U.S. patent application number 10/386797 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-11 for variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle.
This patent application is currently assigned to Electric Mobility Corporation. Invention is credited to Dwyer, Edward J. JR., Flowers, Michael J., Hanker, Edward J. JR., Hoskin, Mark J., Jarema, Stephen III, Madonia, Lou, McCall, Hugh C..
Application Number | 20030168832 10/386797 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26898965 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030168832 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Flowers, Michael J. ; et
al. |
September 11, 2003 |
Variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle
Abstract
A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle is disclosed
comprising a front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly. A
front wheel is pivotably mounted relative to the front wheel
assembly for controlling the direction of movement of the personal
mobility vehicle. Plural drive wheels are mounted relative to the
rear wheel assembly for driving the personal mobility vehicle. A
seat is connected to the rear wheel assembly for supporting an
operator. A variable wheelbase mechanism varies the distance
between the front wheel and the plural drive wheels.
Inventors: |
Flowers, Michael J.;
(Mantua, NJ) ; Hanker, Edward J. JR.; (Mullica
Hill, NJ) ; Dwyer, Edward J. JR.; (Pittsgrove,
NJ) ; Madonia, Lou; (Mullica Hill, NJ) ;
Hoskin, Mark J.; (Pitman, NJ) ; McCall, Hugh C.;
(Wenonah, NJ) ; Jarema, Stephen III; (Pittsgrove,
NJ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Robert F. Frijouf
FRIJOUF, RUST & PYLE, P.A.
201 East Davis Boulevard
Tampa
FL
33606
US
|
Assignee: |
Electric Mobility
Corporation
Sewell
NJ
|
Family ID: |
26898965 |
Appl. No.: |
10/386797 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10386797 |
Mar 11, 2003 |
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09853502 |
May 11, 2001 |
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6530445 |
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60203857 |
May 12, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/638 ;
280/149.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10S 180/907 20130101;
B62K 5/025 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/638 ;
280/149.2 |
International
Class: |
B62D 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle, comprising: a
front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly; a front wheel
pivotably mounted relative to said front wheel assembly for
controlling the direction of movement of said personal mobility
vehicle; plural drive wheels mounted relative to said rear wheel
assembly for driving the personal mobility vehicle; a seat
connected to said rear wheel assembly for supporting an operator;
and a variable wheelbase mechanism for varying the distance between
said front wheel and said plural drive wheels.
2. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said front wheel comprises plural front wheels
pivotably mounted relative to said front wheel assembly for
controlling the direction of movement of said personal mobility
vehicle.
3. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said variable wheelbase mechanism includes a lock
for locking said distance between said front wheel and said plural
drive wheels when said lock in a closed condition and for enabling
said distance between said front wheel and said plural drive wheels
to be varied when said lock in an open condition.
4. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said variable wheelbase mechanism includes a
variable wheelbase drive for moving said front wheel relative to
said plural rear wheels for changing the wheelbase of the personal
mobility vehicle.
5. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said variable wheelbase mechanism includes a
variable wheelbase drive for moving said front wheel relative to
said plural rear wheels for changing the wheelbase of the personal
mobility vehicle; and said variable wheelbase drive comprising a
linear actuator.
6. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said variable wheelbase mechanism includes a
variable wheelbase drive for moving said front wheel relative to
said plural rear wheels for changing the wheelbase of the personal
mobility vehicle; and said variable wheelbase drive comprising a
jackscrew.
7. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said variable wheelbase mechanism includes a
variable wheelbase drive for moving said front wheel relative to
said plural rear wheels for changing the wheelbase of the personal
mobility vehicle; and said variable wheelbase drive comprising a
scissor jack.
8. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said variable wheelbase mechanism includes a
variable wheelbase drive for moving said front wheel relative to
said plural rear wheels for changing the wheelbase of the personal
mobility vehicle; and said variable wheelbase drive comprising a
rack and pinion mechanism.
9. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said variable wheelbase mechanism comprises a
slide mechanism for varying the distance between said front wheel
and said plurality of rear drive wheels.
10. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said variable wheelbase mechanism comprises a
slide mechanism interconnecting said front wheel assembly to said
rear wheel assembly for varying the distance between said front
wheel and said plurality of rear drive wheels.
11. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said variable wheelbase mechanism comprises a
shaft mounted relative to one of said front and rear wheel
assemblys and a shaft receiver mounted relative to the other said
front and rear wheel assemblys; and said shaft slidably cooperating
with said shaft receiver for moving said front wheel assembly
relative to said rear wheel assembly.
12. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said variable wheelbase mechanism comprises a
shaft mounted relative to one of said front and rear wheel
assemblys and a sleeve defining a bore mounted relative to the
other said front and rear wheel assemblys; and said bore slidably
receiving said shaft for slidably mounting said front wheel
assembly relative to said rear wheel assembly.
13. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle as set forth in
claim 1, wherein said variable wheelbase mechanism comprises plural
shafts with each of said plural shafts being mounted relative to
one of said front and rear wheel assembly; plural sleeves with each
of said plural sleeves defining a bore mounted relative to the
other said front and rear wheel assemblys; and said plural bores
slidably receiving said plural shafts for slidably mounting said
front wheel assembly relative to said rear wheel assembly.
14. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle, comprising: a
front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly; a front wheel
pivotably mounted relative to said front wheel assembly for
controlling the direction of movement of said personal mobility
vehicle; plural drive wheels mounted relative to said rear wheel
assembly for driving the personal mobility vehicle; a seat
connected to said rear wheel assembly for supporting an operator; a
variable wheelbase mechanism for varying the distance between said
front wheel and said plural drive wheels; and said variable
wheelbase mechanism enabling said front wheel assembly to be
removed from said rear wheel assembly for transportation of the
variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle.
15. A variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle, comprising: a
front wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly; a front wheel
pivotably mounted relative to said front wheel assembly for
controling the direction of movement of said personal mobility
vehicle; plural drive wheels mounted relative to said rear wheel
assembly for driving the personal mobility vehicle; a seat
connected to said rear wheel assembly for supporting an operator; a
variable wheelbase mechanism for varying the distance between said
front wheel and said plural drive wheels; and said variable
wheelbase mechanism enabling said front wheel assembly to be
removed from said rear wheel assembly for enabling a different
front wheel assembly to be secured to said rear wheel assembly.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to personal mobility vehicles and
more particularly to a personal mobility vehicle having a variable
wheelbase.
[0003] 2. Background of the Related Art
[0004] The popularity of personal mobility vehicles has
dramatically increased over the last several decades. This increase
in the popularity of personal mobility vehicles is due to many
factors including the advent of new structural techniques and
materials, as well as a more aging population. Although the
population especially in the United States of America is moving
towards a more senior age distribution, many of these seniors are
very active and mobile. This desire for mobility and activity is
present despite physical or health infirmities.
[0005] Various types of personal mobility vehicles have been
designed and sold in the prior art for different types of
applications and activities. When a personal mobility vehicle is
used indoor or in confined spaces, the personal mobility vehicle is
typically designed with a short wheelbase. The short wheelbase
provides a reduced turning radius for the personal mobility vehicle
for negotiating smaller confined spaces indoors.
[0006] When a personal mobility vehicle is to be used outdoors, a
longer wheelbase is desirable. The longer wheelbase provides more
stability and a better ride for the personal mobility vehicle.
[0007] Some in the prior art have attempted to develop a variable
wheelbase personal mobility vehicle for use in both confined spaces
and in non-confined spaces. The following U.S. patents are
representative of some of the attempts of the prior art to provide
a variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle.
[0008] U.S. Pat. Re. 33,675 to Young discloses a motorized wheel
chair comprising a chassis having two rear wheels and one front
wheel mounted thereon. The front wheel is steerable by a handlebar.
The rear wheels are driven by an electric motor coupled to a
gearbox, for reducing the speed of the wheel chair. The gearbox
drives a friction drive assembly that is engageable with the rear
wheels and also is coupled to the handlebar such that one of the
rear wheels will be disengaged depending upon which direction the
handlebar is turned. The device is provided with a switch that cuts
power to the device when a change in surface elevation of a desired
amount is detected either in front of or behind the device. A
second switch may be provided to stop the vehicle upon contact with
a foreign object. A third switch may be activated remotely to stop
the device. Also, the chassis adjustable in length, such that as a
child grows the device may be adjusted accordingly.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 3,664,450 to Udden et al. discloses
electrically powered four-wheeled single vehicles especially for
disabled persons and invalids and specifically made for out-door
use must have such stabilizing qualities that under all
circumstances there is no risk for the chair to turn over even if
it will have to force different kind of obstacles such as curbs. A
further object of such vehicles is to provide a simple and safe
steering operation so that the forces from the obstacles to be
forced must not he transmitted to the steering handle, since
patients in many cases have considerably reduced power to control
such forces by hand. These objects are realized in the present
invention substantially by the fact that the vehicle comprises a
rear and a front portion which are swingably connected to each
other by means of telescopic pipes or the like running
substantially in parallel with the ground and in the longitudinal
direction of the vehicle. To meet the requirement of a safe and
unaffected steering operation the front wheels are neutrally
positioned in a way that the extension of the swivel axles will cut
the contact surfaces between the corresponding wheels and the
ground.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,449 to Ostrow discloses a generally
rectangular shaped support frame provided with ground-engaging
wheels upon which almost any type and size of conventional chair
may be readily mounted so as to provide mobile means for
transporting non-ambulatory persons; certain of the ground engaging
wheels are capable of being rotated manually by the person using
the converted wheel chair in order to propel the chair in two
embodiments of the invention, electrically in a third embodiment
and selectively manually or electrically or both manually or
electrically in a fourth embodiment thereof, a retractable foot
rest is also incorporated in the support frame,
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 4,351,540 to Minnebraker discloses a
wheelchair capable of being constructed in several different sizes
from components of standard size in order to permit users of
different sizes and users with one or more handicaps to utilize
such wheelchairs. The wheelchair includes a main frame and a foot
support assembly which can be telescopically adjustably affixed to
