Patent ID: 12187376

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of this disclosure, embodiments of personal mobility vehicles will be referred to as “tricycles”, but it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and references to tricycles to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and modifications and equivalents thereof. In particular, while the present systems and methods have been described in the context of particularly preferred embodiments as it relates to tricycles, the skilled artisan will appreciate, in view of the present disclosure, that certain advantages, features and aspects of the systems and methods may be realized in a variety of other applications, including personal mobility vehicles other than tricycles with at least one steerable front wheel and at least two rear wheels.

Reference will now be made in detail to the alternative embodiments of the present technology. While numerous specific embodiments of the present technology will be described in conjunction with the alternative embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the present technology to these embodiments. On the contrary, these described embodiments of the present technology are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. However, it will be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well known methods, procedures, compounds, compositions and mechanisms have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments of the present technology.

Preferred embodiments of a personal mobility vehicle or tricycle are configured to allow a user to activate a throttle assembly which causes an electric motor to power at least one wheel of the personal mobility vehicle or tricycle. A preferred embodiment involves a tricycle having at least one rear swivel caster wheels allowing the user to cause the rear portion of the tricycle to travel in a substantially different direction than the direction of the front wheel. A swivel caster wheel typically includes a wheel configured to rotate around a rotational axis and a fork supporting the wheel, which enables the wheel to swivel around a swivel axis. One embodiment may further comprise a foot rest portion for the user to place the user's feet away from the front wheel and motor while operating the tricycle. A preferred embodiment may comprise a braking mechanism configured to apply a braking force to at least one wheel of the tricycle. The braking mechanism may be configured such that an actuating means is available to one or more of the user's hands or feet while the user is seated. Yet another embodiment comprises a handlebar and front fork assembly configured to provide a steering means for the front wheel of the tricycle, and further configured to support the front wheel and an electric motor driving said front wheel.

Referring now toFIG.1, a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated showing a tricycle10which comprises a frame12having a front wheel11mounted to a front fork13; the frame12having a front portion14and a rear portion16; the steerable front wheel11is attached to the front fork13and also a handlebar assembly20, both of which are rotatably connected to the front portion14of the frame12. It also includes a foot rest22, and at least two rear wheels26, the two rear wheels supported by the rear portion16of the frame12. The foot rest22is supported by the frame12at a location accessible to the foot of a user and is fixed relative to the frame. Although a single steerable wheel is shown inFIG.1, two or more steerable wheels may be included, and may be in the form of two front wheels. In a number of embodiments, the two or more wheels are aligned to enable steering of the tricycle. The illustrated front fork13and handlebar assembly20are integrated with one another, however, in other arrangements, the fork13and handlebar20can be separate components or assemblies coupled to one another. In addition, although illustrated as a separate component, the front fork13can be considered as part of the overall frame assembly of the tricycle/vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, an electric motor30is mounted to the tricycle10, such as to the frame12or, preferably, to the front fork13such that the electric motor is rotated about a steering axis with the front fork13when the user acts to turn the front wheel11. Preferably, the steering axis is inclined with respect to the surface upon which the tricycle10is supported or ridden. Preferably, the steering axis is inclined in a rearward direction from a line that extends perpendicular to the surface upon which the tricycle10is supported. The electric motor30preferably is mounted above the front wheel11and operably coupled to the front wheel11such that electric powered rotational forces are transferred from the electric motor30to the front wheel11. In another embodiment, the electric motor is supported adjacent the wheel hub by either the fork13or the wheels axle or hub. Alternatively, the electric motor30can be integrated with the wheel11and can be configured to drive the wheel13directly. In other embodiments, the electric motor30can include an endless drive system operatively coupled to the front wheel11, and the endless drive system can include a chain or belt that transfers rotational power to the front wheel11. In yet other embodiments, the vehicle includes a transmission operatively configured between the electric motor and the wheel11, and the transmission transfers power from the motor to drive the axle or hub of the wheel11. The transmission can be a geared transmission and can include a clutch or freewheel that allows the wheel11to rotate when not being driven by the motor.

