Abstract:
An electric car system for use in transporting users from one location to another at speeds of up to 70 MPH. Electric car system comprises a frame, a steering system, a braking system, a suspension system, and a body. An electronic drive system controller is located near the operator&#39;s controls comprising a touch screen for selecting forward, reverse, and security movement lock position(s). The drive assembly comprises at least one accessory battery charged by an accessory alternator, at least one drive assembly battery charged by a drive assembly alternator, and an electric drive motor. The accessory battery powers car accessories and provides redundant electricity to the drive assembly battery when needed. The drive assembly battery provides power to the electric drive motor. The electric drive motor provides torque to two half shafts which couple to front axles and front rotatable wheels in front-wheel drive versions.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/507,730, filed Jul. 14, 2011 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
         [0004]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0005]    The present invention relates generally to the field of automobiles and more specifically relates to electric cars. 
         [0006]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0007]    In modern society, automobiles with gasoline engines are used extensively to transport people back and forth to work, to get to recreation locations, and to transport supplies. Internal combustion engines are relatively inefficient at converting on-board fuel energy to propulsion as most of the energy is wasted as heat. Typically, conventional gasoline engines effectively use only 15% of the fuel energy content to move the vehicle or to power accessories, and diesel engines can reach on-board efficiencies of 20%. Although popular in use, this form of transportation due to rapidly increasing oil prices, dependence on foreign oil, vulnerability to price shocks and supply disruption, and the need to curb greenhouse gas emissions has made this an unattractive option. 
         [0008]    Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2011/0048826; 2010/0019722; 2011/0017529; 4,438,342; 3,444,946; and 7,279,855. This art is representative of vehicles using alternative powering means. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0009]    Ideally, an electric car should be user-friendly; having low operating costs and yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable electric car system to effectively eliminate the use of gas and oil for propulsion, and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known vehicle art, the present invention provides a novel electric car system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide extended travel distances while maintaining approximately 70 miles per hour. 
         [0011]    An embodiment of the present invention, electric powered car system is disclosed herein preferably comprising an electric powered car having a frame, the frame having a steering system, a braking system, a suspension system, and a body. The body has an an interior volume, an exterior surface with an air-intake vent, and an electronic drive system controller. The electric car drive assembly comprises at least one accessory battery, at least one drive assembly battery, at least one accessory alternator, at least one drive assembly alternator, and at least one electric drive motor. 
         [0012]    Also preferably included in the drive assembly are at least two front axles connected to front rotatable wheels, at least one half-shaft (preferably two), and a rear axle connected to two rear rotatable wheels. The frame with the body and drive assembly is directionally controlled using the steering system. The braking system is usable to friction-slow relative movement of the electric powered car in relation to the surface it is traveling on. The suspension system supports the frame and is able to absorb shock while the electric powered car is in motion on an uneven surface. The body is affixed to the top side of the frame and has an interior volume suitable to contain an operator and the mounting for an electronic drive system controller, a steering-controller for use in manipulating the steering system, and a braking-controller for manipulating the braking system. 
         [0013]    The exterior surface of the body creates an envelope to protect the operator and other occupants from the elements, and has at least one window suitable for an operator to see the environment surrounding the electric powered car so that the car can be suitably controlled while it is in motion. The drive assembly is preferably mounted substantially within the confines of the frame. 
         [0014]    The accessory battery of the drive assembly is useable to electrically power at least one accessory within the electric powered car and is useable to provide redundant electricity to the drive assembly battery when needed. The drive assembly battery is useable to provide electricity to power the electric drive motor and the accessory alternator uses the rotational motion of the electric drive motor to generate electricity for recharging the accessory battery in preferred embodiments. The drive assembly alternator uses the rotational motion of the electric drive motor to generate electricity for recharging the drive assembly battery. 
         [0015]    The electric drive motor provides torque to two half shafts, each of which are usable to exert a drive-motion to each of the two front axles that are connected to the front rotatable wheels. The rear axle preferably comprises a straight axle connected to the two rear rotatable wheels and the two front axles are connected to the front rotatable wheels which support the frame of the electric powered car and also are part of the drive and steering systems. The electric powered car system is usable for an operator to travel from one location to another at speeds of up to about 70 miles per hour. The electric powered car system is usable for an operator to travel from one location to another on a road at a highway speed of about 70 miles per hour for an extended time due to constant recharging of the batteries. It should be appreciated that the batteries may need to be charged and/or maintained appropriately and that battery replacement may occur as needed. 
         [0016]    In preferred embodiments the electric powered car has a belly pan which protects the electric drive motor and electrical components from water splashing upward from underneath the electric powered car when the electric powered car is in motion. The belly pan may be made of fiberglass but in some embodiments may be aluminum. The air-intake vent located on (or in) the exterior surface of the body allows cool air to flow to, contact and cool the electric drive motor. 
         [0017]    The accessory alternator is designed to provide the electricity necessary for lighting and running an air conditioning fan and heating accessories. An air conditioning compressor may be in a coupled relationship to a main shaft of the electric drive motor. The electronic drive system controller preferably comprises a touch-screen for selecting a forward direction, a reverse direction, a neutral position, and/or at least one security movement lock position. When the electronic drive system controller is in a security movement lock position, the braking system may be frictionally actuated such that movement is thereby restricted. 
         [0018]    In preferred embodiments the accessory battery(s) voltage and the drive assembly battery(s) may be between about 12 volts direct current and about 48 volts direct current. The electric drive motor is preferably coupled in a direct drive relationship with the front rotatable wheels and may be a single phase motor but in some embodiments may be a 3 phase motor, and the electric drive motor may be coupled to a 2 speed transmission. 
         [0019]    The electric powered car system may comprise a kit as described herein including an electronic drive system controller, at least one replacement accessory battery, at least one replacement drive assembly battery, and a set of user operating/maintaining instructions. 
         [0020]    A method of using an electric powered car system may comprise the steps of: entering the electric powered car; releasing a security movement lock; manipulating a touch screen pad to select a forward or a reverse position; driving the electric powered car at a speed of up to 70 miles an hour; stopping the electric powered car; activating the security movement lock; and exiting the electric powered car. 
         [0021]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as an electric car system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, electric powered car systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating an electric powered car system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the electric drive motor and drive train configuration of an electric powered car according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating features of the electric powered car system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the charging and power storage systems of an electric powered car according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use of the electric car system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
       
    
    
       [0028]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0029]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to electric transportation systems and more particularly to an electric car system as used to reduce transportation costs and dependence on petroleum products. 
         [0030]    Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , a perspective view illustrating electric powered car system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0031]    Electric powered car system  100  comprises electric powered car  102  preferably having frame  110 ; frame  110  comprising steering system  120 , braking system  130 , and suspension system  140 . Body  150  of electric powered car  102  comprises interior volume  160 , exterior surface  170 , and electronic drive system controller  180 . Electronic drive system controller  180  is preferably in communication with the drive assembly comprising at least one accessory battery  190 , at least one drive assembly battery  199 , at least one accessory alternator  200 , at least one drive assembly alternator  210 , at least one electric drive motor  220 , at least two front axles  230  connected to front rotatable wheels  240 , at least one half shaft  250 , and rear axle  260  connected to two rear rotatable wheels  270 . 
         [0032]    Frame  110  of body  150  and the drive assembly is directionally controlled using steering system  120 ; wherein braking system  130  is usable to friction-slow relative movement of electric powered car  102 , stop electric powered car  102  in traffic, or lock rotational movement of front rotatable wheels  240  and/or rear rotatable wheels  270  of electric powered car  102  when parked. The drive assembly is preferably mounted in frame  110 . Suspension system  140  supports frame  110  such that suspension system  140  is able to absorb shock while electric powered car  102  is in motion on an uneven surface or substantially even surface such as a road. 
         [0033]    Body  150  is preferably affixed to top side of frame  110  and substantially envelopes frame  110  (from the top side.) Body  150  comprises interior volume  160  suitable to contain an operator and at least one passenger. Body  150  also serves as mounting means for electronic drive system controller  180 , steering-controller  122  for use in manipulating steering system  120 , and a braking-controller  132  for manipulating braking system  130  for use by the operator. Exterior surface  170  of body  150  comprises a vehicle shell (at least herein embodying envelope) and at least one window (windshield, side windows, rear windows preferably) such that operator can see an environment surrounding electric powered car  102  such as to suitably control electric powered car  102  when in motion. 
         [0034]    Accessory battery  190  of the drive assembly is useable to electrically power at least one accessory within electric powered car  102  and is useable to provide redundant electricity to assist assembly battery  199 . Drive assembly battery  199  is useable to provide electricity to power electric drive motor  220 . Accessory alternator  200  and drive assembly alternator  210  uses a rotational motion of electric drive motor  220  to generate electricity for recharging accessory battery  190  and drive assembly battery  199 . 
         [0035]    Electric drive motor  220  provides necessary torque to half shaft(s)  250 , each usable to exert a drive-motion (rotational) to each of two front axles  230  connected to front rotatable wheels  240 . Rear axle  260  is connected to two rear rotatable wheels  270  and two front axles  230  are connected to front rotatable wheels  240  and support frame  110  of electric powered car  102 . Electric powered car system  100  is usable for an operator to travel from one location to another on a road at a suitable highway speed. It is envisioned that the vehicle may be preferably front-wheel drive; however alternate embodiments may comprise rear-wheel versions. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view illustrating electric drive motor  220  and drive train configuration of electric powered car  102  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0037]    Body  150  in a preferred embodiment comprises an air-intake vent  280  such that air entering air-intake vent  280  is able to flow into the engine compartment to cool electric drive motor  220 . In this way drive motor  220  is able to run cooler and more efficiency. When electronic drive system controller  180  is in the security movement lock position, the electrical system of electric powered car  102  is disconnected from electric drive motor  220 . Electric drive motor  220  may be coupled in a direct drive relationship with front rotatable wheels  240  via half shaft(s)  250  (or other suitable equivalent) or in some embodiments, electric drive motor  220  may be coupled to at least a 2 speed transmission providing gear reduction and/or increase to allow for a wider range of travelling speeds. Electric powered car  102  is able to travel at about 70 miles per hour for at least one hour within preferred embodiments as mentioned previously. Electric drive motor  220  may be a single phase motor, but in some embodiments, may be a 3-phase motor. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view illustrating features of electric powered car  102  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0039]    Electric powered car  102  in preferred embodiments preferably comprises belly pan  290  attached to frame  110  such that electric drive motor  220  is substantially protected from water splashing upwardly from underneath electric powered car  102  when electric powered car  102  is in motion. Belly pan  290  may be constructed of fiberglass but in some embodiments may be aluminum or a thin gauge ferrous metal for weight reduction of electric powered car  102 . Electric powered car  102  may further comprise an air conditioning compressor which is in a coupled relationship to electric drive motor  220  to provide air conditioning to occupant(s). Electronic drive system controller  180  may comprise a touch-screen pad  299  located within interior volume  160  of body  150  within reach-proximity to operator. Touch-screen pad  299  (or other suitable equivalent) is able to be manipulated for selecting a forward direction, a reverse direction, a neutral position, or a security movement lock position. When electronic drive system controller  180  is in a security movement lock position, braking system  130  is frictionally actuated. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view illustrating the charging and power storage system of electric powered car  102  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0041]    Accessory alternator  200  provides electricity for illuminating lights (interior and exterior), running at least one air conditioning fan, heating accessor(ies), and other dashboard accessories. Accessory battery  190  may comprise a voltage of between about 12 volts direct current and about 48 volts direct current and comprises a deep-cycle-battery in preferred embodiments. Electric powered car  102  comprises at least one drive assembly battery  199  having a voltage of between about 12 volts direct current and about 48 volts direct current and comprises a deep-cycle-battery. It should be appreciated that other voltage batteries may be used and still be considered within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0042]    Electric powered car system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 , may be sold as kit  450  comprising the following parts: at least one electric powered car  102  equipped with electronic drive system controller  180 ; at least one replacement accessory battery  190 ; at least one replacement drive assembly battery  199 ; and at least one set of user instructions. Electric powered car system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes, models and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different option combinations, different battery combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient. Additionally, the present powering means may be incorporated into other vehicles such as motorcycles, trucks, buses, non-land vehicles, tracked vehicles, equipment and the like. 
         [0043]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , showing a flowchart illustrating method of use  500  for electric powered car system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0044]    Method of use  500  for electric powered car system  100  may comprise the steps of: step one  501  entering electric powered car  102 ; step two  502  releasing a security movement lock; step three  503  manipulating touch-screen pad  299  to select a forward or a reverse (or neutral, park or the like) position; step four  504  driving electric powered car  102  at about 70 miles an hour (more or less); step five  505  stopping electric powered car  102 ; step six  506  activating security movement lock; and step seven  507  exiting electric powered car  102 . Other steps may comprise charging batteries, starting and/or stopping electric drive motor  220 . 
         [0045]    It should be noted that step  506  is an optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  500 . 
         [0046]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0047]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.