Mobility scooter with front wheel suspension

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobility scooter for individual mobility of a person, comprising a main frame, a front wheel suspension, a left front wheel and a right front wheel aside the main frame that are rotatably connected with the main frame via the front wheel suspension, a steering assembly for steering the left front wheel and the right front wheel with respect to the main frame, at least one rear wheel, a driving assembly for driving the mobility scooter in a forward driving direction by rotation of at least one of the wheels, a seat for the person on the main frame, and a foot space for positioning the person's feet therein, wherein the foot space is bound at the bottom thereof by a footrest having a surface that extends in the driving direction.

Description

[0001] Mobility scooter with front wheel suspension

[0002] BACKGROUND

[0003] The invention relates to a mobility scooter for individual mobility of a person, having at least one rear wheel , two front wheels and a steering assembly for the front wheels .

[0004] Mobility scooters are used for many purposes , varying from comfortable travelling longer walking distances to necessary mobility of disabled drivers . Many of the drivers are able to drive and control the mobility scooter themselves .

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Mobility scooters are arranged in a compact manner for sufficient maneuverability, whereby a compromise needs to be found between compactness and a comfortable posture of the driver . In a known compact mobility scooter with two front wheels , two rear wheels and a steering assembly for the front wheels , the driver has a posture in which the driver' s legs are retracted, which is uncomfortable . A possible relieve is to position the driver' s seat towards the rear of the mobility scooter . This makes the mobility scooter less compact and locates the combined center of gravity of the mobility scooter and the driver closer to the rear wheels , resulting in an increased risk of tipping backwards .

[0007] It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a mobility scooter with acceptable maneuverability and stability that allows a comfortable posture of the driver .

[0008] According to a first aspect , the invention provides a mobility scooter for individual mobility of a person, comprising a main frame, a front wheel suspension, a left front wheel and a right front wheel aside the main frame that are rotatably connected with the main frame via the front wheel suspension, a steering assembly for steering the left front wheel and the right front wheel with respect to the main frame , at least one rear wheel , a driving assembly for driving the mobility scooter in a forward driving direction by rotation of at least one of the wheels , a seat for the person on the main frame , and a foot space for positioning the person' s feet therein, wherein the foot space is bound at the bottom thereof by a footrest , wherein the front wheel suspension comprises a left upright to which the left front wheel is mounted via a left front wheel hub, a left steering link on the left upright , a left steering rod that is rotatably connected to the left steering link via a left distal steering j oint , a right upright to which the right front wheel is mounted via a right front wheel hub, a right steering link on the right upright, and a right steering rod that is rotatably connected to the right steering link via a right distal steering j oint , wherein the steering assembly comprises a steering drive on the main frame that is rotatably connected to the left steering rod via a left proximal steering j oint and to the right steering rod via a right proximal steering j oint , wherein the steering drive converts a steering input from the person into a translation of the left steering rod and the right steering rod, thereby steering the left front wheel and the right front wheel , wherein the foot space and the footrest are arranged between the left front wheel and the right front wheel , and wherein the steering drive is arranged above the foot space and the footrest .

[0009] In the mobility scooter according to the invention, the steering drive is arranged above the foot space . As a result the steering drive does not bound the foot space towards the front of the mobil ity scooter . Therefore , the driver can sit in a comfortable position, wherein it can position its feet between the left front wheel and the right front wheel of the mobility scooter . The driver can extend its legs since the feet do not have to be positioned in a small space between the seat and the steering drive . Further, the steering rods and steering links allow the mobility scooter to be steered directly and via a light weight construction . The location o f the center of gravity can be closer to the center of the mobility scooter compared to the known mobility scooter . Therefore , the risk of tipping backwards is reduced .

[0010] In an embodiment the steering drive is arranged above the left front wheel and the right front wheel when seen in a horizontal proj ection transverse to the driving direction . By providing the steering drive above the left front wheel and the right front wheel , the space between the left front wheel and the right front wheel is free of the steering drive and therefore the foot space is spacious .

[0011] In an embodiment the left steering rod, the left steering link, the right steering rod and the right steering link are arranged above the foot space when seen in a horizontal proj ection transverse to the driving direction .

[0012] In an embodiment the front wheel suspension is arranged outside and around the foot space when seen in a horizontal proj ection parallel to the driving direction, wherein the left upright and the right upright are arranged aside the foot space when seen in the horizontal proj ection parallel to the driving direction . Providing the front wheel suspension outside and around the foot space results in a spacious foot space as no components of the front wheel suspension are arranged inside and through the foot space .

[0013] In an embodiment the steering assembly is arranged outside the foot space . Providing the steering assembly outside the foot space results in a spacious foot space as no components of the steering as sembly are arranged inside and through the foot space . In an embodiment the footrest has a straight main surface that extends in the driving direction .

[0014] In an embodiment the steering drive is arranged in front of a vertical plane through a center line of the left front wheel and the right front wheel . Arranging the steering drive in front of this center line ensures that the driver can position its knees without the steering drive getting in the way .

