WO2010139970A1

WO2010139970A1 - Child's bike

Info

Publication number: WO2010139970A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/050115
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary M. Shannon
Original assignee: Shannon Gary M
Priority date: 2009-06-05
Filing date: 2010-01-26
Publication date: 2010-12-09

Abstract

The invention relates to a child's bike (12) and child seat. The child's bike (12) is adapted for use as a child seat on a bicycle (10) and is convertible from a child's trike to a child seat and back again. The child's bike (12) comprises a base to which is mounted a seat (100), a front wheel (105), at least one rear wheel (108) and handle bars (104). The base is adapted to be mounted to an adult bicycle (10) whereby the seat forms part of a child seat on the adult bicycle. At least one support post (60) engages with the child's trike (12) to detachably mount the child's bike to the bicycle.

Description

Child's Bike

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a child's bike, in particular but not limited to a child's tricycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of child bike seat for fitting to an adult bicycle are known. However, many such seats are relatively large and thus often too cumbersome to remove and be carried by a user, e.g. into the office after dropping off a child. Nevertheless, if left on the bike, they may unsteady the bike regardless of whether or not a child is seated in the seat, e.g. on a windy day (particularly bucket-like seats). Even though they are difficult to remove, these seats are often not lockable to the bicycle. Accordingly, there is a risk that they may be stolen, e.g. when the user is at work or detached from the bike, e.g. when transporting the bicycle on a car. Furthermore, the child's view may be restricted when sitting in a bucket-like seat and such seats do not fit children of all ages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a child's bike which is adapted for use as a child seat on a bicycle, the child bike comprising a base to which is mounted a seat, a front wheel, at least one rear wheel and handle bars, wherein the base is adapted to be mounted to an adult bicycle whereby the seat forms part of a child seat on the adult bicycle.

The child's bike is convertible to a child seat for an adult bicycle and back again to a child's bike. 'Bike' is intended to cover all wheeled vehicles, including bicycles with two wheels and more particularly tricycles having three wheels. Thus, according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a child bike seat for an adult bicycle, the bike seat comprising a base to which is mounted a seat, handle bars, a front wheel and at least one rear wheel whereby the child's bike is configurable for use as a child bike when detached from the adult bicycle.

There may be two rear wheels so that the child's bike is a tricycle. The pair of wheels may be coupled by a length-adjustable axle, e.g. a telescopic axle, whereby the lateral spacing of the wheels is adjustable. The lateral spacing of the wheels when mounted as a child seat may be reduced compared to the lateral spacing when used as a trike. Thus the stability of the trike is preserved whilst allowing the flexibility to reduce the width of the child seat on the bicycle.

The bike/bike seat may comprise a braking mechanism having a component generally parallel to the length-adjustable axle, with the braking mechanism component having a length-adjustment mechanism. In this way, the length of braking mechanism may be adjusted to match that of the lateral wheel spacing.

The base of the child's bike/bike seat may comprises a longitudinal length adjustment mechanism whereby the spacing between the handle bars and rear wheels is adjustable to accommodate different sized children. The longitudinal length adjustment may also allow the child seat to be more compact than the bike.

At least one of the wheels may be detachably mounted to the base and there may be storing means for storing the detachable wheel, when the bike is in use as a child seat on an adult bicycle. The storing means may be on the base of the bike/bike seat or the bicycle itself. The bike may comprise means for detachably mounting the front wheel to the base when used as a bike. Thus, the front wheel may be moveable between a storage position, when the bike is in use a child seat on a bicycle and a cycling position, when the bike is used as a bike. In the storage position the front wheel may be detachably mounted behind the seat forming part of the child seat on the adult bicycle.

The means for detachably mounting the front wheel to the base may form all or part of the means for mounting the base to an adult bicycle. The means for detachably mounting the front wheel to the base may comprise a front connector (head tube) and a front mounting (forks) with the front mounting supporting the wheel and the front connector being detachably connected to either the front mounting or the adult bicycle.

The means for detachably mounting the front wheel to the base may be configured to engage with a front support post mounted to a bicycle when the bike is in use as a child seat on the bicycle. The base may be configured to engage with a rear support post mounted to a bicycle when the bike is in use as a child seat on the bicycle. Thus, there is preferably at least one support post releasably connectable to both the bicycle and the base of the bike/child seat to support the child seat on the bicycle.

Thus, according to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit for attaching the bike to an adult bicycle, the kit comprising at least one support post which is releasably attachable to both the bike and the bicycle to support the bike on the bicycle when the bike is in use as a child seat on the bicycle. Alternatively, the at least one support post may be considered to be part of the child seat which is configurable to be used as a bike.

The at least one support post may be a front support post which is configured to engage with the base of the child seat generally underneath the handle bars. The front support post may comprise a projection which is configured to engage with the means or detachably mounting the front wheel of the bike. The at least one support post may be a rear support post configured to engage the base generally underneath the seat of the child seat. The rear support post may comprise a recess contoured to match the base of the bike, whereby the base is a snug fit in the recess when the bike is in use as child seat. Both a front and a rear support post may be used for additional stability and strength. Additionally, the child's bike is raised up from the ground using the at least one support post, thereby reducing wear and tear on the trike.

The or each support post may comprise a fixing component for mounting the support post to the seat post of the bicycle, e.g. just underneath the seat or towards the lower portion of the seat post. The or each support post may comprise a length-adjustment mechanism and/or an angle adjustment mechanism whereby the support post is adjustable to suit different sizes and types of adult bicycles. If two support posts are used, a front support post and a rear support post, the angle adjustment mechanism may be used to ensure that the load from a child in the child seat is distributed evenly over the rear of the adult bicycle, for example over the central hub of the rear wheel. The support post may comprise foot rests for a child to use when sitting in the child seat.

The handle bars may be detachably mountable to the base. The handle bars may be mountable at two separate locations with the first location being used when a child's bike and the second location being used when a child seat. The second location may be on the base itself and the second location may be on the front mounting. The handle bars may comprise at least one moveable joint whereby the handle bar is movable between a first folded storage position and a second assembled use position. The handle bar may comprise a swivel mechanism whereby the angle of the handle bars relative to the child seat is adjustable.

The child's bike may comprise a back rest attached to the base. Alternatively, the back rest may be integral with the base. The back rest may comprise bars over which an inflatable cover is fitted, e.g. to form a comfortable surface against which to rest a back.

The back rest may be adapted so that side portions are removably attachable to the back rest to define sides for the child seat when in use on a bicycle. The side portions may be in the form of bars and a mesh cover for the side bars. Alternatively, the side portions may be integrally formed with the seat.

The child's bike may comprise an angle adjustment mechanism whereby the back rest is adjustable between an upright seated position and a reclined position. In the reclined position, the child may be able to sleep comfortably without falling forwards. The reclined position may be at an angle of up to 45 degrees to the upright position. The angle adjustment mechanism may comprise a lengthening mechanism with the length of the mechanism being increased to increase the angle of inclination and the length of the mechanism being shortened to move the seat towards the upright position. The angle adjustment mechanism may comprise a rotatable back rest bracket for attaching the back rest to the base. The rotatable back rest bracket may be rotated to align with one of a plurality of apertures on the back rest frame whereby the angle of the back rest to the base is defined.

The child's bike may comprise foot rests generally centrally mounted on the base so that a child may rest its feet when not pedalling or pushing. The child's bike may comprise foot pedals mounted either side of the front wheel. The foot pedals may be mounted to the front mounting.

The child bike may also be adapted to be unassembled and stored on the bicycle. In other words, the child bike may be movable between a first use position as a child's bike, a second use position as a child seat on an adult bicycle and a storage position in which the child bike is unassembled and stored on the bicycle.

The child seat may comprise a leg support post which, in use, provides support, e.g. foot pedals, for a child's feet. When the child's bike described above is in use as a child seat, the child seat may also comprise this feature and thus the following features apply to both aspects. The leg support post may be adapted to be connected to the bicycle so that it is movable between a support position in which the leg support post supports the child's feet and a storage position. The leg support post may comprise an upper central section and two arms extending down from the central section with each arm having a foot pedal. The ends of the two arms may be adapted to be connected to the bike frame near the bicycle gearing, either on the frame section between the seat post and centre of the rear wheel or on the frame section between the pedal mechanism and the centre of rear wheel. In the storage position, the leg support post may be adapted to be connected at its upper end underneath the bicycle seat and in the use position the leg support may be adapted to be adapted to be connected at its upper end underneath the child seat. In the use position, the leg support post may also provide support for the weight of a child in the seat.

The leg support post may be provided with suspension, e.g. suspension springs, to match any suspension on the bicycle to which the seat is to be fitted. The leg support post may be provided at least one (or both) ends with an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the leg support post for different sizes of bicycle. The adjustment mechanism may be in the form of a screw threaded mechanism.

The foot pedals may be connected direct to the leg support post or may be connected to a foot pedal support post which is connected to the leg support post. In the latter case, the foot pedals may comprise an aperture whereby the foot pedals are slotted onto the foot pedal support post. The height of the foot pedals may be adjustable to accommodate different sized children. The leg support post and/or foot pedal support post may have multiple slots to receive a corresponding projection on the foot pedal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is diagrammatically illustrated, by way of example, in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig 1 shows a side view of an adult bicycle incorporating a child's tricycle as a child bike seat;

Fig 2 is a side view of a section of the adult bicycle of Fig 1 with the child bike seat/tricycle detached;

Fig 3 shows a front support post for mounting the child's bike seat/tricycle on the adult bicycle of Fig 1 ;

Fig 4 shows the coupling mechanism for the front support post of Fig 3;

Fig 5 shows a rear support post for mounting the child's bike seat/tricycle on the adult bicycle of Fig 1 ;

Fig 6 shows the child's bike seat/tricycle of Fig 1 configured as a child bike seat; Fig 7 shows the child bike seat of Fig 6 partially assembled as a tricycle;

Fig 8 shows the fully assembled tricycle of Fig 7 with a rear handle;

Fig 8a shows an enlarged view of the extending base of the tricycle of Fig 8;

Fig 9 shows a rear view of the tricycle of Fig 8;

Fig 9a shows an enlarged view of the extending rear axle of Fig 9; Fig 10 shows the seatbelt mechanism on the tricycle of Fig 9;

Fig 11 shows a second embodiment of an adult bicycle incorporating a child's tricycle as a child bike seat, with the child's tricycle shown mounted to and detached from the adult bicycle and

Fig 12 shows a safety helmet for a child on a child bike seat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Fig 1 shows a side view of an adult bicycle 10 incorporating a child's tricycle 12 converted into a child bike seat. The child seat may be considered to be a "hitchhiker" seat because the child is hitching a ride on the adult bike 10. As described in more detail below, the tricycle comprises a child seat 100, a front wheel assembly 107, a rear wheel assembly 108 and handlebars 104. In the child bike seat configuration in Fig 1 , the child sits on seat 100 and can be securely strapped in by seatbelts 110. The front wheel assembly 107 of the tricycle is detached from the tricycle and stored behind the seat 100.

As shown more clearly in Fig 2 which shows the components of the child tricycle detached from the adult bicycle; the tricycle is mounted to the bicycle via a front support post 60 which slots into a head tube 112 on the tricycle and a rear support post 80 on which the base 102 of the tricycle frame rests. To attach the child's tricycle to the adult bicycle, the tricycle is lowered onto the bicycle until the head tube 112 engages with a projection 62 on the front support post 60. The front support post 60 is connected to the seat post of the adult bicycle underneath the adult seat and the rear support post 80 is connected to the central hub of the rear wheel of the adult bicycle. The relative angle and spacing between the bicycle seat post and the rear support post 80 is such that the weight of a child seated in the child bike seat is directly over the central hub of the rear wheel of the adult bicycle.

Figs 3 and 4 show how the front support post 60 is attached to the seat post 52 of the adult bicycle 10. The front support post 60 comprises a fixing component 138b. A bracket 138a having a plurality of holes is placed on the opposed side of the seat post to the fixing component 138b. Four Allan key bolts 150 pass through the holes in the bracket 138a and engage in corresponding recesses of the fixing component 138b. It will be appreciated that a variety of mechanisms could be used to secure the front support post 60 to the seat post.

The front support post comprises the fixing component 138b, a central section connected to the fixing component 138b via a hinged joint 139 and a projection 62 which is connected to the central section and which slots into a cavity in the head tube 112 on the child's tricycle 12. The hinged joint 139 allows the relative angle between the fixing component 138b and projection 62 to be adjusted to cater for the variation in seat posts on adult bicycles. In particular, the relative angle may be adjusted to ensure that the projection is generally vertical for all different angles of seat posts. A pair of footrests is attached to either side of the central section for use by a child sat on the seat 100. The central section 65 is extendible (e.g. telescopic) to allow the height of the projection 62 and child footrests 70 to be adjusted relative to the hinged joint 139. The telescopic central section comprises an inner post (which may optionally be solid or tubular) extending to the hinged joint 139 and a tubular outer post extending to the base of projection 62. Both the inner post and outer posts comprise a plurality of holes (e.g. two holes on the inner post and six 68 on the outer post). The inner post is slidable within the outer post to align different pairs of holes so that two bolts can be inserted to securely fix the two posts together at an ideal length. Thus adjustment for different sizes of the adult bike is possible, for example to ensure that the child's seat 100 is generally at the same height as the adult seat

Each footrest comprises a base plate 64 to support a child's foot, the base plate is coated in a non-slip material to prevent the child's foot slipping. Additionally, a side protector 70 is attached to the outer edge of each base plate 64 to provide protection for the child's legs and feet when in the child seat configuration. A rubber strap 66 with a plurality of holes extends from the inner side of each base plate 64. In use, each rubber strap 66 passes over a child's foot, through a slot in the side protector 70 so that a hole engages with a projection 67 on the side plate to secure each foot in place. The plurality of holes accommodates children with different sized feet.

Fig 5 shows the rear support post 80 which comprises two generally parallel telescopic legs 85 connected at one end by an upper bracket 87 which is generally perpendicular to the legs. In the child seat configuration, the upper bracket 87 supports the child tricycle and thus the upper bracket 87 comprises a central portion 88 which is shaped to match the part of the tricycle which rests thereon. In the embodiment shown, the central portion is a curved recess to match the cylindrical portion of the base of the child's tricycle 12. A strap 90 is attached to the bracket. In use, the strap 90 secures the child tricycle to the rear support post, e.g. by wrapping the strap over the base 102 under the seat 100 and through a buckle 93 to hold the strap tight.

At the opposed end of each leg to the upper bracket, there is a bolt hole 81. A bolt is threaded through each bolt hole 81 to engaged in a threaded hole at the hub of the rear wheel on the adult bicycle frame (see also Fig 2). The legs are telescopic whereby the length of the legs 85 may be independently adjusted to cater for adult bicycles with varying diameter wheels. As shown, the legs each comprise two sections connected by bolts 86 which may be removed to allow the two sections to be slid relative to each other thereby extending or reducing the length of the legs. Once the legs are the desired length, the bolts are reinserted.

A handle socket 82 and handle clips 83 may optionally be attached to one of the legs. The socket and clips act as a mechanism for storing a detachable push along handle for the tricycle. Mounting points for attaching a water bottle holder 84 are also provided. The rear support post also provides a bracket for attaching a rear light 92, or may be provided with a integrated rear reflector or light 92.

Figs 6 to 8 show how the child seat/tricycle 12 is reassembled from a child seat configuration to a tricycle configuration. First belt 90 (in Fig.5) is released to free the base of the tricycle. The tricycle handlebars 104 may optionally be removed too. The tricycle is then lifted off the central portion of rear support post 80 and off projection 62 on front support post 60. Referring to Fig 6, the front wheel assembly 107 (which may be held in place by a retaining bolt) is removed from front wheel storage slot 136 located towards the rear of the base 102 of the tricycle. To configure the tricycle for cycling by a child, the front wheel assembly 107 is slotted through head tube 112 to engage with base of the tricycle handlebars 104. The handlebars 104 and front wheel assembly 107 may be securely coupled by a bolt, retaining clips or any similar mechanism.

As shown in Fig 8, when in use as a tricycle, there is a front wheel 105 located between front forks coupled to a front wheel member 190 (forming the front wheel assembly 107), and a pair of rear wheels 108 coupled to a telescopic rear axle 106a,

106b. The front wheel is fully rotatable, via the handlebars 104, so that the child can steer in any direction. Two pedals 122 are mounted either side of and adjacent the front wheel 105 for a child to propel the tricycle. Alternatively, a child can be pushed along whilst seated and may rest its feet on foot rests 124 attached to the base 102 by a foot rest rod.

The foot rests 124 are moveable between a first storage position shown in Fig 7 and a second use position shown in Fig 8. The foot rests are moved into the use position by rotating the foot rest rod about hinge 125 so that it extends downwards from the base and then further unfolding the foot rests 124. When the child is pedalling, the foot rests 124 can be returned to the storage position generally parallel to the base 102. A detachable push-along handle 84 is attached to the tricycle (as explained in more detail with reference to Fig 10) allowing an adult to propel the tricycle forwards. Optionally, the push-along handle may be rotatable about its axis, being further coupled to a linkage to the front wheel allowing the adult to control the steering of the tricycle.

Figs 8a and 9a show further details of two features which improve the conversion of the tricycle to a child seat. As shown in Fig 8a, the longitudinal wheel base (the length from front wheel axle to rear wheel axle) of the tricycle is adjustable. The base 102 is hollow and a telescopic base portion 102a is releasably secured to and slidable relative to the base 102. Each component has a plurality of holes so that the base 102 and telescopic base portion 102a can be securely fixed together (e.g. with a quick release bolt or Allan key bolt). The plurality of holes may be aligned to define a plurality of different lengths of the wheel base. Alternatively, other commonly used similar mechanisms may be used. By extending the wheel base of the tricycle, the stability can be increased. Furthermore, by decreasing the wheel base, a more compact child seat is provided for the child seat configuration.

As shown in Fig 9a, the rear wheels 108 are coupled by rear axles 106a, 106b to axle hub 106 which is mounted to the telescopic base portion 102a. The use of independent axles 106a and 106b allows the lateral rear wheel base (the spacing between the two rear wheels) of the tricycle to be adjusted. Each rear axle 106a, 106b is releasably secured to the axle hub, e.g. by two bolts, one at each opposing end of the axle hub 106. Quick release bolts may be used to allow for quick adjustment. Alternatively, other commonly used locking mechanisms may be used. To adjust the length of the lateral wheel base, the bolts are removed and the rear axles 106a, 106b are moved relative to the axle hub (e.g. in the direction of the marked arrows) until the desired length is obtained; the bolts are then reinserted. Extending the rear axle increases the stability of the tricycle and thus provides a safer tricycle for the child to cycle. When the tricycle is reconfigured for use as a child seat, the lateral rear wheel base is decreased and the overall width of the tricycle is reduced thereby providing a more compact child seat. The tricycle also comprises a braking mechanism 131 which is pivotally mounted to the tricycle and which is activated by the child pulling on lever 130. The braking mechanism is moveable between a braking position in which the brake engages with one or both wheels to stop movement and an off position in which the wheels are free to move. A pair of braking rod hubs 144 mounts the braking mechanism on to the rear axles 106a and 106b. The mounting allows both rear axles 106a and 106b and the braking mechanism to rotate, as necessary.

The braking mechanism has a section which is generally parallel to the rear axle and to maintain alignment with the wheels the braking mechanism is also telescopic. For example, this may be achieved as shown by a braking mechanism 131 comprising a central telescopic box section 140 and a pair of braking rods 140a, 140b. The telescopic box section 140 has an outer and inner box, with the inner box slidable within the outer box. A first braking rod 104a is coupled to the outer box and a second braking rod 104b is coupled to the inner box. When the lateral rear wheel base is adjusted, the inner box section slides in or out of the outer box section to adjust the length of the braking mechanism and to enable braking functionality to be maintained at any configured lateral wheel base.

Alternatively, the portion of the braking mechanism running parallel to the rear axles may be adjustable in a similar manner to the rear axle. For example, the central braking portion may be coupled to the rear axle hub 106 or telescopic base portion 102a with two separate braking rods telescopically extending either side of the central braking portion.

As shown in Figs 6 to 8, the tricycle comprises a seat 100 which is securely mounted onto the base 102 and which has a harness to securely strap the child into the seat 100. The seat is a 'bucket¹ type with integral cushioned base, back rest and sides which prevent sideways movement when the child is sat on the seat. The back rest is provided with apertures to allow air flow through the seat when a child is not seated thereon. There are a plurality of holes on the tricycle base 102 which are alignable with corresponding holes in the seat to bolt the child cushioned seat 100 to the base 102. The use of a plurality of holes allows the child cushioned seat to be moved forwards or backwards along the base 102. Alternatively, other known mechanisms may be used to adjust the seat position on the tricycle. By moving the seat backwards or forwards, the distance between the seat and the foot pedals 122 or the foot rests 124 can be adjusted to suit individual children. Optionally the seat has pockets which can be used for storage.

Figs 9 and 10 show the rear of the tricycle. A rear support member 135 is mounted onto the base 102 and provides support for a back rest bracket 133. A rear reflector 142 and a panel 134 are also attached to the back rest bracket 133. The front of the panel 134 is optionally covered in a padded material to provide a head rest for the child. On the rear of the panel 134, a warning sign and/or a reflective material is present to increase the visibility of the tricycle.

The back rest bracket 133 has a mounting slot 132 for the push-along handle (see Fig 8). Optionally, the back rest bracket 133 may have a coupling mechanism to which a moulded grip is releasably attached, the moulded grip being attachable to the end of the push-along handle 84 to provide a more comfortable grip. When attached to the tricycle, the grip can securely hold a child's helmet between the rear of the child seat 100 and the grip.

As shown in Figs 7 and 10, the harness is a five point harness comprising two shoulder straps 110a and 110b and a lower strap 110c, each of which comprises a buckle to allow the length to be adjusted. One end of each upper strap is secured to the rear of the back rest of the seat 100 by mounting plates 111 which are approximately half way up the back rest. The opposed end of each upper strap is formed with a loop which fits over a corresponding hook on a seat belt coupling bracket 152 (in a conventional manner). The straps are fitted by passing each looped end through a corresponding aperture located towards the top of the back rest of the seat, through a corresponding slot on a back rest bracket 133 and over the corresponding hook. As will be appreciated, the back rest bracket is optional but may provide additional adjustability or security for the harness.

The lower strap 110c comprises two portions. A first portion comprises a buckle 120 with an opposing end connected to an adjustable buckle under the seat. A second portion connects to the buckle under the seat and has a looped end which holds the seatbelt coupling bracket 152. The buckle located under the seat allows the overall length of the seatbelt mechanism to be adjusted thereby allowing children of different sizes to be held securely in the seat.

The three straps are clipped together by buckle 120. By attaching one end of the shoulder straps to the mounting plates 111 , a five point harness is defined. The position of the mounting plates 111 is such that a child is prevented from moving laterally. Thus it is not necessary to have deep sides to the seat. The straps, when clipped together thus prevent a child from moving vertically and laterally. Whether in use as a child seat on the bike or as a tricycle, the seat belts may be quick release to take a child out in 10 seconds.

Fig 11 shows a second embodiment of the child's tricycle showing an alternative child seat 212 convertible into a child tricycle for the child to play. The tricycle comprises a base 252 to which a cushioned seat 200, a back rest 245 and handle bars 204 are mounted. The child seat 212 is attached to a mounting portion of the base (comprising mounting locations for securing components in place). The child handle bars 248 are attached to the mounting portion on the base 252) using a bolt through a hole in the mounting portion. The back rest is attached to the mounting portion using a mounting bracket which passes through a hole in the mounting portion.

In this embodiment, the rear support post is mounted onto the seat post of the adult bicycle, although in a similar manner to the first embodiment in Fig 2, it may alternatively be coupled to the adult bicycle frame at the rear wheel hub.

In the embodiment in Fig 11 a three point harness or a four point harness may be provided. In both arrangements, there are two upper straps forming in use a V-shape across a child's upper body. The upper end of each upper strap is attached to the top of one of the posts of a secondary frame (located between the frame forming the sides of the back rest 245) and in use the opposed end of the upper straps are clipped together by a buckle. For the three point harness, a third centrally located strap fits into a slot on the back rest bracket 232 and in use clips into the buckle to define a generally Y-shaped harness. On the four point harness, there are two lower straps attached to spaced locations on the connecting bar which both clip into the buckle to define a generally X-shaped harness in use. Similarly to the first embodiment, whether in use on the bike or as a tricycle, the seat belts may be quick release to take a child out in 10 seconds.

The back seat may also recline about the back rest bracket 232. The back rest bracket comprises a screw threaded portion for receiving a screw which attaches the back rest to the back rack. The back rest bracket 232 comprises a tubular section which fits over a connecting bar and is held in place, at a generally central location on the connecting bar, by grippers at either end of the tubular section. A plurality of predrilled holes are provided around the circumference of the connecting bar which can be aligned with the screw threaded portion of the back rest bracket to provide multiple positioning angles for the back rest. To adjust the angle of the back rest 245, the screw is unscrewed sufficiently far to enable the back rest bracket 232 and hence the back rest to be rotated to a new position. The screw is tightened to lock the back rest into a new position. Alternatively a handle under the child seat allows the seat to be reclined backwards so a child can sleep in comfort. This allows the overall length of an angle adjustment mechanism to be increased, e.g. to allow the seat to recline, or decreased, e.g. to bring the seat back to an upright position.

In use as a child seat, the base 252 has a slot running through its thickness and positioned at one end into which the handle bar 204 of is slotted to hold the various components together. At the opposed end to the slot, the base 252 is formed with a projection having an aperture through which the back rest bracket 232 is fed. The underside of the base 252 is provided with a hole to which the bracket is attached, e.g. using an Allan key bolt.

On the side portions of the central section of the base 252 there are two holes which are used to bolt the child cushioned seat 200 to the base 252. A plurality of holes may be used so that the child cushioned seat 200 may be moved backwards or forwards along the base. Alternatively, another mechanism may be incorporated to provide flexibility for the positioning of the child cushioned seat whether in use as a tricycle or a child seat on a bike. Similarly, the position of the handle bars on the base is movable to accommodate different sizes of children, e.g. by providing more than one hole into which the handle bars are slotted. When in use as a tricycle, there are three wheels 208, 209 connected to the base 252; two rears wheels 208 for stability and one front wheel 209. The front wheel 209 is fully rotatable, via the handle bars 204, so that the child can steer in any direction. The rear wheels 208 are connected to the base 252 using a rear mounting 207 which fits into slots at the rear of the base. A front mounting is attached to the front of the base, the front mounting comprising a hollow housing into which the handle bars 204 are fitted, a generally arched portion below the housing to which a pair of pedals 222 are attached and a bar running across the base of the generally arched position and through the front wheel. The pedals 222 are either side of and adjacent the front wheel 209 for a child to propel the tricycle. The pedals 222 are attached by spring connections whereby the pedals are foldable between a use position generally perpendicular to the plane of the front wheel and a storage position generally parallel to the plane of the front wheel. Alternatively, the child can rest its feet on a pair of foot rests 224 which are centrally mounted on the base 252 where the leg support post 280 fits. An adult may propel the tricycle forwards using a telescopic handle 284.

When in use on the adult bicycle, the child seat is attached to the adult bicycle using a fixing component 238 which is secured at one end around the upper portion of the adult seat post. The fixing component may be secured in place with a bracket and four Allan key bolts for example. At the opposed end, the fixing component terminates with a connector 234 wherein the base 252 is removably attachable to the fixing component 238. The fixing component 238 comprises clips to the upper end of the main seat post 230 of the adult bike. The base 252 is also connected to bike frame via the leg support post 280 using a centrally placed connection 236. The recesses which receive the mountings for the rear wheels are sealed with plugs. The front wheel 209, pedals 222, foot rests 224, telescopic handle 284, rear wheels 208 and mounting for both wheels are either stored underneath or on the child seat or in the box 255 attached to a rack extending behind the child seat.

The bike seat is converted into a tricycle by disconnecting the base from the fixing component and the leg support post, including detaching the handle bars. The side bars and covers are also removed from the back rest. The components for the tricycle are removed from their storage place(s). The front mounting is attached to the front connector (which was previously connected to the fixing component), the handle bars are attached to the front mounting and the pedals are unfolded. The foot rests are connected to the central connector (which was previously connected to the leg support post). The rear wheels are attached to the frame using the rear mountings inserted into the recesses on the frame. Optionally, the telescopic handle is also removed from its storage place, extended and attached to the rear of the base. The tricycle may be converted back into a child seat by removing the wheels, foot rests and pedal and wheel connector, folding in the pedals, attaching the front connector to the fixing component, attaching the central connector to the leg support post and storing all the component on the bike for later use.

Fig 12 shows a child safety helmet 250 which is attached to the seat back rest 245 using a strap 256 which functions in a similar manner to a car seat belt. In other words, the strap 256 is designed to permit reasonable movement of a child's head in normal circumstances but to provide a mechanism which prevents the child's head from snapping forward in the event of a collision or other accident. The child's head will only be permitted to move forwards in line with movement of the child's body (which is held in place using the harness previously described). Thus, if the harness locks the child's body in place, the helmet will lock the child's head in place. Care needs to be taken that any locking of the helmet does not injure the child.

The strap 256 is fitted to the rear of the helmet 250 and to an upper part of the back rest 245 with a bracket 258 which changes the angle of the strap and diverts it down the back rest 245 to a fixing system 249 which firmly secures the strap to a lower part of the back rest. The height of the bracket 258 (and hence the height of the helmet) is adjustable by loosening the bracket, sliding the bracket up or down the back rest and retightening. Additional harness straps (not shown) may be secured to the bracket 258 and/or helmet to provide additional safety. In addition to the safety advantage described above, even if a child is able to remove the helmet from its head (i.e. by undoing the chin strap), the helmet will stay attached to the bike and will not be lost.

All the components for the tricycle are stored on the bicycle or form part of the child seat. Thus, the convertible tricycle and child seat provides a very convenient way to transport a child when cycling or after arriving at your destination and parking the bicycle. Alternatively, if the tricycle is not needed, all components of the child bike/seat may be stored on the bicycle as described above. The systems described above offer several advantages, for example:

1) All the components for the child seat/tricycle are stored on the adult bike for ease of access and use. 2) The child seat does not need to be permanently left assembled on the bike.

3) The bike stays stable with or without the seat mounted or a child seated therein.

4) The use of a locking mechanism means that the child seat may not be stolen.

5) The leg support post/rear support post provides support for the child's weight and thus children from 3-12 may use the seat. Thus the system is suitable for a larger age range than know seats. Thus, the system may be suitable for disabled children who are otherwise too large to be carried on an adult bicycle.

6) The arrangements satisfy the main health and safety requirements, i.e. a. They are not solid bucket-like seats which catch the wind; they are provided with holes for air to pass through b. The child seat is at approximately the same height as the adult seat c. The child seat is not mounted on the bike front cross bar

7) The child is located close to the adult, within the perimeter of the adult bicycle, providing protection for the child.

8) The child seat may be constructed from hardened aluminium and steel or carbon fibre so that it is lightweight and strong.

9) The convertible tricycle option provides a convenient way to transport a child once the adult bike is parked.

No doubt many other effective alternatives will occur to the skilled person. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the described embodiments and encompasses modifications apparent to those skilled in the art lying within the spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A child's bike which is adapted for use as a child seat on a bicycle, the child bike comprising a base to which is mounted a seat, a front wheel, at least one rear wheel and handle bars, wherein the base is adapted to be mounted to an adult bicycle whereby the seat forms part of a child seat on the adult bicycle.

2. A child's bike as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the handle bars are detachably mountable to the base.

3. A child's bike as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a pair of rear wheels coupled by a length-adjustable axle.

4. A child's bike as claimed in claim 3, comprising a braking mechanism having a component generally parallel to the length-adjustable axle, with the braking mechanism component having a length-adjustment mechanism.

5. A child's bike as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the base of the child's bike comprises a longitudinal length adjustment mechanism.

6. A child's bike as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising means for detachably mounting the front wheel to the base.

7. A child's bike as claimed in claim 6, wherein the means for detachably mounting the front wheel to the base forms all or part of the means for mounting the base to an adult bicycle.

8. A child's bike as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, comprising means for storing the front wheel, when the bike is in use a child seat on an adult bicycle.

9. A child's bike as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the means for detachably mounting the front wheel to the base is configured to engage with a front support post mounted to a bicycle when the bike is in use as a child seat on the bicycle.

10. A child's bike as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base is configured to engage with a rear support post mounted to a bicycle when the bike is in use as a child on the bicycle.

11. A kit for attaching the bike of any one of claims 1 to 10 to an adult bicycle, the kit comprising at least one support post which is releasably attachable to both the bike and the bicycle to support the bike on the bicycle when the bike is in use as a child seat on the bicycle.

12. A kit as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the support post comprises a fixing component for mounting the support post to the seat post of the bicycle.

13. A kit as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the support post comprises a length-adjustment mechanism.

14. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the support post comprises foot rests.

15. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the at least one support post comprises an angle adjustment mechanism.

16. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, comprising a front support post configured to engage with the base of the child seat generally underneath the handle bars.

17. A kit as claimed in claim 16, wherein the front support post comprises a projection which is configured to engage with the means for detachably mounting the front wheel of the bike.

18. A kit as claimed in any one of claims 11 to 15, comprising a rear support post configured to engage the base generally underneath the seat of the child seat.

19. A kit as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, wherein the rear support post comprises a recess contoured to match the base of the bike, whereby the base is a snug fit in the recess when the bike is in use as child seat.

20. A child bike seat for an adult bicycle, the bike seat comprising a base to which is mounted a seat, handle bars, a front wheel and at least one rear wheel whereby the child's bike is configurable for use as a child bike when detached from the adult bicycle.

21. A child bike seat as claimed in claim 20, comprising a support post which is releasably attachable to both the bike seat and the bicycle to support the bike seat on the bicycle.

22. A child bike seat as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the support post comprises a fixing component for mounting the at least one support post to a seat post of the bicycle.

23. A child bike seat as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the support post comprises a length-adjustment mechanism.

24. A child bike seat as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the support post comprises foot rests.

25. A child bike seat as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the support post comprises an angle adjustment mechanism

26. A child bike seat as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the support post is configured to engage the base of the child seat generally underneath the handle bars.

27. A child bike seat as claimed in claim 26, wherein the support post comprises a projection which is configured to engage with the means for detachably mounting the front wheel of the bike.

28. A child bike seat as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 27, wherein the support post is configured to engage the base of the child seat generally underneath the seat.

29. A child bike seat as claimed in claim 28, wherein the support post comprises a recess contoured to match the base of the child seat, whereby the base is a snug fit in the recess.

30. A child bike seat as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 29, comprising a pair of rear wheels coupled by a length-adjustable axle.

31. A child's bike seat as claimed in claim 30, comprising a braking mechanism having a component generally parallel to the length-adjustable axle, with the braking mechanism component having a length-adjustment mechanism.

32. A child's bike seat as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 31, wherein the base comprises a longitudinal length adjustment mechanism.

33. A child's bike seat as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 31 , comprising means for detachably mounting the base to the bicycle, wherein the means for detachably mounting is configured to mount to the front wheel when the bike seat is configured as a bike.

34. An adult bicycle comprising a child trike of any one of claims 1 to 10 and the kit of any one of claims 11 to 20.

35. An adult bicycle comprising a child seat of any one of claims 21 to 33.