AU2012200271A1 - Ride-on device - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract A ride-on device for improving balance which provides feet support platforms to be pivoted independently relative to each other and about a primary ground engaging central rotating device providing support to the suspended feet support platforms. G - -~ - H 54 34 FIGURE 6 G- -- ----- 34 38 34 36

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT APPLICANT: Ronald Ian WHITE INVENTION TITLE: RIDE-ON DEVICE The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me: - -2 RIDE-ON DEVICE Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a ride-on device, and more particularly, to a ride-on device that is ridden by a user in a standing mode. 5 Background to the Invention Ride-on devices such as skateboards, push bikes or the like are often used for recreation. Keeping the user's balance invariably plays a key part in the skill required to operate a particular ride-on device. Sometimes ride-on devices are used for exercise, for simulating sports such as 10 rowing machines, or for improving skills relative to a sport, providing a physiotherapy effect or generally providing a health benefit. Balance is a very important whole of body physical attribute that provides a range of skills, function and health benefits. It is therefore important to train to improve balance and to avoid deterioration in balance skills. However, generally ride 15 on devices can be mastered relatively easily which can lead to the reduction in the efficacy of the exercise routine particularly with relation to balance. This can be undesirable. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to at least partly overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art or to provide a 20 useful alternative. Summary of the Invention The invention generally provides a ride-on device which provides a support structure which is mounted by a connection mechanism to a central rotating device for ground engaging support; and wherein the support structure 25 includes at least two support platforms for supporting a user's feet and adapted to allow at least two of the support platforms to pivot independently of each other on either side of the central rotating device.

-3 The support structure can include the connection mechanism providing an axis about which the at least two support platforms rotate; wherein the connection mechanism allows independent rotation of the central rotating device and the two support platforms to pivot independently to each other. 5 Alternatively the support structure includes the connection mechanism having at least one tubular rod wherein each of the two support platforms are mounted to the connection mechanism for connection to the central rotating device by the at least one tubular rod; wherein the connection mechanism allows independent pivotal rotation of the central rotating device and each of the two 10 support platforms relative to each other. The at least one tubular rod supporting the at least two support platforms and the central rotating device can have one or more pivoting axes for the at least two support platforms and the central rotating device that are collinear. The central rotating device can be a ball. This can be captured in the 15 connection mechanism or the connection mechanism can include a rod forming a continuous axis. The support structure can include a connection mechanism which has an axis about which the central rotating device rotates; each of the two support platforms are mounted to the connection mechanism for connection to the 20 central rotating device rotate; wherein the connection mechanism allows independent pivotal rotation of the central rotating device and each of the two support platforms to each other. The positioning of each of the two support platforms can be adjustable relative to the central rotating device through sliding movement of the respective 25 support platform to and from the central rotating device on the support structure. According to one aspect, the present invention provides a ride-on device comprising a central rotating device which rotates around an axis defined by a connection mechanism; at least two platforms each attached to the connecting -4 mechanism at opposed sides of the central rotating device, allowing for the placement of a user's feet on opposed sides of the central rotating device; and the platform being supported by one or more castor wheels mounted to an underside of each of the at least two platforms and by the central rotating 5 device. According to a further aspect, the present invention provides a ride-on device comprising a central rotating device, which rotates around an axis defined by a connection mechanism, and at least two platforms each of which is attached to the connecting mechanism at opposed sides of the central rotating device, 10 allowing for the placement of a user's feet on opposed sides of the central rotating device; and each of the at least two the platforms is supported by the central rotating device and is capable of being supported by one or more castor wheels, mounted to an underside of each of the at least two platforms, when the connection mechanism is pivoted about the central rotating device. 15 The central rotating device can be a fixed axis central rotating ball device. The central rotating device can be a diametrically mounted rotating ball device. The central rotating device and the at least two platforms are uneven. The central rotating device and the at least two platforms each having an upper surface; and wherein the upper surfaces of the at least two platforms are 20 uneven relative to each other. In another embodiment the invention provides a ride-on device comprising: a central rotating ball device which rotates around a fixed axis defined by a connection mechanism; at least one platform attached to the connecting mechanism, allowing for the placement of a user's feet and the platform being 25 supported by one or more castor wheels mounted to an underside of each of the at least one platform and by the central rotating device, whereby the central rotating device and the at least one platform is uneven.