A brake mechanism includes a brake lever40and a brake38(FIG.4). The brake lever40is operably mounted on the handlebar assembly20and, preferably, accessible to the user while maintaining directional control of the tricycle. In operation, actuation of the brake lever40causes a brake lever cable to be put in tension and moved upwards toward the handlebar assembly20, actuating a pair of opposing calipers and causing said calipers to apply frictional braking forces on the lateral sides of the braking disc38. In another preferred embodiment, a traditional bicycle caliper or cantilever brake system may be used to apply a frictional braking force on the rim of the front wheel11. In other embodiments, a drum style brake could be used. Several variations of the front braking mechanism may be possible and it will be understood by those with ordinary skill in the art that this application is intended to cover any such variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosed device. In a preferred embodiment, actuation of the brake lever40causes a frictional braking force to be applied to the braking disc38in conjunction with isolating the electric motor30from its power source (e.g., battery48—FIG.3) such that power transfer from the electric motor30to the front wheel11is lessened or terminated upon actuation of the brake lever40. Although the illustrated power source is a battery48, other suitable source of power can be used. Accordingly, unless indicated otherwise, the use of the term “battery” in the present disclosure can refer to suitable power sources in general. The brake mechanism is operatively coupled to the battery48and/or motor30in order to lessen or stop power transfer to the front wheel11. The actuation of the brake lever40can stop the power transfer from the power source48to the motor30and/or it can stop the power transfer from the motor30to the front wheel11. One such arrangement incorporates a cut-off switch that is actuated along with actuation of the brake lever40or other portion of the brake system. Another arrangement could be a clutch between the motor30and the front wheel11that actuates when the brake lever40or other part of the brake mechanism is actuated. In other embodiments, the brake lever40can alternatively be a lever or button that is accessible to the foot of user, for example, a lever supported by the foot rest22.

With reference toFIG.2andFIG.4, a driven wheel, gear or sprocket34is shown mounted to the axle or hub of the front wheel11such that a rotational force exerted on the driven sprocket34forces a turning of the front wheel11. The driven sprocket34is operably coupled to a drive shaft (preferably supporting a drive wheel, gear or sprocket) of the electric motor30by an endless drive loop, such as a drive belt or the illustrated drive chain32. In a preferred embodiment, the drive chain32is operably coupled to sprocket34connected to the axle of the front wheel11, said sprocket34comprising a one-way clutch mechanism, which is configured to allow the front wheel11to rotate at a greater speed relative to the sprocket34(i.e., an over-speed clutch). In another embodiment, the motor30in configured to drive the wheel11by applying a rotational force directly to the outer circumferential portion of the wheel11using a roller or other drive mechanism. Another embodiment includes a transmission between the motor30and the front wheel11that is configured to drive the axle of the front wheel using the power generated by the motor30. For example, a geared transmission with a clutch could be used to the drive the front wheel11. In an alternative embodiment, the motor30could be located adjacent the axle of the wheel11and could be integrated with the wheel such that the motor30directly transfers rotational force to the wheel and drives the wheel.

Opposite the drive sprocket34on the front wheel11, a braking disc38is mounted on the axle of the front wheel11such that applying braking forces to the braking disc38causes the front wheel11to slow in rotation. Some conventional tricycles comprise foot pedals coupled to the front wheel to allow the user to propel the tricycle forward. However, embodiments of the present tricycle include an alternative placement of the user's feet while seated and operating the tricycle. A preferred embodiment further comprises a foot rest portion22configured to allow the user to rest his/her feet away from the moving components, including the front wheel11, driven sprocket34, drive chain32, and braking disc38. The foot rest portion22may be fixedly coupled to the frame12or to the front fork13. A configuration with the foot rest portion22attached to the frame12allows the user to place the user's feet on the foot rest portion22and rotate the front fork13to turn the front wheel11without the positioning of the user's feet being rotated along with the front fork. In some conventional tricycles, the user would rest the user's feet on the foot pedals coupled to the front wheel, possibly resulting in uncomfortable twisting of the user's body and legs when turning the front fork and front wheel. However, in some embodiments of the tricycle, foot rest portions could also be supported by the front wheel11or the fork13.

