This invention relates to a recreational vehicle. In particular, it relates to a convertible recreational vehicle for children that can adopt a plurality of configurations.

Bicycles, tricycles and scooters are popular recreational vehicles for children. Bicycles and/or tricycles may have pedals to drive the vehicle along or may require the user to push the vehicle along using their feet on the ground. Each type of recreational vehicle can be used differently thus providing different forms of entertainment for children. Also, different recreational vehicles may be preferred by different age groups. For example, a younger child may prefer a tricycle because the three wheels would provide better balance. An older child may prefer a bicycle or scooter.

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a recreational vehicle comprising a frame having a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly, the frame including;

a first hinge joint between a first frame part and a second frame part wherein the first frame part and second frame part can rotate relative to one another about the first hinge joint, the first hinge joint movable between a first position and a second position, and

a second hinge joint, spaced from the first hinge joint, between a third frame part and the second frame part wherein the third frame part and second frame part can rotate relative to one another about the second hinge joint, the second hinge joint movable between a first position and a second position,

wherein the first hinge joint and the second hinge joint are fixable in their respective first and second positions and at least one position therebetween such that the recreational vehicle can adopt a plurality of configurations.

This is advantageous because the recreational vehicle can change between different frame configurations to suit the ability and/or desire of the user. Thus, a smaller child may use the recreational vehicle when the frame is configured to be closer to the ground. An older child may prefer the frame to be in a configuration in which it is higher from the ground such that they can sit on the frame (or on a seat attached to the frame) or a scooter configuration. Further, the recreational vehicle is more adaptable because as the child grows, the configuration can be changed to suit their abilities.

Preferably the recreational vehicle can adopt at least three different configurations.

Preferably the first and second hinge joints provide the support to retain the recreational vehicle in its plurality of configurations. It is advantageous for the joints to provide the support so that other strengthening or fixing means are not required. This makes the recreational vehicle easier to use and convert between the configurations.

Preferably, at least one of the first and second hinge joints is fixable in a continuous or discontinuous range of positions between the first and second positions. Thus, the hinge joints provide the adjustment between a plurality of positions between the first and second position. The discontinuous range of positions may comprise a plurality of angularly spaced positions in which the hinge joint can be locked into position. The continuous range of positions allows the hinge joint to be locked into position at any angular position between the first and second positions. Preferably at least one of the first and second hinge joints includes a releasable lock element having an adjustable mode in which the hinge joint can rotate and a fixed mode in which the hinge joint is locked to prevent rotation of the hinge joint, the releasable lock element is contained within the hinge joint and wherein the releasable element is adapted such that manipulation of the hinge joint moves the releasable lock element between the adjustable mode and the fixed mode. Further, as the lock element can be housed wholly within the hinge joint this improves the safety of operation. This is advantageous as the hinge joint can be adjusted without removing the lock element. Instead, the hinge joint can be manipulated to move the releasable lock element between the adjustable mode and the fixed mode. This also avoids the need to use removable nuts and bolts, which can be sharp and also easily lost.

Preferably the releasable lock element comprises a first toothed part and a second toothed part, wherein in the adjustable mode the first and second toothed parts are separated and in the fixed mode the first and second toothed parts interlock with one another to fix the hinge joint in position. The lock element may comprise a Hirth joint or a tooth/spline joint.

Preferably at least one of the first and second hinge joints is biased to the fixed mode and wherein the hinge joint includes a release actuator that, when pressed by a user, moves the releasable lock element into its adjustable mode. This is advantageous as the user can simply manipulate the hinge joint by pressing the release actuator and then rotate the frame parts relative to one another in order to move the recreational vehicle between its plurality of configurations. Releasing the release actuator locks the frame in its configuration. This obviates the need to unscrew and reattach parts. The release actuator may form part of the hinge joint. For example, it may comprise a button located on an axial side of the hinge joint.

Preferably the front wheel assembly extends from the first frame part. Preferably the rear wheel assembly extends from the third frame part.

Preferably the rear wheel assembly is adapted to receive a wheel or wheels in at least two configurations. Preferably, the two configurations are such that the rear wheel assembly comprises a single rear wheel or two rear wheels. Preferably, in a first configuration, the rear wheel assembly is adapted to receive two wheels such that the wheels are mounted adjacent one another in an axial direction, and, in a second configuration, the rear wheel assembly is adapted to receive two wheels such that the wheels are mounted axially spaced from one another. In the first configuration, the wheels may abut one another. Thus, in the first configuration the recreational vehicle effectively has a single composite rear wheel.

Preferably, the rear wheel assembly comprises a forked member having two mounting arms, each mounting arm adapted to receive a wheel, wherein in the first configuration each wheel is mounted such that it is on an inwardly facing side of its associated mounting arm and, in the second configuration, each wheel is mounted such that it is on an outwardly facing side of its associated mounting arm.

Preferably the front wheel assembly comprises a bifurcated member having two forks in which a single front wheel is mounted between the forks. Preferably the front wheel assembly includes pedals for providing drive to the front wheel. Preferably the pedals are detachable from the front wheel assembly.

Preferably the recreational vehicle has at least three configurations;

a raised configuration wherein the second frame part is substantially horizontal in use;

a lowered configuration wherein the second frame part is substantially inclined to the horizontal in use; and

a scooter configuration wherein the third frame part is substantially horizontal in use.

Preferably, the recreational vehicle includes a seat. The seat may be adapted to be releasably secured to the frame and, in particular, to the second frame part. According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a recreational vehicle comprising a frame having a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly, wherein the rear wheel assembly and/or the front wheel assembly is adapted to receive a wheel or wheels in at least two configurations. Typically, two configurations may be such that the rear wheel assembly comprises a single rear wheel or two rear wheels and/or the front wheel assembly comprises a single front wheel or two rear wheels. Preferably, in a first configuration, the rear wheel assembly and/or the front wheel assembly may be adapted to receive two wheels such that the wheels are mounted adjacent one another in an axial direction, and, in a second configuration, the rear wheel assembly and/or the front wheel assembly may be adapted to receive two wheels such that the wheels are mounted axially spaced from one another. In the first configuration, the wheels may abut one another. Thus, in the first configuration the recreational vehicle effectively has a single composite rear and/or front wheel.

In the second configuration, the axial distance between the two wheels may be adjustable. The axial distance between the two wheels in the second configuration may be adjustable by one or more predetermined discrete amounts or continuously between two limits. At least one, preferably each, wheel may be provided on an extendable axle. The or each extendable axle may be telescopic. The or each extendable axle may be adjustable by one or more discrete amounts or continuously between two limits. For instance, the or each extendable axle may be selectively and releasably lockable such that it may adopt a shorter length and at least one longer length.

Advantageously, adjusting the axial distance between the two wheels in the second configuration may allow the stability of the recreational vehicle to be varied. For instance, increasing the axial distance between the two wheels in the second configuration may increase the stability of the recreational vehicle . Such increased stability may come in particularly useful when the recreational vehicle is being used on sloping or uneven surfaces. In addition, a more stable recreational vehicle may be safer and may be preferred by novice or less confident users and/or their parents. Preferably, the rear wheel assembly and/or the front wheel assembly comprises a forked member having two mounting arms, each mounting arm adapted to receive a wheel, wherein in the or a first configuration each wheel is mounted such that it is on an inwardly facing side of its associated mounting arm and, in the or a second configuration, each wheel is mounted such that it is on an outwardly facing side of its associated mounting arm.

Preferably the frame includes a first hinge joint between a first frame part and a second frame part wherein the first frame part and second frame part can rotate relative to one another about the first hinge joint, the first hinge joint movable between a first position and a second position, and a second hinge joint, spaced from the first hinge joint, between a third frame part and the second frame part wherein the third frame part and second frame part can rotate relative to one another about the second hinge joint, the second hinge joint movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the first hinge joint and the second hinge joint are fixable in their respective first and second positions and at least one position therebetween such that the recreational vehicle can adopt a plurality of configurations.

It will be appreciated that the other optional and preferable features of the first aspect of the invention apply equally to the second aspect of the invention, which focuses on the rear wheel assembly and/or the front wheel assembly rather than the reconfigurable frame.

There now follows by way of example only a detailed description of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which;

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the recreational vehicle in a raised configuration with a single composite rear wheel; Figure 2 shows a side view of an embodiment of the recreational vehicle in a raised configuration with a single composite rear wheel;

Figure 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the recreational vehicle in a raised configuration with a single composite rear wheel;

Figure 4 shows a top view of an embodiment of the recreational vehicle in a raised configuration with a two, spaced apart rear wheels;

Figure 5 shows a side view of an embodiment of the recreational vehicle in a lowered configuration with a two, spaced apart rear wheels;

Figure 6 shows a top view of the embodiment of Figure 5 ;

Figure 7 shows a top view of an embodiment of the recreational vehicle in a lowered configuration with a single composite rear wheel;

Figure 8 shows a side view of an embodiment of the recreational vehicle in a scooter configuration with a single composite rear wheel; Figure 9 shows a top view of an embodiment of the recreational vehicle in a scooter configuration with a single composite rear wheel;

Figure 10 shows a top view of an embodiment of the recreational vehicle in a three-wheeled scooter configuration; Figure 11 shows an exploded view of a hinge joint;

Figure 12 shows a further exploded view of the hinge joint;

Figures 13a to d show an embodiment of the rear wheel assembly and how it converts from a "single composite wheel" mode to a "two spaced apart wheels" mode; and

Figure 14 shows an embodiment of a wheel mount and wheel with an extendable axle.

Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a recreational vehicle 1. The recreational vehicle comprises a frame 2, a front wheel assembly 3 and a rear wheel assembly 4. The frame 2 has a first hinge joint 5 and a second hinge joint 6. The two hinge joints split the frame 2 into a first frame part 7, a second frame part 8 and a third frame part 9. The first frame part 7 and second frame part 8 are rotatably connected by the first hinge joint 5. The second frame part 8 is rotatably connected to the third frame part 9 by the second hinge joint 6. The first hinge joint 5 is located at one end of the second frame part 8 and the second hinge joint 6 is located at an opposite end.

In Figures 1 , 2 and 3 the recreational vehicle 1 is in a first configuration comprising a raised "bicycle" configuration. In the raised bicycle configuration the frame 2, and in particular the second frame part 8, is in a raised position relative to the third frame part 9. Further, the second frame part is supported in a substantially horizontal position by the third frame part 9 and the first frame part 7 (itself supported by the front wheel assembly 3).

The first frame part 7 includes a hub 10 for connection of the front wheel assembly 3 and also a handlebar assembly 1 1 to the vehicle 1. The front wheel assembly 3 comprises a bifurcated member 12 which supports a single front wheel 13 between its forked free ends 14, 15. An axle (not visible) extends through the front wheel 13 to provide an axis of rotation and is received by the forked free ends 14 and 15. The axle is rotatably fixed with respect to the front wheel 13 and is adapted to rotate relative to the forked free ends 14, 15. The front wheel assembly further includes pedals 16. There are two pedals 16, as is conventional, that attach to opposite ends of the axle . Rotation of the pedals 16 by the user causes rotation of the axle, which, in turn, drives the front wheel 13.

The second frame part 8 includes a seat connector 17 located between the first and second hinge joints 5, 6 for receiving a seat 18. The seat connector 17 comprises a seat post aperture 20 (visible in Figure 1 1) adapted to receive a seat post 21 of the seat 18. The seat connector 17 also includes an engagement lug 22 for fixing the seat post 21 within the aperture 20. The seat post 21 includes a plurality of indentations 23 separated by lands 23 ' along its length that are complimentary to the engagement lug 22. Thus, the user can position the engagement lug 22 in any one of the indentations to adjust the height of the seat 18. Further, the seat 18 can be removed completely. The engagement lug 22 includes a groove 22a in its side and an adjustment slot 22b in its end. The engagement lug 22 is arranged to be rotated using the adjustment slot 22b. A bladed tool (not shown) can be used to engage the adjustment slot 22b and rotate the engagement lug 22. When the groove 22a is positioned such that it faces the seat post 21 , the lands 23 ' can slide past the engagement lug 22 when the seat post 21 moves up or down in the seat post aperture 20. When the adjustment slot 22b is rotated so that the groove 22a does not face the seat post 21 , the engagement lug 22 sits within one of the indentations 23 thus preventing the seat moving up or down in the seat post aperture 20.

The third frame part 9 includes the rear wheel assembly 4 at an opposite end to the second hinge joint 6 (shown in detail in Figure 13a). The rear wheel assembly 4, in this embodiment, comprises a forked member having a first mounting arm 24 and a second mounting arm 25. The first mounting arm 24 is adapted to carry a first adjustable wheel mount 26 at its free end. The wheel mount 26 has a first rear wheel 27 rotatably mounted thereto. The second mounting arm 25 is also adapted to carry an adjustable wheel mount 28 at its free end. The adjustable wheel mount 28 has a second rear wheel 29 rotatably mounted thereto. The wheel mounts 26 and 28 are removably secured to the first and second mounting arms 24, 25.

The first adjustable wheel mount 26 can be secured to the first mounting arm 24 in two orientations. The first orientation is such that the first rear wheel 27 faces inwardly from the first mounting arm 24 between the first and second mounting arms 24, 25. The second orientation is such that the first rear wheel 27 faces outwardly. Likewise, the second adjustable wheel mount 28 can be secured in two orientations. The first orientation is such that the second rear wheel 29 faces inwardly from the second mounting arm 25 between the first and second mounting arms 24, 25. The second orientation is such that the second rear wheel 29 faces outwardly.

When the adjustable wheel mounts 26 and 28 are in the first orientation the first and second rear wheels 27, 29 are axially aligned and located adjacent one another side-by-side. Thus, in effect, they form a single composite rear wheel. When the adjustable wheel mounts 26, 28 are in the second orientation, the first and second rear wheels 27, 29 are axially spaced apart by the first and second mounting arms 24, 25. Thus, the rear wheel assembly 4 includes two spaced rear wheels 27, 29.

Thus, Figures 1 to 3 show a raised "bicycle" configuration in which the rear wheel mounts 26, 28 are in their first orientation such that the recreational vehicle 1 has a "single" composite rear wheel formed of the first and second rear wheels 27, 29 being axially aligned and mounted beside one another.

Figure 4 shows the frame configuration of Figures 1 to 3, in which the second frame part 8 is raised and substantially horizontal except that the rear wheel assembly 4 is in its second orientation in which the rear wheels 27 and 29 are spaced apart. Thus, the recreational vehicle 1 forms a tricycle with a raised frame 2.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 show the recreational vehicle 1 in a second configuration comprising a lowered configuration. In the lowered configuration, the configuration of the frame 2 is different to the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 4. The second hinge joint 5 is arranged such that the second frame part 8 and the third frame part 9 are longitudinally aligned, with the joint 5 therebetween. The first hinge joint 4 has also been arranged to allow for the change in angle of the second frame part 8 such that the handlebar assembly 1 1 and front wheel assembly 3 is upright.

The adjustable wheel mounts 26 and 28 are mounted in their second orientation such that the two rear wheels 27 and 29 are spaced from one another. The rear wheel assembly 4 thus provides additional stability as the rear wheels are spaced apart rather than adjacent one another. Thus, the recreation vehicle has three wheels and therefore adopts a lowered "tricycle" configuration. In the lowered tricycle configuration, the seat 18 is mounted to the seat connector 17 and its inclination has been adjusted to compensate for the change in angle of the second frame part 8 by way of an adjustable pivot between the seat post 2 land the seat 18.

Figure 7 shows the frame 2 in the same configuration as Figure 5 and 6. However, the rear wheel assembly 4 is in the first orientation in which the wheels are located side by side to form a single composite rear wheel. This configuration is termed the lowered bicycle configuration.

Figures 8, 9 and 10 show a scooter configuration. In the scooter configuration, the first and second hinge joints 5, 6 are adjusted such that the third frame part 9 is arranged substantially horizontal to the ground. The second frame part 8 is arranged such that it extends upwardly from the third frame part 9. The first frame part 7 is positioned to compensate for the angle of the second frame part 8 such that the front wheel assembly 3 and handlebar assembly 1 1 are substantially upright. The seat 18 is removed in the scooter configuration by deactivating the engagement lug 22 and sliding the seat 18 and seat post 21 out of the aperture 20.

In the scooter configuration, the user can stand with one foot on the third frame part 9 and push against the ground with their other foot. Thus, the third frame part 9 bears the weight of the user in the scooter configuration while the second frame part 8 bears the weight of the user in the other configurations discussed above. When in the scooter configuration, the front wheel assembly 3 may also be modified to remove the pedals 16. The pedals 16 include a drive connection to connect to the front axle and drive the front wheel 13 and a fixing to hold the pedals 16 within the front wheel assembly. The fixing is releasable such that the pedals can be slid out of apertures in the front wheel assembly and removed and the drive connection disconnected. Caps 3 1 cover the apertures when the pedals 16 are disconnected.

Figures 8 and 9 show the scooter configuration with the rear wheel assembly in the first orientation thus forming a two-wheeled scooter (one front wheel and a single composite rear wheel). Figure 10 shows the scooter configuration with the rear wheel assembly 4 in the second orientation thus forming a three-wheeled scooter (one front wheel and two, spaced apart rear wheels) .

Figures 1 1 and 12 show an exploded view of the first and second hinge joints 5, 6. In this embodiment, both the first and second hinge joints 5, 6 have the same general construction.

The hinge joint 5, 6 comprises a releasable lock element 33 comprising a locking gear 34 and a complimentary locking ring 35. The locking ring 35 of the first hinge joint 5 forms part of the first frame part 7. The locking ring 35 of the second hinge joint 6 forms part of the third frame part 9. The locking gear 34 comprises a sleeve 36 having a plurality of gear teeth 37 extending radially outwardly therefrom. The locking ring 35 has a plurality of radially inwardly pointing locking teeth 38. The locking gear 34 is adapted to fit within the locking ring 35 and the complimentary teeth 37 and 38 mesh together to fix the locking gear 34 and locking ring 35 together. The hinge joint 5, 6 further comprises a biasing element, comprising a spring 40. The spring 40 acts on the locking gear 34 and urges it into engagement with the locking ring 35. The locking ring sleeve 36 is slidable on a hinge post 41 which has a hexagonal cross-section and comprises two parts 41 a and 41b that connect together to form the hinge post 41 when the hinge joint 5, 6 is assembled.

The hinge joint 5, 6 also comprises release actuator 42 which acts on the sleeve 36 and moves the lock element between an adjustable mode and a fixed mode. Pressing the actuator 42 causes the sleeve 36 to slide along the hinge post 41 and move the locking gear 34 out of engagement with the locking ring 35 (adjustable mode). The frame parts 7, 8 or 8, 9 can then be moved relative to one another such that the recreational vehicle 1 can adopt its plurality of configurations. Release of the actuator 42 allows the spring 40 to urge the locking gear 34 into engagement with the locking ring 35 (fixed mode). A cover 43 covers the hinge joint 5, 6 on the side opposite the release actuator 42.

