Abstract:
A scooter ( 110 ) includes a platform ( 116 ) that has an upperside and an underside. First and second walls ( 146, 148 ) depend from the underside of the platform ( 116 ) and away from the upperside of the platform ( 116 ) so as to define a space ( 142 ) between the walls ( 146, 148 ). The first wall ( 146 ) defines a void ( 140 ) that has a length that is substantially equal to the length of the space ( 142 ). At least one illuminatable means ( 112 ) is provided on the platform ( 116 ). A control box ( 144 ) for the illuminatable means ( 112 ) is provided between the first and second walls ( 146, 148 ) and within the space ( 142 ). The scooter ( 110 ) is a collapsible microscooter.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/703,810, filed Feb. 11, 2010, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/122,529, filed May 5, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,712,937, which claims priority from British Patent Application No. GB0409974.3, filed May 5, 2004. The present application claims priority to the aforementioned patent applications, which are incorporated in their entirety herein by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to an improved scooter or similar type self/foot-propelled transport means. The invention particularly, though not exclusively, relates to a scooter or the like incorporating a novelty illumination or lighting effect. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Scooters have undergone an upsurge in popularity in recent years because of innovations, such as folding scooters and micro-scooters. 
     It is an object of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide an improved scooter incorporating a novelty lighting effect. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a scooter or other self or foot propelled vehicle or the like having at least one illuminatable means or medium. 
     Provision of the at least one illuminatable means or medium on a scooter or any user-propelled vehicle, will, when illuminated, make the scooter or user-propelled vehicle more visible to onlookers and passers by. Making a scooter more visible can assist in avoiding and/or reducing accidents involving scooters, and/or can provide an additional visual effect such as a novelty visual effect, e.g. when the rider is performing stunts or maneuvers. 
     Preferably, the scooter has a platform or deck for supporting, e.g. a foot or feet of a user. 
     The at least one illuminatable means may be coupled to the platform. 
     Preferably, the platform has at least one longitudinal edge and the at least one illuminatable means is provided on or adjacent to the platform along at least a portion of the at least one longitudinal edge. 
     Having at least one illuminatable means provided on or adjacent to at least one longitudinal edge of the platform permits an illuminatable means of a length suitable for seeking to maximize the visual effect created to be used. 
     Preferably, the platform has first and second substantially parallel longitudinal edges, and the scooter provides first and second illuminatable means on or adjacent each respective longitudinal edge. 
     Having the illuminatable means on or adjacent to the longitudinal or side edges of the platform permits the visual effect to be viewed or noticed by onlookers or passers-by on either side of the scooter. 
     Preferably, there are provided means for coupling the at least one illuminatable means to the platform. 
     Preferably, the or each at least one longitudinal edge has at least one channel, the or each at least one channel being adapted to receive a respective at least one illuminatable means. Alternatively, at least one channel is provided or mounted adjacent an/each at least one longitudinal edge, the/each at least one channel being adapted to receive a respective at least one illuminatable means. 
     Preferably, the or each channel has a generally “C” cross-section. 
     A channel, particularly a “C” channel, provides a secure housing for an illuminatable means, at least partially protecting the illuminatable means from damaging impacts whilst not significantly decreasing the overall illumination effect. 
     Preferably, the at least one illuminatable means can be releasably mounted in the channel. 
     Releasably mounting the illuminatable means in the channel may permit the illuminatable means to be replaced if it fails, and may permit the user to change the illuminatable means if a different visual effect is desired or required. 
     Preferably, the platform is an extruded metal platform. 
     Using extrusion to manufacture the metal platform allows the platform, including the channel or channels, to be manufactured as a unitary component, thereby potentially increasing the strength of the platform and reducing the cost of manufacture of the platform, when compared to a platform made from a number of component parts. 
     Preferably, the metal is substantially aluminium or an alloy thereof. 
     Aluminium is a strong, low cost and low weight metal, which is particularly suited for this application. 
     Preferably, the at least one illuminatable means comprises an illuminatable rod or tube. 
     The illuminatable rod or tube may be at least part transparent or translucent. 
     Preferably, the illuminatable rod or tube comprises a polymeric sheath enclosing or encapsulating a plurality of electrically connected illumination devices, e.g. light emitting diodes (LEDs). 