-5 In one form, the present invention provides a ride-on device which includes: a support structure including at least two feet support platforms, a central rotating device which supports the support structure for movement, and a connecting mechanism which pivotally mounts the at least two feet support platforms at 5 opposed ends of the central rotating device; wherein the connecting mechanism defines a pivot axis for each of the at least two feet platforms and the central rotating device so that the pivot axes are concentric; wherein the at least two feet support platforms are independently pivotal relative to each other; and wherein the positioning of each of the at least two feet support 10 platforms are adjustable in unison relative to the central rotating device thereby to adjust a pivotal position of each of the at least two feet support platforms about the central rotating device. In a further form, the invention provides a ride-on device which includes: a support structure including at least two feet support platforms, a central rotating 15 device which supports the support structure for movement, and a connecting mechanism which pivotally mounts the at least two feet support platforms at opposed ends of the central rotating device; wherein the connecting mechanism defines a pivot axis for each of the at least two feet platforms and the central rotating device so that the pivot axes are concentric; wherein the at 20 least two feet support platforms are independently pivotal relative to each other; and wherein adjustment of positioning of each of the at least two feet support platforms about the central rotating device is linked to allow for independent pivotal movement of the at least two feet platforms about the pivot axis and linked pivotal movement about the central rotating device through the 25 connecting mechanism. Each of the at least two feet support platforms can include at least one castor wheel secured to an underside of the feet support platform; and wherein a respective running surface the castor wheels are positioned in between a running surface of the central rotating device and the pivot axes of the 30 connecting mechanism thereby allowing for pivotal movement of the at least -6 two feet support platforms relative to each other about the central rotating device. The connecting mechanism can be a round bar. The central rotating device can be a central rotating ball device. 5 At least one of the at least two feet support platforms can include a stop block which is adapted for use by a user to reduce the velocity of the ride on-device. In a further form, the invention also extends to a ride-on device for use with at least one ski-type pole capable of being used by a user balancing on the ride on device to propel the user; the ride-on device includes: a support structure 10 including at least two feet support platforms, a central rotating device which supports the support structure for movement, and a connecting mechanism which pivotally mounts the at least two feet support platforms at opposed ends of the central rotating device; wherein the connecting mechanism defines a pivot axis for each of the at least two feet platforms and the central rotating 15 device so that the pivot axes are concentric; wherein the at least two feet support platforms are independently pivotal relative to each other; and wherein the positioning of each of the at least two feet support platforms are adjustable in unison relative to the central rotating device thereby to adjust a pivotal position of each of the at least two feet support platforms; whereby the user 20 employs the at least one ski-type pole to cause the user to move while balancing on the support structure. The invention also extends to a ride-on device for use with at least one ski-type pole capable of being used by a user balancing on the ride-on device to propel the user; the ride-on device includes: a support structure including at least two 25 feet support platforms, a central rotating device which supports the support structure for movement, and a connecting mechanism which pivotally mounts the at least two feet support platforms at opposed ends of the central rotating device; wherein the connecting mechanism defines a pivot axis for each of the at least two feet platforms and the central rotating device so that the pivot axes -7 are concentric; wherein the at least two feet support platforms are independently pivotal relative to each other; and wherein adjustment of positioning of each of the at least two feet support platforms about the central rotating device is linked to allow for independent pivotal movement of the at 5 least two feet platforms about the pivot axis and linked pivotal movement about the central rotating device through the connecting mechanism; whereby the user employs the at least one ski-type pole to cause the user to move while balancing on the support structure. In a further embodiment, the invention extends to a method of providing 10 support to a user through a ride-on device; the method including the steps of: providing a support structure which includes a central, ground engaging rotating device and at least two feet support platforms which are positioned at opposed ends of the central, ground engaging rotating device which allows pivotal rotation of the at least two feet support platforms about a central axis of 15 the central, ground engaging rotating device; and providing a connecting mechanism which allows the at least two feet support platforms to be mounted to the central, ground engaging rotating device for support, and which allows each of the at least two feet support platforms to be independently pivoted relative to each other about a pivoting 20 axis which is concentric with the central axis of the central, ground engaging rotating device. Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention can be more readily understood one or more embodiments of the invention are further described by way of example with 25 reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing from above in a photographic image a ride-on device according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view showing from below in a photographic image the ride-on device of Figure 1; -8 Figure 3 is a perspective view showing in a photographic image the ride on device of Figure 1 in use; Figure 4 is a side view showing a schematic representation of the ride on device of Figure 1; 5 Figure 5 is a front view showing a schematic representation of the ride on device of Figure 1 while turning. Figure 6 is a side view showing a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the ride-on device with longer extending castor wheels; Figure 7 is a perspective view showing from below in a photographic 10 image of a third embodiment of the ride-on device having a different secondary ground engaging system of castor arrangement and stop blocks arrangements; Figure 8 is a plain view showing a schematic representation of the ride on device of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a side view showing in a photographic image the castor 15 arrangement of Figure 7. Figure 10 is a respect of view showing from above in a photographic image the ride-on device of Figure 7. Description of Illustrated Embodiment of the Invention Referring to the accompanying representations, Figure 1 illustrates a ride-on 20 device 10 according to an embodiment of the invention which includes a support structure 12 mounted by a connecting mechanism 18, to a ground engaging, central rotating device in the form of a ball 20. The support structure includes first and second support platforms 14 and 16 for the user to place their feet, 25 The connecting mechanism 18 allows the first and second feet support platforms to be positioned at opposed diametrical sides 22 of the ball 20. The connecting mechanism is in the form of a tubular rod 26. The first and second feet support platforms, 14 and 16, and the ball 20, are pivotally mounted to the tubular rod 26. Thus, the connecting mechanism, through the tubular rod 26, 30 defines (see Figure 5) a pivot axis 28, 30 and 32 respectively for each of the -9 first feet support platform 14, the ball 20, and the second feet support platform 16. The pivot axes 28, 30 and 32 are substantially collinear. The collinear nature of the pivot axes 28, 30 and 32 allow the support structure 12 to have a low centre of gravity, due to the axial alignment of these components, while still 5 allowing the first and second feet support platforms 14 and 16 to pivot about the central axis 30 of the ball 20. Adjustment of positioning of each of the at least two feet support platforms about the ball is linked to allow for independent pivotal movement of the at least two feet platforms about the pivot axis, i.e. axes 28 and 32, and linked 10 pivotal movement about the central vertical axis 44 along diameter R1-R2 of the central rotating device at right angles to the tubular rod 26 of the connecting mechanism 18. The low centre of gravity improves the stability which a user can experience while using the ride-on device 10. However, it should be noted that the pivot axes 28, 30 and 32 can be slightly offset to each 15 other while still allowing a user to ride on the ride-on device 10. Figure 2 shows an underside of the first and second feet support platforms 14 and 16. Mounted to each of the first and second feet support platforms is a secondary ground engaging support which in this form is a pair of castor wheels 34. Each of the castor wheels is dimensioned so that a ground 20 engaging running surface 36 of a respective castor wheel is positioned at a relative height to the ball 20 between a ground engaging running surface 38 of the ball 20 and its pivot axis 30. Thus, as is shown in Figure 4, the mounting of the castor wheels 34 will allow the first and second feet support platforms 14 and 16 to pivot relative to the ball 20 about the respective axes 28 and 32. 25 Additionally, pivotal positions of the first and second feet support platforms are also adjustable about the central vertical axis 44 of the ball. This dimensioning of the castor wheels 34 allow for the change of tilt angle of the pivot axis 44 of the ball 20 as is shown in Figure 5. The change of tilt angle of the pivot axis 44 relative to the ground is required to steer the ride-on device 10.

