CROSS-REFERENCED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional application 63/212,020 filed on June 17, 2021 , the disclosure of which is included herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to compactible vehicles and more particularly to compactible motorized vehicles with foldable cargo holding portions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Vehicles that can be collapsed or folded and unfolded between a collapsed and open configuration are well-known. There has long been a desire to have modes of transportation that can collapse or fold into a smaller form factor. This allows for a more conscious use of space in our ever-expanding population. Some developments have been directed towards collapsible or foldable portions of a traditional vehicle, like an automobile. As urban living has increased, so has the desire for more economical urban mobility platforms. Accordingly, some developments have led to collapsible or foldable vehicles such as scooters and/or bicycles. The urban mobility solutions as well as many developments in the automobile type industry tend to have complex frame structures and/or folding techniques. This often requires additional components that can increase the overall cost, weight, and complexity of the vehicle. Current and past designs lack simplicity and therefore the usability of such vehicles has been extremely limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle including: A seating area having a support framework and configured with at least a front set of wheels near the front of the support framework and wherein the support frame work is configured to support a number of different components within the seating area; A platform moveably connected to the seating area having a frame structure that extends from a connection point at a rear portion of the seating area and runs substantially parallel with a seating base element of the seating area, and wherein platform further includes a rear set of wheels disposed on a bottom portion of the frame structure and configured to support the platform, and wherein the platform is rotatable about the connection point such that the platform can rotate from an open configuration to a closed configuration, where in the close configuration the frame structure runs substantially perpendicular to the base of the seating area; and At least one secondary support wheel disposed within the seating area having a first stored configuration and a deployed configuration where the first stored configuration positions the at least one secondary support wheel within the seating area and where the deployed configuration positions the at least one secondary support wheel beneath the base of the seating area such that the at least one secondary support wheel supports the rear of the compactible vehicle. [0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the connection point is a hinge.

[0006] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the at least one secondary support wheel is rotatable connected to the vehicle such that it can rotate between the first stored configuration and the deployed configuration.

[0007] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the deployed configuration of the at least one secondary support wheel corresponds with the closed configuration of the platform.

[0008] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the deployed configuration of the at least one secondary support wheel is automatically maneuvered by the rotation of the platform into the closed configuration. [0009] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the deployed configuration of the at least one secondary support wheel is manually maneuvered.

[0010] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, further including a second secondary support wheel having both a stored configuration and a deployed configuration that are the same as that of the at least one secondary support wheel.

[0011] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the deployed configuration of the second secondary support wheel corresponds with the closed configuration of the platform.

[0012] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the deployed configuration of the second secondary support wheel is automatically maneuvered by the rotation of the platform into the closed configuration. [0013] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the deployed configuration of the second secondary support wheel is manually maneuvered.

[0014] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, further including a power system disposed within the seating area and configured to provide power to at least one set of wheels such that the wheels act as drive wheels to drive and maneuver the vehicle.

[0015] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the power system is a battery.

[0016] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, further including a folding system connected to the power system such that the platform can be moved between the open configuration and the closed configuration automatically by the folding system.

[0017] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the platform further includes a base component disposed on the frame structure.

[0018] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the base component is moveably disposed on the frame structure having at least a stored position and an extended position, wherein in the stored position the base component is completely surrounded by the frame structure, and in the extended position the base component is moved parallel to and to the rear of the frame structure thereby extending the length of the platform. [0019] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the platform is included of multiple segments where each segment is foldably connected to each other such that the platform can be positioned in the closed configuration by folding the multiple segments substantially parallel to each other.

[0020] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a compactible vehicle, wherein the multiple segments are two segments with a hinge point between the two segments and wherein the rear wheels are disposed on a rear segment of the two segments.

[0021] Additional embodiments and features are set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the specification or may be learned by the practice of the disclosed subject matter. A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings, which forms a part of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying data and figures, wherein:

[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates a conceptual view of a compactible vehicle in an unfolded configuration in accordance with embodiments.

[0024] Fig. 2 illustrates a conceptual view of a compactible vehicle in a folded configuration in accordance with embodiments.

[0025] Figs. 3A-3C illustrate conceptual views of a compactible vehicle transitioning from extended to compacted configurations in accordance with embodiments.

[0026] Figs. 4A-4B conceptually illustrate an alternative form of compaction in accordance with embodiments.

[0027] Figs. 5A-5B conceptually illustrates another form of compaction in accordance with embodiments. [0028] Figs. 6A-6C illustrates yet another form of compacting a vehicle in accordance with embodiments.

[0029] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a compactible vehicle in accordance with embodiments.

[0030] Figs. 8A-8B illustrate a top view of a compactible vehicle in in accordance with embodiments.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE

[0031] The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise forms disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the invention.

[0032] Turning now to the drawings, compactible vehicles are provided having at least two operational configurations. In many such embodiments the compactible vehicle has a first unfolded configuration where the longitudinal hauling platform and vehicle seating area are parallel to each other. Many embodiments have a second configuration where the hauling platform and vehicle seating area are orthogonal and the hauling platform and main rear wheels folded flat against the back wall of the seating area. Additionally, some embodiments have a secondary compacted configuration wheel that can be in contact with the ground and the entire accessible vehicle consists of the vehicle seating portion. In various other embodiments, the length of the longitudinal hauling platform may be extended or retracted to extend or reduce its length. In various other embodiments, the hauling platform is hinged relative to the vehicle seating area. In some embodiments a separate compactible cargo container may be provided that may be deployed in unfolded or folded configurations that may be cooperatively configured to engage with the compactible vehicle. In still other embodiments, the compactible vehicle may be configured to have various body configurations for both vehicle seating area and cargo hauling area.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1 , in many embodiments the compactible vehicles 100 can have a longitudinal hauling platform 120 having a plurality of wheels 124, where each of the wheels 124 are connected to the platform 120 at a position that provides support for for the platform. The hauling platform 120 can have an independent suspension system 126 that is connected to each of the wheels 124 and allows for a smoother ride as well as additional support when hauling cargo on the platform. The suspension system 126 can have any suitable configuration that would provide adequate support for the platform as well as any cargo placed on the platform 120. The frame of the platform 127 illustrates a potential load structure, and it can be appreciated that in some embodiments, the platform 120 can be enclosed such that it protects any cargo. In other embodiments, the platform 120 can be open with only side rails 128. The side rails 128 can have a number of different configurations and can be of any desirable height.

[0034] In addition to the hauling platform 120, many embodiments can have a vehicle seating area 160 that can be enclosed or open or any configuration of partially closed or open with a frame structure 161 . The vehicle seating area 160 can have a base 162 and one or more wheels 164 positioned near the front of the vehicle seating area 160. In many embodiments, the seating area 160 can provide a location for a steering mechanism 166 as well as well as power components 168 that can allow the vehicle 100 to be drive and controlled by a driver 170. The power components 168 can have any desirable configuration and can be any suitable power mechanism that can help to provide power to drive the wheels 164 or 124. In some embodiments, the drive mechanism itself can be part of the wheels 164 or 124 and/or wheel assemblies. Other embodiments, can use separate drive systems connected to one or more wheels to help drive or move the vehicle 100.

[0035] Since various embodiments are configured to be compactible, it can be appreciated that many embodiments of the vehicle 100 can have one or more hinge points 180 that can allow the hauling platform 120 to be folded into a compacted position as will be illustrated in later figures. The folding of the vehicle 100 does not eliminate the ability for the vehicle to move. Accordingly, many embodiments can have a secondary wheel 184 that can be positioned between a stored position (Fig 1) and a deployed position (Fig 2). The secondary wheel 184 can be moveably connected to the seating area 160 and can be configured to move into the deployed position when the hauling platform 120 is folded. As illustrated in Fig. 1 , however, the secondary wheel can be moved into the seating area 160 such that is can be hidden. As can be appreciated, the movement of the secondary wheel can be automated or can be be manually controlled. In some embodiments, the secondary wheel 184 can be hinged or can be moved by any suitable means that allow it to extend and retract.