     The illuminatable rod or tube may be made substantially from polyinylchloride (PVC), e.g. PVC resin, plasticiser, stabilizer and toner. 
     The illuminatable rod or tube may comprise a hollow tube containing the illumination devices or a solid rod encapsulating the illumination devices. 
     LEDs are preferred as LEDs use relatively low levels of power whilst providing a desired visual effect. A polymeric sheath is preferred as protection for the LEDs due to polymer&#39;s robust shatter resistant qualities. 
     Preferably, the scooter includes control means for the user to select a desired operation mode of the illuminatable means. It is preferred that alternative visual effects can be selected and controlled by the user. 
     Preferably, the control means comprises switch means. The control means may be programmed to operate in a number of modes such as off and on and optionally continuous, flashing, strobing etc. 
     Preferably, the illuminatable means is powered by one or more batteries. Alternatively, the scooter includes a power generator such as a dynamo for powering the illuminatable means. A dynamo is an electro-magnetic power generator that converts rotational mechanical energy to AC power. 
     Most preferably, the scooter is a collapsible micro-scooter. 
     According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a platform or deck for supporting a user on a scooter or the like, the platform including a footplate and at least one channel portion adapted to receive an illuminated means. 
     Preferably, the platform is manufactured as a unitary component. 
     Preferably, the platform is an extruded metal platform. 
     Preferably, the metal is substantially aluminium or an alloy thereof. 
     Preferably, the platform has two substantially parallel channel portions. 
     Preferably, the at least one channel portion has a generally “C” cross-section. 
     Preferably, the platform is a platform for a micro-scooter or collapsible micro-scooter. 
     According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a platform for a scooter, the platform comprising a footplate, and at least one channel portion adapted to receive an illuminatable means, the method comprising the step of: 
     extruding the platform as a unitary component. 
     Preferably, the platform is extruded from metal. Preferably, the metal is substantially aluminium or an alloy thereof. 
     According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a scooter or other self or foot propelled vehicle including a platform or deck for supporting a foot or feet of a user, the platform having at least one longitudinal edge, at least one illuminatable means, and at least one channel provided on or mounted adjacent to at least a portion of the at least one longitudinal edge, the at least one channel being configured to receive and entrap or retain, optionally releasably, the at least one illuminatable means. 
     The at least one illuminatable means may comprise an elongate member providing a plurality of illumination devices, and the at least one channel may comprise an elongate channel. 
     A height or width of an inner portion of the at least one channel may be greater than a height or width of an opening of the at least one channel, and a height or width of the at least one illuminatable means may be greater than the height or width of the opening of the at least one channel. The illuminatable means may be visible through the opening, which opening may comprise a longitudinally extending opening. 
     The platform may have first and second substantially parallel longitudinal edges, first and second channels provided on or mounted adjacent to at least a portion of each respective longitudinal edge, and first and second illuminatable means received within and entrapped or retained by the respective first and second channels. 
     The or each channel may have a generally “C”-shaped cross-section. 
     The at least one illuminatable means may be releasably retained in the at least one channel. 
     The platform may be an extruded metal platform. The metal may be substantially aluminium or an alloy thereof. The at least one illuminatable means may comprise an illuminatable rod or tube. 
     The illuminatable rod or tube may be at least part transparent or translucent. 
     The illuminatable rod or tube may comprise a polymeric sheath enclosing or encapsulating a plurality of electrically connected illumination devices such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). 
     The illuminatable rod or tube may be made substantially from polyvinylchloride (PVC). 
     The illuminatable rod or tube may comprise a hollow tube containing the illumination devices or a solid rod encapsulating the illumination devices. 
     The scooter may include control means for the user to select a desired operation mode of the illuminatable means. 
     The control means may comprise switch means. 
     The control means may be programmed to operate in a number of modes selected from: off and on, and optionally one or more of continuous, flashing, strobing. 
     The illuminatable means may be powered by one or more batteries. 
     The scooter may include a power generator such as a dynamo for powering the illuminatable means. 
     The scooter or other self propelled vehicle may be a scooter, most preferably a micro-scooter or collapsible micro-scooter. 
     The at least one illuminatable means may be received within the at least one channel either from an end of the at least one channel or by snapping the at least one illuminatable means into the at least one channel. 
     According to a yet further aspect of the present invention there is provided a platform or deck for supporting a user on a scooter or the like, the platform including a footplate, and at least one channel portion configured to receive and entrap an illuminatable means. 
     The platform may be manufactured as a unitary component. 
     The platform may be an extruded metal platform. 
     The metal may be substantially aluminium or an alloy thereof. 
     The platform may have two substantially parallel channel portions, e.g. formed on opposing side edges thereof. 
     The channel portions may have a generally “C” cross-section. 
     The platform may be a platform for a micro-scooter or collapsible micro-scooter. 
     According to a still further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a platform for a scooter, the platform including a footplate and at least one channel portion adapted to receive and entrap an illuminatable means, the method including the step of extruding the platform as a unitary component. 
     The platform may be extruded from metal substantially comprising aluminium or an alloy thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a scooter according to a first embodiment of the present invention in an operational state; 
         FIG. 2   a  is an exploded perspective view of a scooter according to a second embodiment of the present invention in an operational state; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a perspective view of the scooter of  FIG. 2   a  in a collapsed state; 
         FIG. 3  is a cut away cross-sectional view through a platform of the scooter of  FIG. 2   a;    
         FIG. 4  is a plan view of a tool used for extrusion of the platform of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of part of a scooter according to a third embodiment of the present invention in a first lighting configuration; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of part of the scooter of  FIG. 5  in a second lighting configuration; 
         FIGS. 7   a - b  are perspective views of part of the scooter of  FIG. 5  in a third lighting configuration; and 
         FIGS. 8   a - d  are perspective views of part of the scooter of  FIG. 5  in a fourth lighting configuration. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1  there is shown a perspective view of a scooter generally designated  10  according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The scooter  10  includes a first illuminatable means or tube  12  and a second illuminatable means or tube  14 . The first and second illuminatable tubes  12 ,  14  are coupled to a platform or deck  16 . The first illuminatable tube  12  comprises a polymeric sheath  18  and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  20 . In this embodiment there are provided twenty LEDs  20 . The first four  20   a - 20   d  are indicated. The second illuminatable tube  14  is similar to the first illuminatable tube  12 . 
     The scooter  10  also includes first and second wheels  90 ,  91 , steering column  92 , handle bars  93  and brake  94  as well as hingable locking mechanism  95  including lever  96 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2   a  there is shown an exploded perspective view of a scooter  110  including first and second illuminatable means or tubes  112 ,  114  according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Parts of scooter  110  are indicated by the same number as like parts of scooter  10  but increased by ‘100’. 
     The scooter  110  includes first illuminatable tube  112  and second illuminatable tube  114 . The first and second illuminatable tubes  112 ,  114  are coupled to a platform  116  by placing them into “C” section channels  130 , 132  formed along the edges  134 , 136  of the platform  116  which provides footplate  138 , e.g. by inserting the tubes  112 ,  114  from an edge of the respective channel  130 ,  132  or by “snapping” the tubes  112 ,  114  into the respective channel  130 , 132 . In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the platform  116  has been manufactured as a single component by extruding footplate  139  and the “C” section channels  130 ,  132  in one piece. Alternatively the “C” section channels  130 ,  132  can be mounted to the edges  134 ,  136  of the platform  116  which provides footplate  138  using screws, rivets or any other suitable fixing means. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2   a  is control box  144  which contains a control system (not shown) and batteries (not shown) for the illuminated tubes  112 ,  144 . The control box  144  is mounted on an underside of the footplate  138 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2   b  it can be seen that the scooter  110  is erectably collapsible via a hingable locking mechanism, generally designated  195 , and including a lever  196  as is generally known in the art. 
     The scooter  110  also provides a switch means  197  mounted at one end of the platform  116 . The switch  197  controls the operation of the illuminatable means  112 ,  114  and selection of the lighting configuration or mode, for which see the description for the third embodiment hereafter. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  there is shown a cut away cross-sectional view through the platform of the scooter  110  of  FIG. 2   a . As can be seen the platform  116  has been extruded as a single component and comprises a footplate  138  with edges  134 ,  136  defining “C” channels  130 ,  132 . The platform  116  has been designed to be a low weight component and accordingly includes two voids  140 ,  143  to minimise material usage and therefore weight. 
     The control box  144  (shown in  FIG. 2   a ) fits into the space  142  between the voids  140 ,  143 . Once in position the control box  144  is protected by walls  146 , 148  of void  142 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a plan view of a tool used for the extrusion of the platform of  FIG. 3 . The tool  150  includes aperture  152  through which aluminium is extruded to form platform  116 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5  there is shown a perspective view of part of a scooter  210  according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Parts of the scooter  210  are indicated by the same number as like parts of scooter  10  but increased by ‘200’. 
     The scooter  210  includes a first illuminatable tube  212  and a second illuminatable tube (not shown). The first (and second) illuminatable tube  212  is coupled to a platform  216 , and includes an at least part transparent or translucent polymeric sheath  218 , and a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs)  220   a - 220   f . In this embodiment six LEDs  2201 - 220   f  are provided. In  FIG. 5  the LEDs  220   a - 220   f  are shown in a first lighting configuration, in which none of the diodes  220   a - 220   f  are illuminated. 
       FIG. 6  shows the scooter  210  of  FIG. 5  in a second lighting configuration, in which all the diodes  220   a - 220   f  are illuminated (for clarity the reference numerals  220   a - 220   f  are included only on  FIG. 5 ). If the user desires the control box (not shown) is programmed to alternate between these two, first and second, configurations to provide a flashing effect. 
       FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  show the scooter  210  of  FIG. 5  in a third lighting configuration. In  FIG. 7   a  the first, third and fifth diodes  220   a ,  220   c  and  220   e  are illuminated and the second, fourth and sixth diodes  220   b ,  220   d  and  220   f  are not. In  FIG. 7   b  the reverse state is shown, i.e. the second, fourth and sixth diodes  220   b ,  220   d  and  220   f  are illuminated and the first, third and fifth diodes  220   a ,  220   c  and  220   e  are not. Alternation between these two states will result in a pattern in which three single illuminated spots or dots appear to be moving from one end of the illuminated tube  212  to the other. 
       FIGS. 8   a  to  8   d  show the scooter  210  of  FIG. 5  in a fourth lighting configuration. 
     In  FIG. 8   a , the first, second and third diodes  220   a ,  220   b  and  220   c  are illuminated and the fourth, fifth and sixth diodes  220   d ,  220   e  and  220   f  are not. 
     In  FIG. 8   b , the second, third and fourth diodes  220   b ,  220   c  and  220   d  are illuminated and the first, fifth, and sixth diodes  220   a ,  220   e  and  220   f  are not. 
     In  FIG. 8   c , the third, fourth and fifth diodes  220   c ,  220   d  and  220   e  are illuminated and the first, second and sixth diodes  220   a ,  220   b  and  220   f  are not. 
     In  FIG. 8   d , the fourth, fifth and sixth diodes  220   d ,  220   e  and  220   f  are illuminated and the first, second and third diodes  220   a ,  220   b  and  220   c  are not. 
     Repeatedly sequencing through the four stages of the fourth configuration would give a viewer the impression that three lights are moving together from one end of the illuminated tube  212  to the other. 
     It will be understood that the foregoing embodiments of the present invention are given for illustrative purposes only, and that various modifications and improvements may be made to the scooters described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     For example although the lighting configurations discussed in  FIGS. 5 to 8   d  use a six LED lighting tube, any number of LEDs could be used to create different lighting effects such as lights converging on the middle from each end, or diverging from the middle to each end. 
     Similarly the lights can be any colour, or could be a combination of different colours. 
     It will be appreciated that the exemplified embodiments of the scooters hereinbefore described are collapsible “micro-scooters”. However, it will be appreciated that the novel lighting effect provided by the illuminatable means may be provided on other types of scooters, skateboards or other foot-propelled vehicles having a platform or deck and two or more wheels. 
     It will also be appreciated that the disclosed embodiments all include the feature of claim  1 , but may be modified to include one or more of the features given in the “Summary of Invention” in any combination.