US-12617446-B2 - Electric folding wagon

US12617446B2US 12617446 B2US12617446 B2US 12617446B2US-12617446-B2

Abstract

A foldable wagon configurable in a use configuration and a folded configuration includes a frame that is foldable. The frame includes: a front frame assembly; a rear frame assembly; a center linkage disposed laterally between the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly; an upper pivot bracket; a lower pivot bracket; and a middle pivot bracket disposed vertically between the upper pivot bracket and the lower pivot bracket, where the middle pivot bracket is slidable along the center linkage, where the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly are pivotally connected to the upper pivot bracket, the lower pivot bracket, and the middle pivot bracket.

Inventors

Ryan Matthew Follmann
Eric Charles Masters

Assignees

GOLABS INC.

Dates

Publication Date: 20260505
Application Date: 20230919

Claims (20)

1 . A foldable wagon configurable in a use configuration and a folded configuration, the foldable wagon comprising: a frame that is foldable, wherein the frame comprises: a front frame assembly comprising an upper front side assembly; a rear frame assembly comprising an upper rear side assembly; a center linkage disposed laterally between the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly; an upper pivot bracket disposed between and pivotally connected to the upper front side assembly and the upper rear side assembly; a lower pivot bracket; a front support assembly; a rear support assembly; and a middle pivot bracket disposed vertically between the upper pivot bracket and the lower pivot bracket, wherein the middle pivot bracket is slidable along the center linkage, wherein the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly are pivotally connected to the upper pivot bracket, the lower pivot bracket, and the middle pivot bracket, wherein the middle pivot bracket is pivotally connected to the upper front side assembly via the front support assembly and the upper rear side assembly via the rear support assembly.
2 . The foldable wagon of claim 1 , wherein the foldable wagon further comprises a folding control assembly including a housing that encases the upper pivot bracket: wherein when the foldable wagon is in the use configuration, the middle pivot bracket is configured to be disposed within the housing and locked at a first location of the center linkage by the folding control assembly 109 , wherein when the foldable wagon transitions from the use configuration to the folded configuration, the middle pivot bracket is configured to be unlocked and is slidable along the center linkage.
3 . The foldable wagon of claim 2 , wherein when the foldable wagon is in the folded configuration, the middle pivot bracket is at a second location of the center linkage, wherein a first distance between the middle pivot bracket and the lower pivot bracket, measured when the middle pivot bracket is at the first location of the center linkage, is larger than a second distance between the middle pivot bracket and the lower pivot bracket measured when the middle pivot bracket is at the second location of the center linkage.
4 . The foldable wagon of claim 3 , further comprising: a front main body attached to the front frame assembly; a rear main body attached to the rear frame assembly, wherein the front main body is laterally spaced apart from the rear main body; a fabric shell comprising a liner material, wherein the fabric shell is attached to the front main body, the rear main body, and the frame; one or more front wheels attached to the front main body; and rear wheels attached to the rear main body.
5 . The foldable wagon of claim 4 , wherein the foldable wagon is configured to be folded by: unlocking the middle pivot bracket; and moving the front main body and the rear main body toward each other while pulling the upper pivot bracket up, wherein the front main body and the rear main body experience translational motion while moving toward each other.
6 . The foldable wagon of claim 5 , wherein when the foldable wagon is in the folded configuration, the upper pivot bracket extends above an uppermost surface of the front main body.
7 . The foldable wagon of claim 4 , further comprising: at least one electric motor mechanically coupled to the rear wheels; a battery pack configured to power the at least one electric motor; and a handle pivotally attached to the front main body, wherein the handle has a handgrip at a distal end of the handle, wherein the handgrip has a control interface for controlling operation of the foldable wagon.
8 . The foldable wagon of claim 7 , wherein the control interface has two sets of identical control buttons positioned symmetrically on the control interface.
9 . The foldable wagon of claim 7 , further comprising: a speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the foldable wagon; a processor coupled to the speed sensor; and a non-transitory storage medium storing computer program for execution by the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, is configured to control the speed of the foldable wagon by sending a control signal to the at least one electric motor.
10 . The foldable wagon of claim 9 , further comprising a distance sensor configured to measure a distance between the foldable wagon and an operator of the foldable wagon, wherein in an adaptive power assist operation mode of the foldable wagon, the processor is configured to maintain a substantially constant value for a target distance between the foldable wagon and the operator of the foldable wagon, wherein the distance is measured at the time the adaptive power assist mode is selected and is used as the target distance to maintain.
11 . The foldable wagon of claim 9 , further comprising an angle sensor configured to measure an angle between the handle of the foldable wagon and a pre-determined direction, wherein in an adaptive power assist operation mode of the foldable wagon, the processor is configured to maintain a substantially constant value for a target angle between the handle of the foldable wagon and the pre-determined direction, wherein the angle is measured at the time the adaptive power assist mode is selected and is used as the target angle to maintain.
12 . The foldable wagon of claim 9 , further comprising: telescoping columns at corners of the foldable wagon; a plurality of motors coupled to respective ones of the telescoping columns, wherein each of the telescoping columns is configured be raised or lowered independently by a respective one of the plurality of motors under control of the processor; and a solar panel configured to be attached to the telescoping columns and charge the battery pack, wherein in a solar charging operation mode of the foldable wagon, the processor is configured to orient the solar panel toward the sun by raising or lowering each of the telescoping columns.
13 . An electrical wagon comprising: a front main body, wherein the front main body is a first rigid structure and comprises a front panel, two front side panels, and a front bottom panel; a rear main body laterally spaced apart from the front main body, wherein the rear main body is a second rigid structure and comprises a rear panel, two rear side panels, and a rear bottom panel; a handle attached to the front main body, wherein the handle includes a handgrip at a distal end of the handle; a frame comprising: a front frame assembly; a rear frame assembly; and a center linkage disposed laterally between the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly; wherein the frame is disposed between, and pivotally attached to, the front side panels of the front main body and the rear side panels of the rear main body, wherein the frame is foldable such that the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly pivot around the center linkage, wherein the electric wagon is configured to switch between a use configuration and a folded configuration, wherein a shape and orientation of the front side panels of the front main body and a shape and orientation of the rear side panels of the rear main body remain unchanged between the use configuration and the folded configuration; a fabric shell attached to the front main body, the rear main body, and the frame; one or more front wheels attached to the front main body; rear wheels attached to the rear main body; a battery pack; and at least one electric motor.
14 . The electrical wagon of claim 13 , wherein when the electric wagon is being folded, the front main body and the rear main body move toward each other in translational motion, wherein after the electric wagon is folded, a portion of the frame extends above an uppermost surface of the front main body and above an uppermost surface of the rear main body.
15 . The electric wagon of claim 13 , wherein the frame further comprises: an upper pivot bracket; a lower pivot bracket; and a middle pivot bracket disposed vertically between the upper pivot bracket and the lower pivot bracket, wherein the middle pivot bracket is movable along the center linkage, wherein the front frame assembly and the rear frame assembly are pivotally connected to the upper pivot bracket, the lower pivot bracket, and the middle pivot bracket.
16 . The electric wagon of claim 13 , further comprising: a distance sensor configured to measure a distance between the electric wagon and an operator of the electric wagon; a speed sensor configured to measure a speed of the electric wagon; a processor coupled to the speed sensor and the at least one electric motor; and a non-transitory storage medium storing computer program for execution by the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program for an adaptive power assist mode of the electric wagon, is configured to maintain a substantially constant distance between the electric wagon and the operator of the electric wagon by adjusting the speed of the electric wagon, wherein the distance is measured at the time the adaptive power assist mode is selected and is used as the substantially constant distance to maintain.
17 . An electrical wagon comprising: a front main body having a rigid structure; a rear main body having a rigid structure and laterally spaced apart from the front main body; a handle attached to the front main body, wherein the handle includes a handgrip at a distal end of the handle, wherein the handgrip has a control interface configured to control operation of the electric wagon; a frame connecting the front main body and the rear main body, wherein the frame is foldable, wherein the electric wagon is configured to switch between a use configuration and a folded configuration, wherein a shape of the front main body and a shape of the rear main body remain unchanged between the use configuration and the folded configuration; a fabric shell attached to the front main body, the rear main body, and the frame; one or more front wheels attached to the front main body; rear wheels attached to the rear main body; an electric motor mechanically coupled to at least one of the rear wheels; a battery pack configured to power the electric motor; a processor configured to control the electric motor; telescoping columns at corners of the electric wagon; a removable sunroof attached to distal ends of the telescoping columns; a solar panel integrated in the removable sunroof, wherein the solar panel is configured to charge the battery pack; and a plurality of motors, wherein each of the plurality of motors is configured to raise or lower a respective one of the telescoping columns under control of the processor, wherein when operating in a solar charging mode, the processor is configured to orient the solar panel toward the sun by raising or lowering each of the telescoping columns.
18 . The electrical wagon of claim 17 , wherein when the electric wagon is being folded, the front main body and the rear main body move toward each other in translational motion, wherein after the electric wagon is folded, a portion of the frame extends above an uppermost surface of the front main body and above an uppermost surface of the rear main body.
19 . The electrical wagon of claim 17 , further comprising an angle sensor configured to measure an angle between the handle of the electric wagon and a pre-determined direction, wherein in an adaptive power assist operation mode of the electric wagon, the processor is configured to maintain a substantially constant value for a target angle between the handle of the electric wagon and the pre-determined direction, wherein the angle is measured at the time the adaptive power assist mode is selected and is used as the target angle to maintain.
20 . The electrical wagon of claim 17 , further comprising a distance sensor configured to measure a distance between the electric wagon and an operator of the electric wagon, wherein in an adaptive power assist operation mode of the electric wagon, the processor is configured to maintain a substantially constant value for a target distance between the electric wagon and the operator of the electric wagon, wherein the distance is measured at the time the adaptive power assist mode is selected and is used as the target distance to maintain.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/536,099, filed on Sep. 1, 2023, entitled “Electric Folding Wagon,” which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND Wagons or carts are used for carrying or transporting heavy or bulky items from one location to another. In general, a wagon comprises a cargo hold or a basket to store or carry items; wheels to traverse over various surfaces or terrains; and handle(s) for pushing or pulling the wagon to the destination. The cargo hold or basket of the wagon usually has a bottom section and sidewalls that are made of suitable material(s) such as metal, wood, plastic, fabric, or combinations of these materials. An operator or user may have difficulty pulling or pushing a non-motorized wagon with heavy load, especially when traversing rough terrains and/or when elevation changes. Wagons that are not foldable are difficult to store or transport. There is a need for a foldable, motorized wagon that can provide power assist for the operator, and is easy to store or transport. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIGS. 1-3 illustrate perspective views of an electric folding wagon from different viewing angles, in an embodiment; FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a handle of the electric folding wagon, in an embodiment; FIG. 4B illustrates a control interface of the electric folding wagon, in an embodiment; FIGS. 5-8 illustrate a front view, a side view, a back view, and a top view, respectively, of the electric folding wagon, in an embodiment; FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate side views of the electric folding wagon in a use configuration and a folded configuration, respectively, in an embodiment; FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective views of the electric folding wagon with sunroof/solar panel, in an embodiment; FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective views of the electric folding wagon with sunroof/solar panel, in another embodiment; FIG. 13 illustrates a system block diagram of the electric folding wagon, in an embodiment; FIG. 14 illustrate a flow chart of a method of operating the electric folding wagon, in an embodiment; FIG. 15 illustrates an operation mode of the electric folding wagon, in an embodiment; and FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a processor system, in an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES The making and using of the presently disclosed examples are discussed in detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific examples discussed are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention, and do not limit the scope of the invention. Throughout the discussion herein, unless otherwise specified, the same or similar reference numerals or labels in different figures refer to the same or similar component. FIGS. 1-3 illustrate perspective views of an electric folding wagon 100 from different viewing angles, in an embodiment. The electric folding wagon 100 combines the convenience and portability of a folding wagon with the functionality and power of electric motor. The electric folding wagon 100 is designed to assist the user in carrying heavy loads over various terrains, providing an efficient and effortless transportation solution that is easy and portable to use. The electric folding wagon 100 (may also be referred to as an electric wagon, a folding wagon, or a wagon) disclosed herein is a versatile and compact device that allows users to transport items with ease. It comprises a foldable frame, wheels, electric motor(s), a battery pack, and control mechanism. The folding feature enables the electric wagon 100 to be easily collapsed (e.g., folded) for storage and transportation purposes, while the electric motor(s) provides additional power to assist the user in moving heavy loads. Various components of the electric wagon 100 are discussed herein with reference to FIGS. 1-3. Note that some of the features may not be visible in a particular perspective view from a specific viewing angle, but are visible in another perspective view from another viewing angle. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the electric wagon 100 includes a front main body 101, a rear main body 103, and a frame 105 between, and connecting, the front main body 101 and the rear main body 103. The electric wagon 100 also includes folding control assemblies 109 for folding/unfolding of the electric wagon 100. One folding control assembly 109 is attached to the frame 105 on each side of the electric wagon 100, in the illustrated embodiment. The folding control assemblies 109 are considered as part of the frame 105, in some embodiments. In addition, the electric wagon 100 in