WO1997012651A1

WO1997012651A1 - Motorized power system for in line skates and the like

Info

Publication number: WO1997012651A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/016063
Authority: WO
Inventors: Greg Rosenwald
Original assignee: Greg Rosenwald
Priority date: 1995-10-05
Filing date: 1996-10-07
Publication date: 1997-04-10
Also published as: AU7259796A

Abstract

A device for propelling a skater from the rear is disclosed. The invention comprises a frame (12) to be held by the user in supporting a drive wheel (14); means (20) affixed to the frame for propelling the wheel and driving the user forward; and braking means (34 and 36) for stopping the device.

Description

O 97/12651 PC17US96/16063

MOTORIZED POWER SYSTEM FOR IN LINE SKATES AND THE LIKE

Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to systems for powering and maneuvering a roller-skate in line skate and the like. In particular, the present invention is specifically directed to devices for mechanically driving roller skates, in line skate, skateboards, and the like, in an easy and safe fashion and one which provides minimal interference to the enjoyment of the user.

Background of the Invention In line skating (rollerblading) , roller skating and skateboarding, ice skating and skiing have gained great popularity in recent years both in the United States and abroad. With the rise in the use of these devices, there have been a number of prior art systems and devices which have been utilized to mechanically drive roller skates, roller blades, skateboards and the like. Most prior art systems have incorporated a direct drive mechanism which is attached to the wheel of the skate or skateboard. U.S. Patent Nos. 4,546,841 and 4,508,187 are typical of this first type of prior art system.

U.S. Patent No. 4,508,187, for example, discloses a power attachment which is affixed to the front wheel of a roller skate and which drives the wheel forward. While such systems provide power, such direct drive systems provide a highly unnatural feel to the operation of the skate or skateboard. Such systems are difficult to control and stop, and may also lead to frequent accidents and injuries. A further problem associated with these systems, is the requirement for a cumbersome back-pack type frame. These products also typically include a pair of handle bars which extend forward of the user. Such systems are uncomfortable and confine the operation of the user, and also do not provide the feel of a regular skate, roller blade or skateboard. U.S. Patent No. 3,876,032 for example discloses a belt drive which incorporates an electric motor mounted on a platform which is powered by a battery worn by the operator (See Figure 3) . The battery, mounted on a belt, preferably includes a control panel which switches the system on and off and controls the speed of the device.

A number of patents have been directed to bicycle drive mechanisms, including U.S. Patent No. 5,433,284 and 5,368,122. U.S. Patent No. 5,141,067 discloses a bicycle power pack comprising a frame which mounts a motor and a transmission mechanism which is hitched to the rear of bicycle frame. U.S. Patent No. 5,368,122 discloses an electrical bicycle drive mechanism. None of these devices suggest application to a roller blade, roller skate, ice skate or ski.

U.S. Patent No. 3,797,446 discloses a rear powered mobile power unit. U.S. Patent No. 4,456,089 discloses a motorized device for pushing or pulling a skate. This device when used for rear propulsion, drives the user through his legs and is therefore difficult to use. There are a number of prior art skateboard and roller blade propulsion mechanisms which do not utilize back packs and the like. U.S. Patent No. 5,127,488 discloses a motor driven skateboard which is sold as the Power Board by'TSI of San Luis Obispo, California. Muttermutt, Inc. of Fort Lauderdale, Florida has provided a propulsion system for skateboards, roller blades and the like. The Muttermutt device is driven from the front and thus pulls the skater along much like a motorcycle. The Muttermutt device therefore does not simulate the feel of a roller blade and the user does not use his skates or the board for steering and control. The Muttermutt systems pulls the user. The user of the system is also subjected to a large quantity of exhaust from the engine and vibration. Accordingly, the use of the roller blade or skate is unnatural and uncomfortable. More importantly, because the device brakes from the front, the user can easily be thrown over the handle bars if the device stops suddenly.

It would be desirable to provide a drive mechanism which could be driven from the rear and which would provide a realistic simulation of roller blading. Such a system would simulate the feel of gravity. Such a system would enable the user of the device to steer and control the device steering the skates or skateboard. The user would not have fumes or exhaust thrust into his face. He would not have to wear uncomfortable harnesses or belts, and he could safely control the brake. In addition, it would be desirable to provide a drive mechanism including a tow rope from which a second skater or user could be pulled. These and other objectives of the present invention are set forth in the following detailed description and claims.

In further embodiments of the invention, the use is held in place by a breakaway belt mechanism, thereby eliminating the need for handle bars. O 97/12651 PC17US96/16063

In yet additional embodiments, the device incorporates a safety kill switch which disconnect the motor when the rider falls or loses control of the device.

In yet further embodiments of the present invention, the drive mechanism includes a gear box mechanism. These and other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description which follows

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with the present invention, a device for propelling a skater or operator from the rear is disclosed. The device comprises a frame to be held by the user which supports a drive wheel; means affixed to the frame for propelling the wheel and driving the user forward; and braking means for stopping the device.

In a more preferred embodiment, the present invention is directed to a motorized system for propelling a roller blader from the rear comprising: a longitudinally extending frame supporting a drive wheel for driving a roller blader from the rear; an engine affixed to the frame for propelling the wheel and roller blader forward; handle means affixed to said frame for allowing the user to support the frame and propel himself forward; throttle means affixed to said handle for controlling the speed of said engine; and braking means affixed to said handle for braking said device.

In yet a further embodiment, the present invention is directed to a motorized system for propelling an operator from the rear comprising: a longitudinal frame supporting a drive wheel at a first end of said frame for driving a roller blader from the rear; a gasoline powered engine affixed to the frame for propelling the wheel and roller blader forward; handle means affixed to a second end of said longitudinal frame for allowing the user to support the frame and propel himself forward; throttle means affixed to said handle for controlling the speed of said engine; and braking means affixed to said handle for braking said device. The system of the present invention may include a retractable tow line.

A Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is an elevational view of the preferred roller blade propelling system of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an isolated view of power drive mechanism of the roller blade propulsion system of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates the present invention in operatio .

Figure 4 is a side view of an alternative drive mechanism of the present invention.

Figures 5A and 5B are respective side and overhead views of a gear box for use in the present invention.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of an alternative gear box drive mechanism for the present invention. Figure 7 is is a side perspective view of a belt based control mechanism.

Figure 8 is a plan view of an alternative frame mechanism is accordance with the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention The present invention is now described with reference to the enclosed Figures wherein the same numerals are utilized where applicable. Referring to Figures 1-3, the present invention is shown in a most preferred embodiment. The invention in a most preferred embodiment comprises a frame 12 affixed to a drive wheel member 14 which is held behind the user and which propels him forward.

The frame 12 extends longitudinally and is between 3.5 and 4 feet in length. In one embodiment, frame 12 comprises a plurality of metallic tubing and may include, cross members 12a which, as will be discussed below, support an engine or other propulsion means 20.

In a preferred embodiment, the drive wheel member 14 comprises tire 16 with a spoke or aluminum wheel 18. -The invention incorporates a power drive mechanism 20 attached to the frame 12. In one embodiment, the power drive mechanism 20 comprises a gasoline engine, for example, a 33 to 40 cubic centimeter single cylinder engine such as the MX-5 Superbike Engine. Such engines obtain up to one hundred and fifty miles per gallon of fuel.

The engine 20 attaches to the frame 12 and powers the wheel 18 and tire 16 by means of a friction clutch (not shown) . Wheel 18 and tire 16 are shown for illustrative purposes and may be provided in many different sizes and radii. Alternatively, it is to be appreciated that other drive mechanisms such as drive chains and the like could be substituted for the friction clutch. The engine 20 should preferably output approximately 1.0 to 2.0 horse power. Engines such as the MX-5 Superbike can achieve speeds of up to thirty miles per hour. In the preferred, the system further includes a fuel supply 23 which is attached to the frame 12.

It is to be appreciated that while the present invention is being described with reference to a gasoline engine, that other power sources such as electric or jet power can be applicable to the present invention. The present invention may also utilize a direct drive shaft with interlocking gear splines. It is also to be appreciated that the drive mechanism could be a tractor tread for use on skies or skates.

One of the key features of the present invention is the inclusion of a handle 26, affixed to the frame 12 which permits the device to be controlled by the user and driven from the rear. The handle mechanism 26 in a most preferred embodiment includes a horizontal end 28 which supports an engine throttle 30. The throttle 30 is used by the user of the system to power the system to speed up and slow down. The second handle end 32 extends vertically upward and includes a hand brake 34 of the type commonly found on bicycles. The hand brake connects to a conventional braking mechanism 36 attached to the frame 12. The device includes a j-shaped support 19 which holds the user from the rear. The handle may also form a V shape.

In a most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device includes a utility wheel 38 which supports the device. The invention includes a kick stand 40 to keep the device vertical when not being utilized. In addition, the mechanism of the present invention may include a retractable tow line 42 to enable a second skater or user to be pulled along.

Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the frame 12 comprises two triangular metal trusses 12a, 12b which support the engine 20. In this embodiment, the engine drives the device by means of a drive chain 44 affixed to a wheel sprocket 46.

Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, the present invention may further utilize a gear box drive system 48. As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, in one embodiment, the gear box 48 comprises a two piece housing 49 which includes a first gear 50 which is driven directly from the engine 20. Gear 50 then drives a second gear 52 which then drives the chain 44 (not shown) . One of the advantages of the gear box is that it enables the chain to be situated on the opposite side as the engine 20. This enables the use of conventional bicycle wheels and gear sprockets which are designed to be driven from the right side in normal operation.

Figure 6 illustrates a more complicated gear box drive mechanism. In this embodiment, the gear box 57 is affixed to drive shaft 54 which draws power off of the engine (not shown) . The drive shaft drives a first gear 56 which then drives a second gear 58 through a pinion gear 60. Second gear 58 then drives a sprocket and chain.

Figure 7 is yet a further embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the device 10 is affixed to the rear of the operator by means of a break away belt 62. The belt 62 breaks away if the driver falls by means of an unhookable latch 64. In this embodiment, the user controls the device by means of a hand control. Figure 8 illustrates an alternative frame mechanism in accordance with the present invention. Frame 66 comprise a first cylindrical shaft 68 which is rotatably attached by a connector 69 at a first end to a U-shaped handle 70. The operator uses the device with his back to the trough 70a of the U. The other end of shaft 68 is rotatably connected to a vertical plate 72. The engine and gear box or drive are attached to opposite sides of plate 72. The vertical plate 72 is attached at a its second end to a U-shaped hub 74 which supports the wheel and tire. The operation of the present invention is now described with respect to Figures 1-3. The user of the system will initially put on inline skates, roller skates or hop on a skateboard. The motor 20 for the device will then be powered-up. Grabbing the handles 28, 32, the user will then turn-up the throttle 30 and be propelled forward using his skates or skateboard to steer. When the user desires to brake, he will release the throttle and apply the brake mechanism 36.

While the present invention has been described with reference to the above preferred embodiment, it is to be appreciated that other embodiments fulfill the spirit and scope of the present invention and that the true nature and scope of the present invention is to be determined with reference to the attached claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A device to propel an operator from the rear comprising: a frame to be held by the user and supporting a drive wheel; means affixed to the frame for propelling the wheel and driving the user forward; and braking means for stopping the device.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said power means is a gasoline powered motor.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said power means is an electric motor.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said devices propels a skateboard.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said device propels a roller blade.

6. The device of claim 1 further including a retractable tow line for pulling a second skater.

7. A motorized power system for propelling an operator from the rear comprising: a longitudinal frame supporting a wheel for driving a roller blader from the rear; an engine affixed to the frame for propelling the wheel and roller blader forward; handle means affixed to said frame for allowing the user to support the frame and propel himself forward; a throttle means affixed to said handle for controlling the speed of said engine; and a braking means affixed to said handle for braking said device.

8. A motorized system for propelling a skater from the rear comprising: a longitudinal frame supporting a drive wheel at a first end of said frame for driving a skater from the rear; a gasoline powered engine affixed to the frame for propelling the wheel and roller blader forward; handle means affixed to a second end of said longitudinal frame for allowing the user to support the frame and propel himself forward; throttle means affixed to said handle for controlling the speed of said engine; and braking means affixed to said handle for braking said device.