Collapsible Or Knockdown For Storage Or Transport Patents (Class 180/208)
  • Patent number: 11932302
    Abstract: A compact electric transport device that is convertible between a stowed configuration and a riding configuration is described. In one embodiment, a foldable steering assembly for an electric transport device includes a steering column disposed within an opening along a top surface of the electric transport device. The steering column has a horizontal orientation that extends along a length of the electric transport device within the opening in a folded position. The foldable steering assembly also includes a steering shaft connected to an axle of a wheel of the electric transport device. The foldable steering assembly further includes a hinge connecting the steering column to the steering shaft. The steering column is configured to transition to a vertical orientation that is perpendicular to the opening along the top surface of the electric transport device in an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jackie P. Porchay, Michael J. Kim
  • Patent number: 11904975
    Abstract: Disclosed is a folding car for children. The folding car comprises a rear frame, rear frame is connected with a seat; a front frame connected to the rear frame in a back-and-forth movable manner; a front lateral rod, a front portion of which is rotatably connected with the front frame; a rear lateral rod rotatably connected to the front lateral rod and the rear frame; a pedal rod rotatably connected to the front frame; and a connecting rod connected with the rear frame in a back-and-forth movable manner, and a front portion of the connecting rod being connected with the pedal rods in a slidable and rotatable manner. The folding car for children realizes the folding of a seat-type scooter for children, has a simple and new overall structure, is convenient to fold and has a small volume after being folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Goodbaby Child Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hui Cai, Yu Ding
  • Patent number: 11866121
    Abstract: An electric mobility vehicle including a front-wheel-side body, a rear-wheel-side body, a seat on which a passenger sits in an in-use state, and a linking mechanism that links the front-wheel-side body with the rear-wheel-side body so as to be pivotable about a pivoting axis extending in a vehicle width direction. The electric mobility vehicle is foldable by pivoting the front-wheel-side body and the rear-wheel-side body relative to each other in a vehicle front-to-rear direction. The electric mobility vehicle includes a footrest provided in the front-wheel-side body, a front-end roller or a front-end caster provided in the front-wheel-side body and disposed at a vehicle front side relative to a front end of the front wheel in the in-use state, and comes into contact with the floor surface in the folded state to make the electric mobility vehicle stand alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: WHILL, INC.
    Inventors: Satoshi Nakagawa, Hiroyuki Tsukamoto, Masahiro Toriyama, Shogo Onishi, Ren Akama, Shuyu Hsu, Shin Nagata
  • Patent number: 11383792
    Abstract: A vehicle for a person to ride on a ground surface includes a rigid frame that has front and rear ends and at least a seat on a top side of the frame. A steering mechanism disposed proximate the front end of the frame is adapted for allowing the person to steer a front wheel. A steering fork may include two lower fork members each selectively detachable from two upper fork members of the steering fork at two telescoping attachment arrangements that includes a front suspension arrangement. A rigid frame extension has a front end that is pivotally fixed proximate the rear end of the frame. The frame extension includes at least one rear wheel fixed with a rear end of the frame extension. A motor is fixed with the front wheel and is electrically connected with at least one battery and a throttle switch fixed with the steering mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Inventor: John Suratana Thienphrapa
  • Patent number: 11260926
    Abstract: A three wheeled stand-up or sit down foldable and portable electric personal mobility vehicle for fulfilling the needs of a broad spectrum of users including the handicapped and recreational users. The personal mobility vehicle has two major parts, including a front wheel frame assembly and a rear frame chassis assembly. These major parts are configured to easily fold into a smaller size so that the vehicle can be easily transportable and more conveniently stored. Furthermore, a versatile seat and seat post are implemented to enable a user to sit or stand, and the seat can be easily removed, without tools, to create more space should a user wish.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Inventor: Jeffrey Schneider
  • Patent number: 11230343
    Abstract: A locking device is provided for a scooter when being telescopically collapsed to lock the steering shaft when being folded and to lock a telescopic front frame when being telescopically collapsed. The locking device includes a steering shaft locking unit is coupled to a pivot seat of a telescopic front frame and a pivot portion of the steering shaft. The steering shaft locking unit is at least provided to hold the steering shaft in place when being in a horizontally folded mode. A front frame telescopically collapsed locking unit includes a first positioning portion disposed on a shank section of the steering shaft and a second positioning portion disposed on one of a rear frame and a foldable seat. The first positioning portion and the second positioning portion are engaged to each other for positioning the telescopically collapsed front frame when the steering shaft is in a horizontally folded mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Inventor: Chien-Liang Chiu
  • Patent number: 11198482
    Abstract: An oscillation-type vehicle includes a front vehicle body that suspends a front wheel in a steerable manner, a rear vehicle body that suspends left and right drive wheels, and an oscillation mechanism that causes the front vehicle body and the rear vehicle body to oscillate relative to each other. The oscillation-type vehicle being capable of carrying out drive control of the left and right drive wheels such that the drive wheels behave differently from each other in response to oscillation of the oscillation-type vehicle, wherein the drive control of the left and right drive wheels is carried out using information on the oscillation and information on a speed of vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Koichi Sugioka
  • Patent number: 11161539
    Abstract: A transportation apparatus reconfigurable between at least two modes of operation. Each mode of operation comprises a mode of transport. A first mode of operation comprises a stroller, push-chair or perambulation (pram) mode. A second mode comprises a velocipede mode, such as a tricycle, bicycle and/or quadricycle mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignee: All Day Designs LTD.
    Inventor: Amanda Day
  • Patent number: 11124257
    Abstract: A scooter includes a platform, a shell movably coupled to the platform via a gripper of the shell and a grip surface of the platform, and front and rear wheels rotatably coupled to the platform. The shell defines a cavity, and the platform is movable into and out of the cavity. The scooter may include a retractable pole coupled to the platform and a handlebar coupled to the retractable pole. The retractable pole may be coupled to and steer the front wheel. The shell may include one or two foldable decks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: James Yu-Hsin Kuo, Hyunsoo Kim, Chelsia Ka Po Lau, Jack Li, Euishik Bang
  • Patent number: 11026488
    Abstract: Motorized luggage includes a frame enclosed in part by an outer shell, the frame defining an internal storage compartment, a front wheel positioned along the bottom surface of the frame, wherein the front wheel is connected to a first axle that is connected to a steering shaft, wherein the position of the steering shaft controls an orientation of the front wheel, a retractable handlebar received by the steering shaft, first and second rear wheels connected by a second axle, wherein the second axle is operatively coupled to the frame; an electric motor mounted on the frame, wherein the electric motor drives the rear wheels, and a retractable pull handle that engages the first and second rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: Modobag, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin O'Donnell, Boyd Bruner
  • Patent number: 10940804
    Abstract: A stowage system (14) is provided for stowing a two-wheeled vehicle (30) in a motor vehicle (12), having a loading floor (16) for depositing the two-wheeled vehicle (30), and a lifting device (20) which can be supported on a load-bearing structure (22) of the motor vehicle (12) for moving the loading floor (16) between a loading position and a stowing position. The loading floor (16) has at least one three-dimensionally shaped first centring means (26) for positioning the two-wheeled vehicle (30) at least in a first coordinate direction relative to the loading floor (16). A two-wheeled vehicle (30) can be stowed in a space-saving manner and protected against damage by of the loading floor (16) which can be lowered and the at least one centring means (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Inventors: Erwin Goetz, Jasmin Ostertag
  • Patent number: 10919443
    Abstract: A vehicle includes a front modular assembly having at least one front wheel, a steering assembly, a throttle, and a power source. The vehicle may include a rear modular assembly removably couplable to the front modular assembly and having at least one rear wheel, a brake selectively coupled to the at least one rear wheel, and at least one rear light configured to emit light while receiving a power signal, the at least one rear light and the brake being in electrical communication with the power source via a shared electrical connection while the rear modular assembly is coupled to the front modular assembly. The vehicle may include a controller in electrical communication with the power source, the controller being configured to selectively provide the power signal to the brake and the rear light via the shared electrical connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: PRIDE MOBILITY PRODUCTS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert Davies, Nicholas E. Kuzma, Robert McCollough
  • Patent number: 10864958
    Abstract: A three wheeled stand-up or sit down portable two part personal mobility vehicle suited to fulfilling the needs of a broad spectrum of drivers including the handicapped having walking disabilities and recreational users. The vehicle is configured to easily fold and collapse without the use of tools to thereby provide a convenient way for all people, including the handicapped or those lacking normal strength, to handle and store their vehicle. The folding mechanism is implemented with the steering column of the vehicle and enables the handlebar assembly to easily fold downward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2020
    Inventor: Jeffrey Schneider
  • Patent number: 10850789
    Abstract: A scooter includes a front platform and a driver platform rotatably connected to each other and each having a planar surface. Wheels are rotatably connected to the front platform and the driver platform, and a motor is in at least one of the wheels. The front platform and the driver platform are relatively rotatable between a stowed position in which the planar surfaces are in separate planes and a cargo position in which the planar surfaces are coplanar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventor: Paul Jonathan Alexander Wraith
  • Patent number: 10752310
    Abstract: A cockpit for a two-wheeled vehicle has a base body, on which a display and a steering handle are attached. The base body is pivotably mounted at a bodywork of the two-wheeled vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Mario Rossetti
  • Patent number: 10729603
    Abstract: A manual electric folding scooter belongs to the technical field of medical instruments comprises a folding assembly, a push rod shaft and a rotating spindle arranged in turn, one end of an electric push rod is fixed in the push rod shaft, and the other end of the electric push rod is driven by a motor; the folding assembly comprises a hook shaft with both ends welded to a fixing plate, two reinforcing rods are symmetrically welded in the middle of the hook shaft, and the free ends of the reinforcing rods after passing through the symmetrically arranged fixing plate are arranged in sliding slots of frame fixing pieces on corresponding sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Nanjing Jin Bai He Medical Apparatus Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhaowei Wang
  • Patent number: 10717492
    Abstract: A foldable vehicle includes a front wheel frame having a front wheel pivotably connected thereto, the front wheel frame having a front circular opening for receiving the front wheel. The vehicle also has a rear wheel frame having a rear wheel pivotably connected thereto, the rear wheel frame having a rear circular opening for receiving the rear wheel. A pivot joint connects the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame, with the front wheel frame and the rear wheel frame being pivotable against each other via the pivot joint. A front vertical support extends from the front wheel frame and has a handlebar assembly pivotably secured to the front vertical support, and a rear vertical support extends from the rear wheel frame and has a seat assembly removably secured to the rear vertical support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Smacircle LMT Ltd.
    Inventors: Shanggui Wu, Joseph Lin, Luyao Zhuang, Zhaozhi Zhang, Ming Li
  • Patent number: 10654541
    Abstract: Foldable electrical vehicles and related charging infrastructure are described. The foldable electrical vehicle generally includes three structural members (front and rear wheel-bearing structural members and a seat-bearing structural member) that are pivotally interconnected along their lengths such that they may be pivoted between a closed position wherein the three structural members are disposed roughly parallel to each other in a compact folded configuration, and an open riding configuration wherein an angular relation is formed between the structural members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: URBAN626, LLC
    Inventors: Sven Etzelsberger, Grant Delgatty
  • Patent number: 10649465
    Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to self-driving luggage systems, devices, and components thereof, having multiple following modes. In one implementation, a self-driving system includes a piece of luggage. The piece of luggage includes one or more motorized wheels and an onboard ultra-wideband device. The onboard ultra-wideband device includes a control unit and one or more transceivers. The piece of luggage also includes one or more laser emitters configured to shoot light towards a target. The piece of luggage also includes one or more proximity cameras configured to take one or more images of the target, and the one or more images include light reflected off of the target. Each of the one or more proximity cameras includes an optical filter. The self-driving system also includes a central processing unit. The central processing unit is configured to switch between a vision following mode and a radio following mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: LINGDONG TECHNOLOGY (BEIJING) CO. LTD
    Inventors: Wenqing Tang, Yaming Tang
  • Patent number: 10562583
    Abstract: A folding electrically powered vehicle includes a handlebar unit mounted at an upper end of a stem; a front wheel; an inverted U-shaped front suspension assembly including an intermediate joint pivotably mounted on a lower portion of the stem, a rearward curved frame member, and two foot rests; a front frame having two ends of a front portion pivotably secured to the two ends of the suspension assembly, the front frame including two rearward extending bars; a rear frame including two side bars pivotably secured to the rearward extending bars, two rear wheels, and a stop tube across front portions of the side bars; a seat assembly including two bottom tubes pivotably secured to two ends of the rearward extending bars respectively, and a pivotal seat back; and two shock absorbers each pivotably secured to the seat assembly and the rear frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: PUC PERFECT UNION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ching Chan
  • Patent number: 10351202
    Abstract: In a traveling apparatus, a front wheel supporting member is coupled to a rear wheel supporting member rotatably around a pivot axis and with a support shaft in such a way that a wheel base length will become variable according to a relative posture of the front wheel supporting member and the rear wheel supporting member. Control is performed so that the greater the wheel base length, the greater a speed of the traveling apparatus in a forward direction will become. When the wheel base length is one at which the speed in the forward direction becomes substantially zero, while the front wheel is oriented in a straight traveling direction, an intersection point where the pivot axis crosses a road surface is located at a position offset from a grounding point where the front wheel is grounded on the road surface toward a side of the rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takeshi Kama, Makoto Kakuchi, Makoto Mori
  • Patent number: 10328990
    Abstract: A go-cart frame and a tricycle frame that can be attached to an engine frame. Both the go-cart frame and tricycle frame have a mounting bracket that attaches to a bracket on the engine frame. The engine frame has an engine mount, a transmission system and two wheels. The go-cart frame has two wheels in the front, a front steering systems, a body with a seat and throttle and brake controls. The tricycle frame has a single front wheel, a steering system, a seat and throttle and brake controls. To convert one device to the other, the user simply unbolts the engine frame from the other frame (supporting it as needed), disconnects the control cables, moves the originally connected piece, moves the other piece into position, and then bolts this new piece to the engine frame and reconnects the controls. Then, the new configuration is ready to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Tracy Michael Martin
  • Patent number: 10308270
    Abstract: A seat device for a kickboard, with a seat unit and with at least one first fastening unit for fastening to the kickboard. The seat device comprises at least one storage unit with at least one receiving region that is provided for receiving objects and is at least approximately completely enclosed in at least one state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: MICRO MOBILITY SYSTEMS AG
    Inventors: Pascal Joos, Johnny Garfield Wong, Marin Runje
  • Patent number: 10189508
    Abstract: A two-track vehicle having a chassis on the lower face of which a component is arranged that is sensitive to scraping the road surface, the outer contour jutting out downward from the lower face of the chassis in the direction of the road surface by an offset variable and the component being covered by a base portion of a cover element to protect the component from scraping the road surface. At least one edge portion of the base portion of the cover element is laterally extended in a vehicle transverse direction, the edge portion forming a scraper stop that juts out downward from the cover element base portion in a direction onto the road surface by a vertical offset so that, when the lower face of the vehicle scrapes the road surface, the cover element base portion remains substantially out of contact with an interference contour on the road surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Denis Dupper
  • Patent number: 10144480
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an electric scooter. The electric scooter comprises a body substrate, a support rod, a front wheel, a rear wheel and a fold mechanism; the front wheel is an in-wheel motor, the body substrate can fold close to the support rod with the rear wheel by means of the fold mechanism; the support rod is internally provided with a controller which is connected with the in-wheel motor, the front wheel is rotated to trigger the controller, thus the controller controls the in-wheel motor to rotate; the support rod has a retractable rod body, and handlebars are foldable. According to the present invention, the electric scooter cannot only be folded to the greatest extent, which saves a space to the greatest extent after being folded and is easy to carry, it also can be half-folded to facilitate carrying by hands, and can generate a driving assistance to enable the body to slide further as well.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2018
    Assignee: Changsha Mantour Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xiaotian Tan, Jianyu Huang, Liang Tang
  • Patent number: 10131372
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport means (1) provided with a base frame, comprising a plurality of wheels (5, 6), two legs (3) and a transverse connecting element (4) which connects the legs (3), wherein the legs (3) extend adjacently of each other and taper as seen from a rear side to a front side of the base frame, wherein each of the legs (3) is provided on the rear side with at least one rear wheel (5) and wherein at least one front wheel (6) is mounted on the front side of the base frame, wherein the transport means (1) is provided with coupling means for pairwise coupling of two transport means in a nested position, wherein the coupling means comprise first and second coupling means, wherein the first coupling means are arranged on the inner side of at least one of the legs (3) and wherein the second coupling means are arranged on the outer side of at least one of the legs (3), and wherein the first coupling means of a first transport means (1) are configured to co-act with the second coupling means o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: BERGH SPECIAL PRODUCTS B.V.
    Inventor: Frank Bod
  • Patent number: 10112469
    Abstract: An electric work vehicle includes a left frame and a right frame extending in a vehicle fore/aft direction, a battery assembly mounted between the left frame and the right frame, a left rear wheel mounted outward of the left frame in a vehicle lateral direction, a right rear wheel mounted outward of the right frame in the vehicle lateral direction, a left motor mounted outward of the left frame in the vehicle lateral direction and forward of an axis of the left rear wheel for transmitting rotary driving power to the left rear wheel, and a right motor mounted outward of the right frame in the vehicle lateral direction and forward of an axis of the right rear wheel for transmitting rotary driving power to the right rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: Kubota Corporation
    Inventors: Yuto Fujii, Hirokazu Ito, Kazuo Koike
  • Patent number: 10016666
    Abstract: A standing riding golf bag cart (10) is provided for transporting a passenger and a golf bag (13) around a golf course. The cart (10) is adapted to covert between an expanded mode (12) for usage and a compact mode (14), for storage. The cart includes a base tube (22), a front carriage subassembly (24), a steering subassembly (26); a bag support subassembly (28); a central support subassembly (30), and a rear drive subassembly (32). The central support subassembly (30) is provided with running boards (80) upon which the passenger stands. The cart (10) is propelled by a pair of rear drive wheels (86) each having an associated electric motor (88) controlled by the passenger using a throttle control (94).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Sun Mountain Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric W. Reimers, Michael J. Deden, Dale H. Truett
  • Patent number: 9963185
    Abstract: A bicycle includes a frame including first and second segments pivotable relative to each other between a folded position and an unfolded position. The first segment has a first face and the second segment has a second face facing the first face in the unfolded position. A hinge is disposed between the first and second faces. A locking device extends through at least one of the first and second faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2018
    Assignee: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: James Neugebauer, Bruce Southey, James Lloyd, Richard Craven, Torsten Gerhardt, Simon Potticary, Jonathan Mundy
  • Patent number: 9932087
    Abstract: The invention provides a vehicle drivable in use by a person walking or running while seated comprising: a frame; a large diameter front wheel non-steerable with respect to the frame, a seat for supporting a user's weight while walking or running, the frame configured to carry the seat suspended on the front wheel, a small diameter, steerable rear wheel journalled to the frame at a steering pivot axis, the seat being rotatable forwardly with respect to the front wheel and comprising a seat base for supporting a user and further comprising a backrest for engaging the user's back in use. The large front wheel may be of approximate diameter of a user's leg (typically an adult human), thus the large front wheel may be of similar size to a bicycle wheel for the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: VELOFEET LTD
    Inventors: Manuel Alvarez-Icaza, Veronica Vargas
  • Patent number: 9896148
    Abstract: Provided is a thin collapsible two-wheeled vehicle including: a pair of left and right mounting members provided to the main body frame to mount the rear wheel; wherein the pair of mounting members are each provided with a through hole penetrating each of the pair of mounting members respectively in left and right directions of the mounting members; the main body frame has a storage room therein, the storage room capable of storing the front wheel, the rear wheel, the saddle, and the handle; the rear wheel has an axle capable of moving within the through hole between a first mounting position and second mounting position; the rear wheel protrudes from the main body frame when the axle is mounted at the first mounting position, and the rear wheel is stored in the main body frame when the axle is mounted at the second mounting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: DESIGN UNLTD INC.
    Inventor: Kazuhisa Baba
  • Patent number: 9770080
    Abstract: Portable motor-driven transportation means consists essentially of a personal portable motor-driven transportation means (PMT), with a telescopic handle on the upper part (2), a hand grip (25), where stowage is preferably done with a backpack (1), which offers protection and which is easily carried or slung over one's back, in a simple, practical and fast manner when arriving at one's destination or when it can no longer be used. The board is retractable and/or foldable (8), offering an additional extension (8?), proving to be extremely practical in its use. This additional space (8?) can receive any object, adding a seat, or even another person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Inventor: Hugo Leonardo Dourado
  • Patent number: 9764657
    Abstract: A standup, electrically powered three-wheeled vehicle has safety features in its control and method of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Assignee: Segway Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Harding, William J. Twomey, Robert M. Bowman
  • Patent number: 9745016
    Abstract: A scooter includes an elongated foot rest base extending from a first end to a second end; a first wheel secured to the first end of the foot rest base; a second wheel secured to the second end of the foot rest base; a pivot joint extend through a thickness of the foot rest base, the pivot joint being positioned between the first end and the second end; a locking mechanism secured to the foot rest base and configured to lock the joint in a fixed position; a backrest pivotally secured to the second end of the foot rest base; and a storage compartment rigidly secured to the backrest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Inventor: Jonathan Makonnen
  • Patent number: 9718512
    Abstract: A foldable scooter is provided, including: a supporting base being capable of carrying goods; a front wheel assembly hinged to a front end of the supporting base via a front rotation assembly, comprising a front fork and a front wheel pivoted to the front fork; a rear wheel assembly provided hinged to a rear end of the supporting base via a rear rotation assembly, and comprising a rear fork and a rear wheel pivoted to the rear fork; a steering bar located at a top end of the front wheel assembly; and a handlebar is fixed at a top end of the steering bar. The front wheel assembly and the rear wheel assembly are capable of rotating and then flipping to be folded onto a top surface of the supporting base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Inventors: Chengzhai Mei, Chenglong Mei
  • Patent number: 9661905
    Abstract: Motorized luggage includes a frame enclosed in part by an outer shell, the frame defining an internal storage compartment, front wheels connected to a steering shaft, wherein the steering shaft is rotatably connected to the frame and the position of the steering shaft controls an orientation of the front wheels, a retractable handlebar received by the steering shaft, wherein the retractable handlebar may be telescopingly moved from a stored configuration to a driving configuration, wherein in the stored configuration the handlebar is retracted and enclosed by a second zippered flap of the outer shell, wherein in the driving configuration, the handlebar is extended above a top face of the frame, a rear set of wheels connected by a second axle, wherein the second axle is operatively coupled to the frame, and an electric motor mounted on the frame, wherein the electric motor drives the rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventors: Kevin O'Donnell, Boyd Bruner
  • Patent number: 9629430
    Abstract: A motorized luggage system includes an article of luggage. A platform is slidably coupled to the article of luggage. The platform is extendable outwardly from the article of luggage such that the platform may be ridden upon. A drive unit is coupled to the article of luggage and the drive unit engages a support surface. The drive unit urges the article of luggage such that the article of luggage provides transportation when the platform is ridden upon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Inventor: Dabula Getahun
  • Patent number: 9533729
    Abstract: A foldable electric vehicle includes a front frame including two side mounts; a front foot rest including two mounting members and a rear hole; a rear foot rest including two mounting members, a front pivotal board, and a spring biased lock pin locked in the hole; a rear pedestal including two mount elements, two chair supports, and a top hook; hinges for connecting the front frame and the front foot rest, connecting the front foot rest and the rear foot rest, and the rear foot rest and the pedestal; two front links each pivotably secured to the side mount and the mounting member; two rear links each pivotably secured to the mount element and the mounting member; a chair including a transverse rod and a spring biased lock rod locked in the hook; and two sets of two pivotal bars pivotably connected to chair supports and the chair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: PERFECT UNION CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Ching Chan
  • Patent number: 9493206
    Abstract: A transformable folding electric scooter comprises a motor engine, a connecting frame, and a boarding plate. The connecting frame comprises a handle frame disposed upright and having a handle at a top portion thereof, a front frame extending forward from a lower portion of the handle frame and connected to the motor engine foldably at a first folding position provided on the motor engine, and a rear frame extending rearward from the lower portion of the handle frame. The boarding plate comprises a front plate portion connected to a lower portion of the rear frame fixedly, and a rear plate portion connected to the front plate portion foldably at a second folding position provided between the front plate portion and the rear plate portion of the connecting frame. The rear plate portion is folded upward with respect to the front plate portion at the second folding position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Inventor: Steve Oh
  • Patent number: 9493200
    Abstract: A drive unit couples to a steering unit for a multi-axle vehicle for conveying a passenger. The drive unit includes a chassis configured as a supporting structure of the drive unit, a drive module with a motor and a first axle with wheels for driving the vehicle, a coupling device for coupling the drive unit to the steering unit, an operating element for operating the drive module, and a seat arrangement for supporting the passenger. The drive unit is also configured such that a total center of mass of the drive unit is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle in front of the first axle. A corresponding steering unit and a vehicle comprising a corresponding drive unit and a steering unit are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: IEM Schwenk GmbH
    Inventors: Peter Schwenk, Ludwig Thalhofer
  • Patent number: 9469366
    Abstract: A portable foldable electric tricycle that can be folded to form a trolley suitcase shape and a chair includes a folding frame connecting a front wheel assembly and handlebar assembly to a seat. The front wheel assembly includes an electric motor to drive the front wheel. A backrest and rear wheel assembly are hinge connected with the seat by oppositely disposed four bar linkages. A stand is hinge connected to the seat. The folding frame, front wheel assembly and handlebar assembly can be folded to a position within the seat and the stand folded to a position in which it supports the seat to define the chair configuration of the electric tricycle. The backrest and rear wheel assembly can be folded to non-extended positions in which they are disposed adjacent the seat to define the trolley suitcase configuration of the case.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventors: Jianmin Wang, Sumi Wang
  • Patent number: 9422022
    Abstract: A light weight and portable personal mobility device, having an energy source capable of propelling an adult rider within an urban indoor and/or outdoor environment that is small enough to be easy to bring onto public transport vehicles. The energy source may be electricity or the rider themselves. The device, powered or non-powered, compresses from a small scooter in ride mode to, in a transportable state, a briefcase sized device. The outer casing of the device includes space within it for the integral components of the device and provides a means of housing components and transporting the device. A further embodiment/mode of the device, in addition to the retracted “briefcase mode”, and the deployed “ride mode”, would be a “trolley mode”, whereas the device, when in “trolley mode”, is pulled by a long handle, similar to the way “wheeled airline type luggage devices” are pulled around airports and numerous other locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Inventors: Arnold L. Sharkan, Kenneth L. Goldberg, Benjamin Guler
  • Patent number: 9339431
    Abstract: A vehicle with at least three stable bearing points on the ground, of which at least one at the front and at least one at the rear of the vehicle, comprises an arm fixed to the front of the vehicle, at a free first end of which arm are mounted a steering unit, and a seat situated at the rear of the vehicle. The arm is movable relative to the seat between a first remote and lockable position, relating to a self-support mode, wherein a first distance is provided between the steering unit and the seat in order to receive a person in seated or semi-seated position on the seat, and a second closer and lockable position, relating to a walking assistance mode, wherein a second distance smaller than the first is provided between the steering unit and the seat. The steering unit forming a support means in this second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: Commissariat à l'énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives
    Inventors: Olivier Menard, Sae Kyoung An, Jerome Colleaux
  • Patent number: 9315233
    Abstract: A motorcycle includes a front wheel drive train that supplies power to a front wheel and a rear wheel drive train that supplies power to a rear wheel. The front wheel drive train is configured to drive the front wheel at a selected rate that is faster than a rate at which the rear wheel drive train drives the rear wheel. Driving the front wheel at the selected faster rate relative to the rear wheel provides enhanced steering capabilities in soft terrain, as the front wheel pulls the motorcycle in a direction that the front wheel is pointed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventors: Martin E. Lawson, William E. Lawson
  • Patent number: 9301893
    Abstract: A foldable scooter frame includes: a front fork pivoted to a front frame, a front wheel assembly disposed on the front fork, the front fork being fixed to a pivot seat of a control unit, the pivot seat being pivoted to a control rod, a rear frame being connected to the front frame in a foldable manner, a rear wheel assembly disposed on the rear frame. With the pivoting arrangement of the front and rear frames, and more importantly, with the bridge rod abutted against the rear frame, the foldable scooter frame of the present invention can be maintained in a best stable state when in use, and when folded, the distance between the front and rear wheel assemblies can be reduced to the least possible amount, and the whole structure is simply structured and can be easily folded without requiring the use of complicated linkage mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: ENERGY CONTROL LIMITED
    Inventor: Donald P. H. Wu
  • Patent number: 9248882
    Abstract: A compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: MDM PRODUCTIVITY, INC.
    Inventor: Jon P. Moldestad
  • Patent number: 9033089
    Abstract: A folding vehicle structure includes a frame having a plurality of members. A first member intersects a second member at a first pivot point. A third member, spaced from the first and second members, intersects a fourth member, which is also spaced from the first and second members, at a second pivot point. The frame includes a first cross-member extending between the first and second intersection points. The frame is collapsible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignees: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, THEODORE & ASSOCIATES, LLC
    Inventors: Chris P. Theodore, Keith Albert Nagara, Tyler Gregory Rusnak
  • Patent number: 8978806
    Abstract: A telescopic frame is disclosed, which is applicable to a foldable bicycle or foldable electric vehicle, and includes a front frame, a rear frame and a telescopic device. First guide rails are symmetrically disposed on two sides of the front frame, second guide rails are symmetrically disposed on two sides of the rear frame, and the first guide rails and the second guide rails are fitted together and slidably connected. The telescopic device is fixed on the rear frame, and an output end of the telescopic device is fixed on the front frame to drive the front frame to be unfolded or folded relative to the rear frame. The telescopic frame is simple in structure and capable of being automatically folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Dongguan Prestige Sporting Products Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Zhao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150060176
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a foldable electric bicycle and a control method thereof. The foldable electric bicycle including a drive motor to rotate at least one of a front wheel and a rear wheel, and an actuation lever to lock or unlock rotation between a front frame provided with the front wheel and a rear frame provided with the rear wheel by shifting the actuation lever, includes an actuation lever sensing unit to sense whether the actuation lever is at a locked position or at an unlocked position, a motor driving unit to drive the drive motor, and a control unit which controls the motor driving unit to drive the drive motor in order to generate torque between the front frame and the rear frame by movement of the wheels when the actuation lever is shifted from the locked position to the unlocked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventor: In Ha Paick
  • Patent number: 8949010
    Abstract: An inverted pendulum type vehicle capable of making mounting and dismounting of an occupant smooth. A control device of an inverted pendulum type vehicle includes a control gain adjustment unit. The control gain adjustment unit changes the magnitude of the control gain used for motion control of an actuator device according to the tilting state of an occupant riding section in a situation where the stepping on of an occupant to the occupant riding section is executed or in a situation where the stepping off of the occupant from the occupant riding section is executed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Hasegawa, Shinichiro Kobashi, Shinya Shirokura, Hideo Murakami