The present invention is directed to a fastening bracket connectable to a scooter vehicle for connecting a trailer to the scooter vehicle such that the scooter vehicle pulls on the trailer when moving. The invention is also directed to a method of securing the bracket to a scooter vehicle.

BACKGROUND

A kick scooter (also referred to as a push-scooter or scooter) is a human-powered street vehicle with a handlebar, standing platform (deck), and wheels propelled by the rider pushing off the ground by “kicking”.

Today, the most common scooters are made of aluminium, titanium, composite, and steel. Some kick scooters made for younger children have 3 to 4 wheels, but the most common ones have 2 wheels.

The scooter vehicle may also be powered by a motor. Motorized scooters historically were powered by gas engines, but recently they are powered by small electric motors having a chargeable battery pack. Electric kick scooters (e-scooters) have grown in popularity with the introduction of scooter- sharing systems that use apps allowing users to rent the scooters by the minute.

The e-scooters are typically “dock less”, meaning that they do not have a fixed home location and are dropped off and picked up from certain locations in the service area. Scooter-sharing systems work towards providing the public with a fast and convenient mode of transport for mobility in urban areas. Due to the growing popularity of scooter-sharing, municipal governments have enforced regulations on e-scooters to increase rider and pedestrian safety while avoiding the accrual of visual pollution. Scooter- sharing systems are one of the least expensive and most popular micro mobility options.

When moving around in urban areas with kid or with cargo, the e-scooters for transportation have previously not been an option since they are not built for carrying additional people, and they do not have arrangements for carrying heavy or large cargo.

A trailer may be suitable for carrying cargo and/or kids. Such trailers are known to be used for connecting to bicycles. The trailer may be a kid trailer and/or a cargo trailer, comprising a load carrying deck supported by one or more wheels. The trailer further comprises a lever (towing arm) having an end connectable to the bike.

Cargo trailers provides bulky gear carrying with ease. The Entire weight of the cargo is balanced on the trailer wheels and towing the trailer won't bring the bike down. The trailer can either have one or two wheels. Single wheel trailers for cargo are easier to town as they have less drag on the road, the two-wheel cargo trailers make loading and unloading easier as they keep upright.

Kid trailer may be enclosed trailers that are designed for carrying kids. The child can sit comfortably in the cart and does not have to pedal. The enclosed child trailers typically are covered with a weather resistant fabric and comprises aluminium bars for structure. There may be a zip door at the front of the trailer and plastic and/or mesh window for ventilation. The biggest advantage of using enclosed trailers is that they offer great protection for the child. Most modem enclosed bike trailers have full roll cages to keep the child safe in the event of a crash. The inside of the enclosed child or kid trailer has a secure seat with harness system.

In addition, many kid strollers can easily convert to a kid trailer by removing the front wheel of the stroller such that the front bar or towing arm can be hitched to an adapter located on the bike. This provides flexibility when moving around. The towing arm of the trailer may be hitched to the bike and the child and/or cargo can sit in the load carrying platform and ride together.

Connecting a trailer to a bike is known in prior art. The trailer may be connected to the bike with a bracket fixed to the wheel axel or hub of the bike via an adapter. This means that the bracket needs to be pre-installed by unscrewing the axel cap of the wheel for inserting the bracket and the step usually requires the use of tools.

It may be naturally to use the same fastening mechanism for attaching the trailer to the scooter vehicle. The fastening bracket may be mount into the hub of the scooter wheel and may comprise the adapter for quick connection to the towing arm of the trailer. However, the problem with this prior art solution is that it requires the use of tool to connect the fastening bracket to the hub of the scooter vehicle. This also means that very often the user needs to preinstall the fastening bracket, which is not always possible in the case of rental scooter vehicles.

In addition, the fastening bracket is not easy removeable if the rider wants to change to another e-scooter (rent vehicle), for example for the reasons that the battery is running out, or the rental time by the minute has expired, or the rider has moved out of an operating area for the rental vehicle.

Furthermore, different scooters may require different brackets and different tools, and the unscrewing of the wheel axel, wheel cap and/or wheel hub of the scooter vehicles are probably not permitted by the rental providers or the owner of the scooter vehicles due to the risk of accidents or mis-mounting.

Therefore, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a fastening system for connecting a trailer to a scooter vehicle which is easy to attach and remove and without the use of tools.

Another objective is to provide a fastening system for connecting a trailer to a scooter vehicle which is solid and safe to use and having simple construction to allow cost effective mass production.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a scooter vehicle fastening bracket connectable to a scooter vehicle for connecting a trailer to the scooter vehicle such that the scooter vehicle pulls on the trailer when moving. The fastening bracket comprises coupling means for coupling the trailer to the scooter vehicle. The fastening bracket is further adapted to be secured to a standing platform/deck of the scooter vehicle. The fastening bracket comprises a side bracket adapted to be fit to a first longitudinal side of the standing platform of the scooter vehicle, and a fixing mechanism connected to the side bracket and extending to a second longitudinal side of the standing platform/deck, and wherein the fixing mechanism comprises a tensioner adapted to tension the side bracket to secure it to the first longitudinal side of the standing platform/deck.

The term scooter vehicle is related to a kick scooter or an electric scooter comprising a handlebar for steering, standing platform/deck for the rider, and two or more wheels. The term standing platform and deck is used interchangeably through the application and is referred to the same structure.

The term trailer is related to a kid trailer and/or a cargo trailer connectable to the scooter vehicle. The trailer comprises a support deck, wheels and a towing arm.

The term “connect” is in the application referred to a direct connection or indirect connection. The same applies for the term “couple”.

The term “a fastening bracket” is also known as a mounting bracket, fixing bracket or securing bracket and is arranged for joining two parts.

The coupling means may be located on the side bracket and comprises means for attaching a locking device to the side bracket. The means may be an opening for mounting the locking device and screw and bolt for securing. The coupling means may be arranged on the side bracket and may include at least any one of a screw and nut, pin lock, snap lock, wedge lock, etc.

The locking device may comprise a first locking part and a second complementary locking part, wherein the first and the second locking parts are complementary locking parts. The first locking part may be connected to the fastening bracket and the second locking part may be arranged on a towing arm of the trailer.

The first and second locking part may comprise an adapter and a complementary connector for quick easy connection to the adapter. The adapter may be arranged on the fastening bracket, or it may be arranged on the towing arm of the trailer. Type of adapter and complementary connector are known structures in relation to connection systems for bike and trailers and will not be explained in detail.

Thus, the adapter may be secured to the side bracket by the coupling means and such that the trailer can quick and easy connect to the fastening bracket via the adapter. Different trailers may be attached to the scooter vehicle via the adapter. The coupling means is also adapted to fasten different types of adapters or connectors depending on the brand or model of the trailer. The system allows for easy replacement or change of adapter and/or connectors.

The side bracket of the fastening bracket may be a support plate shaped to fit the first side of the standing platform. The side bracket may have any shape to fit to the shape of the first side of a standing platform/deck.

The side bracket may be a curved support plate, or it may be an angled plate for secure fitting to the edge defined by the first side and the upper surface of the standing platform/deck. The side bracket may be L- shaped adapted to be fit to the top edge of the first side of the standing platform.

The angled bracket may have a horizontal side adapted to be placed onto an upper horizontal surface of the standing platform/deck and a vertical side adapted to fit to the first side of the standing platform/deck. In use, the side bracket is placed onto the upper edge of the standing platform/deck and secured to the platform/deck by using the fixing mechanism to tension such that the side bracket is secured to the side of the standing platform/deck.

The fixing mechanism may be arranged to pull the side bracket at the first side towards the second side of the standing platform such that the fastening bracket is secured to the standing platform/deck.

The fixing mechanism may comprise a ratchet bar locking clamp comprising a linear bar and a tensioner in form of a ratchet for engaging the linear bar and for clamping the side bracket onto the side of the standing platform/deck. The linear bar may comprise a first gripper or claw arranged at the distal end and arranged for gripping onto the upper edge and/or longitudinal side of the standing platform/deck. A second gripper or claw is arranged on the side bracket which also includes the ratchet and adapted to engage the linear bar for clamping the side bracket to the standing platform.

The ratchet mechanism comprises of a gear and a pawl that allow for motion in only one direction for secure tensioning. The ratchet mechanism is a known structure in prior art and will not be describe in detail.

The fixing mechanism may also comprise a linear rack with teeth, and a spring-loaded finger or a pawl that engages the teeth. The teeth are uniform but asymmetrical, with each tooth having a moderate slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge. When the teeth are moving in the unrestricted (i.e., forward) direction, the pawl easily slides up and over the gently sloped edges of the teeth, with a spring forcing it (often with an audible 'click') into the depression between the teeth as it passes the tip of each tooth. When the teeth move in the opposite (backward) direction, however, the pawl will catch against the steeply sloped edge of the first tooth it encounters, thereby locking it against the tooth and preventing any further motion in that direction.

The pawl or ratchet may be connected to a grip, trigger, button and/or a lever to move the pawl or ratchet along the linear rack. This arrangement provides quick and easy clamping. Plus, the quick release button, trigger or lever makes it quick release or moving the ratcheting part up and down a snap.

The fixing mechanism may comprise an adjustable strap connected to the side bracket and arranged for enclosing a cross section of the standing platform/deck for securing the side bracket onto the standing platform/deck. The strap may be connected at one end to the side bracket and adjustable connected to opposite end of the side bracket for strapping the side bracket onto the side of standing platform/deck or the strap may be adjustable connected to the distal end of a linear bar.

The fixing mechanism may comprise a linear bar or a longitudinal plate/bar, the linear bar being adjustable to fit a distance between the first and second side. The linear bar may comprise a gripping edge connectable the second side of the platform such that the side bracket may be retained into the first side by tightening the longitudinal plate. The tightening mechanism may be any one of a: vice, ratchet tool, ladder strip and ratchet buckle arrangement, screw device or any buckle device.

The fixing mechanism may comprise a linear bar, the linear bar being adjustable to a distance between the first and second side, and wherein one or more straps are connectable to an end of the linear bar for fastening the bracket.

The side bracket may comprise an opening, pocket, slits or grooves for cooperation with the linear bar such that the linear bar may be adjustable by moving relative to the opening, pocket, slits or grooves in the direction from the first side of the standing platform to the second side of the standing platform.

The fixing mechanism may comprise a linear bar moveable through an opening provided in the side bracket for adjusting to a size of the standing platform/deck, and wherein the tensioner comprises an adjustable strap connected to the side bracket at one end and opposite end connectable and adjustable to the linear bar for securing the side bracket, wherein the linear bar and the adjustable strap is adapted to encircle a cross section of the platform/deck.

The tensioner may comprise a ratchet buckle connected to the linear bar and the adjustable strap comprises a ladder strap comprising teeth, and wherein the ratchet buckle comprises a pawl for engaging the teeth. The teeth may be uniform but asymmetrical, with each tooth having a moderate slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge. When the teeth are moving in the unrestricted (i.e., forward) direction, the pawl easily slides up and over the gently sloped edges of the teeth, with a spring forcing it (often with an audible 'click') into the depression between the teeth as it passes the tip of each tooth. When the teeth move in the opposite (backward) direction, however, the pawl will catch against the steeply sloped edge of the first tooth it encounters, thereby locking it against the tooth and preventing any further motion in that direction. The pawl or ratchet may be connected to a grip, trigger, button and/or a lever to move the pawl or ratchet along the linear rack. The system may also comprise a quick release button makes it quick release of the engagement between the pawl and the tooth.

The fixing mechanism may comprise one or more straps connected to the side bracket and arranged for enclosing a cross section of the standing platform/deck for securing the fastening bracket. The straps be interconnected and adjusted by buckles such as a traditional adjusting strap buckle, or a ladder strap and ratchet buckle.

The invention is also directed to a method of connecting a fastening bracket as described above, to a scooter vehicle. The method comprises the step of: placing the side bracket against the first side of the standing platform of the scooter vehicle, extending the fixing mechanism such that it is connected to the second side of the standing platform, securing the side bracket by using the fixing mechanism to tension the side bracket at the first side towards the second side of the platform.

The tensioning may be by clamping the side bracket to the side of the platform/deck.

The fixing mechanism comprises a ratchet buckle and a ladder strap attached to opposite ends of the side bracket and interconnected enclosing a longitudinal cross section of the platform, and wherein the method of securing the side bracket comprises the step of cranking the ratchet.

Further objects, structural embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be seen clearly from the following detailed description, the attached figures, and the claims below.

FIGURES

The invention will now be described with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

Fig. 1 shows the fastening bracket comprising an angled side bracket, a linear adjustable plate and a strap for securing the side bracket.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of the fastening bracket comprising a fixing mechanism comprising a ladder strap and a ratchet buckle.

Fig. 3 shows the fastening bracket comprising a linear bar and a ratchet device for clamping the side bracket onto the platform/deck of the scooter vehicle.

Fig. 4 shows a scooter vehicle with the fastening bracket connected to the vehicle and a trailer connected to the vehicle via the fastening bracket.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In the following, exemplified embodiments of the invention will be discussed in detail with reference to the appended figures. It should be understood, however, that the figures are not intended to limit the invention to the subject-matter depicted in the figures.

Figure 1 shows the scooter vehicle fastening bracket 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The scooter vehicle fastening bracket 10 is connectable to a scooter vehicle 20 for interconnecting a trailer 30 to the scooter vehicle 20 such that the scooter vehicle 20 pulls on the trailer 30 when moving.

The arrangement of the scooter vehicle 20, trailer 30 and fastening bracket 10 is shown in figure 4. The trailer 30 may be a kid trailer or a cargo trailer or any combination thereof.

The term scooter vehicle 20 is related to a kick scooter or an e- scooter comprising a handlebar 22 for steering, standing platform/deck 21 for the rider, and two or more wheels 23.

The trailer 30 comprises a trailer deck 31, two wheels 32 and a towing arm 33 fixed to the trailer deck 31 at one end and opposite end adapted to be connectable to the fastening bracket 10 of the scooter vehicle 20.

The scooter vehicle fastening bracket 10 of the present invention is adapted to be secured to a standing platform/deck 21 of the scooter vehicle 20.

In figure 1, the scooter vehicle fastening bracket 10 comprises an angled side bracket 11, coupling means 13 for connecting a locking device 14 such as an adapter to the side bracket 11, and a fixing mechanism 12 connected to the side bracket 11 adapted to secure the side bracket 11 to the platform/deck 21 of the scooter vehicle 20. The angled bracket 11 may be L- shaped, having a horizontal side 11 ’ adapted to be placed onto an upper horizontal surface of the standing platform/deck 21 and a vertical side 11” adapted to fit to one side of the standing platform/deck 21. The comer of the L- shaped bracket is shaped to fit to an upper edge of the standing platform/deck 21.

The horizontal side 11 ’ upper surface of the side bracket 11 may comprise at least any one of an opening, a through pocket opening, a slot or a groove. The fixing mechanism 12 may comprise a linear/longitudinal bar 19 or plate moveable through the opening, pocket, slot, or groove such that the gap provided by the side bracket 11 and an end of the linear bar 19 can be adjusted to fit any size or width of the standing platform/deck 21 of the scooter vehicle 20.

The fixing mechanism 12 further comprises a tensioner 15 adapted to tension the side bracket 11, to secure it to the standing platform/deck 21. The tensioner 15 may comprise straps 16 connected to the side bracket 11 and extending to the distal end of the linear bar 19 such that it encircles the platform/deck 21 (together with the side bracket 11 and the linear bar 19) and wherein the distal end of the linear bar 19 comprises a fastening and adjusting device 15 for receiving the strap 16 and tensioning it by means of the fastening and adjusting device 15.

In figure 1 the fastening and adjusting device 15 comprises one or more openings for adjusting and securing the strap 16. The fastening and adjusting device 15 may be a buckle with one or more openings into which the one or more straps can be inserted adjusted and secured.

In operation the fastening bracket 10 is placed onto the standing platform/deck 21 of the scooter vehicle 20 and wherein a fastening gap can be adjusted by moving the linear bar 19 through the opening provided in the upper surface of the side bracket 11. When the gap is fitted to the size of the platform/deck 21, the fastening bracket 10 can be tensioned by tensioning the strap 16 and connect it to the distal end of the linear bar 19. The end of the strap 16 may be treaded from the inside through both openings of the fastening and adjusting device 15 and back into the lowermost opening for adjusting and tightening the strap 16. The stap may be a ladder strap 18 with teeth 35.

Figure 2 shows the scooter vehicle fastening bracket 10 comprising a side bracket 11 and a fixing mechanism 12 to secure the side bracket 11 to one side of a standing platform/deck 21 of the scooter vehicle (not shown). The fixing mechanism 12 comprises a linear bar 19 connected to the side bracket 11 and adjustable such that it extends to the opposite side of the standing platform/deck 21, and wherein the fixing mechanism 12 comprises a tensioner 15 adapted to tension the side bracket 11 to the first longitudinal side of the standing platform/deck 21. The tensioner 15 being a ratchet buckle 17 and a ladder strap. The linear bar 19, the side bracket 11, the straps 16 and ladder strap 18 being arranged such that they encircle a cross section of the standing platform/deck 21. The strap 16 may constitute one ladder strap 18.

The fastening bracket 10 in figure 2 is similar to the one in figure 1 but includes the ratchet buckle 17 and a ladder strap 18 tensioning device 15. The tensioner 15 comprises a ratchet buckle 17 connected to the linear bar 19 and the adjustable strap 16 comprises a ladder strap 18 comprising teeth 35, and wherein the ratchet buckle 17 comprises a pawl (not shown) for engaging the teeth 35. The fastening bracket 10 is secured by cranking the ratchet situated on the ratchet buckle 17. The ratchet buckle 17 also comprises a quick release button for quick release of the pawl from engagement with the teeth 35. The structure of a ratchet buckle 15 and a ladder strap 18 is a known structure in the prior art and will therefore not be explained in detail.

The fixing mechanism 12 comprises a linear bar 19 connected to an opening provided on the top surface of the side bracket 11, the linear bar 19 being moveable through the opening such that the size of the fastening bracket 10 can be adjusted. The linear bar may be curved at the distal end creating a gripping edge towards the second side of the standing platform/deck 21. The longitudinal bar being adjustable at least between the first and second longitudinal sides of the standing platform/deck 21 of the scooter vehicle 20 and wherein the gripping edge of the linear bar 19 and the side bracket 11 provides opposite clamping devices.

The linear bar 19 may be a longitudinal bar or longitudinal plate and comprise a curved end such that it fits to the upper surface edge of the standing platform/deck 21, such that the curved side bracket 11 and the curved end of the longitudinal bar are situated at respective first and second edge of the standing platform/deck 21. The curved end of the longitudinal bar 19 and the side bracket 11 may be interconnected by one or more straps 16.

The fixing mechanism 12 may comprises one or more straps 16 connected to the side bracket 11 and arranged for enclosing a cross section of the standing platform 21 for securing the fastening bracket 10. In figure 2, the strap 16 are connected to a ladder strap 17, but it is obvious that the strap 16 may constitute one ladder strap 17.

The side bracket 11 of the present invention further comprises coupling means 13 for connecting and securing locking device 14 such as an adapter 14’ to the side bracket 11 for easy connection of the trailer 30.

The locking device may comprise a first locking part and a second complementary part, wherein the first and the second locking parts are complementary locking parts. The first locking part may be connected to the fastening bracket 10 and the second locking part arranged on a towing arm 33 of the trailer 30. The locking device 14 may comprise an adapter 14’. The first and second locking part may comprise an adapter and a complementary connector for quick easy connection to the adapter. The adapter 14’ may be arranged on the fastening bracket 10, or it may be arranged on the towing arm 33 of the trailer 30.

The trailer 30 may be connected directly to the coupling means 13 or it may be connected via the adapter 14’ and the locking device 14.

The coupling means 13 as shown in figure 2 and 3, may comprise a screw and bolt. According to the present invention, different fastening means may be used to attach the adapter 14’ to the side bracket 11 or attach the trailer 30 directly to the side bracket 11. The coupling means 13 is located on the side bracket 11 and is at least any one of a: screw and nut, protrusion and pin, opening and pin, etc. for fastening the locking device 14.

Figure 3 shows the fixing mechanism 12 comprising a ratchet clamp, or a ratcheting bar locking clamp.

The fixing mechanism 12 may comprise a ratchet bar locking clamp comprising a linear bar 19 and a ratchet 17 for engaging the linear bar 19 for clamping the side bracket 11 onto the side of the standing platform/deck 21. The fixing mechanism 12 may also comprise a linear rack with teeth 35, and a spring-loaded finger called a pawl (not shown) that engages the teeth 35. The teeth 35 are uniform but asymmetrical, with each tooth having a moderate slope on one edge and a much steeper slope on the other edge. When the teeth 35 are moving in the unrestricted (i.e., forward) direction, the pawl easily slides up and over the gently sloped edges of the teeth 35, with a spring forcing it (often with an audible 'click') into the depression between the teeth as it passes the tip of each tooth. When the teeth move in the opposite (backward) direction, however, the pawl will catch against the steeply sloped edge of the first tooth it encounters, thereby locking it against the tooth and preventing any further motion in that direction. The pawl may be connected to a grip or a lever to move the pawl along the linear rack. This arrangement provides quick and easy clamping. Plus, the quick release button makes it quick release or moving the ratcheting part up and down a snap.

Figure 4 shows the scooter vehicle 20 and the trailer 30 connected to the scooter vehicle 20 via a fastening bracket 10 according to the present invention. The fastening bracket 10 may easily be connected to the standing platform 21 of the scooter vehicle 20 by adjusting the fixing mechanism 12 to fit onto the size of the standing platform 21 and securing the side bracket 11 by tensioning the side bracket such that it is attached to the one side of the standing platform 21.

Figure 4 shows a trailer 30 connectable to the scooter vehicle 20, the trailer 30 being converted from a stroller such that it can be hitched to the adapter 14 connected to the side bracket 11 of the fastening bracket 10. This solution provides flexibility when moving around and the rider may choose to connect the trailer 30 to any scooter vehicle 20 or change to any scooter vehicle by utilising the fastening bracket 10 according to the present invention.