FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention pertains to the technical field of scooters, more particularly, to a three-wheeled scooter having a suspension system.

BACKGROUND

Such a device according to the preamble is also known from US9610998B1 (DI).

DI describes a lean-to-steer mechanism claiming easier, more intuitive steering leading to smaller chance of falling during use. DI further describes a spring suspension set-up to dampen the ride.

This known device has the following disadvantages. In order to take turns, the lean- to-steer principle demands users to shift their weight. At low speeds this leads to imbalance and can lead to falling during use. Furthermore, the lean-to-steer principle demands a steep learning curve. Users are accustomed to the convention of turning handlebars to turn wheels, which is not possible with this principle. In the device described in DI, coil springs are used to soften the ride. These springs are ill equipped to absorb higher frequency impacts the likes which are to be experienced riding cobblestone roads or other uneven terrain. They also tend to rattle and produce unwanted noise in such a case. Their travel is also limited causing hard stops when hitting bigger bumps or deeper potholes.

The aim of the invention is to provide a method which eliminates those disadvantages. The invention thereto aims to provide a suspension system, and more particularly, a suspension system for a three-wheeled scooter, wherein the rider can rotate the steering column to turn the front two wheels and wherein each of the two front wheels is mounted on a rubber suspension unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention and embodiments thereof serve to provide a solution to one or more of above-mentioned disadvantages. To this end, in accordance with the present invention, there is provided a scooter having a front suspension assembly according to claim 1. The scooter according to claim 1 comprises a bottom frame with a lower center frame and rising front and back end; a back wheel mounted in the back end of said frame; a scooter deck mounted on top the center part of the frame, separated by at least two rubber studs; a handlebar mounted on top of a steering column that is attached to the top part of a folding mechanism and extends upward; a lower part of the folding mechanism attached to the top of the front end of the frame; a hinged lever connecting the bottom and top part of the folding mechanism; a steering bracket mounted to the bottom part of the folding mechanism on the bottom side of the front end of the frame; a rubber suspension unit mounted in the front end of the frame; a suspension bracket bolted to both ends of the suspension unit; at least two parallel arms pivotally mounted over the top and bottom axles which are welded on the previous mentioned bracket; a tilting damper pivotally mounted over the middle axle fitted between the two parallel arms, nudging the arms in their horizontal position, keeping the scooter upright if the system is not under load by the user; a cover mounted over the three axles of the suspension bracket to prevent the parallel arms and tilting damper to slide of their axles; a ball joint, consisting of a ball socket and ball shank, is mounted with the socket part to both ends of the parallel arms; the ball shank of both the bottom and top parallel arms are connected to a pair of wheel brackets for the left and right front wheel respectively; both wheels are mounted over the axles attached to said brackets; a steering link with ball joints on both ends connects the two wheel brackets to each other; a steering rod, with ball joints on both ends, connects the steering bracket to the wheel bracket of the right wheel; rotating the handlebar results in a movement of the steering bracket that is attached to the wheel bracket of the right wheel through a steering rod; this bracket pivots about the ball sockets of the parallel arms; the rotation of the right bracket is transferred to the left bracket through the steering link. Leaning the scooter deck to one side will pivot both parallel arms around their mounting axles. This movement will compress the tilting damper gradually increasing the resistance with the leaning angle. Furthermore, the ball sockets will roll over their respective ball shanks attached to the wheel brackets allowing the wheels to tilt. While the scooter is in movement, this will initiate a turn without the need to rotate the wheels by rotating the handlebar; because both front wheels are effectively mounted to the suspension bracket, all vibrations and impacts are translated through to wheels to the bracket. In turn, the bracket rotates the inner core of the suspension unit to effectively dampen all impacts and vibrations. Preferred embodiments of the invention are provided in claims 2 to 11. A specific preferred embodiment relates to an invention according to claim 10 wherein the scooter is electrically driven.

A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a scooter having advantages not taught by the prior art. Another objective is to provide a scooter that combines tilting and conventional rotation steering to ensure a controlled riding experience with a shallow learning curve. Yet another objective is to provide a scooter that is stable and comfortable on uneven ground.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the principles of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a scooter in a neutral upright position.

Figure 2 shows a front view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating how turning the handlebars results in a rotation of the front wheels.