FIG.3depicts a side view of a preferred embodiment of the tricycle10. The frame12of the tricycle10may also support a seat28for the user connected to the frame12. The seat28may be configured to allow the user to sit comfortably in a position such that the handlebar assembly20and foot rest22are within comfortable range of the user's hands and feet. In one arrangement, portions of the foot rest22upon which a user's feet rest are located behind a rearward-most point on the front wheel11. The foot rest22can be in the form of an upside-down T-bar that extends from the front portion14of the frame12. The front portion14of the frame12can extend upwardly from the forward end of the seat28to the front fork20. In some arrangements, the seat28may be adjustable in fore-aft and/or height directions. In a preferred embodiment, the battery48and battery housing may be mounted behind the seat28. The battery48may be supported by the rear portion of the frame16such that it is inaccessible to the user while the user is seated. This generally allows for a visually pleasing configuration of the tricycle10as the battery, battery housing, and any wires connected to the battery may be concealed from the user by the seat. In addition, mounting the battery48and battery housing behind the seat may also add additional weight to the rear of the tricycle. This may be advantageous in operation of the tricycle when the rear of the tricycle is moving sideways in a substantially different direction than the front wheel11of the tricycle. The battery mounted at the rear of the tricycle, in addition to the user seated in the seat mounted toward the rear of the tricycle10may create an unbalanced weight distribution favored toward the rear of the tricycle10thereby increasing the centrifugal force when the rear of the tricycle is directed in a substantially different direction than the front wheel of the tricycle. The battery housing (or a separate cowling or enclosure) can completely or substantially completely enclose the battery. The housing can be separate from the seat28or could partially (e.g., the backrest) or fully incorporate the seat28.

FIG.4depicts a front view of a preferred embodiment of the tricycle10showing the front fork13, a front wheel11mounted on said front fork13, a handlebar assembly20, and an electric motor30supported by the front fork13. In a preferred embodiment, a controller or throttle assembly36is operably mounted on the handlebar assembly20and positioned to allow the user to actuate the throttle while maintaining directional control of the tricycle. The throttle assembly36is operably connected to the motor30and battery48to generate the rotational force upon the driven sprocket34upon the user activating the throttle. The controller or throttle assembly36may be configured to be a twistable throttle, or the throttle assembly may comprise a lever or button, or other suitable user control arrangements. In other embodiments, the controller or throttle assembly36is accessible to the foot of the user and can be arranged as a throttle pedal or lever accessible to the user. For example, the throttle actuator can be supported adjacent to the foot rest22and can be actuated by the foot of a user.

A preferred embodiment of the tricycle10further comprises a brake lever40mounted to at least one handlebar handgrip to allow the user to actuate the braking assembly to apply frictional braking forces upon the braking disc38. In a preferred embodiment, the braking disc38or other braking mechanism is concentrically mounted to the axle of the front wheel11. In yet another preferred embodiment, a driven sprocket34is mounted concentrically on the axle of the front wheel11and opposite the braking disc38, said driven sprocket34operably coupled to the electric motor30by a drive chain32. In another preferred embodiment, the electric motor30is operably coupled to a powered roller, which transfers rotational force to the front wheel by applying frictional rotational force upon the outer circumference of the front wheel11. Alternatively in this embodiment, the powered roller may transfer rotational force to the front wheel by applying frictional rotational force upon the outer circumference of a driven hub, which is concentrically mounted to the front axle of the front wheel. In a preferred embodiment, the front wheel11comprises a treaded tire composed of a durable material such as rubber for contacting the ground and converting the rotational force from the electric motor30into locomotion of the tricycle10. Other suitable drive arrangements can also be used. For example, the motor could be integrated into the hub of the front wheel and provide direct drive of the front wheel.

A preferred embodiment includes a steering mechanism that comprises a front fork13configured to support the front wheel11and handlebar assembly20. In a preferred embodiment, the electric motor30is supported by the front fork13enabling said electric motor30to be operably coupled to a driven sprocket34mounted on the axle of the front wheel11. When the user turns the handlebar assembly20to steer the front wheel11, the front fork13is rotated about its steering axis, resulting in rotation of the front fork13, electric motor30, driven sprocket34, and front wheel11in unison. This configuration avoids tangling cables or drive chains between the front wheel11and handlebar assembly20and electric motor30and provides a reliable design that is cost-effect to manufacture. In a preferred embodiment, the front fork13is defined by two vertical supports20a,20b, said vertical supports20a,20binterconnected by at least one support member, and preferably a pair of support members20c,20dpositioned above and below a head tube portion of the frame12. Such a configuration of said vertical supports20a,20bprovides a void therebetween, where said void is configured to support the electric motor therein. This configuration allows for the electric motor30to be mounted in between the vertical supports20a,20bof the front fork20, providing protection for the electric motor30and associated components such as the drive chain32and driven sprocket34from damage due to collision with objects or other vehicles. The motor30may also be located between the at least one support member20cor20dthat interconnects the vertical supports20a,20band the front wheel11. Alternatively, the motor30can be between the lowermost support member20dand the front wheel11. Such an arrangement can allow the motor to occupy a space between the front wheel11and the frame12of the tricycle to provide further protection to the motor. In addition, a portion of the front fork20(e.g., the lowermost support member20d) can also serve as a mount for the motor, which reduces the number of components of the tricycle. Preferably, the vertical supports20a,20bbend outwardly at their upper ends to define handgrip portions of the handlebar assembly20, thereby providing an efficient arrangement from a manufacturing perspective. A housing, shroud or other enclosure can be provided to partially or completely enclose the motor30, drive chain32and driven sprocket34.

