Three-wheeled rear-steering scooter

(54) Title: THREE-WHEELED SCOOTER (51) Int. Cl .: B62D 61/06 (30) Unionist Priority: 3/5/2007 US 11/713947 (73) Holder (s): BEW SQUARED, LLC (72 ) Inventor (s): BRADLEY E. WERNLI (74) Attorney (s): MOMSEN, LEONARDOS & CIA.

(86) International Order: PCT US2008002924 of 05/03/2008

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(87) International publication: WO

2008/109103 of 12/09/2008 “THREE-WHEEL SCOOTER”

CROSS REFERENCES WITH RELATED ORDERS (not applicable)

FEDERALLY SPONSORED DEVELOPMENT / RESEARCH (not applicable)

FUNDAMENTALS

The present invention generally relates to vehicles with wheels, and more particularly to a steerable scooter at the rear configured only with three wheels, having a single front wheel and a pair of smaller diameter rear wheels where the scooter is specifically adapted to be driven by an operator due to the angular yaw of the rear wheels in response to the side bearing or the inclination of the chassis with respect to which the rear wheels are rotatably mounted.

Scooters are well known in the prior art and available in a wide variety of configurations, with each configuration having an advantage that allows a driver or operator to perform some maneuvers that could not be performed with other scooter configurations. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,250,656 granted to Ibarra, there was a scooter that has an elongated footboard, supported at its rear by a pair of smaller diameter wheels and at its front end by a larger diameter front wheel. The scooter includes positive steering capability via a rotating front wheel that is driven by an operator via mounting a handlebar. The footboard includes a flat, angled, upward portion located behind the rear wheels and which is oriented at an angle to allow the scooter to step or move away in response to the operator's step on the flat portion so that the operator can perform “Rounds”, and allow the scooter to jump over objects.

US patent No. 5,620,189 issued by

Hinderhofer found a scooter that has a frame assembly that includes a foot plate at the rear of the frame assembly and a larger diameter front wheel located at a front end of the scooter. The rear of the foot plate is supported by at least one non-steerable rear wheel located preferably below the foot plate. Alternatively, the scooter may include a plurality of rear wheels which can be placed in an aligned configuration, which provides a plurality of rolling surfaces to facilitate sliding movement over uneven terrain, such as stair treads or curbs. Steering the scooter is facilitated by a handlebar assembly by which a driver can turn the front wheel and therefore steer the scooter in a conventional manner.

American Patent No. 6,739,606 issued to Rappaport found a scooter with the double foot board provided in a tricycle arrangement having a front wheel of a relatively large diameter and being attached to the frame. The frame extends backwards in a bifurcated arrangement to form two branches, each of which is supported by a single rear wheel. Each branch includes a foot plate oriented generally horizontally supported at its rear end by a rear wheel. An operator can rest one foot on one of the foot plates while making push contact with the ground in order to propel the scooter forward. The steering of the scooter is effected by a front wheel which is rotatable by means of a handlebar assembly to steer the scooter.

American Patent No. 6,220,612 issued to Beleski found a three-wheel scooter, configured as an "arched vehicle" having a single steerable front wheel and a pair of rear wheels arranged on separate traction arms. Each of the traction arms is articulated to a front column from which the front wheels extend. The movement of the scooter forward is generated by the operator, alternating the weight change from one side to the other, as the scooter travels along a sinusoidal path produced by the operator by directing the front left and right wheel by means of a bar assembly. handlebars. The simultaneous change of weight from side to side in combination with the vehicle's steering produces a series of accelerations under the principle of conservation of angular momentum which results in the forward movement of the scooter.

The prior art includes additional alternative scooter configurations in addition to the scooter arrangements described above. A majority of prior art scooters facilitate directional control of the scooter by means of a swiveling front wheel that is coupled to a handlebar bar assembly through which the operator can steer the scooter. Furthermore, many of the prior art scooter arrangements are configured such that the front and rear wheels are separated by a relatively large distance from each other, such that the scooter is unable to perform short radius turns. Even in addition, many of the prior art scooter arrangements include conventional bicycle handlebars including a pair of outwardly extending arm members that require a grip by both hand of the driver for effective control and steering of a scooter. stabilized way.

As can be appreciated there is a need in the art for a scooter that provides an operator or driver with the ability to perform turns of varying radii including relatively short radius turns in order to increase the scope for maneuvers that can be performed. Furthermore, there is a need in the art for a scooter that can be operated by a pilot in an upright position but that eliminates the need to steer the scooter by rotating a handlebar using the driver's hands.

In addition, there is a need in the scooter technique to provide a device to stabilize or balance the driver in order to allow adults as well as children to operate the scooter without risk of damage as a result of the scooter falling.

Finally, there is a need in the art for a scooter that is simple in construction, inexpensive, small in size and relatively light in order to enhance maneuverability and to facilitate the transport and storage of the scooter.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present invention relates specifically to the needs described above, providing a three-wheel scooter, directed at the rear, having the ability to execute variable radius curves including relatively short radius curves. The rear-directed three-wheel scooter includes a chassis that has a relatively large diameter front wheel fixedly mounted on one front end of the chassis and a pair of smaller diameter rear wheels mounted swivelly on one rear end of the chassis . In one configuration, the scooter is configured to allow the rear wheels to steer in relation to the chassis. Such an angular yaw is effected by asymmetric loading of the chassis which causes a lateral bearing of the chassis. The side bearing of the chassis can be induced by the uneven weight between the right and left sides of the chassis, which, in turn, cause the rear wheels to turn or yaw to control the direction of the scooter.

In the broadest sense, the scooter includes the chassis, the non-rotating (ie non-steerable) front wheel mounted on the front end of the chassis and a pair of angled rear wheels mounted on the rear end of the chassis. The chassis defines a longitudinal geometric axis that extends between the front and rear ends. The chassis may include a horizontally oriented support assembly that extends from the front end to the rear end to support a pilot or operator in an upright position.

Optionally, the scooter may include a handlebar assembly located in front of the support assembly and extending over them. The handlebar assembly can be configured as a single vertical member that has a handle portion, (ie, a hand grip means) to be held by one of the driver's hands. Alternatively, the handlebar assembly can be configured as a pair of side members each having handle portions similar to the configuration of conventional handlebars. Regarding its configuration, the handlebar assembly provides a device to stabilize the driver or the operator of the scooter.

The rear wheels are preferably arranged laterally with respect to each other and, as mentioned above, are specifically configured to be angularly steerable with respect to the longitudinal geometric axis. In this relationship, the rear wheels are adapted to rotate or yaw between a neutral position and a yaw position. In the neutral position, the geometric axis of the yaw position, the rear wheels are oriented in an arrangement not perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis.

Direction and direction control of the scooter is carried out solely or primarily as a result of the angular yaw of the rear wheels between neutral and yaw positions.

The support assembly is preferably configured to roll laterally over the longitudinal geometric axis. Such a side bearing can be carried out by asymmetrical loading on one side, right or left of the support assembly such as uneven loading using the driver's foot. This asymmetrical load and side bearing of the support assembly induces the angular yaw movement of the rear wheels that cause the scooter to turn.

Preferably, the rear wheels are pivotally mounted for the support assembly by means of a trunnion that includes a rear geometry axle. In one configuration, the rear wheels are mounted at opposite ends of the geometry axle. The trunnion is attached to the support assembly by means of a rotating axis that extends upwards from the rear geometry axis. The rotary axis interconnects the rear geometry axis to the support assembly. The request member can provide a self-steering or self-stabilizing feature to the rear axle, as will be described in more detail below.

Ideally, the rotating axis is oriented in an inclined manner relative to the longitudinal geometric axis. More specifically, the rotating axis can have upper and lower ends and is tilted in such a way that the lower end is located in front of the higher end. In this way, the rotating axis is oriented downwards in a direction from the rear end of the chassis towards the front end. The downward tilt of the rotating axle results in an angular yaw of the rear wheels while the support assembly rolls laterally to the left or right. The lateral rolling movement of the support assembly is proportional to the degree of angular yaw of the rear wheel. The net effect of this combination of movements allows a driver to steer around a curve with greater yaw angles of the rear wheels corresponding to the greater amounts of lateral roll movement of the support assembly.

For example, if the driver wants to make a right turn of the scooter, the driver loads asymmetrically to the right side of the support assembly resulting in the side rolling to the right side or turning downward on the longitudinal geometric axis while the left side of the support assembly rotates upwards. At the same time, the rear axle is driven at an angle so that the rear wheel on the right side of the longitudinal axle moves forward while the rear wheel on the left side moves back. This angular yaw determines that the scooter is redirected to the right (ie pointing to the right) during the forward movement of the scooter.