Figure 3 shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention of Figure 2, illustrating the links that translate the rotation of the handlebar to the wheels.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a scooter in a leaning position, showing the movement of the different parts of the suspension and the tilting of the front wheels.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating different parts of the suspension assembly. Figure 6 shows a side view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a scooter with the front wheels hidden to showcase the suspension assembly rotating around the suspension unit during operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns a scooter having a suspension system.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

"A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

"Comprise", "comprising", and "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specifies the presence of what follows e.g. component and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, element, members, steps, known in the art or disclosed therein.

Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range, as well as the recited endpoints. Whereas the terms "one or more" or "at least one", such as one or more or at least one member(s) of a group of members, is clear per se, by means of further exemplification, the term encompasses inter alia a reference to any one of said members, or to any two or more of said members, such as, e.g., any >3, >4, >5, >6 or >7 etc. of said members, and up to all said members.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

In a first aspect, the invention relates to a scooter having a front suspension assembly, said scooter comprising: a. A handlebar mounted on top of a steering column; b. A frame having a top mounted deck attached to the frame, at least one rear wheel, a front chamber and a vertically rising section that is rotatably connected to the steering column; c. A steering bracket rigidly attached to the bottom of the steering column; d. A rubber suspension unit configured to be rigidly attached to said front chamber at the front of the chamber, said rubber suspension unit comprising an outer shell, a suspension unit core and a plurality of rubber inserts between said shell and said suspension unit core; e. A suspension bracket rigidly attached to the suspension unit core, said suspension bracket comprising two arms and a central section comprising at least tree distally extending axles; f. At least two parallel arms rotatably attached to at least two of the axles extending from the suspension bracket; g. A cover plate rigidly attached to the at least two of the distally extending axles of the suspension bracket; h. A left and a right wheel bracket rotatably attached to either end of each parallel arm, each wheel bracket being further equipped with a laterally extending axle equipped with at least one wheel; i. A steering rod connecting the steering bracket to at least one of the wheel brackets; and j. A steering link having a first end attached to the left wheel bracket, said steering link having a second end attached the right wheel bracket.

The scooter comprises at least one tilt damper being pivotably attached to an axle between the central axles of each pair of parallel arms, said tilt damper being a block of elastomeric material. The inclusion of the block of elastomeric material permits, with no detriment to the damping qualities of the suspension, dispensing with more complicated and substantially more expensive suspension elements. Furthermore, maintenance of the scooter is greatly simplified as the block of elastomeric material has no moving parts and can be easily swapped for a new one in case of damage. Another advantageous quality of the present invention relates to the inclusion of a steering link connecting one wheel bracket to the other. By preference, only one of the wheel brackets is connected to the steering bracket. This arrangement advantageously permits adjusting the alignment of one wheel in relation to the other and independently from the steering bracket. This permits a faster adjustment of both the wheel alignment relative to one another as well as between the wheels and the steering bracket.

In a further or another embodiment, each end of each of the parallel arms are connected to the wheel brackets by means of a ball and socket interface. This gives said interface enough motion freedom so as to permit tilting of the wheels to either side of the scooter and with no detriment to the steering capabilities of the scooter. In this way, stability of the scooter during turns is substantially increased, thus advantageously improving user safety and comfort. Furthermore, the tilting capability given to wheels by this type of interface allows the user to make small by slightly leaning towards the inside of the turn, thereby causing the wheels to tilts and slightly turn towards the side towards which the user is leaning. This advantageously permits a more intuitive way of making small steering adjustments which advantageously make for a more enjoyable scooter ride.

In a further or another embodiment, the ends of the steering link are connected to each wheel bracket by means of a ball and socket interface. This advantageously permits steering the front wheels of the scooter even when said wheels are tilted. In this way, the user can make larger steering adjustments while maintaining an advantageously tilted position during a turn. Said tilted position is advantageously conducive to far superior balance and user safety during a turn.

In a further or another embodiment, the steering column comprises a folding mechanism, said folding mechanism having a top part and a bottom part. By preference, a lower part of the folding mechanism attached to the top of the front end of the frame. This folding mechanism allows for a more compact configuration of the scooter, which configuration is advantageously suited to easier storage and transport of said scooter.

In a further or another embodiment, the top part and the bottom part of the folding mechanism pivot around a hinge. In this way, the steering column can be folded in a single direction, preferably towards the back of the scooter and along the deck, more preferable still, the steering column can be locked in place once in the folded position. In this way, the steering of the scooter is advantageously locked when the steering column is in the folded position. By preference the back of the scooter is provided with a handle or other grasping means. In this way the scooter can be dragged while rolling on its forward wheels, which advantageously makes for a more stable platform having much less tendency to tilt to either side while being dragged.

