Abstract:
An architecture is presented that provides a riding platform device attachable to the back of a personal assistive mobility device, and more particularly to a removable and adjustable platform device for attachment to an electric or gas powered scooter that allows a companion to be transported along with the scooter and its driver, and thereby keep pace with an individual with limited mobility.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE 
     This application claims priority from Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/436,348 filed Jan. 26, 2011. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention pertains generally to a platform comprising a hitch and wheels for attachment to the back of a power scooter, and more particularly to a removable and adjustable platform device for attachment to an electric or gas powered scooter that allows a companion to be conveyed by the scooter, and thereby keep pace with an individual driving the power scooter. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many people, some of whom may be handicapped, choose to use electric scooters or other mobility devices, so that they may get around quickly and conveniently with little effort. However, this may pose problems for their partners, caregivers, or family members, who may struggle to keep pace with their loved ones while the scooters are in use. Additionally, those individuals may have exceptional difficulty keeping up with the scooters due to various physical or health conditions of their own. Powered personal mobility transportation devices are costly and may not be affordable to a companion who must keep pace with the mobility device. 
     Consequently, there is a need for an easy and safe way for a companion to keep up with a user of a personal assistive mobility device. The present invention discloses a platform device for use with a personal assistive mobility device. The platform device is easily attachable to most personal assistive mobility devices such as scooters or electric wheelchairs so that a user can be transported by the personal mobility device along with a driver. The platform device allows a user an economical alternative so that the user may easily keep pace with a disabled or elderly companion using a personal assistive mobility device while conserving energy. 
     SUMMARY 
     Accordingly, the present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a unique and useful platform device that is attachable to a personal assistive mobility device, thereby allowing a companion to be transported by the personal assistive mobility device along with a driver. 
     The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some novel embodiments described herein. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. 
     The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof, comprises a platform device for use with a personal assistive mobility device. The platform device comprises a frame assembly and a platform assembly. The frame assembly is selectively attachable and adjustable to the personal assistive mobility device to accommodate different types and sizes of the personal assistive mobility device. Additionally, the frame assembly is adjustable to fit the height and size of a rider. 
     Furthermore in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the frame assembly adjustably attaches to a rear portion of the personal assistive mobility device. The platform assembly may unhook and articulate from a substantially vertical storage position to a substantially horizontal riding position. The rider may then step onto the platform assembly for transport. The frame assembly further comprises a handle component for the companion to grasp that provides additional stability while the platform device is in motion. 
     To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a platform device in conjunction with a personal assistive mobility device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates an exploded perspective view of a frame assembly of the platform device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates an adaptor component of the frame assembly of the platform device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a platform hook assembly of the platform device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a handle portion of the frame assembly of the platform device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a platform hitch portion of the frame assembly of the platform device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a platform assembly of the platform device in accordance with the disclosed architecture. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention discloses a platform device for use with a personally assistive mobility device such as an electric scooter. The preferred embodiment allows a companion of a user of the electric scooter to remain in close proximity to the user with little effort. The platform device is selectively attachable to the scooter. The platform device comprises a frame assembly pivotally and articulateably connected to a platform assembly. Once the platform device is attached to the scooter, the companion simply steps onto the platform assembly and holds onto a handle element for stability. Once no longer needed, the platform assembly may fold up and attach to the frame assembly for convenient compact storage without the need to detach the platform device from the scooter. 
     Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the novel embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. The intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     Referring initially to the drawings,  FIG. 1  illustrates a platform device  100  for use with a personal assistive mobility device  280 . The personal assistive mobility device  280  is typically an electric scooter, though it is contemplated that the personal assistive mobility device  280  may comprise other transportation devices, such as but not limited to a gas powered scooter, an electric wheelchair, a power chair, and the like without affecting the overall concept of the present invention. The personal assistive mobility device  280  further comprises a rear end portion  282  to which the platform device  100  may attach as discussed infra. 
     The platform device  100  comprises a frame assembly  102  and a platform assembly  184 . The platform assembly  184  is connected to the frame assembly  102  so that the platform assembly  184  may fold up and attach to the frame assembly  102  when not in use. Therefore, a user need not disassemble or otherwise remove the platform device  100  from the personal assistive mobility device  280  when not in use. When in use, the platform assembly  184  can follow the personal assistive mobility device  280  substantially anywhere the personal assistive mobility device  280  may travel, such as through a store for example. Additionally, the platform device  100  is easily transportable while attached to the powered personal assistive mobility device  280  by methods comprising: public transportation, elevator, boat, train, monorail, bus, van, truck, and the like without detachment. In other words, when folded up, the platform device  100  does not substantially add to the size of the personal assistive mobility device  280 . 