[0015] In an embodiment the seat comprises a seat base and an armrest , wherein, when seen in a horizontal proj ection parallel to the driving direction, the seat base is arranged above the foot space and the armrest is arranged above the steering drive .

[0016] In an embodiment the steering drive comprises a steering bracket having a steering axis around which it rotates with respect to the main frame, wherein the left steering rod is rotatably connected to the steering bracket via the left proximal steering j oint, and wherein the right steering rod is rotatably connected to the steering bracket via the right proximal steering j oint , wherein the rotation of the steering bracket translates the left steering rod and the right steering rod, thereby steering the left front wheel and the right front wheel .

[0017] In an embodiment the front wheel suspension comprises a left torsion spring mechanism, a left lower swingarm, a right torsion spring mechanism, and a right lower swingarm, wherein the left torsion spring mechanism and the right torsion spring mechanism respectively comprise a left spring housing and a right spring housing that are mounted to the main frame , wherein the left torsion spring mechanism comprises a left polygonal rotation body having a left rotation axis around which it can rotate inside a left polygonal chamber of the left spring housing, and multiple resilient spring bodies around the left polygonal rotation body that are confined in the left polygonal chamber, and wherein the right torsion spring mechanism comprises a right polygonal rotation body having a right rotation axis around which it can rotate inside a right polygonal chamber of the right spring housing, and multiple resilient spring bodies around the right polygonal rotation body that are confined in the right polygonal chamber, wherein the left lower swingarm is rotatably connected to the left upright via a left distal lower j oint and wherein the left lower swingarm is connected to the left polygonal rotation body, and wherein the right lower swingarm is rotatably connected to the right upright via a right distal lower j oint and wherein the right lower swingarm is connected to the right polygonal rotation body, wherein a vertical displacement of the left front wheel hinges the left lower swingarm around the left rotation axis , and wherein a vertical displacement of the right front wheel hinges the right lower swingarm around the right rotation axis , wherein the resilient spring bodies resiliently absorb the hinging of the left lower swingarm and the right lower swingarm. The front wheel suspension comprising the left torsion spring mechanism, the left lower swingarm, the right torsion spring mechanism and the right lower swingarm makes driving the mobility scooter comfortable for the driver as the left front wheel and the right front wheel individually can vertical displace with respect to the main frame when the mobility scooter drives over an irregular road surface . Further, the left torsion spring mechanism and the right torsion spring mechanism take up few space .

[0018] In an embodiment thereof the left polygonal rotation body and the right polygonal rotation body have a square cross section .

[0019] In an embodiment thereof the left torsion spring mechanism and the right torsion spring mechanism are arranged under the footrest . By providing the left tors ion spring mechanism and the right torsion spring mechanism under the footrest , the foot space is spacious as no components of the left torsion spring mechanism and the right torsion spring mechanism are arranged therein . Further, the footrest can be arranged at a low level , thereby increasing the foot space . In an embodiment the front wheel suspension comprises a left upper swingarm and a right upper swingarm, wherein the left upper swingarm is rotatably connected to the left upright via a left distal upper j oint , wherein the left upper swingarm is hingeably connected to the main frame via a left upper hinge , and wherein the right upper swingarm is rotatably connected to the right upright via a right distal upper j oint , wherein the right upper swingarm is hingeably connected to the main frame via a right upper hinge . By connecting the left upright and the right upright to the main frame via a left upper swingarm and a right upper swingarm, the left front wheel and the right front wheel are stably connected to the main frame .

[0020] In an embodiment the main frame compri ses a le ft outwardly proj ecting guard bracket and a right outwardly proj ecting guard bracket between the left front wheel and the right front wheel , wherein the left outwardly proj ecting guard bracket and the right outwardly proj ecting guard bracket extend aside and bound the foot space . The guard brackets protect the driver' s feet in case of a collision .

[0021] In an embodiment thereof the mobil ity scooter comprises a left guard shield at the left outwardly proj ecting guard bracket that bounds the foot space towards the left front wheel , and a right guard shield at the right outwardly proj ecting guard bracket that bounds foot space towards the right front wheel . The left guard shield and the right guard shield protect the driver' s feet from colliding with the left front wheel and the right front wheel , therefore the left front wheel and right front wheel can steer sharply resulting in suf ficient maneuverability . Further, the driver' s feet are protected against dirt and water coming from the road during a drive .

[0022] In an embodiment the mobility scooter comprises a front guard shield at the main frame that bounds the foot space towards the front side of the mobility scooter . The front guard shield protects the drivers feet .

[0023] In an embodiment the main frame i s build-up as a tubular construction comprising straight tubes , tubular bends and mountings for at least mounting the front wheel suspension, the steering assembly, the driving assembly and the seat thereto .

[0024] In an embodiment the mobility scooter has a mobility scooter length that extends in the driving direction from the rear towards the front of the mobility scooter, wherein the left front wheel and the right front wheel have a front wheel diameter, wherein the front wheel diameter is approximately one-third the mobility scooter length .

