Patent Description:
Very young children are typically unable to ride a bicycle themselves or to ride a bicycle at the speed of an adult. Therefore, it is common to attach a seat for a child to an adult-sized bicycle to allow the adult and child to ride together. For the sake of simplicity, an adult-sized bicycle will be referred to in this specification as an 'adult bicycle', 'adult bike' or 'adult mountain bike'.

An adult bicycle includes two wheels, mounted on a frame. The frame also supports handle bars for steering and a saddle on which the adult sits, when in use.

A child's bicycle seat can be attached to the frame of the adult bicycle at the rear of the bicycle, behind the saddle of the adult bicycle. These seats are referred to as rear-mounted seats. Alternatively, the child's seat can be attached to the frame of the adult bicycle at the front of the bicycle, between the handlebars and saddle of the adult bike. These seats are referred to as front-mounted seats.

Front-mounted children's bicycle seats have become particularly popular for adults wanting to take young children mountain biking, especially because these seats allow the children to be active participants in cycling adventure - even more so if the children's bicycle seat comprises a saddle (as opposed to a bucket seat).

However, different types of adult bicycles comprise different sized frames and different shaped frames, such that a child may be comfortably seated on a child's bicycle seat attached to one type of adult bike frame, but may be seated at an uncomfortable or dangerous angle when the same child's bicycle seat is attached to a different adult bike frame.

There is therefore a need to provide a child's bicycle seating system that can be comfortably used with different adult bike frames.

<CIT> discloses a pedal powered vehicle having a frame including a head tube and a seat tube mounting a seat post supporting a saddle. A head set cooperates with the head tube to mount an assembly comprising handlebars and a front fork. The mounting comprises a linkage system with one or more elongate struts defining a longitudinal direction. A first fitting couples the linkage system to one of the head tube and head set. A second fitting couples the linkage system to one of the seat tube and the seat post. Each of said first and second fittings is coupled to the elongate strut or struts in a manner allowing pivoting motion of the fitting relative to the longitudinal direction about an axis which extends at right angles to the plane including the axes of the seat post and of the head tube. The linkage system allows continuous sliding adjustment of the one or more struts, e. g by telescopic action, to accommodate changes in the separation of the first fitting from the second fitting in the longitudinal direction due to compliance of the frame in use of the vehicle. An auxiliary seat for a child is mounted to the linkage system at a position intermediate the seat tube and head tube. The linkage system also carries adjustable foot supports. Said <CIT> discloses a connection hub according to the preamble of claim <NUM>.

It is an object of the present invention to go at least some way toward addressing this need, or to at least provide the public with a useful alternative.

Embodiments of the invention are set out in the claims.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprises", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Preferred forms of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

The invention is further described with reference to the following examples. It will be appreciated that the invention as claimed is not intended to be limited in any way by these examples.

As exemplified by embodiments shown in <FIG>, the present invention relates to an adjustable child's seating system <NUM> for attaching to the frame of a bicycle <NUM>, such as an adult-sized bike, preferably a mountain bike. The seating system <NUM> is configured to be positioned between the handlebars and saddle of the bicycle. The system <NUM> comprises an elongate crossbar <NUM> comprising a first end that is attachable to a steering column of the bicycle <NUM>, and a second end that is attachable to a seat post of the bicycle <NUM>. An adjustable connection hub assembly <NUM> is mounted to the crossbar <NUM>. In preferred forms, the hub assembly <NUM> predominantly sits on top of the crossbar <NUM>. The connection hub assembly <NUM> is attachable to a child's saddle <NUM> and to a leg assembly <NUM>. The hub assembly <NUM> attaches the saddle <NUM> and leg assembly <NUM> to the crossbar <NUM>. The leg assembly <NUM> comprises a pair of legs <NUM> and a foot support <NUM> attached to each leg <NUM>. The leg <NUM> and foot support <NUM> are mirror images of each other.

Referring to <FIG>, the hub assembly <NUM> comprises a central body <NUM> comprising a mounting portion <NUM> for mounting the hub assembly <NUM> to a crossbar <NUM>; first and second generally opposing sides 3120a, 3120b; a front portion <NUM>; a rear portion <NUM>; an upper portion <NUM>; and a lower portion <NUM>.

According to the invention, as shown in <FIG>, the hub assembly <NUM> comprises a pair of leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b located on either side of the central body <NUM> to attach the leg assembly <NUM> to the hub assembly <NUM>. A first 3200a of the leg attachment members is attached to the first side 3120a of the central body <NUM> and a second 3200b of the leg attachment members is attached to the second side 3120b of the central body <NUM>. Each leg attachment member <NUM> is rotatably attached to the central body in order to rotate relative to the central body <NUM> to adjust the angle at which the leg assembly <NUM> extends from the hub assembly <NUM> and from the saddle <NUM>.

In some forms, the hub assembly <NUM> comprises a pair of first and second saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b to attach the saddle <NUM> to the hub assembly <NUM>. The saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b are located on either side of the central body <NUM> and adjacent to the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b, such that each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b is located between one side of the central body <NUM> and a respective saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b. In some forms, the saddle attachment members <NUM> are rotatably attached to the central body <NUM> so as to rotate relative to the central body <NUM> to adjust the angle of the saddle <NUM> relative to the central body <NUM> and the cross bar <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the central hub body <NUM> may comprise an attachment feature <NUM> to align the central body <NUM> with the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b and the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b. In some forms, the attachment feature <NUM> comprises an attachment aperture passing through the central body <NUM> from the first side 3120a to the second side 3120b and being configured to align with a corresponding attachment feature <NUM> of each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b and a locating member <NUM> of each saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b.

The central body <NUM> may also comprise at least one arcuate saddle angle adjustment slot <NUM> that extends between the first and second sides 3120a, 3120b of the central body <NUM>. In some forms, the central body <NUM> comprises a pair of first and second arcuate saddle angle adjustment slots 3121a, 3121b that curve around and are spaced equidistant from a central point/axis such that each of the slots <NUM> has an equal radius. The central point/axis of the arcuate saddle adjustment slots <NUM> may comprise the central point/axis of the attachment aperture <NUM> so that the attachment aperture is substantially centrally located between the saddle angle adjustment slots 3121a, 3121b.

In some forms, the first and second sides 3120a, 3120b of the central body <NUM> comprise an annular recess <NUM> for receiving an annular bearing <NUM> therein. The annular recess <NUM> surrounds the attachment aperture <NUM> and the saddle angle adjustment slot(s) <NUM>. In some forms, the annular recess <NUM>, the central axis of the attachment aperture <NUM>, and the attachment aperture <NUM> are positioned substantially concentrically on the central body <NUM>. Each annular bearing allows for smooth rotation of the respective leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b relative to the central body <NUM> when the hub assembly <NUM> is unlocked (i.e. when the leg attachment members are free to rotate) and provides an element of resistance when the hub assembly is locked to help prevent rotation of the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b relative to the central body <NUM>.

In some forms, the central body <NUM> comprises a guide path <NUM> for guiding the rotation of the leg attachment members <NUM> relative to the central body <NUM>. The guide path <NUM> comprises a first end and a second end. Each end of the guide path <NUM> comprises a limit stop 3124a 3124b. Optionally, the guide path <NUM> is formed along an edge of the upper portion <NUM> of the central body <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some forms, the central body <NUM> comprises a guide path <NUM> located on each side 3120a, 3120b of the central body and along an edge of the upper portion of the central body. A central portion of the central body <NUM> may define a side wall of the guide path and an inner surface <NUM> of the adjacent leg attachment member <NUM> may define a substantially opposing side wall of the guide path <NUM>. Limit stops 3124a, 3124b define the forward and rearward ends of the guide path. In other forms, a guide path <NUM> may be formed within a side surface on each side 3120a, 3120b of the central body <NUM>.

According to the invention, the central body <NUM> comprises a pivotable leg locking lever <NUM> configured to lock and unlock the angular position of the leg assembly <NUM> relative to the saddle <NUM>. The pivotable locking lever <NUM> is moveable between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position. In the locked position, the lever <NUM> engages with each leg attachment member <NUM> to prevent rotation of the leg attachment members relative to the central body <NUM> in order to lock the angle of the leg assembly <NUM> relative to the hub assembly <NUM> and the saddle <NUM>. In the unlocked position, the lever <NUM> is disengaged from each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b to allow the leg attachment members to rotate relative to the central body <NUM> in order to adjust the angle of the leg assembly <NUM> relative to the hub <NUM> and therefore relative to the saddle <NUM> and crossbar <NUM>.

The lever <NUM> may be hingedly attached to the central body <NUM> by a pivot shaft <NUM> that passes through aligned apertures <NUM>, <NUM> provided in the hub and a first end portion of the lever <NUM>. The lever <NUM> comprises a catch/pawl <NUM> located at or near a first end of the lever. The catch <NUM> engages with each leg attachment member <NUM> in the locked position and disengages with each leg attachment member <NUM> in the unlocked position. The lever <NUM> may also comprise a gripping portion/handle <NUM>, preferably located at a second end of the lever, which is substantially opposite to the first end. The gripping portion <NUM> allows a user to grip the lever <NUM> and to lower and raise the second end of the lever <NUM> to cause the lever <NUM> to pivot about the pivot shaft <NUM> in order to move between the locked and unlocked positions.

In preferred forms, as shown in <FIG>, the locking lever <NUM> comprises a biasing member <NUM>, such as a torsion spring or the like, that biases the lever <NUM> to the locked position. The biasing member <NUM> may surround a portion of the pivot shaft <NUM> and engages with both the central body <NUM> and the lever <NUM> to push or pull the lever toward the locked position. In some forms, the biasing member <NUM> surrounds a portion of the pivot shaft <NUM> and comprises a first arm <NUM> that engages with the hub assembly <NUM> and a second arm <NUM> that engages with the locking lever <NUM> to urge the locking lever <NUM> toward the locked position. In some forms, the first arm <NUM> engages with a notch, opening, or recess located on the central body <NUM>, or the first arm <NUM> extends beneath a hook/projection <NUM> of the central body. In some forms, the second arm <NUM> engages with the locking lever <NUM> by engaging with or nesting within a notch or recess <NUM> provided on the body of the locking lever. In preferred forms, the locking lever <NUM> is located at or near the rear portion <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, so as to be accessible from the rear of the bicycle <NUM>.

In some forms, the locking lever <NUM> comprises a pair of catches <NUM>, one on either side of the lever <NUM>, to engage with both leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b on either side of the central body <NUM>. In this arrangement, the central body <NUM> is configured so that the lever <NUM> engages with both leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b simultaneously when in the locked position, and disengages with both leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b simultaneously when in the unlocked position.

To attach each leg <NUM> of the leg assembly <NUM> to the central body <NUM>, the first and second leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b each comprise a face plate <NUM>, that is configured to attach to a respective first or second side 3120a, 3120b of the central body <NUM>. Each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b also comprises a leg connector <NUM>, configured to attach to one of the first and second legs <NUM> of the leg assembly <NUM>. Typically, the face plate <NUM> projects in a first direction, such as a generally upward direction, and the leg connector <NUM> projects in a second direction, such as a generally downward and slightly forward-facing direction. In some forms, each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b further comprises a foot <NUM> that connects the face plate <NUM> to the leg connector <NUM> and is arranged substantially perpendicular to the face plate and leg connector, to provide a crank-like arrangement. The foot <NUM> comprises an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface may comprise a recessed/hollowed region <NUM>, such as a concave region, for receiving a rotating portion of the respective saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b therein, as shown in <FIG>.

Each leg connector <NUM> projects from the lower surface of the foot <NUM>. In some forms, each leg connector <NUM> comprises a substantially cylindrical boss that is shaped and dimensioned to mate with a substantially cylindrical first end of a respective leg <NUM> to attach the leg <NUM> to the leg connector <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, for example. In some forms, the leg connector <NUM> nests within a hollow provided at the first end of the respective leg <NUM>. In other forms, the leg connector <NUM> comprises a hollow and the respective leg <NUM> is partially housed within the hollow of the leg connector <NUM>.

The central body <NUM> and the leg attachment members <NUM> together form a leg angle adjustment system configured to allow the angle of the leg assembly <NUM> to be adjusted relative to the saddle <NUM>. The leg angle adjustment system allows the leg assembly <NUM> to adopt different angles in order to accommodate different bicycle frames. The leg angle adjustment system also allows the leg assembly <NUM> to adopt a stowed position, in which the legs <NUM> are folded against the crossbar, so as to be substantially in line with the crossbar to minimise the profile of the seating system so that the seating system <NUM> can be easily stored or removed from the bike while minimizing the likely hood of the assembly touching the bike frame.

The leg attachment members <NUM> are configured to, at least partially, rotate in relation to the central body <NUM>. Rotating the leg attachment members <NUM> varies the angle of the leg connector <NUM> relative to the central body <NUM> and relative to the saddle <NUM>. Varying the angle of the leg connector <NUM> varies the angle at which the leg assembly <NUM> extends from the hub assembly <NUM> (and saddle <NUM>). The face plate <NUM> of each of the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b is rotatably attached to the central body <NUM>.

In some forms, the face plate <NUM> comprises a plate-like structure, which allows the rotatable face plate to fit neatly between the central body <NUM> and the adjacent saddle attachment member <NUM>. The face plate <NUM> comprises an inner surface <NUM> and an outer surface <NUM>. The face plate <NUM> may also comprise an attachment feature <NUM> that projects from the inner surface <NUM> and is configured to pass through an attachment aperture <NUM> of the central body <NUM> and engage with the attachment feature <NUM> of the other leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b, located on the other side of the central body <NUM>. In some forms, each connection feature <NUM> comprises a hollow protrusion/shaft that forms a rotatable axle of the respective leg attachment members 3200a 3200b and that attaches the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b together on either side of the central body <NUM>. Optionally, each attachment feature/shaft 3215a, 3215b is substantially centrally located on the respective face plate <NUM>. The leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b may therefore engage with each other to rotate freely and simultaneously about the central body <NUM>.

In some forms, the shafts 3125a, 3125b of each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b are configured to be keyed and/or to mate together. For example, the shaft <NUM> of one of the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b may be shaped and dimensioned to be snugly received within the shaft <NUM> of the other leg attachment member. In some forms, each shaft is substantially hollow. Optionally, a first shaft 3215a of the first leg attachment member 3200a comprises a substantially circular outer periphery to form a cylindrical exterior profile and a second shaft 3215b of the second leg attachment member 3200b comprises a tapered, circular exterior periphery to form a substantially frustoconical profile. In this form, the frustoconical shaft may be dimensioned to be pushed into the hollow interior of the cylindrical shaft to connect the two shafts together by a friction fit. In other forms, the first shaft 3215a may comprise any suitable exterior profile. In some forms, the first shaft 3215a comprises a cylindrical or frustoconical exterior profile and also comprises a keyed interior, shaped and dimensioned to receive the second shaft 3215b, which comprises an exterior profile that is of a substantially corresponding shape and dimension to the keyed interior of the first shaft 3215a. For example, the keyed interior of the first shaft 3215a may comprise a substantially rectangular shape to receive therein a second shaft 3215b comprising a substantially rectangular exterior profile, as shown in <FIG>. Typically, the keyed interior of the first shaft 3215a has a shape that comprises one or more corners, such as a square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or octagonal shape, or the like, and the exterior periphery of the second shaft 3215b comprises substantially the same shape so that the two shafts 3215a, 3215b can be keyed together so that the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b engage with each other in order to rotate simultaneously, thereby rotating both legs <NUM> of the leg assembly <NUM> simultaneously.

Each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b may also comprise a slider <NUM> that projects from the face plate <NUM> and is configured to slide along the guide path <NUM> of the central body <NUM> as the face plate <NUM> rotates. In some forms, the slider <NUM> projects from the inner surface <NUM> of the face plate <NUM>, or from an outer edge of the face plate, as shown in <FIG>. The face plate <NUM> reaches the maximum point of rotation when the slider <NUM> abuts one of the limit stops 3124a, 3124b at each end of the guide path <NUM>. In this way, the slider <NUM> and guide path <NUM> together control the extent to which the leg assembly <NUM> can be angled relative to the saddle <NUM>. Typically, the leg angle adjustment system is configured to prevent the leg assembly <NUM> being rotated such that the foot supports <NUM> project above the saddle <NUM>.

