Abstract:
The present invention relates to an extendable bicycle comprising: (a) at least two wheels ( 100,500 ), each having an axis ( 120 ), and each capable of rotating around its own axis; (b) an extendable handle bar ( 200 ) for steering said extendable bicycle; (c) an extendable chair ( 400 ); and (d) an extendable frame ( 300 ) for pivotally holding said two wheels, and for supporting said extendable handle bar and said extendable chair, where the extendable frame can be extended from a first configuration to at least a second configuration for extending the length between said axes of said at least two wheels.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to the field of riding vehicles. More particularly, the invention relates to an extendable riding vehicle. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Balancing and coordination skills are essential for learning how to ride a two wheel bicycle. Nevertheless, acquiring these skills is not an easy task for beginner cyclists, especially young children. A known approach for achieving bicycle riding skills is to use a set of training wheels, which is attached to the bicycle&#39;s rear wheel assembly. However, one major drawback is that the learner tends to lean on the training wheels for support much like riding a tricycle, creating a dependency for said training wheels, whereby preventing the learner from developing the necessary balancing skills. It could take a long time before the learner is willing to wean off these training wheel devices. Another disadvantage is that since there are many different bicycle models and sizes for the beginner, the manufacturing and stocking of each specific type of training wheel device for said models and sizes is costly. 
         [0003]    Certain training methods involve the providing of a training scooter which does not have pedals. A beginning cyclist can learn to balance and coast on these training scooters, but must switch to a different bicycle with pedals to learn balancing and coasting while peddling. The switching to a different bicycle which has a different feel and weight is believed to inhibit the learning process. Additionally, these training scooters do not position the beginning cyclist&#39;s legs to approximate the position of the legs when learning to balance and coast while peddling. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,798,513 describes an apparatus for training a beginning cyclist to ride a bicycle, which includes providing a bicycle with detachable pedals and at least a portion of the crank arms, and attaching guard shields on the remaining portions of the crank arms. The described training bicycle can be converted to a training mode where at least a portion of the crank arms and pedals are removed. The crank shields protect the cyclist&#39;s legs and feet from getting snagged during the balancing step of learning. Nevertheless, the described apparatus is inefficient. 
         [0005]    Is would therefore be desired to propose a system void of the problems discussed above. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide a riding vehicle that can be transformed from a running bicycle into a pedal bicycle. 
         [0007]    It is another object of the present invention to provide a bicycle that can be extended from a small bicycle for smaller cyclists into a larger bicycle for bigger cyclists. 
         [0008]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a bicycle that can be transformed from one arrangement to another arrangement for accommodating the growing rider. 
         [0009]    It is still another object of the present invention to provide a bicycle that can be easily transformed from one arrangement to another without requiring additional tools. 
         [0010]    Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds. 
         [0011]    The present invention relates to an extendable bicycle comprising: (a) at least two wheels, each having an axis, and each capable of rotating around its own axis; (b) an extendable handle bar for steering said extendable bicycle; (c) an extendable chair; and (d) an extendable frame for pivotally holding said two wheels, and for supporting said extendable handle bar and said extendable chair, where the extendable frame can be extended from a first configuration to at least a second configuration for extending the length between said axes of said at least two wheels. 
         [0012]    Preferably, the extendable frame comprises a main frame and an inner pipe. 
         [0013]    Preferably, the extendable frame can be extended by pulling the inner pipe from the main frame. 
         [0014]    The present invention also relates to a riding vehicle transformable from a running bicycle into a pedaling bicycle comprising: (a) at least two wheels, each having an axis, and each capable of rotating around its own axis; (b) a handle bar for steering said vehicle; (c) a chair; (d) at least one pedal; (e) at least one pedal arm connected to said pedal; (f) a frame for pivotally holding said two wheels, and supporting said handle bar, said chair, and said at least one pedal arm; (g) means for folding said pedal into said frame; and (h) means for securing said pedal from unfolding spontaneously from said frame. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    In the drawings: 
           [0016]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram, from a left side view, of the extendable bicycle folded into its running bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram, from an upper view, of the extendable bicycle folded into its running bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram, from a right side view, of the extendable bicycle folded into its running bicycle arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram, from a right side view, of the extended bicycle in its running bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram, from a right side view, of the extended bicycle in its pedaling bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram, from an upper view, of the extendable bicycle in its pedaling bicycle arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the pedaling bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 8   a  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the pedaling bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8   b  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the axis cover  610 , according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9   a  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the pedaling bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 9   b  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the element  645  and nut  640 , according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0027]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the running bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 11   a  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged left side view, of the pedaling bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 11   b  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged left side view, of the running bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 12   a  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the axis cover, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 12   b  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the back of the axis cover, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    Hereinafter, parts, elements and components that are depicted in more than one figure are typically referenced by the same numerals. 
         [0033]    The terms of “front”, “rear”, “down”, “up”, “bottom”, “upper”, “horizontal”,  “ vertical ”  or any reference to sides or directions are used throughout the description for the sake of brevity alone and are not meant to be limiting in any way. 
         [0034]    The terms “bolt” and “pin” are used throughout the description interchangeably. 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram, from a left side view, of the extendable bicycle folded into its running bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this arrangement the pedal  600  is folded into the left framework  700  in an arrangement that eliminates the pedal  600  interference with the legs of the rider while running. The left framework  700  secures the folding state of the pedal. In this embodiment, the counterpart pedal (not shown) on the other side is folded as well, as will be described in relation to  FIG. 3 . The folded pedals allow the beginning cyclist to use the bicycle as a running bike for learning to balance and coast. The folded pedal  600  is connected to the pedal arm  620  which is held in proximity to the main axis pin (not shown) located under cover  610 . The main axis pin (not shown) is pivotally held by the frame bar  310 , which supports the main axis pin and allows it to revolve. The rear wheel  500  axis pin (not shown), which holds the rear wheel  500  and allows it to rotate, is pivotally held by the frame bar  320 . The frame bars  320  and  310  are both connected to the main frame  300  which also supports the chair  400  of the runner/rider. The main frame  300  secures an inner pipe  330  which holds the hinge  210  which allows the right and left rotating of: the handle bars  200  and front wheel  100 . In one embodiment the handle bars  200  are connected by pipes  110  to the axis pin  120  of the front wheel  100 . Any number of pipes  110  may connect the handle bars  200  and the axis of wheel  120 , as long as the handle bars  200  may be used for controlling the rotating right and left of the front wheel  100 , i.e. controlling the steering of the bicycle. In one embodiment a flash light or a front light reflector  220  may be added. In one embodiment a flash light or a back light reflector  221  may be added. 
         [0036]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram, from an upper view, of the extendable bicycle folded into its running bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. Some of the parts illustrated in this diagram have been described above in relations to  FIG. 1  and are referenced with the same numerals as in  FIG. 1  such as parts:  100 ,  110 ,  200 ,  500 ,  620  and other parts as well. As described in relations to  FIG. 1  the left pedal  600  is folded into the left framework  700 . In addition, the right pedal  650  is folded as well into the right framework  750 . Both pedals are folded for eliminating their interference with the legs of the rider while he is running. The rider may sit on the chair  400  and push the bicycle forward by pushing with his legs on the floor. This practice of running and riding can teach the rider to balance himself on the bicycle easily and comfortably. 
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram, from a right side view, of the extendable bicycle folded into its running bicycle arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. In this diagram the chair  400 , as described in relations to  FIG. 1 , has an opening  410  in which a screw driver or an adjustable spanner or any other tool may be inserted inside for adjusting the height of the chair, as will described further in relations to  FIG. 4 . In addition, the main frame  300  upper end, i.e. the end that is closer to the handle bar, is held by a clamp  340  which is secured by a lever  350 . The clamp  340  purpose, among others, is to secure the holding of the inner pipe  330  in relations to the main frame  300 . The clamp  340  grip may be loosened by pulling out lever  350 , after which inner pipe  330  may be pulled from inside the frame  300 , effectively extending the length of the bicycle. 
         [0038]    As described in relations to  FIG. 2  and shown in  FIG. 3 , the pedal  650  is folded into the right framework  750  in an arrangement that eliminates the pedal  650  interference with the legs of the rider while he is running. 
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram, from a right side view, of the extended bicycle in its running bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this diagram the bicycle is in its running bike arrangement similar to the arrangement described in relations to  FIG. 3 , however, in this arrangement the bicycle is also extended to accommodate a taller rider. In this diagram the chair  400  has been pulled up to accommodate the taller rider. As described in relations to  FIG. 3  the chair  400  has an opening  410  in which a screw driver can be inserted for releasing the screw  420 , or any other fastening means, which secures the clamp  430 . Once the clamp  430  has been loosened the chair may be pulled upward and fitted for the taller rider&#39;s convenience. After fitting the chair  400  at the right height, the clamp  430  may be fastened again using the screw  420 . The horizontal length of the bicycle may be extended as well by pulling lever  350  and loosening clamp  340 . Once clamp  340  has been loosened the inner pipe  330  may be pulled from the main frame  300  and adjusted according to the needs of the rider. After the right length is set the clamp  340  may be fastened again using lever  350 . 
         [0040]      FIG. 5  is a schematic diagram, from a right side view, of the extended bicycle in its pedaling bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. The terms “pedal arrangement”, “pedaling arrangement”, and “pedal bicycle” are meant to describe an arrangement of a bicycle that is propelled by rotating the pedals of the bicycle. In this embodiment the pedals  600  and  650  are unfolded and they are set at the side of the bicycle for pedaling. Thus the rider can ride the bicycle by rotating the pedals  600  and  650  which in turn rotate their axis (not shown), which rotates the wheel  500  using a revolving chain (not shown) located inside the framework  750 , similar to the workings of the prior art bicycle. The other parts and components of the bicycle are similar to the described in relations to  FIG. 4 . 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the extending feature of the bicycle is used for accommodating the growing user. Thus the bicycle may be bought initially for a rider who is a child and changed periodically in relations to the rider&#39;s growth. For example the chair  400 , as described in relations to  FIGS. 1-5  can be pulled up and extended to accommodate the growing rider. As described in relations to  FIG. 3 , the chair  400  can have an opening  410  in which a screw driver, or any other means, can be inserted for releasing the fastening means, such as clamp  430  of the chair for extending the chair, after which the clamp  430  may be fastened again for securing the chair in the extended configuration. Thus, the chair  400  may be held upward and fitted in one configuration of any number of extended configurations for the growing rider. In other embodiments other extending means may be used for extending the chair&#39;s height. The handle  200  may be extended as well by loosening the nuts  250  and pulling the handle  200  upwards from inside the fork  110 . In other embodiments other extending means may be used for extending the handle&#39;s height. The horizontal length of the bicycle may be extended as well by pulling lever  350  and loosening clamp  340 . Once clamp  340  has been loosened the inner pipe  330  may be pulled from the main frame  300  and adjusted according to the needs of the growing rider. After the right length is set the clamp  340  may be fastened again using lever  350 . In other embodiments other extending means may be used for extending the length between the axis of the front wheel and the axis of the back wheel. Thus the bicycle may be changed from a first configuration which can accommodate a small rider to a second configuration which can accommodate a bigger rider. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram, from an upper view, of the extendable bicycle in its pedaling bicycle arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention. As described in relations to  FIG. 5  the pedal  600  is unfolded from the left framework  700 . In addition, the pedal  650  is also unfolded as well from the right framework  750 . Both pedals are unfolded for allowing the rider to pedal and ride the bicycle. The rider may sit on the chair  400  and pedal the bicycle forward as known in the prior art bicycles. The unfolding will be described later in relations to  FIG. 11   a  and  FIG. 11   b . 
         [0043]      FIG. 7  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the pedaling bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. As described in relations to  FIG. 5  the pedal  650  is unfolded from the framework  750 . As described in relations to  FIG. 1  the pedal  650  is connected to the pedal arm  622  which is connected to the axis pin (not shown) under the cover  610 . 
         [0044]      FIG. 8   a  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the pedaling bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this view the axis cover  610 , described in relations to  FIG. 7 , is removed for revealing the axis pin  630 . The pedal  650  is connected to the pedal arm  622  which is fastened by the nut  640  to element  645  which is connected by a bolt (not shown) to the axis bolt  630 .  FIG. 8   b  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the axis cover  610 , according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 9   a  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the pedaling bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this view the element  645  and nut  640 , described in relations to  FIG. 8   a,  are removed for the sake of brevity. The pedal  650  is connected to the pedal arm  622  which is held in close proximity to the axis bolt  630  by bolt  646 . In order to fold the pedal  650  the pedal arm  622  must be loosened from the axis pin  630 . Once the pedal arm  622  is loosened it may be turned in 90° around it own axis, effectively aligning the pedal  650  with its socket. When the pedal  650  is aligned with its socket  647  it may be pushed in the socket  647  where the clip  648  holds the pedal  650  in place. The clip  648  may be held with a spring or any other elastic arrangement which allows it to move in order to allow the insertion of pedal  650  and the holding of the pedal  650  once it has been inserted.  FIG. 9   b  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the element  645  and nut  640 , according to an embodiment of the invention. In order to fold the pedal  650 , described in relations to  FIG. 9   a,  the nut  640  must be turned in relations to element  645  and the pedal arm  622  must be loosened from the axis pin  630 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 10  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the running bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment the pedal  650  is shown in its folded state held by clip  648 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 11   a  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged left side view, of the pedaling bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this view, similar to the described in relations to  FIG. 8   a,  the axis cover is removed for revealing the axis pin  630 . The pedal  600  is connected to the pedal arm  620  which is fastened by the nut  690  to element  695  which is connected by a bolt (not shown) to the axis bolt  630 .  FIG. 11   b  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged left side view, of the running bicycle arrangement, according to an embodiment of the invention. In this view, similar to the described in relations to  FIG. 11   a,  the axis cover is removed for revealing the axis pin  630 , however, in this diagram the pedal  600  is folded into its socket  697 . Similarly to the described in relations to  FIG. 9   a  the folding of this pedal is done by turning the nut  690  and loosening the pedal arm  620 , however, once the pedal arm  620  is loosening the pedal arm should be turned 90° up, around its own axis, and then the pedal arm and element  695  should be moved 180° around the axis  630 , effectively aligning the pedal  600  with its socket  697 . In one embodiment both pedal arms  620  and  622  may each be moved 180° around the axis  630 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 12   a  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the axis cover  610 , according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 12   a  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged left side view, of the axis cover  610 , according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 12   b  is a schematic diagram, from an enlarged right side view, of the back of axis cover  610 , according to an embodiment of the invention. In one embodiment the inside of the cover  610  may have a fence like addition  633  which has a partial outer shape of the nut  640 , as described in relations to  FIG. 8   a.  Thus the cover  610  may be used for turning nut  640 . The turning of nut  640  may be done buy pulling the side  633  of the cover  610  and turning the cover  610  into a place where the addition  633  covers a part of the nut  640 . Once the addition  633  of nut  640  is covered, the cover  610  may be turned in the direction for opening the nut  640 . After the folding or unfolding of the pedal the cover  610  may be used for closing nut  640  as well. In one embodiment, both pedal arms, right and left, may have the described cover  610 . 
         [0048]    While some embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be apparent that the invention can be carried into practice with many modifications, variations and adaptations, and with the use of numerous equivalents or alternative solutions that are within the scope of persons skilled in the art, without departing from the invention or exceeding the scope of claims.