GB2466241A

GB2466241A - Foot propelled scooter with sound effects

Info

Publication number: GB2466241A
Application number: GB0822731A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Pikavance; Nathaniel Eastment; Saawan Shah
Original assignee: HY PRO INTERNAT Ltd
Current assignee: HY PRO INTERNAT Ltd
Priority date: 2008-12-15
Filing date: 2008-12-15
Publication date: 2010-06-23
Also published as: GB0822731D0

Abstract

A foot propelled scooter with having additional sound effects. The effects may be simulations of the noises generated by an internal combustion engine, and/or tyre noise associated with braking. The sounds may be controlled by a key-in-slot switch arrangement or by a foot operated switch 6. A further switch may override the function of the main switch. The scooter may further comprise a speedometer and a distance meter.

Description

Title: An improved scooter The invention relates to an improved foot propelled scooter primarily for use as a toy having the added advantage of sound effects which resemble the noises of an internal combustion engine.

Foot propelled scooters for both children and adults have become commonplace. The present invention is directed to an improved scooter having the added benefit of sound effects which simulate the noises generated by an internal combustion engine.

In a first aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter comprising an integral sound generating system.

In a second aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter wherein the sound generating system is activated by a slot and key affangement.

In a third aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled wherein the sound generating system generates a multiplicity of different sounds.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter wherein the sound generating system generates a first sound when the key is turned in the slot, a second sound when the key is released, and a third sound when the brake is applied.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter wherein the sound generating system produces at least one sound which resembles a sound produced by an engine.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter wherein the sound generating system produces at least one sound which resembles the sound produced by tyres during braking.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter wherein the first sound resembles an engine starting the second sound resembles an engine idling or revving and the third sound resembles tyres screeching during braking.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter further comprising one or more lights.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter further comprising a platform on which the user places at least one foot, wherein one or more of the lights are activated by a foot switch located on the platform.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter wherein the sound generating system and/or the lights can be inactivated by one or more switches which overnde the lock and key arrangement and/or the foot switch.

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In a further aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter wherein the one or more switch is located on the underside of the platform.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter wherein activation of the foot switch causes the number, arrangement, and colours of the lights which are illuminated to change according to a preset mode.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter having a speedometer which displays the speed of travel.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter having a speedometer which displays the total distance travelled.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a speedometer for a foot propelled scooter which displays the speed of travel.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a speedometer for a foot propelled scooter which displays the total distance travelled.

In a further aspect the invention relates to a foot propelled scooter wherein the scooter is a folding scooter.

Description of the drawings:

Figure 1 a: Shows an overview of a scooter of the present invention.

Figure ib: Shows a second overview of a scooter of the present invention.

Figure 2: Shows the switch anangement on the underside of the platform.

Figure 3: Shows the panel 15 in detail Figure 4: Shows the rear wheel brake and one set of rear lights in a prefeffed embodiment.

Figure 5: Shows both sets of rear lights in a prefeffed embodiment.

Figure 6: Shows both sets of front lights in a prefeffed embodiment.

The invention relates to a conventional, foldable foot operated micro-scooter having two or more wheels.

Preferably the wheels are solid or semi-solid. Preferably each wheel is formed as a single unit from the same material so as to simplify manufacture and minimise production costs.

This construction avoids the use of spoked wheels which have the disadvantage that clothing, or other items such as a child's fingers can readily become trapped in them.

The specifics of the folding, steering and braking mechanisms are well known to those skilled in the art, as are the prefeffed materials and modes of manufacture.

Preferably the scooter is provided with a conventional rear wheel brake which slows the scooter when it is depressing against the rear wheel by the rider.

The scooter is provided with one or more batteries or cells which are used to power a sound generating device. The batteries or cells are preferably located on the underside of the platform.

The sound generating device is operated by an onloff switch 5 see figure 2 preferably the switch 5 is located on the underside of the riding platform.

Prior to use the rider moves the switch 5 to the on position thus activating the sound generating device but not actually generating any sound. Optionally moving the switch 5 to the on position lights a light 13 see figure 3. Preferably the light is located on a panel see figure la so that the rider can easily see that the sound generating system is switched on.

The scooter is provided with a slot 8 and key 9 affangement which resembles an ignition key see figure 3.

When the key is placed in the slot 8 and rotated the sound simulating device generates a first sound. Preferably the first sound resembles the sound of an internal combustion engine starting.

When the key is released whether or not it is retained in the slot 8, the sound generating system generates a second sound. Preferably the second sound resembles the sound of an internal combustion engine idling, revving and/or accelerating.

When the brake is applied the sound simulating device generates a third sound.

Preferably the third sound resembles the sound generated by tyres screeching during braking.

Optionally a speaker 13 is located on the front of part 15 as shown in figure lb. Optionally the key 9 is attached to the scooter by a length of flexible material 10 to prevent loss.

At the end of use the rider moves the switch 5 to the off position thus extinguishing the light 13 and disabling the sound generating system.

If desired the scooter can be ridden with the switch 5 in the off position so that the sound simulating device is not activated.

Optionally as shown in figure 3 the scooter is provided with a speedometer 12 which displays the speed of the rider during transit and / or records the total distance travelled.

The speedometer can be integral to the scooter or may be attached to the scooter during use and then removed for safekeeping or for use on another scooter.

In another aspect the scooter is provided with one or more front lights 1 and one or more rear lights 2. Preferably the lights are located on either side of the wheels 3 on the riding platform 4 as shown in figures 5 and 6.

The lights can be powered by one or more batteries or cells. Optionally the sound simulating system and the lights are powered by the same or different batteries or cells.

Preferably the batteries or cells are located on the underside of the platform.

The lights are operated by an on/off switch 5b see figure 2 preferably located on the underside of the riding platform.

Optionally a single on/off switch 5 can activate both the sound simulating device and the lights as shown in figure 2.

Alternatively the lights and the sound generating system can be activated independently of one another by two separately activated switches 5a and Sb.

Prior to use the rider moves the switch 5b to the on position thus activating the one or more lights. At the end of use the rider moves the switch 5b to the off position to extinguish the lights and conserve the bafteries or cells power.

Optionally a foot switch 6 see figure 1 is located on the riding platform and if desired during riding can be depressed by the rider's foot causing the number, affangement, and/or colour of the lighted lights to change according to a preset mode.

In a prefeffed embodiment switching the switch 5b causes some of the front and rear lights to flash briefly and then to operate continuously preferably these lights are red and indicate that the scooter is stationary. When the foot switch 6 is depressed the lights change colour preferably the front lights change to white and the rear lights change to green indicating that the scooter is moving. When the foot switch is released the front and rear lights flash and change colour preferably to red and eventually the flashing is replaced by continuous red lights.

The number, location arrangement and colour of the lights which are activated when the switch 5b is operated and when the foot switch 6 is depressed and released can be varied according to one or more preset modes as will be clear to the skilled addressee.

If desired the scooter can be ridden with the switch 5 in the off position so that the lights and/or the sound simulating device is not activated.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A foot propelled scooter comprising an integral sound generating system.
2. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the sound generating system is activated by a slot and key affangement.
3. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sound generating system generates a multiplicity of different sounds.
4. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sound generating system generates a first sound when the key is turned in the slot, a second sound when the key is released, and a third sound when the brake is applied.
5. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sound generating system produces at least one sound which resembles a sound produced by an engine.
6. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sound generating system produces at least one sound which resembles the sound produced by tyres during braking.
7. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 6 wherein the first sound resembles an engine starting the second sound resembles an engine idling or revving and the third sound resembles tyres screeching during braking.
8. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in any preceding claim further comprising one or more lights.
9. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in claim 8 further comprising a platform on which the user places at least one foot, wherein one or more of the lights are activated by a foot switch located on the platform.
10. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the sound generating system and/or the lights can be inactivated by one or more switches which overnde the lock and key affangement and/or the foot switch.
11. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in claim 10 wherein the one or more switch is located on the underside of the platform.
12. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein activation of the foot switch causes the number, affangement, and colours of the lights which are illuminated to change according to a preset mode.
13. A foot propelled scooter having a speedometer which displays the speed of travel.
14. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in claim 13 which displays the total distance travelled.
15. A speedometer for a foot propelled scooter which displays the speed of travel
16. A speedometer for a foot propelled scooter as claimed in claim 14 which displays the total distance travelled.
17. A foot propelled scooter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the scooter is a folding scooter.
18. A foot propelled scooter substantially as shown in figure 1 or as herein described.