GB2612293A

GB2612293A - Big little folding scooter

Info

Publication number: GB2612293A
Application number: GB2113201.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Douglas Harrison Anthony
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-09-15
Filing date: 2021-09-15
Publication date: 2023-05-03
Anticipated expiration: 2041-09-15
Also published as: GB2612293B; GB202113201D0

Abstract

A compact folding scooter convertible between an open and a folded arrangement. The platform deck is formed of at least two parallel beams 146, such that in the folded configuration, the down tube 132 is in the gap between the two beams 146. In the open, riding arrangement, the vehicle has geometry that is similar to conventional scooter. The down tube 132 has a bend which passes through the gap completely in the folded configuration, which may be used as a handle for carrying the scooter. The beams 146 may be hollow tubes being circular, square, or hexagonal cross-sectional box sections. A top surface 159 may be included for supporting the rider.

Description

BIG LITTLE FOLDING SCOOTER

BACKGROUND

Small, personal vehicles such as bicycles and scooters are popular both as recreational vehicles and means of transportation. When used as part of a cormuute employing multiple modes of transportation, personal vehicles which occupy a large space on buses or trains may be cumbersome and inconvenient. These vehicles may also be difficult to store at a user's workplace or residence when not in use. Personal vehicles having very small frames occupy less space but are too awkward for adult use. Meanwhile, personal vehicles having very small wheels also occupy less space but suffer from an uncomfortable ride due to the small wheel diameter.

A problem with scooter vehicles is that they generally have small, solid wheels, which makes them inefficient, and relatively uncomfortable. The larger wheels of traditional or folding bikes are more efficient, and as they have pneumatic tires, provide a more comfortable ride. Such pneumatic tires and wheel size also provides for more stable and sensitive handling.

However, the increase in size compared to traditional scooter wheels presents a problem of efficiently folding and packing such wheels in folding bikes and scooters.

It is the aim of the present invention to provide a foldable scooter with at least a front wheel that is of similar diameter to those on traditional folding bikes, such as Brompton, Tern and Dahon cycles, but which has particularly efficient packing in the folded state.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a scooter vehicle configured for conversion between an open arrangement and a folded arrangement. When storage in small spaces is desirable, the vehicle may be quickly folded into a compact package with a simple folding process. When unfolded into an open, riding arrangement, the vehicle has geometry that is similar to conventional scooter vehicles.

In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a scooter vehicle configured for conversion between open and folded arrangements, comprising: a front frame assembly including a down tube, and a head tube configured to receive a stem, said stem configured to receive a handlebar; a front wheel carrier rotatably coupled to the headset bearing and thereby the head tube; a front wheel coupled with the front wheel carrier and including a circumference defining a front vertical longitudinal plane and an axle, wherein the longitudinal axis of the axle lies at the intersection of a front vertical transverse plane and a front horizontal transverse plane, both of which are substantially orthogonal to the front vertical longitudinal plane; a rear wheel assembly including a rear wheel carrier; a rear wheel coupled with the rear wheel carrier and including a circumference defining a rear vertical longitudinal plane, and an axle, wherein the longitudinal axis of the axle lies at the intersection of a rear vertical transverse plane and a rear horizontal transverse plane, both of which are substantially orthogonal to the rear vertical longitudinal plane; a central support assembly extending between the front frame assembly and the rear wheel assembly, and including at least two, beams, at least a portion of which are substantially parallel to one another, said beams positioned to define a gap therebetween; the central support assembly comprising a forward hinge coupling enabling relative pivoting of the front frame assembly and the central support assembly about a front frame pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the rear vertical transverse plane; a steering assembly configured to enable steering of the front wheel and including a handlebar and the stem including an upper portion configured for engagement with (preferably clamping to) the handlebar and a lower portion configured for receipt within the head tube; wherein in the open state, the substantially parallel branches of central support assembly are substantially coplanar with the rear horizontal transverse plane; wherein to convert the scooter to its folded state, the central support assembly is rotated in the rear vertical longitudinal plane, the central support assembly rotating about the forward hinge, such that the down tube at least partially passes between the gap defined by the beams of the central support assembly.

