Patent Abstract:
A vehicle ( 100 ) has a foot rest ( 111 ) on the frame ( 110 ), forwardly of the crankset ( 130 ) (with pedals ( 132 )). The frame ( 110 ) and the arms ( 112 ) connecting the rear wheel ( 121 ) to the frame ( 110 ) have a height not greater than the height of the rear wheel ( 121 ) to enable the vehicle ( 100 ) to be operated as either a scooter or a bicycle.

Full Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    THIS INVENTION relates to a vehicle comprising features of a scooter and bicycle. 
         [0002]    More particularly, the vehicle comprises a footrest located between a front wheel and rear wheel to allow use of the vehicle in a scooter-like manner; and a pair of pedals linked to the rear wheel to allow use of the vehicle in a bicycle-like manner. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    To ride a standard bicycle, a pair of pedals is rotated, which is attached to a crankset having a chain ring, which is connected to a gear of a rear wheel via a chain. A larger diameter of the chain ring linked to a smaller diameter rear gear provides a mechanical advantage when pedalling the bicycle. A person sits on a seat attached to a frame of the bicycle, and their feet are placed on respective pedals located on either side of the frame. This arrangement is suitable for rotating the pedals; however, a central top bar of the frame restricts movement of the legs across the frame. This restricted movement prevents a user from easily swinging their legs across the frame, for example, when performing tricks or stunts. Also, a bicycle is bulky, which further limits an ability to perform tricks or stunts, for example those involving rotation of the bicycle about the rear wheel with a front wheel suspended from the ground. Further, a bicycle does not allow a person to easily push the bicycle in a scooter-like manner. 
         [0004]    A scooter typically comprises a front and rear wheel attached by a frame having a footrest. A person places one foot on the footrest and rides the scooter by pushing off the ground with the other foot. However, a scooter may be difficult and tiring to ride as there is no mechanical advantage when pushing off the ground, as compared with a gear mechanism of a bicycle. Also, riding a typical scooter up hill is difficult and often a rider must dismount from the scooter and walk with the scooter up hill. 
         [0005]    German patents 19542074 and 3936317 describe inventions modifying a bicycle by including a footrest of a scooter. These combined scooter/bicycles comprise a typical bicycle with a frame having a footrest and omit a top cross bar. Although these scooter/bicycles combine features of a bicycle and scooter, which allows a user to ride the scooter/bicycle by either peddling as a typical bicycle or pushing off the ground like a typical scooter, these scooter/bicycles are cumbersome and bulky. These scooter/bicycles, for example, are not suitable for a person who desires a light weight and less cumbersome scooter/bicycle. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is an object of the invention to provide an alternative or improvement to the abovementioned background art. 
         [0007]    In a first aspect, the invention provides a vehicle comprising: 
         [0008]    a frame; 
         [0009]    a footrest attached to or formed integrally with the frame; 
         [0010]    at least one arm attached to and extending from the frame; 
         [0011]    a rear wheel attached to the arm(s); 
         [0012]    a front wheel attached to a front part of the frame opposite the arm(s); 
         [0013]    a crankset mounted to the frame between the front and rear wheels; 
         [0014]    a drive mechanism operatively connecting the crankset to the rear wheel; 
         [0015]    a pair of pedals attached to the crankset; and 
         [0016]    a handle bar attached to a front part of the frame; 
         [0017]    wherein: 
         [0018]    the footrest is located between the front and rear wheels and the height of the frame and arm(s) between the footrest and rear wheel is substantially equal to, or less than, the height of the rear wheel when measured from a planar surface on which both the front and rear wheels are located thereon. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the vehicle comprises a pair of arms. 
         [0020]    In a second aspect, the invention provides a vehicle comprising: 
         [0021]    a frame; 
         [0022]    a footrest attached to or formed integral with the frame; 
         [0023]    a single pair of arms attached to and extending from the frame; 
         [0024]    a rear wheel attached to the pair of arms; 
         [0025]    a front wheel attached to a front part of the frame opposite the arm; 
         [0026]    a crankset mounted to the frame between the front and rear wheels; 
         [0027]    a drive mechanism operatively connecting the crankset to the rear wheel; 
         [0028]    a pair of pedals attached to the crankset; and 
         [0029]    a handle bar attached to a front part of the frame; 
         [0030]    wherein the footrest is located between the front and rear wheels. 
         [0031]    Preferably, the footrest comprises a flat surface. 
         [0032]    In one preferred form of the invention, the pair of arms extends from the frame below the crankset. 
         [0033]    Preferably, the pair of arms extends from the footrest. 
         [0034]    In another preferred form of the invention, the pair of arms extend from the frame above the crankset. 
         [0035]    Preferably, the crankset comprises one or more chain rings. 
         [0036]    Preferably, the rear wheel comprises one or more gears. 
         [0037]    Preferably, the vehicle further comprises one or more braking devices. 
         [0038]    Preferably, the braking device comprises one or more brake pads. 
         [0039]    Preferably, the front wheel is attached to the frame via a fork. 
         [0040]    Preferably, the fork comprises a suspension device. 
         [0041]    Preferably, the arm comprises a suspension device. 
         [0042]    Preferably, each suspension device comprises a spring or liquid filled cylinder. 
         [0043]    More preferably, the liquid cylinder comprises a gas or oil filled cylinder. 
         [0044]    Preferably, the drive mechanism connecting the crankset to the rear wheel comprises a chain. 
         [0045]    Preferably, the vehicle further comprises a seat attachable to the frame. 
         [0046]    It will be appreciated that a preferred form of the invention comprises a single pair of low set rear wheel support arms connecting the rear wheel to the frame; and the frame and pair of arms between the footrest and the rear wheel have a height equal to or less than a vertical height of the rear wheel when the vehicle is located with both the front and rear wheels in contact with a horizontal surface. This preferred form of the invention has the advantages of allowing a person to easily swing a leg over the rear wheel, for example, when performing tricks or stunts and renders the vehicle less cumbersome. As such the invention is also easily ridden off-road on a dirt surface as the invention is easy to manoeuvre. Also, the features of the preferred form of the invention reduces manufacturing costs. It will also be appreciated that a preferred form of the invention lacks a top cross bar characteristic of a typical bicycle and comprises a footrest, which allow the present invention to be easily used in a scooter-like manner. 
         [0047]    Throughout this specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated integers or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0048]    In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, preferred embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts and wherein: 
           [0049]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention comprising a low set rear wheel support arm extending from below a crankset without a suspension device (with an optional seat shown in dashed lines); 
           [0050]      FIG. 2  shows a partial plan view of a footrest and support arm shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 3  shows a partial side view of another embodiment of the invention comprising a suspension device attached to the support arm; 
           [0052]      FIG. 4  shows a partial side view of another embodiment of the invention comprising a low set support arm extending from above the crankset, with a suspension device and seat post tube; and 
           [0053]      FIG. 5  shows a side view of an embodiment of the invention comprising front and rear suspension devices, rear sprocket comprising a cluster of gears and seat. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0054]    In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, particular preferred embodiments will now be described by way of the following non-limiting examples. 
         [0055]      FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment of the invention shown as a scooter/bicycle vehicle  100 . The scooter/bicycle  100  comprises a frame  110 , a front wheel  120 , a rear wheel  121 , a crankset and bottom bracket  130  attached to a rear sprocket of gears  132  by a chain  131  and handle bar  140  as shown. The front wheel  120  and rear wheel  121  are shown as standard bicycle wheels. The front wheel  120  is attached to the frame  110  via forks  123 . The wheels  120 ,  121  may for example comprise mountain bike, BMX bike, racing bike or hybrid bike type wheels as are known in the art. A pair of pedals  132  are attached to the crankset  130 , such that when the crankset  130  and chain ring  133  are rotated, gear  132  and rear wheel  121  are also rotated in a similar manner as a typical bicycle. 
         [0056]    A footrest  111  is located between the front wheel  120  and rear wheel  121 . The footrest  111  is shown as a flat platform integrally formed with the frame  110 . However, it is contemplated that other embodiments of the invention may comprise a footrest attachable to the frame  110  by way of a fastener, for example a clamp, bolt, weld, rivet or the like. 
         [0057]    A pair of support arms  112  extend from the frame  110  and attach to either side of hub  122  of the rear wheel  121  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1  comprises a pair of support arms  112  located below the crankset  130 , which provides a low set profile of a rear part of the frame  110  between the footrest  111  and rear wheel  121 . The pair of support arms  112  is shown comprising a V-brake post  113  for mounting a typical V-brake as is common in the art. It will be appreciated, however, that other braking devices may be used, for example, coaster brakes or disk brakes. 
         [0058]    It is preferred that the rear part of the scooter/bicycle  100  extending from the footrest  111  to the rear wheel  121  is low set such that a highest part of the rear part of the scooter/bicycle  100  is about equal to or lower than a top of the rear wheel  121  as shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, when the front wheel  120  and rear wheel  121  are both in contact with a planar surface  400  such as the ground, it is preferred that the frame  110  and pair of support arms  112  between the footrest  111  and rear wheel  121  are closer to the ground than a top part of the rear wheel  121 . In a preferred embodiment of the invention shown in  FIG. 1 , this low set profile is achieved by locating the support arm  112  below the crankset  130 . A typical bicycle has a rear support frame, commonly a triangular frame, which extends from a central part of the frame in line with the crankset to the rear wheel and a location of the frame above the crankset near the seat post. As such, a typical bicycle is characterised by a high rear profile, which is bulky and restricts movement over the rear part of the bicycle. 
         [0059]    A person is able to ride the scooter/bicycle  100  in a manner similar to either a bicycle or a scooter. When riding the scooter/bicycle  100  as a bicycle, the person advances the scooter/bicycle  100  by rotating the pedals  132  about the crankset  130 , which is connected to the rear wheel  121  via the chain  131  in a similar manner as a standard bicycle. When using the scooter/bicycle  100  as a scooter, a person places one foot on the footrest  111  and pushes off of the ground or other surface with the other foot. 
         [0060]    The low set rear profile of the scooter/bicycle  100  allows a user to move freely about the scooter/bicycle  100 , in particular about the rear part of the scooter/bicycle  100 . For example, one or both legs of the user may be easily swung over a rear end of the frame  100  and rear wheel  121 . This low set profile is preferable when performing tricks or stunts. Also, the scooter/bicycle  100  requires less material to construct when compared with a standard bicycle, which results in a less bulky profile and reduced manufacturing costs. 
         [0061]    If preferred, the vehicle  100  may be provided with a bicycle-type seat  150 , mounted on a seat post  151  telescopically required in a seat post tube  152  (connected to the rear of the arms  112  by a triangular strut  153 ). 
         [0062]      FIG. 2  shows a plan view of part of the frame  110  comprising the footrest  111 , part of the crankset  130  and a pair of support arms  112 . The pair of support arms  112  is located around the rear wheel  121  when attached thereto. 
         [0063]      FIG. 3  shows a partial side view of another embodiment of the invention comprising a rear suspension device  150 , shown as a coiled spring, attached to the frame  110  and support arm  112 . The support arm  112  is pivotably attached to the frame  110  at location  115 . The suspension device  150  is preferably attached to each arm of the pair of support arms  112  or attached to a cross member joining the pair of support arms  112 . 
         [0064]      FIG. 4  shows another embodiment of the invention comprising a support arm  212  that is located above the crankset  230  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), which is attachable to aperture  231 . This embodiment comprises a suspension device  250 , shown as a coiled spring, attached to the support arm  212  and frame  210 . The suspension device  250  is preferably attached to each arm of the pair of support arms  212 . The pair of support arms  212  is pivotably attached to the frame  210  at location  215 . The pair of support arms  212  also comprises aV-brake post  213  for attaching a bake assembly and a notch  214  for attaching the rear wheel  121 . Another embodiment of the invention may comprise a support arm  212  fixed to the frame  210 , without suspension, in a similar manner as the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 5  shows another preferred embodiment of the invention  200  comprising frame  210 , front wheel  120 , rear wheel  121 , crankset and bottom bracket  230  attached to a rear sprocket comprising a plurality of gears  232  by a chain  131  and handle bar  140 . The frame  210  is shown comprising a footrest  211  and a rearwardly extending support arm  212  attached to the frame  210  and hub  222  of the rear wheel  121 . A seat post tube  216  is located above the crankset  230  for attaching a seat  250  via seat post  251 . The top of the seat post tube  216  is shown extending below a vertical height of the rear wheel  121  in  FIG. 5 . The scooter/bicycle  200  is shown comprising a front suspension device  223  and a rear suspension device  250 , however, it will be appreciated that front and rear suspension devices  223 ,  250  are preferred options to provide a smoother ride over rough terrain. The rear suspension device  250  shown in  FIG. 5  is the same shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0066]    The seat  250  may provide a more comfortable ride when using the scooter/bicycle  200  in a manner similar to a bicycle. However, the seat  250  is optional and in use, a user may prefer that the seat  250  is removed to allow for the rear profile of the scooter/bicycle  200  to be low, e.g. about a height of the rear wheel  121  when both the front wheel  120  and the rear wheel  121  the scooter/bicycle  200  are in contact with a planar surface  400 , such as the ground. 
         [0067]    A vertical height of the frame  210  rearward of platform  211  is shown about equal to or less than a vertical height of the rear wheel  121 . This low set rear profile allows a leg or other body part of a person to easily pass over the rearward part of the scooter/bicycle  200 . This low rear profile is preferable when a person is pushing the scooter/bicycle  200  in a scooter-like manner with one foot located on the platform  211  and another foot is pushing off the ground to hereby advance the scooter/bicycle  200 . Further, it is preferred that the scooter/bicycle  200  comprises a low rear profile to allow a person to perform tricks or stunts. Such tricks and stunts may be performed by a person as a form of entertainment and technical challenge. For example, a person may rotate the scooter/bicycle  200  about a central axis of the rear wheel  121  with the front wheel  120  suspended from the ground and a leg passing over the rearward part of the frame  210 . A typical bicycle lacks a platform, has a top cross bar and has a high set rearward part of the frame, which is bulky and obstructs movement of a person&#39;s body over the rear part of the bicycle. The scooter/bicycle  100  of the present invention is less cumbersome than a bicycle, which allows a rider to manoeuvre the scooter/bicycle  100  easily, for example in when riding off-road or for tight radius turns. 
         [0068]    It will be appreciated that the embodiment of the scooter/bicycle  100  shown in  FIG. 1  may optionally comprise a seat, similar to that shown in  FIG. 5 . Also, the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  may comprise front and/or rear suspension and a plurality of rear gears and front chain rings as described herein. 
         [0069]    It will be appreciated that other embodiments of the invention include forms of the scooter/bicycle  200  that comprise only a single rear gear instead of a cluster of gears  232 , for example as shown for the embodiment in  FIG. 1 . The embodiment of the invention comprising a plurality of gears preferably comprises a rear derailleur. Also, the front crankset  130 , 230  may comprise one or more chain rings  133  for example, one, two, three, four or more chain rings  133 . An embodiment of the invention comprising a plurality of chain rings  133  preferably also comprises a front derailleur. It will also be appreciated that although the chain  131  is a preferred linkage operatively connecting the crankset  130  to the rear gear  132  of the rear wheel  121 , other linkages are contemplated, including a rotatable shaft, cable or other linkage. 
         [0070]    It will be appreciated that the invention may comprise one or more suspension devices or may lack suspension. Suspension devices preferably include those known in the art, for example those shown in the figures as coiled springs and liquid filled cylinders, such as gas or oil filled shocks. 
         [0071]    Embodiments of the invention may comprise a low set rear frame rather than a single arm or a pair of support arms  112 ,  212 . For example, a low set rear frame may comprise a triangular frame or two pairs of support arms, preferably support arms  112  and support arms  212 , either with or without suspension. An embodiment comprising a single arm rather than a pair of arms preferably attaches to one end of the hub of the rear wheel. 
         [0072]    Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. It will therefore be appreciated by those of skill in the art that, in light of the instant disclosure, various modifications and changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1