[0025] According to a second aspect , the invention provides a mobility scooter for individual mobility of a person, comprising a main frame, a front wheel suspension, a left front wheel and a right front wheel aside the main frame that are rotatably connected with the main frame via the front wheel suspension, a steering assembly for steering the left front wheel and the right front wheel with respect to the main frame , at least one rear wheel , a driving assembly for driving the mobility scooter in a forward driving direction by rotation of at least one of the wheels , a seat for the person on the main frame , and a foot space for positioning the person' s feet therein, wherein the foot space is bound at the bottom thereof by a footrest , wherein the front wheel suspension comprises a left upright to which the left front wheel is mounted via a left front wheel hub, a left torsion spring mechanism, a left lower swingarm that is rotatably connected to the left upright via a left distal lower j oint , a right upright to which the right front wheel is mounted via a right front wheel hub, a right torsion spring mechanism, and a right lower swingarm that is rotatably connected to the right upright via a right distal lower j oint , wherein the left torsion spring mechanism and the right torsion spring mechanism respectively comprise a left spring housing and a right spring housing that are mounted to the main frame , wherein the left torsion spring mechanism comprises a left polygonal rotation body having a left rotation axis around which it can rotate inside a left polygonal chamber of the left spring housing, and multiple resilient spring bodies around the left polygonal rotation body that are confined in the left polygonal chamber, and wherein the right torsion spring mechanism comprises a right polygonal rotation body having a right rotation axis around which it can rotate inside a right polygonal chamber of the right spring housing, and multiple resilient spring bodies around the right polygonal rotation body that are confined in the right polygonal chamber, wherein the left lower swingarm is connected to the left polygonal rotation body, and wherein the right lower swingarm is connected to the right polygonal rotation body, wherein a vertical displacement of the left front wheel hinges the left lower swingarm around the left rotation axis , and wherein a vertical displacement of the right front wheel hinges the right lower swingarm around the right rotation axis , wherein the resilient spring bodies resiliently absorb the hinging of the left lower swingarm and the right lower swingarm. The front wheel suspension comprising the left torsion spring mechanism, the left lower swingarm, the right torsion spring mechanism and the right lower swingarm makes driving the mobility scooter comfortable for the driver as the left front wheel and the right front wheel individually can vertical displace with respect to the main frame when the mobility scooter drives over an irregular road surface . Further, the left torsion spring mechanism and the right torsion spring mechanism take up few space .

[0026] In an embodiment thereof the left polygonal rotation body and the right polygonal rotation body have a square cross section .

[0027] In an embodiment thereof the left torsion spring mechanism and the right torsion spring mechanism are arranged under the footrest .

[0028] The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible . These individual aspects , in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims , can be made subj ect of divisional patent applications .

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings , in which :

[0031] Figure 1 is an isometric side view of a mobility scooter according to the invention, comprising a main frame , a steering assembly, a seat, a front wheel suspension and a rear wheel suspension;

[0032] Figures 2A, 2B and 2C respectively are a detailed isometric side view, a straight side view and a front view of the main frame, the steering assembly and the front wheel suspension of the mobility scooter of figure 1 ; and

[0033] Figures 3A and 3B respectively are a detailed isometric front view and a straight front view of the front wheel suspension of the mobility scooter of figure 1 where some parts have been removed .

[0034] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Figure 1 shows a comfort scooter or mobility scooter 1 for individual mobility of one non-shown person, the driver . The mobility scooter 1 is in this example electrically powered from a battery for driving in its forward driving direction A, and may be used for many di fferent purposes , varying from comfortably travelling longer walking distances for any driver to the necessary mobility of disabled drivers .

[0036] The mobility scooter 1 comprises an undercarriage or chassis 11 having a main frame 30 extending over the length of the mobility scooter 1 , and a front wheel suspension 80 , a rear wheel suspension 14 , a steering assembly 70 , a driving mechanism 16, and a seat 18 that are connected to the main frame 30 . The mobility scooter 1 is provided with a left front wheel 20 and a right front wheel 21 that are connected to the front wheel suspension 80 , and that can synchronously steer in a left steering direction L and a right steering direction R by means of the steering assembly 70 . The mobility scooter 1 further comprises a left rear wheel 22 and a right rear wheel 23 that are connected to the rear wheel suspension 14 . The mobility scooter 1 has a mobility scooter length in the forward driving direction A and the left front wheel 20 and the right front wheel 21 have a wheel diameter that is approximately one-third the mobility scooter length .

[0037] The driving mechanism 16 is provided with a rear drive motor 15 that is connected to the left rear wheel 22 and the right rear wheel 23 via a di fferential . Alternatively, the left rear wheel 22 and the right rear wheel 23 are both provided with an electric hub motor . The battery is arranged in a battery housing 17 on the main frame 30 near the bottom of the mobility scooter 1 between the front wheels 20 , 21 and the rear wheels 22 , 23 . All wheels are provided with an air tube 24 and are partly covered by a fender 25 . The seat 18 comprises a seat base 19, a backrest 26 , a left armrest 27 , and a right armrest 28 , that can each be adj usted in position for comfort of the driver .

