Electric personal mobile device with folding mechanism

Abstract

A personal mobile device includes a pedal, wheels at opposite ends of the pedal, a rod extending from a first one of the wheels at a proximal end, and a handle at a distal end of the rod. The pedal includes a pedal hinge between the first pedal end and the second pedal end, and a pedal latch operably connected to the pedal hinge to hold the pedal in the extended position, the pedal latch configured such that release of the pedal latch allows the pedal to fold about the pedal hinge toward the folded position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to personal mobility devices, and more particularly to the storage and transportation of personal mobility devices. Background Art

[0002] Personal mobility devices such as scooters are relatively small portable devices that can be used for commuting, running errands, etc. Typically, such devices can be used to extend a commute from a vehicle park or from another location (e.g., a train station). As such, it is desirable that the personal mobility device be compact and easy to carry or otherwise transport. Summary of the invention

[0003] In an exemplary embodiment, a personal mobility device includes a pedal, wheels at opposite ends of the pedal, a rod extending from a first one of the wheels at a proximal end, and a handle at a distal end of the rod. The pedal includes a pedal hinge between a first pedal end and a second pedal end, and a pedal latch operably connected to the pedal hinge to hold the pedal in an extended position, the pedal latch being configured such that release of the pedal latch allows the pedal to fold about the pedal hinge toward a folded position.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, a first wheel bracket connects the first wheel to the pedal and a second wheel bracket connects the second wheel to the pedal. A pedal latch is operably connected to the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket such that release of the pedal latch allows the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket to rotate relative to the pedal.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the pedal latch includes a latch body rotatable about a latch body axis, a pedal lock arm extending from the latch body and configured to engage a complementary pedal protrusion to retain the pedal in an extended position. A first wheel release arm extends from the latch body and is operably connected to the first wheel bracket to selectively release the first wheel bracket by operation of the pedal latch. A second wheel release arm extends from the latch body and is operably connected to the second wheel bracket to selectively release the second wheel bracket by operation of the pedal latch.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first wheel release arm and the second wheel release arm are operably connected to the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket by one of a wire or a strap.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first wheel is at least partially nested within the second wheel when the pedal is in the folded position.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the pedal hinge is located at a midpoint between the first pedal end and the second pedal end.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the pole includes a lower pole operably connected to the first wheel, and an upper pole operably connected to the lower pole and the handle. The upper pole is configured to be selectively movable in the lower pole to shorten the length of the pole.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the rod stop is configured to maintain the upper rod portion in an extended position relative to the lower rod portion. The rod stop is selectively releasable to allow the upper rod portion to move into the lower rod portion.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, a rod latch is operably connected to the lower rod portion. The rod latch is configured to hold the rod in an upright position relative to the pedal and allow the rod to fold toward the pedal when the rod latch is released.

[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the rod latch is configured to automatically release when the upper rod is lowered into the lower rod.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the handle includes a handle body connected to the rod, and a first handle arm extending from a first side of the handle body. The first handle arm is pivotable relative to the handle body about a first arm pivot. A second handle arm extends from a second side of the handle body opposite the first side and is pivotable relative to the handle body about a second arm pivot. The first arm pivot is not coaxial with the second arm pivot.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, an electric motor is operably connected to the first wheel to drive the personal mobility device.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment, a personal mobility device includes a pedal, wheels at opposite ends of the pedal, and a rod extending from a proximal end of a first of the wheels. The rod includes a lower rod portion operably connected to the first wheel and an upper rod portion operably connected to the lower rod portion and a handle. The upper rod portion is configured to be selectively movable in the lower rod portion to shorten the length of the rod. A rod latch is operably connected to the lower rod portion. The rod latch is configured to maintain the rod in an upright position relative to the pedal and allow the rod to fold toward the pedal when the rod latch is released. The rod latch is configured to automatically release when the upper rod portion is lowered into the lower rod portion.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the rod latch includes a lower hinge portion connected to the first wheel, an upper hinge portion connected to the lower rod portion and connected to the lower hinge portion via a hinge pivot, and a connector latch configured to latch the upper hinge portion to the lower hinge portion.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, a release pin is operably connected to the connector latch and extends through the lower rod. The release pin is configured so that the upper rod is lowered into the lower rod to engage the release pin, thereby causing the connector latch to release and allowing the rod to fold toward the pedal.

[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, a handle is located at a distal end of the rod. The handle includes a handle body connected to the rod, and a first handle arm extending from a first side of the handle body. The first handle arm can pivot relative to the handle body about a first arm pivot. A second handle arm extends from a second side of the handle body opposite to the first side and can pivot relative to the handle body about a second arm pivot. The first arm pivot is not coaxial with the second arm pivot.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the pedal includes a pedal hinge positioned between a first pedal end and a second pedal end, and a pedal latch operably connected to the pedal hinge to maintain the pedal in an extended position, the pedal latch being configured such that release of the pedal latch allows the pedal to fold about the pedal hinge toward a folded position.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, a first wheel bracket connects the first wheel to the pedal and a second wheel bracket connects the second wheel to the pedal. A pedal latch is operably connected to the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket such that release of the pedal latch allows the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket to rotate relative to the pedal.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the pedal latch includes a latch body rotatable about a latch body axis, and a pedal lock arm extending from the latch body, the pedal lock arm being configured to engage with a complementary pedal protrusion to retain the pedal in an extended position. A first wheel release arm extends from the latch body and is operably connected to the first wheel bracket to selectively release the first wheel bracket by operation of the pedal latch. A second wheel release arm extends from the latch body and is operably connected to the second wheel bracket to selectively release the second wheel bracket by operation of the pedal latch.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first wheel release arm and the second wheel release arm are operably connected to the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket by one of a wire or a strap.

[0023] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a personal mobility device;

[0026] Figure 2 is a bottom view of an embodiment of a pedal of a personal mobility device;

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a partially folded personal mobility device;

[0028] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a folded personal mobility device;

[0029] Figure 5 is an illustration of an embodiment of a pedal latch for a personal mobility device;

[0030] Figure 6 is an illustration of a pole of a personal mobility device in an extended position;

[0031] Figure 7 The pole of the personal mobility device is shown moved to a folded position;

[0032] Figure 8 is an illustration of an embodiment of a pole latch for a personal mobility device;

[0033] Fig. 9 shows the release of a pole latch of an embodiment of a personal mobility device;

[0034] Fig.10 An embodiment of a handle assembly of a personal mobility device is shown in an extended position; and

[0035] Fig.11 An embodiment of a handle assembly of a personal mobility device is shown in a folded position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0037] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 An exemplary personal mobility device 10 is shown in . The personal mobility device 10 is in the form of a scooter and includes wheels 12, 14 operably connected to a pedal 16. A handle 18 is configured to be held by a user when operating the personal mobility device 10. A rod 20 extends from the wheel 12 at a proximal end to a proximal end of the handle 18. The handle 18 is connected to the pedal 16 and one or more of the wheels 12, 14 via the rod 20. Although two wheels 12, 14 are shown and described herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the personal mobility device 10 may have other numbers of wheels, such as three or four wheels. Figure 1 In an embodiment of the present invention, the wheels include a front wheel 12 at a first pedal end 22 closest to the pole 20, and a rear wheel 14 at a second pedal end 24 opposite the first pedal end 22. In some embodiments, the personal mobility device 10 is powered by an electric motor 26, which can be embedded in the front wheel 12 as shown, or alternatively embedded in the pedal 16. A rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 28, such as a battery, is located, for example, at the front wheel 12 or in the pedal 16, and is operably connected to the electric motor 26 to drive at least one of the wheels 12, 14 and propel the personal mobility device 10. In such an electric embodiment, the handle 18 can include a control device, such as a throttle control device and / or a brake control device, to control the operation of the personal mobility device 10.

[0038] The front wheel 12 is rotatable about a front wheel axis 34 and is connected to the pedal 16 by a front wheel bracket 36 extending from the front wheel 12 to the pedal 16. Similarly, the rear wheel 14 is rotatable about a rear wheel axis 38 and is connected to the pedal 16 by a rear wheel bracket 40 extending from the rear wheel 14 to the pedal 16.

[0039] To enhance the portability of the personal mobility device 10, a number of features are included to reduce the personal mobility device 10 to a more compact configuration for carrying and / or storage, as will be described in detail below.

[0040] Reference now Figure 2 , the pedal 16 includes a pedal hinge 42 located at a midpoint of the pedal length, for example, between the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14. The pedal hinge 42 allows the pedal 16 to be in an extended position (eg, Figure 2 as shown) and the folded position (as Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the extended position, the personal mobility device 10 can be ridden by the user, and in the folded position, the personal mobility device 10 can be stored or carried by the user. Figure 2 A pedal latch 44 is provided at the pedal 16 to lock the pedal 16 in the extended position and to release the pedal 16 from the extended position to allow the pedal 16 to be folded about the pedal hinge 42 .

[0041] Reference now Figure 5 , shows an exemplary embodiment of a pedal latch 44. The pedal latch 44 includes a latch body 46 and a latch handle 48 located at a first end of the latch body 46, the latch handle 48 being configured to be used by a user to engage or release the pedal latch 44. In some embodiments, for example Figure 1As shown, for normal operation of the personal mobility device 10, the latch handle 48 is positioned flush with the pedal 16. To use the pedal latch 44, the latch handle 48 is rotated upward about the latch handle axis 50 to allow the user to more easily grasp the latch handle 48. The pedal latch 44 also includes a pedal lock arm 52 extending outwardly from the latch body 44, which engages a complementary pedal protrusion 54 (such as Figure 2 To operate the pedal latch 44 to release the pedal lock arm 52 from the pedal protrusion 54, the latch body 46 is rotated about the latch body axis 56 using the latch handle 48. This rotates the pedal lock arm 52 out of engagement with the pedal protrusion 54, allowing the pedal 16 to fold about the pedal hinge 42.

[0042] Reference again Figure 2 , the pedal latch 44 also includes a rear wheel release arm 58 and a front wheel release arm 60, each extending outwardly from the latch body 46. The rear wheel release arm 58 is operably connected to a rear wheel key 62, such as by a key release line 64. The rear wheel key 62 holds the rear wheel bracket 40, and thus the rear wheel 14, in an operating position relative to the pedal 16. Similarly, the front wheel release arm 60 is operably connected to a front wheel latch 66, such as by a latch release line 68. The front wheel latch 66 holds the front wheel bracket 36, and thus the front wheel 12, in an operating position relative to the pedal 16. The rear wheel key 62, key release line 64, front wheel latch 66, and latch release line 68 shown are merely exemplary structures, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other suitable structures may be utilized to hold the front wheel 12 and the rear wheel 14. The pedal latch 44 is configured so that when the latch body 46 is rotated by the latch handle 48 to release the pedal lock arm 52 from the pedal protrusion 54, the key release line 64 and the latch release line 68 are used to release the rear wheel key 62 from the rear wheel bracket 40 and release the front wheel latch 66 from the front wheel bracket 36, respectively. This allows the rear wheel bracket 40 and the front wheel bracket 36 to rotate relative to the pedal 16 so that when the personal mobility device 10 is in the folded position (such as Figure 4 ), the rear wheel 14 is at least partially nested in the front wheel 12.

[0043] The pole 20 of the personal mobility device 10 is configured to be folded into a Figure 4 The rod is shown in the stowed position. This is achieved by the features described in more detail below. Figure 62 shows the rod 20 in an extended position. The rod 20 includes an upper rod 70 and a lower rod 72, the upper rod 70 being slidably disposed within the lower rod 72 in a telescopic manner. The rod 20 also includes a rod stopper 74 that is fixed to the lower rod 72 and extends through a stopper opening 76 in the upper rod 70 to hold the upper rod 70 in an extended position relative to the lower rod 72. In some embodiments, the rod stopper 74 is biased into the stopper opening 76 by a spring element, such as a leaf spring 78 that connects the rod stopper 74 to the lower rod 72.

[0044] Reference now Figure 7 To fold the upper rod 70 into the lower rod 72 , the user pulls the rod stopper 74 outward to remove the rod stopper 74 from the stopper opening 76 . This allows the user to lower the upper rod 70 into the lower rod 72 .

[0045] Reference again Figure 6 , the rod 20 is connected to the front wheel bracket 36 by the rod latch 80, which Figure 8 The lever latch 80 includes a latch hinge assembly 82 having a lower hinge portion 84 fixed to the front wheel bracket 36 and an upper hinge portion 86 connected to the lower hinge portion 84 by a hinge pivot 88. The upper hinge portion 86 is connected to the lower lever 72 so that when the upper hinge portion 86 rotates about the hinge pivot 88, the lever 20 is rotated as shown in FIG. Figure 1 The upright position shown and Figure 4 Move between the stowed positions shown. Figure 8 , the rod 20 is held in the upright position by a connector latch 90, which is pivotally connected to the upper hinge portion 86 by a latch pin 92. When the rod 20 is in the upright position, the connector latch 90 engages with the lower hinge portion 84 to hold the rod 20 in the upright position. A release pin 94 extends through the lower rod 72 and is biased by, for example, a release spring 96 located between the lower rod 72 and the connector latch 90 to bias the connector latch 90 toward engagement with the lower hinge portion 84.

[0046] Reference now Fig. 9, the connector latch 90 moves to the release position to allow the rod 20 to move from the upright position to the stowed position. To achieve this, the release pin 94 moves through the lower rod 72 against the bias of the release spring 96. This movement in turn moves the connector latch 90 around the latch pin 92 to disengage the connector latch 90 from the engagement with the lower hinge portion 84, thereby allowing the rod 20 to move to the stowed position. In some embodiments, the release of the connector latch 90 is automatically completed as the upper rod 70 is folded into the lower rod 72. In such an embodiment, the release pin 94 includes an inclined pin surface 98 extending toward the upper rod 70. The upper rod 70 includes an upper rod pin 100 extending inwardly from an inner rod surface 102. When the upper rod 70 is folded into the lower rod 72, the upper rod pin 100 moves to engage with the inclined pin surface 98 of the release pin 94. This engagement causes the release pin 94 to move through the lower rod 72 against the bias of the release spring 96, thereby releasing the connector latch 90 from the lower hinge portion 84.

[0047] Now refer to Fig.10 and 11 , the handle 18 can be Fig.10 The extended position shown and Fig.11 The handle 18 includes a body 104 at which the handle 18 is connected to the upper rod 70. A first handle arm 106 extends from a first lateral side of the body 104, and a second handle arm 108 extends from a second lateral side of the body 104. The first handle arm 106 is pivotally connected to the body 104 at a first handle pivot 110. In some embodiments, the first handle pivot 110 is located at a body central axis 112. Similarly, the second handle arm 108 is pivotally connected to the body 104 at a second handle pivot 114. In some embodiments, the second handle pivot 114 is offset from the body central axis 112 and spaced apart therefrom. The first handle arm 106 and the second handle arm 108 can both be locked in the extended position by respective first handle arm latches 116 and second handle arm latches 118. The first and second handle arm latches 116, 118 are spring loaded to bias the first and second handle arm latches 116, 118 into engagement with the first and second handle arms 106, 108, respectively, thereby retaining the first and second handle arms 106, 108 in the extended position.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first handle arm 106 can be moved toward the stowed position by first releasing the first handle arm latch 116, by moving the first handle arm latch 116 outwardly against the biasing force of the first handle arm latch 116. The first handle arm 106 can then be rotated about the first handle pivot 110. Similarly, the second handle arm 108 can be moved toward the stowed position by releasing the second handle arm latch 118, and then rotating the second handle arm 108 about the second handle pivot 114 toward the first handle arm 106. Fig.11 As shown, the stowed first handle arm 106 and second handle arm 108 are secured in the stowed position by, for example, interlocking the first handle arm latch 116 with the second handle arm latch 118. This prevents unintentional movement of the first handle arm 106 and the second handle arm 108 toward their respective extended positions.

[0049] The features of the personal mobility device 10 disclosed herein allow the personal mobility device 10 to be folded and / or collapsed into a compact shape, which improves the convenience of carrying and / or storing the personal mobility device 10 when not in use.

[0050] The terms "one" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term "or" means "and / or", unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. References to "an aspect" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in various aspects.

[0051] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0052] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. A personal mobile device, comprising: pedal; wheels disposed at opposite ends of the pedals; a rod extending at a proximal end from a first one of the wheels; as well as a handle disposed at a distal end of the rod; Among them, the pedals include: a pedal hinge disposed between the first pedal end and the second pedal end; and A pedal latch is operably connected to the pedal hinge to retain the pedal in the extended position and is configured such that release of the pedal latch allows the pedal to fold about the pedal hinge toward the folded position.

2. The personal mobile device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first wheel bracket connecting the first wheel to the pedal; as well as connecting a second one of the wheels to a second wheel bracket of the pedal; Wherein, the pedal latch is operably connected to the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket such that release of the pedal latch allows the first wheel bracket and the second wheel bracket to rotate relative to the pedal.

3. The personal mobile device according to claim 2, wherein: The pedal latch comprises: a latch body rotatable about a latch body axis; a pedal lock arm extending from the latch body and configured to engage a complementary pedal protrusion to retain the pedal in the extended position; a first wheel release arm extending from the latch body and operably connected to the first wheel bracket to selectively release the first wheel bracket through operation of the pedal latch; and A second wheel release arm extends from the latch body and is operably connected to the second wheel bracket to selectively release the second wheel bracket through operation of the pedal latch.

4. The personal mobility device according to claim 3, wherein: The first and second wheel release arms are operably connected to the first and second wheel brackets by one of a wire or a strap.

5. The personal mobile device according to claim 2, wherein: The first wheel is at least partially nested within the second wheel when the step is in the folded position.

6. The personal mobility device of claim 1, wherein: The pedal hinge is located at a midpoint between the first pedal end and the second pedal end.

7. The personal mobility device of claim 1, wherein: The rod comprises: a lower rod portion operably connected to the first wheel; and An upper shaft is operably connected to the lower shaft and the handle, the upper shaft being configured to be selectively movable within the lower shaft to shorten the length of the shaft.

8. The personal mobility device of claim 7, further comprising a rod stop configured to hold the upper rod portion in an extended position relative to the lower rod portion, the rod stop being selectively releasable to allow the upper rod portion to move into the lower rod portion.

9. The personal mobility device of claim 7, further comprising a rod latch operably connected to the lower rod portion, the rod latch configured to maintain the rod in an upright position relative to the pedal and to allow the rod to fold toward the pedal when the rod latch is released.

10. The personal mobility device of claim 1, wherein: The handle comprises: a handle body connected to the rod; a first handle arm extending from a first side of the handle body, the first handle arm being pivotable relative to the handle body about a first arm pivot axis; and a second handle arm extending from a second side of the handle body opposite the first side and pivotable relative to the handle body about a second arm pivot axis; Wherein, the first arm pivot is not coaxial with the second arm pivot.

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