Patent ID: 11881074
Assignee: SCOOTERBUG, INC.
Field: Control (Instruments)
Classification: CPC G  H | IPC G

Claim 0:
1. A method of providing device-level access control to a wireless-networked mobility vehicle using a web-enabled mobile phone to scan a device-level machine-readable code posted on each of a plurality of wireless-networked mobility vehicles available for selection, rental, access and usage within an environment involving the wireless transmission and reception of radio signals between said wireless-networked mobility vehicle and a wireless access control system, said method comprising the steps of:
(a) using a web-enabled mobile phone deployed on and operably connected to a wireless communication infrastructure, and for scanning a device-level machine-readable code posted on a wireless-networked mobility vehicle selected for rental, access and usage in said environment,
wherein said wireless-networked mobility vehicle includes a mobility vehicle framework for carrying a passenger, and having at least a set of wheels mounted on an axle provided with a wheel braking assembly;
a hand-actuated control bar assembly mounted on said wireless-networked mobility vehicle by way of mounting brackets attached to said mobility vehicle framework, and
wherein said hand-actuated control bar assembly including a user-operated handle fixed to a first rod member slidably connected with a second rod member that is terminated in a brake foot portion adapted for engaging with said wheel braking assembly during brake locking operations;
a wireless wheel-axle control module operably connected to said hand-actuated control bar assembly, and adapted for wireless transmission and reception of radio signals between said wireless-networked mobility vehicle and said wireless access control system;
said wireless wheel-axle control module having a battery-operated rotary motor controllable in at least two states of operation, namely,
a locked state of operation, wherein said battery-operated rotary motor rotates into a locked state, locking said user-operated handle stationary relative to said second rod member, while said brake foot portion engages with and locks said wheel braking assembly so that said mobility vehicle framework cannot roll on a support surface; and
an unlocked state of operation, wherein said battery-operated rotary motor rotates into an unlocked state, preventing a user from pushing said user-operated handle downward and causing said wheel braking assembly to move into a locking position, so that said mobility vehicle wheels are unlocked and free to rotate without resistance, and said mobility vehicle framework can roll freely on said support surface;
(b) when said web-enabled mobile phone scans said device-level machine-readable code displayed on said wireless-networked mobility vehicle, a mobility vehicle rental transaction is completed over said wireless access control system, and the user obtains access control over said rented wireless-networked mobility vehicle supported by wireless radio signal and transmission between said wireless-networked mobility vehicle and said wireless access control system, then said wireless wheel-axle control module enables said unlocked state of operation, in which said set of wheels are allowed to rotate and said mobility vehicle framework is allowed to moved relative to said support surface; and
(c) when the user uses said web-enabled mobile phone to terminate said mobility vehicle rental transaction over said wireless access control system, and returns access control over said rented wireless-networked mobility vehicle, then said wireless wheel-axle control module enables said locked state of operation, in which said set of wheels are prevented from rotation and said mobility vehicle framework is not allowed to move relative to said support surface.