MX2010012338A

MX2010012338A - Personal transportation device for supporting a user's foot.

Info

Publication number: MX2010012338A
Application number: MX2010012338A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Ryan Farrelly
Original assignee: Freeline Sports Inc
Priority date: 2008-05-13
Filing date: 2009-05-13
Publication date: 2010-12-06
Also published as: WO2009140425A1; US20100090423A1; AU2009246325A1; RU2010148066A; CN102026689A; CA2721681A1; BRPI0911842A2; JP2011520521A; EP2291226A1

Abstract

A personal transportation device (10, 110) is described having a U-shaped truck (12, 112), a pair of wheels (16, 116) attached to the truck, and a platform (14, 114) mechanically coupled to the truck, such that the platform is operable to receive a user's foot. The personal transportation device (10, 110) can further include an additional pair of easily removable wheels (146), and can be propelled by a rider swiveling his or her hips back and forth to cause the device to move in a targeted direction.

Description

PERSONAL TRANSPORT DEVICE TO SUPPORT A FOOT OF THE USER RELATED REQUESTS This application claims benefit on the basis of section 119 (e) of title 35 of the U.S.C. for the Provisional Patent Application of E.U. No. 61/052, 921, filed on May 13, 2008, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by way of reference. Each of the following applications, the Provisional Patent Application of E.U. No. 61 / 019,796, filed on January 8, 2008, the US Patent Application. No. 12/350, 864, filed on January 8, 2009, the US Patent. No. 7,059,613, and the U.S. Patent Application. No. 11/386, 822,. filed on March 23, 2006, and published as the U.S. Patent Publication. No. 2006/0186617; are combined with this Application and are incorporated herein in their entirety by way of reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS Field of Inventions The present invention relates to personal transport devices of human propulsion. More particularly, the present inventions are directed to the Personal transportation systems that include two parts, each supporting only one foot of a user.

Description of Related Art Many of the personal transport and extreme sport devices currently available limit acrobatic movements, hinder maneuverability and generally do not fully meet the specific needs in personal transportation. For example, the traditional skateboard is commonly operated with both feet of the skater located on the deck (eg, the platform) of the skateboard. The skateboard limits the skater's feet to the deck area. Inline skates allow the user to have the flexibility of propulsion of each foot, but the wheels are attached to the feet of the user using a shoe-like structure.

Unlike inline skates and skateboards, some of the new skating systems include a platform for each foot, without any of these platforms being attached to the foot of the user. This can also be referred to as "non-fixed" skates, which means that the skates are not normally "fixed" at the skater's feet during operation, in contrast to conventional "roller skates", which are usually fixed to the skates. feet of the skater with laces, Velero®, bras, or similar elements.

When a "non-fixed" type skating system is used, the skater rests crosswise to the direction of travel. This type of personal transport device can be propelled using a rotary movement, in which the position of the skater's feet rotates cyclically ninety degrees in the direction of travel.

COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments described herein includes understanding that a personal transport device can be assembled and manufactured in a simple manner using certain designs, such as one that includes U-shaped configurations.

Thus, in accordance with at least one embodiment, a personal transport device may include a U-shaped transport structure, a foot platform mounted on the U-shaped transport structure, and two wheels mounted in line with the U-shaped transport structure, placing one foot on each platform of the personal transport devices so that each foot is approximately perpendicular to the direction of travel, rotating the waist in a first direction to create a force in the travel direction, rotating one's waist in a second direction to create a force in the direction of travel, and alternating the rotation of one's waist in the first and second directions, so that personal transport devices move in the direction From the trip.

Another aspect of at least one of the modalities described herein includes understanding that the use of a personal two-wheel transport device, not fixed, may take time to be learned, and may require some skill with respect to the balance. In this way, providing such a transport device with a group of removable wheels can help the skater to become familiar with and accommodate himself with the use of the personal transport device. When the skater reaches this level of skill and comfort, the additional wheel can be removed, allowing the skater to experience possible full ranges of movement with such a transport device.

Thus, in accordance with at least one other embodiment, a personal transport device can include a transport structure that includes a chassis for mounting the transport structure to a platform and extending arms. from the chassis, each arm having at least one aperture sized to receive a wheel axle, a first pair of wheels mechanically coupled to the transport structure, the first pair of wheels being in line, a second pair of wheels removably coupled to the transport structure, the second pair of wheels being out of line with respect to the first pair of wheels and the platform mounted on the transport structure, configuring the size of the platform for, receive a user's foot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES These and other characteristics and advantages of the present modalities will be more apparent after reading the following detailed description and in relation to the attached figures of the modalities, in which: Figure 1A is a high side view of a modality of a personal transport device.

Figure IB is a bottom perspective view of the personal transport device of Figure 1A.

Figure 1C is a top plan view of the personal transport device of Figure 1A.

Figure ID is an elevated front view of the personal transport device of Figure 1A.

Figure 2 is a disassembled perspective view of the personal transport device of Figure 1A.

Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the transport structure of the transport device personnel of Figure 1A.

Figure 4A is an elevated side view of a user on the two personal transport devices of Figure 1A.

Figure 4B is a schematic illustration of a travel direction mode of the personal transport devices shown in Figure 4A.

Figure 4C is a perspective view of a user on the two personal transport devices of Figure 4A.

Figure 5A is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a personal transport device, including a group of training wheels.

Figure 5B is an elevated side view of the personal transport device of Figure 5A.

Figure 5C is an elevated front view of the personal transport device of Figure 5A.

Figure 6 is a disassembled perspective view of the personal transport device of Figure 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY With reference to Figures 1A-D, the personal transport device 10 can include a U-shaped transport structure 12. Said U-shaped structure 12 can be connected to a platform 14 supporting a user's foot, and can be additionally connected to a pair of wheels 16.

The U-shaped structure 12 may include a chassis 18. Said chassis 18 may include, for example, a pair of projections extending substantially parallel to a bottom portion of the platform 1. The projections may be attached to and support the U-shaped structure on the platform, so that the weight placed on said platform by a user's foot may disperse towards them. protrusions of the chassis 18 and supported by the U-shaped structure 12.

The U-shaped structure may additionally include a frame 20. The frame 20 may extend from the chassis 18 and may include at least one arm 22. The arms 22 may generally have a design in the shape of an hourglass, which provides effective support and an improved skating experience. The arms 22 may include an opening, or recess, 23, which can help reduce the weight and material used in the manufacture of the personal transport device 10, while still providing the appropriate support.

Referring to Figure IB, the frame 20 may additionally include a bridge 24 extending between the arms 22. The bridge 24 may have a width, measured along the length of the bridge. an axis of rotation of a wheel 16, greater than the width of the wheel 16, so that said bridge 24 and the arms 22 act to enclose, at least partially, the wheels 16 within the U-shaped structure 12.

Referring to Figures 1A, IB and 2, the frame 20 may additionally include at least one opening 25 configured to receive a wheel axis 26. A method of assembling the personal transport device 10 may include first placing the wheels 16 within the U-shaped shaped structure 12 and inserting the wheel axles 26 through the wheels 16. Fasteners 28, such as nuts for example , and spacers 30, may then be attached to the wheel axes 26.

Continuing the reference to Figure 2, the platform 14 can then be attached to the U-shaped structure 12. The platform 14 can have multiple layers, as indicated by a base layer 32, a cover layer 34, and a cover layer. antiderrapante 36, all in parallel planes. In some embodiments, the anti-skid layer 36 may be optional and removable to provide an improved skating experience to the user of the device 10. In some embodiments, at least one of the layers of the platform 14 may be removable. In some embodiments, at least one of the layers may include wood. In some modalities, at least one of the layers may include rubber. The platform 14 can be attached to the chassis 18 by means of filleted fasteners 38, by cover shafts and cover fastening nuts 40. With reference to Figure 3, prior to assembly, during manufacture for example, the shaped structure of U 12 may be curved along bending lines 42 to create the projections of the chassis 18, described above. In some embodiments, the structure 12 can be bent so that the projections of the chassis 18 are substantially perpendicular to the arms 22.

With reference to Figures 1C and 4A-C, a user can stand on two personal transport devices 10, with one foot placed on each of the two platforms 14. Unlike skateboards and inline skates, in some embodiments the platform 14 for each foot of the user may not join the foot of the user, and the user may remove his foot from one of the platforms 14 if he so desires. The user's foot can be angled along a vector 60 which can allow the user to point in a direction generally transverse to the travel direction of the personal transport devices 10, as shown for example in Figures 4A and 4C.

Continuing the reference to Figure 4A, an angle OI between a longitudinal axis of the user's foot, along the vector 60, and the direction of travel along the vector 62, may vary. In some embodiments, this angle is typically approximately 64 degrees. Other angles can also be used.

The personal transport device can be propelled by the user using a rotating movement with his hips. For example, the user can rotate their hips in a first direction, and then in an opposite direction, repeating this movement again and again and driving the personal transport devices 10 through a path similar to that shown in Figure 4B. In some embodiments, during use, the user can flip their feet either inwardly or outwardly to guide the personal transportation device 10, depending on the direction in which they are turning their waist.

Referring to Figures 5A-C and 6, another embodiment of a personal transport device 10 is shown. The personal transport device 110 may include a U-shaped structure 112, a platform 114, and wheels 116. In contrast to the personal transport device 10 described above, the personal transport device 110 can additionally include two training wheels 146, a training wheel shaft 148, and a removable locking member 150, such as for example a pin, which can hold the training wheel shaft 148 in place.

As shown in Figure 5A, the training wheels 146 may be out of line with respect to the two in-line wheels 11.6, so that the training wheels offer additional stability and support for the personal transport device 110. In some embodiments, and as described herein, the training wheels 146 can be easily removed and / or added to the personal transport device 110.

With relationship. to Figure 6, the U-shaped structure 112 may be similar to those of the U-shaped structure 12, described above. For example, the U-shaped structure 112 may include a chassis 118 that can be secured to the platform 114. The U-shaped structure 112 may additionally include at least one opening or recess 123, which may help reduce the amount of material and / or weight of the personal transport device '110.

Unlike the U-shaped structure 12, the U-shaped structure 112 may include additional openings 144, generally in a central portion of the U-shaped structure 112. The additional openings 144 may be configured to receive the shaft. of the training wheel 148. With reference to Figure 6, the training wheels 116 can be attached removably to the U-shaped structure 112, so that the user can easily and quickly add or remove the wheels. To add the training wheels 146, the user can place one of the training wheels 146 along the outside of the U-shaped chassis 112 and then insert the axis of the training wheel 148, firstly through the training wheel 146 and then through the openings 144. Once the axis of the training wheel 148 has passed through the U-shaped structure 112, the second training wheel 146 can be placed on the end. of the axis of the training wheel 148, and the locking member 150 can be used to secure the axis of the training wheel 148 in place within the U-shaped structure 112. In some embodiments, the locking member 150 it may include a simple locking pin which can slide on a serrated groove at the end of the axis of the training wheel 148 and inhibit the sliding of the training wheel 146 from the end of the axis of the training wheel 148.

The training wheels 146 described above can be used with other types of structure configurations and types of personal transport devices, and are not limited to the U-shaped structure and / or the personal transport devices described herein. Additionally, while two transport wheels 146 and two wheels 16 or 116 are shown in the illustrated modes, other numbers and configurations of 'wheels are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, personal transport device 10 or 110 may include three wheels 16 or 116, and / or a training wheel 146.

The size, shape, width and / or material of the wheels may also vary. For example, in some embodiments, the transport wheels 146 may include different materials, and / or have different size, to that of the wheels 16 or 116. Additionally, the wheels may be attached to the personal transport devices 10, 110 in other methods than those described above.

Following the reference to Figure 6, the personal transport device 110 may include a grip-holding layer 136, similar to the grip layer 36 shown in Figure 2. However, in contrast to the grip layer 36, the layer grip 136 can be a clear grip tape. The clear grip tape can be a thin, separate layer that can adhere to the surface of the platform 114, thereby covering the top surfaces of the cover fasteners 138 and giving the personal transport device 110 a more aesthetic appeal, and an appearance more uniform.

Although these inventions have been described in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the modalities specifically described up to other alternative modalities and / or uses of the inventions and obvious and equivalent modifications thereof. Additionally, while various variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be simply apparent to those skilled in the art, based on the basis of this description. It is also contemplated that the different combinations or sub-combinations of the characteristics and specific aspects of the modalities can be carried out and still fall within the focus of the inventions. It should be understood that the multiple features and aspects of the described embodiments may be combined with or substituted by others to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is considered that the approach of at least some of the present inventions described herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments presented, described above.

Claims

1. A personal transport device, including: A U-shaped structure including a chassis with projections for mounting the U-shaped structure to a platform, and arms extending from the projections, each arm having at least one aperture dimensioned to receive a wheel axle; At least one pair of wheels mechanically coupled to the U-shaped structure; Y A platform mounted on the projections.

2. The personal transport device of Claim 1, wherein each arm includes a half hourglass shape.

3. The personal transport device of. Claim 1, in which the U-shaped structure includes a bridge connecting the arms below the platform, the bridge forming the bottom of the U-shaped structure.

4. The personal transport device of Claim 3, wherein the bridge has a width, measured along an axis of rotation of the wheels, greater than the width of one of the wheels.

5. The personal transport device of Claim 1, wherein the aperture, being at least One, includes three openings.

6. The personal transport device of Claim 5, wherein three separate wheel axes extend through the three openings, the three wheel axles holding four wheels in place below the platform.

7. The personal transport device of Claim 6, wherein two of the four wheels are removable training wheels.

8. The personal transport device of Claim 7, wherein the training wheels are held in place by means of a locking member on one of the wheel axes, the locking member being removable so as to allow the axle wheel and the training wheels being removed from the personal transport device.

9. The personal transport device of Claim 1, wherein the projections have flat surfaces that contact a bottom of the platform.

10. The personal transport device of Claim 1, wherein each of the arms includes at least one opening forming an open recess in each arm.

11. The personal transport device of Claim 1, wherein the projections extend from substantially perpendicular to the arms and substantially parallel to the bottom of the platform.

12. The personal transport device of Claim 1, wherein at least one of the pairs of the wheels is in line.

13. The personal transport device of Claim 1, wherein the platform includes a variety of parallel layers.

14. The personal transport device of Claim 13, wherein each layer is removable.

15. The personal transport device of Claim 13, wherein at least one of the layers includes wood.

16. The personal transport device of Claim 13, in the. that at least one of the layers includes rubber.

17. A method to operate a personal transport device that includes: Provide two personal transport devices, including each, a U-shaped structure, a standing platform mounted on the U-shaped structure, and two wheels mounted in line on the U-shaped structure; Place. one foot on each platform of the personal transport devices, so that each foot is approximately perpendicular to the direction of the trip; Rotate the waist. One in a first direction to create a force in the direction of travel; Rotate one's hip in a second direction to create a force in the direction of travel; Y Alternate the rotation of one's waist in the first and second directions, so that the personal transport devices move in the direction of travel.

18. The method of Claim 14, which additionally includes removing a foot from one of the platforms.

19. The method of Claim 14, further including rotating the toes of one outwardly or inwardly to guide the personal transport device, based on the direction in which one's waist is rotating.

20. A personal transport device that includes: A structure including a chassis for mounting the structure to the platform and arms extending from the chassis, each arm having at least one opening sized to receive a wheel axle; A first pair of wheels mechanically coupled to the structure, the first pair of wheels being in line; A second pair of wheels removably coupled to the structure, the second pair of wheels being out of line with respect to the first pair of wheels; Y A platform mounted on the structure, configuring the size of the platform to receive a user's foot.

21. The personal transport device of Claim 20, wherein the second pair of wheels includes the transport wheels for the personal transport device, the transport wheels being held in place by a single wheel axle extending through of each wheel and the structure.