In a further or another embodiment, a hinged lever connects the bottom and top part of the folding mechanism. By preference, said lever further comprises a locking mechanism which prevents accidental disengagement of the lever. In this way, the steering column of the scooter can be easily folded and unfolded while still providing positive and firm locking of all the elements of the folding mechanism and with no risk of accidental unlocking. Still more preferably, the hinged lever has a ratcheting mechanism. Said ratcheting mechanism advantageously permits compensating for wear in the folding mechanism and ensuring firm locking of the folding mechanism.

In a further or another embodiment, the deck is flexibly attached to the frame by means of at least two board dampers. By preference, the deck is attached by means of four board dampers. In this way, residual vibration not fully attenuated by the dampers between the parallel arms and in front of the frame are further dampened by the board dampers. By preference, each board damper is made of elastomeric material. This material provides substantial damping capabilities while being inexpensive and easy to maintain and replace.

In a further or another embodiment, the scooter is electrically driven. This advantageously reduces the effort of the user. Because the user no longer needs to step outside of the deck of the scooter in order to gain momentum, the safety of the user is also improved. By preference, the frame is further equipped with a battery pack, a charging circuit and a controller. This offers a convenient energy storage as well as the means to charge the battery and manage energy transfer.

The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

The present invention will be now described in more details, referring to examples that are not limitative.

EXAMPLES AND/OR DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

With as a goal illustrating better the properties of the invention the following presents, as an example and limiting in no way other potential applications, a description of a number of preferred embodiments of the device based on the invention, wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the scooter (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 1, the scooter (1) includes a frame (2) constructed of a suitably rigid and strong material (e.g., steel, aluminum or any other material known in the art suitable for this type of structural component), that has a lower middle section and a rising front and back end. The rising part at the rear holds the back wheel (31) with a disc brake (30) mounted. De lower middle section of the frame (2) has at least two board dampers (36) separating the deck (38) from the frame (2). The board dampers (36) constructed of a suitable soft material e.g., rubber or polymer, to absorb vibrations travelling from the frame (2) to the deck (38). The scooter deck (38) is an elongated structure that provides a surface area for the user to stand on while riding the scooter. The board dampers (36) create clearance for the deck (38), said deck (38) being constructed of a suitable flexible material (e.g., wood laminates, polymer or any other material known in the art suitable for this type of structural component), to allow the deck (38) to flex moderately during operation of the scooter (1) reducing the impact on the rider's body. The front end of the frame (2) has a chamber to hold the rubber suspension unit (7) and a vertically rising section that connects to the lower part of the hinge (45) at the top and to the steering bracket (12) on the bottom. Both the top and bottom connections are separated by bearings to allow for pivotal operation. The bottom part of the hinge (45) is pivotally connected to the top part of the hinge (44). With the latch (42) closed, the column connected to the top part of the hinge (44) rising vertically, is secured. The safety pin (41) prevents the latch from opening during operation. If the safety pin (41) is lifted, the latch (42) can be opened, and the handlebar can be folded down and secured to the rear mudguard (33). The taillight (47) now doubles as a handle to lift and tow the scooter, rolling on the two front wheels (28). This way the user can refrain from carrying the scooter if not used while traveling. The rising column leads to the handlebar (6). The handlebar (6) holds two handlebar grips (35), a brake lever (4), a throttle (5) and indicator lights (34) on each end.

As shown in figure 1, the scooter (1) also includes a suspension bracket (9) which holds all parts of the suspension system. A more detailed look at the suspension system can be seen in the exploded view in figure 5. The suspension bracket (9) is positioned over inner core of the suspension unit (49) and fixated by bolts (10). The suspension bracket (9) has three axles extending from the front. The parallel arms (15) constructed of a suitably rigid and strong material (e.g., steel, aluminum or any other material known in the art suitable for this type of structural component), are pivotally mounted to the top and bottom axles. A more detailed view of the parallel arms (15) can be seen in the exploded view of figure 5. A tilting damper (21) is mounted on the middle axle. The tilting damper (21) constructed of a suitable soft material e.g., rubber or polymer, is shaped to match between the upper and lower parallel arm (15) to push them in their neutral horizontal position. This allows the scooter (1) to remain upright unloaded. A cover plate (20) is secured to the axles of the suspension bracket (9) to keep both the parallel arms (15) and the tilting damper (21) from sliding of the axles. Each parallel arm (15) has a ball socket (13) on either end. Two ball shanks (11) are mounted to the top and bottom of left wheel bracket (25) and the right wheel bracket (24). The left wheel bracket (25) and the right wheel bracket (24) are constructed of a suitably rigid and strong material (e.g., steel, aluminum or any other material known in the art suitable for this type of structural component). Each bracket has an axle to hold the left and right front wheel (28). The ball sockets (13) of the upper and lower parallel arms (15) are connected to the respective upper and lower ball shanks (11) on the left wheel bracket (25) and right wheel bracket (24) to form a knee joint. This allows the left wheel bracket (25) and right wheel bracket (24) to pivot when turning and tilt when leaning or a combination of both.

