GB2528164A

GB2528164A - Personal transportation device

Info

Publication number: GB2528164A
Application number: GB1508148.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Mabey
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-13
Filing date: 2015-05-13
Publication date: 2016-01-13
Also published as: GB201408488D0; GB201508148D0

Abstract

A personal transportation device is configurable as a scooter 19. The scooter comprises a footplate support 37; a first wheel 23 coupled to the footplate support 37; a stem 29; a second wheel 33 coupled to the stem 29, and a headtube 27 for coupling the footplate support 37 to the stem 29, wherein the footplate support 37 comprises a plurality of footplate support sections (37(i) to 37(vii)) and the stem comprises a plurality of stem sections (71(i) to 71(viii)). The device further comprises: a tensioner arranged to couple the stem sections (71(i) to 71(viii)) together to form the stem 29 and the footplate support sections (37(i) to 37(vii)) together to form the footplate support 37, and a locking mechanism 35 that is operable to tension the tensioner and draw the stem sections and footplate support sections together until the device is in an in use configuration where a user can stand on the footplate support; the locking mechanism 35 being releasable to release the tension in the tensioner so that the device can be collapsed. The locking mechanism 35 may be a ratchet and the tensioner may be a cable. In the folded configuration the footplate may be wrapped around the periphery of a wheel (fig 3)

Description

PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICE

Field

This invention relates to a personal transportation device, particularly but not exclusively to a personal transportation device that is configurable as a scooter. In a preferred implementation of the teachings of the invention, the transportation device can be collapsed from a configuration where the device resembles a scooter and can be ridden by a user, into a collapsed configuration where the footprint of the device is much reduced.

Backci round A multitude of scooters (often called kick scooters) have previously been proposed. One illustrative example (depicted in Fig. 1) of a previously proposed scooter (which is typical of many others) is the Micro Bullet' scooter 1 sold by Micro Scooters Ltd. 110 Coast Road, West Mersea, Colchester, C05 8NA (see: httpI/www.mcro This scooter comprises a rigid footplate 3 that carries a wheel 5 at one end. The footplate 3 is hingedly coupled to a headtube 7 by means of a lockable hinge mechanism 9, and a telescopic stem 11 extends through the headtube 7 and terminates at a pair of forks 13 that provide a mounting for a second wheel 15. A set of handlebars 17 are mounted to the top of the stem 11, and turning the handlebars 17 causes the stem 11 and forks 13 (and hence the second wheel 15) to turn so that the scooter 1 can be steered.

When configured for use, the rigid footplate is locked in a position where the stem extends generally vertically from the plane defined by the footplate (as depicted in Fig. 1). When the user no longer wishes to use the scooter, the lockable hinge mechanism 9 can be released and the rigid footplate 3 can be folded up towards the stem 11 until the stem and footplate are generally parallel. When in this position the telescopic stem 11 can be collapsed so as to reduce the footprint of the scooter for easy storage.

Whilst the size of the scooter is much reduced when folded, it is still relatively bulky. For example, in such a configuration the scooter is still too large to be easily carried in a bag or rucksack. It is also the case that the hinge mechanism can be difficult to operate to release the scooter from its locked operating position.

The present invention has been devised with the foregoing problems in mind.

Sum man' In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a personal transportation device that is configurable as a scooter, the device comprising: a footplate support; a first wheel coupled to the footplate support; a stem; a second wheel coupled to the stem, and a headtube for coupling the footplate support to the stem, wherein the footplate comprises a plurality of footplate support sections and the stem comprises a plurality of stem sections, the device further comprising: a tensioner arranged to couple the stem sections together to form the stem and the footplate support sections together to form the footplate support, and a locking mechanism that is operable to tension the tensioner and draw the stem sections and footplate support sections together until the device is in an "in use" configuration where a user can stand on the footplate support; the locking mechanism being releasable to release the tension in the tensioner so that the device can be collapsed.

The device may further comprise a plurality of footplate panels, each affixable to a said footplate support section, the footplate panels co-operating to form a footplate on which a user can stand when the device is in said "in use" configuration.

The footplate panels and footplate support sections may be configured to securely couple together, the footplate panels each being provided with a first part of a two-part engagement mechanism and the footplate support sections each being provided with a second part of said two-part engagement mechanism.

Preferably said two-part engagement mechanism comprises a plurality of projecting pegs and a plurality of corresponding complementary apertures.

Preferably each said footplate support section carries a plurality of projecting pegs configured to fit within apertures formed in each said footplate panels, the arrangement being such that said footplate panels can be clipped to said footplate support sections to form said footplate.

