U.S. patent application number 12/839447 was filed with the patent office on 2012-01-26 for scooter including brake system.
Invention is credited to Wang-Chuan Chen.
Application Number | 20120018967 12/839447 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43891581 |
Filed Date | 2012-01-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120018967 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Chen; Wang-Chuan |
January 26, 2012 |
SCOOTER INCLUDING BRAKE SYSTEM
Abstract
A scooter includes a board for supporting the user thereof, at
least one wheel assembly mounted on the board for facilitating
movement and transportation of the board, and a braking system
operable in a first mode that engages with and imparts a braking
force to the at least one wheel assembly for stopping the scooter,
and in a second mode that is subject to a force and is caused to
disengage from the at least one wheel assembly for allowing the
scooter to be moved without being subject to any braking force.
Inventors: |
Chen; Wang-Chuan; (Taichung
Hsien, TW) |
Family ID: |
43891581 |
Appl. No.: |
12/839447 |
Filed: |
July 20, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/87.041 ;
188/167 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 17/24 20130101;
A63C 17/1418 20130101; A63C 17/04 20130101; B60T 7/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/87.041 ;
188/167 |
International
Class: |
B62M 1/00 20100101
B62M001/00; B60T 13/04 20060101 B60T013/04 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. The scooter as claimed in claim 14, wherein the board includes a
structure extending from the first side to the second side and
including a plurality of ribs arranged to form an array of a
plurality of cells including a plurality of spaces,
respectively.
3. The scooter as claimed in claim 14 further comprising an
anti-slippery surface defined on the first side for preventing the
user from slipping off the board and including a figurative shape
adapted to indicate the user what are go forward and go reverse
directions.
4. The scooter as claimed in claim 3, wherein the anti-slippery
surface is in a shape of a footprint.
5. (canceled)
6. The scooter as claimed in claim 14, wherein the actuating member
is moveably disposed in a receptacle defined in the board and
includes a user-interface side exposed outside an opening of the
receptacle defined in the first side of the board, and an urging
section engaging with an engaging section of the levering member
causing the lever member to be rotated, wherein the levering member
includes a first interacting face engaged with a second interacting
face of the engaging member for causing the engaging member to be
moved.
7. The scooter as claimed in claim 6, wherein the fulcrum is
disposed between the engaging section and the first interacting
face.
8. A scooter comprising: a board for supporting a user thereof,
with the board including a first side and a second side in
opposition to the first side, with the user being in contact with
the first side during operation; at least one wheel assembly
mounted on the board for facilitating movement and transportation
of the board; and a braking system operable in a first mode that
engages with and imparts a braking force to the at least one wheel
assembly for stopping the scooter, and in a second mode that is
subject to a force and is caused to disengage from the at least one
wheel assembly for allowing the scooter to be moved without being
subject to any braking force; wherein when the user wants to ride
the scooter he/she uses his/her foot on the board to apply a force
on the braking system such that the braking system is caused to
operate in the first mode, and when he/she wants to stop the
scooter he/she takes his/her foot off the braking system such that
the braking system is caused to operate in the second mode,
respectively, wherein the braking system includes an actuating
member, a levering member rotatably supported about a fulcrum and
rotated under a force applied to the actuating member, an engaging
member selectively engaged with the at least one wheel assembly and
engaged with the levering member and moved in a first direction to
disengage from the at least one wheel assembly for allowing the
scooter to move without being subject to any braking force as the
levering member is rotated in a first rotational direction and
moved in a second direction to engage with the at least one wheel
assembly for stopping the scooter as the levering member is rotated
in a second rotational direction, a resilient member biasing the
engaging member, and a cap retained in place, with the resilient
member including one of two opposing ends abutted against the
engaging member and the other of the two opposing ends abutted
against the cap, wherein the actuating member is moveably disposed
in a receptacle defined in the board and includes a user-interface
side exposed outside an opening of the receptacle defined in the
first side of the board, and an urging section engaging with an
engaging section of the levering member causing the lever member to
be rotated, wherein the levering member includes a first
interacting face engaged with a second interacting face of the
engaging member for causing the engaging member to be moved,
wherein the engaging section of the levering member is an arcuate
surface and the urging section of the actuating member that engages
with the engaging section is arcuate.
