You can freely build on How Self-Balancing Vehicles Warn Users Before They Tip Over

What this patent covers

This patent describes a safety mechanism for vehicles that are inherently unstable, like a Segway. Because these machines rely on active motors to stay upright, they have a physical limit to how fast they can accelerate to compensate for a lean. The system calculates a 'balancing margin'—the gap between the vehicle's current speed and the maximum speed it can reach while still maintaining balance. If that gap gets too small, the system triggers an alarm, such as a beeping sound or a physical 'ripple' vibration in the motors, to warn the rider to slow down.

What is now free to use

All 0 claims of US 6302230 are in the public domain. Specifically:

The 0 dependent claims add narrowing limitations and are also free.

What is NOT covered

Patent expiry frees this specific invention. Separately-patented improvements made after expiry may still be protected.

• Does not cover vehicles that are inherently stable, such as four-wheeled cars or bicycles with kickstands.

• Does not cover systems that automatically stop the vehicle without providing a warning to the user.

• Does not cover non-motorized balancing devices like a standard unicycle or tightrope walker.

Who is building on this today

Deka Products, founded by Dean Kamen, pioneered this technology. Today, companies producing electric unicycles and various personal mobility devices continue to rely on the fundamental principles of active balancing and safety monitoring established in this patent family.

Products built on expired version of this technology

How to cite this patent in your documentation

Deka Products LP. US Patent 6302230. Personal mobility vehicles and methods. Granted 2001, expired 2019. Now in the public domain.

Note: This is a convenience citation. Consult a patent attorney for formal freedom-to-operate analysis.

PatentBrief is an educational resource and does not provide legal advice. Patent expiration information is derived from USPTO records and may not reflect continuation patents, divisional filings, or separately-patented improvements. For commercial use or production decisions, obtain a formal freedom-to-operate (FTO) opinion from a registered patent attorney.