[0038] In figures 2A-2C some parts of the mobility scooter 1 have been removed for illustrating purposes only . The main frame 30 is substantially symmetrical along a vertical plane of symmetry S that extends in the forward driving direction A. The main frame 30 is build-up as a rigid tubular construction comprising straight tubes , tubular bends and mountings for mounting other components of the mobility scooter 1 thereto . Near the bottom side of the mobility scooter 1 , and in between the front wheels 20 , 21 and the rear wheels 22 , 23 , the main frame 30 comprises a left middle frame tube 31 and a right middle frame tube 32 . The left middle frame tube 31 and the right middle frame tube 32 are horizontally arranged and extend in the forward driving direction A. At their rear ends the left middle frame tube 31 and the right middle frame tube 32 respectively merge into a left rear lower bend 33 and a right rear lower bend 34 . The left rear lower bend 33 and the right rear lower bend 34 bend slightly inwards towards the plane of symmetry S and upwards by an angle of approximately 60 ° when seen in a direction away from the left middle frame tube 31 and the right middle frame tube 32 . At their upper ends the left rear lower bend 33 and the right rear lower bend 34 merge into a left rear upwards frame tube 35 and a right rear upwards frame tube 36. The left rear upwards frame tube 35 and the right rear upwards frame tube 36 respectively merge at their upper ends into a left rear upper bend 37 and a right rear upper bend 38 . The left rear upper bend 37 and the right rear upper bend 38 bend inwards towards the plane of symmetry S by an angle of approximately 75 ° in a direction away from the left rear upwards frame tube 35 and the right rear upwards frame tube 36. The left rear upper bend 37 and the right rear upper bend 38 merge into a hori zontally extending rear center frame tube 39.

[0039] As best shown in figure 2A, at their front ends the left middle frame tube 31 and the right middle frame tube 32 respectively merge into a left middle bend 43 and a right middle bend 44 . The left middle bend 43 and the right middle bend 44 bend inwardly towards the plane of symmetry S by an angle of approximately 75 ° when seen in a direction away from the left middle frame tube 31 and the right middle frame tube 32 . The left middle bend 43 and the right middle bend 44 merge with a non-shown hori zontally extending middle connecting frame tube . The main frame 30 comprises a left front frame tube 47 and a right front frame tube 48 that extend in the forward driving direction A at an angle of approximately 5 ° . The rear ends of the left front frame tube 47 and the right front frame tube 48 merge with the middle connecting frame tube, and the left middle bend 43 and the right middle bend 44 . At their front ends the left front frame tube 47 and the right front frame tube 48 respectively merge into a left front lower bend 49 and a right front lower bend 50 , which bend upwardly by an angle of approximately 70 ° when seen in a direction away from the left front frame tube 47 and the right front frame tube 48 . The left front lower bend 49 and the right front lower bend 50 merge into a left front middle frame tube 51 and a right front middle frame tube 52 that extend parallel to the vertical plane of symmetry S . At their upper ends the left front middle frame tube 51 and the right front middle frame tube 52 respectively merge into a left front middle bend 53 and a right front middle bend 54 , which bend towards the rear of the mobility scooter 1 by an angle of approximately 120 ° when seen in a direction away from the left front middle frame tube 51 and the right front middle frame tube 52 . At their upper ends the left front middle bend 53 and the right front middle bend 54 merge into a left front upper frame tube 55 and a right front upper frame tube 56 , which left front upper frame tube 55 and right front upper frame tube 56 respectively merge into a left front upper bend 57 and a right front upper bend 58 . The left front upper bend 57 and the right front upper bend 58 bend inwardly towards the plane of symmetry S by an angle of approximately 90 ° , and they are connected with each other .

[0040] The main frame 30 comprises a seat mount 41 at the rear center frame tube 39 for mounting the seat 18 thereto , a rear wheel suspension mount 42 near the left rear lower bend 33 and the right rear lower bend 34 for the rear wheel suspension 14 , a front wheel suspension mount 60 at the left front frame tube 47 and the right front frame tube 48 for the front wheel suspension 80 , and a steering assembly mount 59 at the left front upper frame tube 55 and the right front upper frame tube 56 , and the left front upper bend 57 and the right front upper bend 58 for the steering assembly 70 .

[0041] As best shown in figure 2A, the main frame 30 comprises a left outwardly proj ecting guard bracket 61 that extends between the left front frame tube 47 and the left front middle frame tube 51 , and a right outwardly proj ecting guard bracket 62 that extends between the right front frame tube 48 and the right front middle frame tube 52 . The left outwardly proj ecting guard bracket 61 comprises a left bracket lower frame tube 109 that extends from the left front frame tube 47 in a direction away from the plane of symmetry S and towards the front of the mobility scooter 1 . The left bracket lower frame tube 109 merges into a left bracket lower bend 111 , which bend bends upwards when seen in a direction away from the left bracket lower frame tube 109. The left bracket lower bend 111 merges into a left bracket middle frame tube 113 . The left bracket middle frame tube 113 extends parallel to the vertical plane of symmetry S and merges into a left bracket upper bend 115 that bends towards the front of the mobility scooter 1 and slightly towards the plane of symmetry S when seen in a direction away from the left bracket middle frame tube 113 . The left bracket upper bend 115 merges into a horizontally arranged left bracket upper frame tube 117 that merges into the left front middle frame tube 51 . The right outwardly pro ecting guard bracket 62 comprises a right bracket lower frame tube 110 that extends from the right front frame tube 48 in a direction away from the plane of symmetry S and towards the front of the mobility scooter 1 . The right bracket lower frame tube 110 merges into a right bracket lower bend 112 , which bend bends upwards when seen in a direction away from the right bracket lower frame tube 110 . The right bracket lower bend 112 merges into a right bracket middle frame tube 114 . The right bracket middle frame tube 114 extends parallel to the vertical plane of symmetry S and merges into a right bracket upper bend 116 that bends towards the front of the mobility scooter 1 and slightly towards the plane of symmetry S when seen in a direction away from the right bracket middle frame tube 114 . The right bracket upper bend 116 merges into a horizontally arranged right bracket upper frame tube 118 that merges into the right front middle frame tube 52 .

[0042] The steering assembly 70 comprises in this example a handlebar 71 with two distal handgrips 76 for the hands of the driver thereon, a steering shaft 72 that is connected to the handlebar 71 and that has a rotation axis P around which the steering shaft 72 can rotate when the driver rotates the handlebar 71 , a steering head 73 through which the steering shaft 72 extends and wherein the steering shaft 72 is bearing to rotate around the rotation axis P with respect to the main frame 30 , a height adj ustment mechanism 75 for adj usting the height of the handlebar 71 by tilting the steering shaft 72 .

[0043] In this example , the steering assembly 70 comprises a steering drive in the form of the steering bracket 74 that rotates around its own steering axis with respect to the main frame 30 for converting the rotation of the steering shaft 72 to the front wheel suspension 80 in order to steer the left and right front wheels 20 , 21 . The rotation of the steering shaft 72 around its rotation axis P is trans ferred to the rotation of the steering bracket 74 via a non-shown universal j oint . The driver provides a steering input by rotating the handlebar 71 and thereby the steering shaft 72 , and the steering bracket 74 converts the steering input into steering of the left front wheel and the right front wheel . Alternatively the mobility scooter 1 is steered by means of an electrical steering input from the driver via a controller, for example a j oystick . In that case, the steering drive electrically converts the electrical steering input into steering of the left front wheel 20 and the right front wheel 21 .

[0044] The front wheel suspension 80 comprises a left upright 83 or left knuckle, and a right upright 84 or right knuckle to which the left front wheel 20 and the right front wheel 21 are mounted via a left front wheel hub 81 and a right front wheel hub 82 . The left upright 83 has a left lower end 85 and a left upper end 87 , and the right upright 84 has a right lower end 86 and a right upper end 88 . The left upright 83 and the right upright 84 have a positive caster angle , wherein the left lower end 85 and the right lower end 86 are arranged in front of and below a center line C of the left and right front wheels 20 , 21 , and wherein the left upper end 87 and the right upper end 88 are arranged rear and above this center line C . The left front wheel hub 81 is provided closer to the left lower end 85 than to the left upper end

[0045] 87 at a distance from the left lower end 85 , which distance is approximately one quarter of the distance between the left lower end 85 and the left upper end 87 . The right front wheel hub 82 is provided closer to the right lower end 86 than to the right upper end 88 at a distance from the right lower end 86, which distance is approximately one quarter of the distance between the right lower end 86 and the right upper end 88 .

[0046] Near their left upper end 87 and right upper end

[0047] 88 the left upright 83 and the right upright 84 comprise respectively a left plate shaped steering link 89 and a right plate shaped steering link 90 that both extend as from the left upright 83 and the right upright 84 towards the front of the mobility scooter 1 and away from the plane of symmetry S . The left steering link 89 and the right steering link 90 are rotatably connected respectively to a left steering rod 91 and a right steering rod 92 by means of a left distal steering ball j oint 93 and a right distal steering ball j oint 94 . The left steering rod 91 and the right steering rod 92 extend respectively from the left distal steering ball j oint 93 and the right distal steering ball j oint 94 towards the plane of symmetry S where they are rotatably connected with the steering bracket 74 by means of a left proximal steering ball j oint 95 and a right proximal steering ball j oint 96 . The rotation of the steering bracket 74 results in a synchronous translation or substantial translation of the left steering rod 91 and the right steering rod 92 , that swings the left plate shaped steering link 89 and the right plate shaped steering link 90 to rotate the left upright 83 and the right upright 84 around their longitudinal axes , thereby steering the left front wheel 20 and the right front wheel 21 .

[0048] The left upright 83 has a left distal lower j oint 105 at its left lower end 85, and a left distal upper j oint 99 at its left upper end 87 . The left upright 83 is rotatably connected with a left upper swingarm 97 via the left distal upper j oint 99 , and rotatably connected with a left lower swingarm 103 via the left distal lower j oint 105. The right upright 84 has a right distal lower j oint 106 at its right lower end 86 , and a right distal upper j oint 100 at its right upper end 88 . The right upright 84 is rotatably connected with a right upper swingarm 98 via the right distal upper j oint 100 , and is rotatably connected with a right lower swingarm 104 via the right distal lower j oint 106. The left upper swingarm 97 and the right upper swingarm 98 are at their proximal ends hingeably connected with the main frame 30 by means of a non-shown left proximal upper hinge and a nonshown right proximal upper hinge that both have a single hinge axis that extends parallel to the driving direction A. The left lower swingarm 103 and the right lower swingarm 104 are horizontally arranged and extend respectively from the left distal lower j oint 105 and the right distal lower j oint 106 in a direction transverse to the forward driving direction A towards the plane of symmetry S .

[0049] As best shown in figures 3A and 3B, the left lower swingarm 103 is at its inner end connected to a left torsion spring mechanism 119. The right lower swingarm 104 is at its inner end connected to a right torsion spring mechanism 120 . The left torsion spring mechanism 119 and the right torsion spring mechanism 120 respectively comprise a left spring housing and a right spring housing that are mounted as a combined spring housing 107 to the front wheel suspension mount 60 . In figures 3A and 3B the right lower swingarm 104 is removed to expose the inside of the right torsion spring mechanism 120 . The left torsion spring mechanism 119 and the right torsion spring mechanism 120 , and their working principles are similar but mirrored along the vertical plane of symmetry S .

[0050] Each torsion spring mechanism 119, 120 comprises a polygonal , in this example square, rotation body 121 that extends in the forward driving direction A between a front end and a rear end thereof . The square rotation body 121 has a rotation axis T around which the rotation body 121 can rotate inside a polygonal , in this example square , chamber 125 of the spring housing 107 . The rotation axis T extends parallel to the forward driving direction A and parallel to the plane of symmetry S . Each torsion spring mechanism 119, 120 comprises multiple elongated resilient spring bodies 122 , in this example four rubber spring bodies 122 , around the square rotation body 121 that each extend in the forward driving direction A and that are tightly confined in the square chamber 125 of the spring housing 107 . The front end and the rear end of the square rotation body 121 each protrude from the spring housing 107 by a protrusion . The left and right lower swingarms 103 , 104 are connected to the square rotation bodies 121 via flanges 124 so that they can both hinge around the rotation axis T of the respective torsion spring mechanism 119 , 120 . A close- fitting flange 124 is provided around each protrusion of the square rotation body 121 , and the flanges are connected to the left and right lower swingarms 103 , 104 by means of fasteners , for example screws 123 . A vertical translation of the left front wheel 20 results in hinging of the left lower swingarm 103 in a hinge direction H around the rotation axis T . Hinging of the left lower swingarm 103 rotates the flanges 124 and thereby rotates the square rotation body 121 around the rotation axis T . Rotation of the square rotation body 121 around its rotation axis T elastically and reversibly deforms the resilient spring bodies 122 , which thereby resiliently absorb the hinging of the left lower swingarm 103 around the rotation axis T . This is similar for the right lower swingarm 104 with the right torsion spring mechanism 120 .

[0051] The mobility scooter 1 has a foot space 2 between the left front wheel 20 and the right front wheel 21 for positioning the driver' s feet . At the bottom thereof , near the bottom of the mobility scooter 1 , the foot space 2 is bound by a footrest 3 onto which the driver can place its feet during a drive . The footrest 3 does not comprise any pedals , and the footrest 3 has a straight main surface that extends in the driving direction A. The steering bracket 74 of the steering assembly 70 is arranged above the foot space 2 and above the footrest 3 . When seen in a hori zontal proj ection transverse to the driving direction A, the steering bracket 74 is arranged above the left front wheel 20 and the right front wheel 21 . The left steering rod 91 and the left upper swingarm 97 extend in a substantially hori zontal direction away from the plane of symmetry S beyond the left outwardly proj ecting guard bracket 61 . The right steering rod 92 and the right upper swingarm 98 extend in a substantially hori zontal direction away from the plane of symmetry S beyond the right outwardly proj ecting guard bracket 62 . Further, the left steering rod 91 and the right steering rod 92 , and the left upper swingarm 97 and the right upper swingarm 98 are arranged above the foot space 2 and above the left front wheel 20 and the right front wheel 21 when seen in a horizontal proj ection transverse to the driving direction A.

[0052] The mobility scooter 1 comprises a guard assembly 9 for protection of the driver' s feet and for bounding the foot space 2 . The mobility scooter 1 comprises a left guard shield 4 at the main frame 30 that is arranged between the left outwardly proj ecting guard bracket 61 , the left front frame tube 47 , the left front lower bend 49 , and the left front middle frame tube 51 . The left guard shield 4 bounds and shields the foot space 2 whereby the feet of the driver will not contact the left front wheel 20 . The mobility scooter 1 comprises a right guard shield 5 at the main frame 30 that is arranged between the right outwardly proj ecting guard bracket 62 , the right front frame tube 48 , the right front lower bend 50 , and the right front middle frame tube 52 . The right guard shield 5 bounds and shields the foot space 2 whereby the feet of the driver will not contact the right front wheel 21 . The mobility scooter 1 furthermore comprises a front guard shield 6 at the main frame 30 that is arranged between the left front lower bend 49, the left front middle frame tube 51 , the right front lower bend 50 , and the right front middle frame tube 52 . The front guard shield 6 shields the foot space 2 whereby the feet of the driver will not reach beyond the main frame 30 towards the front of the mobility scooter 1 . The left guard shield 4 , the right guard shield 5, and the front guard shield 6 can be provided with profile, for example with small holes .

[0053] The mobility scooter 1 comprises a bottom plate 7 at the main frame 30 that extends between the left front lower bend 49 and right front lower bend 50 , and the rear wheel suspension mount 42 . The bottom plate 7 bounds the foot space 2 , provides the footrest 3 and partly forms the battery housing 17 . The footrest 3 is provided at the front of the bottom plate 7 between the left front wheel 20 and the right front wheel 21 . The mobility scooter 1 further comprises a steering assembly cover 8 that is arranged around the steering assembly mount 59 and the universal j oint . The steering assembly cover 8 protects the driver from contacting the movable components therein .

[0054] As best shown in figure 2B, the foot space 2 and the steering bracket 74 are arranged in front of a vertical plane V through the center line C of the left front wheel 20 and the right front wheel 21 . Further, when seen in a horizontal proj ection parallel to the driving direction A, the front wheel suspension 80 is arranged outside and around the foot space 2 , the left upright 83 and the right upright 84 are arranged aside the foot space 2 , the seat base 19 is arranged above the foot space 2 , and the left arm rest 27 and the right arm rest 28 are arranged above the steering bracket 74 . Furthermore , the steering assembly 70 is arranged outside the foot space 2 .

[0055] The foot space 2 is shaped as a bowl , wherein the bowl is formed, when seen in a horizontal proj ection parallel to the driving direction A, by the left outwardly proj ecting guard bracket 61 , the left guard shield 4 , the left front middle frame tube 51 , the front guard shield 6, the right front middle frame tube 52 , the right guard shield 5 , and the right outwardly proj ecting guard bracket 62 . The bottom of the bowl is formed by a portion of the bottom plate 7 , whereon the footrest 3 is arranged . The driver can drive the mobility scooter 1 while sitting in an ergonomic position . According the invention this is achieved by the combined mutual arrangement of the main frame 30 , the steering assembly 70 and the front wheel suspension 80 with respect to the footrest 3 .

[0056] It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention . From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention .

Claims

C L A I M S1 . Mobility scooter for individual mobility of a person, comprising a main frame, a front wheel suspension, a left front wheel and a right front wheel aside the main frame that are rotatably connected with the main frame via the front wheel suspension, a steering assembly for steering the left front wheel and the right front wheel with respect to the main frame , at least one rear wheel , a driving assembly for driving the mobility scooter in a forward driving direction by rotation of at least one of the wheels , a seat for the person on the main frame , and a foot space for positioning the person' s feet therein, wherein the foot space is bound at the bottom thereof by a footrest , wherein the front wheel suspension comprises a left upright to which the left front wheel is mounted via a left front wheel hub, a left torsion spring mechanism, a left lower swingarm that is rotatably connected to the left upright via a left distal lower j oint , a right upright to which the right front wheel is mounted via a right front wheel hub, a right torsion spring mechanism, and a right lower swingarm that is rotatably connected to the right upright via a right distal lower j oint , wherein the left torsion spring mechanism and the right torsion spring mechanism respectively comprise a left spring housing and a right spring housing that are mounted to the main frame, wherein the left torsion spring mechanism comprises a left polygonal rotation body having a left rotation axis around which it can rotate inside a left polygonal chamber of the left spring housing, and multiple resilient spring bodies around the left polygonal rotation body that are confined in the left polygonal chamber, and wherein the right torsion spring mechanism comprises a right polygonal rotation body having a right rotation axis around which it can rotate inside a right polygonal chamber of the right spring housing, and multiple resilient spring bodies around the right polygonalrotation body that are confined in the right polygonal chamber, wherein the left lower swingarm is connected to the left polygonal rotation body, and wherein the right lower swingarm is connected to the right polygonal rotation body, wherein a vertical displacement of the left front wheel hinges the left lower swingarm around the left rotation axis , and wherein a vertical displacement of the right front wheel hinges the right lower swingarm around the right rotation axis , wherein the resilient spring bodies resiliently absorb the hinging of the left lower swingarm and the right lower swingarm.2 . Mobility scooter for individual mobility of a person according to claim 1 , wherein the left polygonal rotation body and the right polygonal rotation body have a square cross section .3 . Mobility scooter for individual mobility of a person according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the left torsion spring mechanism and the right torsion spring mechanism are arranged under the footrest .4 . Mobility scooter for individual mobility of a person according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the front wheel suspension comprises a left steering link on the left upright , a left steering rod that is rotatably connected to the left steering link via a left distal steering j oint, a right steering link on the right upright , and a right steering rod that is rotatably connected to the right steering link via a right distal steering j oint , wherein the steering assembly comprises a steering drive on the main frame that is rotatably connected to the left steering rod via a left proximal steering j oint and to the right steering rod via a right proximal steering j oint , wherein the steering drive converts a steering input from the person into a translation of the left steering rod and the right steering rod, thereby steering the left front wheel and the right front wheel , wherein the foot space and the footrest are arranged between the left front wheel and the right front wheel , and wherein the steering drive is arranged above the foot space and thefootrest .

5. Mobility scooter according to claim 4 , wherein the steering drive is arranged above the left front wheel and the right front wheel when seen in a hori zontal proj ection transverse to the driving direction .

6. Mobility scooter according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the left steering rod, the left steering link, the right steering rod and the right steering link are arranged above the foot space when seen in a hori zontal proj ection transverse to the driving direction .7 . Mobility scooter according to any one of the claims 4- 6, wherein the steering drive is arranged in front of a vertical plane through a center line of the left front wheel and the right front wheel .8 . Mobility scooter according to any one of the claims 4-7 , wherein the seat comprises a seat base and an armrest, wherein, when seen in a hori zontal proj ection parallel to the driving direction, the seat base is arranged above the foot space and the armrest is arranged above the steering drive .

9. Mobility scooter according to any one of the claims 4-8 , wherein the steering drive comprises a steering bracket having a steering axis around which it rotates with respect to the main frame, wherein the left steering rod is rotatably connected to the steering bracket via the left proximal steering j oint , and wherein the right steering rod is rotatably connected to the steering bracket via the right proximal steering j oint, wherein the rotation of the steering bracket translates the left steering rod and the right steering rod, thereby steering the left front wheel and the right front wheel .10 . Mobility scooter according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the front wheel suspension is arranged outside and around the foot space when seen in a horizontal proj ection parallel to the driving direction, and wherein the left upright and the right upright are arranged aside the foot space when seen in the horizontal proj ectionparallel to the driving direction .11 . Mobility scooter according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the steering assembly is arranged outside the foot space .12 . Mobility scooter according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the footrest has a straight main surface that extends in the driving direction .13 . Mobility scooter according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the front wheel suspension comprises a left upper swingarm and a right upper swingarm, wherein the left upper swingarm is rotatably connected to the left upright via a left distal upper j oint, wherein the left upper swingarm is hingeably connected to the main frame via a left upper hinge , and wherein the right upper swingarm is rotatably connected to the right upright via a right distal upper j oint , wherein the right upper swingarm is hingeably connected to the main frame via a right upper hinge .14 . Mobility scooter according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the main frame comprises a left outwardly proj ecting guard bracket and a right outwardly proj ecting guard bracket between the left front wheel and the right front wheel , wherein the left outwardly proj ecting guard bracket and the right outwardly proj ecting guard bracket extend aside and bound the foot space .

15. Mobility scooter according to claim 14 , wherein the mobility scooter comprises a left guard shield at the left outwardly proj ecting guard bracket that bounds the foot space towards the left front wheel , and a right guard shield at the right outwardly proj ecting guard bracket that bounds foot space towards the right front wheel .

16. Mobility scooter according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the mobility scooter comprises a front guard shield at the main frame that bounds the foot space towards the front side of the mobility scooter .17 . Mobility scooter according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the main frame is build-up as a tubular construction comprising straight tubes , tubular bendsand mountings for at least mounting the front wheel suspension, the steering assembly, the driving assembly and the seat thereto .18 . Mobility scooter according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the mobility scooter has a mobility scooter length that extends in the driving direction from the rear towards the front of the mobility scooter, wherein the left front wheel and the right front wheel have a front wheel diameter, wherein the front wheel diameter is approximately one-third the mobility scooter length .

19. Mobility scooter for individual mobility of a person, comprising a main frame, a front wheel suspension, a left front wheel and a right front wheel aside the main frame that are rotatably connected with the main frame via the front wheel suspension, a steering assembly for steering the left front wheel and the right front wheel with respect to the main frame , at least one rear wheel , a driving assembly for driving the mobility scooter in a forward driving direction by rotation of at least one of the wheels , a seat for the person on the main frame , and a foot space for positioning the person' s feet therein, wherein the foot space is bound at the bottom thereof by a footrest , wherein the front wheel suspension comprises a left upright to which the left front wheel is mounted via a left front wheel hub, a left steering link on the left upright , a left steering rod that is rotatably connected to the left steering link via a left distal steering j oint , a right upright to which the right front wheel is mounted via a right front wheel hub, a right steering link on the right upright, and a right steering rod that is rotatably connected to the right steering link via a right distal steering j oint , wherein the steering assembly comprises a steering drive on the main frame that is rotatably connected to the left steering rod via a left proximal steering j oint and to the right steering rod via a right proximal steering j oint, wherein the steering drive converts a steering input from the person into a translation of the left steering rod and the right steering rod, thereby steeringthe left front wheel and the right front wheel , wherein the foot space and the footrest are arranged between the left front wheel and the right front wheel , and wherein the steering drive is arranged above the foot space and the footrest .-o- o-o-o- o- o-o-o-LO / FG

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