U.S. patent application number 10/010094 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-08 for folding portable motorized footboard scooter with varying transmission.
Invention is credited to Martin, Christopher V..
Application Number | 20030085067 10/010094 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21743818 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030085067 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Martin, Christopher V. |
May 8, 2003 |
Folding portable motorized footboard scooter with varying
transmission
Abstract
An improved motorized folding portable footboard scooter. The
rider of the scooter stands upon a scooter platform and directs the
scooter. The handle bar folds to facilitate the portability of the
scooter. The engine is operationally connected to the transmission,
which is operationally connected to the rear tire. Shifting the
transmission is accomplished by a control on the handle bar. A
smaller lighter engine is used because the transmission allows for
the power output of the engine to be optimized for different
driving speeds and conditions. The resulting portable motorized
foot scooter has greater speed and terrain following
characteristics over a non-transmission scooter while still
retaining its lightweight portability.
Inventors: |
Martin, Christopher V.;
(Scottsdale, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CHRISTOPHER V. MARTIN
1826 W Broadway
Suite 7
Mesa
AZ
85202
US
|
Family ID: |
21743818 |
Appl. No.: |
10/010094 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
180/181 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62K 3/002 20130101;
B62K 15/006 20130101; A63C 17/12 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
180/181 |
International
Class: |
A63C 005/08 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A motor powered collapsible foot scooter for the support of a
rider compromising in combination a front steered wheel a
collapsing handle bar assembly a rear driven wheel a platform that
supports a standing rider a main structured element disposed
substantially horizontally along a longitudinal axis supporting
along the longitudinal axis the front steered wheel at the forward
end of the main structural member. The rear driven wheel supported
by at least one frame member at the end of the main structural
member, and a platform on the main structural member a motor
operatively connected to a transmission, which is operatively
connected to the rear wheel.
2. The motor powered collapsible foot scooter of claim 1 wherein
the transmission allows for a plurality of driving ratios.
3. The motor powered collapsible foot scooter of claim 1 wherein
the transmission is of a planetary geared configuration.
4. The motor powered collapsible foot scooter of claim 1 wherein
the changing of the ratios is accomplished by a handle bar
control.
5. The motor powered collapsible foot scooter of claim 1 wherein
the changing of the ratios is accomplished by foot control
6. The motor powered collapsible foot scooter of claim 1 wherein
the change of ratios is automatic.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to portable folding motor powered
footboard scooters. More particularly a construction of a motorized
foot scooter with a variable transmission. Engine drives for
scooters are known. Such drives include direct drive via spindle,
chain, bolt belt, synchronous tooth belt, and gear. Because of the
evolution of footboard motorized scooters there has arisen a need
for greater speed and versatility. A portable motorized footboard
scooter with a larger engine and a fixed drive would be able to
climb hills, transverse sand or loose materials. However, the
larger engine and its included weight penalty negate the
portability feature by making the scooter too heavy. A scooter with
a varying transmission will allow the rider to optimize the
available power provided by a small, lightweight engine. Up to this
point no one has thought to incorporate a transmission with a
portable motorized footboard scooter. Conventional wisdom would
dictate that to incorporate a transmission would increase the
weight of the portable scooter and reduce or eliminate the
portability feature of the scooter. However, this in not the case,
by incorporating a transmission the weight penalty of the
transmission is offset by use of a lighter engine with less power
output. The transmission allows for the power output of the engine
to be optimized for different driving speeds and conditions. The
resulting portable motorized foot scooter has greater speed and
terrain following characteristics while still retaining its
lightweight portability.
[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art
[0004] Motorized folding portable footboard scooters are known.
Such scooters have been available since October 1996 from Martin
Manufacturing of Mesa Ariz. under the trade name Martin Monster. A
scooter is disclosed with a steer able front wheel and a motor
driven rear wheel, a folding handlebar and a footboard for a
standing rider. The reader can see and understand that the scooter
in Patmont 4821832 and Pepe 5388659 and Patmont 6095274 and Patmont
6012539 there is a fixed transmission and no provision is made to
vary drive ratios. In Witthaus 5494128 and Witthaus 5660242 a fluid
coupling is utilized. However, no provision is made to change
driving ratios other than the slippage of the fluid itself, which
only accomplishes a rudimentary clutch. In all the before mentioned
designs the scooters are limited in speed and terrain handling
ability due to the limited size of the engine used in portable
scooters. Until this invention no one thought that a portable
motorized foot scooter could be made with a transmission.