the main frame. In addition, a seat section can be telescopically
adjustably affixed to the main frame such that the seat is located
at a selected height and the foot support section can extend
outwardly from the frame for a selected distance to accommodate
users of differing height. The rear wheels are mounted with respect
to the main frame such that the rear wheels can be located in
several different positions in order to change the overall center
of gravity and the wheelbase of the wheelchair. In this way, the
wheelchair can be used for conventional wheelchair movement, as
well as for athletic activities. A pair of front wheels are also
adjustably mounted with respect to the main frame in order to
change the angle of the wheelchair and the seat relative to the
ground or other supporting surface.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,327 to Mowat et al. discloses a
connecting assembly for a light weight vehicle having mutually
engaging hook and latch portions. The hook portion comprises
engaging hooks to engage and lift the latch means. The engaging
portion further includes a shoulder to cause the subsequent
disengagement of the latch and engaging portions. Support hooks
receive the latch portion upon its disengagement from the
engagement hooks. A levered handle causes displacement of the latch
portion from the support hooks.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,613,151 to Kielezewski discloses an improved
wheelchair adapted to provide enhanced mobility for the occupant
together with making ground level activities available. The
wheelchair comprises a main frame together with an extension frame
telescopically secured to the main frame. A seat is secured to the
extension frame so that when the extension frame is moved away from
the main frame, the seat is lowered, and when the extension frame
is brought back to the main frame, the seat is raised. Means are
provided for further enhancing stability in the form of a mechanism
to selectively move the drive wheels apart for wider wheel
tracking. A rear wheel caster is provided with a selectively
operable torsion limiter.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,321 to Haury et al. discloses a sports
wheelchair including a frame portion having left and right frame
portions. Rear wheel assemblies are connected with the left and
right side frame portions such that the rear wheels are connectable
to the frame in any one of a plurality of positions and with an
adjustable camber. A pair of front wheel assemblies selectively
interconnect the front wheels with the frame with any one of a
plurality of adjustable height and positions. An operator
supporting seat having a segmented center portion and an outer
portion is selectively interconnected with the left and right side
frame portions. A folding mechanism enables the left and right side
frame portions to be folded together for easier transportation and
storage.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 4,805,925 to Haury et al. discloses a sports
wheelchair including a frame portion having left and right side
frame portions. Rear wheel assemblies are connected with the left
and right side frame portions such that the rear wheels are
connectable to the frame in any one of a plurality of positions and
with an adjustable camber. A pair of front wheel assemblies
selectively interconnect front wheels with the frame with any one
of a plurality of adjustable height and positions. An operator
supporting seat having a segmented center portion and an outer
portion is selectively interconnected with the left and right side
frame portions. A folding mechanism enables the left and right side
frame portions to be folded together for easier transportation and
storage.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,834,409 to Kramer discloses a personal
mobility vehicle main frame unit with front and back ends, both
with wheels thereon, a steerable front wheel a seat and vehicle
controls. A pair of spaced rear wheels are mounted at the back end
of the vehicle and include moveably mounted axles supporting the
rear wheels and connected to arms with mechanisms for selectively
angularly moving the axles outwardly and inwardly of the main frame
unit to vary wheel base and wheel track. A motor is connected to
the wheel support structure for remotely varying the wheel base and
wheel track. A separate drive motor is operatively connected to the
wheels for movement of the vehicle.
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,525 to Flowers discloses a personal
mobility vehicle comprising front and rear frame sections that can
be disassembled and assembled. The frame sections are secured
together by a pivotable detachable connection such that the rear
frame section is lockingly received in the rear portion of the
front frame section and the length of the assembled frame is
substantially the same as the length of the front frame section
itself. An auxiliary frame section is also provided which can be
readily attached to the powered rear frame section to provide
improved mobility in those situations in which space for turning is
limited.
[0018] U.S. Pat. No. 5,094,310 to Richey et al. discloses a powered
wheelchair including a high efficiency drive mechanism for
increasing the range of travel on a predetermined battery charge.
Drive motors are transversely mounted relative to side frames of
the wheelchair, and disposed in superimposed arrangement for
varying the width of the wheelchair.
[0019] U.S. Pat. No. 5,826,670 to Nan discloses a detachable
propulsive device for a wheelchair including a longitudinal
skeleton frame, a driving unit attached to the front of the
skeleton frame, a handle for steering the propulsive device,
dimensions adjusting unit, and auxiliary wheels. The dimensions
adjusting unit carries four retaining clips and allows to adjust
distances between these clips lengthwise and widthwise, so that the
clips are, capable of engaging and holding side members of the
bottom frame of the wheelchair of any desired length and width. The
length adjusting mechanism of the dimensions adjusting unit
includes a system of telescopically movable hollow tribes with
U-shaped cross sliding rails secured to them, while the width
adjusting mechanism includes sliding arms carrying the retaining
clips on their outer ends and sliding longitudinally along the
U-shaped cross sliding rails in the lateral direction. The
auxiliary wheels at the rear of the propulsive device are lifted
from the ground once the device has been attached to the
wheelchair.
[0020] U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,658 to Pulver discloses a mid-wheel
drive or front wheel drive power wheelchair including a front
stabilizer extending from the frame. It includes a first arm
pivotally mounted to the frame at a first or upper end and a
stabilizer wheel is mounted adjacent a second end. A second arm of
the stabilizer assembly is pivotally interconnected between the
stabilizer wheel axis and lower end of the shock assembly
associated with the suspension arm. The first arm includes a
dampening cylinder surrounded by a spring. The spring force preload
can be selectively altered and, independently, the height of the
stabilizer which may be adjusted.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 5,996,716 to Montiglio et al. discloses a new
wheelchair that is adjustable in length, width and height in order
to be adapted to different users of different sizes or to a child
growing up. The wheelchair comprises a T-shaped front frame and a
seat assembly. Each T-shaped frame is made of a long arm and two
short arms. The rear frame and the front frame are telescopically
connected together in such a manner so as to articulate both frames
together and to adjust the distance between the front and rear
wheels. The two rear wheels are adjustably mounted to the rear
frame so that the distance separating the wheels may be adjusted.
The seat assembly is mounted on the rear frame and is adjustable in
height. The front wheels are mounted on the front frame at each end
of the two short arms.
[0022] Therefore it is an object of this invention to provide a
variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle that overcomes the
inadequacies of the prior art and provides a significant
advancement to the personal mobility vehicle art.
[0023] Another object of this invention is to provide an improved
variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle capable of varying the
wheelbase of the personal mobility vehicle with a variable
wheelbase drive mechanism.
[0024] Another object of this invention is to provide an improved
variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle that is adaptable to
either three wheel or four wheel personal mobility vehicles.
[0025] Another object of this invention is to provide an improved
variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle that does not
substantially increased the weight of the personal mobility
vehicle.
[0026] The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent
objects of the present invention. These objects should be construed
as being merely illustrative of some of the more prominent features
and applications of the invention. Many other beneficial results
can be obtained by applying the disclosed invention in a different
manner or modifying the invention within the scope of the
invention. Accordingly other objects in a full understanding of the
invention may be had by referring to the summary of the invention,
the detailed description describing the preferred embodiment in
addition to the scope of the invention defined by the claims taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The present invention is defined by the appended claims with
specific embodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the
purpose of summarizing the invention, the invention relates to a
variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle comprising a front
wheel assembly and a rear wheel assembly. A front wheel is
pivotably mounted relative to the front wheel assembly for
controlling the direction of movement of the personal mobility
vehicle. Plural drive wheels are mounted relative to the rear wheel
assembly for driving the personal mobility vehicle. A seat is
connected to the rear frame section for supporting an operator. A
variable wheelbase mechanism varies the distance between the front
wheel and the plural drive wheels.
[0028] In a more specific embodiment of the invention, the front
wheel comprises plural front wheels pivotably mounted relative to
the front wheel assembly for controlling the direction of movement
of the personal mobility vehicle.
[0029] In one embodiment of the invention, the variable wheelbase
mechanism includes a lock for locking the distance between the
front wheel and the plural drive wheels with the lock in a closed
condition. The lock enables the distance between the front wheel
and the plural drive wheels to be varied with the lock in an open
condition.
[0030] In another embodiment of the invention, the variable
wheelbase mechanism includes a variable wheelbase drive for moving
the front wheel relative to the plural rear wheels for changing the
wheelbase of the personal mobility vehicle. In one specific
example, the variable wheelbase drive comprises a linear actuator.
In another specific example, the variable wheelbase drive comprises
a jacks crew. In still another specific example, the variable
wheelbase drive comprises a scissors jack. In still another
specific example, the variable wheelbase drive comprises a rack and
pinion mechanism.
[0031] In another embodiment of the invention, the variable
wheelbase mechanism comprises a slide mechanism for varying the
distance between the front wheel and the plurality of rear drive
wheels. In one specific example, a slide mechanism interconnects
the front wheel assembly to the rear wheel assembly for varying the
distance between the front wheel and the plurality of rear drive
wheels. In another specific example, the variable wheelbase
mechanism comprises a shaft mounted relative either the front or
the rear wheel assembly and a shaft receiver mounted relative to
the other the front and rear wheel assembly. The shaft slidably
cooperates with the shaft receiver for moving the front wheel
assembly relative to the rear wheel assembly.
[0032] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent
and important features of the present invention in order that the
detailed description that follows may be better understood so that
the present contribution to the art can be more fully appreciated.
Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter
which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and the
specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis
for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the
same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized
by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do
not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth
in the appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the
invention, reference should be made to the following detailed
description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in
which:
[0034] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a
variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle incorporating the
present invention with the variable wheelbase being positioned in a
contracted position;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of FIG. 1;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 1 with the
variable wheelbase being positioned in an extended position;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of FIG. 3;
[0038] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 2;
[0039] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 4;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line 7-7 in FIG. 5;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 8-8 in FIG. 5;
[0042] FIG. 9 is a sectional view along line 9-9 in FIG. 6;
[0043] FIG. 10 is a sectional view along line 10-10 in FIG. 6;
[0044] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of
a variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle incorporating the
present invention with the variable wheelbase being positioned in a
contracted position;
[0045] FIG. 12 is a bottom view of FIG. 11;
[0046] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 11 with
the variable wheelbase being positioned in an extended
position;
[0047] FIG. 14 is a bottom view of FIG. 13;
[0048] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 12;
[0049] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 14;
[0050] FIG. 17 is a sectional view along line 17-17 in FIG. 15;
[0051] FIG. 18 is a sectional view along line 18-18 in FIG. 16;
[0052] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 12
illustrating a first variation of the variable wheelbase drive;
[0053] FIG. 20 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 14
illustrating the first variation of the variable wheelbase drive
shown in FIG. 19;
[0054] FIG. 21 is a sectional view along line 21-21 in FIG. 19;
[0055] FIG. 22 is a sectional view along line 22-22 in FIG. 20;
[0056] FIG. 23 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 12
illustrating a second variation of the variable wheelbase
drive;
[0057] FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 14
illustrating the second variation of the variable wheelbase drive
shown in FIG. 23;
[0058] FIG. 25 is a sectional view along line 25-25 in FIG. 23;
[0059] FIG. 26 is a sectional view along line 26-26 in FIG. 24;
[0060] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 12
illustrating a third variation of the variable wheelbase drive;
[0061] FIG. 28 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 14
illustrating the third variation of the variable wheelbase drive
shown in FIG. 27;
[0062] FIG. 29 is a sectional view along line 29-29 in FIG. 27;
and
[0063] FIG. 30 is a sectional view along line 30-30 in FIG. 28.
[0064] Similar reference characters refer to similar parts
throughout the several Figures of the drawings.
DETAILED DISCUSSION
[0065] FIGS. 1 and 2 are side and bottom views of a first
embodiment of a personal mobility vehicle 5 incorporating a
variable wheelbase mechanism 10 of the present invention. The
variable wheelbase mechanism 10 enables the wheelbase of the
personal mobility vehicle 5 to be varied in accordance with the
location and condition of the immediate environment.
[0066] The variable wheelbase personal mobility vehicle 5 comprises
a front frame section 20 and the rear frame section 30. The front
frame section 20 comprises a front wheel assembly 25 whereas the
rear frame section 30 comprises a rear wheel assembly 35. In this
embodiment of the invention, the variable wheelbase mechanism 10
interconnects the front wheel assembly 25 to the rear wheel
assembly 35.
[0067] A steering mechanism 40 is connected to the front wheel
assembly 25. The steering mechanism 40 comprises a front wheel 41
mounted on an axle 43. The front axle 43 is pivotably mounted
relative to the front wheel 41 by a pivot 45. A tiller 47 connected
to the pivot 45 for enabling an operator to pivot the front wheel
41. A movement of the tiller 47 by an operator causes movement of
the front wheel 41 to alter the direction of the personal mobility
vehicle 5. Control switches 48 are conveniently located on the
tiller 47 for enabling an operator to control the speed and the
rotational direction of the personal mobility vehicle 5.
[0068] A drive unit 50 is connected to the rear wheel assembly 35.
The drive unit 50 comprises plural drive wheels 51 and 52 mounted
on a drive shaft 53. An electric drive motor 54 is connected
through a gearbox 56 for driving the plural drive wheels 51 and 52
through the drive shaft 54 and the gearbox 56. The electric drive
motor 54 is powered by a rechargeable battery and is controlled by
the control switches 48 located on the tiller 47.
[0069] A seat assembly 60 is mounted to the rear frame section 30
of the personal mobility vehicle 5. The seat assembly 60 comprises
a pedestal 62 mounted to the rear frame section 30 for rotatably
supporting a seat 64. The seat 64 comprises a seat base 65 and a
backrest 66. Preferably, the backrest 66 of the seat 64 is
pivotably mounted to the seat base 65 for accommodating for the
size and comfort of an operator. The seat 64 is rotatable on the
pedestal 62 for accommodating for comfort of the operator and for
facilitating the ingress and egress on and off of the personal
mobility vehicle 5 by the operator.
[0070] In this embodiment of the invention, the variable wheelbase
mechanism 10 comprises a slide mechanism 12 interconnecting the
front wheel assembly 25 to the rear wheel assembly 35. A variable
wheelbase drive 14 coacts between the front wheel assembly 25 and
the rear wheel assembly 35 to vary the distance between the front
wheel assembly 25 and the rear wheel assembly 35. The variable
wheelbase drive 14 comprises an electric motor 16 for powering a
slide actuator 18. As will be described in greater detail
hereinafter, a rotation of the electric motor 16 results in a
linear movement of the slide actuator 18.
[0071] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates the personal mobility vehicle 5
with the variable wheelbase mechanism 10 being disposed in a
contracted position. The distance between the front axle 43 and the
drive shaft 53 is moved by the variable wheelbase mechanism 10 to a
minimal distance.
[0072] FIGS. 3 and 4 are side elevational and bottom views similar
to FIGS. 1 and 2 with the variable wheelbase mechanism 10 being
disposed in an extended position. The distance between the front
axle 43 and the drive shaft 53 is moved by the variable wheelbase
mechanism 10 to a maximum distance.
[0073] FIGS. 5 and 6 are enlarged views of portions of FIGS. 2 and
4 illustrating the variable wheelbase mechanism 10 in the
contracted position and in the extended position, respectively. In
this example of the invention, the personal mobility vehicle 5
includes plural extensions 31 and 32 defining a void 34
therebetween.
