Patent classifications
B62K2206/00
BATTERY STORAGE DEVICE OF VEHICLE
A device includes a battery case (42) that stores a battery (62A or 62B), a lock mechanism (133) that is capable of fixing and holding the stored battery (62A or 62B) in the battery case (42), and an operation member (44) that is capable of performing switching operation of the lock mechanism (133) between a battery-fixed state and a non-battery-fixed state. The lock mechanism (133) includes a movable block (160) which is supported by the battery case (42) in a displaceable manner. The movable block (160) has a battery restriction portion (160b or 160c) which restricts displacement of the battery (62A or 62B) in a separation direction in a state of being displaced to a battery fixing position, and a holding force receiving portion (160d) which receives a holding force for maintaining the movable block (160) at the battery fixing position from the operation member (44) in a state where the operation member (44) is operated within a predetermined positional range.
Pivot joint and vehicles that employ a pivot joint
In an aspect, a pivot joint for a collapsing foot-deck-based vehicle is described, comprising a foot deck, at least two wheels coupled to the foot deck, and a handlebar assembly coupled to the foot deck via a locking pivot joint, also referred to as a locking swivel joint, the handlebar assembly comprising at least one handle, the locking pivot joint having a pivot axis that is generally unparallel with a horizontal plane defined by the lowermost surfaces of the at least two wheels, the handlebar assembly being selectively pivotable via the locking pivot joint between a riding configuration in which the handle is generally distal from the foot deck and a collapsed configuration in which the handle is generally proximal to the foot deck.
Pivot joint and vehicles that employ a pivot joint
In an aspect, a collapsing foot-deck-based vehicle is provided and includes a foot deck, at least two wheels coupled to the foot deck, and a handle structure coupled to the foot deck via a locking pivot joint. The handle structure includes at least one handle. The locking pivot joint has a pivot axis that is generally unparallel with a horizontal plane defined by the lowermost surfaces of the at least two wheels. The handle structure is selectively pivotable via the locking pivot joint between a riding configuration in which the handle is generally distal from the foot deck for gripping by a rider of the foot-deck-based vehicle, and a collapsed configuration in which the handle is generally proximal to the foot deck.
Cantilever axle assembly
A vehicle wheel axle assembly including: an axle extending along an axial axis having a first end and a second end axially opposed to the first end; a hub shell rotatable about the axle and about the axial axis; a frame element having a dropout for connection with the axle. The axle is a cantilevered axle with a first end removably connected to the dropout. The first end includes an axially outwardly facing first end face. The dropout includes an axially inward facing inboard face and an open slot to receive the axle adjacent the first end, with the open slot including an open entrance portion, a closed terminus region, slot sidewalls extending between the entrance portion and the terminus region. The axle is generally radially inwardly assembled to the open slot through the open entrance.
Personal transport vehicle
A personal transport vehicle is provided capable of staying upright without the need for a stand by incorporating tires having an advantageous design combined with an overall lowered center of gravity. The personal transport vehicle further incorporates a hub and steering assembly configured within the front wheel of the vehicle, as well as a bake and propulsion means configured within the rear wheel of the vehicle. Finally, the personal transport vehicle is capable of being folded into a compact configuration, lending itself to ease of shipment, storage and transport.
Mounting specification adjustable front fork mount
A mounting specification adjustable front fork mount for mounting on a bike rack on a car roof to cooperate with a quick release for securing a bicycle front fork is disclosed to include a holder having a shaft tube with a protruding portion at each of two opposite ends of the shaft tube, and two mounting tubes each having a first coupling recess and a second coupling recess so designed that the bottom of the first coupling recess and the bottom of the second coupling recess are respectively spaced from the distal end of the mounting tube by a different distance. The protruding portion at each end of the shaft tube can be selectively engaged into the first coupling recess or the second coupling recess according to the specification of the bicycle front fork.
Bicycle training aid device
A bicycle training aid device comprising a cantilevered handle member extending outwardly away from the bicycle and disposed laterally adjacent to the rear wheel using at least two clamping members. The clamping members may compress and extend to accommodate a range of different bicycles and to thereafter lock into place using at least two locking pins. The bicycle training aid device allows a second person, generally positioned to the rider's side or rear, to hold the bicycle steady by maneuvering the cantilevered handle member, thereby helping the person riding the bicycle maintain the proper balance needed for a smooth and continuous ride. In this way, the bicycle training aid also grants the second person a more effortless and accessible point of contact during use.
VEHICLE POWER-ASSIST DRIVE SYSTEMS
A power-assist drive system for a vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) is provided. The system includes a drive unit assembly attached to a frame of a vehicle and a motor having an output shaft, and a drive gear rotatably associated with the output shaft. The system further includes a driven unit assembly including a driven gear configured to be attached to a wheel hub of the vehicle, and a brake disc coaxially attached to the driven gear. The drive gear may be configured to operably engage the driven gear to transmit power from the motor to the wheel hub. A brake caliper may be integrated with the drive unit assembly. The system may further include a battery and a speed controller configured to receive an input signal to selectively direct electrical power from the battery to the motor to drive the wheel via the drive gear and the driven gear.
Axles, such as for bicycles
A suspension for a two-wheeled vehicle includes first and second fork legs. Each fork leg includes a dropout. Each dropout has an opening therethrough. At least a portion of one of the openings is threaded. Each of the dropouts includes a split-damp pinch bearing defining the opening and operable between an open position and a locked position, and a hand operable actuator pivoted to the bearing for operation thereof. The suspension further includes a one-piece axle. The axle is disposed through the openings. The axle has a threaded first end engaged with the threaded portion. The axle has an ergonomic grip formed at a second end. The bearing tightly engages an outer surface of the axle in the locked position, thereby rotationally coupling the axle to the dropout.
CHILD VEHICLE WITH TOOL-LESS COMPONENTS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS
A child vehicle includes a front frame having a handlebar with a steering tube and a front fork having a fork stem and a front wheel, a rear frame including a head tube and a rear wheel, and a sleeve assembly mounted to the front frame and engaging the rear frame to rotatably connect the front and rear frames in a tool-less manner. A method of tool-less assembly of a child vehicle includes inserting an end of the fork stem through the head tube, sliding an inner sleeve over the end of the fork stem and positively connecting the inner sleeve to the fork stem, sliding the outer sleeve over an end of the steering tube, connecting the steering tube to the fork stem, and connecting the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve. A child vehicle having a rear wheel connected to the vehicle in a tool-less manner and a method of achieving such a tool-less connection is also disclosed.