Land vehicles – Wheeled – Coasters
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-19
2001-02-06
Camby, Richard M. (Department: 3618)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Coasters
C280S087041
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182988
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a folding device, and more particularly to a folding device for a scooter.
2. Description of Related Art
Normally, a scooter has a foldable handle, such that not much space is needed when the scooter is put away for storage. A conventional scooter usually includes a head tube, a base pivotally connected to the head tube, a front wheel assembly rotatably connected to the head tube and another wheel assembly rotatably mounted on the opposite end of the base. The pivotal connection between the base and the head tube is achieved by a combination of a bolt and nut whereby the bolt is inserted through both the base and the head tube, and the nut tightens and holds the head tube in position. With such an arrangement, at least two separated through holes are defined in the base. One hole is defined to hold the handlebar in an upright position relative to the base, and the other hole is defined to secure the handlebar in a horizontal or stowed position relative to the base. This type of scooter needs an extra tool(s) to open or fold the scooter, which makes the scooter inconvenient to the user.
Still, there is another type of conventional connection between the base and the head tube. This connection is achieved by a bolt and spring combination. With the bolt and spring combination, the user is readily able to change the relative position between the handlebar and the base. Although, the scooter has a convenient connection structure between the base and the handlebar, the connection is not as secured as it should to be. When the scooter of this type is in use, the handlebar will shake and make the user standing on the base very unstable and unsafe.
With reference to
FIG. 7
, a conventional folding device for a scooter has a connector (
3
). a stud (
6
), a limit (
51
) and a spring (S). The connector (
3
) is securely connected to the base (A) and pivotally connected to a heat tube (
5
). The stud (
6
) is inserted through the connector (
3
) and the head tube (
5
) to enable the head tube (
5
) to pivot relative to the connector (
3
). The limit (
51
) is movably received in an arcuate opening (
31
) in the connector (
3
), The spring (S) is connected between the limit (
51
) and the stud (
6
). Furthermore, a notch (
32
) defined at each distal end of the arcuate opening (
31
) communicates with the arcuate opening (
31
), and the limit (
51
) is alternatively received in either one of the notches (
32
).
When the limit (
51
) is received in forward the notch (
32
), the head tube (
5
) stands in an upright position relative to the base (A), and when the limit (
51
) is received in the aft notch (
32
), the head tube (
5
) lies parallel to the base (A). When the limit (
51
) is moved between the two notches (
32
), the spring (S) applies a downward force to the limit (
51
), such that the limit (
51
) is pulled into and held in the notches (
32
). This secures the relative position between the heat tube (
5
) and the base (A). This kind of folding device does have the capability to fold and open the scooter. However there are still shortcomings that need to be overcome.
The friction between the limit (
51
) and the arcuate opening (
31
) when moving the limit (
51
) between notches (
32
) will enlarge the dimension of the arcuate opening (
31
) and damage the surface of the limit (
51
), which will cause the downward force from the spring (S) to be diminished. A sudden impact to the base (A) could cause the limit (
51
) to jump out of the notch (
32
) and the scooter to unexpectedly fold, which could be extremely dangerous especially at moderate to high speeds.
To overcome the shortcomings, the present invention provides a scooter with an improved folding device that allows the engagement between the head tube and the base to be secured when in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The main objective of the invention is to provide an improved folding device for a scooter. The folding device has a first extension extending down and out at an angle from the head tube and a second extension extending up from the base and corresponding to the first extension. The first extension has an elongated slot on each side aligning with a through holes defined in each ear extending from the second extension. The first extension is able to be inserted into the space between the two ears and is secured between the two ears by the engagement of a hook to a shaft.
Another objective of the invention is to provide an eccentric head pivotally connected with the shaft, such that the shaft inserted through the elongated slot and the through holes is able to be held in position by the eccentric head. Accordingly, the engagement between the head tube and the base is firmly secured.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4707884 (1987-11-01), Chang
patent: 5848660 (1998-12-01), Mc Green
patent: 0003277 (1909-10-01), None
patent: 174175 (1922-01-01), None
Camby Richard M.
Modas Shing Company Ltd.
Pelton, Esq. William E.
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