- 10 However, it should be noted that steering of the ride-on device would require, in addition to the change of tilt angle of the pivot axis 30, also the change of tilt angle of the tubular rod 26 relative to a direction in which the ride-on device can be travelling. This would be achieved by rotating the first and second feet 5 support platforms 14 and 16 about a vertical axis 44 of the ball 20 around axis extending R1 to R2 when in the stable upright position. (see Figure 5). Thus, the tubular rod 26 had to be pivoted about the vertical axis in order to change the direction in which the ball 20 is rolling. Figure 6 shows the other limit of the castor wheels when the running surface 10 36 of this embodiment has a height H which is coplanar with the ground level G. Preferably though for true balance improvement the height H should always be above G. Figure 3 shows the ride-on device 10 in use. One or more ski-type poles 46 are used to propel a user 48, either forwards or backwards as required, on the 15 ride-on device 10. The castor wheels assist the user to climb onto the ride-on device by providing initial stability in order to correctly position feet 50 of the user respectively on the first and second feet support platforms and. The user could anchor the feet 50 to the first and second feet support platforms 14, 16 using a respective strap 52 (see Figure 1). However, the foot straps are 20 designed to fit loosely around the feet thereby to allow for ready removal of a particular foot when required, for example when the user 48 is off balance and aims to restore stability by placing a foot on ground 54. Once the user 48 has position the feet 50 respectively on the first and second support platforms 14 and 16, the user balances the support structure on the 25 ball 20 by moving the first and second feet support platforms relative to each other. Such movement will cause one of the first and second feet support platforms to move from a ground engaging position 56, Where the ride on device tilts and the level H corresponds to G in Figure 4 and is therefore ground engaging to an elevated position 58 when ride on device not tilting and 30 height H is above G and therefore not ground engaging as shown in Figure 4.

- 11 The user can then use the ski-type poles 46 to propel the user in the forward or backward direction 42. When turning, the user is required to pivot the first and second feet support platforms 14 and 16 about the pivot axis 30 of the ball 20, as is shown in Figure 5, as well as rotating the tubular rod 26 about the vertical 5 axis 44 of the ball 20. In doing so the pivotal positions 40 of the first and second feet support platforms changed relative to the pivot axis 30. When the user becomes unbalanced while moving in the direction 42 on the right-on device 10, the castor wheels 34 are there to assist the user in regaining balance. 10 Referring in particular to Figure 1, the first and second feet support platforms 14 and 16 are, in addition to being pivotally mounted, also slidingly mounted to the tubular bar 26. This allows for positioning of the first and second feet support platforms 14 and 16 to be adjusted, that is either outwardly or inwardly, relative to the ball 20. Such positioning can be required when the user wishes 15 to adjust positioning of the feet 50 relative to the ball 20, for example taller as opposed to shorter users, or when the same user wants to change the balance dynamics of the ride-on device 10. Referring in particular to Figure 2, one of the secondary ground engaging means of the castor wheels 34 has been replaced with another form of the 20 secondary ground engaging means as a stop block 60 which can be used by the user 48 to reduce the velocity with which the ride-on device 10 can be moving and selectively used as angular brake to assist turning around the vertical axis 44.. It should also be noted, that one of the castor wheels 34 can be removed as the user becomes more proficient at riding on the ride-on 25 device 10. Thus, each of the first and second feet support platforms 14 and 16 can be fitted with one castor wheel 34. An example of such a secondary ground engaging means arrangement is shown in Figures 7 to 9. The undersides of the first and second feet support platforms 14 and 16 carry two stop blocks 60, one on either side of a castor 30 wheel 34 or normal wheel so that pivoting of the support platform will result in -12 one of the stop blocks engaging the ground. The user can also make use of the stop blocks to slow down the ride-on device 10 or to create drag to assist in changing the direction 42 in which the ball 20 is moving. If so desired, both the castor wheels can be removed from the first and second 5 feet support platforms. This option will increase the difficulty in the user operating the ride-on device 10 as neither of the first and second feet support platforms have secondary wheeled structures (i.e. the castor wheels 34 -see Figure 2) which the user can use to gain or regain balance. Thus, the user will only rely on the primary wheeled structure (i.e. the ball 20) to balance on the 10 ride-on device 10. The configuration of the support structure 12 is aimed to require a high degree of skill in order to ride on the ride-on device 10. Each of the first and second feet support platforms 14 and 16 is designed to pivot independently relative to the ball 20. Furthermore, in order to achieve proper steering of the ride-on 15 device 10, the user is required to rotate the first and second feet support platforms about the vertical axis 44 of the ball 20 while pivoting the first and second feet support platforms about the pivot axis 30 of the ball. This dynamic increases the required amount of skill needed by the users to effectively ride on the ride-on device. Additionally, due to the movability of each of the 20 components of the support structure 12, i.e. the ball 20 and the first and second feet support platforms 14 and 16, relative to each other increases the effort required by the user in order to balance on the ride-on device during use. Additionally, the ski-type poles are required in order to propel the user forward or backwards while balancing on the right-on device. It is therefore clear that 25 the user's endurance will be taxed on the number of different levels and muscle groups around a body of the user. This should increase the exercise effect achieved by using the ride-on device. It can therefore be seen that the present invention could provide a ride-on device which uses a central rotating device in the form of a ball to provide 30 support to a support structure. The support structure further includes two -13 independently, pivotal feet support platforms which are positioned at opposed ends of the ball. The user is also required to cause movement in at least two directions in order to effectively steer the ride-on device. It could also be seen that the invention generally could provide a ride-on device 5 which provides a support structure which is mounted to a central rotating device for ground engaging support, and wherein the support structure includes two support platforms and is adapted to allow the feet support platforms to pivot independently of each other on either side of the central rotating device. 10 While we have described herein a particular embodiment of a ride-on device, it is further envisaged that other embodiments of the invention could exhibit any number and combination of any one of the features previously described. However, it is to be understood that any variations and modifications which can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof are included within 15 the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (22)

1. A ride-on device which provides a support structure which is mounted by a connection mechanism to a central rotating device for ground engaging support; and wherein the support structure includes at least 5 two support platforms for supporting a user's feet and adapted to allow at least two of the support platforms to pivot independently of each other on either side of the central rotating device.

2. A ride-on device according to claim 1 wherein the support structure includes the connection mechanism providing an axis about which the at 10 least two support platforms rotate; wherein the connection mechanism allows independent rotation of the central rotating device and the two support platforms to pivot independently to each other.

3. A ride-on device according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the support structure includes the connection mechanism having at least one tubular rod 15 wherein each of the two support platforms are mounted to the central rotating device by the at least one tubular rod; wherein the connection mechanism allows independent pivotal rotation of the central rotating device and each of the two support platforms relative to each other.

4. A ride-on device according to claim 3 wherein the at least one tubular 20 rod supporting the at least two support platforms and the central rotating device have one or more pivoting axes.

5. A ride-on device according to claim 4 wherein the one or more pivoting axes of the at least one tubular rod supporting the at least two support platforms and the central rotating device are collinear. 25

6. A ride-on device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the central rotating device is a ball.

7. A ride-on device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein positioning of each of the two support platforms is adjustable relative to -15 the central rotating device through sliding movement of the respective support platform to and from the central rotating device on the support structure.

8. A ride-on device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein 5 each of the two support platforms includes at least one secondary ground engaging support to an underside of the support platform.

9. A ride-on device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the two support platforms includes at least one secondary rotating device for secondary ground engaging support to an underside 10 of the support platform.

10.A ride-on device comprising a central rotating device, which rotates around an axis defined by a connection mechanism, and at least two platforms each of which is attached to the connecting mechanism at opposed sides of the central rotating device, allowing for the placement 15 of a user's feet on opposed sides of the central rotating device; and each of the at least two the platforms is supported by the central rotating device and is capable of being supported by one or more castor wheels, mounted to an underside of each of the at least two platforms, when the connection mechanism is pivoted about the central rotating device. 20

11.A ride-on device according to claim 10 wherein the central rotating device is a captured central rotating ball device.

12.A ride-on device according to claim 10 wherein the central rotating device is a diametrically mounted rotating ball device.

13.A ride-on device according to claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein the central 25 rotating device and the at least two platforms each having an upper surface; and wherein the upper surfaces of the at least two platforms are uneven relative to each other. - 16

14.A ride-on device which includes: a support structure including at least two feet support platforms, a central rotating device which supports the support structure for movement, and a connecting mechanism which pivotally mounts the at least two feet support platforms at opposed ends 5 of the central rotating device; wherein the connecting mechanism defines a pivot axis for each of the at least two feet platforms and the central rotating device so that the pivot axes are collinear; wherein the at least two feet support platforms are independently pivotal relative to each other; and wherein adjustment of positioning of each of the at least 10 two feet support platforms about the central rotating device is linked to allow for independent pivotal movement of the at least two feet platforms about the pivot axis and linked pivotal movement about the central rotating device through the connecting mechanism.

15.A ride-on device according to claim 14 wherein each of the at least two 15 feet support platforms includes at least one castor wheel secured to an underside of the feet support platform; and wherein a respective running surface the castor wheels are positioned in between a running surface of the central rotating device and the pivot axes of the connecting mechanism thereby allowing for pivotal movement of the at least two 20 feet support platforms relative to each other about the central rotating device.

16.A ride-on device according to claim 14 or 15 wherein the connecting mechanism is a round bar.

17.A ride-on device according to claim 14, 15 or 16 wherein the central 25 rotating device is a central rotating ball device.

18.A ride-on device according to any one of claims 14 to 17 wherein at least one of the at least two feet support platforms includes a stop block for ground engaging which is adapted to allow a user to reduce the velocity of the ride on-device. -17

19.A ride-on device for use with at least one ski-type pole capable of being used by a user balancing on the ride-on device to propel the user; the ride-on device includes: a support structure including at least two feet support platforms, a central rotating device which supports the support 5 structure for movement, and a connecting mechanism which pivotally mounts the at least two feet support platforms at opposed ends of the central rotating device; wherein the connecting mechanism defines a pivot axis for each of the at least two feet platforms and the central rotating device so that the pivot axes are concentric; wherein the at least 10 two feet support platforms are independently pivotal relative to each other; and wherein adjustment of positioning of each of the at least two feet support platforms about the central rotating device is linked to allow for independent pivotal movement of the at least two feet platforms about the pivot axis and linked pivotal movement about the central 15 rotating device through the connecting mechanism; whereby the user employs the at least one ski-type pole to cause the user to move while balancing on the support structure.

20.A method of providing support to a user through a ride-on device; the method including the steps of: 20 providing a support structure which includes a central, ground engaging rotating device and at least two feet support platforms which are positioned at opposed ends of the central, ground engaging rotating device which allows pivotal rotation of the at least two feet support platforms about a central axis of the central, ground engaging rotating 25 device; and providing a connecting mechanism which allows the at least two feet support platforms to be mounted to the central, ground engaging rotating device for support, and which allows each of the at least two feet support platforms to be independently 30 pivoted relative to each other about a pivoting axis which is -18 concentric with the central axis of the central, ground engaging rotating device.

21.A ride-on device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying representations. 5

22.A method of providing support to a user through a ride-on device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying representations.