Preferably, the front wheel carrier is a fork. Preferably the fork comprises a single blade or double blades, preferably double blades.

Preferably the stem is a folding stem.

The stem configured to receive a handlebar is known as a handlebar stem.

In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, when converting the scooter to its folded state, the central support assembly is rotated in the rear vertical longitudinal plane, the central support assembly rotating about the forward hinge between 90° and 1200.

In a preferred embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, in the closed state, at least a portion of the down tube has passed completely through the gap defined by the beams of the central support assembly, In a preferred first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the down tube contains a bend in the front vertical longitudinal plane. As such, when moving to the closed state, the bend enables a portion of the down tube to pass completely through the gap defined by the beams of the central support assembly.

In the preferred first embodiment, the portion of the down tube which passes through the beams of the central support assembly acts as a handle for the user to lift or handle the scooter in the closed state.

In the preferred first embodiment, the portion of the down tube which passes through the beams of the central support assembly acts as a support for a handle for the user to lift or handle the scooter in the closed state.

In the preferred first embodiment, the down tube preferably comprises at least one, and preferably two adjacent bends in the front vertical longitudinal plane. This allows the down tube to pass through and back out of the gap defined by the beams of the central support assembly.

In the preferred first embodiment, the portion of the down tube which acts as a handle is provided with an appropriate grip or ergonomic design for the ease of the user.

Where the down tube contains a single bend, preferably the bend is between 20° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 60°, preferably between 35 and 50°.

Where the down tube contains two bends, preferably each bend is between 100 and 45°, preferably between 20° and 45°, preferably between 25 and 40°. In this embodiment, the bends are in the same plane Preferably, the combined rotation of the two bends is in the range of about 20° to 90°.

In an alternative to the first embodiment, the down tube is curved in the front vertical longitudinal plane. As such, when moving to the closed state, the curve enables a portion of the down tube to pass completely through the gap defined by the beams of the central support assembly. Where the dovvri tube contains a curve, preferably the curve is between 20° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 600, preferably between 35 and 50°.

The scooter vehicle of the present invention is preferably electric powered. This can provide partial or total driving power for the scooter. The electric power is preferably provided by a conventional on-board battery. Said battery is preferably detachable and/or rechargeable.

In all aspects of the invention, the open arrangement corresponds to the driving format of the scooter, and the folded arrangement corresponds to the closed or partially closed stored format.

In all aspects of the invention, the head tube of the front frame assembly is preferably of the traditional form used in bikes, particularly folding bikes, such as a Brompton or Dahon folding bike. The head tube is preferably tubular. The head tube may be made from metal or carbon fibre or a combination thereof The head tube is preferably made from metal, preferably steel, aluminium or a steel or aluminium alloy.

In all aspects of the invention, the handlebar stem is preferably a folding stem. It is also preferably of the traditional form used in folding bikes, such as a Brompton or Dahon folding bike In all aspects of the invention, the front wheel carrier is also preferably of the traditional form used in bikes, particularly folding bikes, such as a Brompton or Dahon folding bike.

Preferably, the front wheel carrier comprises a steerer tube and forks. The forks are configured to support the front wheel. However, the front wheel carrier may also be of a single fork design. Preferably, the front wheel carrier is made from metal or carbon fibre or a combination thereof Preferably, the front wheel carrier is made from metal, preferably steel, aluminium or a steel or aluminium alloy.

In all aspects of the invention, the front wheel size is preferably at least about 12 inches in diameter, preferably between about 14 and about 20 inches in diameter. A full size option is possible, but 29 inches is the maximum practical. For example, the front wheel is preferably the same or similar to the Brompton front wheel size, i.e., about 16 inch diameter. Preferably the width of the front wheel is between 1 and 2 inches, for example, 1 3/8 inches, such as that found on a Brompton bike. Preferably, the front wheel takes tyres with a diameter of between 300 and 400 mm, for example about 349mm, such as those on a Brompton bike. The overall diameter of the front wheel including the tire is preferably in the range of about 14 inches to about 22 inches, more preferably about 15 inches to about 20 inches, more preferably about 16 inches to about 20inches. The front wheel is preferably pneumatic. The front wheel is preferably of spoked form.

In all aspects of the invention, the rear wheel is preferably of a traditional scooter design.

The rear wheel preferably has a diameter in the range of about 2 inches to about 12 inches, more preferably about 3 inches to about 8 inches, more preferably about 3.5 inches to about 6 inches. The tire of the rear wheel may be pneumatic or of solid form. The overall diameter of the rear wheel including the tire is preferably in the range of about 3 inches to about 14 inches, more preferably about 4 inches to about 10 inches, more preferably about 3.5 inches to about 8 inches.

In all aspects of the invention, preferably the front wheel diameter (including the tire) is larger than the rear wheel diameter (including the tire). Preferably, the ratio of the front wheel diameter (including the tire) to the rear wheel diameter (including the tire) is in the range of 6:1 to 1:1, more preferably 5:1 to 2:1, for example about 4:5:1 to 3.5:1.

In all aspects of the invention, the steering assembly preferably comprises a traditional handlebar and handlebar stem, such as those found on folding bikes such as a Brompton or Dahon.

In all aspects of the invention, when in the open state, the rear wheel assembly and the central support assembly preferably provide a coplanar support structure which allows a user to stand on the central support assembly whilst both the front and rear wheels (including tires) are in contact with the ground when in use.

In all aspects of the invention, the central support assembly is preferably a pair of parallel beams, having substantially the same length as one another.

In all aspects of the invention, the central support assembly preferably has two substantially parallel beams, which lie parallel to the rear longitudinal plane. This allows the beam to form opposite sides of a frame, through which at least a portion of the down tube can pass in the folded configuration.

In all aspects of the invention, to convert the scooter to its folded state, the rear wheel assembly and the central support assembly are preferably rotated from a position where both front and rear wheel are in contact with the ground. Preferably, the scooter is lifted in order to commence the folding sequence. The rear wheel assembly is rotated upwards and forwards towards the head tube, the front hinge rotating such that the rear wheel assembly and the central support assembly fold in the plane of the rear vertical longitudinal plane. In this context, "forward" is the direction of normal forward travel of the scooter. Preferably, the central support assembly and/or the rear wheel assembly is then capable of being latched or otherwise secured to the front frame assembly, preferably the down tube or the head tube.

In all aspects of the invention, the beams of the central support assembly form a frame in combination with the front hinge assembly and the rear wheel (in practice, the circumference of the rear wheel that lies adjacent the beams of the central support), and this frame allows the down tube to at least partially pass though it when folding.

In all aspects of the invention, when moving from the open to folded configuration, the beams of the central support assembly are preferably rotated in the same direction in the rear vertical longitudinal plane, the central support assembly rotating about the forward hinge between 600 and 120°, preferably between 70° and 90°.

In all aspects of the invention, when in the folded position, the front wheel is still capable of turning, enabling the scooter to be easily wheeled by a user in the folded configuration.

The front frame assembly may be provided with a handlebar stem with the hinge placed at an acute angle (preferably 30-60°, preferably about 45°) to the rest of the bicycle allowing handlebars to swing through between 150 ° and 2000, preferably about 180 ° so as to lie substantially parallel with front wheel when folded.; The final folded configuration is preferably in the range of 450-600 mm x 450-600 mm, x 200-300 mm, preferably 500-575 mm x 500-575 mm x 200-250 mm.

The scooter preferably weighs between 6 and 16 kg, preferably between 7 and 8 kg.

In all aspects of the invention, the central support assembly preferably comprises adjacent beams which define a gap which is wider than the front wheel.

In all aspects of the invention, each beam of the central support assembly has a forward hinge coupling enabling relative pivoting of the front frame assembly and the central support assembly about a front frame pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the rear vertical transverse plane.

In all aspects of the invention, both beams of the central support assembly are preferably pivotably attached to the front frame assembly, preferably to the down tube extending from the head tube. The down tube is a beam which extends from the head tube. In the unfolded riding configuration, the longitudinal axis of the head tube is in the rear longitudinal vertical plane. Preferably, the head tube can lie at an angle to the rear vertical transverse plane, i.e., is not parallel thereto (analogous to the position and angle of head tube in the front frame assembly of traditional folding bikes, such as a Brompton).

Preferably, in the open configuration, the down tube has a longitudinal axis which is in the rear longitudinal vertical plane, and preferably at an angle to the rear transverse vertical plane.

In all aspects of the invention, the beams of the central support assembly are preferably substantially parallel and, in the open state, preferably lie in substantially the rear horizontal transverse plane.

In all aspects of the invention, in the folded arrangement, preferably at least a portion of the at least 20%, preferably at least 30%, preferably at least 40% of the down tube length is disposed in the gap between the opposite branches or beams. As used herein, the terms "branch" and "beam" can be used interchangeably.

In all aspects of the invention, the central support assembly preferably includes a platform.

The platform is for a user to stand on when riding the scooter. It is preferably made from metal, plastic, wood or a mixture thereof It is preferably lightweight.

The platform may be pivotably coupled by one or more hinges to the central support assembly, preferably to one of the beams of the central support assembly. The pivot may be provided by one or more hinge assemblies. The hinge(s) allow the platform to be rotated about the longitudinal axis of one of the beam of the central support, from a closed user support position to an open position. This also allows the platform to be moved so that the down tube can enter the gap between the beams of the central support assembly when the vehicle is moved to its folded state.

In an alternative embodiment, the platform has an aperture surface. The aperture is big enough to allow the down tube to pass at least partially through it when the scooter is in the closed arrangement. In this embodiment, the area of the aperture is preferably no more than 15% larger than cross-sectional profile of the down tube. In this way, the area of the platform is still large enough to provide support for a rider.

Preferably, the beams of the central support are selected from hollow tubes having a circular, elliptical, square or hexagonal radial cross section Preferably, a rear wheel assembly comprises adjacent, preferably parallel or partially parallel, beams.

Preferably, the rear portion of at least one, and preferably both of the rear portions of the branches or beams of the central support assembly are tubular. Preferably, the branches or beams of the central support assembly have a square, circular, elliptical, rectangular or hexagonal cross-section.

Preferably, the steering assembly comprises a down tube which extends from the head tube and connects to the central support assembly.

Preferably, the down tube is connected to one or more forward hinge couplings of the central support assembly, preferably connected to the hinge couplings of the adjacent beams of the central support assembly.

Preferably, the forward portion of the central support assembly comprises a stop assembly, which restricts rotational movement in at least one (preferably one) direction within the rear vertical longitudinal plane.

Preferably, the forward portion of the central support assembly comprises a stop assembly, which prevents the central support assembly rotating to create an angle of less than 600 relative to longitudinal axis of the down tube.

Preferably, the stop assembly present on the forward portion of the central support assembly comprises a beam (hereinafter the "front stop beam") which lies substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the branches or beams of the central support assembly, and which abuts the down tube in the open arrangement of the scooter. In this embodiment, when the scooter is folded from its open arrangement to the folded arrangement, the front stop beam preferably rotates out of contact with the down tube. The front stop beam is preferably made from metal, and is preferably formed integral with, or is welded to the branches or beams of the central support assembly.

Preferably, the steering assembly further comprises a steering hinge configured to allow pivoting of the handlebar stem upper portion relative to the handlebar stem lower portion.

Preferably, a top surface of the platform is substantially orthogonal to both the rear vertical transverse and rear vertical longitudinal planes in the open arrangement.

Preferably, sere in in the folded arrangement, the rear wheel is positioned adjacent to the handle bars and/or the head tube.

Preferably, in moving from the open to folded state, the rear wheel assembly is rotated in the plane of the rear longitudinal plane until it comes into proximity with the handle bars and/or the head tube, wherein the front and rear longitudinal planes of the front and rear wheels are substantially coplanar.

Preferably, the scooter of the present invention comprises an electric hub motor operatively coupled with either the front or the rear wheel, preferably the front wheel.

Preferably, the scooter is provided with conventional brake assemblies. These may be disc brakes, cantilever brakes, or the like. One or both wheels may have brake assemblies.

In another example, a scooter may be constructed to exclude electrical and power components to yield an embodiment of a vehicle provided for manual operation. Elimination of electrical components does not affect the folding functionality of the scooter For example, in one embodiment of the invention, (which can be applied to all aspect of the present invention) the scooter vehicle may be provided with a treadle mechanism. Such a mechanism is arranged to allow the user to apply manual power to at least one of the wheels, preferably the rear wheel.

Such a treadle can be used in the absence of, or in combination with electrical power components.

For example, the present invention may include a Peddle Assist Sensor (PAS) device in combination with a treadle or other types of manual drive mechanisms. In this regard, current legislation governs electrically assisted Pedal cycles that transmit mechanical power to the wheels. A PAS device registers the actuation of the manual drive mechanism (such as a treadle) on a set of magnets as they pass. This provides a signal to the electric drive controller that the user is manually driving the wheels. This in turn can be used to control the input of electrical power, thus complying with the requirements of a pedal assisted vehicle, not an electric vehicle, thereby negating the more onerous requirements. This can still be used in conjunction with a throttle.

A treadle can be actuated by the user pressing on a pivotable driver comprising a pedal. This driver pulls a chain which rotates a wheel axle. Preferably the rear wheel is actuated by the treadle. In this case, the chain is attached to one end of the pivotable driver. When the pedal is depressed, the rotation of the pivotable driver causes the end which is connected to the chain to be pulled away from the rear axle. The chain is engaged with a chain-ring which is attached to the rear axle, and this causes rotation of the rear axle which drives the rear wheel. In this embodiment, the rear wheel has a freewheel hub.

The end of the chain not attached to the pivotable driver is preferably attached to a tension spring, which is preferably attached to the rear wheel assembly or the central support assembly.

Once the treadle has been depressed, the tension spring returns the chain and the pivotablc driver to their starting position, thereby enabling repeated depression by the user, hence repeated power being applied to the rear wheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates an elevation view of the open arrangement of an example of a scooter vehicle in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an elevation view of a folded arrangement of the example of the scooter vehicle shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates an elevation view of the open arrangement of the example of the scooter shown in Fig. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective elevation view of the example of the scooter vehicle shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a side view of a manual treadle mechanism which may be used to power the scooter of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item. AU illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected examples embodying the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope.

While such a vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may take any of a variety of forms, in one example, the vehicle takes the form of a scooter 100 configured for conversion between an open arrangement (FIG. 1) and a folded arrangement (FIGS. 3 and 4). Scooter 100 includes a front frame assembly 130 with a down tube 132 and a head tube 134 configured to receive a handlebar stem 112.

A front wheel assembly 130 is rotatably coupled with head tube 134 and includes a front wheel carrier 122 (here forks) connected to the head tube 134 and a front wheel 124 having a hub and an axle 125 central to a tire. Front wheel 124, which is rotatably coupled at axle 125 to front wheel carrier 122, has a circumference defining a front vertical longitudinal plane. Axle 125 defines a front vertical transverse plane orthogonal to the front vertical longitudinal plane.

A rear wheel assembly 150 includes a rear wheel carrier 152 and a rear wheel 154 having a hub and an axle 155 central to a tire. Rear wheel 154, which is rotatably coupled at axle 155 to rear wheel carrier 152, has a circumference defining a rear vertical longitudinal plane. Rear wheel 154 is thus also coupled with a pair of rear beams 157, each of which contain a rearward hinge coupling 144.

An electric hub motor 156 (not shown) is operatively coupled with rear wheel 154 or the front wheel 124 to rotate the same for propelling scooter 100. In the straight-ahead, open riding configuration (FIG. 1), the vertical longitudinal plane of rear wheel 154 is coplanar with the vertical longitudinal plane of front wheel 124. A central support assembly 140 extends between front frame assembly 130 at a forward hinge coupling 142 and rear wheel assembly 150 at a rearward hinge coupling 144 and includes a base frame 146 supporting a platform 148. Base frame 146 and platform 148 both extend substantially in the fore and aft direction of scooter 100 generally between front frame assembly 130 and rear wheel assembly 150. At its front end, base frame 146 is coupled by forward hinge coupling 142 to down tube 132 and, at its rear end, is coupled by rearward hinge coupling 144 to rear wheel carrier 152.

The central longitudinal axis of base frame 146 lies in the rear vertical longitudinal plane. In one embodiment, base frame 146 comprises two opposite, parallel or substantially parallel beams 159 (which may alternatively be branches or bars) spaced apart such that, during folding, part of the down tube 132 may penetrate into the gap 158 between beams of base frame 146 (FIG. 2). in FiG.1 the beams 159 are tubular, i.e., hollow, and run generally parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the scooter in open arrangement.

Platform 148 is pivotably coupled to base frame 146 along one of two opposite branches of base frame 146 by a platform hinge 149 (not shown). The pivot axis of platform hinge 149 is substantially horizontal and parallel with the rear vertical longitudinal plane thereby allowing platform 148 to swivel about a horizontal, longitudinal axis by approximately 90 degrees.

Platform 148, supported by base frame 146 below it, may be a sturdy plate formed of metal, wood, plastic or composites, having a top surface of sufficient area to allow an adult rider to stand thereon Forward hinge coupling 142 enables relative pivoting of front frame assembly 130 and central support assembly 140 about a forward hinge coupling pivot axis. Forward hinge coupling 142 couples the front portion of the beams 159 of the base frame 146 via a tubular section of the bottom part of the down tube, which extends between adjacent forward hinge couplings 142.

FIG. 1 also shows the scooter 100 having front caliper brakes 160 and the folding stem coupling.

Down tube 132 of front frame assembly 130 extends substantially between forward hinge coupling 142 and head tube 134. As shown in FIG. 2, during folding, forward hinge coupling 142 enables downward pivoting of central support assembly 140 relative to front frame assembly 130 when front frame assembly 130 is lifted upward. This allows the central frame assembly to pivot approximately 900 about the front frame such that a portion of the down tube 132 passes through the the gap 158 between beams 159 of base frame 146.

As shown in FIG. 1, with scooter 100 in the open arrangement and resting upright on a supporting surface, a force applied to central support assembly 140 toward the supporting surface causes the front stop assembly 162 to about the lower portion 168 of the down tube 132 adjacent the front hinge 142. This bolsters the forward hinge coupling 142 against pivoting. Here, the front stop is shown as a beam that connects the beams 159 of base frame 146.

Front frame assembly 130 is configured to enable steering of front wheel 124 and includes a handlebar 116 and a handlebar stem 112. Handlebar stem 112 further includes an upper portion configured for clamping to handlebar 116 and a lower portion configured for rotatable receipt within head tube 134. Handlebar 116 generally extends substantially parallel with the front vertical transverse plane.

A steering hinge 161 allows pivoting of the handlebar stem upper portion relative to the handlebar stem lower portion about a pivot axis.

The front vertical longitudinal plane and die rear vertical longitudinal plane are substantially coplanar with scooter 100 in the expanded arrangement (FIG. 1).

In an example embodiment, scooter 100 is driven by an electric motor housed in hub 164 (not shown. The motor may be powered by a battery and controller preferably mounted on the stem 112, the head tube 134 or the down tube 132.

Therefore, scooter 100 is driven by a motor as mentioned above, or by a user 200 pushing off a supporting surface with one foot while standing on platform 148 with hands on handlebar 116 (FIG. 1) to control direction with steering assembly 110.

Locking means may be provided to prevent motion in forward hinge coupling in the operative riding position.

The scooter may also be provided with a catch 165 or other restraining mechanism to hold the scooter in its folded position. The catch 165 shown mounted on the central frame assembly or the front frame assembly.

FIGS. 5a and 5b illustrate a side view of a manual treadle mechanism which may be used to power the scooter of the present invention. FIG 5a shows the treadle mechanism at the start of its cycle, i.e., before it is driven, and FIG. 5b shows the same treadle mechanism once it has been driven.

The treadle 200 includes a pedal 201 which is part of a pivotable driver 202, rotatably attached to the roar wheel assembly or the central support assembly by a treadle pivot 203. The pivotable driver 202, has an arm 204, having a distal end to which one end of a chain mechanism 205 is attached. The chain mechanism 205 is in engagement with a chain-ring 206 which is in driving engagement with the rear axle 207. An opposite end of the chain mechanism is attached to a tension spring 208 which is fixed to the rear wheel assembly or the central support assembly.

Preferably, where an electric motor is used in combination with the treadle, the pivotable driver 202 comprises a magnetic trigger 210. When the treadle 200 is driven, the magnet(s) 210 pass a Pedal Assist Censor (PAS) 211 mounted to the frame adjacent to the pivotable driver 202 (preferably the central support assembly or the rear wheel assembly) to register the motion of the treadle. This motion may be communicated to an electric motor controller (not shown in the Figures).

FIG. 5a shows the 'starting' or Idle' position of the treadle. The pedal 201 is not yet depressed by the user, the chain is at the start of its driving position, and the tension spring 208 is in its constricted position. FIG. 5b shows the depressed or 'driven' position of the treadle. The pedal 201 has been depressed by the user, the chain 205 has been pulled by the arm 204 of the pivotable driver 202 and has rotated the rear axle 207, thereby driving the rear wheel in an anti-clockwise direction and powering the scooter in the forward direction. When the pedal is released, the tension spring 208 withdraws the chain 205, and the rear axle comprises a freewheel hub 209, enabling the return of the chain 205 and the return of die pivotable driver 202 to the idle position shown in FIG 5a.

'While the disclosure has been presented with respect to certain specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that many modifications and changes may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, it is intended, therefore, by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed s: 1. A scooter vehicle configured for conversion between open and folded arrangements, comprising: a front frame assembly including a down tube, and a head tube with head set bearings configured to receive a stem, said stem configured to receive a handlebar; a front wheel carrier rotatably coupled to the headset bearing and thereby the head tube; a front wheel coupled with the front wheel carrier and including a circumference defining a front vertical longitudinal plane and an axle, wherein the longitudinal axis of the axle lies at the intersection of a front vertical transverse plane and a front horizontal transverse plane, both of which are substantially orthogonal to the front vertical longitudinal plane; a rear wheel assembly including a rear wheel carrier, a rear wheel coupled with the rear wheel carrier and including a circumference defining a rear vertical longitudinal plane, and an axle, wherein the longitudinal axis of the axle lies at the intersection of a rear vertical transverse plane and a rear horizontal transverse plane, both of which are substantially orthogonal to the rear vertical longitudinal plane; a central support assembly extending between the front frame assembly and the rear wheel assembly, and including at least two, beams, at least a portion of which are substantially parallel to one another, said beams positioned to define a gap therebetween; the central support assembly comprising a forward hinge coupling enabling relative pivoting of the front frame assembly and the central support assembly about a front frame pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the rear vertical transverse plane; a steering assembly configured to enable steering of the front wheel and including a handlebar and the stem including an upper portion configured for engagement with (preferably clamping to) the handlebar and a lower portion configured for receipt within the head tube; wherein in the open state, the substantially parallel branches of central support assembly are substantially coplanar with the rear horizontal transverse plane; wherein to convert the scooter to its folded state, the central support assembly is rotated in the rear vertical longitudinal plane, the central support assembly rotating about the forward hinge, such that the down tube at least partially passes between the gap defined by the beams of the central support assembly.
2. The vehicle according to claim 1, wherein when converting the scooter to its folded state, the central support assembly is rotated in the rear vertical longitudinal plane, the central support assembly rotating about the forward hinge between 900 and 120°.
3. The vehicle according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein in the closed state, at least a portion of the down tube has passed completely through the gap defined by the beams of the central support assembly.
4. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the down tube contains a bend in the front vertical longitudinal plane.
5. The vehicle according to claim 4, wherein when moving to the closed state, the bend enables a portion of the down tube to pass completely through the gap defined by the beams of the central support assembly.
6. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion of the down tube which passes through the beams of the central support assembly acts as a handle for the user to lift or handle the scooter in the closed state.
7. The vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the portion of the down tube which passes through the beams of the central support assembly acts as a support for a handle for the user to lift or handle the scooter in the closed state.
8. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the down tube comprises at least one, and preferably two adjacent bends in the front vertical longitudinal plane.
9. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the portion of the down tube which acts as a handle is provided with an appropriate grip or ergonomic design for the ease of the user.
10. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the down tube contains a single bend between 20° and 90°, preferably between 30° and 60°, preferably between 35 and 50°.
11. The vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the down tube contains two bends, preferably each bend is between 10° and 45°, preferably between 20° and 45°, preferably between 25 and 40°.
12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the bends are in the same plane.
13. The vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the down tube is curved in the front vertical longitudinal plane.
14. The vehicle according to claim 13, wherein when moving to the closed state, the curve enables a portion of the down tube to pass completely through the gap defined by the beams of the central support assembly.
15. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the central support assembly comprises adjacent beams which define a gap which is wider than the width of the down tube.
16. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the each beam of the central support assembly has a forward hinge coupling enabling relative pivoting of the front frame assembly and the central support assembly about a front frame pivot axis which is substantially parallel to the rear vertical transverse plane.
17. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the beams of the central support assembly are substantially parallel and, in the open state, preferably lie in substantially the rear horizontal transverse plane.
18. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein, in the folded arrangement, at least a portion of the down tube is disposed in the gap between the opposite branches of beams.
19. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the central support assembly includes a platform which is pivotably coupled by one or more hinges to the central support assembly, preferably to one of the beams of the central support assembly.
20. The vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the hinges allow the platform to be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the beam of the central support, from a closed user support position to an open position.
21. The vehicle according to claim 20, wherein the rotation of the platform from the closed support position to the open position provides access for the down tube to fit between the beams of the central support assembly when the vehicle is moved to its folded state.
22. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the beams of the central support are selected from hollow tubes having a circular, square or hexagonal radial cross 5 section.
23. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the steering assembly comprises a down tube which extends form the head tube and connects to the central support assembly.
24. The vehicle according to claim 23, wherein the down tube is connected to one or more forward hinge couplings of the central support assembly, preferably connected to the hinge couplings of the adjacent beams of the central support assembly.
25. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the forward portion of the central support assembly comprises a stop assembly, which restricts rotational movement in one direction within the rear vertical longitudinal plane.
26. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein the steering assembly further comprises a steering hinge configured to allow pivoting of the handlebar stem upper portion relative to the handlebar stem lower portion.
27. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, wherein a top surface of the platform is substantially orthogonal to both the rear vertical transverse and rear vertical longitudinal planes in the open arrangement.
28. The vehicle according to any preceding claim, comprising an electric hub motor operatively coupled with either the front or the rear wheel, preferably the front wheel.