In some forms, as shown in <FIG>, each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b may also be securely attached to the other leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b and the central body <NUM>. In some forms, each face plate <NUM> may comprise an attachment aperture <NUM> that extends between the inner surface <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the face plate <NUM> and that substantially aligns with at least a central portion of the attachment aperture <NUM> of the central body <NUM>. In some forms, each attachment aperture <NUM> is generally centrally located within the shaft <NUM> of the respective face plate <NUM> such that the shaft <NUM>, the attachment aperture <NUM>, and the attachment aperture <NUM> are substantially concentrically arranged and comprise the same central axis. Each attachment aperture <NUM> may be configured to receive a fastener <NUM>, such as a threaded rod or bolt, to secure the leg attachment members <NUM> to the central body <NUM>. For example, the fastener may extend through the attachment aperture <NUM> of the first leg attachment member 3200a, through the attachment aperture <NUM> of the central body <NUM>, and through the attachment aperture <NUM> of the second leg attachment member 3200b on the other side of the body <NUM>. The fastener may then be secured in position, such as with one or more nuts, to attach each face plate <NUM> (and therefore each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b) to the central body <NUM>. The central body <NUM> is located centrally between the face plates <NUM> of each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b. In this arrangement, the leg attachment members <NUM> are securely attached to the central body but are free to rotate simultaneously relative to the body <NUM>. Typically, the fastener <NUM> defines the central axis of rotation /central rotational axis of the leg attachment members <NUM> "X" of the leg attachment members <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

According to the invention, the system <NUM> comprises a locking mechanism to lock the angle of the leg assembly <NUM> in a desired position. As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b comprises an engagement feature <NUM> configured to engage with and disengage from the catch <NUM> of the leg locking lever <NUM>, in order to lock the leg assembly <NUM> in a desired position and to unlock the leg assembly <NUM> to adjust the position of the legs and leg assembly. According to the invention, the engagement feature <NUM> comprises a toothed rack. The rack <NUM> is preferably curved about the central rotational axis of the leg attachment member and comprises a plurality of teeth for engaging with the catch/pawl <NUM> of the central body <NUM> to form a ratchet-like mechanism. In some forms, the curved rack <NUM> is located on a rear portion of the face plate <NUM>, such as on a rear edge of the face plate <NUM>, and proximate the catch <NUM> of the leg locking lever <NUM> located at the rear of the central body <NUM>. In some forms, the teeth of the rack <NUM> each comprise an end face that is substantially radial from the central axis of rotation of the face plate <NUM> and respective leg attachment member <NUM>. Each tooth may also comprise an inclined face that meets the end face at an apex and slopes away from the apex in a first direction, as shown in <FIG>. In some forms, the sloping surface of each tooth is generally inclined in the upward or anti-clockwise direction. In this arrangement, the face plate can readily rotate in one direction (such as clockwise) beneath the catch <NUM> of the locking lever <NUM>, but is prevented from rotating in the reverse direction (such as the anti-clockwise direction) because the catch <NUM>, biased toward the locked position, jams against an end face of an adjacent one of the teeth, locking the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b (and therefore the leg assembly <NUM>) in position. The leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b may be unlocked by rotating the leg locking lever <NUM> about the pivot shaft <NUM> to disengage the catch <NUM> from the toothed rack <NUM>, such as by lifting the second end of the lever <NUM>. The leg assembly <NUM> can then be rotated forward or backward to the desired angle relative to the saddle <NUM>. When the leg assembly <NUM> is in the desired position, the leg locking lever <NUM> can be released. Upon release, the biasing member <NUM> causes the lever <NUM> to return to the locked position in which the catch <NUM> engages with an adjacent one of the teeth of the rack <NUM>.

<FIG> show the lever <NUM> and catch <NUM> in solid lines when in the unlocked position and in broken lines when in the locked position. In some forms, the lever <NUM> comprises a pair of catches <NUM> in which one catch <NUM> is located on either side of the central body <NUM>, so that each catch <NUM> engages with a respective leg attachment member <NUM> simultaneously and also disengages with the respective leg attachment member <NUM> simultaneously when moved to the unlocked position. This arrangement balances the locking mechanism of the leg assembly <NUM> and helps prevent the leg assembly <NUM> from twisting when locked.

In some forms, each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b also comprises at least one arcuate saddle angle adjustment slot <NUM> located on the face plate <NUM> in alignment with a corresponding arcuate saddle angle adjustment slot <NUM> of the central body <NUM>. In some forms, the face plate <NUM> comprises a pair of arcuate saddle angle adjustment slots 3218a, 3218b that curve around the central axis of rotation of the face plate <NUM> and attachment aperture <NUM> such that each of the slots 3218a, 3218b has an equal radius.

<FIG> shows one form of leg assembly <NUM> that is attachable to the hub assembly <NUM> of the invention. The leg assembly <NUM> comprises a pair of legs <NUM> that each comprise a first end configured to attach to a respective leg connector <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM> by any suitable arrangement. In some forms, a lower surface of each leg connector <NUM> comprises a threaded aperture <NUM>, and the first end portion of each leg also comprises an aperture <NUM>. A threaded fastener <NUM> may be inserted within the apertures <NUM> and <NUM> to engage with both the leg <NUM> and the leg connector <NUM> in order to attach the leg <NUM> to the hub assembly <NUM>. In other forms, the leg connector <NUM> may be threaded and the interior of the first end of the leg <NUM> may be threaded so that the leg may be directly screwed onto the leg connector <NUM> to attach the leg <NUM> to the hub assembly <NUM>.

In some forms, the leg assembly <NUM> is adjustable between a neutral, non-splayed position and a splayed position, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In these forms, each leg connector is attachable to the respective leg in a first, neutral position, and in a second, splayed position, in which the legs are splayed apart. The splayed position is useful when the seating system <NUM> is mounted on an electric bicycle because it allows the legs <NUM> of the leg assembly <NUM> to spread apart to provide clearance around the wide frame and battery of an electric bicycle, for example. The non-splayed, neutral position is commonly used when the seating system <NUM> is mounted on a standard, non-electric bicycle. <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, <FIG> show the leg assembly in the neutral, non-splayed position and in the splayed position respectively. In some forms, each leg <NUM> comprises an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM>. The upper portion <NUM> connects to the lower portion <NUM> at an angle to form a bend or knee <NUM>. In this arrangement, when the upper portion <NUM> and knee <NUM> faces forward, the legs <NUM> are in the non-splayed position, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, but when each leg <NUM> is rotated so that the upper portion <NUM> and knee <NUM> faces outward, the legs <NUM> are in the splayed position, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In some forms, the foot support 5200is rotatable relative to the lower portion <NUM> so that the foot support <NUM> can be adjusted to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the crossbar <NUM> regardless of whether or not the legs <NUM> are splayed. In some forms, the foot support <NUM> is moveable between: a first position, in which the foot support <NUM> extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the crossbar <NUM> when the legs <NUM> are in the neutral, non-splayed position; and a second position, in which the foot support <NUM> also extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the crossbar <NUM> when the legs <NUM> are in the splayed position. The leg assembly <NUM> may comprise a locking system to lock each foot support <NUM> in a desired position relative to the lower portion <NUM> of the respective leg <NUM>. The foot support <NUM> may be locked in the preferred first or second position by any suitable locking system. For example, the foot support <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> of the leg may comprise alignment members to guide the position of the foot support <NUM> and then the foot support <NUM> may be screwed in place by inserting a screw <NUM> within an opening of the foot support <NUM> and into a corresponding opening at the tip of the distal end of the lower portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. In another form, the locking system may comprise a compressible pin located on a shaft of the foot support <NUM> that is received within the lower portion <NUM> of the leg <NUM>. The lower portion of the leg may comprise at least two substantially aligned holes extending around the circumference of the lower portion <NUM>, one of the holes being located to align with the pin when the foot support <NUM> is in the first position and the other of the holes being located to align with the pin when the foot support <NUM> is in the second position. The foot support may be moveable between the first and second positions, by depressing the pin and rotating the foot support <NUM> until it reaches the desired position, at which point the pin will engage with the corresponding hole on the lower portion <NUM> of the leg <NUM>.

The leg assembly <NUM>, and therefore the legs <NUM>, may be moved between the splayed and non-splayed position by any suitable arrangement. In some forms, each leg connector <NUM> and each leg <NUM> may comprise alignment features that guide the position in which the leg <NUM> is attached to the leg connector <NUM>. For example, engagement between one pair of alignment features may position the upper portion <NUM> of the leg <NUM> to face forward so that the leg assembly <NUM> adopts the neutral position, whereas engagement between another pair of alignment features may position the upper portion <NUM> of the leg to face outwardly so that the leg assembly <NUM> adopts the splayed position.

In some forms, each leg connector <NUM> may comprise at least two alignment features <NUM>, each alignment feature <NUM> being configured to engage with at least one complimentary alignment feature provided on the respective leg <NUM>, so that engagement of the leg <NUM> with one of the alignment features <NUM> locates the leg <NUM> in a splayed position and engagement of the leg <NUM> with another of the alignment features <NUM> locates the leg <NUM> in the neutral, non-splayed position. Alternatively, each leg <NUM> comprises at least two alignment features, each alignment feature being configured to engage with a complimentary alignment feature <NUM> provided on the leg connector <NUM>, such that the engagement of the leg connector <NUM> with one of the alignment features of the leg <NUM> locates the leg <NUM> in the splayed position and engagement of the leg connector <NUM> with another of the alignment features of the leg locates the leg <NUM> in the non-splayed position. In yet another form, each leg connector <NUM> and each leg <NUM> comprise at least two alignment features to allow the leg assembly <NUM> and legs <NUM> to be adjusted between a splayed position and a non-splayed position.

In one form, the alignment feature(s) <NUM> of the leg connector <NUM> comprise protrusions and the alignment feature(s) of the leg <NUM> comprise recesses for engaging with the protrusions to locate the leg assembly <NUM> in a splayed position or a non-splayed position. In other forms, the alignment feature(s) <NUM> of the leg connector <NUM> comprise recesses and the alignment feature(s) of the leg <NUM> comprise protrusions for engaging with the recesses to locate the leg assembly <NUM> in a splayed position or a non-splayed position.

Once the leg assembly <NUM> is located in the desired splayed or non-splayed position, a fastener <NUM>, such as a screw or bolt, is inserted into an opening <NUM> in the upper portion <NUM> of the leg <NUM> and an opening <NUM> in the leg connector <NUM> to attach the leg assembly <NUM> to the leg connector <NUM>.

In some forms, as shown in <FIG>, the legs <NUM> of the leg assembly <NUM> are length-adjustable so that the distance between the foot support <NUM> and the saddle <NUM> can be increased or decreased depending on the height of the child using the seating system <NUM>. For example, the lower portion <NUM> of the leg may comprise a telescoping arrangement to adjust the length of the lower portion between an extended position and a retracted/non-extended position. In some forms, the lower portion <NUM> of each leg <NUM> may comprise a first element <NUM> and a second element <NUM>. The second element <NUM> may be slidable up and down along at least a portion of the length of the first element <NUM> to extend or reduce the length of the lower portion <NUM> of the leg. In some forms, the second element <NUM> is slidably received within a hollow portion of the first element <NUM> to adjust the length of the leg <NUM>.

The length-adjustable legs <NUM> may also comprise a locking system to lock the position of the second element <NUM> relative to the first element <NUM>. Any suitable locking system may be employed, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. In some forms, the second element <NUM> comprises at least one compressible member that projects from an outer surface of the second element, and the first element <NUM> comprises a series of aligned holes/apertures that extend along a portion of the length of the first element <NUM>. Each of the holes/apertures is sized and shaped to receive the compressible member therein so that a user can slide the second element <NUM> relative to the first element <NUM> until the leg <NUM> is of the desired length, at which point the user aligns the compressible member with an adjacent hole to cause the compressible member to project through the hole and lock the first and second elements <NUM>, <NUM> together at the desired length. To unlock the first and second elements <NUM>, <NUM> and adjust the length of the leg <NUM>, a user may depress the compressible member to push the compressible member out of the selected hole and into a hollow of the second element <NUM>. The user may then slide the second element <NUM> relative to the first element <NUM> until the desired leg length is obtained, at which point the user may again align the compressible member with an adjacent hole in the first element <NUM> to engage the compressible member with the hole and lock the first and second elements <NUM>, <NUM> in position. In another form, the first element <NUM> is received within a hollow portion of the second element <NUM>, in which case the locking system as described above may operate in reverse by providing a first element <NUM> comprising a compressible member and a second element <NUM> comprising a series of holes/apertures that extend along a portion of the length of the second element <NUM>.

Each leg <NUM> of the leg assembly <NUM> may also comprise a foot support/footrest/stirrup <NUM>, located at or near a second, distal end of the lower portion <NUM> of the leg. The foot support <NUM> comprises a footplate <NUM> on which a child may rest his or her foot. The footplate <NUM> may be attached to the leg <NUM> by any suitable form of attachment, such as by a fastener that attaches the footplate to the distal end of the lower portion <NUM> of the leg <NUM>. The foot support <NUM> may optionally also comprise a footguard <NUM> that is configured to prevent the child's foot from slipping sideways or forward off the footplate <NUM>. In some forms, the footguard <NUM> is a strap configured to extend over the top of the child's foot from one side of the footplate <NUM> to the other.

In some forms, as shown in <FIG>, the hub assembly <NUM> also comprises a pair of first and second saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b for attaching the saddle <NUM> to the hub assembly <NUM>. The saddle <NUM> may comprise a pair of rails <NUM> that extend beneath a seat cushion <NUM> of the saddle <NUM> and that allow the saddle to be attached to the hub assembly <NUM> in a way that avoids interference with the suspension and cushioning characteristics of the saddle <NUM>. Typically, each saddle rail <NUM> extends substantially longitudinally from front to back of the saddle <NUM> and comprises an attachment portion 4200a for attaching to a respective saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b. Optionally, the saddle attachment portion 4200a comprises a substantially straight portion of the saddle rail <NUM>.

Each saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b may comprise a body having an inner surface <NUM> that faces toward the hub body <NUM>, when the hub assembly is assembled, and a substantially opposing outer surface <NUM> that faces away from the hub body <NUM>, when assembled. Each saddle attachment member <NUM> may also comprise a saddle receiving portion <NUM> configured to receive a respective rail <NUM> of the saddle. In some forms, the saddle receiving portion <NUM> of the attachment member <NUM> comprises a channel located on the inner surface <NUM> of the saddle attachment member <NUM>. The channel <NUM> is configured to clamp the saddle rail <NUM> between the saddle attachment member <NUM> and the leg attachment member <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM>. The channel <NUM> may extend in a substantially front to rear direction to substantially align with the saddle rail attachment portion 4200a. The shape of the channel <NUM> may substantially correspond with the transverse cross-sectional shape of the rail attachment portion 4200a so that the rail <NUM> can fit snugly within the channel <NUM>. Optionally, the rail <NUM> comprises a substantially tubular rod, such that the rail attachment portion 4200a comprises a circular transverse cross-section and the channel <NUM> comprises a semi-circular transverse cross-section (or is substantially C-shaped when viewed from the front or from the rear), in order to snugly receive the rail attachment portion 4200a therein, as shown in <FIG>.

In some forms, as shown in <FIG>, the inner surface <NUM> of each saddle attachment member <NUM> may also comprise a locating element <NUM> to locate the saddle attachment member <NUM> on the leg attachment member <NUM> and central body <NUM> of the connection hub assembly <NUM>. The locating element <NUM> defines a central rotational axis of the saddle attachment member <NUM>. In some forms, the central rotational axis of the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b is equivalent to the central rotational axis of the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b. In some forms, the locating element <NUM> of each member 3400a, 3400b comprises a projection, such as a cylindrical or frustoconical boss, that projects from the inner surface <NUM> of the saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b and into the attachment aperture <NUM> of the face plate <NUM> of the respective leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b to locate the saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b on the leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b.

Each saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b may comprise a locking system to lock the saddle attachment member to the adjacent leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b and to the central body <NUM>. In some forms, the hub assembly <NUM> comprises a saddle angle adjustment system of which the locking system is a part of. The locking system may comprise at least one locking pin that is attached to both saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b and that engages with the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b and the central body <NUM> to allow the angle of the saddle <NUM> to be adjusted relative to the crossbar <NUM> as the saddle attachment members rotate relative to the central body <NUM>.

In some forms, to allow adjustment of the saddle angle, each saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b comprises a locking pin <NUM> that projects from the inner surface <NUM> of the saddle attachment member and through the aligned arcuate adjustment slot <NUM> of the adjacent leg attachment member, and the aligned arcuate adjustment slot <NUM> of the central body <NUM>, then through the aligned arcuate adjustment slot <NUM> of the other leg attachment member and through a first pin receiving opening <NUM> of the other saddle attachment member <NUM>. The locking pin <NUM> is then secured in position with at least one fastener to lock the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b to each other and to the other components <NUM>, <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM>. In some forms, the locking pin <NUM> comprises a threaded distal end portion <NUM> that engages with a threaded fastener <NUM>, such as a nut, on the outer surface <NUM> of the other saddle attachment member <NUM> to attach both saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b to the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b and the central hub body <NUM>. In other forms, the first pin receiving aperture <NUM> may comprise a threaded interior configured to engage with the threaded distal end portion <NUM> of the locking pin to attach the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b to the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b and the central hub body <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM>.

In some forms, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the central body <NUM> and leg attachment members <NUM> each comprise two arcuate adjustment slots 3121a, 3121b, 3218a, 3218b that are spaced equidistant around the central rotational axis defined by the central apertures <NUM> and <NUM> of the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b and the central body <NUM>. In these forms, each saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b comprises a locking pin <NUM> that projects from the inner surface <NUM> of the saddle attachment member <NUM>. Each locking pin <NUM> may comprise a threaded distal end <NUM> and each saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b may comprise a first pin receiving aperture <NUM> for receiving a portion of the locking pin <NUM> of the other saddle attachment member. Optionally, the locking pin <NUM> of the first saddle attachment member 3400a extends from one side region of the inner surface <NUM>, such as a front region or hemisphere, and the first pin receiving opening <NUM> is located on the opposite side region of the inner surface <NUM>, such as a rear region or hemisphere, as shown in <FIG>. In this arrangement, the locking pin <NUM> of the second saddle attachment member 3400b extends from the other side region of the inner surface <NUM>, such as a rear region or hemisphere, and the first pin receiving opening <NUM> is located on the opposite side region of the inner surface <NUM>, such as a front region or hemisphere, as shown in <FIG>. Each locking pin <NUM> projects through a respective one of the two arcuate adjustment slots 3218a, 3218b, 3121a, 3121b, as shown in <FIG>. In some forms, the threaded distal end portion <NUM> of each locking pin extends through the pin aperture <NUM> of the other saddle attachment member and projects from the outer surface <NUM> of that other saddle attachment member <NUM>. A threaded fastener <NUM>, such as a nut, engages with the distal end portion <NUM> to secure the locking pin <NUM> in place in order to attach the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b to the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b and the central body <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> is rotatable in one direction to tighten the clamping arrangement between the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b and the other components <NUM>, <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM> and to hold the hub assembly under compression. The fastener 3445is rotatable in the other direction to loosen the clamping arrangement. Optionally, the fastener <NUM> comprises a knob for ease of use. The locking system of the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b serves to attach each of the components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM> together.

Each saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b may be at least partially rotatable about the central rotational axis defined by the locating members <NUM>. Because the locking pins <NUM> attach the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b together and because each pin <NUM> is slidable within the respective arcuate adjustment slots 3218a and 3121a or 3218b and 3121b, the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b may rotate clockwise or anticlockwise simultaneously and independently of the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b and the central body <NUM> of the hub assembly.

By rotating the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b, the saddle receiving portion/channel <NUM> is rotated, causing the saddle rails to rotate in the same direction and thereby adjusting the angle of the saddle <NUM>. For example, by rotating the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b anti-clockwise, the saddle <NUM> is caused to tilt forward relative to the crossbar <NUM>. By rotating the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b clockwise, the saddle <NUM> is caused to tilt backward relative to the crossbar <NUM>. The degree at which the saddle is angled/tilted relative to the crossbar <NUM> can be varied by the direction and extent to which the saddle attachment members are rotated, as shown in <FIG>.

Optionally, as shown in <FIG>, each saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b comprises a quick release system to allow a user to readily loosen and tighten the clamping arrangement between the components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the hub assembly, so that the angle of the saddle <NUM> can be readily adjusted without the use of tools. In this arrangement, the locking pin <NUM> of each saddle attachment member 3400a, 3400b may comprise a proximal end that projects through a second pin receiving opening <NUM> extending between the inner and outer surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> of the saddle attachment member <NUM>. The proximal end of the locking pin <NUM> may attach to a quick release locking lever <NUM>, typically at the outer surface <NUM> of the respective saddle attachment member <NUM>. The locking lever <NUM> is configured to be rotated in one direction to loosen the clamping arrangement of the hub assembly <NUM> and to be rotated in the other direction to tighten the clamping arrangement.

In some forms, as shown in <FIG>, the quick release locking lever <NUM> comprises a cam lever that is hingedly attached to the proximal end of the locking pin <NUM> and to the saddle attachment member <NUM>. A first end of the cam lever <NUM> comprises a cam that nests within a recess <NUM>, such as a cam sliding base, located on the outer surface <NUM> of the saddle attachment member <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. The recess <NUM> may comprise a substantially U-shaped channel. The first end of the cam lever <NUM> is mounted on a pivot shaft <NUM> that allows the cam lever <NUM> to rotate between a locked/clamping position and an unlocked/released position. The proximal end of the locking pin <NUM> may also be mounted on the pivot shaft <NUM>.

The quick release system may be configured so that, when the quick release/cam lever <NUM> is in the locked position, the larger radius of the cam lies within the recess <NUM>, placing tension on the lever <NUM> and clamping the respective saddle attachment member <NUM> tightly against the adjacent leg attachment member <NUM>, which is in turn clamped against the adjacent side of the central body <NUM>. The same arrangement applies to the other saddle attachment member <NUM> when the cam lever of that member <NUM> is in the locked position, thereby clamping the components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM> together.

Because the saddle rails <NUM> are held between the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b and the leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b, the clamping of the saddle attachment members to the leg attachment members firmly holds the saddle <NUM> in position and at a particular angle.

By rotating the quick release/cam lever <NUM> to the unlocked position, the smaller radius of the cam lies within the recess <NUM>, releasing the compression/clamping force on the components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM>. In the unlocked position, the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b (and the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b) are able to rotate independently of the central body <NUM>. Therefore, the angle of the saddle <NUM> may be adjusted by moving the saddle to a desired angle relative to the crossbar <NUM>. Movement of the saddle causes the saddle rails <NUM> to move accordingly, which causes the saddle attachment members 3400a, 3400b to simultaneously rotate to accommodate the new saddle position.

Similarly, the angle of the leg assembly <NUM> may be adjusted to adopt a desired angle by manipulating the leg locking lever <NUM>, to release the catch(es) from the respective rack of each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b, and then moving the leg assembly to the desired angle relative to the saddle <NUM> and crossbar <NUM>. Once the leg assembly <NUM> is in the desired position, the leg locking lever <NUM> may be released to engage with the leg attachment members 3200a, 3200b to lock the leg assembly <NUM> in position.

Once the saddle <NUM> and leg assembly <NUM> are in the desired position, the quick release lever <NUM> may be returned to the locked position and the locking system may be further secured by tightening the compression fastener <NUM> to increase the clamping force on the components <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM>.

The mounting portion <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM> is configured to mount the hub assembly, and therefore the saddle <NUM> and leg assembly <NUM>, to the crossbar <NUM> using any suitable mounting system. Optionally, the mounting portion <NUM> clamps the hub assembly to the crossbar. In other forms, the mounting portion <NUM> is bolted to the crossbar <NUM>.

In some forms, the hub assembly <NUM> is slidable back and forth along the length of the crossbar <NUM> to adjust the position of the saddle <NUM> and leg assembly <NUM> in relation to the handle bars and saddle of the bicycle <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the mounting portion <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM> may comprise a sliding element <NUM> configured to attach the hub assembly <NUM> to the crossbar <NUM> and to slide along the length of the crossbar. In some forms, the sliding element <NUM> may fully surround or mostly surround the crossbar <NUM> such that the crossbar is received within a hollow <NUM> of the sliding element, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the sliding element <NUM> comprises at least one connecting member <NUM> that is attachable to the hub assembly <NUM>, such as to the central body <NUM>. The connecting member <NUM> and the lower portion <NUM> of the central body <NUM> of the hub assembly may together define a hollow <NUM> for slidably receiving the crossbar <NUM> therein. In some forms, a lower surface of the central body <NUM> is located on an upper surface of the crossbar <NUM> and the connecting member <NUM> is at least partially located beneath a lower surface of the crossbar <NUM>.

In some forms, the sliding element <NUM> comprises at least one pair of first and second arms 3193a, 3193b that project downwardly from opposing sides of the central body <NUM> of the hub assembly and wrap around at least a portion of the sides of the crossbar <NUM>, forming a substantially "n" shaped arrangement and defining a hollow region between the arms 3193a, 3193b. The connecting member <NUM> may be located beneath the central body <NUM> and may be attachable to each of the first and second arms 3193a, 3193b. In some forms, the connecting member <NUM> comprises a pair of upwardly projecting third and fourth arms 3194a, 3194b that wrap around at least a portion of the sides of the crossbar <NUM>, forming a substantially "u" shaped arrangement and defining a hollow region between the arms 3194a, 3194b. The hollow region between the arms of the connecting member <NUM> and the hollow region between the arms of the central body <NUM> may together form the hollow <NUM> within which the crossbar <NUM> is located in a slidable arrangement. The distance between the arms 3193a and 3193b of the central body <NUM>, and between the arms 3194a and 3194b of the connecting member <NUM>, is slightly larger than the width of the crossbar <NUM> so that the crossbar fits snugly between the arms 3193a, 3193b, 3194a, 3194b without twisting.

In some forms, two pairs of first and second arms 3193a, 3193b, 3193c, 3193d (one pair in front of the other) and the sliding element <NUM> also comprises a pair of first and second connectors 3192a, 3192b, each comprising third and fourth arms 3194a, 3194b, 3194c, 3194d for attaching to a respective first or second arm 3193a, 3193b, 3193c, 3193d of the sliding element <NUM>.

In some forms, as shown in <FIG>, the sliding element <NUM> comprises a locking system to attach the hub assembly to the crossbar <NUM> and to lock the hub assembly in position relative to the crossbar. For example, each arm <NUM> of the central body <NUM> may be configured to attach to a respective arm of the or each connecting member 3192a, 3192b by any suitable fastening system that allows the arms <NUM> of the central body and the arms <NUM> of the connecting member(s) to be urged toward each other in order to clamp the hub assembly <NUM> to the crossbar <NUM> and to thereby hold the hub assembly <NUM> in a desired position along the length of the crossbar <NUM>. In some forms, each arm <NUM> of the or each connecting member 3192a, 3192b comprises an opening, such as a threaded opening, that substantially aligns with an opening, such as a threaded opening, formed in the arms of the central body <NUM>. The aligned openings are configured to receive a fastener, such as a pin, screw, or bolt, that engages with the aligned openings to secure the or each connecting member 3192a, 3192b to the arms <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM>. By tightening the fasteners against the connecting member(s) 3192a, 3192b, the connecting member(s) is/are pulled toward the hub assembly <NUM>, clamping the connecting member(s) 3192a, 3192b against the crossbar <NUM> to hold the crossbar in position within the hollow <NUM>. In this arrangement, the hub assembly <NUM> and the attached saddle <NUM> and leg assembly <NUM> are prevented from sliding along the crossbar <NUM>.

In some forms, the seating system <NUM> comprises a length-adjustable crossbar <NUM>, such as a telescoping crossbar <NUM>. In these forms, the crossbar <NUM> may comprise at least two shafts: a first shaft <NUM>; and a second shaft <NUM> that is slidable relative to the first shaft <NUM> to adjust the length of the crossbar <NUM>. In some forms, the second shaft <NUM> is slidable within the first shaft <NUM>. In these forms, the first shaft <NUM> may comprise a distal end portion that is substantially hollow, or the hollow portion may extend along the entire length of the first shaft <NUM>. The transverse cross-section of the hollow portion of the first shaft <NUM> may be larger than the transverse cross-section of the second shaft <NUM> to allow the second shaft <NUM> to fit within and slide within the hollow portion. Preferably, the second shaft <NUM> fits snugly within the hollow portion of the first shaft <NUM> and is slidable back and forth along the length of the hollow portion. In this arrangement, the length of the crossbar <NUM> may be extended, by sliding at least a portion of the second shaft <NUM> out of the hollow portion of the first shaft <NUM>. Conversely, the second shaft <NUM> may be slid further into the hollow portion to reduce the length of the crossbar <NUM>. In some forms, the crossbar <NUM> may comprise a locking system to lock the positions of the first and second shafts <NUM>, <NUM> relative to each other when the crossbar <NUM> is at the desired length and to unlock the shafts <NUM>, <NUM> to further adjust the length of the crossbar <NUM>.

In some forms, as shown in <FIG>, the crossbar locking system comprises a length adjustment clamp <NUM>. In these forms, the first shaft <NUM> comprises a first end for attaching to the steering column of a bicycle and a second distal end for sliding engagement with the second shaft <NUM>. The clamp <NUM> comprises a pair of arms 2510a, 2510b hingedly attached at a first end of each arm 2510a, 2510b. Each arm 2510a, 2510b also comprises a second, distal end. The distal ends of the arms 2510a, 2510b are urged toward each other to adopt a clamping/locked position and are moved away from each other to adopt an open, non-clamping/unlocked position. To lock the position of the second shaft <NUM> relative to the first shaft <NUM>, such as when the second shaft <NUM> is received within a portion of the first shaft <NUM>, the clamping arms 2510a, 2510b are hinged open and placed adjacent the distal end of the first shaft <NUM>. The clamping arms 2510a, 2510b are then hinged closed to substantially surround the distal end of the first shaft and so that the distal ends of the clamping arms 2510a, 2510b are substantially adjacent each other in an opposing arrangement. The clamp <NUM> may also comprise a fastener that engages with the distal end of each clamping arm 2510a, 2510b and can be tightened to urge the arms 2510a, 2510b toward each other and lock the arms 2510a, 2510b together in a clamping/locked position. In this position, the clamp <NUM> temporarily deforms the resilient distal end of the first shaft <NUM> to clamp the first shaft <NUM> against the second shaft <NUM>, holding the two shafts <NUM>, <NUM> in position relative to each other in order to lock the length of the crossbar <NUM>. In some forms, forms, the fastener comprises a quick release cam lever <NUM> comprising a cam at one end of the lever that is pivotally attached about a pivot <NUM> at the distal end of one of the arms of the clamp, such as the first of the clamping arms 2510a and that engages with a screw fastener <NUM> attached to the distal end of the second clamping arm 2510b when in the clamping/locked position. In the locked position, the protruding portion of the cam presses into a recess formed on one end of the first clamping arm 2510a, urging the arm 2510a toward the other clamping arm 2510b to clamp the first and second shafts <NUM>, <NUM> of the crossbar <NUM> to each other, as shown in <FIG>. By rotating the cam lever <NUM>, the cam lever <NUM> disengages from the screw fastener <NUM>, releasing the clamping pressure on the crossbar so that the length of the crossbar can be adjusted. By rotating the cam lever <NUM> to the unlocked position, as shown in <FIG>, the protruding portion of the cam rotates out of the recess to release the clamping force between the distal ends of the clamping arms 2510a, 2510b. The cam lever <NUM> provides a quick release lever/mechanism by which a user can readily release/unlock and tighten/lock the engagement between the first and second shafts <NUM>, <NUM> of the crossbar <NUM>.

In another form of crossbar locking system, a proximal end of the second shaft <NUM> comprises a projecting lock stop that abuts a projecting limit stop located within the first shaft <NUM> when the second shaft <NUM> is at its maximum point of extension. The engagement between the lock stop and the limit stop prevents the second shaft <NUM> from being fully retracted from the first shaft <NUM>. To compress the length of the crossbar <NUM> to fit a smaller bicycle frame or for storage, the second shaft <NUM> may be slid back within the first shaft <NUM> until the desired length is obtained. The second shaft <NUM> may comprise at least one compressible projecting member configured to engage with any one of a series of holes/apertures extending along at least a portion of the length of the first shaft <NUM> to lock the shafts <NUM>, <NUM> in position. To unlock the shafts <NUM>, <NUM>, the compressible member may be depressed to retract from the hole/aperture and the second shaft <NUM> may be slid into or out of the first shaft <NUM> until the crossbar reaches the desired length, at which point a user aligns the compressible member with an adjacent hole in the first shaft <NUM> to engage with that hole and lock the length of the crossbar <NUM>.

The crossbar <NUM> of the present invention may comprise a first end <NUM> comprising a first connector <NUM> to attach the crossbar to the steering column of a bicycle <NUM>. The crossbar <NUM> may also comprise a second end <NUM> comprising a second connector to attach the crossbar to the seat post of the bicycle <NUM>.

In some forms, the first connector <NUM> is hingedly attached to the crossbar <NUM> to enable the crossbar <NUM> to pivot up and down relative to the first connector <NUM>. This arrangement allows the angle of the crossbar <NUM> to be adjusted to suit different bicycle frames. In some forms, the first connector <NUM> comprises a body <NUM>, a hinge member <NUM> extending from the body <NUM> and being configured to attach to the first end <NUM> of the crossbar <NUM>, a flexible ring <NUM> configured to surround a portion of the steering column of the bicycle <NUM>; and a pair of arcuate clamping arms 2330a, 2330b that substantially surround the flexible ring <NUM>. The flexible ring <NUM> defines a hollow region <NUM> within which the steering column of the bicycle <NUM> is received during use. The clamping arms 2330a, 2330b are configured to clamp the ring <NUM> against the steering column. Each clamping arm 2330a, 2330b may comprise a first end 2331a, 2331b and a second end 2332a, 2332b. Either one or both clamping arms 2330a, 2330b may hinge about a pivot located at or near the first end 2331a, 2331b of the clamping arm(s) <NUM>. The second end 2332a, 2332b of each clamping arm 2330a, 2330b may be configured to attach to the second end 2332a, 2332b of the other clamping arm by a fastener <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may be tightened to urge the second ends 2332a, 2332b of the clamping arms 2330a, 2330b towards each other, thereby compressing the flexible ring <NUM> and clamping the ring <NUM> against the steering column.

The second end <NUM> of the crossbar <NUM> comprises a second connector <NUM> that is hingedly attached to the crossbar to further enable the crossbar <NUM> to pivot up and down relative to the second connector <NUM>. This arrangement also allows the angle of the crossbar <NUM> to be adjusted to suit different bicycle frames. In some forms, as shown in <FIG>, the second connector <NUM> comprises a body <NUM>, a hinge member <NUM> extending from the body and being configured to hingedly attach to the second end <NUM> of the crossbar, and a pair of first and second clamping arms 2430a, 2430b hingedly connected to opposing sides of the body <NUM>. The clamping arms 2430a, 2430b are configured to rotate toward each other to adopt a closed position and to rotate away from each other to adopt an open position. The body <NUM> comprises an inner surface, which is preferably arcuate. The clamping arms 2430a, 2430b also comprise an arcuate inner surface, such that when the second connector <NUM> is in the closed position, the inner surfaces of the connector body <NUM> and the clamping arms 2430a, 2430b define a substantially circular hollow <NUM> between the clamping arms 2430a, 2430b. The hollow <NUM> may be shaped and dimensioned to receive the seat post of the bicycle <NUM> therein.

Each clamping arm comprises a first end and a second end. Either one or both clamping arms 2430a, 2430b may hinge about a pivot <NUM> located at or near the first end of the clamping arm 2430a, 2430b to adopt an open or closed position. In some forms, both clamping arms 2430a, 2430b hinge about a pivot <NUM> to adopt an open or closed position. The second end of each clamping arm 2430a, 2430b may be configured to attach to the second end of the other clamping arm 2430a, 2430b by a locking system <NUM>. In some forms, the locking system comprises a fastener that engages with the second end of each clamping arm 2430a, 2430b and which may be tightened to urge the second ends of the clamping arms 2430a, 2430b towards each other to form a closed position in order to clamp the crossbar <NUM> around the seat post. Similarly, the fastener may be loosened to release the clamping arms 2430a, 2430b from each other. In some forms, the fastener comprises a pin <NUM> that is hingedly attached to one of the clamping arms 2430a, 2430b (such as the second clamping arm) about a pivot <NUM> and is removably attached to the other of the clamping arms 2430a, 2430b (such as the first clamping arm). The pin <NUM> attaches to both clamping arms 2430a, 2430b in the closed position. The pin <NUM> may be configured to further urge the clamping arms together by shortening the length of the pin <NUM> between the clamping arms 2430a, 2430b. This may be achieved by any suitable arrangement, such as by providing the distal end of the pin <NUM> with a threaded portion and attaching a threaded nut or the like to the distal end portion. By tightening the nut against the clamping arm that receives the distal end of the pin (such as the first clamping arm), the arms 2430a, 2430b are urged toward each other to increase the clamping force induced by the second connector. To adopt the open position, the pin <NUM> is rotated about the pivot <NUM> to detach from the other clamping arm. The clamping arms 2430a, 2430b are then both rotated about pivots <NUM> to form the open position.

In some forms, the second connector <NUM> may be secured in the closed/locked position and released to the open/unlocked position by a quick release locking system <NUM>, as shown best in <FIG>. The quick release locking system comprises a pin <NUM> comprising a first end portion that is hingedly connected to the second clamping arm 2430b. In some forms, the pin <NUM> is hingedly connected to a second end of the second clamping arm 2430b by a pin pivot <NUM>. In some forms, the first end portion of the pin <NUM> is threaded and engages with a threaded fastener <NUM>, located proximate an outer surface of the second clamping arm 2430b, farthest from the first clamping arm 2430a. In some forms, the first clamping arm 2430a may comprise a curved recess/cam sliding base <NUM> at or near the second end of the arm 2430a and located on an outer surface of the first clamping arm 2430a and farthest from the second clamping arm 2430b. The quick release locking system may also comprise a quick release cam lever <NUM>, located at a second end of the pin <NUM>. The cam lever <NUM> comprises a body comprising a first end comprising a cam 2444a that rotates around a second pivot <NUM> to open and close the lever <NUM>. The cam lever <NUM> also comprises a second end, which may comprise a gripping portion 2444b for a user to grip in order to open and close the lever <NUM>. The curved cam 2444a of the lever <NUM> is configured to nest within the curved recess/cam sliding base <NUM> provided near the second end of the first clamping arm 2430a. The curved recess <NUM> may comprise a pin receiving opening/slot <NUM>, extending from the tip of the second end of the first clamping arm 2430a, such that the second end of the first clamping arm 2430a forms a pronged structure, such as a two-pronged structure. A portion of the pin <NUM> is received within the pin receiving opening <NUM> when the cam 2444a nests within the recess <NUM>.

In this arrangement, in the closed position, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the distal end of the pin <NUM> is slidably and removably received within the pin receiving opening <NUM> of the first clamping arm <NUM> and the cam 2444a of the quick release lever <NUM> is nested in the recess/cam sliding base <NUM> such that the larger radius of the cam 2444a presses against the surface of the recess <NUM>, urging the clamping arms 2430a, 2430b together. The body of the cam lever <NUM> is closed against the outer surface of the first clamping arm 2430a and the fastener <NUM> is tightened to further urge the clamping arms 2430a, 2430b toward each other.

The second connector <NUM> may be opened, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, by rotating the cam lever <NUM> away from the first clamping arm 2430a to release the cam lock. As the lever <NUM> is rotated away from the first clamping arm 2430a, the cam 2444a rotates within the recess <NUM> so that the smaller radius of the cam is adjacent the surface of the recess <NUM>, releasing the compression force on the clamping arms 2430a, 2430b. The user may then pull the cam lever <NUM> away from the first clamping arm 2340a, to detach the pin and cam lever <NUM> from the first clamping arm. Once the quick release lever <NUM> is detached from the first clamping arm 2430a, both clamping arms 2430a, 2430b may be rotated away from each other by hinging about pivots <NUM>, allowing the second connector <NUM> to fully open, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The second connector is now ready to be removed from or attached to the seat post of a bicycle <NUM>.

One example of use of the seating system <NUM> of the present invention will now be described. To attach the crossbar <NUM> of the seating system <NUM> to a bicycle <NUM>, a ring <NUM> is placed around the steering column of the bicycle and acts as a bearing for the first connector <NUM>. The arcuate inner surface of the body <NUM> of the first connector and the arms 2330a, 2330b of the first connector are placed around the ring and the fastener <NUM> secures the arms 2330a, 2330b together, clamping the arms 2330a, 2330b around the ring <NUM>.

To attach the crossbar <NUM> to the seat post of the bicycle, the second connector <NUM> is opened, as described above, and the inner surface of the connector body <NUM> is placed against the seat post. The first clamping arm 2430a is then rotated toward the seat post until the arcuate inner surface of the first arm 2430a abuts the exterior surface of the seat post. The second clamping arm 2430b is also rotated toward the seat post until the arcuate inner surface of the second arm 2430b abuts the exterior surface of the seat post. The user may then rotate the pin <NUM> about pivot <NUM> until a portion of the pin <NUM> is received within the pin receiving opening <NUM> of the first clamping arm 2430a and the cam 2444a of the quick release lever <NUM> nests within the recess <NUM>. The user then clamps the arms 2430a, 2430b together by rotating the lever <NUM> until the larger radius of the cam presses against the recess <NUM> and an inner surface of the lever <NUM> contacts, or comes proximate to, an outer surface of the first clamping arm 2430a, thereby urging the clamping arms 2430a, 2430b toward each other to clamp around the seat post. The second connector <NUM> is now attached to the seat post. The user may rotate the fastener <NUM> to increase tension on the second connector by further urging the clamping arms 2430a, 2430b toward each other in order to tighten clamping arrangement of the second connector <NUM>. The user may release the second connector <NUM> by rotating the lever <NUM> open and pulling the lever <NUM> away from the first clamping arm 2430a until the pin <NUM> is removed from the pin receiving opening <NUM>.

The length of the crossbar <NUM> is then adjusted to suit the bicycle frame, by sliding the second shaft <NUM> of the crossbar relative to the first shaft <NUM> until the desired length is achieved. The length adjustment clamp <NUM> is then secured around the shafts <NUM>, <NUM> (one within the other) to clamp the shafts <NUM>, <NUM> together and lock the length of the crossbar <NUM>.

Once the crossbar <NUM> is secured to the bicycle frame, the hub assembly <NUM> (with saddle <NUM> and leg assembly <NUM> attached) is secured to the crossbar <NUM> and the position of the hub assembly and saddle <NUM> is adjusted relative to the length of the crossbar <NUM>. The hub assembly <NUM> is attached to the crossbar <NUM> by positioning the lower surface of the sliding element <NUM> of the central body <NUM> on the crossbar such that the arms <NUM> of the central body extend around at least a portion of the sides of the crossbar <NUM>. Each connecting member <NUM> is then loosely secured to the respective arms <NUM> by fasteners. Once the connecting member(s) <NUM> is/are attached to the hub assembly <NUM>, the hub assembly may be slid along the length of the crossbar <NUM> until the saddle <NUM> is in the desired position. The fasteners of the sliding element <NUM> are then tightened to clamp the sliding element <NUM> and therefore the seat assembly, (comprising the hub assembly <NUM>, saddle <NUM> and leg assembly <NUM>) firmly to the crossbar <NUM>.

The angle of the saddle <NUM> may also be adjusted relative to the crossbar <NUM> by releasing the quick release levers <NUM> and tilting the saddle to the desired position. By tilting the saddle, the saddle attachment members <NUM> are caused to rotate, causing the locking pins <NUM> to slide within the arcuate saddle adjustment slots <NUM>, <NUM> of the hub assembly <NUM>. Once the saddle <NUM> is at the desired angle, each lever <NUM> may be rotated to the closed position by pressing the levers <NUM> toward the hub assembly <NUM>. The angle of the saddle <NUM> may be further secured by tightening fasteners <NUM> to firmly clamp the saddle rails <NUM> within the hub assembly <NUM>.

The width of the leg assembly <NUM> may be adjusted by removing each leg <NUM> from the respective leg connector <NUM> and rotating the leg <NUM> to engage with the appropriate alignment feature(s) <NUM> in order to place the leg <NUM> in a neutral position or a splayed position, as desired. Typically, if the splayed position is required, it is easiest if the hub assembly <NUM> is attached to the crossbar <NUM> without the leg assembly <NUM> and the leg assembly is then be fitted to the hub assembly <NUM> in the splayed position.

The length of the legs <NUM> may also be adjusted by sliding the second element <NUM> of each leg relative to the first element <NUM> and then locking the second element <NUM> in position.

The angle of the leg assembly <NUM>, and therefore the angle of the legs <NUM>, may be adjusted to suit the bicycle frame and the comfort of the child. To adjust the angle of the leg assembly <NUM>, the leg locking lever <NUM> is rotated (such as by lifting the free end of the lever) <NUM> to disengage the catch(es) <NUM> from the toothed rack <NUM> of each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b. The leg assembly <NUM> can then be pushed forward or pulled backward to the desired angle. When the leg assembly <NUM> is in the desired position, the leg locking lever <NUM> may be released to cause the lever <NUM> to automatically return to the locked position in which the catch(es) <NUM> engage(s) with the toothed rack <NUM> of each leg attachment member 3200a, 3200b to lock the leg assembly <NUM> in the desired position. If the user wishes to stow the seating system <NUM>, the leg assembly <NUM> can be rotated forward as far as possible. In this position, the footplates <NUM> of the leg assembly are preferably aligned with the crossbar <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, to minimise the profile of the seating system <NUM>.

The seating system <NUM> of the invention is therefore adjustable to suit different bicycle frames and to suit children of different heights.

Claim 1:
A connection hub (<NUM>) to attach a bicycle saddle (<NUM>) and a leg assembly (<NUM>) to a crossbar (<NUM>), the connection hub comprising:
a central body (<NUM>) attachable to the crossbar;
a pair of leg attachment members (3200a, 3200b), each leg attachment member being rotatably attached to one side of the central body such that the central body is located between the leg attachment members;
wherein each leg attachment member comprises a face plate (<NUM>) rotatably attached to the central body, and also comprises a leg connector (<NUM>) for attaching a leg of the leg assembly to the connection hub, each of the legs (<NUM>) comprising a foot support (<NUM>);
characterized in that the central body comprises a pivotable leg locking lever (<NUM>), wherein each face plate comprises a toothed rack (<NUM>) and the leg locking lever comprises a pawl (<NUM>) that engages with the toothed rack to lock the leg attachment member relative to the central body when the leg locking lever is in a locked position, thereby locking the angle of the legs relative to the connection hub, and wherein the pawl disengages from the toothed rack when the leg locking lever is in an unlocked position, allowing each leg attachment member to rotate relative to the central body to adjust the angle of the legs relative to the connection hub.