9. The scooter as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first interacting
face is a sloped surface, and wherein the second interacting face
is a sloped surface that complements to the first interacting
face.
10. A scooter comprising: a board for supporting a user thereof,
with the board including a first side and a second side in
opposition to the first side, with the user being in contact with
the first side during operation; at least one wheel assembly
mounted on the board for facilitating movement and transportation
of the board; a braking system operable in a first mode that
engages with and imparts a braking force to the at least one wheel
assembly for stopping the scooter, and in a second mode that is
subject to a force and is caused to disengage from the at least one
wheel assembly for allowing the scooter to be moved without being
subject to an braking force; wherein when the user wants to ride
the scooter he/she uses his/her foot on the board to apply a force
on the braking system such that the braking system is caused to
operate in the first mode, and when he/she wants to stop the
scooter he/she takes his/her foot off the braking system such that
the braking system is caused to operate in the second made,
respectively, wherein the braking system includes an actuating
member, a levering member rotatable supported about a fulcrum and
rotated under a force applied to the actuating member, an engaging
member selectively engaged with the at least one wheel assembly and
engaged with the levering member and moved in a first direction to
disengage from the at least one wheel assembly for allowing the
scooter to move without being subject to any braking force as the
levering member is rotated in a first rotational direction and
moved in a second direction to engage with the at least one wheel
assembly for stopping the scooter as the levering member is rotated
in a second rotational direction, a resilient member biasing the
engaging member, and a cap retained in place, with the resilient
member including one of two opposing ends abutted against the
engaging member and the other of the two opposing ends abutted
against the cap; and a retaining member fastened to the board, with
the engaging member including a bottom side supported on the
retaining member such that the engaging member is prevented from
disengagement from the levering member, and with the levering
member supported on the retaining member such that the levering
member is prevented from disengagement from the actuating member
and the engaging member.
11. The scooter as claimed in claim 14 further comprising a
steering handle selectively mounted on the board for the user to
grasp during operation.
12. The scooter as claimed in claim 14 wherein the at least one
wheel assembly includes a connecting device and a wheel connected
to the board by the connecting device.
13. The scooter as claimed in claim 12, wherein the connecting
device includes an axle, two sleeves, and two fastening members,
with the wheel rotatably mounted on an outer periphery of the axle,
with the axle retained to the board by the two fastening members,
and with sleeves connected to two opposing distal ends of the axle
and disposed on an outer periphery of the axle.
14. A scooter comprising: a board for supporting a user thereof,
with the board including a first side and a second side in
opposition to the first side, with the user being in contact with
the first side during operation; at least one wheel assembly
mounted on the board for facilitating movement and transportation
of the board; and a braking system operable in a first mode that
engages with and imparts a braking force to the at least one wheel
assembly for stopping the scooter, and in a second mode that is
subject to a force and is caused to disengage from the at least one
wheel assembly for allowing the scooter to be moved without being
subject to any braking force; wherein when the user wants to ride
the scooter he/she uses his/her foot on the board to apply a force
on the braking system such that the braking system is caused to
operate in the first mode, and when he/she wants to stop the
scooter he/she takes his/her foot off the braking system such that
the braking system is caused to operate in the second mode,
respectively, wherein the braking system includes an actuating
member, a levering member rotatably supported about a fulcrum and
rotated under a force applied to the actuating member, an engaging
member selectively engaged with the at least one wheel assembly and
engaged with the levering member and moved in a first direction to
disengage from the at least one wheel assembly for allowing the
scooter to move without being subject to any braking force as the
levering member is rotated in a first rotational direction and
moved in a second direction to engage with the at least one wheel
assembly for stopping the scooter as the levering member is rotated
in a second rotational direction, a resilient member biasing the
engaging member, and a cap retained in place, with the resilient
member including one of two opposing ends abutted against the
engaging member and the other of the two opposing ends abutted
against the cap, wherein the actuating member includes a
position-limiting section extending from an outer periphery thereof
and engaged in a position-limiting stop defined in the board for
preventing the actuating member from disengaging from the
board.
