Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to scooters, and more particularly, to pedal scooters for kids, adults, and physically challenged people who enjoy riding scooter for fun and exercise. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Riding for fun and exercise is very popular among individuals of all ages and disabilities. To make the riding easy, safe, and more enjoyable among kids, adults, and physically challenged people, a wide variety of fuel-less riding systems, such as, scooters, bicycles, are suggested in the prior art. In recent years, scooter riding is one of the biggest fads among riding enthusiasts. Scooters appeal to both adults and children for their fun use and ability to be used as legitimate transport. However, one of the problems associated with one type of scooters is that the user must stand at all times and propel the unit with a foot. This can be tiring for the ride and can also cause user to become off-balance while riding. Typically, scooters are ridden by a single person at a time and cannot be used by two persons at once. Further, with the rise in consumer affluence, consumers are willing to pay a little more for the convenience, appearance, and dependability. But, the conventional riding systems neither appeal nor are convenient for portability and packaging purposes. Furthermore, the conventional riding systems are heavy, complex in use, and non-durable for years of effective use. 
         [0003]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,852,898 teaches improvement in a pedal-operated polycycle including a hydraulic cylinder in fluid; pressure integral communication with piston means depending from such pedals; a hydraulic line in substantial co-alignment with the mainframe of the polycycle; an input of the hydraulic line being in communication with the hydraulic cylinder; and a rear wheel drive secured in rotational relationship with both an output of the hydraulic line and a tangent surface of the rear wheel of the polycycle. Riding is can be tiring for the ride and can also cause user to become off-balance while riding. The typical scooters are ride by a single person at a time and can not be used by two persons at once. This system is heavy, non-portable, and complex. It can not be used by two persons at once. Further it does not enable the user to ride in a standard manner and then switch to a seated riding style when desired. 
         [0004]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,375,208 provides a combined skateboard scooter comprising a handlebar, a front body, a transmission device, a wheel device, and a board. A rear end of the front body is pivoted to the board and includes a slot through which a steering rod extends. The steering rod is attached to the handlebar to move therewith and movable along the slot. The transmission device is engaged with the steering rod and the wheel device such that back and forth movement of the steering rod urges the wheel device to move forward via transmission by the transmission device. The wheel device includes wheels attached to front and rear ends of the board. The user may stand on the board and operate the handlebar and the steering rod to move back and forth to thereby move the combined skateboard scooter forward. This system is heavy, not portable, and complex. It can not be used by two persons at once. Additionally, this can be tiring for the ride and can also cause the rider to become off-balance while riding. 
         [0005]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,769,706 teaches a scooter having a steerable front wheel assembly, a rear wheel assembly and a frame linking the front and rear wheel assemblies. The scooter has a drive mechanism comprising front and back crankshafts rotatably attached to the frame and attached to left and right pedals. The front crankshaft transmits power to the rear wheel by means of a front sprocket gear, a continuous chain and a rear sprocket gear. This system is also complex. It can not be used by two persons at once. This can be tiring for the ride and can also cause rider to become off-balance while riding. 
         [0006]    None of the prior arts particularly discuss a system that can be used by two persons at the same time, while making the riding ideal among individuals of all ages and disabilities. The conventional riding systems neither appeal nor are portable. Furthermore, the conventional riding systems are heavy, complex in use, non-durable for years of effective use. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need for a lightweight, simple in use and durable riding system that can be used by two persons at the same time, while also providing easy, safe, and more enjoyable riding to kids, adults, and physically challenged people. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior arts, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a pedal scooter for kids, adults, and physically challenged people who enjoy riding scooter for fun and exercise, to include all the advantages of the prior arts, and to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages inherent therein. 
         [0009]    In one aspect, the present invention provides a pedal scooter. The pedal scooter comprises: a platform; a seating arrangement coupled to the platform; a steering arrangement disposed on the platform, the steering arrangement enabling the pedal scooter to be maneuvered; and a drive mechanism configured to operationally propel the pedal scoter, wherein the pedal scooter enables a first rider to sit on the seating arrangement, and propel the pedal scooter in a forward direction by operating the drive mechanism, and a second rider to stand on the platform and maneuver the pedal scooter in a desired direction using the steering arrangement. 
         [0010]    In another aspect, the present invention provides a drive mechanism for propelling a pedal scooter having a plurality of wheels. The drive mechanism comprises: a pedal; a front sprocket; a rear sprocket; a transmission member coupling the front sprocket and the rear sprocket, such that, the front sprocket and the rear sprocket conjointly move in a direction; a link connecting the pedal to the front sprocket; and a compressible member disposed between the pedal and the front sprocket, wherein upon application of pressure on the pedal, the pedal moves pivotally downwards causing the compressible member to compress, the front sprocket to rotate by a first rotation greater than or equal to about 180 degrees in a counter clockwise direction, enabling the rear sprocket to rotate by the first rotation in the counter clockwise direction, and the wheels coupled to the rear sprocket to rotate by the first rotation in the counter clockwise direction, thereby allowing the pedal scooter to move in a forward direction, and upon releasing the pressure from the pedal, the compressible member decompresses, causing the pedal to move pivotally upwards, the front sprocket to rotate by a second rotation greater than or equal to about 180 degrees in the counter-clockwise direction, enabling the rear sprocket to rotate by the second rotation in the counter clockwise direction, and the wheels coupled to the rear sprocket to rotate by the second rotation in the counter clockwise direction, causing a complete rotation of the wheels, allowing the pedal scooter to move in a forward direction. 
         [0011]    In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a pedal scooter. The pedal scooter comprises: a platform having a front portion, a back portion, a top surface and a bottom surface; a wheel arrangement configured on the bottom surface of the platform, the wheel arrangement having front wheels, rear wheels, a front axle, a rear axle, and connectors; a seating arrangement configured on the top surface of the platform, towards the back portion, the seating arrangement having a seat, a seat support, a seat support enclosure, a base plate and base plate bars; a steering arrangement mounted on the top surface towards a front portion of the platform, the steering arrangement having a vertical pole, a handlebar, a hinge and a hinge support, the steering arrangement enabling the pedal scooter to be maneuvered; a braking arrangement having a hand brake, a brake cable and braking calipers, the braking arrangement configured to operationally decelerate the pedal scooter; and a drive mechanism having a pedal, a front sprocket, a rear sprocket, a transmission member, a link, and a compressible member, the drive mechanism configured to operationally propel the pedal scoter, wherein the pedal scooter enables a first rider to sit on the seating arrangement, and propel the pedal scooter in a forward direction by operating the drive mechanism, and a second rider to stand on the platform and maneuver the pedal scooter in a desired direction using the steering arrangement. 
         [0012]    These together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the invention. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein, like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of a pedal scooter  1000 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the pedal scooter  1000  in a utilized state, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the pedal scooter  1000  illustrating wheel assembly and braking arrangement, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates a drive mechanism of the pedal scooter  1000 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5A ,  5 B and  5 C illustrates different positions of the drive mechanism of the pedal scooter  1000 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a lever  700  coupled to a pedal  600 , according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a lever receiving arrangement  710  disposed on a pedal  600 , according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of a pedal scooter  1000  in a utilized state having the lever  700  coupled to the pedal  600 , according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0022]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0023]    The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subject to many variations in structure and design. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a particular pedal scooter, as shown and described. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 
         [0024]    The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item and the terms “first,” “second,” and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. 
         [0025]    The present invention provides a pedal scooter, for kids, adults and physically challenged (people with paralyzed limbs) for easy transportation and additionally, riding scooter for fun and exercise. The pedal scooter is designed in a simple way enabling riding the same standing as well as while seating in a comfortable manner. Additionally, the pedal scooter of the present invention allows two people, most likely children, to ride at a same time, making the ride easy and enjoyable. The pedal scooter of the present invention is lightweight, convenient for riding, safe, easy to use, durable, and at the same time inexpensive. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS.1-7 , a pedal scooter  1000  is shown. In an embodiment, the pedal scooter  1000  comprises a platform  100 , a wheel arrangement, a seating arrangement, a steering arrangement, a braking arrangement and a drive mechanism. 
         [0027]    The platform  100  is an elongated structure comprising a front portion  110 , a back portion  120 , a top surface  130  and a bottom surface  140 . On the top surface  130  of the platform  100  and towards the front portion  110 , the steering arrangement is configured. The seating arrangement is configured on the top surface  130  of the platform  100 , towards the back portion  120 . The wheel arrangement is configured on the bottom surface  140  of the platform  100  and the drive mechanism protrudes from the front surface  130  towards the bottom surface  140 . In one embodiment, the platform  100  is 4 feet long and 1 foot wide, providing enough space to accommodate two persons (most likely children) at a time in a utilized state (See  FIG. 2 ). The material used in manufacturing the platform  100  may include durable plastic, and the like. 
         [0028]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the platform  100  is mounted on the wheel arrangement. The wheel arrangement includes a plurality of wheels (front wheels  200  and rear wheels  210 ), a front axle  220 , a rear axle  230 , connectors  240  and roller bearings (not shown). In one embodiment, the pedal scooter  1000  may have two front wheels  200  and two rear wheels  210 . However, the wheel arrangement of the pedal scooter  1000  may have the front wheels  200  and the rear wheels  210  arranged in different combinations. The front wheels  200  are connected to each other by means of the front axle  220  at the bottom surface  140  of the front portion  110 . The rear wheels  210  are connected to each other by means of the rear axle  230  at the bottom surface  140  of the back portion  120  of the platform  100 . Connectors  240  are attached to the bottom surface  140  of the platform  100  and consist of roller bearings. The wheels  200 ,  210  may be made of durable material including hard plastic, rubber or the like materials providing long life to the wheels  200 ,  210 . 
         [0029]    The seating arrangement is mounted on the top surface  130  of the platform  100 . In one embodiment, the seating arrangement may be disposed at approximately the half way point on the top surface  130  of the platform  100 . Seating arrangement includes a seat  300 , a seat support  310 , a seat support enclosure  320 , a base plate  330  and base plate bars  340 . The seat  300  is permanently fixed to the seat support  310 . The seat  300  may be produced from materials such as, lightweight plastic, and the like. The seat support  310  and the seat support enclosure  320  are coupled to each other in a manner, such that, the seat support  310  and the seat support enclosure  320  are arranged telescopically, allowing the seat support  310  to slidably move within the seat support enclosure  320 . The seat support  310  and the seat support enclosure  320  are coupled together using fasteners  350  such as, screws, bolts, nuts, and the like. The height of the seat  300  may be adjusted at different levels by adjusting the position of the seat support  310  within the seat support enclosure  320  using the fasteners  350 . The seat support enclosure  320  is coupled to the base plate  330 . The base plate  330  is movably secured along a plurality of slots within the base plate bars  340 , such that, the position of the seat  300  may be moved forward or backward along the base plate bars  340  by changing the position of the base plate  330  at different slots  360  of the base plate bars  340  and fastening the same. 
         [0030]    The steering arrangement is mounted on the front portion  110  of the platform  100 . The steering arrangement comprises a vertical pole  400 , a handlebar  410 , a hinge  420  and a hinge support  430 . The vertical pole  400  comprising a steer bar.  440 , and a steer bar enclosure  450 , is configured to provide an adjustable height varying feature. The steer bar  440  and the steer bar enclosure  450  are coupled to each other in a manner, such that, the steer bar  440  and the steer bar enclosure  450  are arranged telescopically, enabling the steer bar  440  to slidably move within the steer bar enclosure  450 , thereby providing adjustable height varying feature to the vertical pole  400 . The steer bar  440  and the steer bar enclosure  450  are coupled using fasteners  460 , such as, screws, bolts, nuts, and the like. The adjustable height varying feature of the vertical pole  400  enables riders of different height groups to drive the pedal scooter  1000  in a comfortable manner. 
         [0031]    The steer bar enclosure  450  is connected to hinge  420  mounted on the front portion  110  of the top surface  130  of the platform  100  through a hinge support  430 . The hinge support  430  enables the vertical pole  400  to move forward and backward at different positions along a length of the platform and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hinge support  430 , thereby allowing the rider to pull back the handle bar  410  while seated on the seat  300  and steer the pedal scooter  1000 . The forward and backward positions of the vertical pole  400  is controlled using a locking mechanism (not shown) enabling the vertical pole  400  to have different fixed positions with respect to the platform  100 . 
         [0032]    Additionally, the handle bar  410  is equipped with hand grips  470  at two ends of the handle bar  410 . Hand grips  470  provides proper grip to the rider while holding the handle bar  410 , such that, the steering of the pedal scooter  1000  may be achieved by guiding the handle bar  410  in a desired direction of traveling. 
         [0033]    In one embodiment, the braking arrangement includes hand brake  500 , a brake cable  510  and braking calipers  520  (See  FIGS. 1 and 3 ). The hand brake  500  is coupled to the handle bar  410 . At one end, the brake cable  510  connects the hand brake  500  and travels along the vertical pole  400  and over the bottom surface  140  of the platform  100 , such that, the brake cable  510  is secured along the vertical pole  400  and the bottom surface  140  of the platform  100  using suitable securing means such as clips, clamps, and the like. At the other end, the brake cable  510  connects the braking calipers  520 . When the rider applies the brake by pulling the hand brake  500 , the brake cable  510  attached to the hand brake  500  gets stretched, such that, the braking calipers  520  engages with at least one of the wheels thereby causing the pedal scooter  1000  to decelerate. In an embodiment, the braking calipers  520  engage with one of the rear wheels  210 . 
         [0034]    As shown in  FIGS. 4 ,  5 A through to  5 C, illustrated is the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism comprises a pedal  600 , a front sprocket  610 , a rear sprocket  620 , a transmission member  630 , a link  640 , a compressible member  650 , and an opening  660 . The front sprocket  610  and the rear sprocket  620  are coupled with the transmission member  630 , such as, chain, and the like. The front sprocket  610  is connected to the bottom surface  140  of the platform  100  by means of a sprocket connector  670 . The sprocket connector  670  has a small cylindrical projected portion (not shown) wherein roller bearings  680  of the front sprocket  610  are fixed, thereby allowing the front sprocket  610  to rotate about the axis of the roller bearing  680 . The rear sprocket  620  is coupled with the rear axle  230 , and further connected with the bottom surface  140  of the platform  100  by means of sprocket connector  670 . Additionally, the link  640  is coupled at a first end to a side surface of the front sprocket  610  and at a second end to a bottom surface  602  of the pedal  600 , such that, an application of pressure on the pedal  600 , causes the link  640  to move downwards and the front sprocket  610  to rotate in a counter clockwise direction. The link  640  is positioned at an angle inclined towards the seating arrangement of the pedal scooter  1000  and additionally, the pedal  600  is inclined towards the seating arrangement of the pedal scooter  1000 . The opening  660  disposed on the platform  100  enables the link  640  to slide along the opening  660  and along the length of the platform  100 . In one embodiment, the compressible member  650  includes spring, disposed on a top surface  130  of the platform  100 , such that, the link  640  runs through a length of the compressible member  650  and the compressible member  650  is disposed between the bottom surface  602  of the pedal  600  and the top surface  130  of the platform  100 . Additionally, the diameter of the compressible member  650  is greater than a width of the opening  660 . 
         [0035]    Now referring to  FIGS. 5A-5C , different positions of the drive mechanism during riding the pedal scooter  1000  is illustrated. Initially, when the pedal scooter  1000  is not in use (not driven), the compressible member  650 , is in an uncompressed state ‘A’ (See  FIG. 5A ). Now, when the rider applies pressure on a top surface  604  of the inclined pedal  600 , the link  640  moves pivotally downward causing the compressible member  650  to be compressed to state ‘B’ (See  FIG. 5B ). As the first end of the link  640  is connected to the side surface of the front sprocket  610 , the downward movement of the link  640  causes the front sprocket  610  to rotate a first 180 degree in the counter clockwise direction. As the transmission member  630  couples the front sprocket  610  to the. rear sprocket  620 , the 180 degree counter clockwise rotation of the front sprocket  610  causes the rear sprocket  620  to also rotate a first 180 degree in the counter clockwise direction, thereby allowing about half a rotation of the wheels in the counter clockwise direction causing the pedal scooter  1000  to move a certain distance forward. The compressible member  650  is now in a compressed state ‘B’. At this point, when the rider releases the pressure from the top surface  604  of the pedal  600 , the compressible member  650  gradually releases tension by pushing back the pedal  600  to its original position i.e. the uncompressed state ‘A’ of the compressible member  650 . This gradual movement of the compressible member  650 , lifts the pedal  600  pivotally upwards, causing the front sprocket  610  to rotate a second 180 degree in anticlockwise direction, resulting in one complete rotation of front sprocket  610  (See  FIG. 5C ). This movement of the front sprocket  610  causes the rear sprocket  620  to rotate in a second 180 degree in anticlockwise direction, resulting in one complete rotation of rear wheels  210 , thereby allowing the pedal scooter  1000  to move further in the forward direction. Accordingly, by constantly applying and releasing the pressure on the top surface  604  of the pedal  600 , the pedal scooter  1000  may be moved in a forward direction over a desired distance. 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a lever mechanism is configured by detachably engaging an elongated lever  700  to the link  640  through a lever receiving arrangement  710  on the pedal  600 . The lever  700  may be secured within the lever receiving arrangement  710  using securing means such as screws, nut-bolts, threads, and the like. This lever mechanism enables riders to use their hands to drive the pedal scooter  1000  (See  FIG. 7 ). 
         [0037]    The platform  100 , the seating arrangement, the steering arrangement, the braking arrangement, the wheel arrangement and the drive mechanism of the pedal scooter  1000  may be dismantled and packaged using a corrugated cardboard box and additionally, the packaging may include a pamphlet detailing instructions for assembling the pedal scooter. Further, cardboard inserts may be inserted into the package for protecting the dismantled pedal scooter. Additionally, the pedal scooter of the present invention may come in designs featuring different patters and colors that may appeal to all sections of the society. 
         [0038]    The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby, enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions, substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Category: 7