Patent Abstract:
Self balanced electric wheel optimized for dynamic stability suspension and damping functions in use, compactness and low weight when carried short learning step, low cost and liability.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The user of public transportation must deal with a variety of constraints: his or her hands are full with objects to be carried, briefcase, school bags, errand items, etc. Public transportation is cramped and overcrowded; the sidewalk is busy, the stairs are narrow and steep, the public thoroughfare is governed by strict rules. After arriving at his or her destination, he or she must deal with social constraints whether at work or at school, and it can be difficult to change shoes and clothes. In addition, he or she must be able to use the aid in his or her usual attire. 
         [0002]    It is also impossible to travel on the subway or train every day with a bicycle. It is difficult to go down stairs in roller skates; electric skateboarding are prohibited on public thoroughfares, such as a scooter; and even a vehicle such as the Segway®, designed for short-range city trips, turns out to be cumbersome on the sidewalk and not transportable on the subway and bus. 
         [0003]    The state of the art comprises the Segway®, a platform aid comprising two wheels, rechargeable batteries, a central inertial stabilization device, and a handlebar integrated with the platform. This platform is not sufficiently compact to move along without difficulty on the sidewalk. It is too slow to move along on the road and, finally, its weight, in the order of 30 kg, prevents it from access to public transportation. 
         [0004]    Document DE 100 27 466 describes a unicycle onto which the pedestrian climbs on two footrests, rests his or her hands on a handle that transmits the longitudinal inclination to the frame of the unicycle. An electronic device reads the longitudinal inclination of the unicycle by means of an electronic inclinometer and monitors the position of the wheel to maintain the balance of the user&#39;s means his center of gravity over the stand in order to prevent him or her from falling in accordance with an inverse tilt effect. The device moves forward as soon as the user inclines the handle forward. The wheel exhibits a square section so that the user is stable laterally. Because of this, path is guided within the longitudinal axis. The means for turning is not described, it is understood that it is necessary to briefly stand on the ground in order to convey lateral torque. Of course, turning the handle cannot ensure rotation because the footrests and the shaft are integrated via the fork. 
         [0005]    Document DE 100 27 466 thus does not meet the criteria of the invention to the extent that it requires the user to hold the handle with at least one hand, and what is more it does not permit agile and harmonious steering to the extent that only longitudinal travel is provided for. Finally, the electronic device controlling the motor is served by an inclinometer, which is a different solution than that adopted by the invention. 
         [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,302,230, of Kamen represents several embodiments of balance unicycles, not optimized in order to be easily carried which imposes compact and lightness and it not described how to climb on it since the wheel is exposed and turning and its side may in consequence not transmit any lateral torque on the user&#39;s legs. 
         [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 8,616,313 Simeray of December 2013 under priority of November 2005 describes an: 
         [0008]    ‘Autonomous electric mobile aid intended to transport a city dweller comprising: a single wheel, an electric motor, a battery, a fork, and two footrests characterized in that the ergonomics and driving of it are intuitive and do not require the use of the hands by means of:
       two combined supports secured to the fork on either side of the wheel that are each configured to operate as a lever to convey stress and torque of the wheel response to a leg of the user;   the motor being of the type that keeps the wheel directly under the center of gravity of the average city dweller;   a driving electronics of the motor controlled linearly by a balance sensor on the fork;       
 
         [0012]    wherein lateral steering is agile by means of the single wheel having a tread that is approximately round in shape in a plane parallel to an axis of rotation of the single wheel; and wherein it is compact when carried by the city dweller by means of the two footrests being foldable.’ 
         [0013]    This USA patent also describes and protects:
       Any balanced wheel with combined supports configured so as to tightly holding the leg and the calf or with combined support configured so as not tightly holding the leg and the calf, according to the preference of the dweller to unfold or fold down the combined supports or guides during use.   Any balanced wheel having at least one footrest longer than the lateral supports in a direction perpendicular to the plan of the wheel, even if the support is an unfolded guide in the  FIG. 6  disclosing a footrest around 30% longer than the guide. This is illustrated by the dashed lines added FIG.  20  of the present document on the copy of the original publication.   Any balanced wheel operating legs supports configured as not to substantially encircle the leg of the user as it is represented in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2 , and also represented in  FIG. 6  and reported  FIG. 20  of the present document because:
           Tightly holding the leg and the calf does not mean ‘significantly encircling the leg’.   Lateral supports are not described as ‘significantly encircling the legs’ of the user   The legs supports are not configured to encircle the leg in  FIGS. 1 and 2  but are in a U shape allowing the user to escape easily and are represented in the folded and unfolded positions.   
               