Figure 2 illustrates the scooter (1) with the handlebar (6) and the front wheels (28) turning left. The left wheel bracket (25) pivots about axis A through the knee joint of the ball sockets (13), connected to the parallel arms (15) and ball shanks (11) attached to the left wheel bracket (25). The right wheel bracket (24) rotates about axis B in the same manner. The handlebar (6) is connected through the front end of the frame (2) to the steering bracket (12). Figure 3 shows the bottom view from figure 2. The rotation movement from the handlebar (6) rotates the steering bracket (12) and pushes or pulls (depending on clockwise or counterclockwise rotation), the steering rod (29). The steering rod has is pivotally connected to the right wheel bracket (24) on one end and the steering bracket (12) on the other. Both pivotal movements are made possible by the ball socket (13) and ball shank (11) connection allowing for a knee joint operation. In the embodiment of figure 3, the steering bracket (12) is turned clockwise and pushes out and pivots the right wheel bracket

(24) and right front wheel (28) over axis B as illustrated in figure 2. The right wheel bracket (24) is connected to the left wheel bracket (25) through the steering link (27). The steering link (27) is a rod, pivotally connected to the left wheel bracket

(25) and the right wheel bracket (24), with a ball socket (13) attached to both ends connecting to a ball shank (11) on both the left wheel bracket (25) and right wheel bracket (24). This allows all rotational movements from the handlebars (6) to be transferred to the right wheel bracket (24) and further through the steering link (27) to the left wheel bracket (25).

Figure 4 shows the scooter (1) in a leaning configuration. The cover plate (20) is removed in this figure to show the tilting damper (21). The assembly of the ball shank (11) and ball socket (13) allows the axis A and B, as seen in figure 3, to tilt. The parallel arms (15) rotate over their respective axles on the suspension bracket (9). A greater leaning angle will move the parallel arms (15) closer together, this will lead to a compressing force on the tilting damper (21). The tilting damper (21) will resist compression, adding resistance by every degree of leaning. The result is a controlled leaning movement while riding the scooter (1).

Figure 6 illustrates the scooter (1) with the front wheels (28) hidden to have a better overview of the front suspension assembly. Furthermore, it illustrates the front suspension assembly in a loaded position. The working of the suspension is assembly is as follows. Under load, the suspension bracket (9), which is bolted to the inner core (49) of the rubber suspension unit (7), will rotate over axis C illustrated in figure 5. As seen in figure 5, the inner core (49) is pressed in the rubber suspension unit (7) together with 4 rubber inserts (48). A torque on the inner core (49) will lead to compression of the rubber inserts (48). The suspension bracket (9) can rotate further until the opposite torque created by the compression of the rubber inserts (48) equals the torque applied by the suspension bracket (9). While the scooter (1) is ridden on uneven terrain, the vibrations will travel from the front wheels (28) to the rubber suspension unit (7) which will effectively dampen said vibrations leading to a smooth riding experience.

The present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described in the examples and/or shown in the figures. On the contrary, devices according to the present invention may be realized in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention.

List of numbered items:

1 Scooter

2 frame of the scooter

3 hex bolt

4 brake lever

5 throttle lever

6 handlebar

7 rubber suspension unit

8 set screw

9 suspension bracket 10 safety bolt

11 ball shank

12 steering bracket

13 ball socket

14 bearing

15 parallel arm

16 front mudguard

17 locknut

18 locknut

19 axle parallel arm

20 cover plate

21 tilting damper

22 cover bolt

23 ball shank

24 right wheel bracket

25 left wheel bracket

26 ball socket steering link

28 front wheel

29 steering rod

30 disc brake

31 back wheel

32 black box

33 rear mudguard

34 indicator light

35 handlebar grip

36 board damper

37 barrel screw

38 deck

39 hinge bolt

40 hinge spring

41 safety pin hinge

42 hinge latch

43 hinge axle

44 hinge top

45 hinge bottom

46 rider light 47 tail light

48 rubber insert suspension unit

49 suspension unit core.