A three wheeled vehicle with exchangeable seats or accessories

Abstract

A three wheeled electrical vehicle (100) with one front wheel (5) and two rear wheels (4) attached to a baseplate (2). The base plate (2) has two L-tracks (1) for firmly attaching seatings or accessories (21). The rear (4) wheels can be adjusted in track-width to accommodate driving in narrow spaces in the narrowest setting, or at higher speeds making the track-width wider. A remote control combined with wheel drive and an accelerometer assist in letting the vehicle (100) drive without a mounted driver, up or down stair steps.

Description

[0001] Title: A three wheeled vehicle with exchangeable seats or accessories

[0002] Motivation for the invention.

[0003] The present invention relates to three wheeled vehicles for transporting items such as physical persons or objects, the three wheeled vehicle comprising a base plate and three wheels one placed at a front of the base plate and two wheels -a left and a right rear wheel - placed at the rear of the base plate and on each side of the base plate.

[0004] There are thousands of different smaller vehicles with electrical engines. Some are lightweight and foldable and can fit in a car easily, those can be 2 wheeled standing scooters, with a base weight of 25 kg or less, easily foldable and the speed of these modern lightweight vehicles can also be quite fast for its size. However, the market for mobility scooters with 3 or more wheels, are generally divided into vehicles that are either lightweight and foldable, but very slow (6-10 km / h) or 15 km / h or more as mobility scooters for disabled people or 3 wheeled mopeds, but then they are nonfoldable and certainly not suitable to be transported in the trunk of a car.

[0005] The invention of any a 3 wheeled electric scooter, with one front wheel and two rear wheels are seen in many patents, eg and old one from 1967 and countless future patents:

[0006] 3,506,080 ELECTRICALLY OPERATED SCOOTER WEHICLE Ion V. K. Hott and Robert J. Haddix, Dayton, Ohio, as signors to The Joyce-Cridland Company, Dayton, Ohio Filed Dec. 21, 1967, Ser. No. 692,412

[0007] Such a 3 wheeled standing scooter differs from this patent on all claims, besides it being far heavier and without all-wheel drive, the mentioned invention does not have the track system for interchangeable seats or fastening of goods, the adjustable track width nor the staircase capability due to the remote control, the all-wheel drive and the accelerometer

[0008] The mentioned patent was for a warehouse vehicle and not directly for a mobility scooter. Other patents exist for such vehicles with seatings, e.g. the 1999 patent: US4887685A Steerable motorized three-wheeled vehicles for use by the handicapped and others desiring assistance.

[0009] As with the prior, this invention also lacks the core features of the track system, the variable track system and the stair case capabilities by remote control.

[0010] The principle of the adjustable track width has been described in a wheelchair in a 2005 patent from New Zealand: NZ539543A Vehicle with adjustable track width and wheelbase and its prior references describes further vehicles, although refers to Japanese patents not found online Wheelchairs with stair climbing ability are not new and found in several patents, among others the US3142351A Stair climbing wheelchair from 1964.

[0011] The difference from present invention is that whereas the wheelchair is supposed to carry its passenger down or upstairs, present inventionare "just" supposed to drive up or downstairs remote- controlled, one step at a time (or more, if so desired and deemed safe for the surroundings and the vehicle itself).

[0012] DE20306854U1 Scooter, comprises tricycle with extra front wheels and slot in frame for removably mounting saddle support (FAN, JEENG NENG et al, 2003) descibes a 3 wheeled vehicle with seats that moves in a single track, for changing its position.

[0013] The difference from present invention is that the L-tracks on present invention are far more versatile, not just allowing a seat to be moved back or fourth, but to add any accessory to the vehicle that can fit to the L-tracks. Also the mounting of any accessories are done solely from the upper side of the L-tracks, and present invention has two tracks, not just one as in the above mentioned patent. Another claimed difference is present inventions ability to adjust the track width of the rear wheels, thereby let the user of the vehicle choose between a narrow track width or a wider one for added stability.