Preferably said footplate panels are each generally planar.

Each said footplate support section may include first and second parts of a two-part interengagement mechanism, the first part of a said footplate support section being configured to interengage with the second part of another footplate support section.

Preferably said first part comprises one or more, preferably two, projections extending from a face of each said footplate support section, and said second part comprises a corresponding number of depressions formed in an opposite face of each said footplate support section, the projections being configured to be snugly received within the depressions.

Preferably said interengagement mechanism is such that footplate support sections can engage with one another to form a substantially rigid assembly.

Preferably each said footplate support section includes at least one axial passageway through which said tensioner passes.

Preferably said second wheel is coupled to the stem by means of a pair of forks, the arrangement being such that twisting the stem causes the forks and said second wheel to turn.

The device may further comprise a handlebar assembly coupled to said stem.

The locking mechanism may be carried by said handlebar assembly.

Preferably said handlebar assembly is generally triangular and comprises a first arm that is generally horizontal in use, and second and third arms that are generally vertical in use.

Preferably said second and third arms meet at a surface distal from said first arm, said surface including a first part of a two part engagement mechanism, a second part of said two part engagement mechanism being carried by said stem.

In one embodiment, said first, second and third arms are fixedly coupled to one another.

In another embodiment, said second and third arms each comprise a bracket through which said first arm extends, said first arm being rotatable relative to said second and third arms.

Preferably said first part comprises a generally rectangular projection and said second part comprises a slot, the projection being sized to fit snugly within said slot.

Each said stem section may comprise first and second parts of a two-part interengagement mechanism, the first part of a said stem section being configured to interengage with the second part of another stem section.

Preferably said first part comprises a generally rectangular projections extending from a face of each said stem section, and said second part comprises a corresponding slot formed in an opposite face of each said stem section, the projections being configured to be snugly received within the slots.

Preferably said stem sections are generally cylindrical.

Preferably each said stem section includes at least one axial passageway through which said tensioner passes.

Preferably said locking mechanism comprises a rotatable body that includes a ratchet and a tensioner guide, and a pawl that is moveable to engage with and disengage from said ratchet, the arrangement being such that said rotatable body is prevented from rotating when said pawl is engaged with said ratchet.

Preferably the pawl is mounted on a moveable locking mechanism arm.

In one arrangement, the locking mechanism arm is pivotally coupled to said first arm of said handlebar assembly, and said rotatable body is mounted on said first arm for rotation relative thereto.

In another arrangement, the rotatable body is fixed to said handlebar assembly first arm for rotation therewith, said locking mechanism arm being coupled to one of said second or third arms of said handlebar assembly.

Preferably said locking mechanism is configured so that rotation of the rotatable body in a first direction causes said tensioner to be wound around said tensioner guide and thereby tension the tensioner, rotation of said rotatable body in an opposite direction being prevented by the engagement of said pawl with said ratchet.

Preferably, disengaging the pawl from the ratchet enables the tension in the tensioner to be released.

The device may further comprise a braking mechanism operable to slow rotation of said first or said second wheel. The braking mechanism may be foot-operable and configured to slow rotation of said first wheel.

Preferably the device is configured so that the footplate sections can be wrapped around the periphery of the second wheel when the locking mechanism has been released to release the tension in the tensioner.

Preferably the stem can be collapsed when the locking mechanism has been released to release the tension in the tensioner.

Preferably the device -when collapsed -has a footprint that is similar to that of an A4 sheet of paper.

The tensioner may comprise a cable.

Other features, advantages and embodiments of the invention will be apparent

from the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the DrawinQs

Various aspects of the teachings of the present invention, and arrangements embodying those teachings, will hereaftel be described by way of illustrative example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a prior art scooter; Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a personal transportation device according to a preferred implementation of the teachings of the invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the device depicted in Fig. 2 when collapsed for storage or transport; Fig. 4 is a right side elevation of the device depicted in Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the device depicted in Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the device depicted in Fig. 2; Fig. 7 is an underneath perspective view of part of the device depicted in Fig. 2; Fig. 8 is a side elevation of the part of the device depicted in Fig. 7; Figs. 9, 10, 11, and 12 are, respectively, underneath perspective, top plan, right side elevation and front elevations of a part of the device depicted in Fig. 2; Fig. 13 is a perspective view of part of the device depicted in Fig. 2; and Fig. 14 is a schematic representation of a plurality of the parts depicted in Fig. 13 assembled for use.