 
         [0020]    There is no leg represented in  FIG. 6 , and in consequence there is no representation of a leg substantially encircled by a leg guide. 
         [0021]    If the guide represented in  FIG. 6  encircled the leg, it would be technically and anatomically impossible to insert a leg due to the narrow opening represented. 
         [0022]    The man skilled in the art would then have immediately understood that inserting a leg in a guide like the one represented in  FIG. 6  is impossible because even handcuffs need a large opening for imprisoning hands. 
         [0023]    He would have also understood that  FIG. 6  illustrates the concept of a guide transmitting torque and stress and is not a tridimensional drawing for a servile execution. 
         [0024]    He would have built a guide or a lateral support in the essence of the invention and in accordance with the general specifications of a balanced wheel such to consider the comfort, security, and the level of torque and stress to transfer according to the power and speed of the wheel and its version, sport or commuter, without the need of an inventive step. 
         [0025]    He would have adapted its size, shape, material, friction, softness, and elasticity. Connection with the footrest by a rod would have been optional. All said specifications are therefore respected without any inventive step. 
         [0026]    It is therefore believable that the man skilled in the art would have reduced the guides to a low profile shape of U for a low power and low speed wheel transmitting low torque and low stress to the user&#39;s legs and increased such branches of the U for the guides for a wheel dedicated to competition and/or acrobatic figures generating high torque and high stress to the user&#39;s legs. 
         [0027]    Inventist and its owner Shane Chen concluded with the present applicant Simeray in March 2011 a license of Simeray&#39;s 2005 invention with an option of exclusivity worldwide and in consideration of royalties and operated under the Trade Mark®Solowheel the Simeray invention since 2012. 
         [0028]    Inventist has distributed a wheel manufactured in China, exhibiting a very low top speed and a low power generating almost no stress and no torque on the user&#39;s leg, except when the user climbs on it and generates with his leg and foot in a significant lateral torque and stress. 
         [0029]    As license operator having an average skill in his art, Shane Chen has adapted the size and the shape of the guide to the very low level of longitudinal torque and of stress to convey to the user&#39;s leg, and designed guides with a U shape in soft material having very short branches, not foldable. 
         [0030]    During the negotiation of the license, and without disclosing it to Simeray, Shane Chen has filed the utility patent application US 20110220427 of March 2011 claiming; 
         [0031]    ‘A powered unicycle device, comprising: a single wheel rotatably coupled to a frame; a motor which drives said wheel; an electronic fore-and-aft balance control system which controls said motor; a foot platform or platforms coupled to said frame; and leg contact surfaces on said frame, made of a yielding material and protruding outward from the main body of said frame’. 
         [0032]    This application rejected 6 times in consideration of Simeray&#39;s prior art and lack of inventiveness finally became a patent in august 2014 U.S. Pat. No. 8,807,250 allowing: 
         [0033]    A powered unicycle device, comprising:
       a single wheel having an axis of rotation and defining a central vertical plane in the line of direction of travel that is rotatably coupled to a seat-less frame;   a motor which drives the wheel;   an electronic fore-and-aft balance control system which controls said motor;   first and second foot platforms coupled to the frame and each having a standing surface that is below the axis of rotation of the wheel;   a first leg contact surface that in its entirety extends substantially longitudinally in the line of travel of the device and is configured to be readily contactable by the side of a user&#39;s leg, at or below the knee, when that user is standing on the first foot platform; and   a second leg contact surface that in its entirety extends substantially longitudinally in the line of travel of the device and is configured to be readily contactable by the side of a user&#39;s leg, at or below the knee, when that user is standing on the second foot platform;       
 
         [0040]    wherein the first and second foot platforms extend in a direction perpendicular to the central vertical plane of the wheel further than the contact surfaces extend perpendicular to the central vertical plane, and further wherein the leg contact surfaces are configured so as to not substantially encircle a user&#39;s leg. 
         [0041]    The present applicant Simeray doesn&#39;t understand this new previous art and especially:
       Why and how Mr Shane Chen operator of a license with option of exclusivity, beneficiary of the transfer of know how necessary for operating the invention, exhibiting no inventive step by adapting the Simeray&#39;s invention to a slow balanced wheel, has been granted a utility patent for demonstrating skill as operator of a license.   Why the exclusive right to operate his invention in USA granted by the USPTO in December 2013 to Simeray has been almost equally granted to his licensee Shane Chen of 6 months later for a utility patent application filed 6 years after Simeray&#39;s priority.   Why Simeray&#39;s right to operate his invention without damageable interference is now restricted to the combination of handcuff like leg clips with  2  very short footrests that any skilled man wouldn&#39;t have considered knowing of the reasonable configuration of appropriately sized footrests and leg clips as show in FIG. 2 of Simeray&#39;s patent.   Why the concept of leg clips that ‘encircle’ the legs has been associated with Simeray&#39;s patent when there is no mention of it in the description or claims.   Why Shane Chen&#39;s patent application was rejected 6 times for obvious lack of inventiveness and on which new argument it has been finally granted.       
 