[0074] FIGS. 7 and 8 are sectional views of FIG. 5 whereas FIGS. 9
and 10 are sectional views of FIG. 6. The slide mechanism 14
comprises plural shafts 71 and 72 secured relative to the rear
wheel assembly 35 in a substantially parallel relationship. The
shafts 71 and 70 extend from proximal ends 71A and 72A to distal
ends 71B and 72B. The proximal ends 71A and 72A are connected
relative to the rear wheel assembly 35 whereas the distal ends 71B
and 72B are connected to the plural extensions 31 and 32. The
shafts 71 and 70 extend along the void 34 defined by the plural
extensions 31 and 32.
[0075] The slide mechanism 14 comprises plural shaft receivers
shown as plural sleeves 81 and 82. The plural sleeves 81 and 82
define bores 83 and 84 for receiving the shafts 71 and 72 therein.
The sleeves 81 and 82 are interconnected by a connecting support 86
for aligning the plural sleeves 81 and 82 in a substantially
parallel relationship. The connecting support 86 is secured to the
front wheel assembly 25.
[0076] A slide mechanism 14 interconnects the front wheel assembly
25 to the rear wheel assembly 35 in a sliding engagement. The
sliding of the plural sleeves 81 and 82 along the shafts 71 and 72
provide the sliding interconnection between the front wheel
assembly 25 and the rear wheel assembly 35. The sliding
interconnection between the front wheel assembly 25 and the rear
wheel assembly 35 provide a variable separation between the front
wheel assembly 25 to the rear wheel assembly 35.
[0077] The variable wheelbase drive 14 comprises an electric motor
16 having a mounting aperture 88 for securing the electric motor 16
to the rear wheel assembly 35. The slide actuator 18 comprises a
first actuator portion 91 and a second actuator portion 92. The
first actuator portion 91 is connected to the electric motor 16.
The second slide actuator 92 is connected by an aperture 94 to the
front wheel assembly 25. The second actuator portion 92 is linearly
movable relative to the first actuator portion 91 upon rotation of
the electric motor 16. The rotation of the motor 16 results in
linear movement of the second actuator portion 92 relative to the
first actuator portion 91 to move the front wheel assembly 25
relative to the rear wheel assembly 35 upon the slide mechanism
12.
[0078] FIGS. 11 and 12 are side and bottom views of a second
embodiment of a personal mobility vehicle 105 comprising a front
frame section 120 and the rear frame section 130. The front frame
section 120 comprises a front wheel assembly 125 whereas the rear
frame section 130 comprises a rear wheel assembly 135. The variable
wheelbase mechanism 110 interconnects the front wheel assembly 125
to the rear wheel assembly 135.
[0079] A steering mechanism 140 is connected to the front wheel
assembly 125. The steering mechanism 140 comprises plural front
wheels 141 and 142 mounted on plural axles 143 and 144. The plural
front axles 143 and 144 are pivotably mounted relative to the front
wheel assembly 125 by plural pivots 145 and 146. A tiller 147
connected to the plural pivots 145 and 146 for enabling an operator
to pivot the plural front wheels 141 and 142. Control switches 148
are conveniently located on the tiller 147 for enabling an operator
to control the speed and the rotational direction of the personal
mobility vehicle 105.
[0080] A drive unit 150 is connected to the rear wheel assembly
135. The drive unit 150 comprises plural drive wheels 151 and 152
mounted on a drive shaft 153. An electric drive motor 154 is
connected through a gearbox 156 for driving the plural drive wheels
151 and 152 through the drive shaft 154 and the gearbox 156. The
electric drive motor 154 is powered by a rechargeable battery and
is controlled by the control switches 148 located on the tiller
147.
[0081] A seat assembly 160 is mounted to the rear frame section 130
of the personal mobility vehicle 105. The seat assembly 160
comprises a pedestal 162 mounted to the rear frame section 130 for
rotatably supporting a seat 164. The seat 164 comprises a seat base
165 and a backrest 166 and is rotatable on the pedestal 162 as set
forth previously.
[0082] The variable wheelbase mechanism 110 comprises a slide
mechanism 112 interconnecting the front wheel assembly 125 to the
rear wheel assembly 135. A variable wheelbase drive 114 coacts
between the front wheel assembly 125 and the rear wheel assembly
135 to vary the distance between the front wheel assembly 125 and
the rear wheel assembly 135. The variable wheelbase drive 114
comprises an electric motor 116 for powering a slide actuator
118.
[0083] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrates the personal mobility vehicle
105 with the variable wheelbase mechanism 110 being disposed in a
contracted position. The distance between the front axle 143 and
the drive shaft 153 is moved by the variable wheelbase mechanism
110 to a minimal distance.
[0084] FIGS. 13 and 14 are side elevational and bottom views
similar to FIGS. 11 and 12 with the variable wheelbase mechanism
110 being disposed in an extended position. The distance between
the front axle 143 and the drive shaft 153 is moved by the variable
wheelbase mechanism 110 to a maximum distance.
[0085] FIGS. 15 and 17 are enlarged views of portions of FIG. 12
illustrating the variable wheelbase mechanism 110 in the contracted
position whereas FIGS. 16 and 18 are enlarged views of portions of
FIG. 14 illustrating the variable wheelbase mechanism 110 in the
extended position.
[0086] The slide mechanism 114 comprises plural shafts 171 and 172
secured to the rear wheel assembly 135 in a substantially parallel
relationship. The shafts 171 and 172 extend from proximal ends 171A
and 172A to distal ends 171B and 172B. The proximal ends 171A and
172A are connected relative to the rear wheel assembly 135 whereas
the distal ends 171B and 172B extend relative to the rear wheel
assembly 135.
[0087] The slide mechanism 114 comprises plural shaft receivers
shown as plural sleeves 181 and 182 defining bores 183 and 184 for
receiving the shafts 171 and 172 therein. The sleeves 181 and 182
are interconnected by a connecting support 186 for aligning the
plural sleeves 181 and 182 in a substantially parallel
relationship. The connecting support 186 is secured to the front
wheel assembly 125.
[0088] A slide mechanism 114 interconnects the front wheel assembly
125 to the rear wheel assembly 135 in a sliding engagement. The
sliding of the plural sleeves 181 and 182 along the shafts 171 and
172 provide the sliding interconnection between the front wheel
assembly 125 and the rear wheel assembly 135. The sliding
interconnection between the front wheel assembly 125 and the rear
wheel assembly 135 provide a variable separation between the front
wheel assembly 125 to the rear wheel assembly 135.
[0089] In this first example of the second embodiment of the
invention, the variable wheelbase drive 114 comprises an electric
motor 116 secured to the rear wheel assembly 135. The slide
actuator 118 comprises a first actuator portion 191 and a second
actuator portion 192. The first actuator portion 191 is connected
to the electric motor 116. The second slide actuator 192 is
connected to the front wheel assembly 125.
[0090] The first actuator portion 191 comprises a thread driver
whereas the second actuator portion 192 comprises a threaded shaft
194. The thread driver 191 is powered by the electric motor 116.
The threaded shaft 191 engages with the thread driver 191 for
linearly moving the threaded shaft 191 upon rotation of the
electric motor 116. The rotation of the motor 116 results in linear
movement of the second actuator portion 192 relative to the first
actuator portion 191 to move the front wheel assembly 125 relative
to the rear wheel assembly 135 upon the slide mechanism 112.
[0091] In the first embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.
1-10, the front wheel assembly 25 comprises a single front wheel 41
being movable relative to the rear wheel assembly 35 comprising
plural rear wheels 51 and 52. The front wheel assembly 25 comprises
only a portion of the front wheel assembly 25 of the personal
mobility vehicle 5. The front frame section 20 may be removably
coupled to the rear frame portion 30 as set forth in U.S. Pat. No.
4,909,525 to Michael Flowers.
[0092] In the second embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS.
11-18, the front wheel assembly 125 comprises plural front wheels
141 and 142 being movable relative to the rear wheel assembly 35
comprising plural rear wheels 151 and 152. The front wheel assembly
25 comprises only a portion of the front frame section 120 of the
personal mobility vehicle 105. The front frame section 120 may be
removably coupled to the rear frame portion 130 as set forth in
U.S. Pat. No. 4,909,525 to Michael Flowers.
[0093] The second embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 11-18,
enables the front wheel assembly 125 comprises plural front wheels
141 and 142 to be removed for ease of transportation of the
personal mobility vehicle 105. The personal mobility vehicle 105
may be readily dissembled into the front frame section 120, the
rear frame portion 130 and the front wheel assembly 125.
[0094] The second embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 11-18,
enables the front wheel assembly 125 comprises plural front wheels
141 and 142 to be removed and to be replaced with a front wheel
assembly comprises a single front wheel (not shown) in a manner
similar to the front wheel assembly 25 of FIGS. 1-10. The personal
mobility vehicle 105 may be operated with either a single front
wheel or plural front wheel with a variable wheelbase.
[0095] FIGS. 19 and 21 are enlarged views of portions of FIG. 12
illustrating a second example of a variable wheelbase mechanism 210
in the contracted position. A slide mechanism 214 comprising plural
shafts 271 and 272 are secured to the rear wheel assembly 235 in a
substantially parallel relationship in a manner similar to FIGS.
12-18. The proximal ends 271A and 272A of the plural shafts 271 and
272 are connected to the rear wheel assembly 235 with the distal
ends 271B and 272B extending therefrom.
[0096] FIGS. 20 and 22 are enlarged views of portions of FIG. 14
illustrating the second example of a variable wheelbase mechanism
210 in an extended position. Plural sleeves 281 and 282
interconnected by a connecting support 286 define bores 283 and 284
for receiving the shafts 271 and 272 therein. The connecting
support 286 is secured to the front wheel assembly 225 for
interconnecting the front wheel assembly 225 to the rear wheel
assembly 235 in a sliding engagement to provide a variable
separation between the front wheel assembly 225 to the rear wheel
assembly 235.
[0097] In this second example of the second embodiment of the
invention, the variable wheelbase drive 214 comprises an electric
motor 216 secured to the rear wheel assembly 235. The slide
actuator 218 comprises a first actuator portion 291 and a second
actuator portion 292. The first actuator portion 291 is connected
to the electric motor 216. The second slide actuator 292
interconnects the front wheel assembly 225 to the rear wheel
assembly 235.
