Patent US7451848B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US7451848B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Foldable personal mobility vehicle
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 2002-10-23
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Granted: 2008-11-18
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Expires: 2022-10-23
Abstract
Abstract A foldable personal mobility vehicle is disclosed comprising first and second units having first and second wheels being rotatable about first and second axles. A drive unit rotates the second wheel for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle. A pivot disposed substantially parallel to the first and second axles pivotably connects the first unit to the second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle. The foldable personal mobility vehicle may include a folding unit for automatically folding the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Inventors
- 👤 Michael J. Flowers
- 👤 George G. Flowers
- 👤 Stephen Jarema, III
- 👤 Edward J. Dwyer, Jr.
- 👤 Lee Volpe
- 👤 Alex He
- 👤 Robert C. Hopely, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 10:13
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61G; A61G5/00; A61G5/04; A61G5/041; A61G5/045; A61G5/08; A61G5/0808; A61G5/085; A61G5/0858; A61G5/0891; A61G5/10; A61G5/1051; B; B62; B62K; B62K15/00; B62K15/006; B62K15/008; B62K5/00; B62K5/003; B62K5/007; A61G5/1005; A61G5/101; A61G5/1013; A61G5/1018; B60; B60K; B60K1/00; B60K2001/001; B60Y; B60Y2200/00; B60Y2200/10; B60Y2200/12; B60Y2200/126; B60Y2200/80; B60Y2200/84; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S180/00; Y10S180/907
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 44
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle located on a surface, comprising: a first unit including a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; said first wheel being movably mounted to said first unit; a second unit including a second wheel being rotatable about a second axle; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; and a pivot assist unit including a lever for pivoting said first unit about said first wheel causing said second wheel to move toward said first wheel while said first and second wheels are located on the surface for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis with said pivot axis of said pivot moving above said first and said second wheels.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle located on a surface, comprising: a first unit including a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; said first wheel being movably mounted to said first unit; a second unit including a second wheel being rotatable about a second axle; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; and a pivot assist unit including a lever for pivoting said first unit about said first wheel causing said second wheel to move toward said first wheel while said first and second wheels are located on the surface for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis with said pivot axis of said pivot moving above said first and said second wheels.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the foldable personal mobility vehicle is a scooter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , wherein the foldable personal mobility vehicle is a wheel chair.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said first unit is a front unit of the foldable personal mobility vehicle and said second unit is a rear unit of the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said first unit is a rear unit of the foldable personal mobility vehicle and said second unit is a front unit of the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said first wheel is pivotably mounted to said first unit for steering the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , including a drive unit for rotating said second wheel for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
37 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said second unit comprises plural second wheels; and a drive unit independently driving said plural second wheels for steering said foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , including a drive unit comprising an electric motor for rotating said second wheel for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , including a drive unit comprising an electric motor for rotating a drive axle connected to said second wheel; and said drive unit being removably secured to said second unit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said pivot assist unit comprises an electrical motor for pivoting said first unit relative to said second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , wherein said pivot assist unit comprises a drive unit for rotating said second wheel for assisting in the folding of the front unit relative to said rear unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , including a chair support for collapsibly mounting a chair to one of said first and second units.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
52 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , including a chair support for collapsibly mounting a chair to one of said first and second units; and a coupling interconnecting said chair support to said pivot axis for collapsing said chair upon folding of the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 1 , including a chair having a backrest pivotably mounted to a seat for pivoting between an operating position and a folded position.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
148 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle, comprising: a first unit including a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a second unit including a second wheel being rotatable about a second axle; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; a pivot assist unit including a lever for initially pivoting said first unit relative to said second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis; said pivot assist unit including a brake for braking said first wheel; and said pivot assist unit including a drive unit rotating said second wheel for moving said second wheel towards said first wheel concomitantly with the braking of said first wheel to continue to pivot said first unit relative to said second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
148 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle, comprising: a first unit including a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a second unit including a second wheel being rotatable about a second axle; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; a pivot assist unit including a lever for initially pivoting said first unit relative to said second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis; said pivot assist unit including a brake for braking said first wheel; and said pivot assist unit including a drive unit rotating said second wheel for moving said second wheel towards said first wheel concomitantly with the braking of said first wheel to continue to pivot said first unit relative to said second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
134 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle, comprising: a first unit including a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a second unit including a second wheel being rotatable about a second axle; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; a pivot assist unit for pivoting said first unit relative to said second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis; a chair support for collapsibly mounting a chair to one of said first and second units; a coupling interconnecting said chair support to said pivot axis for collapsing said chair upon folding of the foldable personal mobility vehicle; and said collapsible chair being collapsible independent of the folding of the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
134 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle, comprising: a first unit including a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a second unit including a second wheel being rotatable about a second axle; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; a pivot assist unit for pivoting said first unit relative to said second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis; a chair support for collapsibly mounting a chair to one of said first and second units; a coupling interconnecting said chair support to said pivot axis for collapsing said chair upon folding of the foldable personal mobility vehicle; and said collapsible chair being collapsible independent of the folding of the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
112 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle, comprising: a first unit supporting a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a second unit supporting a second wheel being rotatable about a second axle; a brake for retarding said first wheel; an electrical motor drive unit for rotating said second wheel for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; and a pivot assist comprising said electrical motor drive unit rotating said second wheel concomitantly with said brake retarding said first wheel for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
112 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle, comprising: a first unit supporting a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a second unit supporting a second wheel being rotatable about a second axle; a brake for retarding said first wheel; an electrical motor drive unit for rotating said second wheel for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; and a pivot assist comprising said electrical motor drive unit rotating said second wheel concomitantly with said brake retarding said first wheel for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
40 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 18 , wherein said first unit is a front unit of the foldable personal mobility vehicle and said second unit is a rear unit of the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
40 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 18 , wherein said first unit is a rear unit of the foldable personal mobility vehicle and said second unit is a front unit of the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
30 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 18 , wherein said first wheel is pivotably mounted to said first unit for steering the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
30 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 18 , wherein said second wheel is pivotably mounted to said second unit for steering the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
165 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle, comprising: a first unit having a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a tiller pivotably supporting said first wheel on said first unit for steering said foldable personal mobility vehicle; a second unit supporting plural second wheels being rotatable about a second axle; an electrical motor drive unit for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; and a pivot assist unit comprising said tiller unit providing a lever arm for pivoting said first unit about said first wheel causing said second wheel to move toward said first wheel while said first and second wheels are located on the surface for folding of the front unit relative to said rear unit of the foldable personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis with said pivot axis of said pivot moving above said first and said second wheels.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
165 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle, comprising: a first unit having a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a tiller pivotably supporting said first wheel on said first unit for steering said foldable personal mobility vehicle; a second unit supporting plural second wheels being rotatable about a second axle; an electrical motor drive unit for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; and a pivot assist unit comprising said tiller unit providing a lever arm for pivoting said first unit about said first wheel causing said second wheel to move toward said first wheel while said first and second wheels are located on the surface for folding of the front unit relative to said rear unit of the foldable personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis with said pivot axis of said pivot moving above said first and said second wheels.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
29 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 23 , wherein said electrical motor drive unit rotates said first axle for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
29 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 23 , wherein said electrical motor drive unit rotates said second axle for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
205 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle for transporting an operator, comprising: a first unit having a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a tiller pivotably supporting said first wheel on said first unit for steering said foldable personal mobility vehicle; a second unit supporting plural second wheels being rotatable about a second axle; an electrical motor drive unit for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle; a chair having a collapsible support for securing said chair to said second unit; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; a pivot assist unit comprising said tiller unit providing a lever arm for pivoting said first unit about said first wheel causing said second wheel to move toward said first wheel while said first and second wheels are located on the surface for folding of the first unit relative to said second unit of the foldable personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis with said pivot axis of said pivot moving above said first and said second wheels, and a link interconnecting said pivot and said collapsible support for collapsing said chair support upon folding of the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
205 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle for transporting an operator, comprising: a first unit having a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a tiller pivotably supporting said first wheel on said first unit for steering said foldable personal mobility vehicle; a second unit supporting plural second wheels being rotatable about a second axle; an electrical motor drive unit for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle; a chair having a collapsible support for securing said chair to said second unit; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; a pivot assist unit comprising said tiller unit providing a lever arm for pivoting said first unit about said first wheel causing said second wheel to move toward said first wheel while said first and second wheels are located on the surface for folding of the first unit relative to said second unit of the foldable personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis with said pivot axis of said pivot moving above said first and said second wheels, and a link interconnecting said pivot and said collapsible support for collapsing said chair support upon folding of the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
29 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 26 , wherein said electrical motor drive unit rotates said first axle for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
29 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle as set forth in claim 26 , wherein said electrical motor drive unit rotates said second axle for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
171 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle for transporting an operator, comprising: a first unit having a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a tiller pivotably supporting said first wheel on said first unit for steering said foldable personal mobility vehicle; a second unit supporting plural second wheels being rotatable about a second axle; a brake for retarding said first wheel; an electrical motor drive unit for rotating said plural second wheels for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle; a collapsible chair mounted relative to said second unit for seating the operator; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; a pivot assist unit comprising said electrical motor drive unit rotating said plural second wheels concomitantly with said brake retarding said first wheel for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis; and a coupling interconnecting said pivot and said collapsible chair for collapsing said chair upon folding of the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
