Personal transport vehicles such as scooters

Abstract

A personal transportation vehicle, such as a scooter or skateboard, is provided. The vehicle includes a footboard, a front wheel, a first rear pivoting wheel pivotally coupled to the footboard, and a second rear pivoting wheel pivotally coupled to the footboard. The first rear pivoting wheel and the second rear pivoting wheel may be coupled to each other such that pivoting motion of one corresponds to pivoting motion of the other. The vehicle may be used in a drift mode in which the front wheel and both rear wheels rotate in the same direction. In particular, the front wheels and both rear wheels may be oriented substantially parallel to allow a user to experience a motion similar to drifting.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to the field of personal transportation vehicles, such as scooters or skateboards. [Background technology]

[0002] Kick scooters and skateboards are used by adults and children as personal transportation vehicles. Scooters and skateboards typically have a footboard on which the user may place one or both feet, either one behind the other or side by side. To propel the kick scooter or skateboard, the user stands with one foot on the footboard and pushes against the ground with the other foot.

[0003] Compared to a skateboard, a scooter has a control rod that allows you to rotate the front wheel, so it is easier to control the direction of travel with a scooter than with a skateboard. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a personal transport vehicle whose direction of travel can be controlled by the user, and in particular, to provide a personal transport vehicle capable of drifting or allowing the user to experience drifting-like motion.

[0005] Drifting is the phenomenon of a vehicle oversteering, especially when it is done intentionally. When drifting, the vehicle may head in a direction that is not aligned with the direction of travel. When drifting, one or more of the rear wheels of the vehicle may slip.

[0006] It has been found that a drift-like motion can be achieved by pivotably connecting one or more rear wheels to the footboard. If a vehicle has one or more front wheels facing a particular direction and one or more rear wheels also facing generally in that direction, the vehicle may appear to a user to be drifting when the vehicle moves in a direction other than that direction. It is preferable for a vehicle to appear to be drifting without significant rear wheel slippage, as this can cause excessive wear on the rear wheels.

[0007] It is preferable to provide a user with a vehicle that appears to be drifting. Aspects, features, and embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to enabling and / or improving a user's drifting experience when using a personal transportation vehicle, such as a scooter, kick scooter, or skateboard. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A first aspect provides a personal transportation vehicle, such as a scooter or skateboard, comprising a footboard having a front end, a rear end, and an upper surface configured to support at least one foot of a person. The vehicle further comprises a front wheel, a first rear swivel wheel pivotally coupled to the footboard, and a second rear swivel wheel pivotally coupled to the footboard. The two rear swivel wheels are coupled to one another such that pivotal movement of one corresponds to pivotal movement of the other.

[0009] A personal transportation vehicle may typically have one front wheel or multiple front wheels, such as two front wheels. The multiple front wheels may be positioned adjacent to each other and may be connected to the same or different wheel mounts. For example, if the vehicle is a skateboard, it has two front wheels. The multiple front wheels may be configured to rotate independently of each other.

[0010] The front wheel(s) may be coupled to the footboard in a manner similar to any of the alternatives disclosed herein for how the rear wheel(s) may be coupled to the footboard in embodiments of a personal transportation vehicle, such as using a resilient mechanism, Additionally or alternatively, the front wheels may be coupled to each other in a manner similar to any of the alternatives disclosed herein for how the rear wheels may be coupled or connected to each other, such as using a coupling, such as a rigid coupling or a flexible coupling made of one or more flexible coupling elements.

[0011] A footboard is typically configured to support one or more persons. When the footboard is configured to support more than one person, the persons may be positioned side-by-side and / or one behind the other. A person may place one or both feet on the footboard, particularly on the top surface of the footboard.

[0012] If the two rear swivel wheels are connected to each other such that the pivoting movement of one of the two rear swivel wheels corresponds to the pivoting movement of the other of the two rear swivel wheels, the two rear swivel wheels may remain parallel to each other when the rear wheels pivot relative to the footboard, thereby reducing or preventing rear wheel slippage when the vehicle is used to simulate a drifting movement.

[0013] Furthermore, if the two rear swivel wheels are connected to each other such that a pivoting movement of one of the two rear swivel wheels corresponds to a pivoting movement of the other of the two rear swivel wheels, the two rear wheels may remain substantially parallel even if one of the two rear wheels leaves the ground, for example when the vehicle rolls over and / or when the ground is uneven. When the rear wheels re-contact the ground, they may be guaranteed to be parallel, which may increase user comfort and reduce wear or damage to the vehicle, in particular wear to the rear wheels and / or rear wheel mountings.

[0014] The coupling may be used to connect the two rear swivel wheels such that the pivoting movement of one of the two rear swivel wheels can be transferred to the other of the two rear swivel wheels via the coupling. The coupling may generally be a rigid coupling including one or more rigid bodies. Alternatively, the coupling may be a flexible coupling consisting of one or more flexible connecting elements.

[0015] The rigid connection may be formed by one or more rigid bodies, preferably with substantially no internal degrees of freedom. The rigid connection therefore preferably does not provide substantially any spring or damping action between the two rear swivel wheels. The rigid connection may therefore comprise one or more materials with high rigidity, such as a metal, such as steel or aluminium. The rigid connection may for example be formed by or comprise gears, cogwheels, solid bodies or combinations thereof.

[0016] When the connection has a flexible connecting element, a flexible connection may be obtained. The flexible connection may include, for example, a rope, a chain, a belt, a cable, a toothed belt, a cogwheel, a gear, a sheave, a pulley, or any combination thereof. Ropes, chains, belts, cables, coil springs, and toothed belts are examples of flexible elements that can be used to form a flexible connection, but are not limited to these. These elements have in common that they are flexible enough to be wound and curved around curved elements such as cogs, gears, sheaves, and pulleys, but also exhibit a high stiffness when tensioned. The high stiffness when tensioned may allow the flexible connecting element to couple or couple the pivoting movement of the two rear pivoting wheels.

[0017] In one example, the flexible connection is directly connected to a resilient mechanism connecting the footboard to at least one rear wheel. Such a resilient mechanism may have a resilient member, preferably facing the front end of the footboard. In case of more than one rear wheel, the connection may connect the rear wheels, in particular the respective wheel mountings. The connection may include a flexible connection element, such as a spring. In one example, the flexible connection element may be integrated with the resilient member. For example, two springs may be integrated with a wire, for example one spring at one end and another spring at the other end. The one or more flexible connection elements may form at least a part of the resilient mechanism connecting the one or more rear wheel mounts to the footboard.

[0018] If the first rear swivel wheel is coupled to the footboard via a first wheel mount and the second rear swivel wheel is coupled to the footboard via a second wheel mount, the coupling may be coupled to the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount. The coupling being connected to the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount means that forces can be transmitted between the first wheel mount and the second wheel mount mount via the coupling.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the linkage is hinged to the first wheel mount such that it is hinged to the first wheel mount about a first hinge axis, and the linkage is hinged to the second wheel mount such that it is hinged to the second wheel mount about a second hinge axis.

[0020] If the coupling is hinged to the first and second wheel mounting parts, both wheel mounting parts can rotate relative to the footboard while being connected via the coupling. The coupling part may be hinged to the wheel mounting parts, especially if it is a rigid coupling.

