GB2529603A

GB2529603A - Balance bicycle to pedal bicycle conversion

Info

Publication number: GB2529603A
Application number: GB1405689.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joseph Patrick Mulcahy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-03-30
Filing date: 2014-03-30
Publication date: 2016-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2034-03-30
Also published as: GB201405689D0; GB2529603B

Abstract

A bicycle is converted from a balance bicycle to a pedal cycle and has a removable folding footrest assembly which may be interchanged with a removable pedal crankset. The bicycle frame may be fitted with a triangular bracket welded to the underside of the crossbar / seat downtube. The bracket may have a plurality of mounting holes therein. A folding footrest assembly (Fig 1b) may be affixed to the bracket, alternatively a crankset assembly (Fig 1c) comprising a sprocket, cranks and folding pedals may be affixed to the bracket, via nuts and bolts. A chain may then be connected from the crankset sprocket to the rear wheel. The bicycle may be used to learn to balance on as in a scoot bike and then when equipped with footrests to balance in a feet up position. When fitted with the crankset the child makes the transition to pedalling the bicycle. The seat height may be adjusted, the wheels may be made in different diameters and the frame may be made from aluminium.

Description

BALANCE TO PEDAL CONVERTIBLE BICYCLE

DESCRIPTION

The invention is super lightweight bicycles, 12" and 16" wheels, which readily and easily convert from a Balance Trainer Bicycle to a Scoot Bicycle to Full Pedal Bicycle.

INVENTION ADVANTAGE

This invention eliminates the need of additional product investment asthe rider progressesfrom learning Balance to a full Pedal Cycle ridingexperience with the addition of Foot-Pegs and Pedal Crank Units.

PRINCIPAL OF LEARNING

Before ridingcommences, with the quick release clamp, the bicycleseat is adjusted high into to the rider's crutch area, with theirlegs straight and feetflattothe ground, engenderingcontrol confidence. The bicycleis propel led with a walking motion and because of the seat adjustment, as the riderbegins towal k, the body lowers fractionally and the full upper bodyweight is supported by the bicycle, requiringvery littleeffortto propel the bicycle. The advantage of the bicycles low centre of gravity design and superlightweight, allowing balance to be achieved at slow speed and acceleratesthe gain of Balance. Progress tofull ridingwith the rider'sfamiliarityon the bicycle also has its own advantages.

FOLDABLE FOOT-PEGS

The addition of the Foldable Foot-Pegs can be used duringthe learning process. The Foot-Pegs would remain folded until the rider begins togain Balance and ridingconfidence. One or both Foot-Pegs can be turned out and the ridercan place one foot on a Foot-Pegand propel the bicycle with the other. The Foot-Pegs are extremely beneficial forchildren with Challenges' who have weakgate in a right or left leg. The Foot-Pegs can be turned out individually, avoiding propulsion obstruction with the stronger leg, whilstthe other can be rested on the Foot-Peg.

The bicycle is also a seated Scoot bicycle, with foot propulsion

PEDAL CRANK UNIT

The Pedal Crankassembly can be easilyfitted, once the riderhasgai ned oris confidentwith Balance.

Or the Pedal Crank Unit can be fitted immediatelyforcompetent riders. The invention arriveswith the rear cog alreadyfitted to the rear wheel. By easyassemblythe Pedal Crank Unitcan be fitted with the linkable chain and chain safetyguard. The Pedal Crank Unit has the advantage of foldable pedals, which can be turn out (orin) to suitthe rider's preference, oradditional Balance training.

RIDER AGE GROUPS

The design also allows adjustmentforvariation of additional age groups of 2 to 5 years and 4+ to 12 years

SUMMARY

This invention offers complete versatilityof the conversion ofa super lightweight bicycle forBalance Trainingto Scoot Riding Bicycle, to Full Pedal Bicycle condition, with out requirement offurther product investment and with the added advantage of advance age usage. Athree-in-one product

BALANCE TO PEDAL CONVERTIBLE BICYCLE

DRAWINGS

Drawing 1.

16" Wheel Model is designed to maxi mise age groupingfrom 4+ up to 12 years using a 35cm seat post. The seat adjustment range from 40cm -60cm. Manufactured in lightweight aluminium for minimal counterbalance requirement.

2. 25 Degree Rake Angle of handle bar head and seating post facilitates a riding position over the rearwheel, combined with the lowerseatframe providing a low centre of gravity.

3. Fig la. Accommodation Plate welded onto the lower portion of the cross bar, centres in height, equal to both wheel hubs with 3x 8mm fixing holes. The welded position of the fig la adjacent the raked seat post support, prevents downward movement of the foot rests and pedal crank units during riding. The bicycle is shipped without Figs lb&c attached to the bicycle, to minimise the bicycle's weight during learning 4. Fig lb Folding Foot Peg Assembly The optional assembly is fitted to Fig la with 3 x 8mm shoulder bolts with washers and lock nuts. This unit can be fitted tothe bicycle once the rider is becomingconfident with Balanceand can be turned out orfolded individually. The rideron then rest one footon the foot pegand propel the bicycle withthe otheror return them tothe folded position to suit level of confidence, without impeding propulsion. Because the foot pegs are controllable individually, this arrangement is ideal for children with walkinggate challenges' who can rest the disadvantaged foot on a foot peg and propel the bicycle with the other without foot peg hindrance. The foot peg arrangement offers competent rider's a scoot riding experience.

S. Fig ic Crank Assembly This completes the invention by allowing conversion from Balance/Scoot Bicycle, to full pedal bicycle. The crank assembly also incorporates standard drive cog with standard no tool folding pedals providing rider choice for foot or pedal propulsion.The crank assembly fixed tofig la with 3 x 8mm shoulder bolts with lock nuts and washers. Standard chain with circlip link completes the conversion with the addition of a standard chain guard. The bicycle is shipped with rear wheel cog affixed. Folding Pedals also facilitate easier storage and transportation.

Drawing 2.

12" Wheel Model is designed in lesserproportions,with allthe additional assembly units,for balance/scoot to full pedal bike conversion. This model is suitable for age grouping from 2 years to 5 years, with seat adjustment from 30cm to 45cm. Manufactured in lightweight Aluminium for minimal counterbalance requirement.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Aluminium Balance Bicycles, two models, which convert from Balance formation to Full Pedal Bicycles formation via the addition of a supplementary Footrest Assembly, then to Full Pedal Bicycles, with the addition of a Pedal Crank assembly.
2. The Balance Bicycle has a support plate in a triangular shape, welded on the under section of the crossbar adjoining the seat post sheath, with three equally spaced drilled holes to accommodate separately two assemblies according to claim 1.
3. The Footrest Assembly in claim 1 is attached to the support plate holes according to claim 2 via three bolts, nuts and washers and each of the Footrests can be raised or lowered independently and each footrest is held independently in the vertical position via a click lock fastener.
4. With the Footrest Assembly removed in daim 3, a Pedal Crank assembly in claim 1 can be attached to the support plate holes in claim 2 via three bolts, nuts and washers, and a split link chain attached with a joint link washer and circlip. * a * S *S * * a *5 c' p