[0098] The first actuator portion 291 comprises a thread shaft
whereas the second actuator portion 292 comprises plurals nuts 293
and 294 connected to a scissors jack 295. The scissors jack 295
comprises a plurality of legs 296-299 interconnecting the plurals
nuts 293 and 294 and interconnecting a front and a rear connector
301 and 302. The front and rear connectors 301 and 302 are secured
to the front wheel assembly 225 to the rear wheel assembly 235 for
interconnecting the front wheel assembly 225 to the rear wheel
assembly 235.
[0099] The thread shaft 291 is powered by the electric motor 216.
The threaded shaft 291 engages with the plurals nuts 293 and 294.
The rotation of the motor 216 results in a change of spacing
between the plural nuts 293 and 294. The change of spacing between
the plural nuts 293 and 294 changes the spacing between the front
and rear connector 301 and 302 to move the front wheel assembly 225
relative to the rear wheel assembly 235 upon the slide mechanism
212.
[0100] FIGS. 23 and 25 are enlarged views of portions of FIG. 12
illustrating a third example of a variable wheelbase mechanism 310
in the contracted position. A slide mechanism 314 comprising plural
shafts 371 and 372 are secured to the rear wheel assembly 335 in a
substantially parallel relationship in a manner similar to FIGS.
12-18. The proximal ends 371A and 372A of the plural shafts 371 and
372 are connected to the rear wheel assembly 335 with the distal
ends 371B and 372B extending therefrom.
[0101] FIGS. 24 and 26 are enlarged views of portions of FIG. 14
illustrating the third example of a variable wheelbase mechanism
310 in an extended position. Plural sleeves 381 and 382
interconnected by a connecting support 386 define bores 383 and 384
for receiving the shafts 371 and 372 therein. The connecting
support 386 is secured to the front wheel assembly 325 for
interconnecting the front wheel assembly 325 to the rear wheel
assembly 335 in a sliding engagement to provide a variable
separation between the front wheel assembly 325 to the rear wheel
assembly 335.
[0102] In this third example of the second embodiment of the
invention, the variable wheelbase drive 314 comprises an electric
motor 316 secured to the rear wheel assembly 335. The slide
actuator 318 comprises a first actuator portion 391 and a second
actuator portion 392. The first actuator portion 391 is connected
to the electric motor 316. The second slide actuator 392 is
connected to the front wheel assembly 325.
[0103] The first actuator portion 391 comprises a pinion gear
whereas the second actuator portion 392 comprises a rack. The
pinion gear 391 is powered by the electric motor 316. The rack 392
engages with the pinion gear 391 for linearly moving the rack 392
upon rotation of the electric motor 316. The rotation of the motor
316 results in linear movement of the second actuator portion 392
relative to the first actuator portion 391 to move the front wheel
assembly 325 relative to the rear wheel assembly 335 upon the slide
mechanism 312.
[0104] FIGS. 27 and 29 are enlarged views of portions of FIG. 12
illustrating a fourth example of a variable wheelbase mechanism 410
in the contracted position. A slide mechanism 414 comprising plural
shafts 471 and 472 are secured to the rear wheel assembly 435 in a
substantially parallel relationship in a manner similar to FIGS.
12-18. The proximal ends 471A and 472A of the plural shafts 471 and
472 are connected to the rear wheel assembly 435 with the distal
ends 471B and 472B extending therefrom.
[0105] FIGS. 28 and 30 are enlarged views of portions of FIG. 14
illustrating the forth example of a variable wheelbase mechanism
410 in an extended position. Plural sleeves 481 and 482
interconnected by a connecting support 486 define bores 483 and 484
for receiving the shafts 471 and 472 therein. The connecting
support 486 is secured to the front wheel assembly 425 for
interconnecting the front wheel assembly 425 to the rear wheel
assembly 435 in a sliding engagement to provide a variable
separation between the front wheel assembly 425 to the rear wheel
assembly 435.
[0106] In this fourth example of the second embodiment of the
invention, the front wheel assembly 425 is manually moved relative
to the rear wheel assembly 435. Each of the plural sleeves 481 and
482 comprise a sleeve aperture 487 and 488. Each of the plural
shafts 471 and 472 defined a plurality of through shaft apertures
491 and 492, respectively. Plural locking pins 493 and 494 extend
through the sleeve apertures 487 and 488 and the shaft apertures
491 and 492 for locking the longitudinal position of the sleeve 481
and 482 on the plural shafts for 471 and 472. The removal of the
plural locking pins 493 and 494 allows the sleeves 481 and 482 to
be moved along the plural shaft 471 and 472 for changing the
longitudinal distance between the front axles 443 and 444 and the
drive shaft 453.
[0107] The foregoing has set forth and improved personal mobility
vehicle having a variable wheelbase mechanism for varying the
distance between the front wheel and the plural rear wheels of the
personal mobility vehicle. The improved variable wheelbase
mechanism is adaptable to either a three-wheel or four-wheel
personal mobility vehicle. The variable wheelbase mechanism may be
either manually operated or power operated. The variable wheelbase
mechanism does not substantially increase the weight of the
personal mobility vehicle.
[0108] The present disclosure includes that contained in the
appended claims as well as that of the foregoing description.
Although this invention has been described in its preferred form
with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the
present disclosure of the preferred form has been made only by way
of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction
and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *