WO2018048402A1

WO2018048402A1 - Mobility device

Info

Publication number: WO2018048402A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/050676
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eduardo Arturo AGUILR RUELAS; Daniel AVRAM; E. Saravana Kumar; Stephen Noel PINGSTON; Hector Alberto MENDOZA SALDIVAR
Original assignee: Ford Motor Co
Current assignee: Ford Motor Co
Priority date: 2016-09-08
Filing date: 2016-09-08
Publication date: 2018-03-15
Anticipated expiration: 2019-03-08

Abstract

A frame assembly for a mobility device includes a frame member, a foot rest, and a catch. The foot rest is rotatably supported by the frame member and movable to a deployed position. The catch is rotatably supported by the foot rest. At least a portion of the catch extends transverse to the frame and engages the frame member when the foot rest is in the deployed position.

Description

MOBILITY DEVICE

BACKGROUND

[0001] Portable mobility devices may move users to locations in a city where passenger vehicles may not be able to access. For example, a two-wheeled mobility device such as a scooter may be used on smaller roads that larger passenger vehicles cannot easily use. The mobility devices are often transported with the passenger vehicles for use at different destinations.

[0002] However, even small mobility devices may be too large and cumbersome for the users to own and operate. The amount of storage space used by the mobility device when not in use may be undesirable or impractical. Furthermore, users may lack adequate storage for the mobility devices, e.g., passenger vehicles often have limited space to store the mobility devices. There remains an opportunity to reduce the storage space used by the mobility devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mobility device.

[0004] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the mobility device where a frame member is separated from a second frame member.

[0005] Figure 3 A is a perspective view of the mobility device with a foot rest in a deployed position.

[0006] Figure 3B is a front view of the mobility device with the foot rest in the deployed position.

[0007] Figure 4A is a perspective view of the mobility device with the foot rest between the deployed position and a stowed position.

[0008] Figure 4B is a front view of the mobility device with the foot rest between the deployed position and the stowed position.

[0009] Figure 5A is a perspective view of the mobility device with the foot rest in the stowed position.

[0010] Figure 5B is a side view of the mobility device with the foot rest in the stowed position.

[0011] Figure 6A is a side view of a wheel of the mobility device. [0012] Figure 6B is a side view of the wheel of the mobility device engaging an obstacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] With reference to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a mobility device 10 includes a frame 12, a foot rest 14, and a catch 16. The foot rest 14 is rotatably supported by the frame 12, and the catch 16 is rotatably supported by the foot rest 14. The foot rest 14 is movable from a stowed position to a deployed position. At least a portion of the catch 16 extends transverse to the frame 12 and engages the frame 12 when the foot rest 14 is in the deployed position.

[0014] The mobility device 10 may compactly fold to reduce space to store the mobility device 10. Thus, the mobility device 10 may be stored in a passenger vehicle (not shown) and other locations with limited storage space. The foot rest 14 may move to the stowed position, and the frame 12 may include a plurality of telescoping frame members 18 that may be stowed to reduce the space used by the mobility device 10 when stored in the passenger vehicle. Thus, a user of the mobility device 10 may transport the mobility device 10 in the passenger vehicle while reducing the space used by the mobility device 10. The catch 16 allows the foot rest to move between the stowed and deployed position, securing the foot rest 14 to the frame 12 in the deployed position and releasing the foot rest 14 from the frame 12 to move the foot rest 14 to the stowed position.

[0015] The mobility device 10 includes the frame 12, as shown in Figures 1-6B. The frame 12 includes the plurality of frame members 18, specifically, frame members 18a-18h as shown in Figures 1-6B. The frame members 18 may be telescopically connected, i.e., an inner surface of the frame member 18a may engage an outer surface of the frame member 18b, and the frame member 18b may be disposed in the interior of the frame member 18a, as shown in Figure 3 A. The frame member 18b may extend out from the frame member 18a from a stowed position, where the frame member 18b is at least partially disposed in the interior of the frame member 18a, to a deployed position, where the frame member 18b is at least partially extending out from the frame member 18a. Figure 3 A the telescoping frame members 18a, 18b, 18c in the deployed position, and Figure 5 A shows the telescoping frame members 18a, 18b, 18c in the stowed position.

[0016] At least one of the frame members 18 may be fixedly attached to another of the frame members 18. For example, as shown in Figure 2, the frame member 18h is fixedly connected to the frame member 18d. The fixed connection allows the frame 12 to secure components of the mobility device. Furthermore, at least one of the frame members 18 may be rotatably connected to one of the components of the mobility device, e.g., a wheel 22a, 22b. For example, as described below and shown in Figures 1-2, the frame member 18f is rotatably connected to a handlebar 20 and fixedly connected to the frame member 18e, the frame member 18g is rotatably connected to a second wheel 22b and fixedly connected to the frame member 18c, and the frame member 18h is rotatably connected to a first wheel 22a and fixedly connected to the frame member 18d.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the frame members 18 may be separably connected. As shown in Figures 1-2, the frame member 18a may include a flange 24, and the frame member 18d may include a port 26 shaped to receive the flange 24. That is, when the flange 24 is engaged with the port 26, the frame members 18a, 18d are connected, and when the flange 24 is disengaged from the port 26, the frame members 18a, 18d are disconnected.

[0018] The mobility device 10 may include the handlebar 20, as shown in Figures 1-2. The handlebar 20 is supported by the frame 12, specifically the frame member 18f. The handlebar 20 may be rotatably connected to the frame member 18f. That is, the handlebar 20 may rotate from a deployed position, as shown in Figure 1, to a stowed position, as shown in Figure 2. In the deployed position, an axis A of the handlebar 20 may be transverse to an axis B of the frame members 18d, 18e, 18f, e.g., substantially perpendicular. In the stowed position, the axis B of the handlebar 20 may be substantially parallel to the axis B of the frame members 18d, 18e, 18f. The handlebar 20 may include a plurality of grips 28. The grips 28 allow the user to grab the handlebar 20 to steer the mobility device 10. The grips 28 may be constructed of any suitable material, e.g., a polymer, a fabric, a metal, etc.

[0019] The mobility device 10 includes the foot rest 14. The foot rest 14 is rotatably supported by the frame 12. The foot rest 14 may be constructed of any suitable material, e.g., a metal, a polymer, a composite, carbon fiber, etc. The mobility device 10 may include a first foot rest 14a, as shown in Figures 1-5B. The first foot rest 14a is rotatable from the stowed position, as shown in Figures 5A-5B, to the deployed position, as shown in Figures 1-3B. The first foot rest 14a in the deployed position supports one of the feet of the user. The first foot rest 14a in the stowed position reduces the space to store the mobility device 10.

[0020] The mobility device 10 may include a second foot rest 14b rotatably supported by the frame 12 opposite the first foot rest 14a, as shown in Figures 1-5B. The second foot rest 14b may be rotatable from a stowed position, as shown in Figures 5A-5B, to a deployed position, as shown in Figures 1-3B. The first foot rest 14a and the second foot rest 14b support both of the feet of the user when the first foot rest 14a and the second foot rest 14b are each in their respective deployed position.

[0021] The first foot rest 14a may define a first stepping surface 30a and the second foot rest 14b may define a second stepping surface 30b, as shown in Figures 3A-3B and 4B. The first stepping surface 30a supports the foot of the user when the foot rest is in the deployed position. The first stepping surface 30a and the second stepping surface 30b may define a plane P when the first foot rest 14a and the second foot rest 14b are in the deployed position, as shown in Figure 3B. The first stepping surface 30a and the second stepping surface 30b may be substantially parallel when the first foot rest 14a and the second foot rest 14b are in the stowed position, as shown in Figure 4B . That is, the first stepping surface 30a may define a plane P' , the second stepping surface 30b may define a plane P", and the plane P' may be substantially parallel to the plane P" .

[0022] The mobility device 10 includes the catch 16, as shown in Figures 1-5B. The catch 16 is rotatably supported by the foot rest 14. The catch 16 engages the frame 12 when the foot rest 14 is in the deployed position and disengages the frame 12 when the foot rest is in the stowed position. At least a portion of the catch 16 extends transverse to the frame 12. The catch 16 may include a catch shaft 32 and an arcuate portion 34. The catch shaft 32 may be rotatably attached the foot rest 14. The arcuate portion 34 may extend transverse to the frame 12 and engage the frame 12 when the foot rest 14 is in the deployed position. The catch 16 may rotate about a catch axis C, C", as shown in Figures 3A-5B and further described below.

[0023] Specifically, the catch 16 may include a first catch 16a and a second catch 16b, as shown in Figures 1-5B. The first catch 16a is rotatably supported by the first foot rest 14a. The second catch 16b may be rotatably supported by the second foot rest 14b. The first catch 16a may include a first catch shaft 32a and a first arcuate portion 34a. The first arcuate portion 34a may extend transverse to the frame member 18c and engage the frame member 18c when the first foot rest 14a is in the deployed position. The second arcuate portion 34b may extend transverse to the frame member 18c and engage the frame member 18c when the second foot rest 14b is in the deployed position. The second catch 16b may include a second catch shaft 32b and a second arcuate portion 34b. The second catch shaft 32b may be rotatably attached to the second foot rest 14b. The second arcuate portion 34b may extend transverse to the frame member 18c and engage the frame member 18c when the second foot rest 14b is in the deployed position. The first catch 16a may rotate about a first catch axis C, as shown in Figures 3A-5B. The second catch 16b may rotate about a second catch axis C", as shown in Figures 3A-5B.

[0024] The first catch 16a may be rotatably separable from the second catch 16b, as shown in Figures 4A-5B. In other words, when the plane P' of the first stepping surface 30a and the plane P" of the second stepping surface 30b are substantially parallel to each other, the first catch 16a and the second catch 16b may be rotated toward each other and away from each other, i.e., separated from each other, by rotating the first catch 16a and the second catch 16b about catch axis C and catch axis C", respectively. Separating the first catch 16a from the second catch 16b allows the first foot rest 14a and the second foot rest 14b to rotate past the frame 12, as shown in Figure 5A. By separating the first catch 16a from the second catch 16b, the space required by the mobility device 10 decreases when the first foot rest 14a and the second foot rest 14b are in the stowed position.

[0025] The first arcuate portion 34a and the second arcuate portion 34b may overlap, as shown in Figures 3A-3B. The first arcuate portion 34a may extend around the frame member 18c when the first catch 16a engages the frame member 18c. The second arcuate portion 34b may extend around the frame member 18c when the second catch 16b engages the frame member 18c. As shown in Figure 3B, the frame member 18c may have an overlap portion 38 around which both the first arcuate portion 34a and the second arcuate portion 34b extend. The overlap portion 38 allows the first arcuate portion 34a and the second arcuate portion 34b to engage the frame member 18c to secure the first foot rest 14a and the second foot rest 14b. The first arcuate portion 34a and the second arcuate portion 34b may abut each other when engaged with the frame member 18c.

[0026] The mobility device 10 may include a bracket 40, as shown in Figures 1-5B. The first foot rest 14a and the second foot rest 14b are rotatably engaged with the bracket 40 and are independently rotatable relative to the bracket 40. The bracket 40 may support the first foot rest 14a and the second foot rest 14b in the stowed position and the deployed position. The bracket 40 may be fixedly attached to the frame 12, e.g., the frame member 18b as shown in Figures 1-3A, 4A, and 5A. The bracket 40 may be constructed of any suitable material, e.g., a metal, a polymer, carbon fiber, etc.

[0027] The bracket 40 may include a first connector 42a and a second connector 42b, as shown in Figures 1-5B. The first connector 42a may connect the first foot rest 14a to the bracket 40. The second connector 42b may connect the second foot rest 14b to the bracket 40. The first connector 42a may include a first shaft 44a rotatably attached to the bracket 40 and a first hinge 46a rotatably attached to the first foot rest 14a. The second connector 42b may include a second shaft 44b rotatably attached to the bracket 40 and a second hinge 46b rotatably attached to the second foot rest 14b. The first shaft 44a and the second shaft 44b rotate about a shaft axis D. The first hinge 46a rotates about a first hinge axis E' . The second hinge 46b rotates about a second hinge axis E" . The first and second shafts 44a, 44b allow the first and second foot rests 14a, 14b to rotate about the shaft axis D. The first and second hinges 46a, 46b allow the first and second foot rests 14a, 14b to rotate about the respective first and second hinge axes E', E" . The first and second hinge axes E', E" may each be transverse to the shaft axis D, e.g., substantially perpendicular. The first and second connectors 42a, 42b allow the first and second foot rests 14a, 14b to rotate along the first and second hinge axes E', E" and the shaft axis D, moving the first and second foot rests 14a, 14b from the deployed position to the stowed position. As shown in Figure 3A, when the first and second foot rests 14a, 14b are in the deployed position, the first and second catch axes C, C" may each be parallel to the first and second hinge axes E', E" and transverse to the shaft axis D. As shown in Figure 5A, when the foot rest is in the stowed position, the first and second catch axes C, C" may be transverse to the first and second hinge axes E', E" and transverse to the shaft axis D.

[0028] The bracket 40 may include a stop 48 (identified in Figures 3A and 5B). The stop 48 may extend from the bracket 40. The stop 48 may have a first side 50a, a second side 50b, and a top 52. The first and second sides 50a, 50b may be transverse to the top 52. When the first foot rest 14a is in the deployed position, the first foot rest 14a may engage the first side 50a, as shown in Figure 3A. The second foot rest 14b may engage the second side 50b in the deployed position, as shown in Figure 3A. Alternatively, while not shown, the stop 48 may be sized such that the first and second foot rests 14a, 14b does not engage the first and second sides 50a, 50b when the first and second foot rests 14a, 14b are in the deployed position. In the stowed position, the first foot rest 14a may engage the top 52, as shown in Figures 5A-5B. The second foot rest 14b may also engage the top 52 in the stowed position. The stop 48 prevents the first and second foot rests 14a, 14b from striking the ground when the first and second foot rests 14a, 14b are in the stowed position.

[0029] The wheels 22a, 22b may be rotatably supported by the frame 12. As shown in Figures 1-2 and 6A-6B, the first wheel 22a includes a first hub 54a, a first rim 56a, and four suspension rings 58 connected to the first hub 54a and to the first rim 56a. The first hub 54a may be rotatably connected to the frame member 18h. As shown in Figures 1-2, the second wheel 22b includes a second hub 54b, a second rim 56b, and four suspension rings 58 connected to the second hub 54b and to the second rim 56b. The second hub 54b may be rotatably connected to the frame member 18g.

[0030] Figure 6A shows the suspension rings 58 in an undeformed state. As shown in Figure 6B, the suspension rings 58 may deform to a deformed state when the first rim 56a impacts an obstacle 60 in a road 62, e.g., a speed bump, a rock, gravel, etc., to absorb a vibration caused by the impact with the obstacle 60. The suspension rings 58 may return to the undeformed state upon clearing the obstacle 60. Thus, the suspension rings 58 may reduce the vibrations transferred to the user from obstacles 60 in the road 62.

[0031] The first wheel 22a may include a motor 64, as shown in Figures 1-2 and 6A-6B. The motor 64 may be supported by the frame member 18h and fixedly connected to the first hub 54a. The motor 64 rotates the first hub 54a, propelling the first wheel 22a. The motor 64 may be any suitable type, e.g., an electric motor.

[0032] The mobility device 10 may include a housing 66 supported by the frame 12. The mobility device 10 may include a battery 68 supported by the housing 66. The battery 68 may be electrically connected to the motor 64 to power the motor 64 to move the first wheel 22a. The battery 68 may be removable from the housing 66 to allow the user to store items in the housing 66. The housing 66 may be constructed of any suitable material, e.g., a metal, a polymer, a composite, etc.

[0033] The mobility device 10 may include a user device platform 70. The user device platform 70 may be supported by the frame member 18f, as shown in Figures 1-2. The user device platform 70 may be electrically connected to the battery 68 to allow the user to charge a user device (not shown) while using the mobility device 10, e.g., a cell phone, a tablet, etc. The user device platform 70 may be constructed of any suitable material, e.g., a metal, a polymer, a composite, etc. The user may use the user device to navigate when operating the mobility device 10.

[0034] The disclosure has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings, and the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. A mobility device, comprising:

a frame;

a first wheel rotatably supported by the frame;

a second wheel rotatably supported by the frame;

a foot rest rotatably supported by the frame and movable to a deployed position; and

a catch rotatably supported by the foot rest;

wherein at least a portion of the catch extends transverse to the frame and engages the frame when the foot rest is in the deployed position.

2. The mobi lity device of claim 1, wherein the foot rest is rotatable from the deployed position to a stowed position and the catch is disengaged with the frame when the foot rest is in the stowed position,

3. The mobility device of claim 2, further comprising a second foot rest rotatably supported by the frame and rotatable from a stowed position to a deployed position.

4. The mobility device of claim 3, wherein the foot rest defines a stepping surface and the second foot rest defines a second stepping surface, and wherein the stepping surface and the second stepping surface define a plane when the foot rest and the second foot rest are in the deployed position and the stepping surface is parallel to the second stepping surface when the foot rest and the second foot rest are in the stowed position.

5. The mobility device of claim 3, further comprising a second catch rotatably supported by the second foot rest, wherein at least a portion of the second catch extends transverse to the frame and engages the frame when the second foot rest is in the deployed position.

6. The mobility device of claim 5, wherein the catch is rotatably separable from the second catch.

7. The mobility device of claim 5, wherein the catch includes a catch shaft rotatably attached to the foot rest and an arcuate portion extending transverse to the frame and engaging the frame when the foot rest is in the deployed position, and the second catch includes a second catch shaft rotatably attached to the second foot rest and a second arcuate portion extending transverse to the frame and engaging the frame when the second foot rest is in the deployed position.

8. The mobility device of claim 1, further comprising a bracket fixedly attached to the frame and a connector connecting the foot rest and the bracket, wherein the connector includes a shaft rotatably attached to the bracket about a shaft axis and a hinge rotatably attached to the foot rest about a hinge axis.

9. The mobility device of claim 8, wherein the foot rest is movable from the deployed position to a stowed position, and wherein the bracket further includes a stop and the foot rest engages the stop when the foot rest is in the stowed position.

10. The mobility device of claim 8, wherein the hinge axis is transverse to the shaft axis.

11. The mobility device of claim 8, wherein the catch is rotatable about a catch axis parallel to the shaft axis and transverse to the hinge axis.

12. A frame assembly, comprising:

a frame member;

a foot rest rotatably supported by the frame member and movable to a deployed position; and

a catch rotatably supported by the foot rest;

wherein at least a portion of the catch extends transverse to the frame and engages the frame member when the foot rest is in the deployed position.

13. The frame assembly of claim 12, wherein the foot rest is rotatable from the deployed position to a stowed position and the catch is disengaged with the frame member when the foot rest is in the stowed position,

14. The frame assembly of claim 13, further comprising a second foot rest rotatably supported by the frame and rotatable from a stowed position to a deployed position.

15. The frame assembly of claim 14, wherein the foot rest defines a stepping surface and the second foot rest defines a second stepping surface, and wherein the stepping surface and the second stepping surface define a plane when the foot rest and the second foot rest are in the deployed position and the stepping surf ace is parallel to the second stepping surface when the foot rest and the second foot rest are in the stowed position.

16. The frame assembly of claim 14, further comprising a second catch rotatably supported by the second foot rest, wherein at least a portion of the second catch extends transverse to the frame and engages the frame when the second foot rest is in the deployed position.

17. The frame assembly of claim 12, further comprising a bracket fixedly attached to the frame member and a connector connecting the foot rest and the bracket, wherein the connector includes a shaft rotatably attached to the bracket about a shaft axis and a hinge rotatably attached to the foot rest about a hinge axis.

18. The frame assembly of claim 17, wherein the foot rest is movable from the deployed position to a stowed position, and wherein the bracket further includes a stop and the foot rest engages the stop when the foot rest is in the stowed position.

19. The frame assembly of claim 17, wherein the hinge axis is transverse to the shaft axis.

20. The frame assembly of claim 17, wherein the catch is rotatable about a catch axis parallel to the shaft axis and transverse to the hinge axis.