Patent ID: 6405816
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: A61G,B60L,B62K,Y02T,Y10S

Abstract:
A vehicle for carrying a payload including a user, the vehicle comprising:a) a ground-contacting module that supports the payload, the ground-contacting module including at least one ground-contacting member; b) a motorized drive arrangement, mounted to the ground-contacting module, the drive arrangement causing, when powered, automatically balanced operation of the vehicle in an operating position that is unstable with respect to tipping when the motorized drive arrangement is not powered; c) a seat assembly for supporting the user, the seat assembly being rigidly coupled to the ground-contacting module at a single seat connection flange in such a manner that the seat assembly may be removed without the use of a tool; and d) at least one caster coupled to the seat assembly, the vehicle being operable with each caster either engaging or not engaging the ground, each caster moving with respect to the seat assembly only in response to ground engagement.