     As seen in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the frame assembly  102  comprises an adaptor component  104 , a handle component  144 , and a platform hitch component  160 . The adaptor component  104  and the platform hitch component  160  substantially form a Z-hitch (not shown); however any hitch design known to one of skill in the art could also be used. The adaptor component  104  comprises a first arm  106 , a second arm  114 , and a third arm  124  which are preferably welded together for strength and stability. However, any method of attachment, such as bolts, rivets, screws, fasteners, and the like may be used without deviating from the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise stated herein, the structure the frame assembly  102  is preferably comprised of 14 gauge steel tubing generally square in cross-section with metal fasteners, though it is contemplated that other materials such as metals, metal alloys, plastic, and the like, in other shapes, such as rectangular or round in cross-section could also be used without affecting the overall scope of the invention. 
     The first arm  106  comprises a plurality of through holes  108 , a first open end  110 , and a first welded end  112 . The first arm  106  comprises square-shaped tubing and is substantially 8 inches in length. The square-shaped tubing is desirable as it is lightweight and provides stability against rotational forces. The plurality of through holes  108  on the first arm  106  preferably number 3, and are substantially ⅜ th  inches in diameter centered laterally at intervals of approximately 4, 5, and 6 inches inward from the first open end  110 . 
     To attach the platform device  100  to the personal assistive mobility device  280 , the user simply slides the first open end  110  into a receiving hitch (not shown) commonly found on the rear end portion  282  of the personal assistive mobility device  280 . The receiving hitch is typically 1¼ th  inch square tubing with a through hole designed to accept a variety of aftermarket attachment devices such as an umbrella, a basket, and the like. If the receiving hitch does not come with the personal assistive mobility device  280 , one may be purchased separately and easily attached. The distance between the platform device  100  and the personal assistive mobility device  280  is adjustable in that first arm  106  may be adjusted substantially horizontally and fixed at a plurality of intervals that correspond to the plurality of through holes  108 . Once a desired position is obtained, the first arm  106  is secured to the receiving hitch with a securing element  152 . The securing element  152  preferably comprises a ⅜ th  inch by 2 inch pin that engages one of the plurality of through holes  108  and is in turn secured with a hairpin lock; however any securing system known to one of skill in the art such as a cotter pin, a clip, a bolt, and the like, may be used without affecting the overall scope of the invention. 
     The second arm  114  is preferably 1¼ th  inch square tubing comprising a second open end  116  and a second welded end  120 . A through hole  108  substantially ⅜ th  of an inch in diameter centered laterally is located approximately between ½ and 1 inch from the second open end  116 . The second welded end  120  is cut off at an approximately 15 to 20 degree angle and is welded or otherwise attached to the first arm  106  so that the second open end  116  is angled slightly away from the personal assistive mobility device  280  when the frame assembly  102  is attached. 
     The third arm  124  is preferably 1¼ th  inch square tubing comprising a third open end  126  and a third welded end  132 . A through hole  108  substantially ⅜ th  inches in diameter centered laterally is located approximately between ½ and 1 inches from the third open end  126 . The third welded end  132  comprises a notch  130  approximately ⅞ th  inches long and ⅛ th  inch deep cut into one of the sides. The third welded end  132  is then slid over and welded or otherwise attached to the first welded end  112  of the first arm  106  so that the notch  130  faces the personal assistive mobility device  280  and the third arm  124  angles slightly away at approximately between 5 and 10 degrees from the vertical axis. 
     A platform attachment element  134  is securable to the adaptor component  104  near the first welded end  112 . Preferably, as seen in  FIG. 3 , the platform attachment  134  comprises a platform hook assembly  136 . The platform hook assembly  136  comprises a bracket element  138 , a securing mechanism  140 , and a hook element  142 . The bracket element  138  is typically U-shaped steel stock measuring approximately 1/16 inches thick, ¾ th  inches in height, and 5⅜ th  inches long bent into a U-shape with two open ends. The securing mechanism  140  is generally a number 10 nut and bolt penetrating a through hole  108  in each of the two open ends and held in place by the nut, pin, or other securing device. The hook element  142  is typically ⅛ th  inch diameter steel bar stock shaped into a hook shape and welded to a closed end of the bracket element  138 . The platform hook assembly  136  simply slides in place over the second arm  114  and is slideably secured in place. As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the platform attachment element  134  may also comprise a hook  134  facing upward toward the handle component  144  that is welded in place or otherwise attached by methods discussed supra. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the handle component  144  which comprises a handle leg element  146  and a handle bar element  156 . The handle leg element  146  is typically 1 inch square tubing between 18 and 25 inches in length, but is preferably 21.5 inches long. The handle leg element  146  comprises a first handle end  148  and a second handle end  154 . Two through holes  108  substantially ⅜ th  inches in diameter centered laterally are located approximately 1 and 2 inches from the first handle end  148 . 
     The handle bar element  156  is typically ¾ th  inch diameter round metal conduit pipe approximately 12 inches in length. However this is not meant as a limitation as other materials of different dimensions known to one of skill in the art may be used as well. The handle bar element  156  is substantially centered on and welded or otherwise attached to the second handle end  154  oriented approximately perpendicularly to the first arm  106  of the adaptor component  104 . Additionally, a plurality of hand grip elements  158 , for example but not limited to, ½ inch foam rubber or a plastic molded hand grip, may be affixed to the handle bar element  156  at either end. 
     As the platform device  100  is adjustable to fit a user of varying height, the handle component  144  is slideably adjustable in length when engaged with the adapter component  104 . The first handle end  148  slides into the second open end  116  of the second arm  114  so that the plurality of through holes  108  match up at a desired height. In other words, the handle component  144  is extendable and retractable, and is approximately perpendicular to the first arm  106  when attached. Preferably the handle component  144  is angled between 15 and 20 degrees away from the personal assistive mobility device  280  when attached. To secure at the desired height, the securing element  152  (as seen in  FIG. 2 ) as discussed supra is employed. 
     As seen in  FIG. 5 , the platform hitch component  160  comprises a platform hitch leg element  162  and a platform hitch foot element  170 . The platform hitch leg element  162  is typically 1 inch square tubing approximately between 11 and 13 inches long and comprises a proximal leg end  164  and a distal leg end  168 . The proximal leg end  164  slideably engages the third arm  124  of the adapter component  104 . The proximal leg end  164  typically comprises 3 through holes  108  that are approximately ⅜ th  of an inch in diameter and are centered at approximately 1, 2, and 3 inches inward. As in the other slideable connections discussed supra, once at a desired length, the securing element  152  is used to connect the plurality of through holes  108  on both the proximal leg end  164 , and the third arm  124  of the adapter component  104  in a substantially perpendicular orientation as discussed supra. 
     The platform hitch foot element  170  is typically 1¼ th  inch square tubing approximately between 4 and 6 inches in length and is oriented substantially parallel to the ground when in use. The platform hitch foot element  170  comprises a proximal foot end  172  and a distal foot end  176 . The proximal foot end  172  comprises a foot notch  174  approximately ⅞ th  inches long and ⅛ th  inch deep cut into one of the sides. The proximal foot end  172  is then slid over and welded to or otherwise attached at a angle of approximately 94 to 110 degrees to the distal leg end  168  so that the notch  130  faces upward and the platform hitch foot element  170  is substantially level with the ground when attached. The distal foot end  176  comprises an approximately ⅜ th  inch peg hole  178  oriented perpendicular to and approximately ⅝ th  of an inch from the distal foot end  176 . A peg element  180 , approximately ⅜ th  inches in diameter and 2⅜ th  inches in length is inserted through the peg hole  178  and is welded in place with approximately 1 inch extending vertically. A connector element  182  on the peg element  180 , such as a hairpin lock for example, may be used to secure the platform assembly  184  once attached. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the platform assembly  184  comprises a top side  186  and a bottom side  188 . The platform assembly  184  further comprises a platform frame element  190 , a platform hinge element  200 , at least one axle element  220 , and a platform body element  228 . The platform frame element  190  is substantially an approximately 12 inch by 18 inch rectangular shaped angle iron frame welded together to create an attachment surface for the platform body element  228 . In other words, the platform body element  228  rests within the framework of the angle iron. While angle iron is the preferred material for the platform frame element  190 , other comparable materials, such as steel or aluminum may be used as well. In addition, the platform frame element  190  dimensions may range from 10 to 30 inches and still be within the scope of the invention. 
     The platform frame element  190  further comprises a hinge side  192  and a handle side  194 . A plurality of attachment holes (not shown) may be placed at intervals around the platform frame element  190  from the top side  186  through the bottom side  188 . Preferably, the plurality of attachment holes number between 2 and 8, however any number may be used. Additionally, a hanger element  198  is located approximately at the midpoint of the handle side  194 . The hanger element  198  is preferably an approximately ½ inch eyebolt welded in place. 
     The platform hinge element  200  comprises a base plate portion  202  and a hinge portion  210 . The base plate portion  202  is typically ¼ th  inches thick, and is approximately a 3½ by 4 inch rectangular plate welded to the bottom side  188  of the platform frame element  190  approximately centered on the angle iron of the hinge side  192 . The base plate portion  202  comprises a hinge facing side (not shown) and a foot plate side (not shown) both of which are approximately ½ inches in width. A plurality of attachment holes  208  penetrate the base plate portion  202 . The plurality of attachment holes  208  preferably comprise 4 holes approximately ¼ th  of an inch in diameter located so that 3 are on the hinge facing side, and 1 is on the foot plate side, however, any number of the plurality of attachment holes  208  may be employed in any location that would be useful on the base plate portion  202  that would be useful. 
     The hinge portion  210  comprises a platform assembly side  212  and a connecting assembly side  216 . Typically, the hinge portion  210  may comprise a 3 1/2  inch hinge that may be screwed, bolted, welded, or otherwise fastened to base plate portion  210 . Preferably, the platform assembly side  212  is attached with screws that connect to 3 of the plurality of attachment holes  208  located on the hinge facing side. Additionally, the hinge portion  210  is preferably modified so that the connecting assembly side  216  is beveled or cut at an angle of approximately between 25 and 45 degrees to remove a sharp edge. The connecting assembly side  216  further comprises a peg hole  218 , approximately between 7/16 th  and 9/16 th  of an inch in diameter, that slideably engages with the peg element  180  of the platform hitch foot assembly  184 , thereby selectively connecting the frame assembly  102  to the platform assembly  184  on a pivot point. Once connected, the platform assembly  184  may pivot left or right in a substantially horizontal plane along the peg element  180  allowing the platform device  100  to turn in concert with the personal assistive mobility device  280 . 
     Furthermore, the platform assembly  184  may articulate along the hinge portion  210  in a substantially vertical direction so that the platform assembly  184  may fold up approximately 90 degrees toward the frame assembly  102 . The platform assembly  184  may then be held in a folded position by hooking the hanger element  198  to the hook element  142  of the platform hook assembly  136 . When so attached, the cross section of the platform device  100  becomes minimized so that the personal assistive mobility device  280  is not substantially restricted from going anywhere it could go without an attachment. 
     The at least one axle element  220  is preferably a metal rod approximately 24 inches in length and between ½ and ⅝ th  inches in diameter centered approximately 3 inches inward from the handle side  194  of the platform frame element  190 . While the at least one axle element  220  is preferably a single axle, additional axles may be added to increase the stability or carrying capacity if desired and still be within the scope of the invention. A plurality of axle element clamps (not shown), typically ⅝ th  inch hold down straps, or their equivalent, may be used to movably attach the at least one axle element  220  to the platform frame element  190  so that the axle may spin or rotate when attached. A plurality of wheels  224 , preferably 2, with a diameter between 6 and 12 inches, may be secured to the at least one axle element  220  with a plurality of wheel securing elements  226 , typically a lynch pin or a comparable attachment mechanism. 
     The platform body element  228  comprises a platform base  228  sized to fit within the dimensions of the platform frame assembly  190 , approximately a 11½ by 17½ inches rectangle. The platform body element  228  is typically constructed from wood, though it is contemplated that other materials such as but not limited to metals, plastics, plywood, oriented strand board, waffle board, and the like may be used without affecting the overall scope of the invention. The platform body element  228  is attached to the platform frame assembly  190  and the foot plate side  206  of the base portion  202  of the platform hinge element  220  with fasteners such as bolts, screws, nails, rivets, and the like. Additionally, the platform body element  228  may further comprise a handle hole  238  approximately between 4 and 4 inches long and a non slip surface element  234 . For example, a piece of non-skid material may be attached to the platform body element  228  with adhesive to improve traction. 
     What has been described above includes examples of the disclosed device. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components and/or methodologies, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations are possible. Accordingly, the novel device is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.