[0021] Alternatively, the coupling may be located between the two rear swivel wheels and the front end of the footboard. Or, the two rear swivel wheels may be located between the coupling and the front end of the footboard. By locating the coupling between the two rear swivel wheels and the front end of the footboard, the vehicle can be made compact.

[0022] Generally, the first wheel mount is configured to rotate relative to the footboard about a first pivot axis and the second wheel mount is configured to rotate relative to the footboard about a second pivot axis, and the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis may be oriented substantially parallel.

[0023] The first hinge axis may be disposed between the first pivot axis and the front end of the footboard, and the second hinge axis may be disposed between the second pivot axis and the front end of the footboard, which allows the connection to be disposed between the two pivot axes and the front end of the footboard, potentially resulting in a more compact vehicle.

[0024] The coupling may taper towards the front end of the vehicle. For example, the coupling may include a tapered rigid coupling or one or more flexible coupling elements may taper towards the front end of the vehicle. In use, the taper may be visible from a top view. The taper may allow for an increased range of motion of the coupling. In particular, the coupling may be located within a chamber of the vehicle (which chamber is described in more detail below) or may be surrounded by other vehicle components that may otherwise collide with the coupling.

[0025] In an embodiment, the first wheel mounting part is rotatably connected to the footboard via a first wheel mounting bearing, and the second wheel mounting part is rotatably connected to the footboard via a second wheel mounting bearing. The first wheel mounting bearing and the second wheel mounting bearing may be at least partially located above the joint and below the upper surface of the footboard. This may allow for a compact vehicle.

[0026] A second aspect provides a personal transportation vehicle, such as a scooter or skateboard, comprising a footboard having a front end, a rear end, and an upper surface configured to support a person's feet. The vehicle further comprises a front wheel and a first rear pivoting wheel pivotally coupled to the footboard via a wheel mount. The wheel mount is resiliently coupled to the footboard via a resilient mechanism having at least one resilient member that faces the front end of the footboard relative to the vehicle mount when the resilient mechanism is in a neutral position.

[0027] The resilient mechanism causes the wheel mount to move to a neutral position, which results in the first rear swivel wheel moving to a neutral position, the neutral position of the first rear swivel wheel corresponding to a position in which the axis of rotation of the first rear swivel wheel relative to the wheel mount is substantially perpendicular to the forward direction of the vehicle, which forward direction preferably corresponds to the extension direction of the footboard.

[0028] When the resilience mechanism transitions the first rear pivoting wheel to the neutral position, the vehicle may return from the drift mode, in which the first rear pivoting wheel is not in the neutral position, to a normal driving mode, in which the first rear pivoting wheel is normally in the neutral position. Additionally or alternatively, the resilience mechanism may provide some inhibition to the vehicle from transitioning to the drift mode, which may encourage the user to keep the vehicle in the normal driving mode and may require more force or effort to enter the drift mode.

[0029] The vehicle may be put into drift mode by a user standing on the footboard and exerting a lateral force on the vehicle, i.e., at an angle to the forward direction, such that a lateral force is generally exerted on the rear end of the vehicle, causing the rear end of the vehicle to slip out in a direction corresponding to the direction of the exerted lateral force.

[0030] The rear end of the vehicle may then move in a wavy manner by varying the direction of the lateral force applied to the rear end of the vehicle. The wavy movement is found relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle. The direction of travel of the vehicle may be generally forward. In the wavy movement, the rear end of the vehicle may then be located to the left and right of the front end of the vehicle.

[0031] It will be appreciated that, in general, alternatives and features disclosed in relation to the vehicle according to the second aspect may be readily applied to the vehicle according to the first aspect, and vice versa. Alternatives and features generally disclosed herein may be applied to embodiments of the vehicle according to both the first and second aspects.

[0032] Although not required for each embodiment of the vehicle, if the vehicle includes a resilience mechanism and a linkage, the resilience mechanism can resiliently couple the linkage to the footboard. The resilience coupling provides a predetermined stiffness and damping over a certain degree of freedom. The resilience coupling can be provided by one or more springs and / or dampers.

[0033] At least one or all of the resilient members may extend along the length of the footboard when in a neutral position from the front end to the rear end of the footboard, such that the resilient members are in an elongated state whenever the footboard is moved away from the neutral position. As another alternative, at least one or all of the resilient members may extend obliquely relative to the length of the footboard.

[0034] Generally, at least a portion of the resilient member may extend along a longitudinal direction, but the resilient member may have multiple interconnected parts extending in multiple different directions, for example using one or more connecting parts such as cables, pulleys, guides, etc.

[0035] The resilience mechanism may generally be operated to assume two extreme states corresponding to two extreme positions of the rear wheel or wheels. The neutral state is between the two extreme states, preferably intermediate between the two extreme states. The neutral state may correspond to a neutral position of the resilience mechanism, and the extreme states may correspond to extreme positions of the resilience mechanism. Generally, the force exerted by the resilience mechanism is greater in the extreme states than in the neutral state. This force may act directly or indirectly on the rear wheel or wheels, for example via one or more wheel attachments and / or couplings, if present.

[0036] The neutral position or state of the resilience mechanism may correspond to a neutral position of the first wheel mount, where the first wheel faces forward toward the front end of the footboard. The state of the resilience mechanism may be independent of the orientation of the front wheel or wheels. Alternatively, the neutral position or state of the resilience mechanism may correspond to a longitudinal orientation of the footboard.

[0037] The elastic mechanism is preferably adjustable in stiffness to elastically connect between the first wheel attachment portion and the footboard, allowing the user to adjust the stiffness and thereby adjust the ride comfort and drift feeling when using the vehicle.

[0038] Specifically, the elastic mechanism may have a plurality of elastic members, whereby at least one of the elastic members may be removably connected between the first wheel mounting portion and the footboard to provide an adjustable stiffness for providing an elastic connection between the first wheel mounting portion and the footboard.

[0039] When the resilient mechanism includes multiple resilient members, the multiple resilient members may extend in a direction substantially parallel to one another, such that the multiple resilient members extend along a direction toward the front end of the footboard relative to the first wheel attachment portion when the resilient mechanism is in a neutral position.

[0040] Generally, the vehicle may be a scooter, further comprising an operating rod coupled to the front wheel, the operating rod being provided to provide a user with the convenience of rotating the front wheel, in particular, turning the front wheel sharply may cause one or more rear wheels to turn to initiate a drift mode.

[0041] Further, the vehicles generally may be manually powered or may have an electric motor or internal combustion engine for moving the vehicle, with or without user intervention. The front wheels are preferably powered by a motor or internal combustion engine.

[0042] In accordance with various embodiments, the vehicle may have a chamber. The chamber may include an access opening that allows access to the chamber. At least a portion of the chamber may be formed by a footboard. The access opening may be, for example, in a bottom surface of the footboard or in a top surface of the footboard. The chamber may be located between the bottom surface and the top surface of the footboard.

[0043] A third aspect provides a rear wheel assembly for a personal transportation vehicle, such as a scooter or skateboard. The rear wheel assembly includes an assembly frame configured to be connected to a footboard of the personal transportation vehicle, a first rear pivoting wheel pivotally coupled to the assembly frame, and a second rear pivoting wheel pivotally coupled to the assembly frame. In this manner, the rear wheel assembly is provided as a drift module and can be retrofitted to an existing scooter or skateboard. A user can attach the assembly to a conventional scooter to transform the conventional scooter or skateboard into a driftable scooter or skateboard. A user may have to remove one or more rear wheels from the conventional scooter before attaching the drift module to the footboard of the conventional scooter.

[0044] The two rear swiveling wheels may be coupled to each other such that a swiveling movement of one corresponds to a swiveling movement of the other. A coupling may be used to couple the two rear swiveling wheels. Any features and advantages disclosed in relation to the transport vehicle according to the first aspect can be readily applied to the embodiments of the rear wheel assembly, in particular to the coupling and any features and advantages related to the coupling according to the various embodiments.

[0045] A fourth aspect provides a rear wheel assembly for a personal transportation vehicle, such as a scooter or skateboard, comprising an assembly frame configured to be connected to a footboard of the personal transportation vehicle, and a first rear swivel wheel pivotally coupled to the assembly frame via a wheel mount such that the first rear swivel wheel can pivot about a first pivot axis.

[0046] The first rear swivel wheel may rotate relative to the wheel mounting part about a first wheel rotation axis. The wheel mounting part may be resiliently connected to the assembly frame via a resilience mechanism, the resilience mechanism including at least one resilient member. The first pivot axis may be located between the resilient member and the first wheel rotation axis when the resilience mechanism is in a neutral position. The wheel mounting part may be a first wheel mounting part associated with the first rear swivel wheel when the rear wheel assembly further comprises a second rear swivel wheel and a second wheel mounting part.

[0047] The rear wheel assembly may be connected to, for example, a footboard of the transport vehicle, allowing the transport vehicle to be used in a drift mode. Alternatively, another rear wheel assembly may be connected to the footboard, allowing a user to experience different driving modes. The other rear wheel assembly may have, for example, one or two rear wheels. In this case, the rear wheels may be fixed, i.e., not swivelable.

[0048] Generally, the rear wheel assembly may be attached to a footboard to form a personal transportation vehicle such as a scooter, kick scooter, skateboard, or the like.

[0049] Alternatives and features disclosed herein in relation to a vehicle may be readily applied to a rear wheel assembly and vice versa. A vehicle according to the first aspect may include a rear wheel assembly according to the third aspect. A vehicle according to the second aspect may include a rear wheel assembly according to the fourth aspect. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0050] The drawings illustrate various non-limiting examples of various aspects. In the drawings, like elements are labeled with the same or similar reference numerals. For clarity of illustration, not every element is labeled with a reference numeral in each drawing. Please note that the illustrations are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are as follows: [Figure 1A]1 illustrates one embodiment of a kick scooter. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a kick scooter. [Figure 1C] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a kick scooter. [Figure 1D] 1 illustrates one embodiment of a kick scooter. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of one embodiment of a personal transportation vehicle. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of one embodiment of a personal transportation vehicle. [Figure 2C] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of one embodiment of a personal transportation vehicle. [Figure 3A] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of one embodiment of a personal transportation vehicle. [Figure 3B] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of one embodiment of a personal transportation vehicle. [Figure 3C] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of one embodiment of a personal transportation vehicle. [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of one embodiment of a personal transportation vehicle. [Figure 4B] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of one embodiment of a personal transportation vehicle. [Figure 4C] FIG. 1 is a schematic bottom view of one embodiment of a personal transportation vehicle. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is an isometric bottom view of one embodiment of a kick scooter. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 is a top view showing one embodiment of a kick scooter. [Figure 6A] FIG. 2 is a bottom view showing the kick scooter. [Figure 6B] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the rear end of a kick scooter. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a partial exploded view showing one embodiment of a kick scooter; [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the rear portion shown in FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the kick scooter. [Figure 9B] FIG. 2 is a left side view of the kick scooter. [Figure 10A] A detailed cross-sectional view focusing on the rear end of the scooter. [Figure 10B] A detailed cross-sectional view focusing on the rear end of the scooter. [Figure 10C] A detailed cross-sectional view focusing on the rear end of the scooter. [Figure 11A] FIG. 13 is a partially exploded view showing another embodiment of the kick scooter. [Figure 11B] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a rear wheel assembly. [Figure 12A] FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view of a vehicle including an alternative resilient mechanism and linkage; [Figure 12B] FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view of a vehicle including an alternative resilient mechanism and linkage; [Figure 12C] FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view of a vehicle including an alternative resilient mechanism and linkage; [Figure 12D] FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view of a vehicle including an alternative resilient mechanism and linkage; [Figure 12E] FIG. 13 is a schematic bottom view of a vehicle including an alternative resilient mechanism and linkage; [Figure 13A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle used in a wave-like motion. [Figure 13B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle used in a wave-like motion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0051] 1A-1D illustrate an embodiment of a kick scooter 100 as an example of a personal transportation vehicle. The kick scooter 100 is shown in an isometric view, a top view, a front view, and a left side view.

[0052] The kick scooter 100 has a footboard 102 having a front end 108 and a rear end 109. The footboard 102 has a top surface 104 configured to support one or both feet of a person in a side-by-side or front-to-back position. The top surface 104 may be configured to support multiple people. At least a portion of the top surface 104 may be a high friction surface to enhance grip for feet standing on the top surface 104.

[0053] The kick scooter 100 further includes a front wheel 106. The front wheel 106 may be coupled to or near a front end 108 of the footboard 102. The kick scooter 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D further includes two rear wheels. However, the kick scooter 100 may include only one rear wheel or more than one rear wheel. The use of more than one rear wheel may allow a user to maintain better balance when using the kick scooter 100. The use of more than one rear wheel and / or more than one front wheel may allow the scooter 100 to stand on its own, for example, when parked.

[0054] A skateboard may have one or more front wheels and one or more rear wheels. For example, a skateboard may have two front wheels and two rear wheels. The front wheels 106 are connected to the footboard 102 via a head tube 105 in the embodiment of Figures 1A-1D.

[0055] Specifically, the kick scooter 100 includes a first rear swivel wheel 110 rotatably connected to the footboard 102, and a second rear swivel wheel 112 rotatably connected to the footboard 102. The two rear wheels are disposed at or near the rear end 109. In this embodiment, the two rear wheels are disposed side by side, but it is also conceivable that the two rear wheels may be disposed side by side in the front-to-rear direction.

[0056] To operate the front wheel 106, a control rod 118 may be provided. The control rod 118 is connected at a first end to the front wheel, for example via a front wheel fork 161, and at a second end to a handlebar that a user holds when using the kick scooter 100. The control rod 118 passes through the head tube 105. If the vehicle does not have a control rod, the user may operate the vehicle using, for example, their own body weight.

[0057] 2A-2C, 3A-3C, and 4A-4C are schematic bottom views illustrating three different embodiments of a personal transportation vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 has a footboard 102, a front wheel 106, a first rear wheel 110, and a second rear wheel 112, the rear wheels being rear swivel wheels that are pivotally coupled to the footboard.

[0058] 2A, 3A and 4A show the vehicle 100 in a forward travel mode. The front wheels 106 and both rear wheels 110, 112 are oriented parallel to each other and aligned with the extension of the footboard 102. Thus, the footboard 102 faces in the direction in which the vehicle 100 is moving.

[0059] 2B, 3B, and 4B show the vehicle 100 in a conventional mode of operation. The front wheels 106 are rotating relative to the footboard 102. The vehicle 100 can turn or rotate in a direction that corresponds to the orientation of the front wheels 106. At this point, the two rear wheels 110, 112 are generally oriented along the extension direction of the footboard 102.

[0060] 2C, 3C, and 4C show the vehicle 100 in drift mode. The front wheel 106 and both rear wheels 110, 112 rotate relative to the forward mode. In drift mode, the front wheel 106 and both rear wheels 110, 112 may rotate in the same direction, specifically oriented substantially parallel, as can be seen in FIGS. 2C, 3C, and 4C. In drift mode, the entire vehicle may actually move in a direction corresponding to the orientation of the front wheel 106 and both rear wheels 110, 112, as opposed to the conventional operation mode.

[0061] In drift mode, the direction of travel of the vehicle 100 is determined by the orientation of the front and rear wheels. However, the orientation of the footboard 102 can be at an angle to this direction of travel. Thus, in drift mode, a user standing on the footboard 102 experiences the sensation of drifting. The drift mode can be initiated by a sudden movement of the front wheel 106 and / or a body movement of the user standing on the footboard 102, which causes a rotational or pivoting movement of the rear wheels 110, 112 relative to the footboard 102.

[0062] In the particular embodiment of the vehicle 100 shown in Figures 2A, 2B and 2C, the two rear swiveling wheels are coupled to each other such that a swiveling movement of one of the two rear swiveling wheels corresponds to a swiveling movement of the other of the two rear swiveling wheels, thereby ensuring that the two rear swiveling wheels maintain a parallel orientation whether the vehicle 100 is in a forward mode, a conventional steering operation mode or a drift mode.

[0063] In particular, the vehicle 100 has a rigid connection 120 that connects the two rear swiveling wheels 110, 112 in such a way that the swiveling movement of one of the two rear swiveling wheels is transferred to the other of the two rear swiveling wheels via the rigid connection 120. The rigid connection 120 may be formed by a rigid connection. The term "rigid connection" means that the connection itself is substantially rigid. For this reason, the rigid connection preferably does not create a substantial spring or damping effect between the two rear swiveling wheels 110, 112 that it connects.

[0064] In general, the first rear swivel wheel 110 may be pivotally coupled to the footboard 102 via a first rear wheel mount 115. The second rear swivel wheel 112 may be pivotally coupled to the footboard 102 via a second rear wheel mount 116. In the embodiment of Figures 2A-2C, a rigid connection 120 is coupled to the first wheel mount 115 and the second wheel mount 116. Thus, the first rear wheel 110 is coupled to the rigid connection 120 via the first wheel mount 115 and the second rear wheel 112 is coupled to the rigid connection 120 via the second wheel mount 116.

[0065] 2A and 2B with 2C, the orientation of the rigid connection 120 may remain substantially the same when the vehicle 100 is in drift mode. Specifically, the rigid connection 120 may remain substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of the footboard 102. However, the orientation of the rear wheel attachment may change when the vehicle 100 is in drift mode. It should be understood that the position of the rigid connection 120 may move relative to the footboard 102 when the vehicle 100 enters a drifting motion. Specifically, the rigid connection 120 may move away from the front wheel 106.

[0066] The rigid connection 120 may be hingedly connected to the first wheel mounting portion 115 and hingedly connected to the second wheel mounting portion 116 so as to allow the orientation of the rear wheel mounting portion to be changed relative to the rigid connection 120.

[0067] 2A to 2C, the rigid connection 120 is located between the front wheel 106 and the two rear wheels 110, 112. However, embodiments are also possible in which the two rear wheels 110, 112 are located between the front wheel 106 and the rigid connection 120.

[0068] 3A-3C show another embodiment of a personal transportation vehicle 100 having a footboard 102, a front wheel 106, and two rear pivoting wheels 110, 112. This particular embodiment optionally includes a resilience mechanism including a first resilient member 151 and a second resilient member 152 that face toward the front end 108 of the footboard relative to the wheel mount when the vehicle 100 is in the forward mode of FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B and in the conventional steering mode. In at least these two modes, the resilience mechanism can be considered to be in a neutral position.

[0069] In the drift mode shown in Figure 3C, the resilience mechanism is not in a neutral position, but rather in an extended position, in which the resilience mechanism may exert a force tending to return the rear wheel mount to the neutral position.

[0070] 3A and 3B, it can be seen that when the resilient mechanism is in a neutral position, the resilient members 150, 151 face in the longitudinal direction of the footboard 102 from the front end 108 towards the rear end 109 of the footboard 102.

[0071] The first elastic member 151 and the second elastic member 152 may be realized by, for example, a coil spring or a torsion spring. The first elastic member 151 and the second elastic member 152 may be pretensioned so that the spring force of the elastic mechanism acts even when the rear wheel is in the neutral position.

[0072] As can be seen in Figure 3C, if the resilient member is implemented as, for example, a coil spring, the resilient member is more elongated when in the tensioned position than in the neutral position. By orienting the resilient member toward the front end 108 of the footboard, the resilient member may be elongated whenever moving from the neutral position to the tensioned position. Also, the force exerted by the resilient member may increase as the rear wheel moves further away from the neutral position.

[0073] The stiffness of the resilient mechanism may be adjustable. Optionally, the distance D shown in Figure 3A may be adjustable. Distance D is the distance between where the resilient member is connected to the footboard 102 and where, in use, the resilient member is connected to the rear wheel attachment or rigid connection. Distance D can be adjusted by moving where the resilient member is connected to the footboard 102, by moving where the resilient member is connected to the rear wheel attachment or rigid connection, or by moving both away from each other. Distance D is also shown in Figure 10A.

[0074] Figures 4A-4C illustrate yet another embodiment of a personal transportation vehicle 100 that combines the optional rigid connection 120 shown in Figures 2A-2C with the resilience mechanism shown in Figures 3A-3C. In general, it should be understood that the embodiments of personal transportation vehicles 100 disclosed herein, and specifically those described with reference to Figures 5A-10C, include only one of a rigid connection 120 and a resilience mechanism, although both are illustrated in the figures.

[0075] When the personal transportation vehicle 100 includes both a linkage, such as the rigid linkage 120, and a resilience mechanism, the resilience mechanism may be connected to the linkage 120. Alternatively, the resilience mechanism may be connected to one or more rear wheel attachments. The combination of the linkage 120 and the resilience mechanism may further improve the drifting experience for the user.

[0076] 5A and 5B are isometric bottom and top views, respectively, of one embodiment of a kick scooter 100. The scooter 100 is illustrated in drift mode, with the front wheel 106 and two rear pivoting wheels 110, 112 substantially parallel and oriented at an angle relative to the footboard 102.

[0077] Generally, the front wheel 106 is configured to rotate relative to the footboard 102 about a front wheel pivot axis 147 which, in use, is preferably oriented substantially horizontally. When the kick scooter 100 is in forward mode, the front wheel pivot axis 147 is oriented perpendicular to the extension direction of the footboard 102. The extension direction of the footboard 102 is indicated by arrow 159 in FIG. 5B. The extension direction of the footboard 102 generally corresponds to the direction of travel of the vehicle 100 in forward mode.

[0078] More typically, the first rear wheel 110 is configured to rotate about a first wheel axis of rotation 145, and the second rear wheel 112 is configured to rotate about a second wheel axis of rotation 146. The wheel axes of rotation are shown, for example, in FIG. 5B. The axes of rotation are generally indicated by dashed and dotted lines in the figure. The first wheel axis of rotation 145 and the second wheel axis of rotation 146 are preferably oriented substantially horizontally in use, and also in drift mode.

[0079] In drift mode, for example as shown in FIG. 5B, the front wheel rotation axis 147, the first wheel rotation axis 145, and the second wheel rotation axis 146 are oriented substantially parallel to each other and obliquely relative to the extension direction of the footboard 102.

[0080] In Figure 5A, the bottom surface 103 of the footboard 102 is shown. A closure member 136 may be removably connected to the bottom surface 103. The closure member 136 closes an access opening to a chamber, which is described in more detail with reference to Figures 6A and 6B.

[0081] Figure 6A is a bottom view of the kick scooter 100, and Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 6A, showing the rear end of the kick scooter 100. The detailed view in Figure 6B focuses on an optional chamber 132 within the footboard 102, which is formed between the top surface 104 and the bottom surface 103. The chamber 132 is accessible through an access opening, which is covered by a closure member 136 in use.

[0082] The chamber 132 may generally be utilized to house one or more components of the vehicle 100, such as, for example, one or more of the linkage 120, at least a portion of the resilient mechanism, a battery for powering the electric motor, one or more bearings, any other components, etc., in any combination, such that the one or more components may be protected from external factors, such as impacts and / or foreign objects, such as water, sand, dust, and / or mud, by being disposed within the chamber 132.

[0083] The optional closure member 136 may provide additional protection for one or more components disposed within the chamber 132. The closure member 136 may be removable by a user to access components within the chamber 132, for example, for maintenance and / or to adjust the stiffness of the resilient mechanism if the stiffness of the resilient mechanism is adjustable. The closure member 136 may be coupled to the vehicle 100 by one or more screws or bolts, for example.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 6B, the first wheel mounting portion 115 is rotatably coupled to the footboard via a first wheel mounting bearing 122 and an axle 162 that extends inside the inner ring of the first wheel mounting bearing 122. The first wheel mounting bearing 122 is disposed below the upper surface 104 of the footboard. As a specific optional example, the first wheel mounting bearing 122 is shown as being located above the rigid connection portion 120, which allows the rigid connection portion 120 to be located and moveable below the first wheel mounting bearing 122. A similar wheel mounting bearing is provided for the second wheel mounting portion, but is omitted from FIG. 6B. More generally, the connection portion may be located and moveable below the first wheel mounting bearing 122 in at least some of the other embodiments.

[0085] Another optional configuration shown in Figure 6B is that the resilient member 150 is oriented at an angle relative to the top surface 104 of the footboard 102. The top surface 104 may generally be angled relative to the horizontal when in use. Thus, the resilient member 150 may be oriented substantially horizontally when in use, or at a different angle relative to the horizontal than the top surface 104. Alternatively, the top surface 104 and the resilient member 150 may be substantially parallel.

[0086] FIG 7 is a partially exploded isometric view of the scooter 100 of FIG 6A and FIG 6B. Specifically, the exploded view shows the rear portion 170 of the scooter 100. FIG 8 is a more detailed exploded view of the rear portion 170 of the scooter 100 of FIG 7. The rear portion 170 is shown as having both a resilient mechanism 180 and a rigid connection 120. The rear portion 170 is generally shown assembled in the cross-sectional view of FIG 6B. Other embodiments of the rear portion 170 are contemplated having other embodiments of connections, for example, having one or more flexible connection elements.

[0087] The rear portion 170 may slide at least partially within the footboard 102 in a direction substantially parallel to the elongation direction 159 of the footboard 102 to couple to the footboard 102. Alternatively, the rear portion 170 may be at least partially formed of the footboard 102, connected to an underside of the footboard 102, or connected to an upper side of the footboard 102. The rear portion 170 generally includes a rear wheel or components associated with the rear wheel, and optionally includes one or both of the coupling portion 120 and the resilient mechanism.

[0088] As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the rear portion 170 may optionally include an upper shell portion 184 and a lower shell portion 186. The upper shell portion 184 and the lower shell portion 186 may be connectable to one another using, for example, a press-fit connection and / or one or more screws or bolts. The press-fit connection may be achieved by an interference fit formed by one or more pins 125 and holes. One or more pins and / or one or more corresponding holes may be configured in any combination of the upper shell portion 184 and the lower shell portion 186.

[0089] A support plate 123 is disposed between the upper shell part 184 and the lower shell part 186. In the assembled state, the components of the bearings 122, 122', in particular the bearings 122, 1 The outer ring of the upper shell portion 18 is supported on a support plate 123. 4 and lower shell portion 186 may be connectable to one or both of them using, for example, a press-fit connection and / or one or more screws or bolts.

[0090] In the assembled state, the wheel mount components 115, 116 may extend through the lower shell portion 186. To this end, the lower shell portion 186 is provided with two openings, one of which is indicated by reference numeral 187 in Figure 8. A similar opening may be provided through the support plate 123, as can be seen in Figure 8.

[0091] The upper part 127 of the wheel mounts 115, 116 may be generally cylindrical with a flat surface generally facing the rigid connection 120 and / or the front end of the kick scooter in an assembled state. Providing this flat surface may allow the rear portion 170 to be smaller since the rigid connection 120 may be positioned closer to the upper part 127 of the wheel mounts 115, 116.

[0092] As shown in Fig. 8, the upper shell portion 184 has three resilient member connecting members 181 corresponding to the three resilient members 150, 151, 153. The resilient member connecting members 181 may be formed as protrusions that, in use, protrude in a direction generally perpendicular to the upper shell portion 184 and / or toward the resilient members and away from the upper shell portion 184. The resilient member connecting members 181 may have thickened tips as shown in Fig. 8 to ensure a connection with the resilient members, especially when the resilient members are hooked onto the resilient member connecting members 181.

[0093] 8, the hinged connection between the rigid connection 120 and a wheel mount, such as the first wheel mount 115, may be formed by a bolt 183, pin, or other elongated member that extends through the rigid connection 120. The first wheel mount 115 has a hole 185 extending therethrough through which the bolt 183 is inserted. The bolt 183 may be secured by a nut.

[0094] Figure 9A is a left side view of the kick scooter 100, and Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the kick scooter 100 taken along line BB shown in Figure 9A. Figures 9A-9B show the kick scooter 100 in forward mode. Figures 10A-10C are detailed cross-sectional views taken along line BB, focusing on the rear end of the scooter 100. The rear wheels 110, 112 are shown in drift mode (Figure 10A), in a neutral position corresponding to forward and conventional operating modes (Figure 10B), and in another drift mode (Figure 10C).

[0095] In the embodiment of the kick scooter 100 shown in Figures 10A-10C, the resilient mechanism has three resilient members 150, 151, 153. Figure 10C also shows an alternative in which one or more of the resilient members 150, 151, 153 are removable by the user. This allows the user to adjust the stiffness of the resilient mechanism. The stiffest stiffness may be achieved by employing all three resilient members 150, 151, 153. For example, the stiffness may be reduced by removing the central resilient member 150. The stiffness may be further reduced by removing the outer resilient members 151, 153 and leaving the central resilient member 150 connected. As yet another alternative, all resilient members may be removed.

[0096] 10C illustrates a state in which the resilient members 150, 151, 153 have been severed where they were connected to the footboard 102. For example, the resilient members may have a hook portion that can hook onto a connection portion of the footboard 102, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B.

[0097] There may be multiple resilient members, such as coil springs, and these resilient members may have different stiffnesses, allowing a user to select a desired stiffness by using one or more particular resilient members in the resilient mechanism.

[0098] In particular, in Figure 10A, the rear wheel is in an intermediate position that is between the extreme positions and the neutral position shown in Figure 10B, which is a position where the resilient mechanism is under tension and therefore exerts a force tending to return the rear wheel to the neutral position.

[0099] Figure 10B shows the resilient mechanism in a neutral position or condition, in which the resilient members 150, 151, 153 are oriented generally parallel to the direction of extension 159 of the footboard. In Figures 10A and 10C, the resilient members 150, 151, 153 are oriented obliquely to the direction of extension 159 of the footboard.

[0100] 10C shows the rear wheels in an extreme position, where the first rear wheel 110 is hidden behind the footboard 102. The extreme position may be where the rigid connection 120 contacts stops 182 on the vehicle 100. As shown in the top views of FIGS. 10A-10C, the rigid connection 120 has a tapered shape to allow a large range of movement of the rigid connection 120 between the stops.

[0101] FIG 11A is an isometric exploded view of an embodiment of a scooter 100 as an example of a personal transportation vehicle with a removable rear wheel assembly 200. The rear wheel assembly 200 is shown in more detail in a side view in FIG 11B. The rear wheel assembly 200 has an assembly frame 210 configured to be removably coupled to the scooter 100, and in particular to the footboard 102. The assembly frame 210 may be fixed to the footboard 102 and / or may be coupled to the assembly frame using, for example, one or more screws or bolts.

[0102] The rear wheel assembly 200 shown in Figure 11B may be similar to the rear portion 170 shown in Figures 6B and 8. As such, the alternatives and features disclosed in relation to the rear portion 170 may be readily applied to the rear wheel assembly 200 embodiment.

[0103] The rear wheel assembly 200 is provided with a resilient mechanism 180 that resiliently connects the wheel mounting portion 115 to the assembly frame 210. Therefore, even if the assembly frame is separated from the vehicle, the resilient mechanism 180 can maintain the connection state.

[0104] Conversely, in other vehicle examples, the resilience mechanism 180 may be directly connected to the footboard 102. Alternatively, the resilience mechanism 180 may be indirectly coupled to the footboard 102, for example, via an upper shell portion 184 as described with reference to FIG.

[0105] Similar to the rear end described with reference to FIG. 8, the rear wheel assembly 200 may have any combination of one or more of the following components: upper shell portions, lower shell portions, support plates, bearings, etc., so that the rear wheel assembly 200 can perform similar functions to the rear end 170.

[0106] 12A-12E are schematic bottom views illustrating various alternative examples of the resilience mechanism 180 and the linkage 120. It should be understood that these examples may be readily applied to any of the embodiments of the vehicle and / or rear wheel assembly disclosed herein. Additionally, while the embodiments disclosed in FIGs. 12A-12E have both a resilience mechanism and a linkage, it should be understood that the vehicle shown in FIGs. 12A-12E may be readily implemented without the linkage or resilience mechanism.

[0107] In the embodiment of Fig. 12A, the coupling 120 is formed by a winding member as an example of a flexible coupling element. The winding member is wound around a portion of the first wheel mount 115 and a portion of the second wheel mount 116. The winding member may generally be realized by, for example, a belt, a toothed belt, a rope, a cable, or a chain. Alternatively, the first wheel mount 115 and the second wheel mount 116 may comprise a curved member such as a cogwheel, gear, wheel, pulley 163, sheave, etc., around which the winding member is at least partially wound.

[0108] In order to reliably and appropriately couple the pivoting motion of the first rear wheel 110 and the second rear wheel 112, the wrapping member is preferably realized by a toothed belt or chain. Furthermore, the wrapping member 120 is preferably configured to be substantially inelastic when tension is applied, or at least a portion 120' of the wrapping member spanning between the first wheel mounting portion 115 and the second wheel mounting portion 116 is substantially inelastic when tension is applied. Preferably, the portion 120' of the wound member that spans between the first wheel mount 115 and the second wheel mount 116, and in particular between the pulleys 163, is therefore preferably not realized as a spring. 110 , 112 may maintain a substantially parallel orientation as they pivot relative to the footboard 102 .

[0109] It should be understood that the winding member may be composed of multiple flexible connecting elements that are connected together. Alternatively, the winding member may be a one-piece winding member, optionally with different elasticities in different parts. In the example of Fig. 12A, the winding member 120 consists of two elastic members 150, 151 forming a resilient mechanism and a substantially inelastic member 120' forming a coupling that corresponds the pivoting movement of one of the two rear swiveling wheels to the pivoting movement of the other of the two rear swiveling wheels. The elastic members 150, 151 are connected to the two ends of the coupling. .

[0110] The wrapping member is connected to the footboard 102 at or near both ends, as shown in FIG. 12A. The wrapping member can be tensioned, for example, by a portion of the wrapping member being elastic and / or by one or more external tensioning elements. In the example of FIG. 12A, elastic parts 150, 151 of the wrapping member form a resilient mechanism 180, which faces the front end of the footboard relative to the wheel attachment when the resilient mechanism is in a neutral position. The resilient mechanism 180 can be used to pre-tension the wrapping member. The wrapping member can be formed integrally with the resilient parts 150, 151 or can be connected to the resilient parts 150, 151 by known connecting elements.

[0111] FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an alternative example of the vehicle 100. A winding member 120, which is an example of a coupling part, is wound around a part of the first wheel mounting part 115 and the second wheel mounting part 116, for example, a pulley 163. The winding member 120 is an example of a flexible coupling element that functions as a flexible coupling part 120 that couples the pivoting movement of the first rear wheel 110 and the second rear wheel 112. In FIG. 12B, the elastic mechanism 180 has one elastic member 150. This one elastic member 150 elastically couples one of the wheel mounting parts and the footboard 102. The winding member may be connected at both ends to the corresponding pulley 163, or as shown in FIG. 12B, the winding member may be a closed winding member that forms, for example, an endless belt or chain. The one resilient member 150 mentioned above faces towards the front end 108 of the footboard when the resilient mechanism is in a neutral position.

[0112] 12C shows yet another example of the coupling 120. In this example, a coupling gear 120 is used as an example of a rigid coupling. The coupling gear is engaged with two gears 165 of the first wheel mounting part 115 and the second wheel mounting part 116. The coupling gear is engaged with the two gears of the wheel mounting parts, i.e., their teeth are meshed, so that the pivoting motion of one of the wheel mounting parts is coupled to the pivoting motion of the other of the wheel mounting parts.

[0113] Also shown in Figure 12C is an optional resilient member 150. The resilient member 150 resiliently couples at least one of the two gears of the wheel attachment and the connecting gear to the footboard 102, forming a resilient mechanism 180. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 12D, the resilient member 150 may be coupled to one of the wheel attachments in addition to using the connecting gear 120.

[0114] 12E shows yet another embodiment of the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the resilience mechanism 180 has two compression springs 150, 151 as resilient members. The compression springs 150, 151 are connected between the footboard 102 and the rigid connection 120 to form the resilience mechanism 180. The compression springs 150, 151 are preferably oriented obliquely with respect to the extension direction 159 of the footboard 102. For example, they may be oriented at an angle between 45 degrees and 135 degrees, between 60 degrees and 120 degrees, and preferably substantially perpendicular to the extension direction 159.

[0115] The rigid connection 120, being made up of two lateral parts, may have a T-shape, or more generally a tapered shape, narrowing towards the front end 108 of the vehicle. The tapered shape means that the width of the rigid connection 120 generally decreases towards the front end 108 of the vehicle. The rigid connection 120 again connects the wheel mountings 151, 116 of the rear wheels 110, 112 in this embodiment, the resilient mechanism 180 being realised as two resilient members 150, 151 extending laterally outwards from the body part of the T-shaped connection 120.

[0116] Instead of or as well as having a compression spring, embodiments of the resilient mechanism are possible that include one or more other types of springs, such as gas springs, leaf springs, coil springs, torsion springs, or any other object configured to store mechanical energy as potential energy.

[0117] 13A-13B are schematic bottom views of a schematic embodiment of a personal transportation vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 is used in wave motion. The vehicle 100 generally comprises a front wheel 106 and two rear swiveling wheels 110, 112. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, not all components are labeled with reference numerals.

[0118] 13A illustrates the vehicle 100 at four successive time instants moving in a direction generally along arrow M. Arrow F generally illustrates a lateral force applied by a user standing on the footboard 102 of the vehicle 100. Varying the direction of the lateral force may enable an undulating motion of the rear end 109 of the vehicle 100. The undulating path P of the rear end 109 is shown diagrammatically, and is generally defined relative to the direction of travel M of the vehicle 100.

[0119] It should be understood that the vehicle 100 is typically in a drift mode during wavy motion, with the orientation of the footboard 102 relative to the direction of travel M changing over time, and specifically, the vehicle moving in a wavy manner about a center line L that generally corresponds to the normal driving mode of the vehicle 100.

[0120] 13A and 13B, the rear wheels 110, 112 are shown parallel to the front wheels 106, however, it should be understood that in the undulating motion, the rear wheels 110, 112 are angled relative to the front wheels 106 due to the pivoting motion of the rear wheels.

[0121] Examples of personal transportation vehicles are summarized in the following numbered embodiments, but are not limited to these:

[0122] <Embodiment 1> A personal transportation vehicle (100), such as a scooter or skateboard, a footboard (102) having a front end (108), a rear end (109), and a top surface (104) configured to support one or both feet of a person; Front wheel (106), a first rear swivel wheel (110) pivotally coupled to the footboard via a wheel mounting portion (115); The wheel mount is resiliently connected to the footboard via a resilient mechanism having at least one resilient member (150) that faces the front end of the footboard relative to the wheel mount when the resilient mechanism is in a neutral position. Personal transport vehicle.

[0123] <Embodiment 2> A personal transportation vehicle as described in embodiment 1, wherein the at least one resilient member is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the footboard from the front end toward the rear end of the footboard when the resilient mechanism is in the neutral position.

[0124] <Embodiment 3> the resilient mechanism being movable between two extreme positions; the neutral position is located between the two extreme positions, a force exerted by the elastic mechanism on the first wheel mounting portion in the two extreme positions is greater than a force exerted by the elastic mechanism on the first wheel mounting portion in the neutral position; 3. A personal transportation vehicle as described in embodiment 1 or 2.

[0125] <Embodiment 4> A personal transportation vehicle as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the neutral position of the resilient mechanism corresponds to a neutral position of the first wheel mounting portion in which the first wheel faces forward toward the front end of the footboard.

[0126] <Embodiment 5> A personal transportation vehicle as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the elastic mechanism has adjustable stiffness to elastically connect between the first wheel mounting portion and the footboard.

[0127] <Embodiment 6> A personal transportation vehicle as described in embodiment 5, wherein the elastic mechanism has a plurality of elastic members (150, 151), and at least one of the plurality of elastic members is removably connected between the first wheel mounting portion and the footboard to adjust the stiffness to elastically connect between the first wheel mounting portion and the footboard.

[0128] <Embodiment 7> 7. A personal transportation vehicle as described in embodiment 6, wherein the plurality of resilient members are oriented substantially parallel to one another.

[0129] <Embodiment 8> A personal transportation vehicle as described in any of the preceding claims, further comprising a second rear swivel wheel (112) pivotably connected to the footboard via a second wheel mounting portion (116), the second wheel mounting portion being resiliently connected to the footboard via the resilience mechanism.

[0130] <Embodiment 9> 9. A personal transportation vehicle as described in any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one resilient member is oriented obliquely relative to the upper surface of the footboard.

[0131] <Embodiment 10> A personal transportation vehicle as described in any of embodiments 8 to 9, wherein the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel are coupled to each other such that a swivel movement of one of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel corresponds to a swivel movement of the other of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel.

[0132] <Embodiment 11> 11. The personal transportation vehicle of embodiment 10, further comprising a coupling (120) that couples the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel such that a swivel motion of one of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel can be transmitted to the other of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel via the coupling.

[0133] <Embodiment 12> A personal transportation vehicle as described in embodiment 11, wherein the coupling portion is resiliently connected to the footboard via the resilience mechanism such that the wheel mounting portion is resiliently connected to the footboard via the resilience mechanism.

[0134] <Embodiment 13> A personal transportation vehicle as described in any of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the first rear swivel wheel (110) is configured to rotate about a first wheel rotation axis (145), and in the neutral position of the resilience mechanism, the first wheel rotation axis is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the footboard.

[0135] <Embodiment 14> A personal transportation vehicle as described in embodiment 13, to the extent dependent on embodiment 8, wherein the second rear swivel wheel (112) is configured to rotate about a second wheel rotation axis (146), and in the neutral position of the resilience mechanism, the first wheel rotation axis is aligned in a straight line with the second wheel rotation axis.

[0136] It should be understood that the above numbered embodiments are intended to contemplate vehicle embodiments in which the two rear swiveling wheels are not necessarily connected to one another such that a swiveling movement of one of the two rear swiveling wheels corresponds to a swiveling movement of the other of the two rear swiveling wheels.

[0137] In the above description, when an element is said to be connected to other elements, it should be understood that the element may be directly connected to the other elements or that intervening elements may also be present. It should also be understood that the values ​​mentioned in the above description are exemplary and may take on other values ​​and / or target other values.

[0138] It should be noted that the embodiments are by way of example and not by way of limitation, and that the drawings are merely schematic representations of the embodiments. For purposes of clarity and conciseness, features are described herein as part of the same or different embodiments, but it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure may include embodiments including combinations of all or any of the described features.

[0139] The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other features or steps. Further, the words "a" and "an" are not to be interpreted as limiting to "only one" but are used in the sense of "at least one" and do not exclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A personal transport vehicle (100) such as a scooter or skateboard, A footboard (102) having a front end (108), a rear end (109), and an upper surface (104) configured to support one or both of a person's feet, Front wheel (106) and, A first rear swivel wheel (110) is rotatably connected to the footboard, A second rear swivel wheel (112) is rotatably connected to the footboard and Equipped with, The first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel are connected to each other such that the swivel motion of one of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel corresponds to the swivel motion of the other of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel. Personal transport vehicle.

2. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a connecting portion (120), the connecting portion connecting the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel such that the swivel motion of one of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel can be transmitted to the other of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel via the connecting portion.

3. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the connecting portion is a rigid connecting portion.

4. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the connecting portion is a flexible connecting portion having a flexible connecting element.

5. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the first rear swivel wheel is connected to the footboard via a first wheel mounting portion (115), the second rear swivel wheel is connected to the footboard via a second wheel mounting portion (116), and the connecting portion (120) is connected to the first wheel mounting portion and the second wheel mounting portion.

6. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the connecting portion is positioned between the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel and the front end of the footboard.

7. The connecting portion is hinged to the first wheel mounting portion so as to move in a hinge-like manner relative to the first wheel mounting portion with respect to the first hinge axis (141). The connecting portion is hinged to the second wheel mounting portion so as to move in a hinge-like manner relative to the second wheel mounting portion about the second hinge axis (142) A personal transport vehicle according to claim 5.

8. The first wheel mounting portion is configured to rotate relative to the footboard about a first pivot axis (143), The second wheel mounting portion is configured to rotate relative to the footboard about the second pivot axis (144), The first hinge shaft (141) is positioned between the first pivot shaft and the front end of the footboard. The second hinge axis (142) is positioned between the second pivot axis and the front end of the footboard. A personal transport vehicle according to claim 7.

9. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the connecting portion (120) is tapered toward the front end of the personal transport vehicle.

10. The first wheel mounting portion is rotatably connected to the footboard via a first wheel mounting bearing (122). The second wheel mounting portion is rotatably connected to the footboard via a second wheel mounting bearing. The first wheel mounting bearing and the second wheel mounting bearing are positioned at least partially above the connecting portion and below the upper surface of the footboard. A personal transport vehicle according to claim 5.

11. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 2, further comprising an elastic mechanism, wherein the elastic mechanism elastically connects the connecting portion to the footboard.

12. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 5, wherein the first wheel mounting portion is elastically connected to the footboard via an elastic mechanism, the elastic mechanism having at least one elastic member (150), the elastic member facing the front end of the footboard with respect to the first wheel mounting portion when the elastic mechanism is in a neutral position.

13. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the elastic mechanism has at least one elastic member that is oriented in the longitudinal direction of the footboard so as to move from the front end to the rear end of the footboard when the elastic mechanism is in a neutral position.

14. The elastic mechanism is movable between two extreme positions. A neutral position lies between the two extreme positions mentioned above. The force exerted by the elastic mechanism on the first wheel mounting portion at the two extreme positions is greater than the force exerted by the elastic mechanism on the first wheel mounting portion at the neutral position. A personal transport vehicle according to claim 11.

15. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the neutral position of the elastic mechanism corresponds to the neutral position of the first wheel mounting portion in which the first rear swivel wheel is facing forward toward the front end of the footboard.

16. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the elastic mechanism is adjustable in rigidity to elastically connect the first wheel mounting portion and the footboard.

17. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 16, wherein the elastic mechanism comprises a plurality of elastic members (150, 151), and at least one of the plurality of elastic members is detachably connected between the first wheel mounting portion and the footboard to allow adjustment of rigidity in order to elastically connect the first wheel mounting portion and the footboard.

18. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of elastic members are oriented substantially parallel to each other.

19. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the second wheel mounting portion is elastically connected to the footboard via the elastic mechanism.

20. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the at least one elastic member is oriented diagonally with respect to the upper surface of the footboard.

21. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the connecting portion is elastically connected to the footboard via the elastic mechanism, such that the first wheel mounting portion is elastically connected to the footboard via the elastic mechanism and the connecting portion.

22. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the first rear swivel wheel (110) is configured to rotate about a first wheel rotation axis (145), and in the neutral position of the elastic mechanism, the first wheel rotation axis is oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the footboard.

23. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 22, wherein the second rear swivel wheel (112) is configured to rotate about a second wheel rotation axis (146), and in the neutral position of the elastic mechanism, the first wheel rotation axis is aligned in a straight line with the second wheel rotation axis.

24. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the personal transport vehicle is a scooter and further comprises an operating rod (118) connected to the front wheel.

25. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the footboard has a chamber (132), and the chamber includes an access opening (134) that allows access to the chamber.

26. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 25, wherein the footboard further comprises a bottom surface (103) below the upper surface, and the chamber is located between the bottom surface and the upper surface.

27. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 25, further comprising a closing member (136) detachably connected to the footboard for closing the access opening.

28. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 26, wherein the access opening is provided on the bottom surface.

29. The vehicle further comprises a connecting portion (120), the connecting portion connecting the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel such that the swivel motion of one of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel can be transmitted to the other of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel via the connecting portion. The personal transport vehicle according to claim 25, wherein the connecting portion is located within the chamber of the footboard.

30. The vehicle further comprises a connecting portion (120), the connecting portion connecting the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel such that the swivel motion of one of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel can be transmitted to the other of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel via the connecting portion. The first rear swivel wheel is connected to the footboard via a first wheel mounting portion (115), the second rear swivel wheel is connected to the footboard via a second wheel mounting portion (116), and the connecting portion (120) is connected to the first wheel mounting portion and the second wheel mounting portion. The first wheel mounting portion is elastically connected to the footboard via an elastic mechanism, the elastic mechanism having at least one elastic member (150), the elastic member facing the front end of the footboard relative to the first wheel mounting portion when the elastic mechanism is in a neutral position, The personal transport vehicle according to claim 25, wherein the elastic mechanism is located within the chamber of the footboard.

31. A personal transport vehicle according to any one of claims 1 to 30, further comprising a motor for driving at least one wheel of the personal transport vehicle, in particular a motor for driving the front wheel of the personal transport vehicle.

32. The footboard has a chamber (132), the chamber includes an access opening (134) that allows access to the chamber, The personal transport vehicle according to claim 31, further comprising a battery for supplying power to the motor, wherein the battery is at least partially located inside the chamber.

33. A rear wheel assembly (200) for a personal transport vehicle (100) such as a scooter or skateboard, wherein the assembly is An assembly frame (210) configured to be connected to the footboard of the personal transport vehicle, A first rear swivel wheel (110) is rotatably connected to the assembly frame, A second rear swivel wheel (112) is rotatably connected to the assembly frame, Equipped with, The first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel are connected to each other such that the swivel motion of one of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel corresponds to the swivel motion of the other of the first rear swivel wheel and the second rear swivel wheel. Rear wheel assembly.

34. A rear wheel assembly (200) for a personal transport vehicle (100) such as a scooter or skateboard, wherein the assembly is An assembly frame (210) configured to be connected to the footboard of the personal transport vehicle, A first rear swivel wheel (110) is swivelably connected to the assembly frame via a wheel mounting portion (115) so that it can rotate around a first pivot axis (143) and Equipped with, The first rear swivel wheel (110) is rotatable relative to the wheel mounting portion (115) with respect to the first wheel rotation axis (145), The wheel mounting portion is elastically connected to the assembly frame via an elastic mechanism, the elastic mechanism includes at least one elastic member (150), The first pivot axis (143) is located between the elastic member (150) and the first wheel rotation axis (145) when the elastic mechanism is in the neutral position. Rear wheel assembly.

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