[0014] US6050593A Personal mobility vehicle from year 2000, describes a removable seat and principles of attachments. However present invention is not regarding any seats by itself or how they are made, but solely the possibility to add accessories to the vehicle by means of the L-tracks where any type of seating or other attachments can be fastened.

[0015] W02009094695A1 A VEHICLE, by Easyrider, from 2009, describes a wheelchair with an added front, for steering. Present invention is not an add on to a wheelchair, however it would be possible to place a wheelchair on the plate of present invention with suitable fasteners from the L-tracks to hold such wheelchair in place.

[0016] US2017210192A1 Wheel Suspension by REYBROUCK from 2017 mention adjustable track width in correlation to a suspension system. Present invention uses a far simpler and different system to provide a manual, lightweight solution to adjusting the track width of the rear wheels independantly

[0017] This invention as its core, tries to bridge the gap, and make a vehicle that are both lightweight and with a higher speed than just walking or slow running speed, still being with 3 wheels, for people with limited balance capabilities or for transportation of goods. The present invention seeks generally to improve a three wheeled vehicle such that the abovementioned insufficiencies and drawbacks of today's vehicles are overcome or at least it provides a useful alternative.

[0018] Up to this day, prior art has failed to teach a simple and yet reliable and inexpensive three wheeled vehicle which in a safe and reliable manner, without substantially increasing the cost of the device, is able to satisfy the abovementioned much desired characteristics of the mentioned three wheeled vehicle.

[0019] According to the invention, a three wheeled vehicle is provided, as per the introductory part of this specification, and wherein tracks are placed at an upper side of the base plate, said tracks are L- tracks and comprise two L-tracks placed parallel to each other and running from the front of the base plate to the rear of the base plate, said L-tracks are adapted to receive auxiliary equipment such as seatings and various accessories.

[0020] The L- track system makes it possible to fasten different kind of seats depending on the users need or fastening goods to the tracks by fastening means.

[0021] According to one embodiment the auxiliary equipment is adapted to be exchangeable and fixed removable and stable to the base plate by attaching it into the L-tracks.

[0022] According to one embodiment the rear wheels are adjustable in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the L-tracks and / or a longitudinal axis of the base plate.

[0023] Rear wheels can be adjusted in track-width to accommodate driving in narrow spaces in the narrowest setting, or when driving with high speed also make the track-width wider.

[0024] According to one embodiment the rear of the base plate comprises a wheel holding structure comprising 4 tubes placed in parallel from left to right and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the L-tracks and / or a longitudinal axis of the base plate. According to one embodiment the 4 tubes are adapted to support the rear wheels, using two tubes for each of the left or the right rear wheel said 4 tubes are placed opposite the upper side at the underside of the base plate.

[0025] The support of the rear wheels is indirectly as the wheels are not directly attached to the tubes but to auxiliary structures connected to the tubes.

[0026] According to one embodiment the wheel holding structure comprises protruding tubes each protruding tube placed inside each tube, said protruding tubes are adapted to be adjusted with clamps, whereby a track width of the rear wheels and vehicle can change.

[0027] According to one embodiment the wheel support structure comprises support structures adapted to mount wheel holders for holding the rear wheels in place, said each support structure is attached to two protruding tubes.

[0028] The invention has a combination of several inventive features:

[0029] A track system for interchangeable seating or any other kind of accessory added, using standard "L- tracks" or "Logistics tracks". This has not been seen on any such lightweight 3 wheeled vehicles, as they are usually fitted into airplanes or on trucks.

[0030] The ability to vary the track width between the rear wheels to accommodate "best of both worlds" from the lighter, slower mobility scooters typical 50 cm track width for indoor use, to the faster and wider more terrain capable mobility scooters for outdoor use, with 80 cm track width or more.

[0031] According to one embodiment the three wheeled vehicle comprises a remote-controlled stair case mode, the remote-controlled stair case mode comprises a remote control, three hub motors, one in each wheel, said remote control case mode is adapted to allow the three wheeled vehicle to be steered down - or upstairs without a mounted driver, the remote-control stair case mode further comprises an accelerometer to determine vertical as well as horizontal movement.

[0032] The remote control combined with wheel drives and an accelerometer assist in letting the vehicle drive up and down stairs without a person placed on the vehicle. The drive of the vehicle takes place with low speed. According to one embodiment the remote-controlled stair case mode basically allows the three wheeled vehicle to take one step at the time, stopping after each descent or ascent if so desired by the user.

[0033] According to one embodiment a steering is done by adjusting speed and / or direction of the rear wheels, while the front wheel is in a mechanical fixed position.

[0034] With a hub motor in all wheels, and an accelerometer, the remote controlling can be combined with automated breaking when the vehicle has gone one step down. Similar, with acceleration of the wheels for each step upwards.

[0035] The new features comprise the base plate comprising two L-tracks for firmly attaching seatings or accessories. The rear wheels can be adjusted in track-width to accommodate driving in narrow spaces in the narrowest setting, or at higher speeds making the track-width wider. A remote control combined with wheel drive and an accelerometer assist in letting the vehicle drive without a mounted driver, up or down stair steps.

[0036] Detailed description of parts and drawings

[0037] Figure 1: A stylistic drawing of the whole vehicle (100), with visible parts numbered.

[0038] Figure 2: Prior art, The L-track (1) drawn from above, and a picture of the L-track in perspective.

[0039] Figure 3: Base plate and rear end tubes in perspective.

[0040] Figure 4: Base plate, rear end, with rear end tubes from above, with tubes extended to widest position.

[0041] Figure 5: Base plate, rear end, with rear end tubes from above, with tubes extended to widest position and added rear wheels.

[0042] Figure 6: Base plate, rear end, with rear end tubes from above, with tubes in most narrow position.

[0043] Figure 7: Base plate, rear end, with rear end tubes from above, with tubes in most narrow position and added rear wheels.

[0044] Figure 8: Vehicle with seat (saddle) as an example.

[0045] Figure 9: Vehicle with seat (" captain's chair) as an example. Figure 10: clamps to hold the tubes for the rear wheel together (standard product, picture).

[0046] Figure 11: Examples of fittings for the L-track.

[0047] Detailed description of parts and drawings

[0048] Figure 1 shows the basic 3 wheeled vehicle (100) in its entirety in perspective, with the two L-tracks (left and right) (1), the Base plate or frame (2). At the rear is the Wheel holders (left and right) (3) and rear wheel (4) with hub motor.

[0049] In the front is the front wheel (5) with hub motor, the front fork (6), which can be designed to be foldable as a traditional electric standing scooter. The Steering rod (7) is made of carbon fibre to keep the weight down with a Hight adjustment (8) on steering rod (7) and Handlebar (9) at the end.

[0050] On the drawing are not shown handle brakes nor battery or controller box, as such things are standard on any electrical vehicle and may be placed either at the steering rod (7) or inside the base plate (2).

[0051] Figure 2 shows just the L-track seen from above and a picture of the L-track in perspective. This aluminium track system is used on airplanes to fasten seats, on trucks of various kinds to fasten goods or containers. The L in L-tracks stands for Logistics-, and a lot of different attachments can be bought as standard products, e.g. rings to tie up cargo, or threaded stud fittings to attach plates, seats etc.

[0052] The new in the invention is the use of the L-tracks on such a small vehicle.

[0053] The base plate or frame of the vehicle are shown in figure 3.

[0054] The L-tracks left and right (1), the base plate (2) itself are also shown in figure 1.

[0055] The rear end of the baseplate (2) consists of 4 inner tubes (10) going through the baseplate (2) in parallel. Within those inner tubes (10) are another set of protruding tubes (11) that has a support structure (12) to mount wheel holders at one end, and tighten mechanism (13) to fasten the inner tubes (10) within the baseplate (2) to the protruding tubes (11), thereby making it possible to have the two tubes (10 and 11) to be adjusted in length by letting more or less of the protruding tubes (11) be inside the inner tubes (10).

[0056] Each support structure (12) is attached to 2 of the protruding tubes (11) in each side of the vehicle. Also shown are cable canals (16) for brake and power cables.

[0057] To ensure that no cables for breaking or power are above or below the baseplate, cable canals (16) are running through the baseplate. By avoiding cables above or below the baseplate, then they will not interfere with any goods or persons on the vehicle, neither will it be vulnerable to wear and tear when driving up or down stairs or higher obstacles.

[0058] Figure 4 shows the base plate (2) from above, focusing on the rear end only and the four Inner tubes (10) within base plate also marked with a dotted line through the baseplate (2) to show that they

[0059] (10) go through the baseplate (2).

[0060] Again, is seen the L-tracks (1), the Inner tubes (10) within the baseplate (2), and the Protruding tubes

[0061] (11) inserted into the inner tubes (10), here the distance between the support structure (12) to mount wheel holders, left and right are pulled as far away from each other as possible. Making the entire vehicle as wide as possible in the track width at the rear wheels (4).

[0062] A tighten mechanism (13) for holding the tubes 10 and 11 in place are to be loosen whenever the vehicle needs to change track width, and tightened before the vehicle is used for driving.

[0063] The tighten mechanism (13) for holding the tubes (10, 11) are standard Conical aluminium and rubber clamp to join tubes 0 22x20mm. The ones fitted in the vehicle are specifically designed to tighten around carbon fibre tubes used for 10 and 11. This is a standard product on the market, and shown in figure 10 (product picture)

[0064] Other tighten mechanisms may be considered, including using splits to hold the tubes in specific positions, colour coding of the tubes (10 and 11) for different track widths etc.

[0065] The figure shows the protruding tubes (11) in their extended position.

[0066] Figure 5 shows the base plate (2) from above, now with the added Wheel holders, left and right (3), and the rear wheels (4) with hub motor. Again, is seen the L-tracks (1), the Inner tubes (10) within the base plate (2), and the Protruding tubes (11) inserted into the inner tubes (10), here the distance between the support structure to mount wheel holders, left and right (12) are pulled as far away from each other as possible. Making the entire vehicle as wide as possible in the track width at the rear wheels. A Tighten mechanism (13) for holding the tubes (10) and (11) in place are to be loosen whenever the vehicle needs to change track width, and tightened before the vehicle is used for driving, see also figure 10. The invention is the principle of the extractable wheels and not the choice of rear wheels and wheel holders in itself. Any type of hub motor or wheel attachment may be added to the support structure (12) by welding, or fastened with other means.

[0067] Figure 6: Base plate, rear end, with rear end tubes from above, with tubes in most narrow position

[0068] Similar to figure 4, but with the protruding tubes (11) pushed through the inner tubes (10) and fastened with the clamps (13).

[0069] Figure 7: Base plate, rear end, with rear end tubes from above, with tubes in most narrow position and added rear wheels (4).

[0070] Figure 8 and 9 are examples of possible seatings to be added. Figure 8 with a standard bicycle saddle (17), a saddle pole (18), attachment plate (19) to the saddle pole and example L-track fittings (20) to keep the saddle pole plate onto the baseplate. The L-track fitting (20) used in this example are a standard product, shown in a product picture in figure 11.

[0071] Figure 9 has the captain seat (21) mounted instead of a bicycle saddle.

[0072] Other seatings could be attached, as well as all kind of accessories, using the L-tracks and suitable standard fittings.

[0073] Figure 10: Clamps to hold the tubes for the rear wheel together (standard product, picture).

[0074] The clamps to hold together the tubes (10 and 11), are standard products in the marked. It works by going around the two tubes (10 and 11). When the clamp are tightened, it holds the tubes (10 and 11) together. The winding (22) within the tighten mechanism (13) is fastened by the clamps.

[0075] Figure 11, Examples of fittings for the L-track.

[0076] Example L-Track fittings (20) for attaching the saddle or seat.

[0077] Example L-Track fitting: Ring (23) for attacking goods etc.

[0078] Both 20 and 23 are to be attached to the L-track (2) by pushing the round part into the circle of the L- track, then moving the fittings (20 or 23) a little to the side. The spring in them then pushes the metal down over the circular part of the L-track (2), holding the ring (23) or any other fitting, e.g. the winded fitting (20) in place, until the spring is manually released, then the fittings can be moved back to the opening in the L-track and removed. This technology is standard in the marked and used widely within the transport sector.

[0079] Reference numbers:

[0080] 100: The vehicle in its entirety

[0081] 1: L-track (left and right)

[0082] 2: Base plate

[0083] 3: Wheel holders (left and right)

[0084] 4: rear wheel with hub motor

[0085] 5: front wheel with hub motor

[0086] 6: front fork

[0087] 7: Steering rod

[0088] 8: Hight adjustment on steering rod

[0089] 9: Handlebar

[0090] 10: Inner tubes within base plate

[0091] 11: Protruding tubes inserted into the inner tubes (10)

[0092] 12: support structure to mount wheel holders, left and right

[0093] 13: Tighten clamps for holding the tubes 11 and 12 in place

[0094] 16: Cable canals

[0095] 17: saddle

[0096] 18: Saddle pole

[0097] 19: Attachment plate to saddle pole

[0098] 20: Example L-Track fittings for attaching the saddle or seat

[0099] 21: captain seat

[0100] 22: winding within the clamp (13)

[0101] 23: Example L-Track fitting: Ring for attacking goods etc

Claims

CLAIMS.1) A three wheeled vehicle (100) for transporting items such as physical persons or objects, the three wheeled vehicle (100) comprising a base plate (2) and three wheels, one wheel (5) placed at a front of the base plate (2) and two wheels -a left and a right rear wheel (4) - placed at the rear of the base plate (2) and on each side of the base plate (2), characterized in that tracks are placed at an upper side of the base plate (2), said tracks are L-tracks (1) and comprise two L-tracks (1) placed parallel to each other and running from the front of the base plate (2) to the rear of the base plate (2), said L-tracks (1) are adapted to receive auxiliary equipment such as seatings and other accessories (21).2) A three wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1 characterized in that the auxiliary equipment (21) is adapted to be exchangeable and fixed removable and stable to the base plate by attaching it into the L-tracks by attaching means (20,23).3) A three wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the rear wheels (4) are adapted to be adjustable in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the L- tracks and / or a longitudinal axis of the base plate (2).4) A three wheeled vehicle (100) according to any of the previous claims characterized in that the rear of the base plate comprises a wheel holding structure comprising 4 inner tubes (10) placed in parallel from left to right and perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the L-tracks (1) and / or a longitudinal axis of the base plate (2).5) A three wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 4 characterized in that the 4 tubes (10) are adapted to support the rear wheels (4), using two inner tubes (10) for each of the left or the right rear wheel (4) said 4 tubes are placed between the upper side at the underside of the base plate (2).6) A three wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 5 characterized in that the wheel holding structure comprises four protruding tubes (11) each protruding tube (11) placed inside eachinner tube (10), said protruding tubes (11) are adapted to be adjusted with clamps (13), whereby a track width of the rear wheels (4) and vehicle (100) can change.7) A three wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 6 characterized in that the wheel support structure comprises support structures (12) adapted to mount wheel holders (3) for holding the rear wheels (4) in place, said each support structure is attached to two protruding tubes (11).8) A three wheeled vehicle (100) according to any of the previous claims characterized in that the three wheeled vehicle (100) comprises a remote-controlled stair case mode, the remote-controlled stair case mode comprises a remote control, three hub motors, one in each wheel (4,5), said remote control case mode is adapted to allow the three wheeled vehicle (100) to be steered down - or upstairs without a mounted driver, the remote-control stair case mode further comprises an accelerometer to determine vertical as well as horizontal movement.9) A three wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 8 characterized in that the remote- controlled stair case mode basically allows the three wheeled vehicle (100) to take one step at the time, stopping after each descent or ascent if so desired by the user.10) A three wheeled vehicle (100) according to claim 8 or 9 characterized in a steering is done by adjusting speed and / or direction of the rear wheels (4), while the front wheel (5) is in a mechanical fixed position.

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