Transmissions add weight however, this invention allows for a
smaller lighter engine to be used with allows for a scooter which
is faster and has greater terrain overcoming characteristics due to
the selective ratio of the transmission in a light weight portable
motorized foot scooter. Transmission with a variable ratio allows
the engine power output to be maximized for speed or load
requirements. In the prior art, a fixed ratio transmission will
work well only in a narrow range of operating conditions. Top speed
and load carrying characteristics are a compromise neither top
speed or load carrying ability being fully maximized. A further
disadvantage of the prior art is the use of a larger engine being
necessary to partially compensate for the fixed ratio transmission.
The additional engine power requirements being necessary to augment
load-carrying characteristics while maintaining reasonable top
speed. Further objects and advantages of my invention will become
apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing
description.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] FIG. 1 is a side view of the scooter
[0006] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transmission
[0007] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the transmission
[0008] FIG. 4 is a side view of the shifting spindle
transmission
[0009] FIG. 5 is a top view of the transmission
[0010] FIG. 6 is a top view of the transmission
[0011] FIG. 7 is a top view of the transmission
[0012] FIG. 8 is a top view of the transmission
[0013] FIG. 9 is a top view of the transmission
[0014] FIG. 10 is a side view of the scooter showing folded handle
bar.
REFERENCE NUMERALS IN DRAWINGS
[0015] 1 Variable Transmission
[0016] 2 Engine
[0017] 3 Rear tire
[0018] 4A Small Sprocket
[0019] 4B Large Sprocket
[0020] 4C Sprocket Small
[0021] 4D Sprocket Large
[0022] 5 Chain
[0023] 6 Shaft
[0024] 7A Small Gear
[0025] 7B Large Gear
[0026] 8 Handle Bar
[0027] 9 Shifting Control
[0028] 10 Shifting Cable
[0029] 11 Front Tire
[0030] 12 Riders Platform
[0031] 13 Front fork
[0032] 14 Folding Hinge
[0033] 15 Slide Tube
[0034] 16 Brake
[0035] 17 Spring
[0036] 18 Frame
[0037] 19 Chain Adjustor
[0038] 20 Gear Case
[0039] 21 Spindle Shifting Cable
[0040] 22 Engine Engage Next Cable
[0041] 23 Splined Shaft
[0042] 24 Bearing Housing for Spindle Shifting
[0043] 25 Bearing
[0044] 26 V Belt
[0045] 27 Large Varying Diameter Pulley
[0046] 28 Small Varying Diameter Pulley
[0047] 29 Engine Pivot
[0048] 30 Engine Neutral and Shifting Spring
[0049] 31 Spindle
[0050] 32 Shock Absorber
[0051] 33 Head Tube
[0052] 34 Fuel Tank
[0053] 35 Frame Pivot
[0054] 36 Clutch
[0055] 37 Latch
OPERATION OF INVENTION
[0056] In FIG. 1 the handle bar 8 is connected to the folding hinge
14 A slide tube 15 is held in place by a spring 17 over hinge 14 to
lock the handle bar 8 in an up right position. When slide tube 15
is slid upward against spring 17 the hinge 14 is exposed allowing
the handle bar 8 to be folded down. The hinge 14 is connected to
the front fork 13 and the front tire 11 is held by the front fork
13. The front wheel 11 is stopped by brake 16. The front fork 13 is
supported by frame 18. The frame 18 is connected to the rider's
platform. The operator rides standing on the platform. The frame 18
has a shock absorber 32 to absorb road shock. The Engine 2 is
connected by shaft 6 to the small gear 7A which turns large gear 7B
with both gears contained in gear case 20. The tension of chain 5
can be accomplished by rotating gear case 20 by first loosening
chain adjustor 19. Small gear 7A is connected to small sprocket 4A
which is connected to chain 5 which is connected to large sprocket
4B large sprocket 4B is connected to variable transmission 1 which
is contained in the hub of the rear tire 3. Shifting of the
variable transmission 1 is accomplished by shifting cable 10 which
is connected to the shifting control 9 located on the handle bar
8.
DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0057] Referring to the drawings by characters of reference, FIG. 1
discloses a motorized portable collapsing foot board scooter having
a riders platform for the feet of the user. The riders platform 12
is supported by the frame 18 the frame can be of any material which
lends structure and resistance to load inputs, such materials might
include tubing, plate, composite or a combination of such. FIG. 10
handle bar 8 is of a type having a spring 17 biased reciprocating
sleeve slide tube 15 is moved away from hinge 14 steering handle 8
can be secured at latch 37 in the horizontal position. The handle
bar can be folded in a variety of ways including hinging the handle
bar and fork as a unit. At the forward end, the frame 18 fastens to
the head tube 33. This also can be a folding point to assist with
the collapsing scooter. As is traditional in such head tubes, this
head tube 33 is substantially vertical having only a slight rake to
and toward the rear of the scooter. Such a rake is in a common
plane defined by handle bar 8 axis and longitudinal axis.