171 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle for transporting an operator, comprising: a first unit having a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a tiller pivotably supporting said first wheel on said first unit for steering said foldable personal mobility vehicle; a second unit supporting plural second wheels being rotatable about a second axle; a brake for retarding said first wheel; an electrical motor drive unit for rotating said plural second wheels for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle; a collapsible chair mounted relative to said second unit for seating the operator; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; a pivot assist unit comprising said electrical motor drive unit rotating said plural second wheels concomitantly with said brake retarding said first wheel for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis; and a coupling interconnecting said pivot and said collapsible chair for collapsing said chair upon folding of the foldable personal mobility vehicle.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
207 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle for transporting an operator, comprising: a first unit having a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a tiller connected to said first wheel on said first unit for steering said foldable personal mobility vehicle; a second unit supporting plural second wheels being rotatable about a second axle; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; a pivot assist unit including a lever for pivoting said first unit relative to said second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis with said pivot axis of said pivot being located above said first axle and said second axle; an electrical motor drive unit for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle; and a tiller pivot for pivoting said tiller relative to said first unit for enabling said tiller to be pivoted into general alignment with said first unit and second units of said foldable personal mobility vehicle when said foldable personal mobility vehicle is in a folded position; and said electrical motor drive unit and said tiller moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle when said foldable personal mobility vehicle is in said folded position.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
207 words
A foldable personal mobility vehicle for transporting an operator, comprising: a first unit having a first wheel being rotatable about a first axle; a tiller connected to said first wheel on said first unit for steering said foldable personal mobility vehicle; a second unit supporting plural second wheels being rotatable about a second axle; a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to said first and second axles for pivotably connecting said first unit to said second unit; a pivot assist unit including a lever for pivoting said first unit relative to said second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about said pivot axis with said pivot axis of said pivot being located above said first axle and said second axle; an electrical motor drive unit for moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle; and a tiller pivot for pivoting said tiller relative to said first unit for enabling said tiller to be pivoted into general alignment with said first unit and second units of said foldable personal mobility vehicle when said foldable personal mobility vehicle is in a folded position; and said electrical motor drive unit and said tiller moving the foldable personal mobility vehicle when said foldable personal mobility vehicle is in said folded position.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
82 words
The method of folding a personal mobility vehicle, the personal mobility vehicle comprising a first unit having a first wheel and a second unit having a second wheel with a pivot connecting the first unit to the second unit, the method comprising the steps of: braking the first wheel; and driving the second wheel for moving the second wheel towards the first wheel to pivot the first unit relative to the second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about the pivot.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
82 words
The method of folding a personal mobility vehicle, the personal mobility vehicle comprising a first unit having a first wheel and a second unit having a second wheel with a pivot connecting the first unit to the second unit, the method comprising the steps of: braking the first wheel; and driving the second wheel for moving the second wheel towards the first wheel to pivot the first unit relative to the second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about the pivot.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
106 words
The method of folding a personal mobility vehicle, the personal mobility vehicle comprising a first unit having a first wheel and a second unit having a second wheel with a pivot connecting the first unit to the second unit, the method comprising the steps of: initially pivoting the first unit relative to the second unit with a lever for folding the personal mobility vehicle about the pivot axis; braking the first wheel; driving the second wheel for moving the second wheel towards the first wheel to continue to pivot the first unit relative to the second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about the pivot.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
106 words
The method of folding a personal mobility vehicle, the personal mobility vehicle comprising a first unit having a first wheel and a second unit having a second wheel with a pivot connecting the first unit to the second unit, the method comprising the steps of: initially pivoting the first unit relative to the second unit with a lever for folding the personal mobility vehicle about the pivot axis; braking the first wheel; driving the second wheel for moving the second wheel towards the first wheel to continue to pivot the first unit relative to the second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about the pivot.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
149 words
The method of folding a personal mobility vehicle, the personal mobility vehicle comprising a first unit having a first wheel rotatable about a first axle and a second unit having a second wheel rotatable about a second axle with a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to the first and second axles for pivotably connecting the first unit to the second unit, the method comprising the steps of: initially pivoting the first unit relative to the second unit with a lever for folding the personal mobility vehicle about the pivot axis; braking the first wheel; and driving the second wheel for moving the second wheel towards the first wheel to continue to pivot the first unit relative to the second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about the pivot axis until the pivot axis of the pivot is located above the first axle and the second axle.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
149 words
The method of folding a personal mobility vehicle, the personal mobility vehicle comprising a first unit having a first wheel rotatable about a first axle and a second unit having a second wheel rotatable about a second axle with a pivot having a pivot axis substantially parallel to the first and second axles for pivotably connecting the first unit to the second unit, the method comprising the steps of: initially pivoting the first unit relative to the second unit with a lever for folding the personal mobility vehicle about the pivot axis; braking the first wheel; and driving the second wheel for moving the second wheel towards the first wheel to continue to pivot the first unit relative to the second unit for folding the personal mobility vehicle about the pivot axis until the pivot axis of the pivot is located above the first axle and the second axle.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2011-11-18 | 2012-05-19 | 2012-11-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2015-11-18 | 2016-05-19 | 2016-11-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2019-11-18 | 2020-05-19 | 2020-11-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |