SYSTEM FOR ATTACHING A MOBILITY DEVICE TO AN ELECTRIC SCOOTER

Abstract

A means of providing motorized locomotion to a mobility device such as a wheelchair utilizing a first portion of the present invention configured to attach immovably but releasably to an array of mobility devices and configured to interlock with the second portion of the present invention, which is configured to attach immovably but releasably to an array of electric scooters. A movable feature permits the first portion and second portion of the present invention to be interlocked while keeping all wheels of the mobility device and the scooter in contact with the supporting surface. A stand for the electric scooter lowers when the two units are separated and lifts when they are engaged, to hold the electric scooter in an approximately vertical position when not engaged and to provide freedom of movement when engaged.

Claims

1. A means of interlocking a mobility device such as a wheelchair, for example, with an electric scooter, utilizing a first portion of the present invention that is configured to attach to said mobility device, and a second portion that is configured to attach to said electric scooter, at least one of the two portions having a moveable component or components configured in such a way as to allow said mobility device to pass partially over said electric scooter to interlock said first and second portion of the present invention while keeping all wheels of said mobility device and both wheels of said scooter in contact with the supporting surface on which it is rolling, wherein at least a portion of said movable component(s) being spring loaded so as to be self-engaging, and wherein the first portion that attaches to the mobility device is configured so as to not interfere with the rear wheel of said electric scooter during the interlocking process.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein there is at least one interlocking point that restricts relative horizontal linear movement between said mobility device and said electric scooter, and preferably a second interlocking point that restricts relative horizontal rotational movement between said mobility device and said electric scooter.

3. The invention of claim 1 wherein said second portion of the present invention is configured to interlock removably to the first portion of the present invention, wherein said movable component of said second portion pivots around an axis of rotation.

4. The invention of claim 1 wherein the movable component of the second portion is spring loaded in an upward direction so that the first portion will slide into and stay in an interlocked position without additional direct manual intervention.

5. The invention of claim 1 wherein the movable component of said second portion of the present invention has at least one, but preferably two pivot arms connected to a rod at the axis of rotation, and connected to a crossbar, preferably at or near the other end of said pivot arms. In the preferred embodiment, the connecting point between the second and first portion of the present invention would be at or near the end of said pivot arms, such as a hole that would receive a post, for example. In the preferred embodiment, the crossbar has a barrier wall that stops any engaging component from moving past said interlocking point or points.

6. The invention of claim 1 wherein, in an alternate embodiment, the crossbar is a rod or other shape configured to be the interlocking point or points, wherein the interlocking point in the first portion of the present invention could be an approximate C shape, for example, to receive said crossbar, wherein the shape is configured to resist unintentional disengagement.

7. The invention of claim 1 wherein, in an alternate embodiment, said connecting points on said movable component have some vertical and or angular freedom of movement, to allow said connecting points to move with some independence, to better accommodate variation in the vertical angular position of said electric scooter relative to said mobility device.

8. The invention of claim 1 wherein a movable and automatically lowering and raising stand is composed of at least one, but preferably two legs or similarly functioning members attached adjustably to the axis of rotation of said movable component of said second portion of the present invention, so that said leg or legs are lowered and functional when said mobility device and said electric scooter are not engaged, holding said electric scooter in and approximately vertical position, but raised to provide clearance for travel when said mobility device and said electric scooter are engaged and interlocked.

9. The invention of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the present invention has at least two horizontally adjustable components or assemblies that attach to the framework of said mobility device, and at least one, but preferably two vertically adjustable components, at the end or ends of which exist an interlocking mechanism to engage and interlock with said second portion, thereby providing adjustability required to adapt to an array of mobility devices and electric scooters.

10. The invention of claim 1 wherein the both the first portion and the second portion of the present invention are immovably but removably attached to said mobility device and said electric scooter through the use of reusable straps such as straps that incorporate hook and loop, and preferably a buckle through which it passes at one end to multiply the tightening force, or a cinch strap with a buckle or two rings at one end, or a clamping device.

11. A method of using a movable component to enable a mobility device such as a wheelchair to be interlocked with an electric scooter while maintaining full contact between all wheels of both the electric scooter and said mobility device with the supporting surface for the purpose of providing motorized locomotion to said mobility device, wherein a stand is integrally connected to the movable component to provide stability and uprightness to said electric scooter when disengaged and freedom of movement when engaged, and wherein the component that attaches to the mobility device is configured so that it would not interfere with the rear wheel of said electric scooter during the interlocking process.

12. The invention of claim 11 wherein the movable component pivots around an axis.

13. The invention of claim 11 wherein there are at least two interlocking points restricting relative horizontal linear and rotational movement between said mobility device and said electric scooter, while allowing for some relative vertical linear and rotational movement.

14. The invention of claim 11 wherein the first portion and the second portion of said invention are immovably and releasably attached to said mobility device and said electric scooter by means of straps with force multiplying cinch mechanisms.

15. The invention of claim 11 wherein the first portion of the present invention is configured to be self-adjusting in width to adapt readily to an array of mobility devices, and adjustable in interlocking point height to adapt readily to an array of mobility device and electric scooter geometries.

16. The invention of claim 11 wherein, in an alternate embodiment, the interlocking points incorporate a latch or latches that maintains the proximity of the interlocking points, and is released by the same action that it taken to separate the first and second portion of the present invention.

17. A method of using a spring loaded movable component or components to enable a mobility device such as a wheelchair to be interlocked with an electric scooter while maintaining full contact with all wheels of said mobility device and the supporting surface, interlocking a first portion attached to said mobility device and a second portion attached to said electric scooter without direct manual intervention, for the purpose of providing motorized locomotion to said mobility device, while also providing stability to said electric scooter when disengaged using a stand that moves down when the movable component is disengaged up when the movable component is engaged, and being configured to circumvent the rear wheel of said electric scooter during engagement and disengagement of said portions.

18. The invention of claim 17 wherein the movable component is integrated into the first portion of the present invention attached to said mobility device, configured to interlock with a fixed interlocking point on the second portion of the present invention attached to said electric scooter.

19. The invention of claim 17 wherein there is at least one interlocking point to restrict relative horizontal linear motion between said mobility device and said electric scooter, or preferably two interlocking points to restrict relative horizontal linear and rotational movement between said mobility device and said electric scooter, while permitting some relative vertical linear and rotational movement to accommodate variations in terrain being traversed.

20. The invention of claim 17 wherein the movable component on the second portion of the present invention pivots on an axis, has two arms on which said first portion interlocking features slide and move the movable assembly downward during assembly, compressing a spring, has a stop bar at the opposite end of the arms as the axis on which it pivots, has two connecting points that are partially aligned with the connecting point on the first portion in the sideways direction by the sidewalls of said arms, and in the forward direction by the stop bar to aid in assembly and by pressure from the spring, interlocks with the first portion of the present invention.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 shows a mobility device, an embodiment of the portion of the present invention that attaches to said mobility device, an electric scooter, and an embodiment of the portion of the present invention that attaches to said electric scooter, shown in the interlocked position.

[0026] FIG. 2 shows a mobility device, and an embodiment of the first portion of the present invention that attaches to said mobility device.

[0027] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the first portion of the present invention that attaches to said mobility device.

[0028] FIG. 4 shows an electric scooter, and an embodiment of the second portion of the present invention that attaches to said electric scooter.

[0029] FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of the portion of the present invention that attaches to said electric scooter.

[0030] FIG. 6 shows a top view of an embodiment of the second portion of the present invention that attaches to said electric scooter.

[0031] FIG. 7 shows a side view of an embodiment of the second portion of the present invention that attaches to said electric scooter in the non-engaged state.

[0032] FIG. 8 shows a side view of an embodiment of the second portion of the present invention that attaches to said scooter in the approximate position said embodiment would be when engaged.

[0033] FIG. 9 shows a side view of both portions of the present invention, a section of said electric scooter, and the vertical post representing the vertical front leg of a mobility device, shown prior to engagement.

[0034] FIG. 10 shows a side view of both portions of the present invention, a section of said electric scooter, and the vertical post representing the vertical front leg of a mobility device, shown after engagement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0035] The present invention is a simple and effective means of adapting a hand operated mobility device such as a wheelchair to an electric scooter so as to provide a means of motorized movement. Shown in FIG. 1, is a means of interlocking a mobility device such as a wheelchair 1 to an electric scooter 3 by attaching the first portion of said invention 2 to said mobility device 1 and a second portion of the present invention 4 to said electric scooter 3. The first portion 2 and the second portion 4 interlock with each other in such a way as to greatly restrict relative horizontal linear and rotational movement between said mobility device 1 and said scooter 3, effectively interlocking them, while permitting some relative vertical and rotational movement to accommodate varying terrain over which it is traveling.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, the first portion of said invention 2 attaches to said mobility device 1 by fastening means to the front vertical supports 5 of said mobility device 1.

[0037] A detailed view of a preferred embodiment of said first portion 2 of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3. The primary function of the first portion is to positively engage with said mobility device 1, and can do so over a range of different width and differently configured wheelchairs or other mobility devices. A secondary function is, once engaged to said mobility device 1, to be able to position vertical columns 9 and 10 so that they are at the appropriate height and separation to correctly engage with said second portion 4 of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0038] The preferred embodiment would incorporate outer tubes 6 and 7 that slide movably over an inner tube 8, so that the total length can be varied to accommodate various width mobility devices without the need for additional adjustment. Said vertical coumns 9 and 10 would be immovably but repositionable attached to a portion of the approximately horizontal assemblies, for example said outer tubes 6 and 7, using cross bar clamp-on framing fittings 11 or other similar means. Attached to one end of said outer tubes 6 and 7 are fittings 12 that can be affixed immovably to said outer tubes. In the preferred embodiment, said fittings would have at least one curved concave surface 13 to receive said front vertical support 5 as shown in FIG. 2, of said mobility device. Said curved concave surface 13 would preferably have adhered to it a compliant component 14 made of foam rubber or a similar material, both to provide suitable accommodation for a range of vertical support diameters as might exist over a range of mobility devices, as well as to provide a surface with a high coefficient of friction to resist vertical slippage of said fitting 12 once attached. Further, said fitting 12 would have a sufficiently large diameter through hole so as to not only accommodate said outer tubes 6 and 7, but also to allow a strap 15 to pass through said fitting between the outer wall of said outer tubes 6 and 7 and the inner wall of said fitting 12, Said strap 15 would be used to attach the first portion of the present invention 2 to said mobility device 1, as shown in FIG. 2, in a way that is immovable but that can be opened easily for removal if desired, such as when said mobility device 1 might need to be collapsed for transportation, for example. Said strap 15 could be made of a hook and loop material, for example, and would preferably incorporate a means of multiplying the tightening force, such as a buckle or other means, or it could be a simple cinch strap with two rings, for example, or it could be another form of releasably self-engaging strap. Alternately, it could be a releasably clamping mechanism. Alternately, it could be a more permanent means of connecting to the mobility device, however that would be less preferred.

[0039] In the preferred embodiment, there would be at least two connection points in the first portion 2 that engage with two connection points the second portion 4 of the present invention. In an alternate embodiment, the connection between the first and second portion of the present invention could be a single point, wherein relative linear motion would be constrained, however relative horizontal rotational movement would not be constrained. This embodiment is less preferable, however, as it could allow the rear wheel of said scooter 3 to contact the framework or wheels of said mobility device 1. By having two connection points, another advantage is that the connection points 16 and 17 can be positioned such that they are on either side of the rear wheel assembly of said electric scooter 3. Further, the preferred embodiment would incorporate a means of allowing vertical and horizontal adjustability between the vertical columns 9 and 10 and the horizontal outer tubes 6 and 7 can be positioned in an area of the vertical support of the mobility device 5 that is free from interfering components, and the vertical columns 9 and 10 such that the protruding cylindrical or otherwise interlockable shapes 16 and 17 can be positioned at the correct height and separation from one another, while maintaining approximate centrality when fully assembled, so as to properly engage with the second portion 4 of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 4 shows said electric scooter 3 with the second portion of the present invention 4 mounted on said electric scooter 3. In the preferred embodiment, said second portion of the present invention 4 is attached to said electric scooter 3 utilizing straps 18 and 19 that can be tightened to make an immovable connection between the two. Said straps 18 and 19 would be used to attach the second portion of the present invention 4 to said scooter 3 in a way that is immovable but that can be opened easily for removal if desired, such as when said electric scooter 3 might need to be utilized in as per the original design intent, for example. Said straps 18 and 19 could be made of a hook and loop material, for example, and would preferably incorporate a means of multiplying the tightening force, such as a buckle or other means, or it could be a simple strap with two rings, for example, or it could be another form of releasably self-engaging strap. Alternately, it could be a releasably clamping mechanism. Alternately, it could be a more permanent means of connecting to the mobility device, however that would be less preferred. Utilization of straps or clamping devices would eliminate the need for screws or drilling holes or other more cumbersome mounting methods.

[0041] FIG. 5 shows a preferred embodiment of said second portion of the present invention 4. In the preferred embodiment, the components would rest upon a primary support plate 20, which preferably would have attached to it several feet 21 that would be made of a high coefficient friction material such as rubber, for example, to aid in achieving an immovable attachment, and would better accommodate an irregular or curved surface to which it could be attached. In one embodiment, said primary support plate 20 would have attached to it a secondary support plate 22 that is wider than said support plate to better accommodate the mounted bearings 23 so as to be more resistant to torque loads as a result of horizontal rotational movement of said scooter 3. In an alternate embodiment said primary support plate 20 and secondary support plate 22 would be integrated into a single plate. The mounted bearings 23 support a pivoting shaft 24 which allows a number of components to pivot relative to several other components. The advantage of the pivoting action is that it allows said mobility device 1 to move directly over said scooter and engage the first portion 2 and the second portion 4 of the present invention without the need for unsafe elevation of the front wheels of said mobility device 1 to engage said scooter 3 to said mobility device 1.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, clamp-on framing fittings 25 are clamped to said pivoting shaft 24 and attached to a pair of pivot arms 26, each with two planar surfaces that are at an approximately ninety-degree angle relative to one another. At the other end of said pivot arms 26 is attached a connecting stop bar 27. It is preferable that said pivot arms 26 are slightly angled relative to one another, as shown in FIG. 6, so that they are further apart at the ends closest to said pivoting shaft 24, and closer together at the ends closest to said connecting stop bar 27. The relative angle one to another provides a lead in so that alignment between said mobility device 1 and said scooter 3 is less critical initially, while providing the needed constraint to provide the required alignment for engagement of the first portion 2 to said second portion 4 of the present invention towards the final stage of engagement. One means of engagement is using a post and hole type connection, wherein, for example, a post such as 16 and 17 in FIG. 3, which would engage in a hole that may or may not have a liner such as a bushing 28. Since, during engagement, said posts 16 and 17 slide along the pivoting arms 26 prior to engagement, it is preferable that a wear resistant low coefficient of friction material strips 29 be adhered to the bottom of said pivoting arms 26, as well as similar strips 30 being adhered to the sides of said pivot arms. The assembly would preferably be spring loaded upwards. One means by which this could be accomplished is by means of a shaft collar 31 adapted to be fastened to an arm 32 that fits over a shoulder screw 38 for example, as shown in FIG. 8. Said arm 32 would be captured by a locking nut 33 to limit the range of motion of the movable portion of the assembly. The spring 34 would be positioned under said spring arm 32 and around said shoulder screw 38, so that said shoulder screw 38 would keep said spring 34 contained within a restricted area of movement. A protruding member such as foot pedal 37 could be incorporated to facilitate disengagement by applying downward pressure using the feet or hands to push the pedal downwards.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, attached to the pivoting shaft 24 would have on one or both ends a collar 36 that attaches to said pivoting shaft 24 and one or more support legs 35. As shown in FIG. 7 and FIG. 9, said support legs would be in a lower position to hold said electric scooter 3 in a somewhat vertical position when the second portion 4 is in the elevated position supported by spring 34. When the movable section of the second portion of the present invention 4 is in the position that it is in when engaged with the vertical support legs 10, as shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 10, the spring 34 is compressed state and the support rods are in a somewhat elevated position so that the interlocked mobility device 1 and electric scooter 3 can move freely without hindrance.

[0044] Because some mobility devices may have angled generally vertical front support members on their frame, it is also within the purview of the present invention to provide additional members that adjustably spans the distance between the upper crossbar and the angled generally vertical frame member of said mobility device in order to be able to hold said first portion in an approximately vertical orientation required to make it adaptable for a broader array of mobility devices. Alternately, the first portion of the present invention could be configured to adapt to generally horizontal members of said mobility device frames.