Longitudinal axis is taken longitudinal of the scooter chassis and
is normal to the turning axis of the front wheel 11 when the front
wheel steers in the forward direction. Front wheel 11 or rear wheel
13 such as caliber drum or friction or V-brakes. The frame 18
extends through rides platform 12 at rider's platform notch.
Therefore as seen in FIG. 1 frame 18 extends along the bottom of
the rider's platform. The rider's platform 12 is attached to the
frame 18 at least at one point. A shock absorber is attached to the
frame 18 and allows for the movement of the frame when transversing
uneven terrain. A rear tire 3 is supported by means of a frame 18,
which forms a box around the rear tire 3 the lower end of which is
open. The sides of the box extend down to form a yoke to rotably
receive the rear tire. Adjacent to the rear ward end of the frame
18 is an engine 2 preferably a gasoline engine which can be either
2 or 4 stroke however any engine or motor such as an electric motor
would work. A fuel tank 34 is located opposite the engine however
the location could be anywhere on the scooter. In FIG. 2 the engine
2 is operationally coupled via a chain to a shaft 6 to the small
gear 7A which is connected to the large gear 7B which is connected
to the small sprocket 4A which is connected to chain 5 which is
connected to large sprocket 4B which is connected to the variable
transmission 1 which can be of planetary gear construction such as
available for the bicycle industry. The transmission also could be
of conventional shifting gears however, any means of connection
between the engine 2 and the transmission 1 and the transmission 1
and the rear wheel 3 can be used. These can include chain, belts,
synchronous tooth belt, gears, direct or spindle. FIG. 6 the
transmission 1 can also include two pulleys of varying diameter 27
and 28 connected by V Belt 26, the diameter of the pulleys either
controlled by manual or automatic control which accomplish a
varying transmission and these pulleys being connected to either
the rear tire 3 or the engine 2. In FIG. 3 transmission 1 can also
include a stepped or varying diameter drive spindle by either
moving the engine 2 up and over the rear tire 3 at its engine pivot
29 against the engine neutral and shifting spring 30 by the
controls spindle shifting cable 21 and engine engagement cable 22.
This same system in FIG. 4 can use a splined shaft 23 with a
bearing housing for spindle shifting 24 and a bearing 25 to allow
for a floating attachment point shifted by shifting cable 10 to
move different diameter drive spindles over the rear tire 3
accomplishing a varying transmission 1. In FIG. 2 A clutch 36 may
be employed between the engine 2 and the transmission 1. In FIGS.
5,7,8,9 shows the various arrangements for placement of a
transmission between the engine 2 and the rear wheel 3 A shock
absorber 32 may be employed where the shock absorber 32 is
connected to the frame 18 separated by a frame pivot 35 to
accomplish suspension. FIG. 1 and FIG. 10 shows a handle bar 8
arrangement of the motorized folding footboard scooter. A shifting
control 9 for selecting the transmission 1 ratios is located on the
upper end of the handle bar 8 however any control could be used
including a foot control or an automatic control. Various linkages
could be employed to connect said shifting controls to the
transmission A shifting cable 10 is used. At the upper end of the
handle bar 8 includes a control for acceleration and braking of the
scooter. The claims and the specification describe the invention
presented and the terms that are employed in the claims draw their
meaning from the use of such terms in the specification. The same
terms employed in the prior art may be broader in meaning than
specifically employed herein. Whenever there is a question between
the broader definition of such terms used in the prior art and the
more specific use of the terms herein, the more specific meaning is
meant. While the invention has been described with a certain degree
of particularity it is manifest that many changes may be made in
the details of construction and the arrangement of components
without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. It
is understood that the inventions not limited to the embodiments
set forth herein for purposes of exemplifications, but is to be
limited only by the scope of the attached claim or claims,
including the full range of equivalency to which each element
thereof is entitled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0058] A folding portable motorized footboard scooter is provided
with a chassis for the support of a standing rider upon a rider's
platform. At the front of the chassis bends upward through a notch
in the platform upward above the front wheel to support a steering
head tube the head tube supports a fork that holds the front wheel.
The handle bar folds to reduce the scooters dimensions to
facilitate portability The rear wheel is contained in a supporting
frame which also hold the engine relation to the rear wheel
allowing it to be operatively connected to a varying transmission
which is operationally connected to the rear tire. A light weight
more portable scooter can be manufactured that will have greater
flexibility in use a higher top speed and greater incline climbing
ability while maintaining a very light weight portable scooter
optimize the power out-put of the engine for the terrain
conditions.
* * * * *