WHEEL ASSEMBLY

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.

62/680,101 filed on June 4, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The disclosure herein relates to a rotational connection assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a rotational connection assembly that has at least three layers of support. The disclosure herein may be used to connect two objects while allowing for a 360 degree rotation between the two objects. For example, the rotational connection assembly may be used to attach handlebars, fork, or headtube to a scooter, a bicycle, an elipticycle, a unicycle, a motorcycle, all terrain vehicles (ATV), quads, jet skis, or snow mobiles. The disclosure herein also relates to a convertible wheel assembly. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a wheel assembly that can be converted from one wheel to two wheels or to three wheels. For example, the convertible wheel assembly may be used on a scooter, a skateboard, a skate, or a bi/tri-cycle.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Scooters, bicycles, motorcycles and the like are well known transportation devices. At a basic level, each has a handlebar that rotationally attaches to the rest of the device. The handlebars are primarily used to control the direction of movement of the devices. Accordingly, it is critical that the assembly attaching the handlebars is strong enough to handle the forces applied to it. With the advent of using these devices to perform tricks or stunts, the handlebar assemblies are exposed to stronger forces. Accordingly, there is a need to for a rotational connection assembly that can withstand the stronger forces that occur when performing tricks or stunts.

SUMMARY

[0004] The following simplified summary provides a basic understanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. This summary is not an extensive overview, and is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. Its purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented below

[0005] In one embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a rotational connection assembly (RCA). The components of the RCA include an outer layer, a middle layer, an inner layer, at least two bearing races, a bolt, a nut, and a flange. In general, the three layers are nested within each other and each is roughly cylindrical in shape. The RCA is held together using the bolt, nut, and flange. The bearing races, which are located at both ends of the outer layer allows the outer layer to rotate 360 degrees around the inner layers on one axis. All three layers can have other pieces attached to them. For example, the outer layer can be attached to a bike frame, a scooter platform, a motorcycle fork/clamp. The middle layer can be attached to handlebars or fork. The inner layer can also be attached to handlebars or fork.

[0006] In another embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a convertible wheel assembly (CWA) for a non-motorized vehicle. The components of the CWA include at least two wheels, a bolt, and a nut. In general, the CWA allows a user to quickly change from a single wheel to at least two parallel wheels. The CWA can be used on skates, skateboards, scooters, and bicycles.

[0007] In another embodiment, the disclosure is directed to a scooter having at least one RCA. The components of the scooter include a steering column and a platform assembly. The steering column includes a set of handle bars, an RCA, and at least one wheel. The RCA is as described above. The outer layer of the RCA connects to the platform assembly. The middle layer of the RCA connects to the handlebars. The inner layer of the RCA connects to the wheel. The platform assembly includes a platform and at least one wheel. Attachment of the platform assembly to the RCA allows the platform to rotate around the steering column, where the steering column is the axis. This maneuver is commonly referred to as a“whip.” [0008] In another embodiment, the above described scooter may also have a second RCA that is used to attach the platform assembly to the steering column. In this embodiment, the outer layers of both RCAs are joined together. In some embodiments, the outer layers of the RCAs and the connecting piece may be made from one piece. In this embodiment, either the middle or inner layer of the RCA may be attached to the platform. In this embodiment, the scooter platform can rotate about a single axis. This maneuver is commonly referred to as a“kick flip”

[0009] In another embodiment, various mechanisms may be used to control the rotation of the scooter platform. This may be helpful for beginner riders. The control mechanism can be a simple pin that is inserted into a hole either within the RCA or on the platform. Alternatively, the control mechanism can be magnetic based. Either mechanism can be configured such that a user/rider can control the rotation mechanism via a cable and a lever located near the handlebars. The cable and lever control pressure of the pin/magnet; when pressure is applied, the pin or magnet stops the rotation.

[0010] In another embodiment, the scooter may include a friction based braking system. The braking system includes a crescent shaped brake and an attachment mechanism. Generally the attachment mechanism is a simple nut and bolt but can include an actuator. The crescent shaped brake is mounted between the platform and the wheel and in such a manner as to allow the brake to be activated when the user is standing on either side of the platform.

[0011] In another embodiment, the scooter may also include the CWA. The CWA can be used on either the steering column wheel or the platform wheel, or both.

[0012] In other embodiment, the wheels of the scooter can be replaced with ski tips. In another embodiment, the platform of the scooter may have a skateboard-like deck. In another embodiment, the platform assembly is replaced with a snowboard-like or snow skate-like deck.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. l is a non-limiting embodiment of a side view of the rotational connection assembly.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a non-limiting embodiment of an exploded view of the rotational connection assembly. [0015] FIG. 3 is a non-limiting embodiment of a side view of a scooter with the rotational connection assembly in two locations.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a non-limiting embodiment of a side view of a scooter with the rotational connection assembly in two locations.

[0017] FIG. 5 is a non-limiting embodiment of a perspective view of a scooter with the rotational connection assembly in two locations and the convertible wheel assembly.

[0018] FIG. 6 is a non-limiting embodiment of a perspective view of a scooter with the rotational connection assembly in two locations.

[0019] FIG. 7 is a non-limiting embodiment of a perspective view of a scooter with the rotational connection assembly in two locations.

[0020] FIG. 8 is a non-limiting embodiment of a perspective view of a scooter with the rotational connection assembly in two locations.

[0021] FIG. 9 is a non-limiting embodiment of a perspective view of a scooter with the rotational connection assembly in two locations.

[0022] FIG. 10 is a non-limiting embodiment of a perspective view of a scooter with the rotational connection assembly in two locations.

[0023] FIG. 11 is a non-limiting embodiment of a perspective view of a scooter with the rotational connection assembly in two locations.

[0024] FIG. 12 is a non-limiting embodiment of an exploded view of the rotational connection assembly.

[0025] FIG. 13 is a non-limiting embodiment of an exploded view of the rotational connection assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The disclosure herein is directed to a rotational connection assembly that can be used on any number of motorized and non-motorized recreational vehicles. The benefits include: (1) increased strength; (2) less parts; (3) lighter weight; (4) parts stay tight; (5) improved

performance; (6) easier assembly; (7) eliminates the need for a bar clamp; (8) easier

manufacturing and sourcing; and (9) reduced cost. In one embodiment, the rotational connection assembly has at least three layers that are nested together. The three layers provide the extra strength with minimal or no added weight. Non-limiting recreational vehicles/devices that may incorporate the rotational connection assembly include scooters, bicycles, tricycles, motorcycles, elipti cycles, all terrain vehicles (ATV), quads, jet skis, snow mobiles and the like.

[0027] The disclosure herein is also directed to a convertible wheel assembly that can quickly be converted from one wheel to two or more wheels and vice versa. In one embodiment, the convertible wheel assembly allows a user to quickly change between having two wheels or one wheel. Using two wheels provides extra stability, which may be helpful for beginner riders. Using two wheels may also allow more versatility of stunts/tricks/maneuvers that can be performed such as“slides or grinds” and“stalls.” Once the rider is comfortable, s/he can quickly change back to using a single wheel. Using a single wheel provides greater balance challenges for the rider as well as the ability to perform more dynamic tricks or stunts. Non-limiting recreation vehicles/devices that may incorporate the convertible wheel assembly include skates, skateboards, scooters, bikes, and the like.

[0028] The part names were selected to coincide (as much as possible) with well-known part names in the cycling and/or skating industry. The naming conventions are purely for ease of reference and in no way limit the functionality of the disclosure.

[0029] When the terms“one,”“a,” or“an” are used in this disclosure, they mean“at least one” or“one or more,” unless otherwise indicated.

[0030] The terms“invention” or“present invention” as used herein are intended to be non limiting and are not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompasses all possible embodiments as described in the specification and the claims.

[0031] The term“bearing race” as use herein refers to a set of ball bearings sandwiched between an outer race and an inner race. In most cases, the bearing race can be sealed or non-sealed against the elements. Others can be taken apart for maintenance, cleaning, fixing, etc.

[0032] Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of a side view of the rotational connection assembly 100 in an assembled view (i.e. FIG. 1) and in an exploded view (i.e. FIG. 2). The rotational connection assembly has three nested layers. The outer layer is a head tube 101 and the inner layers are a handlebar tube 102 and a fork tube 103. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the handle bar tube 102 is the middle layer and the fork tube 103 is the inner most layer. In other embodiments, position of the handlebar tube and the fork tube can be switched such that the handlebar tube is the inner most layer and the fork tube is the middle layer. Bearing races 104 and 105 are attached to the handlebar tube and the fork tube, respectively. Similar to cycling headsets, the bearing races sit in the space between the handlebar tube and the head tube or between the fork tube and the head tube. The rotational connection assembly is held together with an internal nut 106, screw 107, and flange 108. In the embodiment shown, the internal nut is located in the handlebar tube whereas the flange is located in the fork tube. In other embodiments, the nut can be located in the fork tube and the flange in the handlebar tube. In another embodiment, flange 108 may be a washer.

[0033] All components of the rotational connection assembly may be made from various materials. Non-limiting materials include metals, metal alloys, carbon fiber, fiber glass, plastic, composites, polymers, ceramic, wood, bamboo, and the like. Non-limiting metal and metal alloys include steel, aluminum, titanium, magnesium, scandium, beryllium, and the like.

[0034] FIG. 3 and FIG 4, illustrate an embodiment of a scooter 200 that utilizes the rotational connection assembly 100 in two locations, the first (assembly and parts will include“A”) to attach the handlebars 201 and fork tube lOl/wheel 204 and the second (assembly and parts will include“B”) to attach the standing platform 202. Scooters having rotatable platforms have been described in US application number 13/521,689 (‘689), entitled“Scooter with Rotatable

Platform” and filed on July 11, 2012. The entire contents of the‘689 application are

incorporated herein. In general scooters have a steering column and a riding/standing platform. The steering column generally has handlebars attached at one end and a wheel attached at the other end. The platform is attached at one end to the steering column and has wheels attached at the other end. A rider or user can stand on the platform and uses the handlebars to steer the scooter.

[0035] In these embodiments, the head tubes, 101 A and 101B, of each rotational connection assembly are connected via joiner piece 203. In some embodiments, the two head tubes and joiner piece are separate pieces that are attached together. Non-limiting methods for attaching include welding, brazing, soldering, glue, epoxy, rivets, bolts, screws, notches or other techniques. In other embodiments, the two head tubes and joiner piece are one shaped piece.

[0036] With respect to the first assembly 100 A, scooter 200 has an elongated handlebar tube 102 A that has handlebars 201 attached on the opposite end of the rotational connection assembly. In other embodiments, handlebar tube 102A may be made up of at least two pieces. The pieces can be fitted to allow telescoping capabilities such that the height of the handlebars 201 can be adjusted. The fork tube 103 A has at least one wheel 204 attached on the opposite end of the rotational connection assembly.

[0037] With respect to the second assembly 100B, the scooter platform 202 is attached to the fork tube 103B at one end. Alternatively, the scooter platform and fork tube can be one shaped piece. Attached at the opposite end of the scooter platform 202 is at least one wheel 206. The handlebar tube 102B in this embodiment, is minimal in size. Also in this embodiment, the attachment screw 107B is partially external. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a skate board deck 205 may optionally be attached to one or both sides of the standing platform 202.

[0038] FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 also illustrate an optional key and notch feature 109 (notated as 109A and 109B) that can be part of the rotational connection assembly. The key and notch feature 109 is used to align the handlebars with the fork and wheel. The key and notch feature also keeps the handlebars in alignment with the fork and wheel by restricting the counter twisting of the fork and or sleeve. The size and shape of the key and notch feature can vary depending on the application.

[0039] FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 7 illustrate various embodiments for controlling the ability of the scooter platform to rotate. In FIG. 5, the control mechanism utilizes a pin 207 and a hole 208 to control the rotation. Insertion of pin 207 into hole 208, stops the rotation of the rotational connection assembly, thus preventing the rotation of the platform 202. Locking pin 207 may optionally include a spring loaded bearing that helps hold the in pin in place. In one

embodiment, hole 208 passes through the head tube 101, handlebar tube 102, and fork tube 103. In another embodiment, hole 208 extends no more than half the outer diameter of the rotational connection assembly. In another embodiment, hole 208 extends through the diameter of the rotational connection assembly such that there are two holes are located on opposite sides of the rotational connection assembly.

[0040] In FIG. 6, the control mechanism utilizes magnets to control the rotation of the platform. Engagement of the magnets stops that platform from rotating. The magnet set 209 can be located on one or both sides of the platform. In the embodiment shown, the magnet set includes two magnets 210A and 210B, a mount 211, and a spring 212. In this embodiment, the mount is attached to the outside of the rotational connection assembly 100B. One magnet 210A is attached to mount 211 and the other magnet 210B is attached to the outside edge of platform 202. The magnets are place such that they align with each other. Spring 212 allows magnet 210A to move back and forth to engage or disengage with magnet 210B.

[0041] In FIG. 7, the control mechanism utilizes pin that can be controlled by a lever located near the handle bars. Two different embodiments are illustrated in FIG. 7. In the first embodiment, the pin 213 can be a spring loaded pressure pin or a locking pin. When engaged, pin 213 stops the rotation of the platform 202 by either applying pressure to the handlebar tube 102B or fork tube 103B or by passing through a hole in the handlebar tube 102B or fork tube 103B or both. In this embodiment, the pin is shown located inside joiner piece 203. However, the pin can be mounted on the outside of the joiner piece. In this embodiment, pin 213 is connected to a cable 214 that runs from the pin to a lever (not shown) on the handlebars. A spring 215 may be used to facilitate movement of the pin.

[0042] In the second embodiment, the pin 216 is a locking pin. When engaged, pin 216 stops the rotation of platform 202 by passing through a hole 220 located on platform 202. A mounting bracket attached the outside of the rotational connection assemble 100B may be used to hold pin 216 in place. In this embodiment, pin 216 is connected to a cable 218 that runs from the pin to a lever (not shown) on the handlebars. A spring 219 may be used to facilitate movement of the pin.

[0043] Optionally, a detangler system (also referred to as a rotor or Gyro™ system) may be used when the locking mechanisms utilize long cables, such as those described in FIG. 7. Detanglers help prevent tangling of the cables during rotation of the handlebars or other parts. In general, the set up of detanglers is as follows. A single cable (e.g. 218) from a lever is split into two separate cables which are routed to opposite sides of the stem or fork steer tube and into cable stops. The inner cables continue to connect to a metal disc that sits around the stem or steer tube. Squeezing the lever causes this disk to rise. A second disc is suspended directly below the first with a set of ball bearings so that they rise together and that either disc is able to rotate freely about the other. A second set of cables are attached to this lower disk and pass through cable stops mounted on the either side of the head tube. The two cables merge back into one and then are routed to the rotation control mechanism. The cables are split in this way to ensure that the detangler mechanism moves equally on both sides. Another detangler set up (referred to as "dual cables"), does away with the splitters for the upper and lower cables, instead simply running two cables from the lever to the detangler and from there to the rotation control mechanism. While this may improve reliability, it may need more maintenance.

[0044] FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of a scooter 200 that utilizes the rotational connection assembly 100 in two locations and having skateboard trucks and wheels attached to the platform.

[0045] FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a scooter 200 that utilizes the rotational connection assembly 100 in two locations and having ski /snowboard in place of the wheels and platform.

[0046] FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the rotational connection assembly on a motorcycle.

[0047] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the rotational connection assembly on a motorcycle.

[0048] Returning to FIG. 5, the platform wheel assembly illustrates one non-limiting

embodiment of the convertible wheel assembly. In this embodiment, the convertible wheel assembly is only shown on the wheels attached to the platform. However, the convertible wheel assembly could also be adapted to be used on the front wheel (i.e. the wheel controlled by the handlebars) attached at the opposite end of the handlebars. The convertible wheel assembly allows a user to switch from one wheel, two wheels, three wheels or more wheels quickly and easily. Having more than one wheel attached to the platform increases stability for the user. For example, when using three wheels in parallel, the two outer wheels assist with stability and balance until the rider is proficient to have a single wheel. As shown in FIG. 5, the convertible wheel assembly includes at least one wheel 301A-C, a bolt 302, and nut 303. In this

embodiment, the platform 202 has a cut out 304 that is shaped and sized to allow the placement of wheel 301 along the midline of the platform. Bolt 302 passes through holes 305 A and 305B located on the sides of platform 202. In the single wheel configuration, bolt 302 passes through hole 305A, wheel 301B, and hole 305B and is then secured with nut 303. In the two wheel configuration, bolt 302 passes through wheel 301 A, hole 305 A, hole 305B, and wheel 301C and is secured with nut 33. In the three wheel configuration, bolt 302 passes through wheel 301A, hole 305A, wheel 301B, hole 305B, and wheel 301C and is secured with nut 33. In other embodiments, bolt 302 may be different sizes depending on the wheel configuration.

[0049] The convertible wheel assembly may be adapted to work with a variety of different motorized or non-motorized wheeled vehicles. For example, it could be used on a kids bike to covert it from a tricycle to a bicycle. Additionally skates could be converted from a square shaped wheel pattern to an inline skate wheel pattern. Also a skateboard could be converted to a skateboard truck with 2 wheels at each end or an axle with 2 wheels on each end or a single or double wheel in the center.

[0050] Returning to FIG. 3, the platform wheel assembly illustrates on non-limiting embodiment of a dual brake 401. Dual brake 401 uses friction to slow down or stop the motion of the wheel. Prior art brakes for scooters were crescent shaped pieces of metal that sat on top of the wheel.

The user could engage the prior art brake by placing his or her weight on the metal piece, which would then cause the metal piece to come in contact with the wheel. The prior art brakes are not effective on scooters having platforms that rotate as a 180 degree rotation would place the brake under the wheel. Having the brake under the wheel would prevent the rider from being able to ride the scooter as well as damage the brake. The dual brake 401 solves the problems incurred by the prior art brake. The placement of the brake in front of the wheel allows the used to ride the scooter regardless of which side of the platform the user is standing on. The symmetrical shape and placement of the brake also allows a user to use the brake regardless of which side of the platform the user is standing on. The dual brake 401 can be attached to the platform using a variety of methods, the simplest being a nut 402 and bolt. The dual brake 401 may be made from any number of different materials including metal, rubber, plastic, composites, polymers and the like. If the dual brake material is flexible, then the dual brake may be mounted in a stationary position. If the dual brake material is inflexible, then the dual brake may be mounted to allow movement of the dual brake. Springs or springy rubber may optionally be used to assist brake movement.

[0051] Another embodiment of a braking system that can be used on a scooter having a rotatable platform is illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. This embodiment is also works with the convertible wheel assembly. In this embodiment, brake 403 has a contact surface 404 and a mounting plate 405. The contact surface 404 contacts the wheel when the brake is applied. The contact surface uses friction to slow down and eventually stop wheel movement. The mounting plate 405 attaches the brake to the platform. The brake may be attached to the platform using any number of different attachment mechanisms; non-limiting examples include nuts and bolts, screws, glue, etc. In the illustrations, bolts 406 and nuts are used. In one embodiment, brake 403 is mounted using springs 405. Springs 407 help hold the brake away from the wheel when not in use. Brake 403 may be mounted on one side of the platform or on both sides of the platform. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment where the brake 403 A and 403B is mounted on both sides of the platform.

[0052] In general, the brake 403 has a width that allows contact with all wheels attached to the platform, regardless of the wheel configuration, e.g. 1, 2, 3, or more. In one embodiment the shape of the wheel contacting surface of the brake is generally arched and is generally less than one quarter of the circumference of the wheel. In other embodiment, the shape does not need to be arched. The top of the brake should be lower than the apex of the wheel.

[0053] The brakes 401 and 403 may be made of many different materials. Non-limiting examples include metal, plastic, polymers, rubber, composites, and the like.

[0054] The disclosure set forth above is provided to give those of ordinary skill in the art a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use embodiments of the compositions, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as their invention.

Modifications of the above-described modes (for carrying out the invention that are obvious to persons of skill in the art) are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference as if each such publication, patent or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference.