Patent Publication Number: US-8534689-B2

Title: Child vehicle having a graphical interface

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/706,578, filed Feb. 16, 2010 (pending), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The invention relates generally to a child vehicle, and more particularly to a child vehicle capable of converting between two configurations. The invention also relates to personalizing the child vehicle and providing additional activities for a child using the vehicle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Trikes and scooters are among some of the most popular of today&#39;s outdoor toys for young children. Previously, if a child desired both a trike and a scooter, the child&#39;s parents or guardian would typically purchase two separate products. However, the purchase of two separate products may be costly. Additionally, two separate products increase the space required for storage, which may be at a premium in a garage, basement or other storage location. Accordingly, manufacturers of these types of child vehicles have made attempts to develop a convertible vehicle that easily transitions between a trike configuration and a scooter configuration. Such attempts, however, have been problematic and therefore have met with limited commercial success in the marketplace. 
     In this regard, there are a number of design considerations that may not be easily addressed to achieve convertibility between a trike and a scooter. By way of example, conventional trikes have seat assemblies on which to support a rider, while scooters lack such a seat assembly. Indeed, the presence of a seat assembly on a scooter may destroy the intended operation of the scooter, or at a minimum, would most likely diminish the enjoyment experienced by a child using the scooter. Moreover, scooters typically include a deck for supporting one or more feet of the rider thereon. Trikes, on the other hand, typically lack such a deck, as the feet of the rider are intended to be placed on the pedals of the trike. Thus, meshing the design of a trike and a scooter can present design challenges that have not been adequately addressed in the industry. 
     Additionally, many trikes and scooters are manufactured and shipped to various retail outlets in an unassembled state. Some retail outlets may offer a service of assembling the vehicles for the customer. However, in many instances, such a service may not be offered or the consumer chooses to forego the service and assemble the vehicle at home. In any event, conventional assembly of the vehicle typically requires the retail outlet or the consumer to have various tools for implementing assembly. When assembly is performed at the retail outlet, such tool-based assembly can be costly and time consuming. Moreover, improper assembly by the retail outlet can be a source of consumer frustration and/or product return. When assembly is performed by the consumer in the home setting, for example, tool-based assembly can be the source of consumer frustration, and may likewise result in product return if the assembly process becomes too complex or daunting. 
     Furthermore, there is a strong desire in children to customize their possessions in an effort to express individuality and personality. Conventional trikes, scooters and other child vehicles do not offer much potential for customization and design beyond those incorporated at the factory level. In this regard, trikes, scooters and other child vehicles are typically offered at retail outlets with predetermined color schemes or decorative features (e.g., decals, etc.), which oftentimes fail to make a personal connection with the child or provide the opportunity to personalize the vehicle. Additionally, many of the products currently on the market lack new and exciting features that allow children to play in different and interesting ways. In this regard, many products offered today provide limited activities for children, often being limited to a single activity (e.g., a tricycle is only used to ride). This may in turn limit the use of or diminish the enjoyment the child may gain from using the product. 
     Thus, while conventional trikes and scooters are generally successful for their intended purpose, there remains a need for a child vehicle that can convert between multiple configurations in an improved and appealing manner. There also remains a need for a vehicle that may be assembled in a tool-less manner. Additionally, there remains a need for a child vehicle that allows children to assert their individuality by personalizing their vehicles through, for example, artistic expression. There also remains the need to provide additional activities for a child to enjoy using the vehicle. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one illustrative embodiment, the present invention is drawn to a vehicle for a child having a front frame including a handlebar and at least one front wheel and a rear frame movably coupled thereto and including at least one rear wheel. At least one graphical interface is coupled to the vehicle that includes a placard having a frame secured to the vehicle and a working surface disposed generally within the frame. The working surface is configured to be marked thereon by the child using a marking utensil so as to create an artistic expression for customizing the vehicle. The graphical interface may be included on a broad range of child vehicles including bicycles, tricycles, scooters and ride-on vehicles. 
     In one embodiment, the working surface may be defined by the surface of an art board. Generally, the working surface may include a surface roughness sufficient to allow a marking utensil to mark thereon when in movable contact therewith. The working surface may also be configured to allow markings to be erased or otherwise relatively easily removed therefrom. In one embodiment, the working surface may be integrally formed with the frame such that the placard is a one-piece construction. Alternatively, however, in another embodiment, the placard may include a substrate removably coupled to the frame, wherein the substrate defines the working surface. For example, the substrate may include an art board removably coupled with the frame or a member having a sufficient surface roughness for receiving markings thereon. The substrate may also include a wide range of paper products, including various specialty paper configured for drawing, painting, coloring, etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the placard may include a slider removably coupled to the frame having a handle and a depending member that defines the working surface thereon. 
     In one particular embodiment, the graphical interface may be incorporated with a child vehicle capable of converting between two configurations. In this regard, the vehicle may include a deck coupled to the rear frame and a seat assembly configured to be removably coupled to the rear frame. When the seat assembly is coupled to the vehicle, the vehicle may have a tricycle configuration. And when the seat assembly is not coupled to the vehicle, the vehicle may have a scooter configuration. More particularly, the scooter may be configured as a chariot scooter. 
     In a further aspect of the invention, the deck may define a deck plane and the seat assembly may couple to the rear frame at a location below the deck plane. In this way, the deck is uninterrupted by the seat assembly and any of the support structure for coupling the seat assembly to the vehicle does not affect operation of the vehicle as a scooter. In one particular embodiment, the rear frame may include a support post that extends in a direction that is generally parallel to the deck place. The seat assembly may include a bracket having a leg also extending in a direction generally parallel to the deck plane. The leg engages with the support post to couple the seat assembly to the vehicle. 
     In another embodiment in accordance with aspects of the invention, a tool-less coupling of a child vehicle is disclosed. The child vehicle includes a front frame and a rear frame that are movably coupled together during assembly. The coupling includes a post coupled to one of the front frame and rear frame having an outer surface and a free end. A locking insert having at least one flexible tab is coupled to the free end of the post such that at least a portion of the at least one tab extends outwardly of the outer surface of the post. The tab is capable of flexing generally inwardly toward the outer surface of the post. The coupling further includes a head tube coupled to the other of the front frame or rear frame. The head tube includes a passageway configured to receive the post therein and a first end having an opening in communication with the passageway and an end surface disposed about the opening. The opening in the first end is sized to cause inward flexing of the at least one flexible tab as the post is being inserted through the passageway. However, the flexible tab flexes back outwardly after having passed through the opening in the first end. In this way, a portion of the flexible tab is adjacent the end surface and outward of the opening such that the locking tab cannot move back through the opening and removal of the post from the head tube is prohibited. 
     In one particular embodiment, the post includes a passageway therethrough and at least one slot formed through the outer surface so as to be in communication with the passageway. At least a portion of the locking insert is positioned in the passageway when coupled to the post and the at least one tab projects through the at least one slot in the post. The coupling may further include a protective cap to cover the locking insert. The protective cap may be configured to lock to the locking insert. 
     In still a further embodiment, a tool-less assembly method for coupling a front frame and a rear frame of a child vehicle is disclosed, the front and rear frames define a coupling as described above and the method includes inserting the post into the passageway of the head tube; flexing the at least one flexible tab as the locking insert passes through the first end of the head tube; and positioning the flexible tab adjacent the end surface of the first end and outwardly of the opening therein so as to prohibit the locking insert from passing back through the opening in the first end. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one illustrative embodiment of a convertible child vehicle having a graphical interface in the form of a tricycle; 
         FIG. 2  is a rear perspective view of the child vehicle of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the child vehicle of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with the seat removed, such that the vehicle now has a scooter configuration; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a disassembled perspective view of a tool-less coupling between a front and rear frames of the vehicle; 
         FIG. 5A  is an enlarged view of a portion of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a rear perspective view of the child vehicle of  FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrating the coupling of a bin and caddy to the vehicle; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another illustrative embodiment of a child vehicle having a graphical interface in the form of a bicycle; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a child vehicle similar to  FIG. 7  in accordance with another embodiment; 
         FIG. 9A  is a cross-sectional view of an alternative seat assembly; 
         FIG. 9B  is another cross-sectional view of the seat assembly shown in  FIG. 9A ; and 
         FIG. 10  is a rear perspective view of the child vehicle illustrating an alternate coupling of a bin to the vehicle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to the drawings and to  FIGS. 1 and 2  in particular, a convertible child vehicle  10  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, shown in the form of a tricycle, includes a front frame  12  pivotally coupled to a rear frame  14 . The front frame  12  includes a front fork  16  operatively coupled to a handlebar  18 . The front fork  16  includes a pair of spaced apart legs  20  that extend in a generally parallel fashion. A front wheel  22 , which defines a front axle  24 , is positioned between the legs  20  and rotatably coupled thereto so as to allow rotation of the front wheel  22  relative to the front frame  12 . A pair of pedals  26  are positioned outboard of the legs  20  of front fork  16  and are operatively coupled to the front wheel  22  (e.g., such as by being coupled to the front axle  24 ) for allowing a rider (not shown) to rotate the front wheel  22 , and consequently, propel the vehicle  10  in a certain direction dictated by the handlebar  18 . 
     In this embodiment, the legs  20  of the front fork  16  do not converge to a single fork stem, as is conventional, but instead extend substantially the full length of the front fork  16 . In this regard, the handlebar  18  may couple to an upper end of the generally parallel legs  20 . For example, the handlebar  18  may be coupled to the legs  20  using a screw or other suitable fastener. As shown in  FIG. 1 , in one embodiment, the legs  20  may be angled adjacent the handlebar  18 , so as to, for example, project away from the rider. In alternative embodiments, such an angle need not be formed and the forks may be generally straight or have some other configuration. The handlebar  18  may include a pair of handles  28  configured to be grasped by the rider for turning the vehicle  10  in a desired direction. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the handlebar  18  may have a wide variety of shapes and designs and the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment shown herein. 
     As mentioned above, the front frame  12  is pivotally coupled to the rear frame  14 . To this end, the front frame  12  includes an attachment member having a crossbar  30  extending between the legs  20 , and a post  32  ( FIG. 5 ) coupled to the crossbar  30  and extending in a direction generally parallel to the legs  20 . In one embodiment, the crossbar  30  may have an orthogonal relationship with the legs  20 . However, the crossbar  30  may be generally arcuate such that the post  32 , which may be centrally located on the crossbar  30 , may be offset from the legs  20  so as to be spaced from a plane or axis generally defined by the legs  20 . As explained in more detail below, the post  32  ( FIG. 5 ) is configured to receive a portion of the rear frame  14  thereon to effectuate the pivotal coupling between the front and rear frames  12 ,  14 . In this regard, the post  32  defines a pivot axis  34  that, in one embodiment, may be generally parallel to, but spaced from, a plane or axis  35  defined by legs  20  ( FIG. 5 ). 
     The elements that form the front frame  12  may be formed from a variety of materials. For example, the legs  20 , crossbar  30 , and post  32  may be formed from metal (e.g., metal tubing) and have a circular, oval, or other suitable cross-sectional shape. These materials and shapes are merely exemplary and it should be recognized that other materials and shapes may be used. In contrast, the handlebar  18  and the pedals  26  may be formed from suitable engineering plastics, including for example, polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable plastics. However, the invention is not so limited as the handlebar  18  and/or pedals  26  may be formed from other suitable materials. 
     The rear frame  14  includes a head tube  36  configured to be pivotally coupled to the front frame  12 , a first support element  38  coupled to the head tube  36  at one end thereof, and a second support element  40  (shown in phantom in  FIG. 2 ) coupled to the other end of the first support element  38 . In one embodiment, the first support element  38  may include a generally arcuate tubular member  42  having a relatively large oval cross-sectional shape, though circular or other cross-sectional shapes may also be used. Additionally, the first support element  38  may include multiple tubes extending from head tube  36  in alternative embodiments and is not limited to that shown herein. A first end of the tubular member  42  may, for example, be coupled to the head tube  36  through a welding process or other suitable process. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the second support element  40  may include a generally U-shaped support member  44  having a central portion and end portions on either side thereof. The central portion is configured to be coupled to the second end of the tubular member  42 , such as through a welding process or other suitable process. Moreover, each end portion may include a rear wheel  50  rotatably coupled adjacent an end thereof so as to allow rotation of the rear wheels  50  relative to the rear frame  14 . The second support element  40  may further include a central support post  52  having a first end coupled to the second end of tubular member  42  or to the U-shaped member  44  and which may extend generally centrally between the end portions and lie generally within the same plane as generally defined by the U-shaped member  44 . As discussed in more detail below, the central support post  52  may be configured to receive a seat assembly for providing a seat for a child using the vehicle  10 . 
     As shown in these figures, the rear frame  14  further includes a deck  54  configured to be coupled to and generally overlie the second support element  40 . In this regard and in one embodiment, the deck  54  may have a U-shaped configuration generally corresponding to the shape of the second support element  40  (e.g., U-shaped member  44 ). The deck  54  may include an upper, generally planar surface  56 , a peripheral downturned lip or flange  58 , and a bottom surface (not shown) opposite the upper surface  56 . The bottom surface may include a plurality of ribs (not shown) to provide additional structural support to the deck  54  and to define channels for receiving at least portions of second support element  40  therein. Additionally, the bottom surface may include one or more connecting members (not shown) configured to receive fasteners (e.g., screws or the like) for securing the deck  54  to the rear frame  14 . The peripheral flange  58  may be configured so as to at least partially surround or cover the U-shaped member  44 . In this way, the U-shaped member  44  may be hidden from view when observed from the top of the side of the vehicle  10 , for example. 
     The deck  54  may include a first cutout  60  configured to receive a portion of the tubular member  42  therein when the deck  54  is coupled to the second support element  40 . A second cutout  62  may also be formed in the peripheral flange  58  so as to expose a free end of the central support post  52 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In one embodiment, the deck  54  may include generally spherical lobes  64  (one shown) adjacent the ends of the U-shaped member  44  where the rear wheels  50  couple to the vehicle  10  (e.g., the second support element  40 ). The lobes  64  may be configured to cover this coupling and/or provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance to the vehicle  10 . Additionally, as further illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the corresponding U-shaped configuration of the second support element  40  and deck  54  defines a generally U-shaped opening  66  generally disposed between the two rear wheels  50 . As explained below, this opening  66  may be utilized to provide various add-on items to the vehicle  10 . 
     The elements that form the rear frame  14  may be formed from a variety of materials. For example, the U-shaped member  44  and central support post  52  may be formed from metal (e.g., metal tubing) and have a circular, oval, or other suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, as explained in more detail below, the central support post  52  may have a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional shape. However, these materials and shapes are exemplary and it should be recognized that other materials and shapes may be used. In contrast, the deck  54  may be molded from suitable engineering plastics, including for example, polypropylene, polyethylene or other suitable plastics. However, the invention is not so limited as the deck  54  may be formed from other suitable materials and other processes. 
     In one aspect in accordance with the invention, the vehicle  10  includes a seat assembly, generally shown at  68 , that is selectively removable from the vehicle  10 . By way of example, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , when the seat assembly  68  is coupled to the vehicle  10 , the vehicle  10  has a tricycle configuration and the seat assembly  68  is configured to support the rider of the vehicle thereon. In contrast, and as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , when the seat assembly  68  is removed from the vehicle  10 , the vehicle has a scooter configuration wherein the deck  54  is exposed and configured to receive one or both feet of the rider. The particular configuration of the vehicle  10  when the seat assembly  68  is removed therefrom may be referred to as a chariot scooter. In the scooter configuration, the child may operate the convertible vehicle  10  in a manner that is conventional to scooters, namely, positioning one foot on the deck  54  while the other foot is positioned on the ground adjacent the deck  54 . By pushing off the ground, the child is able to propel the vehicle  10  forward and steer by pivoting the handlebar  18 . 
     As shown in more detail in  FIGS. 4 and 4A , in one embodiment the seat assembly  68  may include a generally U-shaped bracket having a lower tubular post  70  and an upper tubular post  72  telescopingly coupled to lower post  70 , as explained below. The lower post  70  may be generally L-shaped and include a first leg  74  and a second leg  76  extending therefrom. The upper post  72  may also be L-shaped having a first leg  78  and a second leg  80  extending therefrom. The first leg  74  of lower post  70  is configured to couple to the central support post  52  of rear frame  14  so as to support the seat assembly  68  on vehicle  10 . More particularly, an end of the first leg  74  is sized so as to be received within an opening  82  in the free end of central support post  52  exposed by second cutout  62  of deck  54  ( FIG. 3 ). 
     In one embodiment, the coupling between the first leg  74  of lower post  70  and central support post  52  may be achieved through an adjustable push pin locking mechanism. As shown best in  FIG. 4A , a push pin  86  may be disposed within first leg  74  adjacent an end thereof and include at least one projection or button  88  coupled to an end of a U-shaped spring member  90 . The spring member  90  is configured to bias the ends thereof in an outward direction and away from each other. As the first leg  74  of the lower post  70  slides within the opening  82  in central support post  52 , the at least one button  88  is biased slightly inwardly and extends only through an aperture  92  through a wall of the first leg  74 . Once the lower post  70  has been sufficiently inserted within the central support post  52 , the aperture  92  in the first leg  74  is configured to align with an aperture  94  formed through a wall of the central support post  52 . When so aligned, the button  88  is unconstrained and springs outwardly due to the bias of spring member  90  to reside within both apertures  92 ,  94 . When the button  88  is disposed through the apertures  92 ,  94 , the seat assembly  68  is secured to the vehicle  10  and telescopic movement of the lower post  70  relative the central support post  54  is prevented. 
     In one embodiment, the central support post  52  may include a plurality of apertures  94  configured to receive the button  88  therein. Such a plurality of apertures  94  provide for an adjustment feature of the seat assembly  68  relative to the vehicle  10 . Additionally, it should be recognized that to facilitate such an adjustment feature, the push button  88  should be accessible when it extends through both apertures  92 ,  94  in a locked position. In this regard, in one embodiment, the push button  88  and apertures  92 ,  94  may be arranged such that the push button  88  projects from a lower surface of the central support post  52 . In this way, the push button  88  is accessible by reaching underneath the deck  54 . Accordingly, to adjust the position of the seat assembly  68  relative to the vehicle  10  in a first direction (e.g., generally horizontal direction), the button  88  may be pushed inwardly until the button  88  disengages from the aperture  94  in the central support post  52  (but still engages with the aperture  92  in the first leg  74  of lower post  70 . The seat assembly  68  is then moved in the first direction until the button  88  aligns with another aperture  94  in the central support post  52  and springs outwardly to reside within both apertures  92 ,  94  and relock the seat assembly  68  to the vehicle  10 . 
     While the first leg  74  of the lower post  70  may be configured to couple to the vehicle  10 , the first leg  78  of the upper post  72  may be configured to couple to a seat  98  configured to support the rider when the seat assembly  68  is coupled to the vehicle  10  and in a tricycle configuration. A wide variety of seats may be used on the vehicle  10  and the invention is not limited to the particular seat shown herein. Additionally, the seat  98  may be coupled to the first leg  78  in any conventional manner, such as with suitable fasteners (screws, rivets, etc.) or other methods used in the industry. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 4A , the second leg  80  of the upper post  72  is configured to be telescopingly received over the second leg  76  of the lower post  70  so as to couple the posts  70 ,  72  together. In one embodiment, the coupling between the upper and lower posts  72 ,  70  may be achieved through an adjustable push pin locking mechanism similar to that described above. In that regard, a push pin  100  having spring member  90  and opposed buttons  88  may be disposed in the second leg  76  of the lower member  70  and cooperate with apertures  102 ,  104  in lower and upper posts  70 ,  72 , respectively, in a manner similar to that described above. As those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate the operation of the push pin locking mechanism between the upper and lower posts  72 ,  70  based on the description above, no further description will be provided herein. However, it should be realized that the push pin locking mechanism between the upper and lower posts  72 ,  70  provides for adjusting the seat  98  in a second direction (e.g., generally vertical direction) relative to the vehicle  10 . Additionally, a sleeve may be disposed about the coupling between the posts  70 ,  72  to prevent or reduce the likelihood of actuating the push pin locking mechanism. Moreover, while push pin locking mechanisms have been disclosed herein, other locking mechanisms may be used to secure the seat assembly  68  to the vehicle  10  and/or provide an adjustment feature. 
     In one embodiment, the lower and upper posts  70 ,  72  may be made from metal tubing capable of withstanding the loads placed thereon. Other materials, however, may also be possible including various engineering plastics capable of withstanding the loads on the seat assembly  68 . Additionally, the lower and upper posts  70 ,  72  may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape, including, for example, a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape, as shown. In this regard, a non-circular cross-sectional shape prevents relative rotation between the various members of the seat assembly  68  and between the seat assembly  68  and the vehicle  10 . Thus, for example, the non-circular cross section of the first leg  74  of the lower post  70  and the corresponding cross section of the opening  82  in the free end of the central support post  52  prevent the seat assembly  68  from rotating to one side or the other and toward the deck  54 . Similarly, the non-circular cross section of the second legs  76 ,  80  of the lower and upper posts  70 ,  72 , respectively, prevents relative rotation between the posts about an axis generally parallel to the second legs  76 ,  80 . In addition to the above, the non-circular cross-sectional shape reduces the loads that are normally imposed on the locking mechanisms. For example, with circular tubes, a push pin locking mechanism would have to resist loads in both a longitudinal direction (e.g., pulling the members apart) and a circumferential direction (e.g., rotating the members). With tubing having non-circular cross sections, the circumferential loading is accommodated by the tubing, and not by the locking mechanism. Accordingly, the locking mechanism may not wear as quickly and may remain more reliable during the useful life of the vehicle. 
     As best shown in  FIGS. 4 and 4A , the seat assembly  68  may also include a push bar attachment  106  for coupling an adult push bar (not shown) to propel the vehicle  10  when, for example, the child is too small to reach the pedals  26  or too tired to propel the vehicle under his or her own power. By way of example, a push bar similar to that shown and described in U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/184,951 filed on Jun. 8, 2009, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, may be used, other push bars, however, may also be used. In one embodiment, the push bar attachment  106  may be formed in the upper post  72  and may, for example, extend in a direction opposite the second leg  80  thereof. This directs the attachment  106  toward the rear of the vehicle  10  to facilitate use by an adult walking behind the vehicle  10 , for example. The attachment  106  may include one or more apertures  108  that cooperate with a push pin locking mechanism (not shown) disposed either in the attachment  106  itself or in the push bar, to facilitate coupling to the attachment  106 . The attachment  106  may further have a non-circular cross section to prevent relative rotation between it and the push bar which is to be coupled thereto. 
     The design of the seat assembly  68  and its coupling to the vehicle  10  may provide a number of advantages or aspects not appreciated by the industry. In this regard, the U-shaped bracket of the seat assembly  68  places the member that couples the seat  98  to the vehicle  10  (i.e., the second legs  76 ,  80 ) generally behind the seat  98  and not directly or substantially underneath the seat as is typically the case. This in turn creates a void or open region  110  generally beneath the seat  98  and above the deck  54  ( FIG. 4A ). A rider may then fold or dangle his or her legs beneath the seat  98  as might be done, for example, when sitting in a chair. It is believed that such a configuration increases the comfort of the rider when, for example, an adult is pushing the child or the vehicle is at rest and a child remains seated on the vehicle  10 . 
     Another advantage to the design of the seat assembly  68  is that because the coupling between the seat assembly  68  and the vehicle  10  is primarily in a horizontal direction (as opposed to a vertical direction), no portion of the seat assembly  68  sticks out below the deck  54  when the seat assembly  68  is attached to the vehicle  10 , creating, for example, a safety concern. Additionally, when the seat assembly  68  is removed from the vehicle  10 , no part of the structure that supports the seat assembly  68  (e.g., central support post  52 ) extends above the deck  54  so as to interfere or be of a concern during operation of the vehicle  10  in the scooter configuration. Instead, such support structure remains covered below the deck  54  and out of the way. In this regard, the upper surface  56  of the deck  54  defines a deck plane that supports the feet of the rider and the seat assembly couples to the rear frame  14  at a location spaced from (e.g., beneath) the deck plane. In this way, for example, the upper surface  56  is uninterrupted by the coupling of the seat assembly  68 . More particularly, the vertical post  52  and the first leg  74  of the lower leg  70 , which engage to couple the seat assembly  68  to the vehicle  10 , extend in a direction generally parallel to the deck plane. The second legs  76 ,  80  of the posts  70 ,  72  (which position the seat  98  vertically relative to deck  54 ) may then be positioned within the opening  66  between the rear wheels  50  and defined by a rear edge of deck  54 . 
     In another aspect in accordance with the invention, the vehicle  10  may be configured to be assembled in a tool-less manner so as to avoid the costs, frustrations, and product returns that often accompany tool-based assembled products. In this regard, in order to transport a product from a manufacturing facility to a retail outlet or other location, the product will typically not be fully assembled, but will include several separate pieces that must be subsequently assembled. Breaking the product into several pieces may, for example, allow the product to fit inside a box suitable for shipping and/or displaying. In reference to the vehicle  10 , it is contemplated that the front frame  12  may be assembled as a separate piece, the rear frame  14  may be assembled as a separate piece, and the seat assembly  68  may be a separate piece. In one embodiment, it is contemplated that these separate pieces may be individually assembled at the manufacturing facility prior to shipping. However, these pieces must then be assembled to form the vehicle  10 . As noted above, this may be accomplished in the present invention in a tool-less manner and either at the retail level of by the consumer at home. 
     To this end, and as discussed in detail above, the seat assembly  68  may couple to the rear frame  14  of the vehicle  10  in a tool-less manner. More specifically, the push button locking mechanisms described above, allow the seat assembly  68  to be coupled to (and released from) the vehicle  10  without the use of any tools. Thus, to achieve a tool-less assembly of the vehicle  10 , the front and rear frames  12 ,  14  should be configured to couple in a tool-less manner, but yet not compromise the ability of the coupling to provide pivotal movement between the front and rear frames  12 ,  14 . The details of such a tool-less coupling between the front and rear frames  12 ,  14  will now be described. 
     As previously discussed, and as illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the front frame  12  couples to the rear frame  14  via the head tube  36  being received over the post  32  on the crossbar  30  of the front frame  12 . In this regard, the head tube  36  includes a generally hollow cylindrical body having upper and lower ends through which post  32  may be received. To support the post  32 , and thus front frame  12 , the head tube  36  may include an upper head tube spacer  112  coupled to the upper end thereof, and a lower head tube spacer  114  coupled to the lower end thereof. The upper and lower head tube spacers  112 ,  114  may be secured to the head tube  36  and configured to support the front frame  12  within head tube  36 , yet allow rotation of the front frame  12  relative to the head tube  36  and thus rear frame  14 . The head tube spacers  112 ,  114  may be configured to reduce sharp edges associated with the head tube  36 , and/or reduce the friction associated with pivoting motion of the rear frame  14  relative to the front frame  12 . In one embodiment, the upper and lower head tube spacers  112 ,  114  may be formed from a suitable plastic, although other materials are possible. As noted above, the upper and lower head tube spacers  112 ,  114  may come preassembled to the head tube  36 . Alternatively, the head tube spacers  112 ,  114  may be secured to the respective ends of the head tube  36  in a tool-less manner, such as through a friction fit. 
     The upper and lower head tube spacers  112 ,  114 , may include apertures  116 ,  118 , respectively, for snugly, but movably, receiving post  32  therein. To support the head tube  36  on front frame  12 , the post  32  may include a support surface  120 , which may, for example, engage the lower end of the lower head tube spacer  114 . In one embodiment, the support surface  120  may include a washer disposed over the post  32  and adjacent the intersection of the post  32  with crossbar  30 . Other support surfaces are also possible and may be positioned at other locations along post  32 . 
     The post  32  may be inserted through the head tube  36  such that an upper end of the post  32  extends above the upper head tube spacer  112  ( FIG. 4 ). A tool-less locking mechanism may be coupled to the post  32  to secure its coupling to head tube  36 . As best shown in  FIGS. 5 and 5A , the locking mechanism includes a locking insert  122  configured to be coupled to the free end of the post  32 . In this regard, and for reasons that are explained below, the free end of the post  32  includes a pair of generally aligned apertures  124  formed through the wall of the post  32 , and a pair of generally aligned slots  126  formed through the wall of the post  32 . As shown, the apertures  124  and slots  126  may be circumferentially offset from each other, such as for example, by approximately 90 degrees, though other amounts or degrees of offset are possible. 
     The locking insert  122  includes a body having a lower body portion  128  and an upper body portion  130 . The lower body portion  128  may be generally cylindrical (e.g., tubular) and sized so as to fit through an opening and within a passageway of post  32 . The lower body portion  128  further includes a pair of opposed, generally flexible tabs  132  depending therefrom. More particularly, the tabs  132  reside within slots  134  formed in the lower body portion  128  and are coupled to the body at an upper end of the slots  134 . The lower end of the tabs  132  are free to flex relative to the locking insert  122  in a generally radially inward and outward direction (e.g., relative to a central axis of the locking insert) and define a bearing surface  136 . The flexible tabs  132  may be biased generally radially outward to a position wherein at least a portion of the tabs  132 , and more particularly the lower free end and bearing surface  136  thereof, is generally outward of an outer surface  138  of the lower body portion  128 . In other words, the tabs  132  stick out beyond the outer surface  138  of the lower body portion  128  and may have a diverging configuration (relative to the central axis of the locking insert) in a direction from the upper end of the locking insert  122  and toward the lower end of the locking insert  122 . 
     Additionally, a pair of opposed apertures  140  may be formed through the walls of the lower body portion  128 . For reasons that will become clearer below, the apertures  140  bear a positional relationship to the tabs  132  corresponding to the positional relationship between the apertures  124  and slots  126  formed in the free end of the post  32 . For example, in one embodiment, the apertures  140  may be circumferentially offset from the tabs  132  by approximately 90 degrees. Again, however, other amounts or degrees are also possible. 
     The upper body portion  130  may, in an exemplary embodiment, include a generally conical section  142  a lower end of which is coupled to the upper end of the lower body portion  128  and an upper end of which includes a generally disc-shaped button  144 . The button  144  extends radially outward of an outer surface  146  of the conical section  142  to define an annular shoulder or lip  148 . The transition between the lower and upper body portions  128 ,  130  defines a shoulder  152  that is spaced from the shoulder  148  defined by button  144 . In an exemplary embodiment, the locking insert  122  may be molded as an integral piece from a suitable plastic material, for example. However, it should be realized that the locking insert may include multiple pieces coupled together and be formed from other materials and through other processes. 
     To couple the locking insert  122  to the free end of the post  32 , the locking insert  122  is oriented relative to the post  32  such that the flexible tabs  132  are aligned with the slots  126  in the post  32 . The locking insert  122  may then be inserted through an opening in the free end of the post  32  that is in communication with a passageway through post  32 . As mentioned above, at least a portion of the lower body portion  128  is sized to fit within the passageway of post  32  and the tabs  132  fit within the slots  126 . The locking insert  122  is slidably received in the post  32  until the apertures  124  in the post  32  align with the apertures  140  in the locking insert  122 . At this point a suitable fastener (e.g., nut and bolt, screw, rivet, etc.) may be used to secure the locking insert  122  to the post  32 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . When so coupled, the flexible tabs  132  extend through the slots  126  and outward of the outer surface  154  of post  32  such that at least a portion of the bearing surface  136  is outward of outer surface  154 . However, it should be realized that the flexible tabs  132  are capable of flexing generally inward toward the outer surface  154  of post  32 . Additionally, for reasons that will become clearer below, the upper body portion  130  may extend above the free end of the post  32 . 
     With the locking insert  122  coupled to the post  32 , as described above, which may be done at the manufacturing facility and prior to delivery to a retail outlet, the front frame  12  may be coupled to the rear frame  14  in a tool-less manner. For example, this tool-less assembly may be done by someone at the retail store or by the consumer in the home environment. In any event, to couple the front and rear frames  12 ,  14 , the head tube  36  of the rear frame  14  may be slid over the free end of the post  32 . Due to the direction of coupling and the diverging configuration of the flexible tabs  132 , the tabs  132  flex inwardly such that the post  32  is able to pass through the apertures  116 ,  118  of the upper and lower head tube spacers  112 ,  114 , respectively. 
     When the head tube  36  is fully seated on the post  32 , the lower head tube spacer  114  may engage the support surface  120  and be supported thereby. Additionally, when fully seated, the flexible tabs  132  may be positioned above an upper end surface  156  of the upper head tube spacer  112  such that the tabs  132  are free to flex outwardly again after having passed through head tube  36 . In this way, the bearing surface  136  of the tabs  132  engage or are adjacent the upper end surface  156  of the upper head tube spacer  112  ( FIG. 4 ). Through this configuration, any upward movement of the head tube  36  relative to the post  32  may be substantially prohibited by engagement of the bearing surface  136  of tabs  132  with the upper surface  156  of the upper head tube spacer  112 . Accordingly, the head tube  36  is essentially locked in place on the post  32  so as to couple the front and rear frames  12 ,  14 . It should be realized, however, that while the head tube  36  is essentially locked to post  32 , relative rotation between the front and rear frames  12 ,  14  is permitted. 
     Although the front and rear frames  12 ,  14  are coupled together as described above, the coupling may be released by pressing the flexible tabs  132  inwardly so as to allow the head tube  36  to pass back over the locking insert  122 . More particularly, the tabs  132  may be pressed inwardly such that the bearing surfaces  136  thereof are no longer over the upper end surface  156 , but are inward of the aperture  116 . In this position, the head tube  36  may be moved off of post  32 . Therefore, to avoid any unintentional releasing or unlocking of the front and rear frames  12 ,  14 , the exposed portion of the locking insert  122  may be covered. In this regard, the vehicle  10  may be provided with a protective cap  158  configured to be coupled to the vehicle  10  so as to cover and protect the locking insert  122 . To this end, the cap  158  may be generally cylindrical and includes a lower hub  160 , an upper hub  162 , and a plurality of generally flexible locking tabs  164  ( FIG. 5 ). The cap  158  may, for example, be molded from a suitable engineering plastic, but other materials and processes are also possible. 
     The lower hub  160  is configured to be sized so as to engage the upper end surface  156  of the upper head tube spacer  112  adjacent its periphery. Accordingly, a substantial portion of the upper end surface  156  may be covered by the protective cap  158 . The upper hub  162  extends from an upper end of the lower hub  160  and has a reduced cross-sectional dimension as compared to the lower hub  160 . The flexible locking tabs  164  may be recessed within the upper hub  162  so as to be radially surrounded thereby, and further may be angled radially inwardly (e.g., converging) toward, for example, a central axis of the cap  158 . Additionally, the upper end of the locking tabs  164  may be below or aligned with the upper end of the upper hub  162  so as not to extend therebeyond. The flexible tabs  164  are configured to flex in a generally radially inward and outward direction. Furthermore, the cap  158  includes a passageway configured to receive a portion of the post  32  and/or a portion of the locking insert  122  therethrough. More particularly, for reasons provided below, the passageway  166  defined by the flexible locking tabs  164  is smaller than the outer cross dimension of the button  144  on the locking insert  122 . 
     To couple the protective cap  158  to the vehicle  10 , the cap  158  may be aligned with the locking insert  122  and moved downwardly such that the locking insert  122  is positioned within the passageway of the cap  158 . After sufficient movement, the button  144  on the upper end of the locking insert  122  engages the flexible locking tabs  164  and biases them outward so as to allow the button  144  to pass through passageway  166  and above the cap  158 . When the button  144  passes beyond the locking tabs  164 , the tabs  164  spring back inwardly so that the free ends thereof are positioned beneath the shoulder  148 . In this position, the base or lower end of the locking tabs  164  (e.g., where they couple to the upper hub  162 ) may engage or nearly engage the shoulder  152  between the lower and upper hubs  160 ,  162  ( FIG. 4 ). Such a configuration essentially locks the protective cap  158  to the locking insert  122  and prevents or reduces the likelihood of an unintentional actuation of the flexible tabs  132  that might uncouple the front and rear frames  12 ,  14 . 
     As discussed above, children often have a strong desire to customize their possessions to express individuality and personality, and conventional bikes, scooters, trikes and other child vehicles may not offer much, if any, potential for customization. Thus, in accordance with a further aspect of the invention, to effectuate the purpose of allowing the child to create artistic expressions, and thereby personalize their vehicle  10 , the vehicle  10  may incorporate one or more graphical interfaces that allow the child to mark thereon using a wide variety of writing or marking utensils. For example, the graphical interfaces may be configured to be marked on using, without limitation, pencils, pens, markers, chalk, water-color paints, crayons and possibly other marking utensils. Such marking utensils can be readily purchased from a wide variety of retail outlets. By way of example, marking utensils offered by Crayola, LLC of Easton, Pa. may be used to mark on the graphical interfaces. This may include, without limitation, Crayola® crayons, washable markers, sidewalk chalk and sidewalk crayons. Other manufacturers, however, may also provide marking utensils that can be used to mark on the graphical interfaces. 
     In one embodiment, a graphical interface may be provided by a placard  170 , which may, for example, be coupled to the legs  20  of the front frame  12  (e.g., such as at the manufacturing facility) by suitable fasteners (e.g., screws, rivets, bolts, etc.). The placard  170  may include a generally rectangular frame  172  and a working surface  174  generally disposed within the frame  172  ( FIG. 1 ). The frame  172  may include a pair of opposed side members  176  and a pair of end members  178  in a generally rectangular configuration. In one embodiment, the side members  176  may include extension flanges  180  ( FIGS. 5 and 5A ) that extend beyond the end members  178  so as to at least partially wrap around a corresponding leg  20  of the front frame  12 . The frame  172  may be formed from a suitable engineering plastic through, for example, a molding process. However, the frame may be formed from other materials and through other processes as well. 
     As noted above, the frame  172  generally surrounds a working surface  174  that may, in one exemplary embodiment, be integrally formed with the frame  172 . For example, the working surface  174  may be formed from the plastic that forms the frame  172 . The plastic that forms the working surface  174  may be configured to facilitate marking thereon. In one embodiment, for example, the working surface  174  may include a matte finish that provides a sufficient surface roughness that allows the material of the marking utensils (e.g., pencil, chalk, crayons, etc.) to be deposited thereon when the utensil is in moving contact therewith. In addition to the above, the working surface  174  may also be configured in a manner that facilitates removal of the markings thereon. In this regard, and in a further embodiment, the working surface  174  may be formed from a surface of an art board integrated within the placard  170 . Such art boards include, without limitation, dry erase boards, chalk boards, paint boards, and other boards suitable for drawing, coloring, painting, or otherwise marking thereon for creating an artistic expression. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the working surface  174  may include a substrate that is removably coupled to the placard  170  and positionable within frame  172 . The substrate may be marked on prior to coupling to the placard  170  or be marked on after being coupled thereto. By way of example, the substrate may be an art board, as described above, removably coupled to the frame  172 . The substrate may be a plastic member having a sufficient surface roughness. The substrate may also include most any paper used by children for drawing, coloring, or painting and may include, for example, notebook paper, construction paper, or a specialty paper, such as Crayola® Color Wonder, Color Explosion, or Color Surge paper. Other specialty papers from Crayola® or other manufacturers may also be used in accordance with this aspect of the invention. Other substrates, such as poster board or other cardboard materials may also be used. In this embodiment, the substrate may be coupled to the graphical interface through various means including, for example, providing a clip adjacent the frame  172  for retaining the substrate thereto. Other techniques, such as tape, glues, magnets, etc. may also be used to retain the substrate to the placard  170 . Alternatively, though not specifically shown, the frame  172  of the placard  170  may be formed to include a slot through which the substrate slides so as to be positioned in and retained by the frame  172 . 
     The inclusion of one or more graphical interfaces on the vehicle  10  allows a child to assert their individuality by personalization of the vehicle  10 . This personalization may be achieved through the child&#39;s artistic expression. It is believed that personalizing the vehicle  10  in this manner will enhance the enjoyment experienced by the child though interacting with the vehicle  10 . Additionally, the graphical interfaces increase the number of activities a child may do using the vehicle  10 . Thus, in addition to riding the vehicle  10  in either configuration, a child may also use the vehicle  10  to draw, color, paint, etc. and explore the limits of his or her imagination. 
     The vehicle  10  may include additional features in further alternative embodiments. In this regard, in one embodiment, the placard  170  may include a fender  182  coupled thereto and configured to generally overlie at least a portion of the front wheel  22 . In one embodiment, the fender  182  may be integrally formed with the frame  172  through, for example, a molding process. Alternatively, however, a fender may be formed separate from the placard  170  and subsequently coupled thereto, such as along the lower end member  178  thereof. The fender  182  may also be coupled to the front frame  12  at other locations, such as crossbar  30  or legs  20 . 
     Additionally, placard  170  may include one or more holders  184  (two shown) configured to hold a marking utensil, such as those identified above, for marking on the graphical interface. In one embodiment, the holders  184  may be generally cylindrical having a closed bottom end. An opening may be formed through the wall thereof to gain access to the interior of the holder  184 . In one embodiment, the holders  184  may be coupled to the extension flanges  180  extending from side members  176 . It should be realized, however, that in alternative embodiments, the holders  184  may be located at other positions on the placard  170  or on vehicle  10 . 
     In still a further aspect in accordance with the invention, the vehicle  10  may carry one or more compartments configured to carry and/or store various items. By way of example, the compartments may carry and/or store child appropriate marking utensils used to mark on the graphical interfaces included on the vehicle  10 . The compartments may also carry additional sheets of paper for use with the graphical interface(s), or other toys as desired by the child. This ability to carry and/or store materials allows the child to enjoy additional activities with the vehicle beyond simply riding the vehicle. In this regard, and in reference to  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , such a compartment for the vehicle  10  may include a bin, generally shown at  186 , which may be removably coupled to the vehicle  10 . 
     In one embodiment, the bin  186  includes a bowl-shaped body  188  defining an open cavity  190  and a flange  192  defined about an upper periphery of the cavity  190 . In one embodiment, the flange  192  may include a pair of ears  194  on one side of the cavity  190  (e.g., inner side) and adjacent opposite ends of the bin  186  and defines a generally arcuate edge therebetween. Such a configuration may give the bin  186  a generally cat-head shaped appearance when viewed from above. The flange  192  may further include a peripheral downturned lip  196 , the purpose of which is described below. Moreover, the bin  186  may include a pair of studs on opposing ends of the cavity  190  to which a handle  198  is hingedly attached. 
     The bin  186  may be configured to be removably coupled to the vehicle  10 . More particularly, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2  and  6 , the bin  186  may be coupled to the vehicle  10  generally within the U-shaped opening  66  between the rear wheels  50 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , to secure the bin  186  to the vehicle  10 , the generally spherical lobes  64  in the deck  54  may include a channel  200  formed therein configured to receive a portion of the downturned lip  196  on the flange  192  of the bin  186 . Additionally, the upper surface  56  of the deck  54  may also include a channel (not shown) configured to receive a portion of the downturned lip  196  of the flange  192 . The outer surface of the bowl-shaped body  188  may also include suitable indentations (not shown) configured to receive part of the spherical lobe  64  therein to further secure the bin  186  to the vehicle  10 . 
     Such a coupling allows the bin  186  to be secured to the vehicle  10  when desired, so as to, for example, carry the bin  186  with the vehicle  10 , but yet allows the bin  186  to be removed therefrom in an easy and convenient manner. In this regard, the bin  186  may be lifted upwardly away from the deck  54  such that the lip  196  disengages the channel  200 . The bin  186  may then be moved to a desired location for the child to play with. Of course, the bin  186  may be placed back on the vehicle  10  and carried thereby to another location. 
     As noted in the figures, in addition to carrying and/or storing items in the cavity  190  of bin  186 , the bin may further include one or more bores  202  formed, for example, in the ears  194  of the flange  192 . The bores  202  may be configured to hold, for example, one or more marking utensil such as those described above. The bin  186  may be formed from suitable engineering plastics through, for example, a molding process. However, other materials and processes may also be used to form the bin. 
     Another compartment configured to carry and/or store various items, and be used with vehicle  10 , includes a caddy, generally shown at  204 . The caddy  204  includes a generally elliptically-shaped body  206  defining a cavity  208  formed therein. A handle  210  may be coupled to the body  206 , such as adjacent a central portion thereof. In one embodiment, the handle  210  has a fixed position relative to the body  206 . In an alternative embodiment, however, the handle  210  may be hingedly or otherwise movably coupled to the body  206 . The caddy  204  may include at least one lid  212  movable between an open position providing access to the cavity  208 , and a closed position covering an opening to the cavity  208 . In one exemplary embodiment, two lids  212  are provided which are hingedly mounted to the body  206  adjacent a central portion thereof (e.g., adjacent handle  210 ). 
     Similar to the above, the caddy  204  may be configured to be removably coupled to the vehicle  10 . More particularly, as shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2   4 ,  4 A, and  6 , the caddy  204  may be sized so as to be received in the open cavity  190  of bin  186  in, for example, a nesting relationship. Such a coupling allows the caddy  204  to be secured to the vehicle  10  (e.g., within bin  186 ) when desired, so as to, for example, carry the caddy  204  with the vehicle  10 , but yet allows the caddy  204  to be removed therefrom in an easy and convenient manner. The caddy  204  may then be moved to a desired location for the child to play with. Of course, the caddy  204  may be placed back in the bin  186  and carried by the vehicle  10  to another location. The caddy  204  may be formed from suitable engineering plastics through, for example, a molding process. However, other materials and processes may also be used to form the bin. 
     In a further aspect of the invention, and in furtherance of the desire to allow children to customize their possessions, the lid(s)  212  of the caddy  204  may include an upper surface  214  that may operate as the working surface  174  of a graphical interface for the child to mark on. The various configurations of the working surface  174  on the caddy  204  are similar to that described above for working surface  174 , and thus will not be described in detail here. Instead, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand how to configure upper surface  214  so as to operate as a working surface  174  of a graphical interface based on the description provided above. 
     The feature of incorporating a graphical interface into a child vehicle is not limited to the tricycle shown and described herein. Instead, it should be recognized that graphical interfaces may also be incorporated into other child vehicles so as to provide similar benefits to the child. In this regard, assignee&#39;s co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/706,611, filed on Feb. 16, 2010 and entitled “Convertible and Steerable Scoot-A-Bout”, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, discloses graphical interfaces incorporated into a scoot-a-bout vehicle capable of converting between a ride-on configuration and a scooter configuration. Additionally, and in still a further embodiment, graphical interfaces may be incorporated into a child&#39;s bicycle to allow a child to customize their bike. 
     In this regard and as shown in  FIG. 7 , in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-6 , a bicycle  220  includes a front frame  222  and a rear frame  224  movably coupled relative to each other. The front frame  222  may be similar to front frame  12  as described above and as those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand the construction of front frame  222  based on the description provided above, a further description will not be provided. The rear frame  224  includes a head tube (not shown), a seat tube  226 , a top tube  228 , a bottom bracket  230 , a seat stay  232 , a chain stay  234 , and a rear wheel  236  in a generally conventional arrangement. The rear frame  224  may include a bottom tube or as illustrated herein, may lack a bottom tube. Additionally, though not shown, two training wheels may be coupled to the rear frame  224  to aid those children that are unable to independently balance the bicycle  220  while riding. 
     In one embodiment, the bicycle  220  may include a graphical interface in the form of a placard  238 . The placard  238  may be similar to placard  170  discussed above and will not be further described herein. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand the construction and implementation of placard  238  on bicycle  220  based on the description above. 
     In another embodiment, however, the bicycle  220  may include a further placard  240  disposed generally beneath the top tube  228 . Similar to the previously described placard, placard  240  may include a frame  242  and a working surface  244  generally disposed within the frame  242 . While having a slightly different shape as compared to placard  170 , the frame  242  and working surface  244  may be constructed similar to that described above. When the top tube  228  includes a single tubular member extending between the head tube and the seat tube  226 , frame  242  may be coupled to the underside of the tube  228  using suitable fasteners (not shown). In an alternative embodiment, however, the top tube  228  may have a bifurcated design characterized by two generally parallel tubular members  228   a ,  228   b  extending between the head tube and the seat tube  226 , as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8  that are spaced apart to define a gap  246 . 
     In this embodiment, the frame  242  of placard  240  may be positioned beneath and coupled to both tubes and define an opening (not shown) in the frame  242  that is in registration with the gap  246  between the top tubes  228   a ,  228   b . The placard  240  may further include a slider  248  removably coupled with the frame  242  and which may carry the working surface  244 . In one embodiment, the slider  248  includes a handle  250  and a generally planar depending member  252  coupled thereto and defining opposed working surfaces  244  (e.g., both sides of depending member  252 ). The depending member  252  may be sized to fit in the gap  246  between the top tube members  228   a ,  228   b  and fit through the opening in the frame  242  so as to be disposed within the frame  242  when fully inserted therein. When fully inserted, the handle  250  may engage an upper surface of the top tube members  228   a ,  228   b.    
     Similar to the above, in one embodiment, the surfaces of the depending member  252  may provide the working surface  174  of the graphical interface. Alternatively, however, a separate substrate may be used with the placard  240  to provide the working surface  174  of the graphical interface. To this end,  FIG. 8  illustrates the incorporation of a separate substrate  254  (e.g., paper) with the placard  240 . In one embodiment, the substrate  254  may be generally U-shaped (or be formed so as to be U-shaped) having two generally flat portions connected by a web. The substrate  254  may have a shape corresponding to the interior shape defined by the frame  242 . The depending member  252  may be inserted between the flat portions of the substrate  254  such that the flat portions are adjacent the planar surfaces of the depending member  252  and the web is adjacent the lower edge of the depending member  252 . The slider  248  and substrate  254  may then be inserted into frame  242 . When so inserted, the substrate  254  forms the working surface  174  within the frame  242 . Of course, the slider  248  may be removed and a different substrate, having a different design created by the child, may then be inserted within frame  242 . 
     In further alternative embodiments, the bicycle  220  may include additional features. For example, the bicycle  220  may include a rack  256  coupled to the seat stays  232  (e.g., by welding or other suitable method) and generally disposed behind the seat  258 . The rack  256  may be used in a conventional sense to carry various items. In an alternative embodiment, the rack  256  may carry a caddy  260 , which may be similar to caddy  204  described above. The caddy  260  may carry, for example, marking utensils for marking on the graphical interfaces and/or additional substrates (e.g., paper). The caddy  260  may be further configured to couple to the rack  256  in a convenient manner. In this regard, the rack  256  may include at least one (two shown) crossbar  262 , and the bottom surface of the caddy  260  may include a corresponding number of channels (not shown) formed therein. The channels may be configured to receive the crossbars  262  therein in a snap-fit manner. Furthermore, it should be realized that graphic interfaces may be included on other portions of the bicycle  220  as well. For example, placards may be coupled to the side supports  264  of the rack  256  (not shown). These placards would simulate saddlebags that are used with many conventional racks. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  show a further embodiment of a seat assembly  270  configured to be removably coupled to the vehicle  10 . Similar to the previous embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , in this embodiment, the seat assembly  270  may include a generally U-shaped bracket having a lower post  272  and an upper post  274  telescopingly coupled to the lower post. The lower post  272  may be generally L-shaped and include a first leg  276  and a second leg  278  extending therefrom. The upper post  274  may also be generally L-shaped having a first leg  280  and a second leg  282  extending therefrom. The first leg  276  of lower post  272  is configured to couple to the central support post  52  of the rear frame  14  so as to support the seat assembly  270  on vehicle  10 . More particularly, an end of the first leg  276  is sized so as to be received within the opening  82  in the free end of the central support post  52  exposed by second cutout  62  of deck  54 . As explained in more detail below, the coupling between the first leg  276  of the lower post  272  and the central support post  52  may be achieved through an adjustable push pin locking mechanism. 
     The second leg  278  of the lower post  272  includes a body  284  configured as a hand grip. The body  284  includes a lower opening  286  configured to receive the first leg  276  therein and secure the first and second legs  276 ,  278  together. The second leg  278  also includes a passageway  288  and an opening  290  at an upper end thereof configured to receive the second leg  282  of the upper post  274  therein. The first leg  276  of the lower post  272  may be formed from metal or other suitable material. The second leg  278  of the lower post  272  may be formed from plastic, such as through a molding process. The second leg  278  may also be formed from metal or other suitable material and through other processes. 
     Similar to the previous embodiment, the first leg  280  of the upper post  274  may be configured to couple to a seat (not shown) that supports the rider when the seat assembly  270  is coupled to the vehicle  10  and in a tricycle configuration. A wide variety of seats may be used on the vehicle  10  and the seat may be coupled to the first leg  280  in any conventional manner. The upper post  274  may also include a push bar attachment  106  for coupling an adult push bar (not shown) to propel the vehicle  10 , as described above. The second leg  282  of the upper post  274  is configured to be telescopingly received through the opening  290  and within the passageway  288  of the second leg  278  of the lower post  272 . The upper post  274  may be formed from metal tubing capable of withstanding the loads placed thereon. Other materials, however, may also be possible including various engineering plastics capable of withstanding the loads on the seat assembly  270 . Additionally, and similar to that described above, the lower and upper posts  272 ,  274  may have non-circular aspects (e.g., square of rectangular aspects) that prevent relative rotation between the various members of the seat assembly  270  and between the seat assembly  270  and the vehicle  10 . 
     Similar to the previous embodiment, the seat assembly  270  may include various locking mechanisms for coupling to the vehicle  10  and provide an adjustment feature to the seat assembly  270 . In this regard, the coupling between the first leg  276  of lower post  272  and central support post  52  may be achieved through an adjustable push pin locking mechanisms. As shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , a push pin  292  may be disposed within first leg  276  adjacent an end thereof and include at least one projection or button  294  and a stem  296  received within a bore  298  of the first leg  276 . The push pin  292  includes a spring member  300  that biases the push pin  292  away from the bore  298 . As the first leg  276  of lower post  272  slides within the opening  82  of central support post  52 , the button  294  is biased slightly inwardly and extends only through an aperture  92  through a wall of the first leg  276 . Once the lower post  272  has been sufficiently inserted within the central support post  52 , the aperture  92  in first leg  276  is configured to align with an aperture  94  formed through a wall of the central support post  52 . When so aligned, the button  294  is unconstrained and springs outwardly due to the bias of spring member  300  to reside within both apertures  92 ,  94  ( FIG. 9A ). When the button  294  is disposed through the apertures  92 ,  94 , the seat assembly  270  is secured to the vehicle  10  and telescopic movement of the lower post  272  relative to the central support post  54  is prevented. 
     In one embodiment, the central support post  52  may include a plurality of apertures  94  configured to receive the button  294  therein. Such a plurality of apertures  94  provide for an adjustment feature of the seat assembly  270  relative to the vehicle  10 . Additionally, it should be recognized that to facilitate such an adjustment feature, the push button  294  should be accessible when it extends through both apertures  92 ,  94  in a locked position. However, unlike the previous embodiment, the seat assembly  270  is configured to allow actuation of the push pin  292  without reaching underneath the deck  54 . In this regard, in one embodiment, a push rod  302  is slidably disposed within the first leg  276  and has a push button  304  that extends through an opening  306  on the rear side of the second leg  278 . A spring member  308  biases the push rod  302  away from the push pin  292 . The push rod  302  includes a ramped surface  310  configured to engage a correspondingly angled surface  312  on the push pin  292 . 
     In operation, when the button  304  of the push rod  302  is pressed inwardly against the bias of spring member  308 , the ramped surface  310  of the push rod  302  engages the angled surface  312  on the push pin  292  so as to cause upward movement of the push pin  292  against the bias of spring member  300 . The upward movement of the push pin  292  may be sufficient to cause the button  294  to disengage from the aperture  94  in the central support post  52  ( FIG. 9B ). When the apertures  92 ,  94  are misaligned, the button  304  may be released such that the push rod  302  moves to its default outward position due to the bias of spring member  308 . Alternatively, the push button  304  may be maintained in its inward position during the full movement of the seat assembly  270 . With the apertures  92 ,  94  misaligned, the seat assembly  270  may then be moved in a first direction (e.g., generally horizontal direction) until the button  294  aligns with another aperture  94  in the central support post  52  and springs outwardly, due to the bias of spring member  300 , to reside within both apertures  92 ,  94  and relock the seat assembly  270  to the vehicle  10 . 
     Turning now to the coupling between the lower and upper posts,  272 ,  274 , a push pin locking mechanism may also be used to effectuate adjustability. In this regard, the second leg  278  of the lower post  272  may include an actuator  314  pivotally coupled to the second leg  278  to define a pivot point  316 . The actuator  314  includes a pin  318  at one end thereof and on one side of the pivot point  316 , and a spring member  320  at the other end thereof an on the opposite side of the pivot point  316 . Such a configuration biases the actuator  314  to rotate or pivot in a preferred direction (clockwise as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ). More particularly, the spring member  320  biases the pin  318  inwardly so as to engage with an aperture  104  formed in the second leg  282  of the upper post  274  that is telescopingly received within the passageway  288  in the lower post  272  ( FIG. 9A ). 
     In operation, when the rider or other person applies a force to the actuator  314 , the actuator  314  pivots about pivot point  316  so as to disengage the pin  318  from one of the apertures  104  in the second leg  282 . When the pin  318  and aperture  104  are misaligned, the button actuator  314  may be released. Alternatively, the actuator  314  may remain pressed during the full movement of the seat assembly  270 . With the pin  318  and aperture  104  disengaged, upper post  274  may be moved relative to the lower post  272  in a second direction (e.g., generally vertical direction) until the pin  318  aligns with another aperture  104  in the second leg  282  of the upper post  274  and springs inwardly, due to the bias of spring member  320 , to reside within another aperture  104  and relock the relative positions of the lower and upper posts  272 ,  274 . The second leg  282  may include slots  322  configured to receive a pin  324  therethrough which may, for example, limit the travel of the upper post  274  relative to the lower post  272 . 
       FIG. 10 , in which like reference numerals refer to like features in  FIGS. 1-8 , illustrate an alternative coupling between a bin  330  and the vehicle  10 . In this embodiment, the vehicle  10  includes at least one, and preferably a pair of ears  332  formed in the flange  58  of deck  54  and projecting into the opening  66  between rear wheels  50 . The ears  332  include a bore  334  formed therethrough configured to receive a portion of the bin  330  so as to couple the bin  330  to the vehicle  10 . The bores  334  may be formed completely within ears  334 , or partially within ears  334  and partially within the deck  54 . 
     As mentioned above, the bores  334  in the deck  54  are configured to receive a portion of the bin  330  therein. In this regard, the bin  330  includes a pin or post  336  projecting from the underside of the flange  194 . More particularly, the posts  336  may project from the underside of the ears  194  formed in the flange  194  of bin  330 . The posts  336  may include a blind bore  202  open along the top of flange  58  configured to receive, for example, one or more writing utensils therein. The bin  330  may be coupled to the vehicle  10  by placing the bin  330  overtop the deck  54  such that the posts  336  align with the bores  334  in the ears  332 . The bin  330  may then be lowered such that the posts extend within or through the bores  334  and thereby secure the bin  330  to the vehicle. The bin  330  may be removed from the vehicle  10  by lifting the bin  330  upwardly such that the posts  336  disengage the bores  334 . The bin  330  may then be moved to a location desired by the child for playing. In this embodiment, the channels  200  through lobes  64  may be omitted. Instead, the flange  58  of bin  330  may include a cutout  338  that receives a part of lobe  64  to support the bin  330  thereon. 
     While the present invention has been illustrated by a description of various preferred embodiments and while these embodiments have been described in some detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, in describing the tool-less coupling between the front and rear frames, the post and locking insert were associated with the front frame and the head tube was associated with the rear frame. It should be realized, however, that associating the post and locking insert with the rear frame and associating the head tube with the front frame is within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the various features of the invention may be used alone or in any combination depending on the needs and preferences of the user. This has been a description of the present invention, along with the preferred methods of practicing the present invention as currently known. However, the invention itself should only be defined by the appended claims.