15. A scooter comprising: a board for supporting a user thereof,
with the board including a first side and a second side in
opposition to the first side, with the user being in contact with
the first side during operation; at least one wheel assembly
mounted on the board for facilitating movement and transportation
of the board; and a braking system operable in a first mode that
engages with and imparts a braking force to the at least one wheel
assembly for stopping the scooter, and in a second mode that is
subject to a force and is caused to disengage from the at least one
wheel assembly for allowing the scooter to be moved without being
subject to any braking force; wherein when the user wants to ride
the scooter he/she uses his/her foot on the board to apply a force
on the braking system such that the braking system is caused to
operate in the first mode, and when he/she wants to stop the
scooter he/she takes his/her foot off the braking system such that
the braking system is caused to operate in the second mode,
respectively, wherein the braking system includes an actuating
member, a levering member rotatably supported about a fulcrum and
rotated under a force applied to the actuating member, an engaging
member selectively engaged with the at least one wheel assembly and
engaged with the levering member and moved in a first direction to
disengage from the at least one wheel assembly for allowing the
scooter to move without being subject to any braking force as the
levering member is rotated in a first rotational direction and
moved in a second direction to engage with the at least one wheel
assembly for stopping the scooter as the levering member is rotated
in a second rotational direction, a resilient member biasing the
engaging member, and a cap retained in place, with the resilient
member including one of two opposing ends abutted against the
engaging member and the other of the two opposing ends abutted
against the cap, wherein the engaging member includes a retaining
section, a protuberance, and a brake section, with the retaining
section engaged with the board for the engaging member to
accomplish predetermined directions of movement, with the
protuberance abutted against the resilient member, and with the
brake section selectively engaged with the at least one wheel
assembly.
16. (canceled)
17. The scooter as claimed in claim 14, wherein the actuating
member is moveably disposed in a receptacle defined in the board
and includes a user-interface side exposed outside an opening of
the receptacle defined in the first side of the board, and an
urging section engaging with an engaging section of the levering
member causing the lever member to be rotated, wherein the levering
member includes a first interacting face engaged with a second
interacting face of the engaging member for causing the engaging
member to be moved.
18. The scooter as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first
interacting face is a sloped surface, and wherein the second
interacting face is a sloped surface that complements to the first
interacting face.
19. A scooter comprising: a board for supporting a user thereof,
with the board including a first side and a second side in
opposition to the first side, with the user being in contact with
the first side during operation, wherein the board includes a
structure extending from the first side to the second side and
including a plurality of ribs arranged to form an array of a
plurality of cells including a plurality of spaces, respectively;
at least one wheel assembly mounted on the board for facilitating
movement and transportation of the board; a braking system operable
in a first mode that engages with and imparts a braking force to
the at least one wheel assembly for stopping the scooter, and in a
second mode that is subject to a force and is caused to disengage
from the at least one wheel assembly for allowing the scooter to be
moved without being subject to any braking force; wherein when the
user wants to ride the scooter he/she uses his/her foot on the
board to apply a force on the braking system such that the braking
system is caused to operate in the first mode, and when he/she
wants to stop the scooter he/she takes his/her foot off the braking
system such that the braking system is caused to operate in the
second mode, respectively, wherein the braking system includes an
actuating member, a levering member rotatably supported about a
fulcrum and rotated under a force applied to the actuating member,
an engaging member selectively engaged with the at least one wheel
assembly and engaged with the levering member and moved in a first
direction to disengage from the at least one wheel assembly for
allowing the scooter to move without being subject to any braking
force as the levering member is rotated in a first rotational
direction and moved in a second direction to engage with the at
least one wheel assembly for stopping the scooter as the levering
member is rotated in a second rotational direction, a resilient
member biasing the engaging member, and a cap retained in place,
with the resilient member including one of two opposing ends
abutted against the engaging member and the other of the two
opposing ends abutted against the cap; and a retaining member
fastened to the board, with the engaging member including a bottom
side supported on the retaining member such that the engaging
member is prevented from disengagement from the levering member,
and with the levering member supported on the retaining member such
that the levering member is prevented from disengagement from the
actuating member and the engaging member.
20. The scooter as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a steering
handle selectively mounted on the board for the user to grasp
during operation scooter.
21. The scooter as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a steering
handle selectively mounted on the board for the user to grasp
during operation.
22. The scooter as claimed in claim 10 further comprising a
steering handle selectively mounted on the board for the user to
grasp during operation.
23. The scooter as claimed in claim 15 further comprising a
steering handle selectively mounted on the board for the user to
grasp during operation.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a scooter and, in
particular, to a scooter including a brake system.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] To ride a scooter, the user would place his/her one leg on
the scooter and uses the other leg to push off with so that the
scooter starts moving, and to stop the scooter the user would drag
a foot on the ground until the scooter slows down and stops. The
problem is that most scooters do not have a brake system.
[0005] Referring to TW Pat. No. M266958, a scooter includes a front
wheel, a rear wheel and a pressing member disposed above the rear
wheel. The pressing member is pivotal to a position that it abuts
against the real wheel. Accordingly, the user pushes the pressing
member against the rear wheel if he/she wishes to stop riding the
scooter. Additionally, once the leg is taken off the pressing
member, the pressing member would pivot away from the rear wheel
automatically. However, it is not easy for the user to push the
pressing member against the rear wheel as he is riding on the
scooter. The problem is that the user has to balance his/her weight
on the scooter with one leg while he applies a force to push the
pressing member to resist against the rotating rear wheel with the
other leg. Since the pressing member and the rear wheel are subject
to repetitive frictional forces and pressures from rubbing against
each other and it is liable that the user pushes the pressing
member against the rear wheel too excessively, the pressing member
and the rear wheel are susceptible to wear and breakage more
easily.
[0006] The present invention is, therefore, intended to obviate or
at least alleviate the problems encountered in the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] According to the present invention, a scooter includes a
board for supporting the user thereof including a first side and a
second side in opposition to the first side, with the user being in
contact with the first side during the operation of the scooter. At
least one wheel assembly is mounted on the board for facilitating
movement and transportation of the board. Furthermore, the scooter
includes a braking system operable in a first mode that it engages
with and imparts a braking force to the at least one wheel assembly
for stopping the scooter, and in a second mode that it is subject
to a force and is caused to disengage from the at least one wheel
assembly for allowing the scooter to be moved without subject to
any braking force. Consequently, when the user wants to ride the
scooter he/she uses his/her foot on the board to apply a force on
the braking system such that the braking system is caused to
operate in the second mode, and when he/she wants to stop the
scooter he/she takes his/her foot off the braking system such that
the braking system is caused to operate in the second mode,
respectively.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
scooter with a braking system.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
braking system that is easy to be operated.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
braking system that the user is hindered from applying a force too
excessively to damage a wheel assembly.
[0011] Other objects, advantages, and new features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanied drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scooter with a brake
system in accordance with the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the scooter shown in
FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the scooter shown
in FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a partial, enlarged view of the scooter shown in
FIG. 3.
[0016] FIG. 5 is another exploded perspective view of the scooter
shown in FIG. 1.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a partial, enlarged view of the scooter shown in
FIG. 5.
[0018] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the scooter shown in FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of
FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of
FIG. 1.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a partial, enlarged view of the scooter shown in
FIG. 9 and shows the brake system operated in a first mode for
stopping the scooter.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a partial, enlarged view of the scooter shown in
FIG. 8 and is an extended view of FIG. 9, wherein the brake system
is operated in the first mode.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 of
FIG. 8.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the brake system
operated in a second mode in which the scooter is adapted to be
moved and is not subject to any braking force.
[0025] FIG. 14 is an extended view of FIG. 11 but shows the brake
system in the second mode.
[0026] FIG. 15 is an extended view of FIG. 12 but shows the brake
system in the second mode.
[0027] FIG. 16 shows the operation of the scooter embodying the
present invention, with the brake system stepped by the user so
that it is operated in the second mode.
[0028] FIG. 17 shows the operation of the scooter embodying the
present invention, with the brake system stepped by the user so
that it is operated in the second mode, and with a steering handle
of the scooter removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0029] The present invention discloses a scooter. The scooter
includes a board 10 for supporting the user thereof. The board 10
includes a first side 11 and a second side 12 in opposition to the
first side 11 and a structure, which extends from the first side 11
to the second side 12, including a plurality of ribs 121 arranged
to form an array of a plurality of cells including a plurality of
spaces 122, respectively. Consequently, material and weight of the
board 10 are saved, and the structural strength of the board 10 is
not compromised. The board 10 further includes a lateral side
extending from a peripheral edge of the first side 11 to a
peripheral edge of the second side 12 and defining a first lateral
side 13 and a second lateral side 14 in opposite sides of the board
10.
[0030] In use of the scooter, the user is in contact with the first
side 11 of the board 10. An anti-slippery surface 111 is defined on
the first side 11. The anti-slippery surface 111 can prevent the
user from slipping off the board 10. Additionally, the
anti-slippery surface 111 has a figurative shape that is adapted to
indicate the user what are the go forward and go reverse
directions. In the embodiment, the anti-slippery surface 11 is in a
shape of a footprint.
[0031] Furthermore, the scooter includes a first wheel assembly 20
mounted on a first end 15 of the board 10 and a second wheel
assembly 30 mounted on a second end 16 of the board 10,
respectively, for facilitating movement and transportation of the
board 10. The first end 15 is in opposition to the second end 16.
The first wheel assembly 20 includes a shaft 21 and two first
wheels 22 disposed on two opposing distal ends of the shaft 21,
respectively. The shaft 21 is received on a first notch 123 and the
two first wheels 22 are received on two compartments 125,
respectively. The first notch 123 and the two compartments 125 are
defined in the second side 12 of the board 10. Further, a fastening
device 126 is utilized to prevent the first wheel assembly 20 from
disengagement from the board 10. The fastening device 126 includes
a fastener 1261, a holding plate 1262, and a retainer 1263. The
fastener 1261 is inserted through a cavity 112 extending from the
first side 11 towards the second side 12 of the board 10, and a
slot 1211 extending through a wall which defines a boundary between
the cavity 112 and the first notch 123, as well as a hole 12621
extending through the holding plate 1262, sequentially, and is
threadly engaged with the retainer 1263. Furthermore, the fastener
1261 includes a head 12611 that is unable to pass through the slot
1211. The retainer 1263 is of a size that is unable to pass through
the hole 12621. The holding plate 1262 includes a distal end
abutted against the second side 12 of the board 10 and is retained
in place after the fastener 1261 engaged with the retainer 1263.
Consequently, the fastening device 126 includes its fastener 1261
and holding plate 1262 cooperating together to enclose the shaft 21
of the first wheel assembly 20 in the first notch 123 for
preventing the first wheel assembly 20 from disengagement from the
board 10. Additionally, since the cavity 112 extends from the first
side 11 towards the second side 12 of the board 10, it includes an
opening defined in the first side 11 of the board 10, and in order
to make the board 10 appeals neat and tidy, a cover 113 is utilized
to close the opening of the cavity 112. The cover 113 is
particularly mounted on the board 10 after the fastener 1261 of the
fastening device 126 is inserted through the opening of the cavity
112. Consequently, the inside of the cavity 112 and the fastener
1261 are prevented from being dusted, and the fastener 1261 is
prevented from inadvertently adjusted.
[0032] In addition, the second wheel assembly 30 includes a
connecting device 31 and a second wheel 32 connected to the board
10 by the connecting device 31. The connecting device 31 includes
an axle 311, two sleeves 312, and two fastening members 313. The
second wheel 32 is rotatably mounted on an outer periphery of the
axle 311 and is received in a compartment 127. The compartment 127
is disposed adjacent to the second end 16 of the board 10 and
extends in the second side 12 of the board 10. The axle 311 is
retained between the first and second lateral sides 13 and 14 by
the two fastening members 313, with one fastening member 313
mounted in a bore 131 defined in the first lateral side 13 and
engaged with one of two opposing distal ends of the axle 311, and
with the other fastening member 313 mounted in a bore 141 defined
in the second lateral side 14 and engaged with the other of the two
opposing distal ends of the axle. The axle 311 is threadly engaged
with the two fastening members 313. Additionally, the sleeves 312
are connected to two opposing distal ends of the axle 311 and
disposed on the outer periphery of the axle 31 so as to enable the
axle 311 to rotate in an easy manner. Moreover, the axle 31 is
prevented from abrading against the first and second lateral sides
13 and 14 of the board 10 by the sleeves 312.
[0033] Furthermore, the scooter includes a braking system 40
operable in a first mode that it engages with and imparts a braking
force to the second wheel assembly 20 for stopping the scooter, and
in a second mode that it is subject to a force and is caused to
disengage from the second wheel assembly 20 for allowing the
scooter to be moved without subject to any braking force. The
braking system 40 includes an actuating member 41, a levering
member 42, an engaging member 43, a resilient member 44, a
retaining member 45 and a cap 46. The actuating member 41 is
moveably disposed in a receptacle 114 defined in the board 10. The
receptacle 114 extends from the first side 11 to the second side 12
of the board 10 and is disposed adjacent to a rear end of the
anti-slippery surface 111 that is adjacent to the second end 16 of
the board 10. Also, the actuating member 41 includes a
user-interface side 411 exposing outside an opening of the
receptacle 114 defined in the first side 11 of the board 10, an
urging section 412, and two position-limiting sections 413 extend
from an outer periphery thereof Each positioning limiting section
413 is engaged in a position-limiting stop 115 defined in the board
10. The position-limiting stop 115 prevents the actuating member 41
from disengaging from the receptacle 114. Additionally, the urging
section 412 of the actuating member 41 is engaged with the levering
member 42 and, in particular, with an engaging section 423 of the
levering member 42. The levering member 42 includes a first
terminal end 421 and a second terminal end 422 in opposition to the
first terminal end 421. The engaging section 423 is defined
adjacent to the first terminal end 421 of the levering member 42.
The levering member 42 is disposed in a compartment 128 defined in
the board 10. The compartment 128 extends in the second side 12 of
the board 10. Also, the levering member 42 is turnably supported
about a fulcrum 425 and is turned under a force applied to the
user-interface side 41 of the actuating member 41. The fulcrum 425
is defined between the first and second terminal ends 411 and 412
and is located in a recess 129 defined in the second side 12 of the
board 10. Additionally, the engaging section 423 of the levering
member 42 is an arcuate surface and the urging section 412 of the
actuating member 41 that engages with the engaging section 423 is
arcuate. Consequently, the actuating member 41 can turn the
levering member 42 in a more frictionless and effortless
manner.
[0034] The levering member 42 further includes a first interacting
face 424 defined on the second terminal end 422 and engaged with
the engaging member 43 and, in particular, with a second
interacting face 433 of the engaging member 43. The first
interacting face 424 is a sloped surface and the second interacting
face 433 is a sloped surface that complements to the first
interacting face 424. Consequently, the engaging member 43 is
caused to move in a first direction as the levering member 42 is
turned in a first rotational direction, and to move in a second
direction as the levering member 42 is turned in a second
rotational direction. The first direction is opposite to the second
direction. Likewise, the first rotational direction is opposite to
the second rotational direction.
[0035] In addition, the engaging member 43 includes a retaining
section 431, a protuberance 432, and a brake section 434. The
retaining section 431 is disposed in one of the plurality of spaces
122 defined in the board 10 and is engaged with a guiding channel
(not numbered) defined in the board 10 for the engaging member 43
to accomplish predetermined directions of movement. The
protuberance 432 is abutted against one of two opposing ends of the
resilient member 44. Also, the protuberance 432 and the second
interacting surface 433 are disposed on opposite sides of the
engaging member 43. The brake section 434 is selectively engaged
with the second wheel assembly 20. Consequently, when the braking
system 40 is operated in the first mode, the brake section 434
engages with the second wheel assembly 20, whereas when the braking
system is operated in the second mode, the brake section 434
disengages from the second wheel assembly 20. Moreover, the
engaging member 43 includes a bottom side supported on at least one
projection 455 extended from a receiving section 453 of the
retaining member 45. The retaining member 45 is fastened to the
board 10 by a plurality of fastening members 452 inserted into two
connecting fins 451 of the retaining member 45 and engaged with the
board 10. The two connecting fins 451 extend oppositely from two
opposite sides of the receiving section 453. Consequently, the
engaging member 43 is prevented from disengagement from the
levering member 42. Additionally, the levering member 42 is also
supported on the retaining member 45. Consequently, the levering
member 42 is prevented from disengagement from the actuating member
41 and the engaging member 43. Furthermore, the retaining member 45
includes a recess 454 defined therein for receiving the fulcrum
425. Consequently, the fulcrum 425 is enclosed by peripheries of
the recesses 129 and 454.
[0036] In addition, the cap 46 of the braking system 40 is abutted
against the other of the two opposing ends of the resilient member
44 and is insertably mounted in a bore 132 defined in the first
lateral side 13 of the board 10 and retained in place.
Consequently, the engaging member 43 is subject to a biasing force
imparted by the resilient member 44.
[0037] The scooter further includes a steering handle 50 mounted on
the board 10 for allowing the user to grasp during the operation of
the scooter, as shown in FIG. 16. The steering handle 50 includes a
structure disposed in a second notch 124 defined in the board 10
for connection with the board. The second notch 124 is disposed
adjacent to the first end 15 of the board 10. Further, a plurality
of fastening members 51 is used to fix the steering handle 50. The
plurality of fastening members 51 are inserted into the steering
handle 50 and engaged with the board 10. Likewise, the scooter
embodying the present invention is adapted to be operated without
the steering handle 50, so the steering handle 50 is be removed
from the scooter, as shown in FIG. 17.
[0038] Accordingly, when the user wants to ride the scooter he/she
uses his/her foot on the board 10 to apply a force on the braking
system 40 such that the braking system 40 is caused to operate in
the second mode, and when he/she wants to stop the scooter he/she
takes his/her foot off the braking system 40 such that the braking
system 40 is caused to operate in the second mode, respectively.
When the braking system 40 is operated in the second mode, the
actuating member 41 is depressed, and the levering member 42 is
caused to rotate about the fulcrum 425 in the first rotational
direction, and the engaging member 43 is caused to move in the
first direction to cause the brake section 434 thereof to disengage
from the second wheel assembly 20, and the resilient member 44 is
depressed by the protuberance 432 of the engaging member 43.
Additionally, when the braking system 40 is operated in the first
mode, the actuating member 41 is not depressed, and the levering
member 42 is caused to rotate about the fulcrum 425 in the second
rotational direction, and the engaging member 43 is caused to move
in the second direction to cause the brake section 434 thereof to
engage with the second wheel assembly 20, and the resilient member
44 is released from an urging force from the protuberance 432 of
the engaging member 43.
[0039] In view of the forgoing, it is easy and convenient for the
user to operate the braking system 40. Also, the user is hindered
from applying a force too excessively to damage the second wheel
assembly 30.
[0040] While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described, numerous modifications come to mind without
significantly departing from the spirit of invention, and the scope
of invention is only limited by the scope of the accompanying
claims.
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