Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to a scooter, also known as a kick scooter or push scooter. In particular, the disclosure pertains to a folding scooter collapsible onto itself, and a folding or collapsible scooter having a stowable stand for removably retaining a cargo. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Commercially available scooters provide a means of transportation for the operator of the scooter. Such scooters generally do not include a stand or a mounting rack for holding an object, for example a backpack. As such, any such object must be carried by the operator. 
         [0003]    Accordingly, there exists a need for a scooter having a stowable stand or a mounting rack for holding objects such as a backpack while the operator is using the scooter. As such, the stowable stand must be operable between a stowed position when not in use and an unstowed position when in use. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a scooter includes a steering column extending between one or more handle bars and a front wheel fork, and a front wheel rotatably coupled to the front wheel fork. At least a portion of the steering column is rotatably coupled to the steering column support frame. The scooter includes a deck having a top surface, a bottom surface including a channel defined at least in part by opposed walls extending away from the bottom surface, a front section, and a rear section including a rear wheel fork defined at least in part by the opposed walls extending away from the bottom surface. A rear wheel axle rotatably couples a rear wheel to the rear wheel fork. The scooter also includes a stand defined at least in part by a pair of opposed frame members extending between respective first and second ends, wherein a spacer fixedly couples the first ends in a spaced apart relationship. The second ends of the stand are rotatably coupled to the rear wheel axle. 
         [0005]    A deck support frame, having opposing ends, is rotatably coupled at one end to the steering column support frame, and at the opposite end to the deck. At least a portion of the deck support frame is receivable within at least a portion of the channel along the bottom surface of the deck. In some embodiments, the deck support frame is rotatably coupled to the opposed walls of the channel. In other embodiments, the steering column support frame and the deck support frame are rotatable relative to one another between a locking folded position and a locking unfolded position, and the deck and the deck support frame are rotatable relative to one another between a locking folded position and a locking unfolded position. 
         [0006]    The deck support frame includes a first latching bracket for removably receiving and retaining the spacer at the first ends of the stand when the stand is in a stowed position. The scooter includes a pair of second latching brackets, wherein each one of the pair of second brackets is fixedly attached to a side of the rear wheel fork for removably receiving and retaining at least a portion of one of said pair of opposed frame members when the stand is in an unstowed position. As such, the stand and the deck are rotatable relative to one another such that the stand can be positioned at the stowed position or at the unstowed position. 
         [0007]    A brake is rotatably coupled to the deck proximate the rear wheel, wherein at least a portion of the brake protrudes through an opening in the deck. The brake includes a first and a second arcuate wall wherein at least a portion of the first arcuate wall protrudes above the top surface of the deck and at least a portion of the second arcuate wall protrudes towards the rear wheel such that application of a pushing force on the first arcuate wall rotates the second arcuate wall towards the rear wheel and removal of the pushing force from the first arcuate wall rotates the second arcuate wall away from the rear wheel. Rotating the second arcuate wall towards the rear wheel frictionally couples the second arcuate wall to the rear wheel for stopping rotation of the rear wheel by decreasing a rotational velocity of the rear wheel. 
         [0008]    The opposed frame members, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the stand, include indentations at predetermined locations on the frame members for receiving and retaining at least a portion of an object latched to the spacer. 
         [0009]    In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the stand is defined at least in part by an elongated member extending between a first end and a securement fork at a second end opposite the first end, wherein at least a portion of the securement fork extends through an opening in a rear section of the deck and is rotatably coupled to the rear wheel axle. In some such embodiments, the scooter includes a longitudinally extending groove in the top surface of the deck for removably receiving and retaining the stand in the stowed position. As such, the scooter does not include the first latching bracket in the deck support frame. In certain embodiments, the first end of the scooter includes a carabiner for removably receiving and retaining at least a portion of an object, for example a backpack, while the stand is in the unstowed position. 
         [0010]    In an alternate embodiment, the scooter does not include a stand. 
         [0011]    In accordance with a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a method of using a scooter includes providing a stand extending between a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is rotatably coupled to a rear wheel axle of a rear wheel of the scooter, providing a first latching bracket on the scooter for removably receiving and retaining the first end of the stand in a stowed position on the scooter, and providing a pair of second latching brackets for removably receiving and retaining the stand in an unstowed position wherein the pair of second latching brackets are fixedly attached to at least a portion of the scooter proximate the rear wheel and configured for receiving at least a portion of the stand. The stand is unlatched from the first latching bracket and is rotated about the rear wheel axle from the stowed position to the unstowed position. The stand is then placed in the unstowed position by latching the stand to the pair of second latching brackets. The stand is placed in the stowed position by unlatching the stand from the pair of second latching brackets, rotating the stand about the rear wheel axle from the unstowed position to the stowed position, and placing the stand in the stowed position by latching the stand to the first latching bracket. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the scooter includes a longitudinally extending groove in the top surface of the deck for removably receiving and retaining the stand in the stowed position. As such, the scooter does not include the first latching bracket in the deck support frame. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments of the scooter, the stand includes one or more indentations. After the stand has been placed in the unstowed position, a first section of a backpack is removably attached to the first end of the stand and a second section of the backpack is removably attached to the one or more indentations. The backpack is removed from the stand by detaching the second section of the backpack from the one or more indentations, and detaching the first section of the backpack from the first end of the stand. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a scooter with a backpack stand in a stowed position; 
           [0015]      FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the of scooter of  FIG. 1A  with the backpack stand in an unstowed position; 
           [0016]      FIG. 1C  is a close-up partial perspective view of the scooter of  FIG. 1B  illustrating an embodiment of a first latching bracket for the backpack stand; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1D  illustrates a portion of the backpack stand engaged in the first latching bracket of  FIG. 1C ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1E  is a close-up partial perspective view of the scooter of  FIG. 1A  illustrating an embodiment of a second latching bracket for the backpack stand; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1F  illustrates a portion of the backpack stand engaged in the second latching bracket of  FIG. 1E ; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1G  illustrates securing an upper portion of a backpack to the backpack stand of  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1H  illustrates securing a lower portion of the backpack of  FIG. 1G  to the backpack stand of  FIG. 1B ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 1I  is a perspective view of the scooter of  FIG. 1B  with the backpack removably secured to the backpack stand; 
           [0023]      FIG. 1J  is a partial perspective view of the lower portion of the backpack; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2A  is a side view of an embodiment of a brake in a disengaged position; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2B  is a side view of the brake of  FIG. 2A  in an engaged position; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2C  is partial internal bottom view of the brake of  FIG. 2A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a scooter; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3B  is a partial perspective of the scooter of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3C  is a perspective view of the scooter of  FIG. 3A  in a collapsed position; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3D  is another perspective view of the scooter of  FIG. 3C ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4A  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a scooter; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4B  is another perspective of the scooter of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of the scooter of  FIG. 4A  in a collapsed position; 
           [0034]      FIG. 4D  is another perspective view of the scooter of  FIG. 4C ; 
           [0035]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of another embodiment of a scooter; 
           [0036]      FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the scooter of  FIG. 5A  in a collapsed position; 
           [0037]      FIG. 5C  is another perspective view of the scooter of  FIG. 5B ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 6A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a scooter with a backpack stand in a stowed position; 
           [0039]      FIG. 6B  is a perspective view of the of scooter of  FIG. 6A  with the backpack stand in an unstowed position; and 
           [0040]      FIG. 6C  is a perspective view of the of scooter of  FIG. 6B  with a backpack. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0041]    While multiple embodiments are disclosed herein, still others may become apparent to one skilled in the art. In the following, certain illustrative and non-limiting embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like elements are designated by like numerals. It should be clearly understood that there is no intent, implied or otherwise, to limit the invention in any form or manner to that illustrated and described herein. All alternative embodiments are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant invention as defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. 
         [0042]      FIGS. 1A and 1B  are perspective views of scooter  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Scooter  10  includes elongated steering column  12 , steering column support frame  14 , front and rear wheels  16  and  18 , respectively, deck  20 , deck support frame  22 , backpack stand  24 , first latching bracket  26  and pair of second latching brackets  28  for backpack stand  24 , and brake  30 . Steering column  12  extends longitudinally between handlebar  32  and fork  34 . Front wheel axle  36  rotatably couples front wheel  16  and fork  34  in a configuration enabling rotational movement of front wheel  16  about axle  36 . In some embodiments of scooter  10 , steering column  12  is a telescoping column configured for changing a distance between handlebar  32  and fork  34  (or front wheel  16 ). As such, steering column  12  is extendible and collapsible for accommodating users of different height, and it can also be collapsed into itself when not in use. As illustrated, at least a portion of steering column  12  proximal of fork  34  extends through steering column support frame  14  to which it is rotatably coupled. In some embodiments of scooter  10 , steering column support frame  14  is configured for enabling unrestricted rotational movement, i.e., 360° rotation, of steering column  12 . In other embodiments of scooter  10 , steering column support frame  14  is configured to limit or restrict the rotational movement of steering column  12  to less than 360°. In certain embodiments of scooter  10 , steering column support frame  14  is configured for inhibiting longitudinal movement of steering column  12  therethrough at least while scooter  10  is in use. In some embodiments, for the sake of convenience, steering column  12 , steering column support frame  14 , front wheel  16 , one or more handle bars  32 , fork  34 , and front when axel  36  are collectively referred to as a steering assembly. 
         [0043]    Deck  20  includes top and bottom surfaces  38  and  40 , respectively. Top surface  38  is configured for a user to stand on with one or both feet. Bottom surface  40  includes a longitudinally extending channel or open-ended trough (not shown) extending between front and rear sections  42  and  44 , respectively, of deck  20 . In an embodiment of scooter  10 , the trough or channel is defined at least partially by a pair of opposed walls  46  (only one shown) extending away from bottom surface  40 , and is at least partially configured for receiving at least a portion of deck support frame  22 . Coupling  48  attaches together one end of deck support frame  22  and steering column support frame  14 . At least a portion of deck support frame  22  extending proximally from steering column support frame  14  is received within, and extends along, at least a portion of the channel on bottom surface  40  of deck  20 . Coupling  50  attaches together deck support frame  22  and the pair of opposed walls  46 . As can be seen, at least a portion of front section  42  of deck  20  is at least partially supported by or rests on at least a portion of deck support frame  22 . 
         [0044]    Backpack stand  24 , in an embodiment of scooter  10 , includes a pair of opposed elongated frame members  52  and  54 , each respectively having first end  56  and  58  and second end  60  and  62 . First ends  56  and  58  are coupled to one another in a spaced apart relationship. In some embodiments of backpack stand  24 , first ends  56  and  58  are fixedly attached to opposing ends of spacer  64  extending therebetween. Turning first to  FIGS. 1C and 1D , deck support frame  22 , in an embodiment of scooter  10 , includes first latching bracket  26  configured for removably receiving and retaining (e.g., securing, engaging) spacer  64  when backpack stand  24  is in a stowed position. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of scooter  10 , such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 1C and 1D , first latching bracket  26  is a clip. 
         [0045]    Turning now to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  1 E and  1 F, rear wheel axle  66  is illustrated coupling together several components of scooter  10  at rear section  44  of deck  20 . In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of scooter  10 , moving outwards in either direction from rear wheel  18 , these components include second latching brackets  28 , opposing sides  47  (only one shown) of a rear wheel fork defined at least in part by opposed walls  46  of deck  20 , and second ends  60  and  62  of respective frame members  52  and  54  of backpack stand  24 . Rear wheel  18  is coupled in a configuration enabling rotational movement thereof about rear wheel axle  66 . Each second latching bracket  28  includes shallow channel or trough  68  configured for removably receiving and retaining (e.g., securing, engaging), when backpack stand  24  is in an unstowed (e.g., an extended) position, at least a portion of each frame member  52 / 54 . Second ends  60  and  62  of respective frame members  52  and  54  of backpack stand  24  are coupled in a configuration enabling rotational movement of frame members  52  and  54  about rear wheel axle  66 . It should be understood that the illustrated configuration or order in which the components are coupled is only for the purpose of describing a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of scooter  10 . For instance, second latching brackets  28  are illustrated with their respective shallow channels  68  facing outwards in opposite directions and away from rear wheel  18 . Additionally, the rotatably coupled frame members  52  and  54  are illustrated facing or on the same side as the shallow channels of second latching brackets  28 . As such, frame members  52  and  54  will be received within and removably secured or engaged in shallow channels  68  when backpack stand  24  is rotated from a stowed position to an unstowed position. Alternate configurations for the one or more components and/or the order in which they are arranged and coupled will become apparent to one skilled in the art. All such alternate embodiments are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant invention. 
         [0046]    In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of scooter  10 , backpack stand  24  includes indentations  70  and  72 , respectively, on at least a portion of frame members  52  and  54 . As perhaps best illustrated with reference to  FIGS. 1G-1I , indentations  70  and  72  in combination with spacer  64  are configured for receiving and retaining at least a portion of backpack  74 . Backpack  74 , in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, includes latching hook  76  and latching bar  78  for removably affixing or securing backpack  74  to backpack stand  24  of scooter  10 . As described herein below with reference to an embodiment for a method of use, spacer  64 , indentations  70  and  72 , latching hook  76  and latching bar  78  are used in combination for removably attaching or securing backpack  74  to scooter  10 . 
         [0047]    A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a method of using scooter  10  includes one or more of the following steps starting from backpack stand  24  in a stowed position with spacer  64  engaged in first latching bracket  26 . Spacer  64 , to which first ends  56  and  58  frame members  52  and  54  are fixedly attached, is disengaged from first latching bracket  26  and lifted away from deck  20  of scooter  10 . Accordingly, frame members  52  and  54  will rotate about rear wheel axle  66  to which second ends  60  and  62  are rotatably coupled. The lifting of spacer  64  and rotation of frame members  52  and  54  is continued until at least portions thereof are received and engaged within shallow channel  68  of each second latching bracket  28 . Backpack stand  24  is now considered ready for use and backpack  74  is removably attached to spacer  64  and indentations  70  and  72 . As shown by the direction of arrow  80 , latching hook or clip  76  is placed on or positioned over spacer  64  and rotatably hooked or clipped thereto such that spacer  64  provides a pivoting configuration about which backpack  74  can be rotated. Next, latching bar  78  is removably secured (or latched or clipped) within indentations  70  and  72  in respective frame members  52  and  54  by swinging the bottom of backpack  74 , to which latching bar  78  is fixedly attached, towards backpack stand  24  in the direction indicated by arrow  82 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1I , scooter  10  having backpack  74  attached thereto is ready for use. 
         [0048]    It will be apparent that the process is reversed for detaching backpack  74  from scooter  10 . In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, latching bar  78  is rotatably attached to backpack  74  which includes storage compartment  84  for at least partially stowing latching bar  78  after backpack  74  has been detached from backpack stand  24  of scooter  10 . As illustrated in  FIG. 1J , at least a portion of latching bar  78  can be stowed within storage compartment  84  by moving it in the direction indicated by arrow  86 . Flap  88  can then be used to cover up latching bar  78  stowed within storage compartment  84 . After backpack  74  has been separated from scooter  10 , backpack stand  24  can be returned to the stowed position by reversing the order of the steps for extending or opening backpack stand  24 . 
         [0049]    In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, latching hook or clip  74  may be configured as a telescoping (or extendible) handle which can be extended when attached to and/or when detached from backpack stand  24 . Because the distance between spacer  64  (or first ends  56  and  58 ) and indentations  70  and  72  is essentially fixed by design or manufacture, a telescoping latching hook  76  enables attaching backpacks of different sizes (or heights) to scooter  10 . For instance, latching hook  76  can be extended towards or away from backpack  74  such that the distance between latching hook  76  and latching bar  78  is appropriate for attaching or securing backpack  74  to spacer  64  and indentations  70  and  72  of scooter  10 . In certain embodiments, latching bar  78  includes one or more rotatably mounted wheels configured for rolling backpack  74  along a surface. For instance, after backpack  74  has been detached from scooter  10 , latching hook  76  can be extended away from (or towards) backpack  74  and the one or more wheels of latching bar  78  can be used for rolling, e.g., pulling and/or pushing, backpack  74 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 2A  illustrates an embodiment of brake  30  in a disengaged position over rear wheel  18 , and  FIG. 2B  illustrates brake  30  engaging rear wheel  18 . Brake  30  includes a pair of opposed side walls  102  (only one shown) extending between top and bottom arcuate walls  104  and  106 . At least a portion of top arcuate wall  104  extends through opening  108  in at least a portion of rear section  44  of deck  20 . Brake  30  is positioned over at least a portion of rear wheel  18  and is coupled to deck  20  by coupling  110 . In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, such as that illustrated in  FIG. 2C , brake  30  includes one or more spring-biased mechanisms  112  configured for retaining brake  30  in the disengaged position while not in use as shown in  FIG. 2A . During normal operation, brake  30  is in a disengaged position and bottom arcuate wall  106  does not contact rear wheel  18 . When brake  30  is used, for example while rear wheel  18  is rotating, pressure is applied on top arcuate wall  104  whereby bottom arcuate wall  106  moves towards, and contacts, rear wheel  18 . Bottom arcuate wall  106  engages or applies pressure on rear wheel  18  to inhibit or stop its rotational movement. When the pressure applied on top arcuate wall  104  is removed, bottom arcuate wall  106  moves away from rear wheel  18 , thereby disengaging brake  30 . Accordingly, in certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments, one or more spring-biased mechanisms  112  for brake  30  includes one or more torsion springs, one or more compression springs, one or more expansion springs, one or more pairs of opposed levers, or any other spring-biased mechanism configured for retaining brake  30  away from rear wheel  18  in the absence of external forces on any portion of brake  30 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  are perspective views of an embodiment of scooter  150  illustrated in an extended or open or unfolded position such as when in use, and  FIGS. 3C and 3D  are perspective views of scooter  150  in a collapsed or folded position such as when not in use. While the shapes of some components or elements differ somewhat, several aspects of scooters  10  and  150  are similar. Accordingly, like numerals reference like elements. As can be seen, scooter  150 , in contrast to scooter  10 , does not include backpack stand  24 , and therefore also does not include first and second latching brackets  26  and  28 . Also as can be seen, scooter  150  is configured for being folded or collapsed when not in use. This functionality is enabled by using couplings  152  and  154 , respectively, instead of couplings  48  and  50  of scooter  10 . In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, couplings  152  and  154  each include one or more locking or latching mechanism configured for retaining scooter  150  in the extended (open or unfolded) or collapsed (folded) position. The mechanism must then be unlocked or unlatched for changing the configuration of scooter  150 . For instance, coupling  152  is configured such that by rotating steering column support frame  14  and deck support frame  158  apart or away from each other, the locking or latching mechanism is activating when they reach a predetermined position relative to one another. The locking or latching mechanism must then be deactivated for rotation in the opposite direction. This can be accomplished, for instance, by pushing in the ends of the coupling towards one another while rotating steering column support frame  14  and deck support frame  158  towards one another. Coupling  154  is similarly configured.  FIGS. 3C and 3D  also partially illustrate channel or open-ended trough  156  on bottom surface  40  under deck  20 . As previously described in reference to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , trough  156  extends longitudinally between front and rear section  42  and  44 , respectively, of deck  20  and is at least partially defined by a pair of opposed walls  46  extending away from bottom surface  40 . Channel or open-ended trough  156  is at least partially configured for receiving at least a portion of deck support frame  158 . 
         [0052]      FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of an embodiment of scooter  200  illustrated in an extended or open or unfolded position such as when in use, and  FIGS. 4C and 4D  are perspective views of scooter  200  in a collapsed or folded position such as when not in use. Again, while the shapes of some components or elements differ somewhat, several aspects of scooters  10 ,  150  and  200  are similar. Accordingly, like numerals reference like elements. For instance, scooters  10 ,  150  and  200  include the same or similar handlebar  32 , front and rear wheels  16  and  18 , etc. However, as illustrated, the following components of scooter  200  differ somewhat from the corresponding components in scooter  10  and/or scooter  150 : steering column support frame  202 , deck support frame  204 , deck  206 , coupling  208 , and steering column  214 . In contrast to couplings  48  and  152 , at least coupling  208  is different in that it is a pivoting point and not a locking or latching coupling such as couplings  48  and  152 . In scooter  200 , the locking or latching functionality for steering column support frame  202  and deck support frame  204  is configured as a spring-loaded latch including receptacle  210  and pin  212 . As illustrated, coupling  212  rests within receptacle  210  when scooter  200  is in the open or unfolded position. Accordingly, when folding scooter  200 , coupling  212  is retracted from receptacle  210  while steering column support frame  202  and deck support frame  204  are rotated towards one another. 
         [0053]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of another embodiment of scooter  250  illustrated in an extended or open or unfolded position such as when in use, and  FIGS. 5B and 5C  are perspective views of scooter  250  in a collapsed or folded position such as when not in use. Again, while the shapes of some components or elements differ somewhat, several aspects of scooters  10 ,  150 ,  200  and  250  are similar. Accordingly, like numerals reference like elements. For instance, all embodiments of the scooter include the same or similar handlebar  32 , front and rear wheels  16  and  18 , etc. However, as illustrated, the following components of scooter  250  differ somewhat from the corresponding components in other embodiments of the scooter: steering column  252 , steering column support frame  254 , deck support frame  256 , deck  258 , and coupling  260 . While coupling  260  appears different from coupling  48 , it is configured to function in substantially the same manner, i.e., coupling  260  also includes a locking or latching mechanism the same as or similar to that of coupling  48 . 
         [0054]      FIGS. 6A and 6B , respectively, are perspective views of an embodiment of scooter  300  with backpack stand  302  in a stowed position and an unstowed position. In contrast to backpack stand  24 , backpack stand  302  is defined at least in part by elongated member  304  extending between first end  306  and securement fork  308  at second end  310  opposite first end  306 . As illustrated, at least a portion of securement fork  308  extends through opening  312  in rear section  44  of deck  314  and is rotatably coupled to rear wheel axle  66 . Top surface  316  of deck  314  includes longitudinally extending groove  318  configured, at least in part, for removably receiving and retaining backpack stand  302  in the stowed position. As illustrated in  FIGS. 6B and 6C , first end  306  of backpack stand  302  includes carabiner  320  for removably receiving and retaining at least a portion of backpack  74 . 
         [0055]    In view of the incorporated illustrations and description of certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the instant invention, various modifications thereof and/or alternate embodiments may become apparent without departing from the spirit, scope and intent of the invention. For instance, while the illustrated and/or described embodiments refer to particular features and/or functions, the invention is considered to also include embodiments having combinations of features and/or functions different from those described. Accordingly, the scope and intent of the invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications, variations, etc., as may become apparent to one skilled in the art.

Technology Category: b