         [0047]    Inventist concluded a license with an option of exclusivity worldwide of Simeray&#39;s patent and taken a design called Solowheel to market for 3 years in consideration of paying royalty when Simeray&#39;s patent is granted. 
         [0048]    When the Simeray patent was granted in December 2013, Inventist breached the license agreement with by not paying the royalties due. The license of Inventist has been terminated in March 2014 by Simeray because of the breach. 
         [0049]    The applicant not only unable to understand the prior art, its chronology and its meaning, respectfully apologizes for being also unable to identify who owns said previous art. 
         [0050]    The present invention discloses the several improvements all necessary for the dissemination of the balanced wheel in the mass market. 
         [0051]    Those improvements fix: 
         [0052]    The weight, its width, its static and dynamical balance, the learning curve, the cost, the liability. 
         [0053]    The present invention solves simultaneously these issues by inventive steps in a configuration remaining outside of the scope of the claims granted seemingly consecutively to Simeray and to Shane Chen in order that Simeray may have the privilege to operate his invention freely. 
         [0054]    The current electric unicycles on the market fall inside the original Simeray patent and are designed with most of the weight above their center. 
         [0055]    The power required to balance the user increases with the level of the center of gravity of the unicycle. 
         [0056]    When the user steps down from the wheel, it needs lateral stabilization either from one leg on the side of the wheel (requiring torque against the wheel) with its foot on the pedal and one foot on the ground or held up by hand to keep if from falling down and becoming dirty. 
         [0057]    With the electric unicycles on the market, there is a significant learning curve due to a lateral instability caused by a large wheel and no freedom of motion for the user&#39;s legs. This loss of freedom of motion is due to the size of the electric unicycle and how far apart it spreads the user&#39;s legs. This problem can be solved by having a design narrow enough that allows the users legs to move freely (as shown in the 2005 Simeray patent when the leg guides are in the folded position). This freedom of motion would allow the user to tilt the wheel laterally and in effect shift the contact point laterally allowing for better control. 
         [0058]    However the user still needs to transmit a lateral torque and stress on the wheels side with his leg when he climbs on it. 
         [0059]    A safety issue relates to a lack of headlights, tail lights, and running lights. The headlight is especially necessary to prevent the user from being surprised by surface irregularities. This is even more critical than for a bicycle, having a natural longitudinal stability. By highlighting through illumination obstacles and surface irregularities, the user may anticipate and react in a way to avoid falling. 
         [0060]    Another safety issue is how a pedestrian may be surprised by the silent or fast electric unicycle rider. A sound warning could be used to prevent collisions. 
         [0061]    Another safety issue is noted when the user steps down in an emergency or unpredictable situation and the sudden longitudinal misbalance causes the device to drive the wheel at full power spinning the frame into the user&#39;s leg. 
         [0062]    A detection of the lateral misbalance should cause the motor to brake. 
         [0063]    Another safety issue is related to the ground clearance necessary when the turns and leans. If the footrest bumps the floor during a high speed turn then the user twists and falls painfully. The balanced wheel must be able to lean around 30° before a footrest touches the ground. 
         [0064]    Another security issue is related to the liability. 
         [0065]    Regulations limit up the speed on the sidewalks and limits down the speed on the street. The dweller must adapt his driving to the existing regulation and assume the responsibility of any accident happening in breach of the regulation. The public information related to the current speed of the electric transportation device could contribute to attribute the responsibilities. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0066]    The invention is designed as a motorized electric aid that helps the city dweller in his or her pedestrian trips and that ideally remains compatible with all of the constraints listed above. 
         [0067]    In a preferred embodiment, the invention abides by the following criteria: the aided pedestrian has the size of a normal pedestrian; moves along on the sidewalk at a pedestrian speed up to approximately 7 km/h and moves along on the road at a speed less than 30 km/h. The pedestrian has the agility of a normal pedestrian or skater and moves along without effort with the use of both hands and is able to wear his or her usual clothing and shoes. 
         [0068]    The aid is compact, portable, and light, in for example a backpack, it weighs less than 5 kg has a volume less than 40 cm in diameter by less than 6 cm in thickness and can be recharged via a household electric socket or by another equivalent means. It offers a range of approximately one hour or 15 km. 
         [0069]    The present invention by inventive step solves the dilemma of how to keep sufficient ground clearance under the pedals, a tight profile of the wheel in and after use, and how to increase its static, dynamic, lateral, and longitudinal stability by placing the heavy components under the wheels center. The wheels on the market are too large especially at the ankle level and there would be no improvement by lowering the batteries at the ankle level and enlarging the profile even more. 
         [0070]    The inventive step include a complete reconstruction of the balanced wheel in which most of the weight is located in the foot rest, the wheel is a tight light and flexible hub-less wheel and the unique foot rest or the combined foot rests crosses the wheel&#39;s main plan, what is totally new and operable. 
         [0071]    This present invention further describes:
       The static longitudinal and lateral stability of the motorized wheel standing up by itself before use and in use
           Due to a Center of Gravity (CG) significantly lower than its axe.   Due to a center a curvature of the tire over the center of gravity.   Due to its tight profile of the wheels casing, its large footrest allowing enough room between the legs in order to lean it between the legs and to move the contact point on the floor laterally even at no speed.   
           The dynamic stability of the motorized wheel:       
 
         [0077]    The longitudinal stability is improved through
       a lighter wheel, its empty center, (around 600 g, effectively ten time less than the current wheels on the market) allowing efficient short response time longitudinal adjustments.   a high power to weight ratio of the motorization system allowing short response time of the stabilization.   a Gravity Center significantly lower than its axe and near the floor reducing the power needed for a short time reaction almost independent from the weight of the user, but directly proportional to the powered unicycle&#39;s weight relative to the center of gravity and relative to the floor.       
 