[0036] Fig. 2 further illustrates a compactible vehicle 200 in a folded or compacted configuration where the platform 202 is folded such that it is configured to be mostly perpendicular to the base 204 of the seating area 206 and parallel to the back wall 208 of the seating area. Additionally, as previously described in Fig. 1 , many embodiments can have a secondary support wheel 210 that can support the rear portion of the seating area 206 when the vehicle 200 is in the folded configuration. The secondary support wheel 210 can be any suitable wheel that can be moveably connected to the compactible vehicle 200 and positioned in a stored position or deployed position. In some embodiments the secondary support wheel 210 can be an active wheel such that it can drive the vehicle 200. In other embodiments, the secondary support wheel 210 can be a passive wheel.

[0037] In accordance with various embodiments, the platform 202 can be hingedly connected to the seating area 206 in an area near the rear of the seating area that can allow the platform 202 to rotate from a horizontal position to a vertical position. As can be appreciated, many embodiments allow for the platform 202 to rotate as a whole assembly that includes the platform 202 and the rear wheels 220. Some embodiments may also include a rear suspension system 222 that is connected to the platform 202 and a portion of the rear wheels 220. The suspension system 222 can be comprised of any suitable component that can provide support for the platform 202 and any cargo thereon.

[0038] As can be appreciated, the compatibility of the vehicle can be managed in a number of different ways. Accordingly, Figs. 3A through 6C illustrate various ways to compact a vehicle. Fig. 3A, for example illustrates one embodiment of a folding process. The first figure illustrates a compactible vehicle 300 in an extended configuration. The rear portion or hauling platform 302 can then be rotated up towards the seating area 304 through a pivot point 306 (3B). The pivot point 306 can be a connection point between the seating area 304 and the hauling platform 302. Once in the vehicle 300 is in the compact form (3C) a set of secondary support wheels 314 can extend or be positioned to support the rear portion of the compacted vehicle 320. The secondary support wheels 314 can be used as passive wheels to augment the front wheels 322 which can be drive wheels in some embodiments. The rear wheels can also be drive wheels in some embodiments.

[0039] As can be appreciated, the folding or compacting of the vehicle 300-320 can be accomplished by a number of different methods and systems. Some embodiments of the vehicle 300 and 320 can have a power supply system 324 that can be placed at any location within the vehicle (300 and 320). Some embodiments may be configured with the power supply system in the seating area 304. The power supply system 324 can be connected to a number of mechanical systems such as a cable or hydraulic type system that can operate to fold or compact the hauling platform 302 into the stored position (3C). Likewise, the same system can be used to deploy the hauling platform into the extended configuration (3A).

[0040] Figs. 4A and 4B illustrates an alternative method of compacting the vehicle 400. The rear platform 402 can be made of two separate elements 404 and 406 that are joined at a first pivot point 408 such that the two elements 404 and 406 can pivot with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the rear platform 402 can be compacted about a secondary pivot point 410 that connects the platform 402 to the seating area 412. The compaction can be aided by a roller 414 located on the rear platform 402 such that when the two elements 404 and 406 pivot to the compacted position (3B) the roller allows for a smooth transition. Once in the compacted form (3B) the vehicle 400 can deploy a secondary support wheel 416 to support the vehicle 400 from the rear. Additionally, the roller 414 can provide support to the vehicle in the compacted form.

[0041] As can be appreciated, the folding or compacting of the vehicle 400 can be accomplished by a number of different methods and systems. Some embodiments of the vehicle 400 can have a power supply system 424 that can be placed at any location within the vehicle 400. Some embodiments may be configured with the power supply system in the seating area 412. The power supply system 424 can be connected to a number of mechanical systems such as a cable or hydraulic type system that can operate to fold or compact the hauling platform 402 into the stored position (4B). Likewise, the same system can be used to deploy the hauling platform into the extended configuration (4A).

[0042] Figs. 5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a compactible vehicle 500 with a rear hauling platform 502 that can fold form an extended configuration 5A to a folded or compacted configuration 5B. The folding of the rear hauling platform 502 can be assisted by a rear roller element 504 that is rotatably connected to the platform 502 through an armature 506. The armature 506 can pivot or move in relation to the platform 502 as the platform 502 rotates up into the compacted form. This can be done about a body pivot point 510 that connects the rear platform 502 to the seating area 512.

[0043] The seating 512 area can also be used to house other elements to operate the vehicle as well as the compaction. For example, the seating area 512 can house a power supply system 514 that can be connected to a mechanical drive system (not shown) that compacts and/or extends the rear hauling platform 502. Additionally, the power supply system 514 can power the drive wheels 516 to control the movement of the vehicle. The seating area can also house other mechanical systems such as a steering mechanism 520 to control the direction of the vehicle. While some embodiments, may have a steering mechanism 512, other embodiments can have an automated control system (not shown) such that the vehicle 500 is an automated vehicle with little to no human intervention. [0044] Figs. 6A through 6C illustrate a further embodiment of a compactible vehicle 600. As with other embodiments, the vehicle 600 can have a front seating area 602 and a rear hauling platform 604, where the rear hauling platform 604 can be moved into a compacted position (5C). However, in contrast with other embodiments, the rear hauling platform 604 can slide up the rear wall 608 of the seating area 602 such that a rear roller 610 of the platform rolls towards seating area. This movement can be controlled manually or through a mechanical drive system (not shown) that initiates the movement towards and away from the seating area 602. The whole system can be powered by an onboard power supply system 620 located in the seating area. Although shown in the seating area 620, the power supply system can be located in other locations. [0045] Although the vehicle is shown without a load on the rear platform, it can be appreciated that many embodiments can be configured with a removable storage container. The storage container can be a single load or can be a container that can hold many different loads or containers. Additionally, the storage container can be a collapsible container that can be a solid container. Many embodiments of the container can have doors or openings as well as shelves.

[0046] In various embodiments, the vehicles can be configured to carry cargo in a number of different configurations and methods. For example, Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective view of a compactible vehicle 700 with a seating area 702 and a cargo platform 704 located at the rear of the seating area 702. The platform 704 can have a frame work 706 that is supported on at least two rear wheels 708 that are positioned on each side of platform 704. The platform width and length can vary depending on the desired use and the applicable load 710 that can be placed on the platform 704. In many embodiments the platform can have a base 712 constructed of any suitable materials such as wood or metal that can be positioned on top of the frame work 706. The load 710 can be configured to set on top of the base 712. Although a vehicle with an open frame with a flatbed is shown, it will be understood that the any suitable structure and frame may be included in vehicle configurations.

[0047] In various embodiments, the load 710 can be a compactible cargo container comprising a series of walls configured to cover the sides of a frame structure. Regardless of the design, the elements of the frame structure are hinged such that the cargo container maybe unfolded into a structure with an internal volume, and a folded configuration where the walls are folded flat against each other. Although the various walls may be unitary constructs, it should be understood that any of the walls may be formed of multiple portions of any desired length and height provided the walls cover the interior volume. These multiple portions may also be pivotable relative to each other such that the walls may also be moved to expose the interior volume. In some such embodiments, more than one or all of the walls may be thus segmented and/or pivotable in relation to the frame of the cart. [0048] Although many embodiments are described above in reference to Figs 1 to 4, other embodiments may also be contemplated. For example, the hauling platform may be detachable such that they can be removed from the overall vehicle. In various embodiments, such hauling platform may be detachably attached to the vehicle via fasteners. Additionally, the hauling platform can be configurable such that it can be configured to haul different types of loads. For example, Figs. 8A and 8B illustrate a top view of a vehicle 800 with a configurable hauling platform 802 that is connected to a seating area 804 of the vehicle 800. The hauling platform 802 can have a base element 810 that is supported by the frame 812 of the hauling platform 802. In numerous embodiments, the base 810 can be flush with the frame 812 (Fig. 8A) or can be slid horizontal to and parallel with the frame to an elongated position (Fig. 8B) such that the effective length of the hauling platform 802 is extended. This can allow for multiple types and sizes of cargos and/or cargo containers to be supported and ultimately transported by the vehicle. Although, only two positions of the base element 810 are illustrated, it should be understood that the base element can have any number of positions to lengthen the support surface of the platform.

DOCTRINE OF EQUIVALENTS

[0049] This description of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, and many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teaching above. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. This description will enable others skilled in the art to best utilize and practice the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to a particular use. The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims.