RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/159,360, filed March 10, 2021, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a personal electric trike; and more particularly to a compact electric trike that can safely maneuver tight environments and efficiently transport cargo.

BACKGROUND

The transportation sector is one of the largest generators of greenhouse gas emissions and poses one of the largest environmental challenges to the planet. As such, there is a wide felt need for more sustainable means of transport. Many current forms of more sustainable transport, such as electric or hybrid cars, are inefficient for transporting individuals and relatively small amounts of cargo.

One type of environmentally-friendly personal transport has been a cargo bike. Cargo bikes are generally bigger and heavier than standard road or mountain bikes and typically include a basket, bag, or storage compartment. Cargo bikes present a significant physical strain on a user and can be unreasonable for long distances or heavy cargo. Further, bikes require forward motion to help balance, making navigating urban areas where frequent stopping and starting is required challenging. Current electric trikes remove or supplement the need to pedal but still present many inefficiencies. Particularly, a broader wheelbase of many electrical trikes makes turning more difficult, losing out on the maneuverability provided by traditional bikes. This lack of control is amplified for electric trikes that place storage means between two wheels. Additionally, many electrical trikes have limited or no storage capacity for moving cargo and have high loading points to which the cargo must be raised. Furthermore, electric vehicles that load from the back can make it difficult for a user to monitor the security and status of the cargo. Alternative forms of personal electric transport, such as electric mopeds, can be cost prohibitive and fail to address aforementioned storage concerns.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a personal electric trike configured to provide enhanced maneuverability and transport of cargo. Embodiments are disclosed of a personal electric trike that can provide enhanced maneuverability by incorporating tilting front wheels and a narrow profile. Embodiments of the personal electric trike provides an environmentally-friendly means of transporting cargo via a low to the ground platform.

In embodiments, the personal electric trike comprises a platform body, a back wheel, two front wheels, a seat base, a seat, a steering base, a steering mechanism, an electric motor and a dividing wall. The platform body connects the back wheel to the front wheels and extends a substantial length of the electric trike. The seat base, the steering base, and the dividing wall are arranged proximal to the electrically powered back wheel and protrude from platform body. A portion of the platform body between the dividing wall and the front wheels is configured for the placement of cargo. In embodiments, the platform body includes an undercarriage compartment housing a battery, electrical control systems, at least a portion of a tilt locking mechanism, and a steering system.

In embodiments, the front wheels are coupled to the platform body via a tilting mechanism. Specifically, the tilting mechanism provides a tilting arrangement configured to allow the front wheels to tilt in the direction of a turn. In embodiments, the tilting mechanism can include a tilt lock to prevent tilting when the electric trike is stationary.

An electric trike including an electric motor that activates the trike, a platform body, a steering mechanism, a wheel, and a pair of wheels. The platform body has a first end and a second end. The platform body includes an electric control system coupled to the electric motor and a battery that stores electric power to supply the electric motor. The steering mechanism is coupled to the platform body. The wheel is coupled to the first end of the platform body via a suspension mechanism. The pair of wheels are positioned adjacent and coupled to the second end of the platform body via a tilting mechanism such that the platform body does not extend between the pair of wheels. The tilting mechanism is configured to allow the pair of wheels to tilt in the direction of a turn. The platform body is configured to support cargo between the steering mechanism and the second end.

The above summary is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the subject matter hereof. The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularly exemplify various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Subject matter hereof may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments in connection with the accompanying figures, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric trike, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side profile view of the electric trike of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top-down plan view of the electric trike of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a front profile view of the electric trike of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a back profile view of the electric trike of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side profile view of an electric trike, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front profile view of the electric trike of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a back profile view of the electric trike of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of a user operating an electric trike, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an electric trike, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 OB is a perspective view of the electric trike of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11 A is a perspective view of an electric trike, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 IB is a perspective view of the electric trike of FIG. 11 A.

While various embodiments are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the claimed inventions to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter as defined by the claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, electric trike 100 is depicted, according to an embodiment. Electric trike 100 generally comprises an electric motor (not shown), a platform body 102, back wheel 104, front wheels 106, seat base 108, seat 110, steering base 112, steering mechanism 114, and dividing wall 116. Platform body 102 is generally horizontally-disposed and provides a sturdy platform surface for a rider and cargo. Platform body 102 connects back wheel 104 to front wheels 106 and extends a substantial length of electric trike 100. Seat base 108, steering base 112, and dividing wall 116 protrude from platform body 102. In embodiments, seat base 108, steering base 112, and dividing wall 116 are all located closer to back wheel 104 than front wheels 106. In some embodiments, the seat base 108, steering base 112, and dividing wall 116 are located in the back third of the overall vehicle length. In some embodiments, the seat base 108, steering base 112, and dividing wall 116 are located in the back half of the overall vehicle length. In embodiments, seat 110 is coupled to seat base 112 such that a user may rest against seat 110 while in an upright position. In embodiments, the height of seat 110 is adjustable. In embodiments, seat base 108 can comprise rear lights 118. Various different shapes and sizes of seats are contemplated as well. In some embodiments, as later disclosed and discussed, no seat or seat base 112 is present at all.

In embodiments, steering mechanism 114 is coupled to steering base 112 and is configured to direct front wheels 106 and control movement of electric trike 100. Dividing wall 116 is configured to prevent cargo placed on platform body 102 from contacting a user and to provide a surface with which to support and align cargo.

In embodiments, platform body 102 is positioned substantially between a center disc of back wheel 104 and a center disc of front wheels such that platform body 102 is low to the ground while maintaining sufficient clearance. In embodiments, platform body 102 can have a raised edge or wall along at least a portion of the exterior perimeter of platform body 102. The raised edge or wall can be configured to retain cargo placed on platform body 102. In such an embodiment, platform body 102 can include a drain system comprising at least one of channels or apertures to allow pooled water or other substances to drain from platform body 102.

In embodiments, back wheel 104 can be protected by back wheel cover 120 and front wheels 106 can be protected by front wheel covers 122 and front grill 124. In embodiments, back wheel cover 120, front wheel covers 122, and front grill 124 are coupled to platform body 102 without inhibiting the motion of back wheel 104 and front wheels 106. Back wheel cover 120 and front wheel covers 122 can prevent a user from touching back wheel 104 and front wheels 106 when electric trike 100 is in motion and prevent kicked up debris from hitting the user and cargo. In embodiments, front wheel covers 122 can be flush with the exterior side of front wheels 106 such that electric trike 100 maintains a narrow profile. Various shapes and styles of front wheel covers 122 and back wheel covers 120 are contemplated by this disclosure. Front grill 124 is positioned to prevent cargo placed on platform body 102 from contacting front wheels 106. In embodiments, front grill 124 comprises slats 126 that allow a user to see through front grill 124.

In embodiments, steering mechanism 114 can include at least one visual indicator to convey status information of the electric trike to a user. Status information can comprise speed of the electric trike, charge of the electric trike, weight carried by the electric trike, time of day, and other information that may be pertinent to a user.

Referring to FIG. 2, platform body 102 further comprises undercarriage compartment

128 housing a battery, electrical control systems, and a steering system. Electrical control systems can include electrical control circuitry and other components that are coupled to the electric motor. In embodiments, undercarriage compartment 128 distributes weight across platform body 102 and contributes to electric trike 100 having a low center of gravity, improving stability. In embodiments, platform body 102 can include solar panels configured to charge the battery. In embodiments, back wheel 104 may include an electrical motor and is coupled to platform body 102 via suspension system 130. In some embodiments, the electrical motor may be a hub motor although other electrically powered rear wheel motors or platform body mounted electrical motors are contemplated as well. Suspension system 130 serves to reduce jarring motions during operation that could destabilize cargo placed on platform body 102. In embodiments, suspension system 130 comprises a rear dampener. In embodiments, spokes covers 132 cover a substantial portion of the exterior face of front wheels 106 to prevent objects from getting stuck in the spokes of front wheels 106.

In embodiments, seat base 106, steering base 112, and dividing wall 116 are foldable downward onto platform body 102 such that the vertical profile of electric trike 100 is reduced. Such a reduced profile can allow for more efficient storage and shipping.

Referring to FIG. 3, front wheels 106 are coupled to platform body 102 via tilting mechanism 134. Tilting mechanism 134 allows front wheels 106 to tilt in the direction of a turn. In embodiments, tilting mechanism 134 can include a tilt lock to prevent tilting when electric trike 100 is stationary. In embodiments, dividing wall 116 can be angled towards back wheel 104 such that electric trike 100 is more aerodynamic and has greater surface area for goods in from of a user. Platform body 102 can also be tapered by back wheel 104 so as to reduce the overall footprint and weight of electric trike 100.

Referring to FIG. 4, a front profile view of electric trike 100 is depicted. In embodiments, the height of dividing wall 116 is less than steering mechanism 114 to allow steering mechanism 114 to rotate over dividing wall 116. In embodiments, at least one of diving wall 116 or front grill 124 can comprise headlights to illuminate the path in front of electric trike 100. Referring to FIG. 5, a back profile view of electric trike 100 is depicted. In embodiments, at least one of seat base 106, diving wall, 116, or rear wheel cover 120 can comprise brake lights. In embodiments, rear lights 118 can be used as brake lights or turning indicators. In embodiments, the headlights and brake lights can be energy efficient LEDs. In embodiments, rear lights 118 can be used to indicate various statuses of electric trike 100, such as when electric trike is low on charge or in need of repair.

Referring to FIG. 6, an embodiment of seatless electric trike 200 is depicted holding cargo 228, according to an embodiment. Seatless electric trike 200 generally comprises platform body 202, back wheel 204, front wheels 206, steering base 212, steering mechanism 214, and dividing wall 216. Generally, elements of seatless electric trike 200 are similar in design and function to those of electric trike 100 and should be understood as such to the extent applicable and possible in this disclosure. However, seatless electric trike 200 does not comprise a seat base or seat for a user to rest. Instead, the trike is configured such that a user can stand on platform base 202 with rear wheel cover 220 between the feet of the user. In embodiments, platform body 202 can comprise break lights 230 to allow a user to better indicate their intentions when driving.

Referring to FIG. 7, a front profile view of seatless electric trike 200 is depicted. In embodiments, seatless electric trike 200 can include a headlight 232 to illuminate the path in front of seatless electric trike 200. Referring to FIG. 8, a back profile view of seatless electric trike 200 is depicted. In embodiments, platform body 202 and rear wheel cover 220 can comprise brake lights 230. In embodiments, the headlight 232 and brake lights 230 can be energy efficient LEDs. Turning indicators may be located in the platform to indicate the direction of a turn.

Referring to FIG. 9, a partial perspective view of a user operating an electric trike with a seat is depicted, according to an embodiment. A user may lean against the seat while operating the electric trike for stability and comfort.

Referring to FIGS. 10A-B, an additional embodiment of electric trike 100 is depicted. In embodiments, electric trike 100 can include foot pads 134. Foot pads 134 can be made of a material with high friction to prevent a user from slipping when operating electric trike 100.

Referring to FIGS. 11A-B, an additional embodiment of seatless electric trike 200 is depicted. In embodiments, seatless electric trike 200 can comprise at least one headlight 232.

In operation, the tilting front wheels allow the electric trike to comer without rolling over despite having a relatively narrow axle track. This functionality is possible as the tilt mechanism can balance some or all of the roll moment caused by centripetal acceleration with an opposite roll moment caused by gravity, similar to bicycles and motorcycles. The ability to balance the movement caused by lateral acceleration in a turn, due to high speed, tight radius, or both, with a counter moment caused by gravity, means the electric trike does not have to be low, wide, or slow. Further, stability of the electric trike does not depend on the axle track, so the center of mass does not have to be located near the wide axle and instead can be located anywhere between the front and rear axle, increasing flexibility of how a user can load cargo onto the platform body.

Leaning into a turn, as bicycles and motorcycles do, means that the net acceleration experienced by the vehicle and rider can always be aligned with the midplane of the vehicle. Riders may find this more pleasant than the alternative, and vehicle components, such as the frame, wheels, and tires, can avoid large side loads. The narrow profile supported by the tilting mechanism can result in reduced aerodynamic drag and increased fuel efficiency. Additionally, the narrow axle track means that the electric trike does not require as much clearance and may experience less aerodynamic drag because of a smaller cross-sectional area. Another benefit of the narrow profile is easier parking and more efficient storing the electric trike.

The electric trike facilitates cargo transportation via the platform body. Loading cargo onto the electric trike is made easier by the low profile of the platform body. Further, placement of cargo on the platform body in front of a user allows a user to easily monitor the status of the cargo and reduces the chance of theft when in transport. In embodiments with a seat, the high position of the seat gives a user an advantageous angle to both see the cargo and the terrain in front of the electric trike well and to easily mount and dismount.

The fully electric power of the electric trike removes the need for cumbersome pedals and can be used by a wider audience, including those with less physical capacity or limited ranges of motion. Various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods have been described herein.

These embodiments are given only by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed inventions. It should be appreciated, moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have been described may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additional embodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes, configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use with disclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilized without exceeding the scope of the claimed inventions.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the subject matter hereof may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the various features of the subject matter hereof may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the various embodiments can comprise a combination of different individual features selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, elements described with respect to one embodiment can be implemented in other embodiments even when not described in such embodiments unless otherwise noted.

Although a dependent claim may refer in the claims to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other embodiments can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of each other dependent claim or a combination of one or more features with other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are proposed herein unless it is stated that a specific combination is not intended.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that no claims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims, it is expressly intended that the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.