US20190015732A1

US20190015732A1 - Hoverboard Attachment With Chair

Info

Publication number: US20190015732A1
Application number: US15/851,172
Authority: US
Inventors: Maurice Rosemeyer
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-07-12
Filing date: 2017-12-21
Publication date: 2019-01-17
Also published as: US10898787B2; US20190016407A1

Abstract

A chair-shaped hoverboard attachment may comprise at least one chair atop a platform having at least one wheel on the platform's underside, wherein the platform contains a control box and a removable hoverboard attachment element, such as a strap. In some embodiments, one or more control rods with brake controls may extend from the platform to within reach of the chair and may be configured to control the hoverboard.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/531,436 filed on Jul. 12, 2017, the disclosure of which, including any materials incorporated by reference therein, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to motorized transport. More particularly, the present invention concerns a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment.

BACKGROUND

So-called “hoverboards,” or self-balancing two-wheeled platforms, are a popular transportation medium. Not only are they a stylish way to travel, their stable-ride technology provides a smooth transportation experience. However, this technology has so far been applied only to two-wheeled platforms suitable for standing upon. As such, significant musculoskeletal coordination is still required to use hoverboards, and accidents do happen. This leaves the mobility-impaired person unable to utilize this fun and convenient technology. What is therefore needed is an attachment for a hoverboard having a chair component, so a user may sit and yet still enjoy hoverboard transportation.
Attempts have been made, although unsuccessfully, to solve this problem. One illustrative attempt can be seen with respect to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2002/012139, which generally discloses a self-balancing motorized chair. While this disclosure does provide for a self-balancing motorized transport system, it fails to provide for a similar device having a walker adaption.
Another attempt to meet this need can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 6,766,871, which generally discloses a motor adaption for a wheelchair. While this disclosure does provide for a motorized wheelchair, it fails to provide for hoverboard attachment.
Yet another attempt to meet this need can be seen with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,163, which generally discloses a more powerful motor attachment for a wheelchair. While this disclosure also provides for a motorized wheelchair, and an improved one, it also fails to provide for hoverboard attachment.
As can be seen, various attempts have been made to solve the problems which may be found in the related art but have been unsuccessful. A need exists for a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment to avoid the challenges and problems with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that in the present disclosure, all embodiments are provided as illustrative and non-limiting representatives of many possible embodiments. In addition, the terms “is,” “can,” “may,” and the like are herein used as synonyms for and interchangeable with terms such as “may,” “may provide for,” and “it is contemplated that the present invention may” and so forth.
Furthermore, all elements listed by name, such as a wheelchair, wheel, armrest, chair back, etc., are herein meant to include or encompass all equivalents for such elements. For example, in addition to a “chair”, any surface appropriate for sitting on, such as a bench, a hammock, a bean bag, or comparable element is also contemplated by the present invention. Such equivalents are contemplated for each element named in its particular herein.
The present invention relates to a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. It is contemplated that the present invention may provide a wheelchair-shaped mobility assistance device powered by one or more hoverboards.
For purposes of summarizing, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention are provided herein. It is to be understood that not all such aspects, advantages, or novel features may be provided in any one particular embodiment. Thus, the disclosed subject matter may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one aspect, advantage, or novel feature or group of features without achieving all aspects, advantages, or novel features as may be taught or suggested.
In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known art, the present invention provides a novel chair-shaped hoverboard attachment. The general purpose of the present invention, which shall be described subsequently in greater detail, is to allow a user to utilize a wheelchair in conjunction with hoverboard technology. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention may become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.
In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment. The present invention may resemble a wheelchair, wherein a comfortable chair having repositionable armrests is fixedly positioned upon one or more wheels in a base, enabling the chair to be both level, stable, and mobile. In the present invention, a side of the chair, such as by way of illustration and not limitation the front, may be configured to removably attach to a hoverboard. Once attached, the present invention, in some embodiments, may control the hoverboard and utilize the hoverboard as the present invention's source of motorized movement. In order to ensure an adequate turning, the rear pair of wheels may, and in some embodiments must, be able to swivel.
While the invention may be described in connection with mobility-challenged persons, it is understood that the invention is not limited in scope to use with mobility challenged persons, but may be used with any person wanting to experience this type of hoverboard experience.
The present invention comprises an attachment for a hoverboard having adaptions for either a chair or a walker. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a vehicle that rapidly attaches to a hoverboard, rendering it safe and easy to use. It may reduce the injuries currently suffered by users of hoverboards and encourage the use of hoverboards by the general public for short distance commuting, while also avoiding the harmful exhaust pollution associated with automobiles. The present invention provides for a chair with wheels in the two rear legs and an arm attached to the center of a hoverboard. Additionally, rollers may allow independent rotation of the left and right foot pads of the hoverboard. A wraparound may secure the bar. Since it is extremely difficult to apply the necessary pressure using one's feet when in a seated position, the present invention provides for two hand control levers that press down on the front and rear of each foot pad. This may be achieved by levers and cams. The control may be similar to controls used by drivers to steer tractors and lawn mowers. If more weight on wheels is required due to terrain or encountering a steep slope, a user may revert to standing on the hoverboard, assuming the user is capable of such action.
In some embodiments, the hoverboard may provide the battery generated electric power, as well as the necessary thrust and control to drive and guide the attached vehicle, which may provide all the support, including emergency braking needed for a safe ride. One or more bars of the present invention may provide a user something to hold onto in order to prevent falling. One to six wheels may provide more stability than riding a hoverboard on its two wheels.
Because hoverboards vary in wheel size and thrust availability, in some embodiments the present invention may only work with hoverboards of certain specifications, in order to control maximum speed and control response. The support may have a variety of wheel sizes, including bicycle wheels. The support vehicle may come in different shapes. They may have a wide stance to ensure safety. In some embodiments, the present invention may be adjustable so as to work with any hoverboard.
The present invention may provide for a chair mounted on one to four wheels, attached to the center of the hoverboard by an arm. While sitting, the rider may be required to apply pressure to the footpads on the hoverboard while pushing down with the user's feet in an amount equivalent to body weight, because even a child's weight of say 45 lbs. is not easy and almost impossible when encountering even a slight slope.
In some embodiments, the present invention may be square or round, and the wheels may be configured for smooth or off-road. The present invention may also provide for baggage containers and/or clip on attachment for shopping carts.
Therefore, in some embodiments, the present invention may provide for a platform consisting of one or more wheels, generally two or four, that may attach to a commercially available hoverboard. On the platform may be a chair-type seat, a walker-type support element, or a different type of chair or standing element. In other embodiments, the present invention may provide for a four to six-wheeled embodiment, wherein the hoverboard element is fixedly attached to or integrated within the present invention. In some embodiments, the user may have the ability to use either the user's weight or hand controls to determine the pace, direction, and manner of movement of the present invention. It is contemplated that any and all commercially available safety measures applicable to the present invention may be incorporated within the present invention, such as emergency braking, advanced stability control, automatic balancing, self-driving technology, and any other such technology.
The unique features of this product may provide the following benefits for consumers everywhere: it may enable short distance commuting range, for example ten kilometer return trip, on a single battery charge; it may reduce the use of automobiles for short distance commuting; it may significantly reduce exhaust pollution; it may improve the safety of hoverboards; it may improve a person's carbon footprint; and it may increase the use of battery powered vehicles.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention may become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying figures where:

FIG. 1 shows a top-side perspective view of a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a zoomed-in top perspective view of a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a rear perspective view of a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows a zoomed-in top perspective view of a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art by providing a new and more effective chair-shaped hoverboard attachment.
All dimensions specified in this disclosure are by way of example only and are not intended to be limiting. Further, the proportions shown in these Figures are not necessarily to scale. As may be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, the actual dimensions and proportions of any embodiment or element of an embodiment disclosed in this disclosure may be determined by its intended use.
It is to be understood that the drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate potential embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention. Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” is intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Throughout the drawings, reference numbers are re-used to indicate correspondence between referenced elements. In addition, the first digit of each reference number indicates the figure where the element first appears.
As used in this disclosure, except where the context requires otherwise, the term “comprise” and variations of the term, such as “comprising”, “comprises” and “comprised” are not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.
In the following description, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it may be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. Well-known features, elements or techniques may not be shown in detail in order not to obscure the embodiments.
In some embodiments, the present invention may comprise a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment, comprising a base having a base top side, a base bottom side, a base front portion, and a base rear portion, the base comprising a) at least one wheel rotatably attached to the base bottom side, b) at least one support element fixedly attached to the base top side, c) at least one hoverboard connection, d) at least one control box removably connected to the at least one removable hoverboard connection, e) at least one control rod fixedly connected to the at least one control box, wherein the at least one control rod has an end portion and a handle portion, f) at least one brake control fixedly connected to the at least one control rod handle portion, and at least one chair fixedly connected to the at least one support element.
In some embodiments, the at least one hoverboard connection is at least one strap. Furthermore, the at least one hoverboard attachment may be removable. Additionally, in some embodiments, the least one control rod may be two control rods extending orthogonally up (at a right angle to) from the base top side, wherein the handle portions curve towards the seat, and wherein the two control rods are configured for use as handlebars. In such embodiments, and in others, each control rod may have a brake control.
In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for two wheels. In others, it may provide for three wheels.
In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for a storage trunk fixedly connected to the base top side on the base rear portion.
In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for two support elements, and two or more chairs. In such embodiments, the chairs may be arranged side by side, back to back, or in any arrangement known in the art. In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for a two-person chair.
Turning attention to FIG. 1, a top-side perspective view of a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive chair 101, storage 102, wheels 103, hoverboard 104, strap (configured to secure hoverboard to control box) 105, control box 106, control rods 107, and brakes for rear wheels 108.
As may be apparent to those of skill in the art, in some embodiments, chair 101 may be of different shape or configuration as needed by either the user or manufacturer, or both. For example, chair 101 may have only one armrest, or no armrests. Similarly, chair 101 may, in some embodiments, have a differently-shaped base, back support, or both than depicted in FIG. 1. As well, in some embodiments, chair 101 may have a surface made entirely or partially of cloth, leather, vinyl, elastomer, or any other material known in the art. Chair 101 may be set up higher or lower than depicted in FIG. 1, or may be tilted at an angle. Furthermore, in some embodiments, a powered or unpowered swivel element (not pictured) may enable chair 101 to rotate.
Storage 102 may be configured as larger or smaller than depicted in FIG. 1, and may be of different shapes in various embodiments. By way of non-limiting example, storage 102 may be configured to store certain items, such as a walker. Similarly, storage 102 may provide for a tow hitch, hook, carabiner, or other attachment element. Storage 102 may also be configured to house one or more battery elements (not pictured).
Hoverboard 104 may be any commercially available or specialty hoverboard 104 known in the art. Hoverboard 104 may also therefore be of different shape or configuration, including having more or less wheels, different control portions, and so forth. Correspondingly, the present invention may also provide for alternatively designed or configured strap 105, control box 106, control rods 107, and brakes for rear wheels 108 that may be designed or configured to fit or operate a differently shaped hoverboard 104 than depicted in FIG. 1.
Relatedly, wheels 103, strap 105, control box 106, control rods 107, and brakes for rear wheels 108 may be of any shape or construction known in the art. More specifically, in some embodiments, a crossbar (not shown) may connect control rods 107. In some embodiments, brakes for rear wheels 108 may be located elsewhere, such as on chair 101. In some embodiments, more than two wheels 103 may be provided, or wheels 103 may be substituted with a cylinder or any other element capable of serving in place of wheels 103.
Moreover, in some embodiments, control rods 107 may be configured so as to enable a user to steer the present invention using control rods 107. In some embodiments, the present invention may replace control rods 107 with a steering wheel (not pictured) or other comparable element.
In some embodiments, the present invention may provide for a canopy (not shown) that may cover the user from the sun or other elements. In such embodiments, the canopy may cover some of all of chair 101, storage 102, wheels 103, hoverboard 104, strap (configured to secure hoverboard to control box) 105, control box 106, control rods 107, and brakes for rear wheels 108.
With respect to FIG. 2, a zoomed-in top perspective view of a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive chair 101, hoverboard 104, strap (configured to secure hoverboard to control box) 105, control box 106, and control rods 107.
With respect to FIG. 3, a rear perspective view of a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is shown. In the embodiment depicted, a viewer may perceive chair 101, storage 102, wheels 103, hoverboard 104, control box 106, control rods 107, and brakes for rear wheels 108.
With respect to FIG. 4, a zoomed-in top perspective view of a chair-shaped hoverboard attachment in accordance with another embodiment of the invention may be perceived. In the embodiment depicted, first rocker arm 401 and second rocker arm 402 may be perceived, in addition to chair 101, hoverboard 104, strap (configured to secure hoverboard to control box) 105, control box 106, and control rods 107.
In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, weight distribution pads (not pictured) may be placed under the rocker arm shaft of first rocker arm 401 and/or second rocker arm 402 to ensure a significant weight is sensed by the foot pads of hoverboard 104. In some embodiments, chair 101 (or “seat”) may be moved further forward. In some embodiments, foot rests (not pictured) may be added on top of the rocker arms 401 and 402 to allow the seat 101 and center of gravity to be moved further forward. In some such embodiments, the foot rests may be used as control pedals to also steer the present invention. This may allow the handicapped to control the present invention, who may not be able to use their arms to control the present invention.

CONCLUSIONS, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

Although the present invention has been described with a degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made by way of example and that other versions are possible. As various changes may be made in the above description without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be illustrative and not used in a limiting sense. The spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained in this disclosure.
All features disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstracts, and drawings, and all the steps in any method or process disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in the specification, including the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means” for performing a specified function or “step” for performing a specified function should not be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause as specified in 35 U.S.C. § 112.
While the chair-shaped hoverboard attachment generally described herein has been disclosed in connection with a number of embodiments shown and described in detail, various modifications should be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A chair-shaped hoverboard attachment, comprising:

a base having a base top side, a base bottom side, a base front portion, and a base rear portion, the base comprising:

a) at least one wheel rotatably attached to the base bottom side;

b) at least one support element fixedly attached to the base top side;

c) at least one hoverboard connection;

d) at least one control box removably connected to the at least one removable hoverboard connection;

e) at least one control rod fixedly connected to the at least one control box, wherein the at least one control rod has an end portion and a handle portion;

f) at least one brake control fixedly connected to the at least one control rod handle portion; and

at least one chair fixedly connected to the at least one support element.

2. The chair-shaped hoverboard attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least one hoverboard connection is at least one strap.

3. The chair-shaped hoverboard attachment of claim 1, wherein at least one control rod is two control rods extending orthogonally up from the base top side, wherein the handle portions curve towards the seat, and wherein the two control rods are configured for use as handlebars.

4. The chair-shaped hoverboard attachment of claim 3, wherein each control rod has a brake control.

5. The chair-shaped hoverboard attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least one hoverboard attachment is removable.

6. The chair-shaped hoverboard attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least one wheel is two wheels.

7. The chair-shaped hoverboard attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least one wheel is three wheels.

8. The chair-shaped hoverboard attachment of claim 1, further comprising a storage trunk fixedly connected to the base top side on the base rear portion.

9. The chair-shaped hoverboard attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least one chair is two chairs.

10. The chair-shaped hoverboard attachment of claim 9, wherein the at least one support element is two support elements.

11. The chair-shaped hoverboard attachment of claim 9, wherein the chairs are arranged side by side.

12. The chair-shaped hoverboard attachment of claim 9, wherein the chairs are arranged back to back.

13. The chair-shaped hoverboard attachment of claim 1, wherein the chair is a two-person chair.