13E depict another example fork 500 that can be used with the vehicle 100. The fork 500 shares many features with the fork 300, with like or similar features given like or similar numbers, beginning with a "5" instead of a "3".

[0093] The fork 500 includes a first arm 505a and a second arm 505b. Similarly to the fork 300, the first arm 505a includes a first aperture arrangement 510a that is configured to receive and support a first end 515a of the axle 320, and the second arm 505b includes a second aperture arrangement 510b that is configured to receive and support a second end 515b of the axle 320.

[0094] Although the first aperture arrangement 510a and the second aperture arrangement 510b are depicted as single slots, other configurations are contemplated. For example, in some embodiments, the first aperture arrangement 510a and/or the second aperture arrangement 510b include multiple apertures along the first arm 505a and/or the second arm 505b. As another example, the first aperture arrangement 510a and/or the second aperture arrangement 510b include a combination of at least one slot and at least one aperture along the first arm 505a and/or the second arm 505b.

[0095] Another possible embodiment of the first and second aperture arrangements 1802 is shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. FIG.18A shows an arm 1800 of a given fork 115a, 115b, 300, 500, such as example forks 115a, 115b, 300 and 500, of an example vehicle 100. The fork's arms 1800 are symmetrical to each other at least in the vicinity of the aperture arrangements 1802. Thus, FIG. 18A shows a side view each of the two arms 1800 of the given fork and the aperture arrangement 1802 of that side of the given fork.

[0096] The given fork partially shown in FIG. 18A can be any one of a first fork 115a of a vehicle 100 and a second fork 1 15b of an example vehicle 100. As described elsewhere, different embodiments of the vehicle 100 may have different numbers and configurations of forks 115a, 1 15b.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 18A, aperture arrangements 1802 may each have more than two apertures 1804-1818 or any other suitable means for supporting an axle (see any one of features shown with reference numerals 1804 to 1818). For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18A, each of the aperture arrangements 1802 has eight apertures 1804-1818 for supporting an axle. Such aperture arrangements 1802 may be similar to the other exemplary aperture arrangements 1802 described in this document, except insofar as having a larger number of apertures or other means for supporting an axle, and having horizontally-offset apertures. For example, compare apertures 1806, 1810, 1814, and 1818 with apertures 1804, 1808, 1812, 1816. Apertures 1806, 1810, 1814, and 1818 may be said to be horizontally-offset from apertures 1804, 1808, 1812, 1816.

[0098] Different numbers of apertures 1804-1818 or other means for supporting an axle may be implemented with each fork 115a, 1 15b, depending on each particular embodiment of that fork 1 15a, 115b and implementation of a vehicle 100 for which that fork 1 15a, 115b may be designed. [0099] Reference is now made to FIGS. 18A to 18D. A removable cover 1819 that includes a first removable cover portion 1820 and a second removable cover portion 1822 may be provided for each aperture arrangement 1802. The removable cover portions 1820, 1822 may be configured to fittingly engage at least a portion of the associated aperture arrangement 1802 to cover the at least one portion of that aperture arrangement 1802. As shown in FIGS. 18B to 18D, two removable cover portions 1820, 1822 may be provided for each aperture arrangement 1802 of FIG. 18A however any other suitable number of removable cover portions may be provided.

[0100] In an aspect, the first removable cover portion 1820 may be shaped so as to removably fit a corresponding aperture arrangement 1802 in two positions. The second removable cover portion 1822 may be shaped so as to fit the corresponding aperture arrangement 1802 in eight positions, each of the eight positions corresponding to one of the eight apertures 1804-1818 of that aperture arrangement 1802.

[0101] The first removable cover portion 1820 may fit into a first position 1824 of its two positions 1824, 1828 while being oriented as shown in FIG. 18B, and may fit into the other position 1828 of the two positions 1824, 1828 while being oriented as shown in FIG. 18C. In some embodiments, the removable cover portions 1820, 1822 may snap fit into their possible positions. Any suitable combination of geometry of the aperture arrangement 1802 and the removable cover portions 1820, 1822 may be implemented to achieve the fit, such as snap fit, and the positioning functionality described in these paragraphs.

[0102] When in its first position 1824, the first removable cover portion 1820 may substantially cover the upper portion 1824 and the middle portion 1826 of the aperture arrangement 1802. Correspondingly, while the first removable cover portion 1820 is in its first position 1824, the second removable cover portion 1822 may fit, for example by snap fit, into the lower portion 1828 of that aperture arrangement 1802 in any of four possible positions. Each of these four positions may correspond to one of the four apertures 1812- 1818 of the lower portion 1828 and may allow an axle to be supported in one of these four apertures 1812-1818.

[0103] In an aspect, the second removable cover portion 1822 may have a cut-out 1830 shaped to fit a securement means of a given axle, such as a bolt 185, and to leave a gap that may be, for example, less than 5 millimeters between the second removable cover portion 1822 and that securement means.

[0104] The second removable cover portion 1822 may be rotatable about a rotation axis 1832, as shown by reference arrow 1834, so as to fit the aperture arrangement 1802 with the cut-out 1830 positioned in alignment with any one of the apertures 1814 and 1816 of the aperture arrangement 1802. The second removable cover portion 1822 may also be flipped and rotated so as to fit the aperture arrangement 1802 with the cut-out 1830 positioned in alignment with any one of apertures 1812 and 1818 of the aperture arrangement 1802.

[0105] In a further aspect, the first removable cover portion 1820 may be positioned in its second position 1828, while being oriented as shown in FIG. 18C. When in its second position 1828, the first removable cover portion 1820 may substantially cover the lower portion 1828 and the middle portion 1826 of the aperture arrangement 1802. Likewise, similar to the description above, while the first removable cover portion 1820 is in its second position 1828, the second removable cover portion 1822 may be flipped and rotated so as to fit the aperture arrangement 1802 with the cut-out 1830 positioned in alignment with any one of apertures 1804 to 1810.

[0106] The various corresponding orientations and positions of the removable cover portions 1820, 1822 may be collectively referred to as the positioning functionality of the removable cover portions 1820, 1822.

[0107] In an aspect, the positioning functionality of the removable cover portions 1820, 1822 may allow an axle to be supported by an aperture arrangement 1802 in any one of apertures 1804 to 1818, while keeping all other apertures 1804-1818, as well as all portions of the aperture arrangement 1802 that are not taken up by that axle, substantially covered by the removable cover portions 1820, 1822.

[0108] In a further aspect, an aperture arrangement 1802 in combination with removable cover portions 1820, 1822, such as the examples shown in FIGS. 18A to 18D, may allow an axle to be moved to any one of the positions corresponding to the apertures 1804 to 1818 of a given aperture arrangement 1802 without taking that axle out of that aperture arrangement 1802. For example, in order to change an axle's position, a user may release the axle from a given position in a given aperture arrangement 1802 by, for example, untightening a bolt 185 of that axle (or any other securement means that the axle may comprise), and may move that axle to any one of the apertures 1804 to 1818 of that aperture arrangement 1802 by moving the axle between the upper 1824, middle 1826, and lower 1828 portions of that aperture arrangement 1802 to a desired one of the apertures 1804-1818.

[0109] Depending on the particular shape and configuration chosen for aperture arrangements 1802, different numbers of and shapes of removable cover portions 1820, 1822 may be selected to provide for the functionality described in these paragraphs.

[0110] For example, other aperture arrangements 1802 may have fewer than or greater than the eight example apertures 1804-1818 shown in FIG. 18A. Likewise, fewer than two or greater than the two example removable cover portions 1820, 1822 shown in FIGS. 18B to 18D may be provided with those other aperture arrangements 1802.

[0111] The various axle positions, and the various combinations of axle positions (in embodiments of vehicles that have more than one fork 115a, 115b) that may be accommodated by such aperture arrangements 1802 may provide for different ride heights. In another aspect, such combinations may provide for different wheelbase lengths. In a further aspect, such adjustability may allow a user to, for example, tailor a given vehicle 100 to the particulars of that user's body (such as that user's height, weight, and length of arms and legs), or to the particulars of that user's riding style, skill, or preferences.

[0112] Some embodiments of aperture arrangements 1802 may be configured to provide for adjustability of ride height only, by being arranged in a substantially vertical row. Other embodiments of aperture arrangements 1802 may be configured to provide for adjustability of wheelbase length only, by being arranged in a substantially horizontal row. In yet other embodiments of aperture arrangements 1802, such as the example embodiment of FIG. 18A, the aperture arrangements 1802 may include a substantially vertical row of apertures and a substantially horizontal row of apertures so as to provide for both ride height and wheelbase length adjustability. [0113] Reference is now made back to FIGS. 12A to 13C. The example fork 500 shown in these figures includes a first removable cover 535a that is configured to fittingly engage the first aperture arrangement 510a to at least partially cover the first aperture arrangement 510a. [0114] In an aspect, the first removable cover 535a may be sized and shaped such that a peripheral side 540a abuts or frictionally engages an interior peripheral face 545a of the first aperture arrangement 510a (FIG. 12C). In some embodiments, a gap or gaps between the peripheral side 540a and the interior peripheral face 545a are sized to prevent the fingers of small children from getting caught therebetween. For example, in some embodiments, gaps between the peripheral side 540a and the peripheral face 545a, at any location along the peripheral side 540a, may be less than 5 millimetres or greater than 12 millimetres.

[0115] In some embodiments, the fork 500 includes a second removable cover 535b that, like the first removable cover 455a, is configured to fittingly engage the second aperture arrangement 510b to at least partially cover the second aperture arrangement 510b.

[0116] The first removable cover 535a is shaped such that the first end 515a of the axle 320 is accessible (when the first removable cover 535a is in use) (FIGS. 12A and 13A). In some embodiments, the second removable cover 535b is also shaped such that the second end 515b of the axle 320 is (when the second removable cover 535b is in use). For example, the first removable cover 535a and the second removable cover 535b can include a first supporting aperture 590a (FIG. 12D) and a second supporting aperture 590b (FIG. 12E) that are sized to receive the first end 515a and the second end 515b, respectively, and yet allow the fasteners 525a and 525b to be accessed (e.g., to be removed from or attached to the axle 320).

[0117] The fork 500 is also configured to allow the axle 320 to be placed in a plurality of axle positions along the first arm 505a and the second arm 505b. The fork 500 includes a set of positioning surfaces that are configured to co-operatively retain, as in place or position, the axle 320 between the first arm 505a and the second arm 505b at a plurality of locations along the first arm 505a and the second arm 505b. The set of positioning surfaces can be included with at least one of: the first aperture arrangement 510a and the second aperture arrangement 510b, and the first removable cover 535a.

[0118] For example, the first removable cover 535a can include the first supporting aperture 590a having a first one of the set of positioning surfaces, such as a first supporting surface 595a upon which the axle 320 rests in at least one position (FIG. 12D). Similarly, the second removable cover 535a can include the second supporting aperture 590b having a second one of the set of positioning surfaces, such as a second supporting surface 595b upon which the axle 320 rests in at least one position (FIG. 12D).

[0119] In particular, as shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, when the axle 320 is in a first position along the first arm 505a and the second arm 505b, the first removable cover 535a and the second removable cover 535b are in a first orientation. In the first orientation, the first end 515a rests against a first portion 596 of the first supporting surface 595a and the second end 515b rests against a first portion 596a the second supporting surface 595b.

[0120] When the axle 320 is in a second position along the first arm 505a and the second arm 505b (FIGS. 13A to 13C), the first removable cover 535a and the second removable cover 535b are in a second orientation. In the second orientation, the first end 515a rests against a second portion 597a of the first supporting surface 595a and the second end 515b rests against a second portion 597b of the second supporting surface 595b.

[0121] To change the position of the axle 320 from the first position to the second position, the first removable cover 535a and the second removable cover 535b can be disengaged from the first aperture arrangement 510a and the second aperture arrangement 510b by applying a disengagement load against interior faces of the first removable cover 535a and the second removable cover 535b. The axle 320 may then be shifted along the first aperture arrangement 510a and the second aperture arrangement 510b.

[0122] The orientation of the first removable cover 535a and the second removable cover 535b can be changed from a first orientation (FIGS. 12A to 12C) corresponding to the first position to a second orientation corresponding to the second position of the axle 320 (FIGS. 13A to 13C). In some embodiments, the fasteners 525a and the 525b are also disengaged from the terminal ends of the axle, and the axle 320 completely removed from the fork 500 to be re-inserted into the first aperture arrangement 510a and the second aperture arrangement 510b at the second position. [0123] As stated above, being able to adjust the position of an axle, with the wheel being supported by the axle, along the arms of the fork can have a few benefits. For example, as shown in FIGS. 14 to 17B, by adjusting the position of one or more of the first axle 110a and the second axle 110b along their respective forks, the first fork 1 15a and the second fork 115b, the longitudinal distance between the first wheel 105a and the second wheel 105b can be increased or decreased.

[0124] In FIG. 14, the first fork 1 15a is similarly configured to the second fork 115b in that the position of the first axle 110a along the first fork 115a can be moved between a plurality of axle positions. As shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the first axle 110a and the second axle 110b are in a first position along the arms of each respective fork. As a result, the vehicle 100 has a first longitudinal distance between the first wheel 105a and the second wheel 105b of W1 and a first seat height of H1.

[0125] As shown in FIGS. 16, 17A and 17B, the positions of the first axle 110a and the second axle 110b have been changed to a second position along the arms of each respective fork. As a result, the vehicle 100 has a second longitudinal distance between the first wheel 105a and the second wheel 105b of W2 and a second seat height of H2.

[0126] In some embodiments, the first axle 1 10a and the second axle 110a can have the same position. In some embodiments, the first axle 1 10a and the second axle 110a can have different positions. In some embodiments, only one of the first fork 115a and the second fork 115b is configured such that the axle can be moved between a plurality of axle positions along the arms of the adjustable fork.

[0127] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that there are yet more alternative implementations and modifications possible, and that the above examples are only illustrations of one or more implementations. The scope, therefore, is only to be limited by the claims appended hereto.