FIG.5shows a preferred embodiment from a rear perspective. The preferred embodiment as depicted shows a battery48mounted to the rear portion of the frame16. Power is provided to the electric motor30by a source of power, such as a battery48and, preferably, a battery housing that contains at least one battery and a controller. The at least one battery48is typically rechargeable and employs a recharging system that is configured to draw power from a conventional single phase power outlet or other commonly available source of power. In a preferred embodiment, the battery housing provides a switch for powering the electric motor30on or off, as well as a charger port connection for recharging the at least one battery48. In another preferred embodiment, the seat28may be configured to comprise a battery housing on the rear of the seat back such that the battery48is mounted to the seat28. For stability, the seat28is typically fixed to the frame as low to the ground as possible. In a preferred embodiment, the power stored by the at least one battery48is channeled to the electric motor30, which may be mounted on the front fork13of the front wheel11. In one embodiment, a controller or control mechanism is coupled to the battery48and/or motor30and is configured to control the transfer of power from the battery48to the motor30. Also, the controller mechanism can control the transfer of power from the motor30to the front wheel. For example, the controller is accessible to the user and upon actuation it actuates and switch or a variable switch that allows power transfer from the battery48to the motor30. The brake mechanism can also be coupled to the motor30and/or battery48such that it can stop power transfer when the brake is actuated. For example, when a user actuates the brake or brake lever40, a switch or cut-off switch can cause the power transfer from the battery to the motor30to lessen or stop.

In another preferred embodiment, the rear portion of the frame and the front portion of the frame comprise hollow tube chassis, and the wires electrically coupling the at least one battery48to the electric motor30may be positioned partially, substantially completely or completely within said hollow tube chassis. For example, the wires may run internal to the frame from at or near the location of the battery48to the forward end of the frame and may exit from the forward end of the frame.

A preferred embodiment further comprises two rear swivel caster wheels26supported by the frame12which may be dynamically engaged to induce and control drift during a turn. A caster wheel can include a wheel configured to rotate around a rotational axis and a fork supporting the wheel, which enables the swivel caster wheel to swivel around a swivel axis. However, other types of caster wheels are supported with a support only on one side supporting the axle. It is contemplated that various types of other axially rotating wheels and caster wheels could be used in these embodiments. In a preferred embodiment, the rear swivel caster wheels are allowed to rotate without rotational limitation or biasing force, and in yet another preferred embodiment, the rear swivel caster wheels are prevented from full 360 degree rotation by a limiting stop. In another preferred embodiment, the rear swivel caster wheel assemblies comprise a biasing member causing the rear swivel caster wheels to be biased to a neutral steering position and causing the swivel caster wheel assembly to return to its neutral steering position the external swiveling forces have been removed or reduced below a threshold force. An additional embodiment combines the biasing arrangement and the rotational limits.

FIG.6shows a preferred embodiment from a top-down perspective. This embodiment comprises a rear portion of the frame16connected to a front portion14of the frame12, said rear portion16of the frame12supporting the two rear swivel caster wheels26. The rear portion16of the frame12may be configured to extend substantially outwardly from the front portion14of the frame12, said rear portion16having a first and second distal end, said first distal end supporting the one rear swivel caster wheel26, and said second distal end supporting one rear swivel caster wheel26. This configuration provides stability for the user while operating the tricycle, allowing the user to spin the tricycle and exert sideways forces upon the rear end such that the rear end of the tricycle travels in a substantially different direction than the general direction of the front wheel11. This allows for increased enjoyment and a wide variety of trick maneuvers to be performed by the user. In other embodiments, the vehicle includes more than two rear caster wheels that are supported by the rear portion14of the frame12.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In particular, while the present systems and methods have been described in the context of particularly preferred embodiments, the skilled artisan will appreciate, in view of the present disclosure, that certain advantages, features and aspects of the systems and methods may be realized in a variety of other applications, many of which have been noted above. Additionally, it is contemplated that various aspects and features of the invention described can be practiced separately, combined together, or substituted for one another, and that a variety of combination and subcombinations of the features and aspects can be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. In particular, an embodiment includes the combination of features described above with respect to the individual photographs in a single tricycle.