CN105407991A - personal transport device - Google Patents

Abstract

A foldable skateboard includes a deck assembly including a pair of deck members hinged together. Each deck member includes a deck. Two opposing side walls and two opposing end walls extend downwardly from the cover plate. The deck members are pivotable between an open condition in which the decks are generally aligned and a closed condition in which the decks are generally parallel to one another to define an enclosed space. The skateboard includes a wheel assembly mounted on each deck member such that when the deck members are in the deployed condition, the wheels project beneath the deck members to act as a base. The deck members each have a recess, cavity or hollow which forms part of the enclosed space, in which recess, cavity or hollow the projecting part of the wheel of the other deck member is received in the closed state of the deck members.

Description

personal transport device

technical field

Various exemplary embodiments of personal transportation devices are described in this specification.

Contents of the invention

According to various exemplary embodiments, there is provided a personal transportation device in the form of a foldable skateboard, comprising:

A cover assembly for supporting a user, the cover assembly comprising a pair of cover members hinged together, each cover member comprising a cover, two opposing side walls extending downwardly from the cover, and two opposite ends walls, the cover members are configured such that they can pivot between an expanded condition in which the covers are generally aligned and a closed condition in which the cover members define an enclosed space; and

A wheel assembly mounted on each cover member, each wheel assembly comprising at least one wheel and configured such that the or each wheel engages the base with a user supported on the cover when the cover member is in the deployed configuration.

A drive assembly may be mounted on one of the deck members and engage the wheel assembly of that deck member to drive the or each wheel of the wheel assembly.

The drive assembly may include a controller whereby a user may control operation of the drive assembly to speed up or slow down movement of the device.

The wheel assembly may be the type of roller assembly used with conventional skateboards.

The cover, side walls and end walls are dimensioned such that the enclosed space can be used to store items carried by the user.

According to various exemplary embodiments, there is provided a foldable skateboard comprising:

A cover assembly for supporting a user, the cover assembly comprising a pair of cover members hinged together, each cover member comprising a cover, the cover members being configured such that they can be deployed in a substantially aligned state of the cover pivot between closed positions in which the cover and the cover are substantially parallel to each other;

a wheel assembly mounted on each cover member, each wheel assembly comprising at least one wheel and configured such that the or each wheel protrudes below the cover member when the cover member is in the unfolded state;

wherein the cover parts are configured to each have a recess, a cavity or a hollow part forming part of the enclosed space, in which recesses, cavities or hollows the wheels of the other cover part or the protruding parts of the wheels are accommodated in the closed state of the cover part. cavity or hollow.

Each cover member may include a skirt extending downwardly from the cover, the recess, cavity or hollow being at least partially bounded by the skirt.

The skirt is sized and configured to abut in the closed state of the cover member to define an enclosed space.

The device preferably includes locking structure for releasably locking the device in the deployed condition in which the covers are substantially aligned.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 shows a perspective view from the side of an exemplary embodiment of a personal transportation device in an unfolded state;

Fig. 2 shows a perspective top view of the personal transportation device of Fig. 1 in an unfolded state;

Fig. 3 shows a perspective isometric view of the personal transportation device of Fig. 1 in the deployed state;

Figure 4 shows a bottom side perspective isometric view of the personal transportation device of Figure 1 in the deployed state;

Fig. 5 shows a perspective bottom view of the personal transportation device of Fig. 1 in an unfolded state;

FIG. 6 shows an exploded perspective view of the personal transportation device of FIG. 1 in an unfolded state;

Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the personal transportation device of Figure 1 in a closed state;

Figure 8 shows another perspective view of the personal transportation device of Figure 7 in the closed state;

Figure 9 shows a perspective top view of the personal transportation device of Figure 7 in a closed state;

Figure 10 shows a side view of the personal transportation device of Figure 7 taken along the section line X-X in the closed state;

Figure 11 shows an exploded perspective view of the magnetic locking structure of the personal transportation device of Figure 1;

12 shows a perspective view of the personal transportation device of FIG. 1 in an articulated state between the deployed state of FIG. 1 and the closed state of FIG. 7;

Figure 13 shows a partial side view of the personal transportation device of Figure 1 taken along section line XIII-XIII of Figure 5 in the deployed state;

Figure 14 shows the side cross-sectional view of Figure 13 with the personal transportation device in an articulated state between the deployed state of Figure 1 and the closed state of Figure 7;

Figure 15 shows a side sectional view of Figure 13 with the personal transportation device in the closed condition of Figure 7;

Figure 16 shows a bottom side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a personal transportation device in an unfolded state.

detailed description

In FIG. 1 , reference numeral 10 generally refers to an exemplary embodiment of a personal transportation device. In FIG. 16, reference numeral 11 generally refers to another exemplary embodiment of a personal transportation device. Like numbers refer to like parts in the drawings.