It will be appreciated that the first and second hinge joints 5. 6 could have a different construction, such as a different strength spring 40, a different range of motion, different type of lock element, and/or different type of release actuator, among others. Figures 13a to 13d show the rear wheel assembly 4 switching between the first orientation and the second orientation. Figure 13a shows the wheel mounts 26, 28 locked to the first and second mounting arms 24, 25 respectively. The wheel mounts 26, 28 are locked to the mounting arms 24, 25 by locking elements 45, 46. Locking elements 45, 46 comprise a rotatable member that is secured to the wheel mount 26, 28 and that moves between a locking position in which it engages with the mounting arm 24, 25 and a release position in which it is out of engagement with the mounting arm 24, 25. Thus, in the locking position the wheel mounts 26, 28 are securely fixed to the respective mounting arm and in the release position the wheel mount 26, 28 can be removed from the mounting arm 24, 25.

Figure 13a shows the wheel mounts in the first orientation and the locking elements 45, 46 in the locking position. Figure 13b shows the locking elements rotated through 90° and therefore in the release position.

Figure 13c shows the wheel mounts 26, 28 removed from the mounting arms 24, 25 and then rotated through 180° such that the wheels 27, 29 face the opposite direction.

Figure 13d shows the wheel mounts 26, 28 reattached to the mounting arms 24, 25 but in the second orientation and the locking elements 45, 46 rotated to the locking position to secure the wheel mounts 26, 28 to the mounting arms 24, 25.

The distal end of the mounting arms 24, 25 is complimentary to the internal shape of the wheel mounts 26, 28 such that the wheel mounts 26, 28 can slide over the distal end. The distal end of the mounting arms 24, 25 also includes a slot 47, 48. The rotatable member of the locking element 45, 46 is received by the slot 47, 48. The engagement between the rotatable member and the slot 47, 48 holds the wheel mounts 26, 28 to the mounting arms 24, 25. Figure 14 shows an embodiment of an adjustable wheel mount 28 ' to which is attached a rear wheel 29'. The adjustable wheel mount 28' and the rear wheel 29' are substantially the same as adjustable wheel mount 28 and rear wheel 29 described above . The main difference is that the rear wheel 29' is provided on an extendable axle 50. The adjustable wheel mount 28 ' is a hollow body, typically a moulded plastics body. The extendable axle 50 extends across the internal volume of the adjustable wheel mount 28 ' and is connected to the rear wheel 29' at its distal end. A sleeve 49 is provided around a portion of the length of the extendable axle 50 between the wheel mount 28' and the wheel 29'. As shown in Figure 14, the sleeve 49 extends from the wheel 29' to the wheel mount 28' and an end of the sleeve 49 abuts the wheel mount 28 ', thereby setting a minimum distance (and maintaining a minimum clearance) between the wheel 29' and the wheel mount 28 '. In order to increase the distance between the wheel 29' and the wheel mount 28 ', the shaft of the axle 50 can be pulled out of the wheel mount 28 ' in the direction shown by arrow 5 1. The shaft of the axle 50 can subsequently be pushed back in to the wheel mount 28 ' to reduce the distance between the wheel 29' and the wheel mount 28 '.

It will be appreciated that providing a wheel on an extendable axle may allow the axial distance between two wheels in the second orientation or configuration to be adjustable.

The description above discloses three frame configurations each with two different rear wheel assembly configurations. However, it will be appreciated that as the first and second hinge joints 5 and 6 can be fixed in a plurality of positions over their ranges of motion, other configurations are possible .

It will also be appreciated that the seat is disclosed as being present in the raised and lowered configurations but this need not be the case. The seat may not be present at all or the user may choose not to use the seat in either or both of these configurations.

The front wheel assembly has been disclosed as including a single front wheel. However the front wheel assembly could be similar to the rear wheel assembly in that it can receive wheels in at least two configurations such that the front wheel assembly can be configured with two spaced apart front wheels or a single composite front wheel. The front and/or rear wheel assembly may also receive two wheels in its second configuration and a single wheel (just made up of a single wheel, not two wheels side by side) in the first configuration. Thus, in this embodiment, the rear wheel assembly may include a set of two wheels that are attached when the second configuration is desired which are then replaced with a single wheel (that may attach to both mounting arms simultaneously) when the first configuration is desired.