Abstract:
A body weight-activated scooter operated by the weight of the body through small, controlled, foot movements. The scooter has at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel attached on a frame, with a foot-rest pivotally attached at its forward portion to a fixed point on the frame and fixedly attached at its heelward portion to one end of a linking means so that the heelward portion of the foot-rest is free to pivot up and down. The scooter has a drive train mounted on the frame comprising a weight-vector wheel connected to an overrunning clutch-drive which is mechanically connected to the rear wheel, the overrunning clutch-drive providing sustained forward thrust when the foot-rest is depressed, thus activating the drive train via the linking means to produce forward motion. The linking means is firmly attached at its other end to a return tension means attached to the frame, enabling continuous, repetitive scooter operation.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to scooters, and more particularly to a body weight-activated scooter utilizing the principle of an overrunning clutch drive for generating forward motion.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The world population, especially in Western societies, resides more and more in flat, smooth places (due to paving). Localities and areas that are not smooth and flat can be improved and developed into areas more suitable to the use of “wheeled feet”, to ease the task of the feet.  
         [0003]     Lightweight, relatively inexpensive, small-wheeled, foot-operated devices for individual transport, recreation, and sports activity--exclusive of pedaled vehicles, such as bicycles—generally include scooters, skateboards, roller skates, and roller blades which are generally used by young children and youth. While the former two devices are operated with a foot action, pushing with a foot against a hard surface to create an opposing forward motion, the latter two devices are strapped directly to the feet of a user and are operated by combinations of foot and body action, similar to rapid walking performed with a swaying motion of the upper portion of the body, an activity generally unsuitable for older adults and elderly people with reduced physical abilities.  
         [0004]     Thus there is a need for a relatively inexpensive, lightweight, yet sturdy-construction scooter which can support an adult user without undue physical exertion and which is activated by the use of body-weight force.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide a body weight-activated scooter having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel attached on a frame, the scooter comprising: 
        at least one foot-rest pivotally attached at its forward portion to a fixed point on the frame and fixedly attached at its heelward portion to one end of a linking means so that a heelward portion of the at least one foot-rest is free to pivot up and down, and     at least one drive train mounted on the frame for operation of the scooter, the at least one drive train comprising:     at least one weight-vector wheel for controlled timing of forward motion of the scooter, and     at least one overrunning clutch-drive connected to the at least one weight-vector wheel, the at least one overrunning clutch-drive providing sustained forward thrust,     wherein when the at least one foot-rest is depressed by the body-weight force of a rider, the at least one drive train is activated via the linking means to produce the forward motion, the at least one overrunning clutch-drive being mechanically connected to the at least one rear wheel, the at least one linking means being firmly attached at its other end to at least one return tension means attached to the frame to enable continuous repetition of the operation of the at least one drive-train.        
 
         [0011]     The scooter of the present invention, in a preferred embodiment thereof, is operated by the weight of the body through small, controlled, foot movements, either individually or together, which, when applied to at least one foot-rest or foot-supporting belt, moves the scooter forward. In effect, the scooter exploits the weight of the body while “walking” in place to generate a forward motion. When a user pauses between “steps”, the scooter coasts freely. To lengthen coasting motion, the user simply resumes the “walking” action and it is not necessary to use a push with a free foot against the ground or surface to regain momentum as is done with a children&#39;s scooter. The scooter is especially suited for use on flat, paved areas, such as city streets, sidewalks, broad plazas, and shopping and recreational centers since it is not motorized.  
         [0012]     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, one side of a link-chain is connected to the heel portion of a foot-rest or foot-supporting belt; the second side of the link-chain is connected to an overrunning clutch, which operates at least one rear-drive wheel. The purpose of the overrunning clutch is to operate the drive-train which is automatically engaged in one direction, but freewheels in the other. A return spring returns the link-chain to its initial starting position.  
         [0013]     Alternatively, a V-belt is used in place of a link-chain to operate the overrunning clutch. The tightness of the V-belt or link-chain allows a twofold pull and consequent saving of energy in the propulsion of the scooter. This allows for a higher speed of operation and reduced weight of the frame. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the foot-rests are provided with skid-proof surfaces for greater traction. Alternatively, lighter-weight foot-supporting belts are provided instead of foot-rests for operating the scooter and resting the feet.  
         [0014]     The system of the invention is adaptable for application in a four-wheeled chassis having two drive-wheels for the convenience of adults and people with physical limitations. It can also be used as a sports or recreational vehicle having two wheels, mounted at opposing ends of the dual foot-rest, one of which is a drive fitted with two overrunning clutches mounted one on each side of the drive-wheel and the other a freely-turning wheel to provide steering. In one embodiment of the invention, the device fits under a foot much like a skate shoe with an open heel. With the aid of intermediate wheels one can align a linking means, such as a link-chain above and behind the heels of the feet.  
         [0015]     The invention is adaptable to accommodate add-ons to assist easy and correct movement of a link-chain in a number of ways, such as the addition of an idler wheel to reduce slack in the link-chain. Other add-ons, such as front and rear lights, warning lights and alarms, a speedometer, and an odometer are easily fitted to the scooter of the invention. Furthermore, small, relatively quiet, electric drives or motors can be added, for example, to automatically and more comfortably adjust the height of either the handlebars or the weight-vector wheels for different users and for different applications of the scooter of the invention.  
         [0016]     An appropriate frame, as lightweight as possible, is necessary to optimize the stepping action of a user to drive the scooter forward. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the scooter is constructed of a relatively lightweight material, such as plastic, aluminum, leather, and any similar lightweight structural material so it is convenient to use and saves exertion effort of a user.  
         [0017]     The stepping action can be extended or shortened as needed by changing the height of the weight-vector wheel in relation to the ground and thus optimizing the placement of the body weight for maximizing either the power or speed of the scooter. The low center of gravity of the scooter provides for greater stability and control for users.  
         [0018]     The scooter is intended for smooth, flat surfaces which will help people who have walking difficulties; only a small lifting of the heel of the foot is sufficient to create a driving “pulse”. The device of the invention, being simple in design, does not require a motor and is therefore relatively inexpensive to produce. It is also quiet in operation and pollution-free to the environment.  
         [0019]     The key element of locomotion is the requirement that the pushing vector is optimized in relation to the gravitational vector so as to utilize the lowest center of gravity. The power of the foot pressure is applied as close as possible to the pressure vector. In a sports model embodiment of the invention, the pressing cycle is longer than in other applications.  
         [0020]     The present invention, in a preferred embodiment thereof, optimizes the placement of the foot-rest close to the ground, thus providing the added advantage that it is easier for elderly users to alight or mount the scooter.  
         [0021]     Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following drawings and descriptions. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     For a better understanding of the invention in -regard to the embodiments thereof, reference is made to the following drawings, not shown to scale, in which numerals designate corresponding sections or objects throughout, and in which:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a schematic drawing of the initial stage of operation of components of the power train system of the invention in a preferred embodiment thereof,  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a schematic drawing of the return stage of operation of the power train system from  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a top, schematic view of the layout, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, of the major components of a two-wheeled scooter adapted for sport users;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is an exploded, detailed view of the embodiment of the two-wheeled scooter of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is top, schematic view of the layout, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, of the major components of a four-wheeled scooter suitable for adult and recreational use;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is an exploded, diagrammatic view of the embodiment of the four-wheeled scooter of  FIG. 5 ; and  
         [0029]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  are side views illustrating the initial and return stages, respectively, in the operation of yet another embodiment of the invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0030]      FIG. 1  is a schematic drawing of the initial stage of operation of components of the power train system of the invention in a preferred embodiment thereof. Since  FIG. 1  is intended to illustrate only the power train system of the invention, the wheels, frame, and steering mechanisms of a scooter, which are known to those skilled in the art, are not shown (see  FIG. 4 ).  
         [0031]     One end of a linking means  12 , such as a bicycle-type link-chain or, alternatively, a V-belt, is attached at a node  16  to a foot-rest  18  which is rotatably attached at a forward node  28  of foot-rest  18 , such as by a hinge, so that the heelward portion of foot-rest  18  near node  16  is free to move up and down with the corresponding movement of link-chain  12 .  
         [0032]     For convenience of description and for illustration purposes, linking means  12  is hereinafter referred to as link-chain  12 .  
         [0033]     Link-chain  12  is linked to a weight-vector wheel  14  disposed above foot-rest  18 , then passes around and connects to an overrunning clutch  10 , and finally is secured at node  20  to return spring  22  which itself is fixedly connected at node  24  to a scooter frame (not shown). Forward node  28  is also mechanically connected to another part of the same frame. An overrunning clutch will automatically engage in one direction, but will freewheel in the other. In a preferred embodiment of the invention and by way of example, the overrunning clutch  10  is of the roller bearing type. The general symbols  9  represent a sampling of one of a number of roller bearings and ramps which are housed in an inner hub of overrunning clutch  10  and which allow movement of the roller bearings in only one direction (up the ramp), but acts as a stop in the other direction causing the clutch to freewheel.  
         [0034]     Body-weight force of a user, represented by shoe  26 , operates the power train system of the invention to produce forward motion. Stepping action on foot-rest  18  creates “pulses” which rotate overrunning clutch  10  and moves link-chain  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1  by arrows. The drive pulse is transmitted to at least one rear-drive wheel, indicated by the common axle  21 , when an incremental downward movement of the heel of a rider standing on at least one foot-rest  18  exerts foot pressure on the drive train. Thus, a downward pressure (indicated by arrow P 1 ) at the heel of shoe  26  on foot-rest  18  causes link-chain  12  to also move downward and counter-clockwise (arrow Q 1 ) around weight-vector wheel  14  thus rotating (arrow R 1 ) overrunning clutch  10  and providing thrust to at least one rear-drive wheel (not shown) attached to it through the common axle  21 , providing a forward motion to propel the scooter.  
         [0035]     The counter-clockwise motion about weight-vector wheel  14  and overrunning clutch  10  of link-chain  12  pulls and extends return spring  22  creating a tension force. When foot-rest  18  reaches a pre-determined arc of motion d, it comes to rest at stopping position  29 . This arc of motion d is adjustable in accordance with the optimal functioning of the system of the invention and releases the pressure on overrunning clutch  10  which then freewheels, as explained heretofore.  
         [0036]      FIG. 2  is a schematic drawing of the return stage of operation of the power train system shown in  FIG. 1 . Overrunning clutch  10  is forced by the tension of return spring  22  to freewheel in a reverse, clockwise direction R 2 , thus returning return spring  22  to a state of rest while not producing any forward motion. Link-chain  12 , however, is drawn upward (as indicated by arrow P 2 ) at node  16  to wind clockwise (arrow Q 2 ) around weight-vector wheel  14 , thus lifting the heelward portion of foot-rest  18  upward into a ready position for another cycle of operation of the power train.  
         [0037]      FIG. 3  is a top, schematic view of the layout of the major components of a two-wheeled scooter adapted for sport users and constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The scooter  37  is shown in a schematic type view without reference to a frame or steering means to emphasize the inventive features.  
         [0038]     One rear-drive wheel  30  is disposed on the same axle, represented by center line  21 , as a pair of overrunning clutches  10  which are mounted on both sides of rear wheel  30  and linked by link-chain  12  to a pair of weight-vector wheels  14  mounted on a common axis  15  supported by a vertical frame shaft (not shown) above twin foot-rests  18 . A steerable front wheel  32  is shown in  FIG. 3  only for reference purposes in relation to the other described features in the layout of the invention.  
         [0039]      FIG. 4  is an exploded, detailed view of the embodiment of the two-wheeled scooter of  FIG. 3 . The scooter  37  is guided by handlebars  34  and turning post  36  connected by a height adjustment shaft  38  to front wheel  32 . A tightening means  40  is provided to hold the handlebars  34  at a designated height suitable for the user. The entire steering mechanism  36 , from handlebars  34  to front wheel  32  can be disassembled as shown in  FIG. 4  for convenient storage of the scooter using standard mechanical fasteners, such as are well-known to those skilled in the art. Dot-and-dash lines are used to indicate re-assembly points and directions for attachment of the various components shown.  
         [0040]     To provide maximum body-weight vector force, a T-bar  44  is connected to the scooter frame  46  via a vertical frame shaft  45  which can be varied in height to provide for differences in body-weight vector forces and optimize scooter performance by altering the center of gravity in relation to the body weight of a user. Controlled timing, by adjusting the gravity vector of the weight vector-wheel  14 , affects a change in the speed of travel and power of motion of a scooter.  
         [0041]     Forward motion is optimized when the foot pressure applied by a user is as close as possible to the pressure vector in relation to a gravitational vector. The weight-vector wheels  14  are mounted on either side of T-bar  44  and linked by link-chain  12  to their respective overrunning clutches  10  disposed on the outer sides of rear drive-wheel  30 .  
         [0042]      FIG. 5  is top, schematic view of the layout, in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, of the major components of a four-wheeled scooter suitable for adult and recreational use. (Additional features and further details are shown in  FIG. 6 .)  
         [0043]     The four-wheeled scooter  39  is provided with two overrunning clutches  10 , which are mounted on a common axle  29  with two fixed rear-drive wheels  30  to which they are mechanically connected. A pair of linking means, such as link-chains  12  are fixedly connected at nodes  16  to respective foot-platforms  18  and engage a pair of weight-vector wheels  14 , which are mounted on a supporting frame structure (not shown) above each respective foot-rest  18  and further linked to corresponding overrunning clutches  10 . After being partially wound around their respective overrunning clutches  10 , each of the other ends of each link-chain  12  are fixedly attached to return tension means, such as tension springs (not shown) which are anchored in the underside of the frame (not shown) of scooter  39 . The principle of operation of scooter  39  is as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  and described hereinbefore. Two, steerable front wheels  32  for steering are controlled by handlebars  34  attached to a steering means  42  (see  FIG. 6 ).  
         [0044]      FIG. 6  is an exploded, detailed view of the embodiment of the four-wheeled scooter of  FIG. 5 . In most respects, scooter  39  operates similarly to the embodiment of the invention of  FIGS. 3 and 4  except for the distinctive feature of additional wheels and a more sophisticated steering mechanism  42 , including a turn-bar mechanism  48  as is known to those skilled in the art for operating both front wheels  32  in tandem when making a turn with scooter  39 . It should be noted that in actual assembly, the weight-vector wheels  14  are aligned above their respective rear-drive wheels  30  so that each, respective link-chain  12  is linked without slack around their respective overrunning clutches  10  to apply maximum torque to rear-drive wheels  30  when scooter  39  is operated. Due to the exploded view shown in  FIG. 6 , the two link-chains  12  are not shown in full, but only partially shown at their respective ends where they are fixed at nodes  16  and  20  and arrows A-A and B-B indicate general continuations from end to end. A full, detailed layout of the link-chain connections is as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  for each rear-drive wheel  30 .  
         [0045]      FIGS. 7   a  and  7   b  are side views illustrating the initial and return stages, respectively, in the operation of yet another embodiment of the invention.  
         [0046]     The overrunning clutch principle is applied to a self-propelled roller-skate type device  35  attached by a foot strap  50  to each shoe  26  of a user. In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), a shoe-like platform is an oversized, fixed feature which conveniently accommodates and holds a variety of user shoe sizes. In either embodiment, the foot of the user is strapped tightly to a shoe platform  54  or, alternatively, to a wide, foot-supporting belt (not shown) which replaces platform  54 . The belt embodiment of the invention is provided with a small-diameter rod or wheel disposed at the heel end of shoe  26  to maintain tension in the belt and control slack.  
         [0047]     In operation, as shown in  FIG. 7   a , the user&#39;s foot in shoe  26  presses down so that the heel of shoe  26  moves in a short arc downward as shown by the double-headed arrow. The link-chain  12  is thus pulled in a downward direction by body weight force applied via link-chain  12  to weight-vector wheel  14  which rotates counter-clockwise. Since weight-vector wheel  12  is linked to overrunning clutch  10  mounted on the axle of rear-drive wheel  52 , the overrunning clutch  10  also rotates counter-clockwise and causes rear-drive wheel  52  to also turn, moving device  35  forward. When the foot of a user comes to rest at the lowest point of the arc designated in  FIG. 7   a  by the double-headed arrow, the return tension spring  22  is fully stretched and begins to exert a counter-pulling force on link-chain  12 . Since this force causes overrunning clutch  10  to rotate in a clock-wise direction, it becomes disengaged from rear-drive wheel  52  and freewheels. When the heel of a user is raised away from shoe platform  54  at the downward end of a “walking” cycle as indicated in  FIG. 7   b , shoe platform  54  becomes free to rise at its heelward end due to the reverse pull on link-chain  12  generated by tension spring  22  on link-chain  12  and this prepares the roller-skate type device  35  for another cycle of operation.  
         [0048]     A rigid structure  56  both supports weight-vector wheel  14  disposed at an optimal height above shoe platform  54  to maximize body-weight force and provides a frame for the roller-skate type device  35 . Rigid structure  56  is made of rigid plastic although other suitable materials may be used. Notice the cutaway view of rigid structure  56  in  FIG. 7   a  which shows a metal support  58  embedded in the frame to provide greater safety and strength.  
         [0049]     Having described the invention with regard to certain specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the description is not meant as a limitation, since further modifications may now suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.