It is found that the trunnion can be configured such that the yaw capacity of the rear axis relative to the longitudinal axis is at least half an angle of 45 °. However, the trunnion can be configured to allow the rear geometry axis to yaw up to half-angles or smaller or larger quantities. A request member can be optionally included with the trunnion being operationally connected to the trunnion. The request member is preferably configured to request the rear geometry axis for the neutral direction in order to provide a self-steering mechanism. In this way, the rear geometry axis is propelled back to the non-yaw position (ie, neutral position) following each turn.

The request member provides a self-stabilizing mechanism for the scooter in which the rear geometry axis can better resist undesirable imbalances and oscillations in the support assembly when the scooter is traveling at high speed. Additionally, the request member provides a self-parking feature in which the support assembly returns to a horizontal or level orientation where the driver descends from the scooter. The handlebar assembly will also return to a vertical orientation when the driver gets off the scooter or when the scooter is parked.

Optionally, the scooter can include an articulated joint at the front end of the support or assembly. Alternatively, the articulated joint can be positioned so as to interconnect the support assembly to the handlebar assembly. With regard to its specific location on the chassis, the articulated joint provides an alternative device to facilitate the lateral rolling movement of the support assembly on which the driver stands in a direction opposite to that of the handlebar assembly. The articulated joint can provide an alternative way of propelling the scooter forward as a result of the side bearing of the support structure out of phase with the handlebar assembly in such a way, as will be described below, in greater detail.

The scooter may additionally include a suspension system operationally coupled to at least one of the front or rear wheels to absorb shock that would otherwise be transmitted to the driver while traveling over uneven terrain. More specifically, the suspension system is preferably configured to allow vertical deflection of the front and / or rear wheels in relation to the chassis and may be desirable when encountering gravel, cracks in the pavement, or other natural or man-made obstacles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These as well as other characteristics of the present invention will become clearer from the references to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rear-wheeled three-wheeled scooter that has a non-rotating front wheel mounted at a front end and a pair of rotatingly mounted rear wheels from the chassis assembly to a rear end the chassis;

Figure 2 is a side view of the Figure 1 scooter illustrating a seat or saddle that extends laterally out of the chassis assembly to support an operator;

Figure 2 a is an enlarged side view of the chassis assembly illustrating an inclined orientation of a geometric axis on which the rear wheels rotate and which facilitates the angular yaw of the rear wheels to direct the scooter;

Figure 2b is a rear view of the rear wheels and illustrating the independent rotating assembly of each rear wheel and the coupling of the rear wheels to facilitate their angular yaw in complete sync;

Figure 3 is a rear view of the scooter illustrating a trunnion including a rear axle and a rotary axle that interconnects the rear axle to the chassis.

Figure 4 is a side view of the scooter showing a driver inducing a lateral rolling movement to the chassis to make angled yaw of the rear wheels;

Figure 4a is a top view of the scooter taken along line 4a of Figure 4 and illustrating the yaw angle of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal geometric axis of the scooter during a turn;

Figure 5 is a side view of the scooter in a configuration that has a support member that extends downwardly from the handlebar assembly;

Figure 6 is a side view of a vertically oriented handlebar assembly to stabilize a scooter operator as compared to the handlebar arrangement shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4; and

Figure 7 is a side view of the scooter in an alternative configuration in which the chassis includes an articulated joint to allow lateral rolling movement of a support assembly relative to a front wheel of the scooter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference now to the drawings in which several demonstrations are intended to illustrate the preferred configurations of the present invention and not the purpose of limiting them, shown in the figure of a scooter driven at the rear with three wheels 10. In its broadest sense, the scooter 10 includes a chassis 18 which has a front wheel 44 and a pair of rear wheels 56 rotatable mounted on the chassis 18 so as to be angled at an angle to allow the steering of the scooter 10. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the chassis 18 has a front end 12 and a rear end 14 and defines a longitudinal geometry axis A that extends from the front end 12 to the rear end 14. The chassis 18 can include a generally horizontally oriented support assembly 24 on which the rear wheels 56 can be mounted. The support assembly 24 may include a foot support 26 on which an operator 16 or driver of the scooter 10 can stand as when driving the scooter 10.

The front wheel 44 is non-rotating (i.e., does not provide steering) mounted on the front end 12 of the chassis 18. The chassis 18 may additionally include an optional handlebar assembly 32 which is preferably located in front of the support assembly 24 and extending upward from the support assembly 24, as shown in Figures 1-2 and 4-7. In one configuration, the handlebar assembly 32 is rigidly connected by suitable devices (for example, mechanical fasteners, welds, etc.) to the holder assembly 24. However, the holder assembly 24, and the handlebar assembly 32 can be formed as a unitary structure.

Alternatively, the handlebar assembly 32 and support assembly 24 can be interconnected by an articulated joint 30 to and allow lateral rolling movement between them, as will be described in more detail below. The handlebar assembly 32 is configured to provide a device, whereby the driver or operator 16 can be stabilized or balanced in a vertical position while driving the scooter 10. For configurations where the mounting bracket 24 and the handlebar assembly 32 are rigidly interconnected, the handlebar assembly 32 also provides a device for steering the scooter 10 as a result of the lateral induction of the driver or lateral movements of the handlebar assembly 32. to the rigid connection between the handlebar assembly 32 and the support assembly 24, the lateral rolling motion of the handlebar assembly 32 is transmitted to the support assembly 24. The lateral rolling movement resulting from the support assembly 24 induces the angular yaw movement of the rear wheels 56 by which the scooter 10 is directed, as will be described in greater detail below.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2b, the rear wheels 56 are mounted on the rear end 14 of the support assembly 24 so that the rear wheels 56 are arranged laterally with respect to each other. Assembly of the rear wheels 56 to the support assembly 24 can be facilitated by a trunnion 58 which may include a rear axle 60 which has a pivot axle 62 extending outwardly there, such as from the midpoint of the rear axle 60 . As shown in Figures 1 and 3, the rear wheels 56 rotate about the geometric axis of the rear wheel D and are specifically adapted to be angularly yawed relative to the longitudinal geometric axis A between a neutral position 68 (ie. Shown in Figure 1 ) and a yaw position 70 (shown in Figure 4a). Importantly, because the front wheel 44 is fixedly attached to the chassis 18 (ie mounted in a non-rotating manner) the direction of the scooter 10 is made primarily or only by angled yaw or by turning the rear wheels 56 with respect to the longitudinal geometric axis A.

As can be seen in Figure 4a, the support assembly 24 is configured to roll laterally on the longitudinal geometric axis A. In a configuration of the scooter 10, the lateral roll movement of the support assembly 24 induces the rear wheels 56 to yaw angular shape which includes the steering mechanism of the scooter 10. For example, an operator 16 can initiate a curve of the scooter 10 by asymmetrically loading one of the opposite right and left sides of the support assembly 24 and, due to the orientation of the rotary axis B at the angle of the rotary axis Θ, determines that the rear wheels 56 take a counterclockwise turn with reference to the longitudinal geometric axis A as best seen in Figure 4a. More specifically, Figure 4a illustrates the counterclockwise yaw of the rear wheels 56 relative to the longitudinal geometric axis A as a result of the weight or load on the right side of the support assembly 24.

With brief reference to Figure 2, the operator is shown 16 standing on the foot support 26 with the right leg carrying more or all of the operator's weight. This asymmetric loading on the right side of the support assembly 24 determines the lateral rolling motion that induces the angular yaw movement of the rear wheels 56 to the position shown in Figure 4a. Alternatively, loading the left side of the support assembly 24 would have the opposite effect of inducing a clockwise yaw movement of the rear wheels 56 with reference to the longitudinal geometric axis A, in order to initiate a left turn. As can be appreciated, operator 16 can control the direction of the scooter during the forward route by varying the asymmetric load on the left and right sides of the support assembly 24. Asymmetric loading can be facilitated simply by changing the operator's weight to the right or left leg.

In a configuration like the one shown in Figure 4a, the trunnion 58 on which the rear wheels 56 are mounted is preferably adapted to provide yaw capability to the rear geometry axis 60 with respect to the longitudinal geometry axis A at a half angle of up to 45 °. However, it should be noted that trunnion 58 can be configured to provide any degree of angular yaw capability. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 3, the rear wheels 56 are preferably mounted at opposite ends of the rear axle 60.

In a preferred configuration, the rotating axle 62 is arranged in a non-vertical and non-horizontal orientation such that the asymmetric load of the support assembly 24 determines the angular yaw of the rear wheels 56. Even more preferably, the rotating shaft 62 is preferably oriented towards the angle of the rotating shaft Θ such that the side bearing of the support assembly 24 determines that the rear wheel 56 on that side moves forward while the rear wheel 56 on the opposite side move backwards. Such an arrangement allows operator 16 to guide progressively larger quantities into the curve in proportion to the extent of the lateral rolling motion.

Advantageously, the ability to guide into curves allows operator 16 to counter the effects of centrifugal force which tends to throw the driver towards the outside of the radius of the curve. Although the rotating axis 62 is preferably oriented to allow a conductor to steer into the curve (ie facilitates the movement of the driver's center of gravity towards the inside of the radius of the curve), it is seen that the rotating axis 62 can be oriented in a variety of other arrangements. For example, the rotating axis 62 can be oriented such that loading asymmetrical on one side of the support assembly 24 results in an angular yaw of the rear wheels 56 in an opposite direction.

However, as best seen in Figures 1, 2 and 6, the preferred arrangement is such that the rotating axis B is inclined at the angle of the rotating axis Θ with respect to the longitudinal axis A such that the rotating axis B is oriented downwards along a direction from the rear end 14 towards the front end 12 of the chassis 18. More specifically, the rotary axis 62 has upper and lower ends and is inclined such that the lower end of the rotary axis 62 is located in front of the upper end of the rotary axis 62.

As previously mentioned, when the support assembly 24 is rolled laterally to the left or to the right, the inclined rotary axis 62 allows mechanical steering of the rear wheels 56 in a yaw in a direction opposite to the intended curve direction for the scooter 10. For example, if operator 16 wants to make a right turn of scooter 10, operator 16 can load the right side of support assembly 24 asymmetrically which determines bearing down from support assembly 24. That bearing laterally down from support assembly 24 determines that the wheels 56 turn in the opposite direction. In this way, operator 16, exercising uneven weight on the foot support 26, induces lateral bearing of the foot, which in turn makes a yaw or angled curve of the rear wheels 56. The greater the degree of asymmetric load of the support assembly 24 , the greater the degree of angular yaw (ie, the smaller the radius of curve).

As can be seen in the figures, the handlebar assembly 32 is located at the front and extends upwardly from the support assembly 24 in a generally vertical orientation. In a configuration shown in Figure 6, the handlebar assembly 32 includes a vertical arm member 36 which extends upwardly from a pair of low tubes 22 or forks on which the front wheel 44 is mounted. The vertical arm member 36 is configured to be gripped or held by the operator 16 so that it can stabilize and / or balance while steering the scooter 10. Advantageously, the handlebar assembly 32 also facilitates the lateral bearing of the support assembly 24 due to the its rigid connection to it. In this way, the operator 16 can start driving in the handlebar assembly 32 through a combination of asymmetric load from the support assembly 24 and side bearing of the handlebar assembly 32 in order to effect faster yaw rates for the rear wheels 56.

Still referring to Figure 6, the vertical arm member of the handlebar assembly 32 can be fitted to an ergonomically shaped fixing portion 38 or a hand grip means to which the operator 16 can hold. The chassis 18 may additionally include an arc-shaped support member 28 extending from the handlebar assembly 32. The support member 28 is preferably aligned with the front wheel 44 and connected to the foot support 26 at its far end low. The support member 28 can add to the overall structural rigidity torsional hardness and overall strength of the chassis 18. The added hardness and strength may be desirable when performing some maneuvers or when operating the scooter in challenging terrain.

The support member 28 is preferably configured such that when driving the scooter 10, the operator's leg is placed on the support member 28. However, the support member 28 can be completely eliminated and the chassis 18 provided in the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2. In configurations in which the support member 28 is omitted, the support assembly 24 and the handlebar assembly 32 are preferably sized to collectively provide sufficient strength and rigidity for the chassis 18.

With reference to Figures 1, 2 and 3, scooter 10 may additionally include a request mechanism or request members 54 operatively connected to trunnion 58 and configured to request the rear geometry axis 60 towards neutral position 68. As mentioned earlier , when the rear axle 60 is in neutral position 68, the rear axle 60 is generally oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axle A of the chassis

18. If included, the soliciting members 54 preferably induce a return of the rear wheels 56 from a yaw position 70 as shown in Figure 4a to the non-yaw or neutral position 68 as shown in Figure 1. In this regard, the soliciting members 54 resist lateral rolling or tilting of the support assembly 24 and induce a return of the support assembly 24 to a position without a bearing which provides a desirable stabilizing characteristic to the scooter 10.

In addition, the soliciting members 54 are preferably configured to provide a progressively high degree of stiffness or soliciting force at progressively greater yaw angles of the rear wheels 56. The progressively higher stiffness of the soliciting members 54 also prevent the platform from support against lateral or unbalance oscillations (ie, from side to side) which is important when traveling at high speed. An additional benefit provided by the request member 54 is a self-aligning feature in the vertical position when the scooter 10 is fixed or parked such that the handlebar assembly 32 and front wheel 44 are kept in a vertical orientation. Overall, the request member 54 provides stability to the scooter 10 at low speed as well as at high speed resisting laterally the rolling movement of the support assembly 24.

The request member 54 can be configured in a variety of arrangements including, but not limited to, a rubber member or member stuck between the support assembly 24 and the sleeve 58 in order to resist relative movement between the rear geometry axis 60 and the support assembly 24. Alternatively, a spring 50 or pair of springs can be inserted between the rear geometry axis 60 and the support assembly 24a in order to resist lateral rolling movement. A spring damper 52 can be additionally added to the request member 54 in order to reduce the spring rate 50 of the request member 54 to further stabilize the scooter 10.

In an alternative configuration, Figure 2b illustrates the individual assembly of each of the rear wheels 56 by means of a pair of vertically oriented rods 64. Each of the rods 64 defines a rotating geometric axis B on which the rear wheels 56 rotate. As can be seen in Figure 2 b, the pair of rear wheels can be interconnected by means of a joint 66 or connecting rod. In this way, the rear wheels 56 are mechanically coupled to each other such that the rear wheels 56 can yaw in unison over their corresponding pivot geometric axes B.

Fig. 2b further illustrates a control arm attached to each of the rods 64 to interconnect the rear wheels 56 by means of coupling device 66 or coupling rod. At least one of the rods 64 may include a steering arm (not shown) attached to one of the rear wheels 56. Rotating motion provided to one of the rear wheels 56 by the control arm is, in turn, transferred to the other rear wheel 56 by through a joint 66. Steering the scooter 10 can then be carried out by a foot or hand steering mechanism such as a lever (not shown) which induces pivoting movement in the control arm and which is then transferred to the rear wheels 56.

Referring briefly to Figure 1, scooter 10 can include a suspension system 20 which is operatively coupled to at least one of the rear and front wheels 44, 56. The suspension system 20 is preferably adapted to allow a vertical deflection of the front wheels 44 and / or rear 56 in relation to the chassis 18 as can occur when on rough terrain or when encountering small obstacles such as gravel or cracks in the pavement or joints. expansion on the sidewalks. The suspension system 20 can include a pair of spring mechanisms such as shock absorber which can optionally include a damper 52 in order to control the rebound rate and dampen oscillations of the spring mechanisms.

As shown in figure 1, the suspension system 20 can include a shock absorber of the assembly incorporated into each of the low tubes 22 on opposite sides of the front wheel 44. Each of the shock absorbers can end on a flange 48 located on each one of the low tubes 22. The flange 48 supports the wheel hub 46 of the front wheel 44 with the front wheel 44 with the C axis of the front wheel being rotated. Alternatively, the suspension system 20 can be configured in other arrangements such as, for example, a spring 50 and / or damping unit 52 on the vertical arm member 36 located directly above the low tubes 22. It is further contemplated that the rear wheels 56 may include a suspension system 20 between the support assembly 24 and the journal 58, for example, in order to allow vertical deflection of the rear wheels 56 relative to the chassis 18 as can occur when the rear wheels 56 find uneven ground.

With reference to Figure 4, the scooter 10 is shown with the handlebar assembly 32 in which the operator 16 can grasp at least one or both members of the side arms 34 for stabilization during straight or level directions as well as during the execution of curved maneuvers. Each arm member 34 can be provided with a fixing portion 38 in order to facilitate secure gripping by the operator's hands.

Although the handlebar assembly 32 looks similar to handlebars, it should be emphasized that the front wheel 44 is non-swiveling to the chassis 18 and therefore does not provide steering capability as conventionally exists on a bicycle. In this regard, the steering of the scooter 10 is carried out first and only by angled yawing of the rear wheels 56 in response to the side bearing of the support assembly 24 as a result of weight change and / or as a result of lateral movement of the handlebar assembly 32 from side to side. The handlebar assembly 32 is preferably located at a suitable height to be conveniently grasped by the operator 16 in a standing or sitting position. It is envisaged that a height adjustment feature may be included in the handlebar assembly 32 to accommodate conductors of different sizes. Furthermore, the arm members extending laterally 34 can be provided in an inter-exchanger configuration in order to allow the assembly of the handlebar assembly with different widths, shapes and / or angular orientation.

With brief reference now to Figures 1 and 2, scooter 10 can additionally include a seat or saddle 72 supported by a saddle stem 74 which can extend laterally forward from an upper portion of handlebar assembly 32. The saddle 72 is preferably mounted on the saddle stem 74 at a height that is suitable for mounting by operator 16 such that the driver's knees are slightly bent. Optionally, the saddle 72 can be configured to have its height adjustable to serve operators of different heights. Furthermore, the saddle 72 is preferably adapted to be pivotally connected to the handlebar assembly 32 such that the saddle stem 74 can be folded generally parallel to the handlebar assembly 32. When folded, the saddle stem 74 minimizes the volume total occupied by scooter 10 to facilitate distribution and storage of scooter 10.

To facilitate rotation of the saddle stem 74, the scooter 10 can additionally include a slotted clamp 76 having a slot with a stop at one end thereof and which is configured to fit a pin mounted on the support assembly 24, as shown in Figure 2. In this way, turning the saddle stem upwards 74 is facilitated by the first disengagement of the pin stop, such that the pin can slide through the slot as the saddle stem 74 is turned upwards.

A brief reference now to Figure 7, in an additional configuration of the scooter 10, the chassis 18 is shown to have an articulated joint 30 interposed between the support assembly 24 and the handlebar assembly 32 at a lower front end of the chassis 18. The articulated joint 30 is configured to torsion the horizontally oriented support assembly24 with the vertically oriented handlebar assembly 32. In this regard, the articulated joint 30 is configured to allow the lateral rolling movement of the support assembly 24 in a direction opposite to that of the handlebar assembly 32.

The articulated joint 30 provides a device by which the operator 16 can propel the bicycle with a skateboard by rolling the foot support 26 sideways (ie due to its asymmetric load) out of phase of the handlebar assembly 32. The driving force can be generated thus which then translates into movement in front of the scooter 10. The articulated joint 30 may additionally include a requesting device such as a coil spring 50 and / or damping devices in order to request support assembly 24 and handlebar assembly 32 within neutral alignment and which facilitates out-of-phase movement of the support assembly 24 relative to the handlebar assembly 32 Such an arrangement also provides a self-directing feature of the scooter 10 as well as a self-supporting feature of the scooter during periods of non-use of the scooter 10. The request device additionally provides rolling resistance to the support assembly 24 with respect to handlebar assembly 32 and thus stabilizes scooter 10 at low speeds.

With reference also to Figure 7, the saddle 72 can be supported, in an alternative arrangement in which the saddle stem 74 extends vertically upwards from the foot support 26 in order to allow an operation with the operator seated on the scooter 10 A pair of clamps 76 can extend upward from the foot support 26 to increase the load capacity of the saddle stem 74 under the weight of the operator 16 seated on the saddle 72. The foot support 26 is preferably configured to provide sufficient area for the operator's feet to be seated on the saddle

72.

With a brief reference to Figure 2, scooter 10 can optionally include a motor 82 coupled to at least one of the front and rear wheels 44, 56. Motor 82 is configured to provide rotary movement to the front and rear wheels 44, 56 in order to drive the scooter 10. The motor 82 can be configured as an electric motor 82 and can be operationally coupled to the rear wheels 56 such as by means of a motor shaft connected to the rear axle 60. Power for motor 82 can be provided by means of a power source 84 such as a battery, which together with motor 82 can be mounted below the foot support 26 as shown in Figure 2. Preferably, the motor 82 and / or the power source 84 are mounted in such a way as to provide sufficient separation distance from the floor to accommodate the lateral rolling movement of the support assembly 24 during the direction of the scooter

10.

Regulation of motor 82 can be facilitated through the use of a regulator 40 that can be mounted on a handlebar assembly 32 as shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5. Braking or slowing down the scooter 10 can be facilitated through the use of a brake mechanism or brake flaps operated via a brake lever 42 also mounted on at least one of the opposite side arm members 34 as shown in figures 2, 4 and 5.

With reference to Figures 1-4, the general configuration of the chassis 18 includes the vertically oriented support assembly 24 which forms the support surface on which the operator 16 can stand and to which the rear wheels 56 are rotatably mounted. In a configuration shown in Figure 3, the foot support 26 can be included in an arrangement of structural elements such as tubular members which are configured to provide sufficient surface area to support both driver's feet.

With reference to the geometric relationship of various components of the scooter 10, the front wheel 44 is preferably a pneumatic wheel of relatively larger diameter (eg, 30.48cm - 71.12cm) and preferably having a tire band of a width generally less than 5.08 cm, although wider bands are also contemplated. The cross-sectional geometry of the tire band itself is preferably radial to facilitate the lateral rolling movement of the front wheel 44. The diameter of the front wheel 44 is preferably between 6-10 times the diameter of the rear wheels 56. The rear wheels 56 each preferably have a width generally equal to the diameter of the rear wheels 56 although several other diameter / radius widths are contemplated. The rear wheels 56 preferably have a flat or planar band surface in order to maximize lateral traction during curves.

As previously indicated, steering a scooter 10 is facilitated by angled yawing of the rear wheels 56 in response to the asymmetric load or the weight of the support assembly 24 by the operator 16. By exerting uneven load on the foot support 26, the rotation movement side of the support assembly 24 and handlebar assembly 32 to which the front wheel 44 is connected results in angled yaw or turning of the rear wheels 56. The greater the amount of rolling of the lateral movement of the chassis 18 or support assembly 24, the greater the angular yaw movement in the rear wheels 56 which results in a relatively tighter turning radius of the scooter 10.

Because the collective area of ​​the rear wheel contact piece 56 is larger than the front wheel contact piece 44, the direction of the scooter 10 is achieved primarily as a result of angular yaw or turning displacement of the rear wheel 56 relative to the axle longitudinal geometric A. Traction of the rear wheels 56 can be maximized by optimizing the degree of compliance of the rear wheels 56 with respect to the total lateral bearing of the support assembly 24. In this way, the rear wheels 56 can remain in contact with the ground while driving the scooter 10 with respect to the rear wheel yaw angle

56.

Scooter 10 can be additionally provided with additional accessories or features. For example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, a fender 80 can be included to prevent operator 16 from contacting the front wheel 44. As can be seen, fender 80 can be mounted on the low tubes 22 of the handlebars 32.

Likewise, small fenders 80 can be provided on each rear wheel 56 in order to avoid inadvertent contact with the driver's foot. Circular bars can optionally be included in the scooter 10 where the circular bars can be extended backwards from the rear of the support assembly 24a to prevent over rotation or inversion of the scooter 10. Foot pegs can be optionally arranged on the shaft front wheel 44 or below it. Likewise, floor plates, baskets, bags and / or training wheels can be additionally included in the scooter 10. Additionally, lighting installations such as headlights and tail lights can be included in the scooter 10 as a safety feature or enable operation during conditions of reduced visibility.

When in operation, scooter 10 can be propelled in a forward direction by a variety of different modes including operator 16 simply by pushing in a forward direction such as the operator's foot. As previously described, the scooter 10 can additionally be driven in a forward direction by the side bearing of the front wheel 44 out of phase of the side bearing of the support assembly 24. Energy generated during such out-of-phase movement facilitates the thrust of scooter 10 forward. Pushing the scooter 10 forward can be additionally provided by an electric motor 82 giving pivoting movement to at least one of the front and / or rear wheels 44, 56. Adjusting the motor 82 can be facilitated by a regulator 40 that can be mounted on the handlebar assembly 32 as shown in Figure 5. Decreasing (speeding) or stopping scooter 10 can be facilitated by a brake mechanism that can be adjusted via a brake lever 42 that can be mounted on the handlebar assembly 32 as shown in Figure 5.

The above description is given by way of example and is not a limitation. Given the above verification, a person qualified in ate may find variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention described above. Furthermore, the various characteristics of the configurations described here can be used alone or in varying combinations with each one and are not intended to limit the specific combinations described here. Thus, the scope of the claims is not limited by the illustrated configurations.