Power type wheeled board

Abstract

To provide an improved power type personal mobility vehicle.SOLUTION: A power type personal mobility vehicle includes a deck having a forward portion and a rearward portion separated by a neck portion and configured to be able to be twisted around a longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and a front wheel assembly connected to the forward portion of the deck and being a power type swivel wheel having a motor and a tire, the motor include a front wheel assembly completely arranged inside the tire and a rear wheel assembly connected to the rearward portion of the deck and being a non-power type swivel wheel, the front and rear wheel assemblies include a rear wheel assembly arranged along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and a diameter of the power type swivel wheel of the front wheel assembly is almost equal to a diameter of the non-power type swivel wheel of the rear wheel assembly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Incorporation by Reference This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 814,450, filed March 6, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Also, U.S. Patent Nos. 7,195,259, 7,600,768, and 9,682,309 are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. While embodiments of the electric personal mobility vehicle described herein may include any of the features described in the aforementioned patents, such patents should not be used in interpretive terms in connection with the powered personal mobility vehicle described herein.

[0002] Field The present disclosure relates to personal mobility vehicles, such as skateboards. In particular, the present disclosure relates to personal mobility vehicles with at least one powered wheel (e.g., a powered front wheel and / or a powered rear wheel) and / or other features. [Background technology]

[0003] There are many types of personal mobility vehicles, such as skateboards, scooters, bicycles, carts, etc. Users can ride such vehicles to get from place to place. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 7,195,259 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 7,600,768 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 9,682,309 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 9,975,035 [Patent Document 5] Special Publication No. 2017-536222 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There remains a need for new and / or improved designs that can provide new passenger experiences or unique features. While the systems, methods, and devices described herein have innovative aspects, no single one is essential to or solely responsible for its desirable characteristics. Without limiting the scope of the claims, certain features of some embodiments will now be summarized.

[0006] Various powered personal mobility vehicles are disclosed herein. According to some embodiments, the powered personal mobility vehicle may include a deck configured to support a user. The deck may have a forward portion, a rear portion, and a neck portion separating the forward portion and the rear portion. The neck portion may be configured to allow the deck to twist about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The vehicle may include a first wheel assembly. The first wheel assembly may include a first swivel wheel connected to the forward portion of the deck. The vehicle may include a second wheel assembly. The second wheel assembly may include a second swivel wheel connected to the rear portion of the deck. The first and second wheel assemblies may be disposed along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and may be disposed entirely below the deck. The vehicle may include a battery. The battery may be connected to a bottom surface of the forward portion of the deck. When the first and second swivel wheels are on a flat, horizontal riding surface, a portion of the battery may be disposed directly above a portion of the first swivel wheel. The vehicle can include a motor operably coupled to the battery and configured to drive one of the first and second wheel assemblies.

[0007] In some embodiments, the motor can be configured to transfer rotational power to the first pivot wheel and can be located entirely within the first pivot wheel.

[0008] In some embodiments, at least one of the first pivot wheel and the second pivot wheel can be configured to pivot 360 degrees. In some embodiments, the first wheel assembly can include a limiter configured to limit the degree to which the first pivot wheel can pivot. In some embodiments, the first pivot wheel and the second pivot wheel can be configured to pivot independently.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first pivot wheel may be powered and the second pivot wheel may be unpowered. The first and second pivot wheels may have similar diameters.

[0010] In some embodiments, the vehicle can include a panel covering a recess in the forward portion of the deck, the panel being removable to provide access from below the deck to an upper portion of the first wheel assembly extending upward into the recess in the deck.

[0011] In some embodiments, the rear portion of the deck can include a handle, which can be an opening through the deck and configured to receive a user's hand.

[0012] In some embodiments, the neck portion of the deck can include a rotational coupling connected at a first end to the forward portion of the deck and at a second end opposite the first end to the aft portion of the deck.

[0013] In some embodiments, the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly can each be mounted on the deck at an angle inclined relative to the horizontal, the angle being between 40 and 45 degrees relative to the horizontal.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the deck includes a forward portion and an aft portion, the forward portion and the aft portion being separated by a neck portion. The vehicle may include a front wheel assembly connected to the forward portion of the deck. The front wheel assembly may include a powered swivel wheel having a motor and a tire. The motor may be located entirely within the tire. The vehicle may include a rear wheel assembly connected to the aft portion of the deck. The rear wheel assembly may include a non-powered swivel wheel. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assemblies may be disposed along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The diameter of the powered swivel wheel of the front wheel assembly may be approximately equal to the diameter of the non-powered swivel wheel of the rear wheel assembly.

[0015] In some embodiments, at least one of the powered swivel wheel and the non-powered swivel wheel can be configured to swivel 360 degrees. In some embodiments, the front wheel assembly can include a limiter configured to limit the degree to which the powered swivel wheel can swivel. In some embodiments, the powered swivel wheel and the non-powered swivel wheel can be configured to swivel independently.

[0016] In some embodiments, the front and rear wheel assemblies may each be mounted to the deck at an angle inclined relative to the horizontal, the angle being between 40 and 45 degrees relative to the horizontal.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the vehicle may include a first wheel assembly coupled to the deck. The first wheel assembly may include a powered swivel wheel and a first mounting assembly. A motor may be disposed within the powered swivel wheel. The vehicle may include a second wheel assembly coupled to the deck. The second wheel assembly may include a non-powered swivel wheel and a second mounting assembly. The first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly may be disposed along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The upper surface of the deck may include a first recess and a second recess. Each of the first recess and the second recess may include an opening in its base. The first recess may be covered by a first removable panel. The second recess may be covered by a second removable panel. A portion of the first mounting assembly may extend upward from below the deck to the opening in the base of the first recess. A portion of the second mounting assembly may extend upward from below the deck to the opening in the base of the second recess.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first wheel assembly can include a limiter configured to limit the extent to which the powered steer wheel can steer.

[0019] The foregoing and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which the present disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail, with the understanding that these drawings illustrate only some embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a powered personal mobility vehicle. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a top perspective view of the vehicle of FIG. 1 showing an embodiment of a front access panel and an embodiment of a rear access panel separated from the deck of the vehicle. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the forward portion of the deck of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the front access panel removed. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the aft portion of the deck of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the rear access panel removed. [Figure 7A] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the access panel of the vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 7B] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the access panel of the vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a wheel assembly of the vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a wheel assembly of the vehicle of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the wheel assembly of FIG. 8. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the motor of FIG. [Figure 11B] FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of another embodiment of a motor. [Figure 11C] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a motor and an embodiment of a tire configured to mate with the motor. [Figure 11D] 1 illustrates another embodiment of a motor and an embodiment of a tire configured to mate with the motor. [Figure 11E] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a motor housing and an embodiment of an anti-vibration element configured to mate with the motor housing. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a side view of the front portion of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the battery and controller covers removed. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the front portion of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the battery and controller covers removed. [Figure 14]2 is a bottom view of the front portion of the vehicle of FIG. 1 with the front wheel assembly and battery and controller covers removed. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Embodiments of systems, components, and assembly and manufacturing methods are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals indicate like or similar elements throughout the drawings. While several embodiments, examples, and descriptions are disclosed below, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention described herein extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments, examples, and descriptions and may include other applications of the invention and obvious modifications and their equivalents. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be construed in a limiting or restrictive manner, as it is used only in conjunction with a detailed description of certain embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, and no single feature is solely responsible for its desirable properties or essential to practicing the invention described herein.

[0022] Various embodiments of powered personal mobility vehicles are disclosed. As disclosed in more detail below, the vehicle can include one or more swivel (e.g., caster) wheels, such as a powered front wheel and a non-powered rear wheel. Traditionally, this combination has been considered to make the front of the vehicle heavy, unstable, and difficult to ride and control. When used in vehicles (e.g., wheeled boards) configured to tolerate deck twisting or flexing, this combination has typically been considered particularly problematic. Nevertheless, certain embodiments described herein establish that a vehicle can successfully include a powered front swivel wheel and one or more additional swivel wheels. Despite these and other concerns, such vehicles may be sufficiently controllable and stable to provide an enjoyable ride.

[0023] overview 1-4 illustrate a powered personal mobility vehicle 100 having a deck 102 configured to support a user, the deck 102 connected to a first or front wheel assembly 104 and a second or rear wheel assembly 110. In some embodiments, the front wheel assembly 104 may include a front wheel 106 and a mounting assembly 108 configured to mount the front wheel 106 to the deck 102. In some embodiments, the rear wheel assembly 110 may include a rear wheel 112 and a mounting assembly 114 configured to mount the rear wheel 112 to the deck 102. In some embodiments, the front wheel assembly 104 and the rear wheel assembly 110 are aligned along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the front wheel assembly 104 and the rear wheel assembly 110 are disposed entirely below the deck 102 when coupled to the deck 102. In some embodiments, the mounting assemblies 108 , 114 of the front and rear wheel assemblies 104 , 110 are configured to move (eg, pivot or swing) relative to the deck 102 .

[0024] In some embodiments, the front wheels 106 and / or the rear wheels 112 can be powered (i.e., driven by a motor). In some embodiments, powered wheels (i.e., driven wheels) can be used to steer the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 has two caster (e.g., swivel) wheels. In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 has a front caster wheel and a rear caster wheel. For example, in some variations, the front wheels 106 and / or the rear wheels 112 are swivel (e.g., caster) wheels. In some embodiments, the front wheels 106 and / or the rear wheels 112 can be powered swivel wheels. The rear wheel assembly 110 can be configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees. The front wheel assembly 104 can be configured to rotate 360 ​​degrees or can be limited to rotate no more than about 120 degrees.

[0025] In some embodiments, one of the front wheels 106 and the rear wheels 112 is powered, and the other of the front wheels 106 and the rear wheels 112 is unpowered. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-3 , the front wheels 106 are powered steer wheels and the rear wheels 112 are non-powered steer wheels. The powered front wheels 106 can be used to steer the vehicle 100. This configuration can provide a desired ride quality and feel, such as allowing the vehicle 100 to drift. The powered front wheels 106 can allow the vehicle 100 to pull in the direction of travel, rather than being pushed in the direction of travel by the powered rear wheels. This can improve the ride quality for the user and increase the efficiency of the driving configuration. For example, having powered front wheels compared to powered rear wheels allows the vehicle 100 to turn tighter corners, allows the rear of the vehicle 100 to drift more easily compared to the front of the vehicle 100 during a turn, allows the rear wheels 112 to traverse turns with a radius of curvature that is substantially larger compared to the radius of curvature traversed by the front wheels 106, and allows the vehicle 100 to follow a turning path in which the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100 moves away from being substantially parallel to the arc traversed by the front wheels 106.

[0026] In some embodiments, the front wheel assembly 104 and the rear wheel assembly 110 may be mounted at an incline relative to the deck 102. In some variations, the front wheel assembly 104 and the rear wheel assembly 110 are mounted at similar or the same inclination angle (e.g., 20-50 degrees from horizontal, 30-55 degrees from horizontal, 40-45 degrees from horizontal, etc.). The inclined wheel assemblies 104, 110 may allow the deck 102 to be positioned closer to the riding surface, which may lower the center of gravity of the vehicle 100, increase a user's control over the vehicle 100, and / or facilitate turning the wheel assemblies 104, 110.

[0027] In some embodiments, the front wheel 106 and the rear wheel 112 can have similar or the same diameter, as shown in Figure 3. The wheels 106, 112 can have similar or the same diameter even if one of the wheels 106, 112 is powered (e.g., houses a motor) and the other wheel 106, 112 is not powered (e.g., does not house a motor). In some embodiments, one of the front wheel 106 and the rear wheel 112 can have a larger diameter than the other of the front wheel 106 and the rear wheel 112.

[0028] In some embodiments, the front wheel 106 and the rear wheel 112 can have similar thicknesses. The thickness can be measured axially. In some embodiments, one of the front wheel 106 and the rear wheel 112 can be thicker than the other of the front wheel 106 and the rear wheel 112 (e.g., to provide space for a motor). For example, in some variations, the powered or driven wheel can be thicker than the non-powered wheel. In some embodiments, the powered or driven wheel is at least about 1.25 to 3.30 times thicker than the non-powered wheel (e.g., about 1.3 times thicker, about 2.0 times thicker, about 2.25 times thicker, etc.). As shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the front wheel 106 is thicker than the rear wheel 112.

[0029] In some embodiments, vehicle 100 includes two or more wheels (e.g., three wheels, four wheels, etc.). The wheels may include caster wheels and / or fixed wheels. In some embodiments, some of the wheels may be auxiliary wheels offset from the longitudinal axis of vehicle 100.

[0030] In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 may include a motor 136 configured to transmit rotational power to the front wheels 106 and / or the rear wheels 112. In some embodiments, the motor 136 may include a housing that encloses a motor and transmission assembly. In some embodiments, the motor 136 may be at least partially located within the front wheels 106 or the rear wheels 112 (i.e., the driven wheels). In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 may include a motor 136 that is completely located within the front wheels 106 and / or the rear wheels 112. In some embodiments, the motor 136 and one of the front wheels 106 and the rear wheels 112 (i.e., the driven wheels) may be coupled to a drive device, such as a chain drive, a belt drive, or a gear drive.

[0031] In some embodiments, vehicle 100 may include a power source, such as battery 150. In some embodiments, vehicle 100 may include a power switch 156 and a charging port 158. Power switch 156 may be configured to be actuated by a user to turn vehicle 100 on and off. Charging port 158 ​​may be configured to be connected to an external power source to recharge battery 150.

[0032] In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 can be operated using a remote control device 160. In some embodiments, the remote control device 160 is configured to be stored on the vehicle 100 when not in use. For example, the remote control device 160 can be removably secured to a portion of the deck 102 along the perimeter of the deck 102 (e.g., along the perimeter of the deck 102 toward the center of the vehicle 100, as shown in FIG. 1 ). In some embodiments, the remote control device 160 is a device configured to wirelessly communicate with the controller 152 on the vehicle 100 using radio frequency (RF) transmissions to operate the vehicle 100. For example, in some variations, a user can use the remote control device 160 to change (e.g., increase and decrease) the speed of a motor, brake the vehicle 100, and / or change the direction (e.g., reverse) of the vehicle 100's motion.

[0033] deck 1-2, the deck 102 comprises a first or forward portion 120 and a second or aft portion 122. In some variations, the deck 102 includes a neck portion 124 disposed between the forward portion 120 and the aft portion 122. In some embodiments, the forward portion 120 and the aft portion 122 of the deck 102 are wider than the neck portion 124. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the width of the deck 102 can taper along the neck portion 124.

[0034] In some embodiments, the neck portion 124 may be configured to allow the deck 102 to twist or bend about the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100. For example, in some embodiments, the neck portion 124 may include a rotational coupling 126 connected at a first end to the forward portion 120 and connected at a second end opposite the first end to the aft portion 122. In some variations, the rotational coupling 126 is a cylindrical member. The rotational coupling 126 may allow rotational movement of the forward portion 120 and the aft portion 122 relative to one another along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100 (e.g., when a user shifts their weight on the deck 102). In some embodiments, the rotational coupling 126 may include one or more swivel assemblies. In some embodiments, the rotational coupling 126 may include a biasing element configured to bias the forward portion 120 and the aft portion 122 toward a neutral or aligned relative position.

[0035] 1, the deck 102 may include a handle 130. In some embodiments, the handle 130 includes an opening extending through the deck 102 configured to receive a user's hand, allowing the user to conveniently carry the vehicle 100. The handle 130 may be located toward an end of the deck 102. In some variations, the handle 130 is located at an end of the deck 102 opposite the driven wheels. In some variations, the handle 130 is located at an end of the deck 102 closest to the driven wheels.

[0036] 1, the upper surface of the deck 102 includes a non-slip area 162. The non-slip area 162 can provide grip for a user's feet, making the portion of the deck 102 on which a user places their feet when riding in the vehicle 100 less slippery, thereby reducing the risk of injury and improving ride comfort.

[0037] In some embodiments, the top surface of the forward portion 120 and / or the top surface of the aft portion 122 may include removable panels that cover recesses in the deck 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the deck 102 includes an access panel 166A for covering the recess 128A in the forward portion 120 of the deck 102 and an access panel 166B for covering the recess 128B in the aft portion 122 of the deck 102. The access panels 166A, 166B are removable to allow a manufacturer or user access to portions of the mounting assemblies 108, 114 of the front wheel assembly 104 and the rear wheel assembly 110, respectively.

[0038] In some embodiments, the deck 102 includes mounts 132 configured to receive portions of the mounting assemblies 108, 114 of the front wheel assembly 104 and the rear wheel assembly 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , in some embodiments, the deck 102 includes a first mount 132 on the forward portion 120 and a second mount 132 on the aft portion 122. In some embodiments, the mount 132 on the forward portion 120 of the deck 102 can include an opening configured to receive a portion of the front wheel assembly 104, and the mount 132 on the aft portion 122 of the deck 102 can include an opening configured to receive a portion of the rear wheel assembly 110. For example, in some embodiments, the mounting assemblies 108, 114 can extend upward from below the deck 102 into the openings in the mounts 132 and into recesses 128A, 128B in the deck 102, as shown in FIGS. 5-6 .

[0039] In some variations, removal of the access panels 166A, 166B provides access to portions of the mounting assemblies 108, 114 of the front and rear wheel assemblies 104, 110 that extend upward from below the deck 102 into recesses 128A, 128B in the deck 102, such as portions of the mounting shafts 118 of the mounting assemblies 108, 114. Access to the tops of the mounting shafts 118 of the mounting assemblies 108, 114 allows fasteners 134 (e.g., nuts) to be connected to the tops of the mounting shafts 118 (e.g., tops of threaded bolts), as shown in FIGS. 5-6 . Securing the wheel assemblies 104, 110 to the deck 102 using the fasteners 134 protected within the recesses 128A, 128B by the access panels 166A, 166B can make the connections between the wheel assemblies 104, 110 and the deck 102 more secure and / or reduce the number of components located below the deck 102. In some embodiments, the access panels 166A, 166B may facilitate assembly of the vehicle 100.

[0040] In some embodiments, the access panels 166A, 166B and the recesses 128A, 128B of the deck 102 have corresponding or mating features. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B , the access panels 166A, 166B can have a body 164 and multiple arms 170 and supports 172 extending from the body 164 (e.g., two to four arms 170, two to four supports 172, etc.). In some variations, the body 164 of the access panels 166A, 166B can be an elongated plate. In some embodiments, the arms 170 and supports 172 can extend downward from the underside or side of the body 164 in a direction perpendicular to the body 164. The arms 170 and supports 172 can be configured to extend downward into the recesses 128A, 128B of the deck 102 when the access panels 166A, 166B are coupled to the deck 102. When positioned over the recesses 128A, 128B, the arms 170 can secure and / or limit lateral movement of the access panels 166A, 166B relative to the deck 102. The supports 172 can align with corresponding supports 174 in the recesses 128A, 128B of the deck 102. In various embodiments, when the access panels 166A, 166B are installed on the deck 102, the top surfaces of the access panels 166A, 166B are generally flush with the adjacent portions of the deck 102. See FIG. 1 . This can conceal the access panels 166A, 166B and / or improve rider comfort (e.g., compared to having a top surface that protrudes from the deck 102).

[0041] 5-6, recesses 128A, 128B include multiple supports 174 (e.g., two to four supports 174). Supports 174 can extend upwardly, away from deck 102. In some embodiments, when access panels 166A, 166B are attached to deck 102, supports 172 on access panels 166A, 166B can rest on or connect to supports 174 in recesses 128A, 128B of deck 102.

[0042] In some variations, the access panels 166A, 166B may include a first mating feature (e.g., a tab 168) configured to mate with a corresponding second mating feature (e.g., a recess in the deck 102). The tab 168 may extend along the longitudinal axis of the access panels 166A, 166B. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 7A , the tab 168 may extend further than the remainder of the body 164. In some embodiments, a user or manufacturer may lift the tab 168 from the recess 176 in the deck 102 to facilitate separating the access panels 166A, 166B from the deck 102.

[0043] wheel 8 and 9 show exemplary embodiments of a swivel wheel assembly. While the illustrated embodiment of the vehicle 100 includes a powered swivel wheel toward the front of the vehicle 100 and a non-powered swivel wheel toward the rear of the vehicle 100, the features described in connection with the front wheel assembly 104 are not limited to wheel assemblies mounted on the forward portion 120 of the vehicle 100, and the features described in connection with the rear wheel assembly 110 are not limited to wheel assemblies mounted on the rear portion 122 of the vehicle 100. Any of the features described above with respect to the front wheel assembly 104 and the rear wheel assembly 110, and any of the features described below with respect to the front wheel assembly 104 and the rear wheel assembly 110, may be included in any wheel mounted on the vehicle 100.

[0044] 8 and 9, the front wheel assembly 104 and the rear wheel assembly 110 can each include a mounting assembly 108, 114 that includes a mounting plate 116 and a mounting shaft 118 (e.g., a threaded bolt). In some embodiments, the front wheel 106 is supported by the mounting assembly 108 and the rear wheel 112 is supported by the mounting assembly 114.

[0045] In some embodiments, the front wheel assembly 104 and / or the rear wheel assembly 110 may include a cover 148. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8 , a portion of the cover 148 may extend along a portion of the mounting plate 116, over a portion of the wheel 106, and / or over a portion of the motor 136. As described in more detail below, in certain embodiments, the cover 148 may protect electrical connections (e.g., wires) extending between the motor 136 and the battery and / or controller.

[0046] In some embodiments, the front wheel assembly 104 and / or the rear wheel assembly 110 can be configured to pivot 360 degrees about a pivot axis. In some embodiments, the rotation of the front wheel 106 and / or the rear wheel 112 can be limited. For example, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10 , in some variations, the front wheel assembly 104 can include a limiter 142 configured to limit the degree to which the front wheel 104 can pivot (i.e., pivot). In some embodiments, the front wheel 106 and the rear wheel 112 can be configured to pivot independently. In some embodiments, the front wheel assembly 104 and / or the rear wheel 110 can include a biasing element configured to bias the front wheel 106 and / or the rear wheel 112 toward a neutral rest position in which the front wheel 106 and / or the rear wheel 112 extend along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 10 , in some embodiments, the motor 136 may be integrated into the front wheel assembly 104, with the motor 136 located entirely within the front wheel 106. In some embodiments, the motor 136 surrounds the axis of rotation of the front wheel 106. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10 , 11A, and 11B , a central portion of the motor 136 is hollow and configured to receive the axle 144 of the front wheel 106. In some embodiments, the axle 144 passes through the entire width of the motor 136 and extends from a first side of the motor 136 to a second side of the motor 136 opposite the first side.

[0048] 10 and 11A, the outer surface 138 of the motor 136 can have protrusions 140, such as circumferentially spaced ridges. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11B, a continuous portion of the outer surface 138 of the motor 136 can be smooth (i.e., does not include protrusions along a central portion of the outer surface 138 of the motor 136).

[0049] The front wheel assembly 104 may include a traction element 146, such as a tire, configured to couple to the motor 136. In some embodiments, the traction element 146 is coupled to the motor 136 such that at least a portion of the inner surface of the traction element 146 contacts and is flush with at least a portion of the outer surface 138 of the motor 136. In some embodiments, the traction element 146 is coupled to the motor 136 having an outer surface 138 with protrusions 140. The traction element 146 may be configured with a thickness (e.g., radially) sufficient to reduce vibrations or bumps during riding that may be caused by the protrusions 140 on the outer surface 138 of the motor 136. For example, in some embodiments, the traction element 146 may have a thickness of at least approximately 5 mm, 7 mm, 10 mm, or 12 mm. In some embodiments, the traction element 146 may have a diameter of at least approximately 65 mm, 70 mm, 75 mm, or 80 mm.

[0050] In some embodiments, the traction element 146 can have a curved profile, such as a crown, as shown in FIG. 10 . For example, in some variations, the center portion of the traction element 146 is thicker or extends further radially outward than the side edges of the traction element 146. Such a traction element 146 profile can reduce the amount of drag caused by the front wheel assembly 104 during riding and / or prevent or reduce the traction element 146 from interfering with desirable turning wheel ride characteristics. In some variations, a traction element 146 with a crown automatically increases the amount of contact between the traction element 146 and the riding surface (e.g., the ground) during turns and automatically increases the amount of contact between the traction element 146 and the riding surface during straight driving. This allows for tighter turns and faster straight-line speeds.

[0051] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11C , the outer surface 138 of the motor 136 can include protrusions 140 disposed toward the side edges of the outer surface 138. The protrusions 140 disposed along a first side edge of the outer surface 138 can be mirror images (e.g., symmetrical) of the protrusions 140 disposed along a second side edge of the outer surface 138 opposite the first side edge. The central region of the outer surface 138 (i.e., between the protrusions 140 on the first and second side edges) can have a width of at least about 10 mm, 13 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, or 25 mm. The central region can be smooth (e.g., without protrusions). The traction element 146 can be configured to conform to the outer surface 138 of the motor 136. For example, the traction element 146 can include a mating feature 145 configured to mate with a portion of the motor 136. As shown in FIG. 11C , the mating feature 145 of the traction element 146 can be a thicker region of the traction element 146. In some variations, a central region of the traction element 146 can protrude such that the central region of the traction element 146 is configured to contact a central region of the outer surface 138 of the motor 136. When the traction element 146 is coupled to the motor 136, the protrusions 140 on the side edges of the outer surface 138 of the motor 136 abut the central region of the traction element 146 and help secure the traction element 146 in place relative to the motor 136.

[0052] 11D , the outer surface 138 of the motor 136 can include multiple recesses 141. In some embodiments, the outer surface 138 of the motor 136 includes a first recess 141A extending along the width of the outer surface 138 and a second recess 141B extending circumferentially around the outer surface 138. In some embodiments, the first recess 141A intersects the second recess 141B. In some variations, the first recess 141A can have a height of at least about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm. In some variations, the second recess 141B can have a width of at least about 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm. In some embodiments, the first recess 141A is configured to limit horizontal movement of the traction element 146 relative to the motor 136 when the traction element 146 is coupled to the motor 136. In some embodiments, the second recess 141B is configured to limit vertical movement of the traction element 146 relative to the motor 136 when the traction element 146 is coupled to the motor 136 .

[0053] In some embodiments, the outer surface 138 includes a plurality of spaced-apart recesses 141A extending along the width of the outer surface 138 and / or a plurality of spaced-apart recesses 141B extending circumferentially around the outer surface 138. The recesses 141A can be spaced circumferentially apart by at least about 5 mm, 15 mm, 30 mm, or 45 mm. The recesses 141B can be spaced laterally apart by at least about 5 mm, 10 mm, 15 mm, or 20 mm. As shown in FIG. 11D , in some embodiments, the mating feature 145 of the traction element 146 includes a plurality of protrusions configured to correspond to and mate with the plurality of recesses 141A and / or the plurality of recesses 141B of the outer surface 138.

[0054] In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11E , a vibration-damping element 147, such as a nylon ring, can be coupled to the outer surface 138 of the motor 136 to reduce vibrations or bumps during riding that may be caused by the protrusions 140 on the outer surface 138 and / or other features of the outer surface 138. In some embodiments, the vibration-damping element 147 can be coupled to a central portion of the outer surface 138 of the motor 136 and positioned between the motor 136 and the traction element 146. In some embodiments, the width of the motor 136 is greater than the width of the vibration-damping element 147. In some embodiments, the vibration-damping element 147 extends across approximately one-half, one-third, one-quarter, one-fifth, or one-sixth of the width of the motor 136. In some embodiments, the width of the vibration-damping element 147 is at least approximately 4 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, or 12 mm.

[0055] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the damping element 147 includes a plurality of recesses 149 spaced along the inner circumference of the damping element 147. The recesses 149 can be configured to receive the protrusions 140 on the outer surface 138 of the motor 136. When the damping element 147 is coupled to the outer surface 138 of the motor 136, the damping element 147 can provide a relatively smooth, continuous surface upon which the traction element 146 can be placed. This configuration can improve ride comfort by reducing vibrations during riding that might otherwise be associated with the protrusions 140 on the outer surface 138 of the motor 136.

[0056] In certain embodiments, vehicle 100 is configured to allow for powered and non-powered riding, allowing the user to choose how to travel, extend range, use the vehicle, etc. when the battery is depleted. Some conventional motorized boards were configured exclusively for powered riding. For example, they included large motors that added significant resistance to the rotation of the powered wheels when the motors were not driving the wheels, potentially impeding the rotation of the wheels and preventing unpowered operation of the vehicle. In certain embodiments of the vehicle 100, the motor 136 provides little or no resistance to the rotation of the powered wheels (e.g., the front wheel 106) even when the motor 136 is not driving the powered wheels. This facilitates unpowered riding of the vehicle, such as by a user pushing against the ground or twisting the front and rear portions of the deck alternately around the vehicle's longitudinal axis to provide locomotion. As noted above, in some embodiments, the motor 136 is housed within the front wheel 106 (e.g., the motor 136 is located entirely within the inner radius of the traction element 146). Such a small motor can provide less or substantially no resistance to the rotation of the wheel 106 even when the motor 136 is not driving the wheel 106. Additionally, such a configuration may protect and / or conceal the motor 136 .

[0057] Power and Control The vehicle 100 may include a controller 152, which may include a processor and memory. The controller 152 may be operably connected to the battery 150 and the motor 136. For example, electrical connections, such as wires, may connect the controller 152, the motor 136, and the battery 150 to enable a controlled supply of power from the battery 150 to the motor 136. The wires may extend along the side of the wheel assembly 104, pass through the axle 144 of the wheel 106, and connect to the motor 136. As described above, a cover 148 may conceal and / or protect the wires. The wires may have sufficient slack to allow rotation of the wheel assembly 104 or may be otherwise configured to enable rotation. In some variations, the electrical connections include mating traces or other electrical contacts within the mount 132 and the wheel mounting assembly 108, thereby eliminating the need for external wires. The controller 152 may include a receiver and / or transceiver capable of wireless communication with a remote control 160.

[0058] In some embodiments, the battery 150 and / or the controller 152 are located below the deck 102. In some variations, the battery 150 and the controller 152 can be located in the same housing 154 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the battery 150 and the controller 152 can be located on the same side of the deck 102 (e.g., the battery 150 and the controller 152 can be connected to the forward portion 120 or the aft portion 122 of the deck 102). For example, in some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 12-14, the battery 150 and the controller 152 are connected to the bottom or underside of the forward portion 120 of the deck 102 (i.e., facing the riding surface when the vehicle 100 is in use). In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the battery 150 and / or the controller 152 can be attached to the deck 102 at a location along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100 between the mount 132 on the deck 102 and the neck portion 124 of the deck 102.

[0059] In some embodiments, a portion of the battery 150 and / or a portion of the controller 152 can extend over a portion of the rear wheel 112. In some embodiments, a portion of the battery 150 and / or a portion of the controller 152 can extend over a portion of the front wheel 106. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , in some embodiments, at least half of the width of the battery 150 can extend above at least half of the length of the front wheel 106 along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, 50-100% of the width of the battery 150 can extend over 50-100% of the length of the front wheel 106 or the rear wheel 112 along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle (e.g., 50% of the width of the battery 150 can extend over 70% of the length of the wheel, 60% of the width of the battery 150 can extend over 50% of the length of the wheel, 70% of the width of the battery 150 can extend over 60% of the length of the wheel, etc.).

[0060] 12-14 , the front wheel 106 of the vehicle 100 is a powered swivel wheel, the motor 136 is located entirely within the front wheel 106, and a portion of the battery 150 extends above a portion of the front wheel 106. In this configuration, the powered swivel wheel assembly 104 (including the motor 136), the battery 150, and the controller 152 are connected to the forward portion 120 of the deck 102 and are located below the deck 102. Locating the battery 150 near the powered swivel wheel assembly 104 advantageously makes it possible to avoid running wiring through the center of the vehicle 100 (e.g., through the neck portion 124 of the deck 102), which can reduce the occurrence of problems caused by the wiring being pulled during twisting or bending of the forward portion 120 relative to the aft portion 122 along the neck portion 124.

[0061] Specific Terms Certain terms may be used in the following description for reference purposes only and are therefore not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as "upper" and "lower" refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as "front," "rear," "left," "right," "rear," and "side" represent the orientation and / or location of parts of a component or element within a consistent, but arbitrary, frame of reference that becomes clear by reference to the text and associated drawings that describe the component or element under consideration. Additionally, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used to describe separate components. Such terms include the specifically mentioned words, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Like numerals refer to like components throughout the following description.

[0062] Unless otherwise specified or understood within the context, conditional language used herein, such as, among others, "can," "could," "would," "may," "for example," etc., is generally intended to convey that a particular embodiment includes a certain feature, element, and / or state, while other embodiments do not. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that a feature, element, and / or state is at all required for one or more embodiments, or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for determining, with or without author input or implication, whether said feature, element, and / or state is included in or will be implemented as a particular embodiment.

[0063] Additionally, the following terms may be used herein: The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to one item includes a reference to one or more items. The term "one" refers to one, two, or more and generally applies to the selection of a part or whole of a quantity. The term "plurality" refers to two or more items. The terms "about" or "approximately" mean that quantities, dimensions, sizes, formulations, parameters, shapes, and other characteristics need not be exact but may be approximated and / or larger or smaller, as appropriate, reflecting acceptable tolerances, conversion factors, rounding, measurement errors, etc., and other factors well known to those skilled in the art. The term "substantially" means that a stated characteristic, parameter, or value need not be achieved exactly, but that deviations or variations, including, for example, tolerances, measurement errors, measurement accuracy limits, and other factors well known to those skilled in the art, may occur to a degree that does not eliminate the effects and properties sought to be provided.

[0064] Numerical data may be expressed or presented herein in a range format. It should be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and, therefore, should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values ​​explicitly recited as range limits, but also all of the individual numerical values ​​or subranges encompassed within the range, as if each numerical value and subrange were explicitly recited. For example, a numerical range of "about 1 to 5" should be interpreted to include not only the explicitly recited value of about 1 to about 5, but also each individual value and subrange within the stated range. Thus, this numerical range includes individual values ​​such as 2, 3, and 4, and subranges such as "about 1 to about 3," "about 2 to about 4," "about 3 to about 5," "1 to 3," "2 to 4," "3 to 5," etc. The same principle should apply to ranges reciting a single numerical value (e.g., "greater than about 1"), regardless of the breadth or recited characteristics of the range.

[0065] For convenience, multiple items may be presented in a common list. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Accordingly, individual members of such lists should not be construed as de facto equivalents to other members of the same list solely based on their presence in a common group absent a statement to the contrary. Furthermore, the terms "and" and "or," when used in conjunction with lists of items, should be interpreted broadly to mean that one or more of the listed items may be used alone or in combination with the other listed items. The term "alternatively" refers to the selection of one of two or more alternatives and is not intended to limit the selection to only those listed alternatives or to only one of the listed alternatives at a time, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0066] conclusion Various exemplary embodiments and examples of powered personal mobility vehicles have been disclosed. Many variations and modifications can be made to the embodiments disclosed herein, with the understanding that elements thereof are among other acceptable examples. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. Furthermore, any of the steps described herein may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than the steps recited herein. Furthermore, it will be apparent that the features and characteristics of specific embodiments disclosed herein may be combined in different ways to form additional embodiments, all of which are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0067] Several embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanying drawings. While the drawings are drawn to scale, such scale should not be construed as limiting. Distances, angles, and the like are merely illustrative and do not necessarily bear precise relationships to the actual dimensions and layout of the devices depicted. Components may be added, removed, and / or rearranged. Furthermore, the disclosure herein of particular features, aspects, methods, properties, characteristics, qualities, attributes, elements, etc., associated with various embodiments may be used in all other embodiments described herein. Additionally, the methods described herein may be implemented using any device suitable for performing the recited steps.

[0068] In summary, various exemplary embodiments and examples of powered personal mobility vehicles have been disclosed. While the powered personal mobility vehicles are disclosed in the context of these embodiments and examples, the disclosure extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and / or other uses of the embodiments, as well as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. The disclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosure should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims and their full scope of equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 100 Powered Personal Mobility Vehicle 102 Decks 104 Front Wheel Assembly 110 Rear Wheel Assembly 106 front wheel 108 Mounting Assembly 112 rear wheel 114 Mounting Assembly 116 Mounting plate 120 Front part 122 Rear part 124 Neck part 126 Rotating Coupling 128A, 128B recess 130 Handle 132 Mount 134 Fasteners 138 Exterior 140 Protrusion 141A First recess 141B Second recess 142 Limiter 144 axles 145 Interlocking mechanism 146 Traction element 147 Anti-vibration elements 148 Cover 149 recess 150 Battery 152 Controller 156 Power switch 158 charging port 160 Remote Control Device 162 Anti-slip area 166A, 166B Access Panel 164 Main Unit 168 tabs 170 Arm 172,174 Support

Claims

1. A powered personal mobility vehicle, A deck configured to support a user, front part, the rear part, and a neck portion separating the forward and aft portions, the neck portion configured to allow the deck to twist about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; a deck having a first wheel assembly including a first swiveling wheel connected to the forward portion of the deck; a second wheel assembly including a second swiveling wheel connected to the aft portion of the deck; the first and second wheel assemblies are disposed along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and are disposed entirely below the deck; a battery connected to a bottom surface of the front portion of the deck, a portion of the battery being disposed directly above a portion of the first swivel wheel when the first and second swivel wheels are on a flat, horizontal running surface; a motor operably coupled to the battery and configured to drive one of the first and second wheel assemblies; A powered personal mobility vehicle comprising:

2. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the motor is configured to transmit rotational power to the first swiveling wheel and is disposed entirely within the first swiveling wheel.

3. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first swivel wheel and the second swivel wheel is configured to swivel 360 degrees.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the first wheel assembly includes a limiter configured to limit the degree to which the first steering wheel can swivel.

5. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the first swivel wheel and the second swivel wheel are configured to swivel independently.

6. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein said first slewing wheel is powered and said second slewing wheel is non-powered, said first and second slewing wheels having similar diameters.

7. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, further comprising a panel covering a recess in the forward portion of the deck, the panel being removable to provide access to an upper portion of the first wheel assembly extending upwardly from beneath the deck into the recess in the deck.

8. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the rear portion of the deck comprises a handle, the handle extending through the deck and comprising an opening configured to receive a user's hand.

9. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the neck portion of the deck comprises a rotary coupling connected at a first end to the forward portion of the deck and connected at a second end opposite the first end to the aft portion of the deck.

10. 2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly are each mounted on the deck at an angle inclined relative to the horizontal, the angle being between 40 degrees and 45 degrees relative to the horizontal.

11. A powered personal mobility vehicle, a deck configured to support a user, the deck having a forward portion and a rearward portion, the forward portion and the rearward portion spaced apart by a neck portion, the neck portion configured to allow the deck to twist about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; a front wheel assembly connected to the forward portion of the deck, the front wheel assembly including a powered swiveling wheel having a motor and a tire, the motor being disposed entirely within the tire; a rear wheel assembly connected to the rear portion of the deck, the rear wheel assembly comprising a non-powered swiveling wheel, the front and rear wheel assemblies being aligned along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; Equipped with A powered personal mobility vehicle, wherein the diameter of the powered swivel wheel of the front wheel assembly is approximately equal to the diameter of the non-powered swivel wheel of the rear wheel assembly.

12. 12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein at least one of the powered swivel wheel and the non-powered swivel wheel is configured to swivel 360 degrees.

13. 12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the front wheel assembly includes a limiter configured to limit the degree to which the powered steer wheel can steer.

14. The vehicle of claim 11 , wherein the powered steer wheel and the non-powered steer wheel are configured to steer independently.

15. 12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein the front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are each mounted to the deck at an angle inclined relative to the horizontal, the angle being between 40 and 45 degrees relative to the horizontal.

16. A powered personal mobility vehicle, a deck configured to support a user, the deck having a forward portion and a rearward portion, the forward portion and the rearward portion spaced apart by a neck portion, the neck portion configured to allow the deck to twist about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle; a first wheel assembly coupled to the deck, the first wheel assembly including a powered swiveling wheel and a first mounting assembly, a motor disposed within the powered swiveling wheel; a second wheel assembly coupled to the deck, the second wheel assembly including a non-powered swivel wheel and a second mounting assembly, the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly being disposed along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle; Equipped with an upper surface of the deck comprising a first recess and a second recess, each of the first and second recesses comprising an opening in a base, the first recess being covered by a first removable panel and the second recess being covered by a second removable panel; A powered personal mobility vehicle, wherein a portion of the first mounting assembly extends upward from below the deck to the opening in the base of the first recess, and a portion of the second mounting assembly extends upward from below the deck to the opening in the base of the second recess.

17. 17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein at least one of the powered swivel wheel and the non-powered swivel wheel is configured to swivel 360 degrees.

18. 17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the first wheel assembly includes a limiter configured to limit the degree to which the powered steer wheel can steer.

19. 17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the powered steer wheel and the non-powered steer wheel are configured to steer independently.

20. 17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the first wheel assembly and the second wheel assembly are each mounted to the deck at an angle inclined relative to the horizontal, the angle being between 40 and 45 degrees relative to the horizontal.

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