Wheeled personal mobility devices with collapsible wheel axle assemblies and integrated steering and propulsion linkages

Abstract

Wheeled personal mobility vehicles with extremely thin stowed profiles are provided, which in one embodiment, include a plurality of movable, collapsible wheel axle assemblies which are supported on a support frame and movable between an operative state where the wheels provide rolling support, and a collapsed state where the wheels are moved into the side elevational profile of the device. The embodiment provides for both integrated propulsion and steering linkage to the wheels when they are manually moved into their operative position, along with a collapsible steering mechanism, a support base and at least one collapsible seat. This embodiment may also provide for pedal power, battery, fuel cell or motive power as well as remote control operation. Several alternative pedal or motive power, wheeled devices and tricycles collapse all parts into a thin, side elevational profile, and one alternative 'tricycle' embodiment includes a multiple jointed 'A-frame' embodiment incorporating folding handlebars as well as movable wheel axle assemblies which parts all fold into two or more parallel planes to provide for extremely thin, compact storage and/or transport. Various embodiments may include unique multi-function folding pedals which may be manipulated to provide for selective changing of gears, glide mode, as well as friction braking.