Detailed Description

Referring now to Fig. 2 of the drawings, there is depicted a schematic perspective view of a personal transportation device 19 that embodies the teachings of the invention. The device, as depicted, is configured for use as a scooter and comprises a footplate 21, which carries a smaller rear wheel 23 at one end. The footplate 21 also carries a conventional braking mechanism 25 that can be operated by a user to bring the device to rest.

The footplate 21 terminates, at the end distal from the smaller rear wheel 25 in a headtube 27. A stem 29 passes through the headtube 27 and is coupled at one end to a pair of forks 31 that support a larger front wheel 33. As with existing scooters, the stem 29 and forks 31 are arranged so that twisting the stem 29 causes the forks to turn, thereby enabling the user to steer the device.

At the end of the stem 29 distal from the forks 31 there is provided a handlebar assembly 33, that carries a locking mechanism 35 which -in a manner to be later described below -enables the device to be locked in an "in use" configuration (as depicted in Fig. 2) or, when the locking mechanism is released, enables the device to be collapsed -for example for storage or transport.

Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawings, there are depicted -respectively -a side elevation and a top plan view of the device in its "in use" configuration. As can be seen from Fig. 5, a key difference between the device depicted and previously proposed devices is that the footplate 21 is formed from a plurality of individual footplate support sections 37 that are securely interengaged with one another when the locking mechanism 35 is operated to lock the device in its "in use" configuration. In the particular configuration depicted, the footplate 21 comprises seven individual footplate support sections 37(i) to 37(vii). A first 37(i) of these sections is coupled to a rear wheel section 39 that provides a mounting for the rear wheel 23 and the braking mechanism 25, and the last 37(vU) of these sections 37(vii) is coupled to the headtube 27 via four intervening sections 410) to 41(iv), the last (41(iv) of which may be fixedly coupled to (for example, welded or integrally formed with) the headtube 27.

As shown in Fig. 6, each of the footplate support sections carries a planar footplate panel 43, and these panels 43 co-operate to provide a surface on which a user of the device can stand. In a preferred arrangement, the footplate panels clip onto the footplate support sections, and may be shaped to provide a shaped support for the user.

Referring now to Figs. 9 to 12, there are depicted various views of an individual footplate support section 37. The support section 37 comprises a first end 45, a second end 47 and two sidewalls 49, 51. The first end 45 includes a pair of generally hemispherical depressions 53, 55, and the second end 47 includes a pair of generally hemispherical projections 57, 59 that are sized so as to be capable of being snugly received in the depressions of a neighbouring support section.

The support section further comprises a pair of through-holes 61, 63 that extend longitudinally through the support section from the first end 45 to the second end 47. A top surface 65 of the support section 37 carries a pair of projecting pegs 67, 69 that mate with corresponding apertures in the aforementioned planer footplate panels.

As will be appreciated from the foregoing, the configuration of the support sections allows them to interengage with one another to form a rigid footplate for a user when the locking mechanism 35 is operated to lock the device in its "in use" configuration.

Referring again to Fig. 5, the stem 29 of the device 19 comprises a plurality of stem sections 71 (in this particular example, eight stem sections 71(i) to 71 (vhi)) that co-operate with one another to form -when the locking mechanism has been operated to lock the device in its "in use" configuration -a rigid stem 29 that can be manipulated by a user to steer the device.

Referring now to Fig. 13 of the drawings, one such stem section 71 is schematically depicted. The stem section comprises a generally cylindrical body 73 with a slot 75 formed in one end face 77, and a generally rectangular projection 79 extending from the other end face 81. The projection 79 and slot 75 are complementary in that the projection of one stem section can fit into the slot of a neighbouring stem section in the stem 29. Each stem section includes a through hole 80 that runs through the cylindrical body 73 from the projection 79 to the slot 75.

Fig. 14 is a schematic depiction of the manner in which one stem section can mate with another so that the projection 79 of one section 71(u) (say) fits within the slot of a neighbouring section 71(iii).

Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8, there is provided a schematic representation of the aforementioned handlebar assembly 33. The handlebar assembly is generally triangular and comprises three arms 81, 83 and 85, a first 81 of which is generally horizontal in use and the other two 83, 85 of which are generally vertical in use. The first arm 81 extends beyond the second 83 and third 85 arms to form a pair of handles 87 that can be gripped by a user of the device. The second and third arms meet at a surface 89 distal from the first arm 81, and a projection 91 extends from that surface 89.

The projection 91 is shaped to fit within the slot formed in the first stem section 71(i), and includes a through-hole 93 that extends through the projection to the area defined by the first, second and third arms.

The first arm 81, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, also includes the aforementioned locking mechanism 35. The locking mechanism 35 comprises a body that is rotatably mounted on the first arm 81. The body comprises a ratchet 97, a tensioner guide 99, and a grippable portion 101. A pawl 103 is pivotally coupled to the first arm, and arranged to engage the ratchet 97 of the locking mechanism 35.

The various components of the device are coupled together by means of a tensioner. The tensioner is secured to the tensioner guide 99 and extends from the guide 99 through the hole 93 in the handlebar assembly 33, through each of the stem sections 71 (by means of the through holes 80), through the headtube 27, and subsequently through each of the intervening sections 41 and footplate support sections 37 to the rear wheel section 39.

In an embodiment where the tensioner comprises a cable (as depicted in Fig. 14), the cable may extend from the guide 99 through the hole 93 in the handlebar assembly 33, through each of the stem sections 71 (by means of the through holes 80), through the headtube 27, through each of the intervening sections 41, through the through-holes 61 in each of the footplate support sections 37, through the rear wheel section 39, back through the through-holes 63 in each of the footplate support units, and back through the stem sections 71 to the tensioner guide 99.

As will be appreciated by persons of ordinary skill in the art, rotating the grippable portion 101 of the locking mechanism in the direction A (shown in Fig. 8) causes the tensioner to be drawn towards and wrapped around the tensioner guide 99. As the tensioner is wrapped around the guide, so the tension in the tensioner increases, and the various components of the device are drawn together. In particular, the stem sections interlock so that the rectangular projections fit within the slots, and the projections on one said footplate support section fit into the complementary depressions in the next adjacent footplate support section. Further rotation of the grippable portion brings the various components into abutment with one another, thereby providing a rigid device that can be ridden by a user. Tension in the tensioner is maintained by means of the engagement of the pawl 103 and ratchet 97.

To release the tension in the tensioner, the user pivots the pawl away from the ratchet 97, whereupon the various components of the device are able to disengage from one another. In this state, the footplate sections can be wrapped around the larger front wheel 31 (as shown in Fig. 3, and the stem can be collapsed to one side of the front wheel 31. In this collapsed configuration the footprint of the entire device is roughly equivalent to that of an A4 sheet of paper, and the device as a whole can readily be carried or placed in a bag.

It will be appreciated that whilst various aspects and embodiments of the present invention have heretofore been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular arrangements set out herein and instead extends to encompass all arrangements, and modifications and alterations thereto, which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

For example, whilst in the preferred arrangement the tensioner comprises a single length of cable, it will be appreciated that two lengths of cable or a strap could instead be utilised. It will also be appreciated that the number of footplate support sections and/or stem sections may be varied at will.

In an alternative implementation, the ratchet may be fixedly coupled to the first arm 81, and the first arm may be rotatably mounted in one or a pair of brackets coupled to the stem -which brackets also function as a support for the pawl. In this way, the entire first arm is rotated to tension the tensioner. In another envisaged implementation, the first arm may carry two ratchets and two associated pawls, the arrangement being such that both pawls must be released for the device to be collapsed.

It should also be noted that whilst particular combinations of features have been described herein, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the particular combinations herein described, but instead extends to encompass any combination of features that are disclosed herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A personal transportation device that is configurable as a scooter, the device comprising: a footplate support; a first wheel coupled to the footplate support; a stem; a second wheel coupled to the stem, and a headtube for coupling the footplate support to the stem, wherein the footplate comprises a plurality of footplate support sections and the stem comprises a plurality of stem sections, the device further comprising: a tensioner arranged to couple the stem sections together to form the stem and the footplate support sections together to form the footplate support, and a locking mechanism that is operable to tension the tensioner and draw the stem sections and footplate support sections together until the device is in an "in use" configuration where a user can stand on the footplate support; the locking mechanism being releasable to release the tension in the tensioner so that the device can be collapsed.
2. A device according to Claim 1, further comprising a plurality of footplate panels, each affixable to a said footplate support section, the footplate panels co-operating to form a footplate on which a user can stand when the device is in said "in use" configuration.
3. A device according to Claim 2, wherein the footplate panels and footplate support sections are configured to securely couple together, the footplate panels each being provided with a first part of a two-part engagement mechanism and the footplate support sections each being provided with a second part of said two-part engagement mechanism.
4 A device according to Claim 3, wherein said two-part engagement mechanism comprises a plurality of projecting pegs and a plurality of corresponding complementary apertures.
5. A device according to Claim 4, wherein each said footplate support section carries a plurality of projecting pegs configured to fit within apertures formed in each said footplate panels, the arrangement being such that said footplate panels can be clipped to said footplate support sections to form said footplate.
6. A device according to any of Claims 2 to 5, wherein said footplate panels are each generally planar.
7. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein each said footplate support section includes first and second parts of a two-part interengagement mechanism, the first part of a said footplate support section being configured to interengage with the second part of another footplate support section.
8. A device according to Claim 7, wherein said first part comprises one or more, preferably two, projections extending from a face of each said footplate support section, and said second part comprises a corresponding number of depressions formed in an opposite face of each said footplate support section, the projections being configured to be snugly received within the depressions.
9. A device according to Claim 7 or 8, wherein said interengagement mechanism is such that footplate support sections can engage with one another to form a substantially rigid assembly.
10. A device according to any of Claims 7 to 9, wherein each said footplate support section includes at least one axial passageway through which said tensioner passes.
11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said second wheel is coupled to the stem by means of a pair of forks, the arrangement being such that twisting the stem causes the forks and said second wheel to turn.
12. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said device further comprises a handlebar assembly coupled to said stem.
13. A device according to Claim 12, wherein said locking mechanism is carried by said handlebar assembly.
14 A device according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein said handlebar assembly is generally triangular and comprises a first arm that is generally horizontal in use, and second and third arms that are generally vertical in use.
15. A device according to Claim 14, wherein said second and third arms meet at a surface distal from said first arm, said surface including a first part of a two pad engagement mechanism, a second part of said two part engagement mechanism being carried by said stem.
16. A device according to Claim 15, wherein said first, second and third arms are fixedly coupled to one another.
17. A device according to Claim 15, wherein said second and third arms each comprise a bracket through which said first arm extends, said first arm being rotatable relative to said second and third arms.
18. A device according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein said first part comprises a generally rectangular projection and said second part comprises a slot, the projection being sized to fit snugly within said slot.
19. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein each said stem section comprises first and second pads of a two-part interengagement mechanism, the first part of a said stem section being configured to interengage with the second part of another stem section.
20. A device according to Claim 19, wherein said first pad comprises a generally rectangular projections extending from a face of each said stem section, and said second part comprises a corresponding slot formed in an opposite face of each said stem section, the projections being configured to be snugly received within the slots.
21. A device according to Claim 19 or 20, wherein said stem sections are generally cylindrical.
22. A device according to any of Claimsl9 to 21, wherein each said stem section includes at least one axial passageway through which said tensioner passes.
23. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said locking mechanism comprises a rotatable body that includes a ratchet and a tensioner guide, and a pawl that is moveable to engage with and disengage from said ratchet, the arrangement being such that said rotatable body is prevented from rotating when said pawl is engaged with said ratchet.
24. A device according to Claim 23, wherein said pawl is mounted on a moveable locking mechanism arm.
25. A device according to Claim 24 when dependent on Claim 16, wherein said locking mechanism arm is pivotally coupled to said first arm of said handlebar assembly, and said rotatable body is mounted on said first arm for rotation relative thereto.
26. A device according to Claim when dependent on Claim 17, wherein said rotatable body is fixed to said handlebar assembly first arm for rotation therewith, said locking mechanism arm being coupled to one of said second or third arms of said handlebar assembly.
27. A device according to any of claims 23 to 26. wherein said locking mechanism is configured so that rotation of the rotatable body in a first direction causes said tensioner to be wound around said tensioner guide and thereby tension the tensioner, rotation of said rotatable body in an opposite direction being prevented by the engagement of said pawl with said ratchet.
28. A device according to Claim 27, wherein disengaging the pawl from the ratchet enables the tension in the tensioner to be released.
29.. A device according to any preceding claim, comprising a braking mechanism operable to slow rotation of said first or said second wheel.
30. A device according to Claim 29, wherein said braking mechanism is foot-operable and configured to slow rotation of said first wheel.
31. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is configured so that the footplate sections can be wrapped around the periphery of the second wheel when the locking mechanism has been released to release the tension in the tensioner.
32. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the stem can be collapsed when the locking mechanism has been released to release the tension in the tensioner.
33. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device -when collapsed -has a footprint that is similar to that of an A4 sheet of paper.
34. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said tensioner comprises a cable.
35. A personal transportation device that is configurable as a scooter, the device being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or as shown in Figs. 2to 14 of the accompanying drawings.