The device 10 includes a cover plate assembly 12 . The cover assembly 12 comprises two cover parts 14.1, 14.2 hinged together. For convenience, parts associated with cover member 14.1 are numbered including the suffix ".1". Parts associated with cover member 14.2 are labeled with numbers including the suffix ".2".

Each cover piece 14 includes a cover 16 . Cover plate 16 is generally rectangular having opposing minor edges and opposing major edges. Opposing side walls 18 depend from respective major edges and opposing end walls 20 depend from respective secondary edges. The side walls 18 and the end walls 20 together define a skirt 24 extending downwardly from the cover plate 16 . A hinge mechanism 22 interconnects adjacent end walls 20.1, 20.2 so that the cover elements 14 can pivot relative to each other from the transport or unfolded position shown in FIG. 1 to the closed position shown in FIG. 7 . The flaps 16 are substantially parallel to each other in the closed state.

The hinge mechanism 22 is configured such that when the cover members 14 are pivoted away from each other, adjacent end walls 20 can abut against each other by the ribs in the unfolded condition, wherein the upper surfaces of the cover panels 16 are aligned with each other to define a generally planar bearing surface. . Cover panel 16, walls 18, 20 and hinge mechanism 22 have sufficient structural integrity to support a person.

The hinge mechanism 22 comprises a plurality of joints 21 of the cover parts 14.1 and 14.2. These joints 21 together form a tube 23 when mated. Hinge pins 19 are received in the tubes 23 to allow the cover pieces 14 to hinge relative to each other. Each joint 21 has a rib 76 which, in the unfolded state of the device 10, abuts against a rib 78 of the end wall 20.2. The rib 76 of the joint 21 extends orthogonally from the end wall 20.1. Ribs 76, 78 are aligned in the same plane of rotation when joint 21 is mated.

A locking structure 25 is operably mounted on the adjacent end wall 20.1 to releasably lock the cover member 14 in the deployed or transport condition. The locking structure 25 can take many different forms. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking structure may comprise one or two or more fastening means for releasably fastening or locking adjacent end walls 20 relative to each other. Each fastening means includes a latch 28 , a latch support 26 slidingly receiving the latch 28 , and a latch bias in the form of a compression spring 27 . The locking structure 25 includes interconnecting webs 29 fixedly connecting adjacent latches 28 to each other. The latch support 26 forms part of a frame 81 secured to the bottom surface 32.1 of the cover part 14.1. Each latch support 26 defines a tube 80 that slidably receives the end of the latch 28 therein. The tube 80 is aligned with the opening 17 in the end wall 20.1. The latch 28 accommodated in the latch support 26 is thus also aligned with the opening 17 in the end wall 20.1. The pins 28 each have a cylindrical end region 82 which is accommodated in a corresponding tube 80 of the frame 81 . The pins 28 each have a square end region 84 which is accommodated in a corresponding opening 17 of the end wall 20.1. The shaft 86 of the bolt 28 extends between its cylindrical end region 82 and its square end region 84 . The pins 28 are secured to each other by webs 29 extending between the shafts 86 of adjacent pins 28 . The cylindrical end region 82 has a collar 88 on which the spring 27 rests. Spring 27 extends between collar 88 and closed end 90 of tube 80 .

The web 29 has curved and rounded edges to grip the web 29 to move the latch 28 from the locked state to the unlocked state by pushing the latch against the spring 27 .

Square end region 84 of latch 28 may extend through end wall 20.1 to engage hinge mechanism 22, as described below.

The joint 21 of the hinge mechanism 22 has a groove 70 in which the square end region 84 of the bolt 28 is accommodated. The latch 28 is biased into the slot 70 by the compression spring 27 . The latch 28 is withdrawn from the slot 70 by the user pulling back on the flange 29 to compress the compression spring 27 . A stop or locking structure 72 is secured in the slot 70 .

FIG. 13 shows the locking structure 72 positioned below the latch 28 in the locked state of the locking structure 25 in the deployed state of the device 10 . The device 10 is locked in the deployed state by means of the locking structure 72 abutting against the latch 28 .

FIG. 14 shows that in the unlocked state of the locking structure 25 , when the latch 28 is withdrawn from the slot 70 , the cover member 14 is free to pivot to and from the closed state. In the unlocked state of the locking structure 25 , the locking structure 72 is able to move past the bolt 28 from the state shown in FIG. 13 due to the withdrawal of the bolt 28 from the slot 70 .

Figure 15 shows the device 10 in a closed state. The latch 28 protrudes into the slot 70 , but the locking structure 72 is not constrained below the latch 28 . By pivoting the cover member 14 from the closed position to the extended position shown in Figure 13, the locking structure 72 will engage as shown in Figure 13 and span the end of the latch 28 to compress the spring 27, allowing locking The structure 72 moves past the latch 28 and allows the latch 28 to snap into the slot 70 when the locking structure 72 is positioned below the latch 28 .

The walls 18 , 20 are dimensioned such that the walls 15 , 20 and the cover 16 enclose and define the space 8 within the device 10 when the cover member 14 is pivoted into the closed position. The space 8 includes a cavity or hollow 6 of the respective cover part 14 , in which cavity or hollow 6 the wheel 38 of the other cover part is accommodated in the closed state of the cover part 14 . The cavity or hollow 6 is at least partially bounded by a skirt 24 . The space 8 includes a storage space 9 in which a controller 50 or other accessories such as a wallet, keys or a mobile phone can be stored.

The roller assembly 30.1 is fixed to the bottom surface 32.1 of the cover plate 16.1. The roller assembly 30.2 is fixed to the bottom surface 32.2 of the cover plate 16.2. Each roller assembly 30 can be a common skateboard roller assembly. Therefore, they may have sufficient structural integrity to support a person.

Each roller assembly 30 includes a base or floor 34 secured to a bottom surface 32 . Rod assembly 36 is pivotally mounted to base plate 34 with suspension 37 . A pair of wheels 38 are mounted on the rod assembly 36 . Wheels 38 protrude from below skirt 24 . Each cover part 14 has a recess, cavity or hollow 6 to receive the protruding part of the wheel 38 of the other cover part. The wheels 38 of one cover part 14 are received in the recesses, cavities or hollows 6 of the other cover part, allowing the skirts 24 of the corresponding cover parts 14 to abut in the closed state of the device 10 to provide said space 8 .

The walls 18, 20 are dimensioned such that the wheels 38 can serve as a base when the cover member 14 is folded outwardly to the unfolded condition. Thus, when the cover member 14 is deployed and secured in the deployed position, the device 10 can be used as a skateboard, wherein the cover 16 defines a cover area for supporting a person. In the deployed state, the flaps 16 are generally aligned to provide a continuous, generally planar flap area.

The roller assemblies 30 are positioned so that they do not interfere or interfere with each other when the cover members 14 are folded together into a closed condition. For example, the roller assemblies 30 are positioned to overlap within the space 8 defined and enclosed by the cover assembly 12 when closed.

A handle 92 is arranged on the side wall 18 in the closed state of the device 10 so that the device 10 can be carried when not in use. Thus, when in the closed state, device 10 may visually appear and/or function as a portable storage device, such as a briefcase.

The handle 92 includes handle members 40 disposed on the side wall 18 that abut one another when the device 10 is closed. For example, a handle member 40 may be disposed on each side wall 18 such that together they define a handle 92 when the cover member 14 is in the closed state.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the drive assembly 42 is mounted on the bottom surface 32.2. The drive assembly 4 may be a conventional drive assembly of the type currently used for battery powered skateboards.

The drive assembly 42 includes a battery 44 . The battery is rechargeable.

The drive assembly 42 includes an electric motor 46 powered by a battery 44 . The battery 44 is protected by a battery cover 45 .

The transmission assembly 54 is interposed between the motor 46 and the lever assembly 36.2 or one of the wheels 38.2. The operating motor 46 drives one of the wheels 38.2 through said assembly 54.

A control unit 48 is interposed between the battery 44 and the motor 46 to control the power supplied to the motor 46 and thus the speed of the motor 46 . A controller 50 is connected to the unit 48 so that the user can control the speed of the motor 46 and thus the device 10 . The controller 50 is a wireless remote controller 50 configured to control the speed of the device when a user stands on the cover member 16 without the need for wires. The control unit 48 includes a wireless receiver for receiving control signals from the controller 50 . The control unit includes an antenna 49 connected to a wireless receiver. The antenna 49 is a flat plate attached and fixed to the roller assembly 30.2. The controller 50 may include a trigger device 52 operable by a user to control the speed of the device 10 .

The controller 50 and the unit 48 are configured such that operation of the controller 50 can also be used for braking or slowing the action of the device 10 .

The device 10 may include a holder or stand 58 which may be used to hold the remote control 50 stationary within the space 8 between the cover members 14 when closed. Bracket 58 may be in the form of a ring or the like. Controller 50 is retained in the ring when cover assembly 12 is in the folded configuration.

Suitable fastening mechanisms may be positioned on each of the pair of distal walls 20 so that the cover members 14 may be fastened together when closed. The fastening mechanism may be in the form of two magnetic fastening or locking structures 56 that are disengageable from each other to allow the cover member 14 to be deployed. Each locking structure 56 includes a body 60 , a plug 62 , a magnet 64 and a screw 67 . The main body 60 abuts against the inner side of the end wall 20 . The plug 62 is seated in the bore of the end wall 20 . A portion of the plug 62 is nested and accommodated in the recess 61 of the main body 60 . The plug includes finger grip holes 65 . A flange 66 of the plug 62 surrounds the finger grip hole 65 and abuts against the outside of the end wall 20 . Screw 67 secures plug 62 to body 60 in such a configuration that locking structure 56 is clamped on end wall 20 . The magnet 64 is housed in a cavity 68 within the body 60 . Cavity 68 is bounded on one side by a straight wall 69 of body 60 . The magnet 64 is pressed against the wall 69 . Said wall 69 is relatively thin compared to the walls of the rest of the body 60 .

Two locking structures 56 are fixed to the distal walls 20.1 and 20.2 respectively, the wall 69 of the main body 60 being flush with the edge of the end wall 20 . When the device 10 is in the closed state, the magnets 64 are positioned alongside each other (the wall 69 is between the magnets 64). The magnetic force between the magnets 64 holds the device 10 in the closed state. When the device 10 is deployed, the magnetic force is broken by pulling the magnets 64 apart.

The cover member 14 is sized such that when closed, the resulting interior space 8 is large enough to accommodate the drive assembly 42 , the roller assembly 30 and the controller 50 . Embodiments of the device 11 have an interior space 8 for storing items that might normally be carried in a briefcase or carry-on bag.

The cover part 14 is shaped in an aesthetically pleasing manner. For example, the corners of the cover member 14 are curved.

The cover member 14 can be made of a variety of suitable materials. For example, the cover member 14 may be made of molded plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), fiberglass-like material, carbon fiber-like material, or the like. The cover part 14 can also be made of metal.

Throughout the specification, including the claims, where the context permits the term "comprise" and variations thereof such as "comprising" or "having" will be construed to include the whole or integers stated and not necessarily to exclude any other integers.

The use of words indicating an orientation of travel or direction of travel is not considered limiting. Thus, words such as "front", "rear", "rear", "side", "upper", "lower", "upper", "lower", "top", "bottom", "forward", " "Backward", "toward" and their synonyms, antonyms and derivatives are chosen for convenience only and refer only to the "in use" orientation or direction.

It should be understood that the terminology used above is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The described embodiments are intended to illustrate the invention, not to limit its scope. The present invention can be implemented in various modifications and additions as will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

Various basic and specific practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein textually and/or graphically, including the best known to the inventors for carrying out the claimed subject matter. mode, if any. Variations (eg, modifications and/or improvements) of one or more embodiments described herein may become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this application. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such modifications as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the claimed subject matter to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, claimed subject matter includes and encompasses all equivalents of claimed subject matter and all modifications of claimed subject matter as permitted by law. Moreover, every combination of the above-described elements, acts, and all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the claimed subject matter unless otherwise expressly stated herein, expressly specifically disclaimed, or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (such as "such as"), provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate one or more embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of any claimed subject matter unless otherwise There are instructions. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any non-claimed subject matter is essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

Therefore, regardless of the content of any part of this application (such as title, technical field, background, summary of the invention, description, abstract, drawings, etc.), unless clearly stated to the contrary, such as through explicit definitions, statements or demonstrations, or with Where the context is clearly contradicted, with respect to any claim, whether of the present application and/or of any application to which priority is claimed, and whether originally filed or otherwise:

a. there is no requirement to include any particular described or illustrated features, functions, acts or elements, any particular order of acts, or any particular interrelationship of elements;

b. No feature, function, act or element is "essential";

c. any element may be integrated, separated and/or duplicated;

d. any action may be repeated, any action may be performed by multiple entities, and/or any action may be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and

e. Any acts or elements may be specifically excluded, the order of acts may be varied, and/or the interrelationship of elements may be varied.

As used in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the following claims), the terms "a", "an", "the", "the", and/or similar referents shall be is construed to encompass both the singular and the plural unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "comprising," and "containing" are to be construed as open-ended terms (ie, meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise stated.

Furthermore, when any number or range is described herein, unless expressly stated otherwise, that number or range is an approximation. Ranges of values recited herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each and every value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value and each separate value to be qualified by such separate value. The subrange of is encompassed in the specification as if it were individually enumerated herein. For example, if the range 1 to 10 is described, that range includes all values therebetween, e.g., 1.1, 2.5, 3.335, 5, 6.179, 8.9999, etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, e.g., 1 to 3.65, 2.8 to 8.14, 1.93 to 9 etc.

Accordingly, every part of this application (e.g., title, technical field, background, summary, specification, abstract, drawings, etc.), other than the claims themselves, should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not Limiting, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent disclosed based on this application, is defined only by the claims of that patent.

Claims (10)

1. A personal transportation device comprising: A cover assembly for supporting a user, the cover assembly comprising a pair of cover members hinged together, each cover member comprising a cover, two opposing side walls extending downwardly from the cover, and two opposite ends walls, the cover members being configured such that they are pivotable between an expanded condition in which the covers are generally aligned and a closed condition in which the cover members define an enclosed space; and A wheel assembly mounted on each cover member, each wheel assembly comprising at least one wheel and configured such that the or each wheel serves as a base for a user to be supported on the cover when the cover member is in an unfolded state. 2. A transport device as claimed in claim 1, comprising a drive assembly arranged on one of the cover members and engaging the wheel assembly of that cover member to drive the or each wheel of the wheel assembly. 3. The transport device of claim 2, wherein the drive assembly includes a controller whereby a user can control operation of the drive assembly to speed up or slow down movement of the device. 4. The transportation device of claim 1, wherein the wheel assemblies are of the type of roller assemblies used with conventional skateboards. 5. The transport device of claim 1, wherein the cover, side walls and end walls are dimensioned such that the enclosed space can be used to store items carried by a user. 6. The transport device of claim 1 , including locking structure for releasably locking the device in the deployed condition in which the covers are substantially aligned. 7. The transportation device of claim 1, wherein the transportation device is configured as a skateboard having a cover area to support a user in the deployed state of the skateboard. 8. A foldable skateboard, comprising: A cover assembly for supporting a user, the cover assembly comprising a pair of cover members hinged together, each cover member comprising a cover, the cover members being configured such that they can be deployed in a substantially aligned state of the cover pivot between closed positions in which the cover and the cover are substantially parallel to each other; a wheel assembly mounted on each cover member, each wheel assembly comprising at least one wheel and configured such that the or each wheel protrudes below the cover member when the cover member is in an unfolded state; wherein the cover parts are configured to each have a recess, a cavity or a hollow part forming part of the enclosed space, in which recesses, cavities or hollows the wheels of the other cover part or the protruding parts of the wheels are accommodated in the closed state of the cover part. cavity or hollow. 9. The foldable skateboard of claim 8, wherein each cover member includes a skirt extending downwardly from the cover, the recess, cavity or hollow being at least partially bounded by the skirt. 10. The foldable skateboard of claim 9, wherein the skirt is sized and configured to abut in the closed state of the cover member to define an enclosed space.