         [0081]    The lateral stability improved through
       the comparatively high inertial momentum of the rim and tire compared to the weight of the rest of the device.   This gyroscopic effect combined with the freedom of motion between the device and the user&#39;s legs allows for a greater lateral stability.   at least 2 mechanical connections and 2 electrical connections to a combined or removable gyroscope composed of a housing embedding a flywheel powered by an electrical motor, turning around an axe parallel to the wheel&#39;s axes in the same or the opposite direction according to the balanced wheel&#39;s speed for increasing the precession of the tire at low speed and reducing it effect at high speed.   An airless tire made of a rubber like material exposing to the floor a circular contact surface generating almost no friction torque when the user orients the wheel at no or low speed for keeping balanced, thanks to a curvature center significantly over the center of gravity CG.   Its weight and encumbrance is reduced when it is carried by the user, thanks to
           a compact light powerful and efficient brushless motor, connected to a speed reducer in order to operate the motor at its efficient speed.   an hub-less wheel, a tight profile, an empty space in the center of the wheel casing being the placement of the footrest when the device is not is use.   a light battery solution combining high power density battery and high energy density battery.   A footrest or combined foot-rests being the container of the main heavy and cumbersome components.   a photoelectric charger of the battery covering its surface.   
           The friendly learning and the ergonomics, the lateral torque transmitted to the legs when climbing on suppressed or dramatically reduced due to:
           The said tighter profile reducing the lever of the foot on the foot-rest.   A lateral support on the ground, retractable in option, ensuring with the wheel a natural lateral stability and suppressing any lever on the leg for stepping up and down like if the wheel were a stable step.   
           The large platform and tire curvature allow for a higher stability in use and before and after use.   The dynamic stability resulting from
           the optimized gyroscopic momentum of the wheel in combination with the freedom of motion to tilt the wheel laterally.   
           the combination of an electrically powered removable gyroscope and with the freedom of motion to tilt the wheel laterally.   The comfort of the user improved due to:
           The rolling vibrations damped thanks to the suspension of the footrest, rolling inside the rim of a flexible wheel, having a tire or rim composed of an elastic material.   A mechanical transmission compatible with such flexibility of the rim.   Enough room for the ankles due to the empty space in the center of the wheel.   A foldable seat supporting the user when tired and converting the said self balanced wheel into a electric self balanced unicycle with a reasonably comfortable seat, becoming fully a stable seat due to the lateral supports unfolded when the wheel is static and or the power switched off.   
           The security of the user and the conformity to the regulations due to
           An illumination of the path in front of the wheel by a white light and a warning behind by a red light, whenever the wheel has no identified front or back side.   An automatic switch off of the motors due to a lateral balance sensor turning the motor driver off when it falls on its side.   A source of sound warning, for example a music player with a volume substantially proportional to the speed in order to alert the pedestrians.   A source of sound warnings for low battery and for when the user leans beyond the wheels maximum power output.   A vibration generated by a motor under the users feet warning the user for the same purposes.   
           The balanced wheel&#39;s low center of gravity achieved through
           A foot rest being a container containing either the batteries, motor, electronic balance system, or any combination of said components.   This footrest could also be structured in a way to be part to the wheel casing.   This footrest could also be secured to the to the wheel casing.   This footrest could also be an independent part of the wheel casing.   
           The liability and the safety of the user is improved due to a color pattern and a color code light informing the public about the current speed range of the wheel, in combination with a way to change the color of the balanced wheel or the color of its illumination in accordance with the current speed so that the witness in the case of an accident may report the speed range of the user by only reporting the electric vehicle&#39;s color and in consequence contribute to identify who is responsible.   A design with removable battery packs allowing the user to optimize its wheel&#39;s weight according to the autonomy desired.   A charger for recharging the batteries connectable to the domestic power having the shape of a battery pack for embedding in the wheel&#39;s platform despite of a battery pack.   A photoelectric charger of the battery covering at least one foot-rest connected to a step up voltage elevator for a permanent charge of the battery when expose to the sun.   One Unique footrest in order
           to allow the user to ride frontward, backward, and laterally in a surf position   
               
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0121]    Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings: 
           [0122]      FIG. 1  illustrates a nonexclusive embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0123]      FIG. 2  illustrates a nonexclusive embodiment of the motor fixation of the footrests and transmission 
           [0124]      FIG. 3  illustrates a nonexclusive embodiment of the footrests including the batteries 
           [0125]      FIG. 4  illustrates a nonexclusive embodiment of the bumpers for suspending the footrests. 
           [0126]      FIG. 5  illustrates a nonexclusive embodiment of one unique footrest inserted inside the wheel for carrying. 
           [0127]      FIG. 6  illustrates a nonexclusive embodiment of the unique footrest inserted on the frame of the wheel for riding. 
           [0128]      FIG. 7  illustrates a non exclusive embodiment of the motors batteries electronic and transmission included in the said unique footrest. 
           [0129]      FIG. 8  illustrates a non exclusive embodiment of the deformation of the hub-less flexible wheel and its guide submitted to the user&#39;s weight. 
           [0130]      FIG. 9  illustrates a non exclusive embodiment of the circuitry of the lighting. 
           [0131]      FIG. 10  illustrates a non exclusive embodiment of 2 additional stands ensuring the lateral stability of the user at no or low speed thanks to an actuator unfolding them. 
           [0132]      FIG. 11  illustrates optional parts on the guide. 
           [0133]      FIG. 12  illustrates those parts assembled into a seat when unfolded. 
           [0134]      FIG. 13  illustrates the 3 main interactions of the dweller with the balanced wheel. 
           [0135]      FIG. 14  illustrates the respective position of the gravity center of the wheel in use. 
           [0136]      FIG. 15  illustrates the removable battery packs, the removable charger, the motor for warning by vibration under the user&#39;s foot, the colored light for displaying the speed range. 
           [0137]      FIG. 16  illustrates the mechanical and electrical connection of a removable housing embedding a fly wheel and a motor. 
           [0138]      FIG. 17  illustrates the difference of shape of the interface between the floor and a air tire and the floor and the airless tire. 
           [0139]      FIG. 18  illustrates an electrically balanced wheel without wheel&#39;s casing transmitting directly the lateral stress and torque of the wheel to a combined protection secured on the user&#39;s leg. 
           [0140]      FIG. 19  illustrates an airless tire and rim which main deformation contributing actively to the longitudinal stability of the user. 
           [0141]      FIG. 20  is a reproduction of Simeray&#39;s original patent with dashed annotations. 
       
    
    
     DRAWINGS LISTING TO THE REFERENCES 
       [0142]      
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 2 Footrests 
                 14 
               
               
                   
                 Brushless motor 
                 16 
               
               
                   
                 Electronic Motor driver 
                 17 
               
               
                   
                 Tires 
                 12 
               
               
                   
                 Flexible rim 
                 13 
               
               
                   
                 Guiding - ring 
                 15 
               
               
                   
                 Tube axe 
                 21 
               
               
                   
                 Motor&#39;s axe 
                 23 
               
               
                   
                 90° Gear reducer 
                 24 
               
               
                   
                 Rollers 
                 25 
               
               
                   
                 Rechargeable batteries 
                 36 
               
               
                   
                 Batteries compartment cover 
                 32 
               
               
                   
                 Walls for structure 
                 35 
               
               
                   
                 Foot-rest tubular connection 
                 33 
               
               
                   
                 Bumpers 
                 34 
               
               
                   
                 Casing for electronic 
                 26 
               
               
                   
                 Axis of the guide support 
                 43 
               
               
                   
                 Soft and frictional surface 
                 45 
               
               
                   
                 Guide support 
                 42 
               
               
                   
                 Unique footrest 
                 55 
               
               
                   
                 Handle 
                 54 
               
               
                   
                 Direct reducer and gear 
                 53 
               
               
                   
                 Electronic System 
                 71 
               
               
                   
                 Roller&#39;s shaft 
                 72 
               
               
                   
                 High Energy density battery 
                 73 
               
               
                   
                 High power density battery 
                 74 
               
               
                   
                 Illumination led 
                 80 
               
               
                   
                 Warning led 
                 81 
               
               
                   
                 Lateral balance leg 
                 110 
               
               
                   
                 Lateral balance wheel 
                 112 
               
               
                   
                 Actuator 
                 113 
               
               
                   
                 Loudspeaker &amp; music player 
                 75 
               
               
                   
                 Speed detector and driver 
                 76 
               
               
                   
                 2 axis balance sensor 
                 77 
               
               
                   
                 Opening in guide 
                 78 
               
               
                   
                 Foldable part of guide 
                 121 
               
               
                   
                 Foldable part of guide 
                 122 
               
               
                   
                 Removable handle and seat 
                 123 
               
               
                   
                 Hinge 
                 124 
               
               
                   
                 Surf position 
                 A 
               
               
                   
                 Frontward backward riding 
                 B 
               
               
                   
                 Carrying position 
                 C 
               
               
                   
                 Gravity center 
                 CG 
               
               
                   
                 Lateral curvature center 
                 CC1 
               
               
                   
                 Longitudinal curvature center 
                 CC2 
               
               
                   
                 Removable battery pack 
                 151 
               
               
                   
                 Removable domestic charger 
                 152 
               
               
                   
                 Speed range color display LED 
                 153 
               
               
                   
                 Gyro Locking holes &amp; connectors 
                 154 
               
               
                   
                 Warning vibration motor 
                 155 
               
               
                   
                 Removable Gyroscope 
                 161 
               
               
                   
                 Flywheel of the Gyroscope 
                 162 
               
               
                   
                 Casing of the Gyroscope 
                 163 
               
               
                   
                 Electric motor of the Gyroscope 
                 164 
               
               
                   
                 Bearing of the gyroscope 
                 165 
               
               
                   
                 Mechanical &amp; electrical connection 
                 166 
               
               
                   
                 Normal Air tire 
                 171 
               
               
                   
                 Interface of airless tire 
                 S1 
               
               
                   
                 Interface of air tire 
                 S2 
               
               
                   
                 Leg protection 
                 181 
               
               
                   
                 Roller 
                 182 
               
               
                   
                 Rim with gear 
                 183 
               
               
                   
                 Airless rim with spiral spokes 
                 191 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0143]      FIG. 1  represents the wheel when the footrests  14  and the guides  42  are unfolded in the right side and folded down in the left side. 
         [0144]    The wheel includes a brushless motor, in a central casing  16  having the same level as the unfolded footrests, controlled by an electronic driver  17 . 
         [0145]    The inflated or plain tires  12 , on the flexible ring  13  is guided by another ring  15  connected to the central casing of the motor  16  and to the guides  42  also used as a handle. 
         [0146]    Preferably, the guide-handle  42  is surrounded by a soft and high friction material, avoiding the hand to glide for carrying. 
         [0147]      FIG. 2  illustrates the tubes  21 , common axes of the 2 footrests  14 , the brushless motor  16 , controlled by its electronic controller  17  in its casing  26 , and its axes  23  terminated by a 90° gear  24  turning one of the 4 rollers  25  guiding the wheel, and the Gravity Center under the lever of the center of the wheel. 
         [0148]      FIG. 3  illustrates the footrest  31  filled by rechargeable batteries  36  enclosed in a compartment sealed by covers  32  and separated by walls  35  for structural robustness, its tubular connection  33  with the tube  21  and the bumper  34  ensuring suspension and damping of the high frequency vibration by pressure on the casing  26 . 
         [0149]      FIG. 4  illustrates again the action of the bumper  41  compressed by the footrests  14 , the axis  43  of the guide  42  and its soft and frictional surface  45 . 
         [0150]    The heavy parts of the motorized wheel batteries, motors and structure are located under the feet during use, and contribute to the low position of the Gravity Center. 
         [0151]    A bumper ensures some suspension of the footrests and damps the vibrations. 
         [0152]    The ring wheel connected by roller to the structure may absorb vibrations thanks to its soft tire and by effect of an elastic deformation. 
         [0153]    The encumbrance and the weight are minimized when folded because the thickness of the folded wheel is similar to the thickness of the tire and the thickness of the stack of 2 batteries and their casing. 
         [0154]    The foldable guides are optional and the user may use the motorized unicycle with the guide  42  folded or with the guide unfolded. 
         [0155]    The  FIG. 5  represents another embodiment of the invention having one only footrest  55  inserted in the center of the flexible wheel  13  and guide  15  for carrying. 
         [0156]    According to a preferred embodiment of the invention this only footrest&#39;s  55  surface is made of a photoelectric material for a permanent recharge of the battery when exposed to the sun connected to battery via a step up voltage elevator according to the state of the art. 
         [0157]    This guiding ring  15  has as first option, the shape of a tube enclosing the wheel for water protection need, and as another option the shape of a simple ring, both with guiding roller  25 . It is catch as a handle  54  by the user and is surrounded by a soft material in option for a better grip of the hand not represented. 
         [0158]      FIG. 6  represents the same footrest  55  inserted into the wheel  13  and guide  15  displaying a large stand, enough room for the ankles, a profile of the guide  15  tight enough so the user may keep the feet very close over the contact point on the floor, minimizing for each leg the lateral torque that the guide  15  could oppose when the user balances laterally. It represents also the gravity center CG lower than the wheel&#39;s axis and represents the lights  80  and the warnings  81 . Such lights are preferably electroluminescent diodes. In such position the said footrest  55  covered by a photoelectric material in combination with a step up voltage elevator persists to charge the battery during use. 
         [0159]      FIG. 7  represents the footrest  55  open beside the guide  15  open and displays several rollers  25 , at least three for guiding the flexible wheel  13  inside the guide  15 , and two embedded in the footrest rolling on the wheel&#39;s rim, when the footrest is inserted. The roller crosses a opening  78  open in the guide  15 . 
         [0160]    This footrest and the user are supported by the two rollers  25  rolling on the rim of the wheel  13 , when the user stands on the footrest  55 . 
         [0161]    The guide  15  achieves also the function of a handle  54  when the footrest is horizontal, for carrying it unfolded or folded down, and it may be surrounded by a soft material for comfortable handling. 
         [0162]    The footrest includes a transmission  53 , a direct reducer by gear, able to transmit the motor&#39;s torque and speed to the rollers  25  when it is inserted. Optionally this transmission may be ensured by a belt. 
         [0163]    According to the invention, it is provided a reduction of the motor&#39;s speed almost without lost with only 2 gears, when the brushless motor running at 8000 rpm, propels the wheel at a relatively low speed of 200 rpm corresponding at 14 km pro hour. 
         [0164]    This high reduction ratio of 40 is the consequence of the roller rolling directly on the rim of the wheel  13  having an empty center. 
         [0165]    This high reduction ratio allows operating a much faster motor than the torque motor currently used for electric scooter. Such high speed out runner brushless motor delivers a density of power 40 times higher, having as consequence that a motor of only 400 g delivers more power to the wheel  13  than a scooter&#39;s wheel of 8 kg powered by a torque motor directly connected between the rim and the fork. 
         [0166]    The speed is controlled by an electronic system  71  managing also the unique or combined battery charge and discharge. The balance is controlled thanks to an internal longitudinal balance sensor serving the said electronic system  71  and optionally by a 2 axis longitudinal and lateral balance sensor  77 . In this last option the lateral misbalance once detected by  71  cuts off the motor&#39;s power for the security reasons exposed earlier. 
         [0167]    The combined batteries are for a non exclusive example a lithium ion polymer battery  74  able to a very high discharge rate, but an average energy storage, associated in parallel with a Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt battery  73  of the same voltage able to a very high energy storage at a reasonable cost but a low discharge rate. 
         [0168]    The  75  loudspeaker and music player&#39;s volume is preferably controlled thanks to a speed controller  76  substantially in proportion to the speed. 
         [0169]    The actuator  113  is driven by the said speed controller  76  and activated at a predetermined speed. 
         [0170]      FIG. 8  represents the elastic deformation of the empty center wheel  13  made in a high flexibility material for example in polyamide. 
         [0171]    According to the invention the rollers  25  guide the wheel  13  inside or around the guide  15 , even when the said flexible wheel compressed. Those rollers  25  are made of a strong and resilient material for transferring the strength of the wheel to the guide&#39;s structure and for ensuring no direct friction between those 2 parts. 
         [0172]      FIG. 9  describes an embodiment of the circuitry for lighting for example white  80  frontward and red  81  backward, when the user does not select a preferred side A or B of the wheel. The light sources are for example LEDs driven by the speed detector 
         [0173]    According to the direction driven, the speed signal changes the polarity of the voltage, and induces a commutation of the diode&#39;s power and a commutation of the lighting color. 
         [0174]      FIG. 10  is a back side view of the 2 lateral and retractable supports made of a lever  110  supporting a wheel  112  connected to a roller shaft  72 . Optionally those supports are automatically unfolded at low speed of the unicycle under the control of the actuator  113  served by the speed controller  76 . 
         [0175]      FIG. 11  represents movable parts  121 ,  122 ,  123 , of the guide  15  folded down around the said guide. 
         [0176]      FIG. 12  represents the same parts deployed such to realize a seat in which as a non limitative example  121  and  122  are connected to said guide  15  by hinges  124 , and are realized in a robust and flexible material.  123  is an handle cover is a soft material clip on the guide  15 , now used as a flexible seat when parts  121  and  122  are deployed and it is realized for example in a flexible silicon or polyurethane over wrapping a strong nylon tissue.  123  is clip on the extremities of  121  and  122  when it realizes the function of seat, and also clips on the guide  15  when it realizes the function of a soft handle. 
         [0177]      FIG. 12  also represents at smaller scale this unicycle with foldable seat in static position, the lateral balance legs being unfolded down as lateral support ensuring a triangle of stability. This combination transforms automatically the said unstable unicycle rolling, into a stable seat when the speed decreases, allowing the user to step on and down in security and comfort. 
         [0178]    Any rotation translation and assemblage of parts of an electric self balanced wheel may be operated for unfolding and strap a seat on it, the example exposed is not limitative of the preferred designs and realizes the invention becoming an electric self balanced unicycle. 
         [0179]      FIG. 13  illustrates the 3 main postures of the user, surfing A, riding frontward or backward B, carrying the wheel by hand C. Carrying the wheel in a bag is also recommended. 
         [0180]      FIG. 14  illustrates lateral curvature center CC 1  and the longitudinal curvature CC 2  of the tire  12 , and the gravity center CG. According to the invention le lateral curvature CC 1  is located substantially over the gravity center CG and preferably under the longitudinal center of curvature CC 2 . 
         [0181]      FIG. 15  illustrates several non limitative and non exclusives embodiments of the invention, with removable battery packs  151 , a removable and optional domestic battery charger with a connection cable  152 , for example a led strip lighting outside and inside the wheel&#39;s casing being translucent a combination of the 3 main colors RGB in order to display by an identified color the current range of speed of the balanced wheel; a mechanical and electrical connection  154  made of several connectors for powering and securing several optional devices, an internal vibration motor for warning the user. 
         [0182]      FIG. 16  illustrates a non exclusive embodiment of the combination of a removable Gyroscope  161  with the balanced wheel for regulating the precession level according to the wheels speed, by rotating the flywheel  162  in the same direction as the balanced wheel when slow, and opposite direction when the balanced wheel is fast, thanks to a motor  164 , torque transfer bearings  165 , a robust casing  163 , and robust connections  166 . According to the invention a direct current source embedded inside in the unique footrest  55  powers the said motor  164  with a polarity according to the wheel&#39;s speed. 
         [0183]      FIG. 17  illustrates the difference between an inflated tire having necessarily a short lateral curvature radius, and a long interface with the floor with the compact circular interface of the airless lire having a long lateral curvature radius. This illustration exposes that a circular interface with the floor oppose less frictional torque than a long interface of an inflated tire to the orientation of the wheel and facilitates the small adjustments requested by the balance at low speed. 
         [0184]      FIG. 18  exposes a balanced wheel without wheel&#39;s casing, a rim with gear  183  and its tire  12  is supported by a leg protection  181  when the user climbs on it and transfers to the wheel a lateral torque and stress, this leg protection secured like a sock according to the state of the art is manufactured either in a very low friction material for example like PTFE, or includes a roller  182  of substantially vertical axis. 
         [0185]      FIG. 19  exposes a rim dedicated to a competition version of the balanced wheel able to absorb high impacts and overpass significant obstacles thanks to spiral oriented spokes  191  acting like suspension, damper and pole vaulting levers if the wheel is traveling from left to right and passes over obstacles. 
         [0186]    The invention has been described as a 
         [0187]    Seat-less electric self-balanced wheel having
       at least one rechargeable battery pack,   at least one electric motor,   at least one electronic balance control system,   at least one lateral support of one user&#39;s leg,   at least one wheel&#39;s casing       
 
         [0193]    wherein it includes:
       only one wheel, said wheel is hub-less,   at least one power transmission between said motor and the said wheel,   At least one foot-rest where the footrest or combined footrests size are up to the diameter of the wheel casing   said footrest is a container   said foot-rest is configured to support one or two feet of the user standing with both legs on the same side of the wheel or with one leg on either side of the wheel when it is located bellow the center of the wheel   a placement of the center of gravity substantially below the center of said hub-less wheel due to the placement of its heavy components such to include inside the said footrest container the batteries and-or motor and-or transmission and-or balance system       
 
         [0200]    in respect with the ground clearance and with optimized static, dynamic, longitudinal, and lateral stability with safety and ergonomic design. 
         [0201]    wherein said foot-rest may be located in the empty center of the wheel during transportation and storage. 
         [0202]    wherein said foot-rest and said wheel may be separated parts. 
         [0203]    wherein the said wheel may include a flexible rim. 
         [0204]    wherein the said wheel may be guided by at least 3 rollers rolling on said rim with their axis connected to said wheel&#39;s casing. 
         [0205]    wherein said transmission may include a rotational speed reducer transmitting the motor&#39;s power to the rim. 
         [0206]    wherein at least 2 rollers connected to at least one foot rest may roll on said rim. 
         [0207]    wherein at least one roller may be driven by the said motor. 
         [0208]    wherein the said rim may include leaning spokes. 
         [0209]    wherein a high density power battery may cooperate with a high density energy battery. 
         [0210]    wherein a soft material may cover the wheel&#39;s casing. 
         [0211]    wherein it may stand on the floor before and after use thanks to a lateral center of curvature of the tire located significantly higher than its center of gravity. 
         [0212]    wherein its foot-rest surface may be a photoelectric charger of battery. 
         [0213]    wherein one light may illuminate the way frontward thanks to said balance sensor detecting the direction combined with at least 2 light sources driven by the electronic balance sensor. 
         [0214]    wherein 2 additional supports on the ground may be located backward on both sides being retractable by a rotation around one axis automatically deployed or retracted by an actuator driven by a speed sensor. 
         [0215]    wherein foldable and un-foldable parts of the structure may support and become a seat when unfolded. 
         [0216]    wherein it may be dynamically stable laterally in combination with a flywheel, an electric motor, removable mechanical and electric connections between the said electric balanced wheel and said motor and housing, said flywheel turning in the same direction as the wheel when slow, and in an opposite direction when the balanced wheel is fast. 
         [0217]    wherein it may include no wheel&#39;s casing in combination with at least one lateral leg supports and protection. 
         [0218]    wherein it may include a vibration generator motor mechanically secured to one foot-rest or vibration generated with the primary drive motor. 
         [0219]    wherein it may include at least two similar removable battery packs and at least two similar placements for those batteries pack. 
         [0220]    an electric vehicle wherein it may include at least 2 similar placements for battery packs, one battery pack inserted in one placement and one charger with a connection to the domestic power network inserted in the second placement. 
         [0221]    an electric vehicle wherein its current speed range may be displayed thanks to a color of illumination or a color of its casing resulting from the combination of a speed detector and comparator included in the electronic balance system, at multiple colored light sources connected to said electronic, and with several transparent or translucent parts of its casing. 
         [0222]    While the preferred embodiment of the invention have been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment and any combination of the ensegnements of the description enters into it scope. 
         [0223]    Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the following claims:

Technology Classification (CPC): 1