WEARABLE MOBILITY DEVICE
A wearable mobility device is provided. The wearable mobility device may include a base configured to support a rear portion of a shoe or foot, wherein a front portion of the shoe is free to touch a surface, and wherein the base enables a wearer of the shoe to walk upon the surface when the device is worn by the wearer; two side wheels disposed on opposite sides of the base; a rear wheel disposed at the rear of the base; wherein the wheels enable the wearer to roll upon the surface; and a motor mechanically coupled to at least one of the wheels.
This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/859,001, filed on Dec. 29, 2017, entitled “WEARABLE MOBILITY DEVICE”, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/183,435, filed on Feb. 18, 2014, entitled “WEARABLE MOBILITY DEVICE”, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,855,489, which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/296,088, filed on Nov. 14, 2011, entitled “WEARABLE MOBILITY DEVICE”, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,684,121, which claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/519,062, filed on May 15, 2011, entitled “SPNKIX WEARABLE MOBILITY DEVICE.” The above-referenced applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELDThis disclosure generally relates to mobility devices, and more specifically to mobility devices that are wearable.
BACKGROUNDMany forms of personal transportation exist, but most if not all have significant disadvantages. Teenagers use scooters, rollerblades, skateboards, bicycles, and even cars to speed up their travel. But each of these personal transportation options has limited usefulness since they must be carried, parked, and/or stored when not in use. Many are banned from public and private areas.
Embodiments of the described technology provide wearable mobility devices that enable the user of the devices to walk comfortably, roll, and roll under power while wearing the devices. The disclosed devices allow the user to instantly switch between these mobility modes without removing the devices. These devices provide a wearable, lightweight, and streamlined means of personal transportation. Some embodiments allow users to travel in excess of 10 miles an hour.
In some embodiments, a user may wear two of the wearable mobility devices, with one on each foot. In some of these embodiments, both wearable mobility devices are powered by respective motors. In others of these embodiments, one of the wearable mobility devices may be unpowered, allowing the user to coast on one device while being propelled by the other. In these embodiments, the unpowered wearable mobility device does not require a motor, gears, or motor controls.
In some embodiments, a wearable mobility device may include a base configured to support a rear portion of a shoe. These embodiments are compatible with everyday shoes. While wearing shoes, the user may simply step into the device, which may include a strap to retain the shoe in the base. In these embodiments, the front portion of the shoe is free to touch a surface such as a sidewalk, bike trail, or the like. This arrangement allows the user to walk comfortably while wearing the devices. The devices include wheels, tracks, or the like that allow the wearer to roll upon the surface, for example by lifting the front of the foot off the surface.
The devices may include a power source, and a motor to drive one or more of the wheels, thereby propelling the user along the surface. For example, the motor may be an electric motor, and the power source may be a rechargeable battery pack. In some embodiments, the rechargeable battery pack may be removed from the device for easy recharging. However, any power source may be used.
In some embodiments, the speed of the motor may be controlled by the user with a remote control device, which may be coupled to the wearable mobility device by wire or wirelessly. The remote control device may include a user interface, and a transmitter to transmit control signals to the mobility device responsive to user operation of the user interface.
Some embodiments include a brake to slow and stop the rolling of the mobility device. In some embodiments, the brake may be operated manually, for example by changing the position of the foot. In some embodiments, the brake may be operated using the remote control or some other device, for example, a smart phone. In some embodiments, the brake may be operated by other means of control, such as through inertial-type sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, and the like.
In some embodiments, the speed of the motor may be controlled automatically. In such embodiments, the device may include a speed sensor and a motor controller. The motor controller controls the speed of the motor in accordance with the speed detected by the speed sensor.
The devices are compatible with other means of public and private transportation. While wearing the devices, a user may drive a car or take a bus.
The devices enable a user to navigate terrain impassable to wheeled devices. While wearing the devices, a user may climb stairs, and walk over difficult terrain.
The devices may be worn where wheeled transportation is banned. For example, a user may wear the devices in a shopping mall, in a train station, or on a train. This arrangement allows a user to roll to a train station, then to walk through the station and board a train, all without removing the devices.
In some embodiments, the devices may be partially disassembled or compliance with regulations, for example in insurance-controlled environments. Parts of the device may be removed and stored in accessories such as backpacks, belts, and battery packs. For example, local restrictions may require the removal of the wheels and/or motor. In various embodiments, these parts and others are easily removed and reinstalled.
In some embodiments, the devices are easily removed. For example, in the embodiments described above, the user may simply loosen a retention mechanism, and step out of the mobility device. Example retention mechanisms include scraps, cams, soft attachment means, hard attachment means, and gravity methods. For example, in one “hands free” version, a camming action strap system uses the pressure of the foot pressing down to activate the retention device. This version does not require special shoes having mounting brackets.
Some embodiments provide shoes specifically designed to work with the mobility devices. For example, the shoe may include a mounting bracket that allows the device to be attached and detached quickly and easily.
In some embodiments, power sources such as battery packs are integrated with the device. In other embodiments, the power sources are removable. The power sources may be attached to the device in any manner. The power source may be part of a shoe that is designed to mate with the device. The power source may be worn on the user's body. Battery packs may be carried on a belt, on the legs of the user, or on other body parts and clothing. In one embodiment, a power source forms part of an upright calf piece that hinges under spring tension, pressing it against the calf gently to keep it out of the way.
In some embodiments, the device allows the user to regain balance by allowing the devices to slide in a controlled manner, allowing the user to self-right. In some embodiments, a double direction freewheel or the like allows this slippage, in conjunction with control circuitry.
In some embodiments, the device may include a locking device to immobilize the wheels so they function as treads while the user is walking. In other embodiments, the device may include a cover for the moving parts. In such embodiments, the cover may act as a tread for walking. These features may improve safety, and act as a signal to security personnel that the device is immobile.
In some embodiments, the user may roll in an unpowered mode, for example to roll down ramps or to move in a skating manner.
Some embodiments include a suspension to absorb shocks. The suspension may be incorporated into wheels of the device, including a drive wheel. In embodiments that employ circulating treads or tracks, the suspension also serves to tension the tread to keep the tread on the guide/drive wheels.
In some embodiments, the mobility devices are small enough to be worn all day without fatigue. The mobility devices may be small enough to be worn under clothing without being detected.
In some embodiments, the mobility devices may include reflectors, lights, and the like, to enable nighttime operation. The lights may be controlled with the remote control device.
In the description to follow, various embodiments will be described, and specific configurations will be set forth. These embodiments, however, may be practiced with only some or all aspects, and/or without some of these specific details. In other instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in order not to obscure important aspects of the embodiments.
In some embodiments the motor is a wheel hub motor. The wheel hub motor may be rotatably connected to a first partial axial shaft connected to the base 12. In some embodiments, the first wheel 16 may have a diameter equal to at least 5.5 inches. A second wheel 18 having a wheel hub motor controller embedded therein, the wheel hub motor controller may be rotatably connected to a second partial axial shaft connected to the base 12. The second wheel 18 may have a diameter equal to the diameter of the first wheel 16.
In some embodiments, a remote control may be employed for controlling the speed and direction of the mobility device 10. The remote control transmits one or more control signals to a wireless receiver in the mobility device 10. The remote control may be mounted on the wrist of a user of the mobility device 10. The mobility device 10 may be suitable for use on pedestrian travel surfaces to walk, scoot, and roll. A user may drive a car without the need for removing the shoe 14.
The base 12 and a battery pack of the mobility device 10 may function as a shock absorber for the heel of the user. The power transmitted from the wheel hub motor to the first wheel 16 and the second wheel 18 may propel the mobility device 10.
The mobility device 10 may be removed and stored in a backpack accessory when not in use. The first wheel 16 and the second wheel 18 may enable the mobility device 10 to move forward and rearward. The first wheel 16 and the second wheel 18 may include a suspension/tensioner feature. The first wheel 16 and the second wheel 18 may hold steady using a locking device.
The mobility device 10 may include a handle flap 24, which may be made of rubber material. The handle flap 24 provided with the mobility device 10 can be utilized as a handle and as a shock absorber for the heel of the user. The handle flap 24 also serves as a fitting device that conforms to the user's foot to provide a more customized fit.
The battery pack 20 in the mobility device 10 may store a plurality of rechargeable batteries. The battery pack 20 may be removable and rechargeable. However, the battery pack 20 may be charged while included in or removed from the mobility device 10. The battery pack 20 may include a tail reflector 22 to make the device 10 more noticeable at night. In one embodiment, the battery pack 20 may be mounted to the calf of the user.
In one embodiment, the batteries used in the mobility device 10 are lithium polymer batteries. In another embodiment, the batteries used in the device 10 may be nanophosphate batteries. In another embodiment, the batteries used in the mobility device 10 may be lithium ion batteries.
The battery pack 20 may include a plurality of windows which illuminate to show the charge status of the battery pack 20. In one embodiment, the battery pack 20 may include a battery charging port which may charge the battery pack 20 from any wall socket. The battery charging port may transfer electrical power from the wall socket to the plurality of batteries in the battery pack 20 of the wearable mobility device 10 to recharge them. In one embodiment, the plurality of batteries may be adapted for recharging from a solar panel. The battery pack 20 may be integrated to the mobility device 10 in a removable section connected by a battery charging port. A wireless receiver may be included in a back cavity 26 under the battery pack of the mobility device 10 to communicate with a remote control.
The battery pack 20 may include space for inserting and storing the batteries. The battery pack 20 may include a switch 110 and a Light Emitting Diode (LED) battery meter 102. The switch 110 may be used to power the mobility device 10 on and off. The LED battery meter may be used to show the charge status of the plurality of batteries. The battery pack 20 may include a releasing mechanism 56 to separate the battery pack 20 from the base 12.
A plurality of holes 61 may be provided on an inner face of the handle flap 24 to hold bolts securing a ladder and a ratchet, which may be employed across an upper portion of a wearer's foot. Additionally, a first hole 58 may be present on an inner face of the bracket 30 to hold a bolt attached to a ladder. A second hole 58 may be present on an opposing inner face of the bracket 30 to hold a bolt attached to a ratchet. The ladder and the ratchet may be secured to the bracket 30 to secure the shoe 14 to the mobility device 10, and may be located across a lower-middle portion of the shoe covering the instep of a wearer's foot.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described above, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a wide variety of alternative and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in one alternative embodiment, a wireless version of the device 10 may be provided in which all parts are housed in the shoes except for the hand controller. In an additional alternative embodiment, the device 10 does not need a hand control and the functionality of the device 10 may be controlled by other parts of the body using weight distribution detection software and/or hardware or other means so as to provide a greater range of adjustability with the motors, gears and belts to customize the device 10 to a wearer's specific needs. In a still further embodiment, a wired version of the device 10 includes a belt to secure the device 10 to the wearer's body. In this embodiment, the battery pack and the remote control are extended from the belt and a hand-held remote control may be electrically coupled to the belt and control signals from the remote are transmitted over electrical wiring directly to a motor controller embedded in a shoe.
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In some embodiments, the shoe 1a may be detached from the other elements of the wearable mobility device, as shown in
In
Spatially relative terms such as “under,” “below,” “lower,” “over,” “upper,” and the like, are used for ease of description to explain the positioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further, terms such as “first,” “second,” and the like, are also used to describe various elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended to be limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout the description.
As used herein, the terms “having,” “containing,” “including,” “comprising,” and the like are open ended terms that indicate the presence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additional elements or features. The articles “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain implementations and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed implementations to other alternative implementations and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed implementations described above.
Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of various features from different implementations. In addition to the variations described herein, other known equivalents for each feature can be mixed and matched by one of ordinary skill in this art to construct analogous systems and techniques in accordance with principles of the present invention.
It is to be understood that not necessarily all objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular implementation of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.
Claims
1. A wearable mobility device comprising:
- a base configured to support a rear portion of a shoe or foot, wherein a front portion of the shoe is free to touch a surface, and wherein the base enables a wearer of the device to walk upon the surface when the device is worn by the wearer;
- two side wheels disposed on opposite sides of the base;
- a rear wheel disposed at the rear of the base;
- wherein the wheels enable the wearer to roll upon the surface; and
- a motor mechanically coupled to at least one of the wheels.
2. The wearable mobility device of claim 1, further comprising:
- a strap configured to retain the shoe or foot in the base.
3. The wearable mobility device of claim 1, further comprising:
- a power source electrically coupled to the motor.
4. The wearable mobility device of claim 3, wherein:
- the power source is removable from the device.
5. The wearable mobility device of claim 3, wherein:
- the power source is rechargeable.
6. The wearable mobility device of claim 5, wherein the power source comprises:
- one or more batteries.
7. The wearable mobility device of claim 1, further comprising:
- one or more gears mechanically coupled between the motor and the at least one of the wheels.
8. The wearable mobility device of claim 7, wherein the motor and the one or more gears are housed within the at least one of the wheels.
9. The wearable mobility device of claim 1, further comprising:
- a receiver to receive a speed control signal into the device; and
- a motor controller configured to control a speed of the motor in accordance with the speed control signal.
10. The wearable mobility device of claim 9, further comprising:
- a controller comprising: a user interface, and a transmitter configured to transmit the speed control signal responsive to operation of the user interface.
11. The wearable mobility device of claim 1, further comprising:
- a sensor configured to detect a speed of the wheel; and
- a motor controller configured to control a speed of the motor in accordance with the detected speed of the wheel.
12. The wearable mobility device of claim 1, further comprising:
- a bracket configured to receive a wearer's shoe or foot.
13. A wearable mobility system, comprising:
- a base configured to support a shoe or foot;
- a side wheel disposed on a side of the base, the side wheel having a hub motor embedded therein; and
- one or more support wheels coupled to the base.
14. The wearable mobility device of claim 13, further comprising:
- a strap configured to retain the shoe or foot in the base.
15. The wearable mobility device of claim 13, further comprising:
- a power source electrically coupled to the motor.
16. The wearable mobility device of claim 15, wherein:
- the power source is removable from the device.
17. The wearable mobility device of claim 15, wherein:
- the power source is rechargeable.
18. The wearable mobility device of claim 17, wherein the power source comprises:
- one or more batteries.
19. The wearable mobility device of claim 13, further comprising:
- one or more gears mechanically coupled between the hub motor and the sidewheel.
20. The wearable mobility device of claim 19, wherein the one or more gears are housed within the sidewheel.
21. The wearable mobility device of claim 13, further comprising:
- a bracket configured to receive a wearer's shoe or foot.
22. A wearable mobility system comprising:
- a first wearable mobility device, comprising: a first base configured to support a rear portion of a first shoe or first foot, wherein a front portion of the first shoe or first foot is free to touch a surface, and wherein the first base enables a wearer of the first wearable device to walk upon the surface when the first wearable device is worn by the wearer, two first side wheels disposed on opposite sides of the first base, a rear wheel disposed at the rear of the first base, wherein the first side wheels enable the wearer to roll upon the surface, and a motor mechanically coupled to at least one of the wheels; and
- a second wearable mobility device, comprising: a second base configured to support a rear portion of a second shoe or second foot, wherein a front portion of the second shoe or second foot is free to touch the surface, and wherein the second base enables the wearer to walk upon the surface when the second wearable device is worn by the wearer, and two second side wheels disposed on opposite sides of the second base, wherein the second side wheels enable the wearer to roll upon the surface.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 23, 2019
Publication Date: Dec 12, 2019
Inventor: Peter TREADWAY (Pleasanton, CA)
Application Number: 16/549,611