AU2018247272A1 - Controllers for electric skateboards - Google Patents

Controllers for electric skateboards Download PDF

Info

Publication number
AU2018247272A1
AU2018247272A1 AU2018247272A AU2018247272A AU2018247272A1 AU 2018247272 A1 AU2018247272 A1 AU 2018247272A1 AU 2018247272 A AU2018247272 A AU 2018247272A AU 2018247272 A AU2018247272 A AU 2018247272A AU 2018247272 A1 AU2018247272 A1 AU 2018247272A1
Authority
AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
pistol
controller
grip housing
trigger
gripped
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
AU2018247272A
Inventor
Jeffrey ANNING
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Evolve Skateboards IP Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Evolve Skateboards IP Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2017904121A external-priority patent/AU2017904121A0/en
Application filed by Evolve Skateboards IP Pty Ltd filed Critical Evolve Skateboards IP Pty Ltd
Publication of AU2018247272A1 publication Critical patent/AU2018247272A1/en
Assigned to EVOLVE SKATEBOARDS IP PTY LTD reassignment EVOLVE SKATEBOARDS IP PTY LTD Request for Assignment Assignors: EVOLVE SKATEBOARDS PTY LTD
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C17/00Roller skates; Skate-boards
    • A63C17/0006Accessories
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B62LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
    • B62KCYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
    • B62K23/00Rider-operated controls specially adapted for cycles, i.e. means for initiating control operations, e.g. levers, grips
    • B62K23/02Rider-operated controls specially adapted for cycles, i.e. means for initiating control operations, e.g. levers, grips hand actuated
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C17/00Roller skates; Skate-boards
    • A63C17/0006Accessories
    • A63C17/0013Devices used in combination with the skate but not fixed to it, e.g. supporting frames, sail, sticks, auxiliary wheel aid
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C17/00Roller skates; Skate-boards
    • A63C17/01Skateboards
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C17/00Roller skates; Skate-boards
    • A63C17/12Roller skates; Skate-boards with driving mechanisms
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C17/00Roller skates; Skate-boards
    • A63C17/14Roller skates; Skate-boards with brakes, e.g. toe stoppers, freewheel roller clutches
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C17/00Roller skates; Skate-boards
    • A63C17/14Roller skates; Skate-boards with brakes, e.g. toe stoppers, freewheel roller clutches
    • A63C17/1454Freewheel roller clutches
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C17/00Roller skates; Skate-boards
    • A63C17/14Roller skates; Skate-boards with brakes, e.g. toe stoppers, freewheel roller clutches
    • A63C2017/1472Hand operated
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C2203/00Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
    • A63C2203/12Electrically powered or heated
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C2203/00Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
    • A63C2203/22Radio waves emitting or receiving, e.g. remote control, RFID
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63CSKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C2203/00Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
    • A63C2203/24Processing or storing data, e.g. with electronic chip

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
  • Steering Devices For Bicycles And Motorcycles (AREA)

Abstract

Abstract A controller for an electric skateboard, the controller comprising: a pistol-grip housing configured to fit in a palm of a hand of a user of the electric skateboard; an accelerator trigger positioned on an upper front portion of the pistol-grip housing, and configured to be actuated by a first finger of the hand when the pistol-grip housing is gripped; a brake trigger positioned on an upper rear portion of the pistol-grip housing, and configured to be actuated by a thumb of the hand when the pistol-grip housing is gripped; and a display screen positioned on a front upper portion of the pistol-grip housing above the accelerator trigger and forwardly of the brake trigger, and configured to be viewed by the user when the pistol grip housing is gripped. (Figure 1) A I I A -;ne's n AO7A"7 On-d OlltADOf"I" Figure 1

Description

CONTROLLERS FOR ELECTRIC SKATEBOARDS
Field [0001] The present invention relates to controllers for electric skateboards.
Background [0002] A variety of controllers have been proposed for electric skateboards. Existing controllers typically comprise multiple buttons and switches positioned on a handheld housing to be accessed and actuated by fingers and/or thumbs of a hand of a user.
[0003] Existing controllers for electric skateboards suffer from various drawbacks. They are typically unergonomic because their multiple buttons, switches and thumb wheels that cannot be readily accessed or actuated by a user's fingers or thumb. In addition, existing controllers do not comfortably or intuitively translate hand movements into corresponding trigger control inputs for high performance electric skateboards. As a result, existing controllers fail to logically or safely map hand movements to the different operations and functionalities of high performance electric skateboards, such as acceleration, braking, speed control by thumb control, etc.
[0004] In this context, there is a need for safe, comfortable and intuitive controllers for high performance electric skateboards.
Summary [0005] According to the present invention, there is provided a controller for an electric skateboard, the controller comprising:
a pistol-grip housing configured to fit in a palm of a hand of a user of the electric skateboard;
an accelerator trigger positioned on an upper front portion of the pistol-grip housing, and configured to be actuated by a first finger of the hand when the pistol-grip housing is gripped;
a brake trigger positioned on an upper rear portion of the pistol-grip housing, and configured to be actuated by a thumb of the hand when the pistol-grip housing is gripped; and
2018247272 11 Oct 2018 a display screen positioned on a front upper portion of the pistol-grip housing above the accelerator trigger and forwardly of the brake trigger, and configured to be viewed by the user when the pistol-grip housing is gripped.
[0006] The controller may further comprise a deadman safety switch positioned on a middle front portion of the pistol-grip housing below the accelerator trigger, and configured to be actuated by second, third and little fingers of the hand when the pistolgrip housing is gripped.
[0007] The controller may further comprise first and second speed control buttons positioned on a middle rear portion of the pistol-grip housing below the brake trigger, and configured to be actuated by a thumb of the hand when the pistol-grip housing is gripped.
[0008] The controller may further comprise an ON/OFF button positioned on a lower rear portion of the of the pistol-grip housing below the first and second speed control buttons.
[0009] The ON/OFF button may be illuminated by LEDs (light emitting diodes) configured to indicate an ON operating state of the controller.
[0010] The controller may further comprise a rechargeable battery positioned in the pistol-grip housing.
[0011] The controller may further comprise an electronics assembly positioned in the pistol-grip housing and connected to each of the rechargeable battery, accelerator trigger, brake trigger, display screen, first and second speed control buttons, deadman safety switch, and ON/OFF button, wherein the electronics assembly is configured to wirelessly communicate with an electronic control module of the electric skateboard.
[0012] The controller may further comprise a micro-USB (universal series bus) socket positioned on a lower front portion of the pistol-grip housing below the deadman safety switch, and configured to receive a micro-USB plug to charge the rechargeable battery.
[0013] The pistol-grip housing may comprise first and second moulded plastic shells.
2018247272 11 Oct 2018 [0014] The pistol-grip housing may further comprise first and second grip portions respectively over moulded over portions of the first and second moulded plastic shells.
[0015] The accelerator trigger and brake trigger may each comprise a magnetic Hall effect sensor.
[0016] The first and second speed control buttons, deadman safety switch, and ON/OFF button may each comprise a tact switch.
[0017] The display screen may comprise a TFT-LCD (thin-film transistor liquid crystal display) screen.
[0018] The controller may further comprise a removable screen cover for the display screen.
[0019] The controller may further comprise a removable USB cover for the micro-USB socket.
[0020] The present invention also provides a method of remotely controlling an electric skateboard using the controller described above.
Brief Description of Drawings [0021] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a controller for an electric skateboard according to an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the controller;
Figure 3 is a side view of the controller;
Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the controller; and
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the pistol-grip housing and overmoulded grip portions of the controller.
Description of Embodiments
2018247272 11 Oct 2018 [0022] Referring to Figure 1, a controller 10 for an electric skateboard (not shown) according to an embodiment of the present invention may generally comprise a pistolgrip housing 12 configured to fit in a palm of a hand (not shown) of a user (not shown) of the electric skateboard. An accelerator trigger 14 may be positioned on an upper front portion of the pistol-grip housing 12, and may be configured to be actuated by a first finger of the hand when the pistol-grip housing 12 is gripped. In use, actuation of the accelerator trigger 14 may progressively accelerate the electric skateboard. A brake trigger 16 may be positioned on an upper rear portion of the pistol-grip housing 12, and may be configured to be actuated by a thumb of the hand when the pistol-grip housing is gripped. In use, actuation of the brake trigger 16 may progressively brake the electric skateboard.
[0023] A display screen 18 may be positioned on a front upper portion of the pistol-grip housing 12 above the accelerator trigger 14 and forwardly of the brake trigger 16. The display screen 18 may be configured to be viewed by the user when the pistol-grip housing 12 is gripped. For example, the display screen 18 may be inclined upwardly from the brake trigger 16 from its rear to its front ends toward a head and eyes of the user. In use, the display screen 18 may display parameters relating to the operating state, set up and performance of the electric skateboard, such as speed, distance, battery life, gear ratios, speed settings and skateboard electrical diagnostics etc.
[0024] The controller 10 may further comprise a deadman safety switch 20 positioned on a middle front portion of the pistol-grip housing below the accelerator trigger 14, and configured to be actuated by second, third and little fingers of the hand when the pistolgrip housing is gripped. In use, releasing the deadman safety switch 20 may cease the operation of the electric skateboard, and will not allow control the electric skateboard unless it is pressed in by the second, third and little fingers of the hand when the pistolgrip housing 12 is gripped. A micro-USB socket 22 may be positioned on a lower front portion of the pistol-grip housing 12 below the deadman safety switch 20, and may be configured to receive a micro-USB plug (not shown).
[0025] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the controller 10 may further comprise first and second speed control buttons 24, 26 positioned on a middle rear portion of the pistol-grip housing 12 below the brake trigger 16. The first and second speed control buttons 24, 26 may be configured to be actuated by a thumb of the hand when the pistol-grip
2018247272 11 Oct 2018 housing 12 is gripped. In use, the first and second speed control buttons 24, 26 may selectively change the speed of the electric skateboard between two predetermined speed settings, and may also allow the user to access the different user modes to best control the electric skateboard. The controller 10 may further comprise an ON/OFF button 28 positioned on a lower rear portion of the of the pistol-grip housing 12 below the first and second speed control buttons 24, 26. The ON/OFF button 28 may be illuminated by LEDs 30 configured to indicate an ON operating state of the controller 10.
[0026] Referring to Figure 4, the controller 10 may further comprise a rechargeable battery 32 positioned in the pistol-grip housing 12. The micro-USB socket 22 may be configured to charge the rechargeable battery 32 via a micro-USB plug (not shown). The controller 10 may further comprise an electronics assembly 34 positioned in the pistol-grip housing 12 and connected to each of the rechargeable battery 32, accelerator trigger 14, brake trigger 16, display screen 18, first and second speed control buttons 24, 26, deadman safety switch 20, and ON/OFF button 28. The electronics assembly 34 of the controller 10 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with an electronic control module (not shown) of the electric skateboard, and to map or translate user inputs via the controller 10 to the different operations and functionalities of the electric skateboard.
[0027] A removable screen cover 36 may be provided for the display screen 18, and a removable USB cover 38 may be provided for the micro-USB socket 22. Each of the accelerator trigger 14 and the brake trigger 16 may be mounted in the pistol-grip housing 12 via a spring 40 and a pin 42.
[0028] As best seen in Figure 5, the pistol-grip housing 12 may comprise first and second moulded plastic shells 44, 46. First and second grip portions 48, 50 may be respectively over moulded over portions of the first and second moulded plastic shells 36, 38.
[0029] The accelerator trigger 14 and brake trigger 16 may, for example, each comprise a magnetic Hall effect sensor. The first and second speed control buttons 24, 26, deadman safety switch 20, and ON/OFF button 28 may, for example, each comprise a tact switch. The display screen 18 may, for example, comprise a TFT-LCD screen.
2018247272 11 Oct 2018 [0030] Embodiments of the present invention provide a safe, comfortable and intuitive controller that is useful for remotely controlling high performance electric skateboards.
[0031] For the purpose of this specification, the word comprising means including but not limited to, and the word comprises has a corresponding meaning.
[0032] The above embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims that follow.

Claims (16)

1. A controller for an electric skateboard, the controller comprising:
a pistol-grip housing configured to fit in a palm of a hand of a user of the electric skateboard;
an accelerator trigger positioned on an upper front portion of the pistol-grip housing, and configured to be actuated by a first finger of the hand when the pistol-grip housing is gripped;
a brake trigger positioned on an upper rear portion of the pistol-grip housing, and configured to be actuated by a thumb of the hand when the pistol-grip housing is gripped; and a display screen positioned on a front upper portion of the pistol-grip housing above the accelerator trigger and forwardly of the brake trigger, and configured to be viewed by the user when the pistol-grip housing is gripped.
2. The controller of claim 1, further comprising a deadman safety switch positioned on a middle front portion of the pistol-grip housing below the accelerator trigger, and configured to be actuated by second, third and little fingers of the hand when the pistolgrip housing is gripped.
3. The controller of claim 1 or 2, further comprising first and second speed control buttons positioned on a middle rear portion of the pistol-grip housing below the brake trigger, and configured to be actuated by a thumb of the hand when the pistol-grip housing is gripped.
4. The controller of claim 3, further comprising an ON/OFF button positioned on a lower rear portion of the of the pistol-grip housing below the first and second speed control buttons.
5. The controller of claim 4, wherein the ON/OFF button is illuminated by LEDs (light emitting diodes) configured to indicate an ON operating state of the controller.
6. The controller of any preceding claim, further comprising a rechargeable battery positioned in the pistol-grip housing.
2018247272 11 Oct 2018
7. The controller of claim 6, further comprising an electronics assembly module positioned in the pistol-grip housing and connected to each of the rechargeable battery, accelerator trigger, brake trigger, display screen, first and second speed control buttons, deadman safety switch, and ON/OFF button, wherein the electronics assembly is configured to wirelessly communicate with an electronic control module of the electric skateboard.
8. The controller of claim 6, further comprising a micro-USB (universal series bus) socket positioned on a lower front portion of the pistol-grip housing below the deadman safety switch, and configured to receive a micro-USB plug to charge the rechargeable battery.
9. The controller of any preceding claim, wherein the pistol-grip housing comprises first and second moulded plastic shells.
10. The controller of claim 9, wherein the pistol-grip housing further comprises first and second grip portions respectively over moulded over portions of the first and second moulded plastic shells.
11. The controller of claim 1, wherein the accelerator trigger and brake trigger each comprise a magnetic Hall effect sensor.
12. The controller of claim 4, wherein the first and second speed control buttons, deadman safety switch, and ON/OFF button each comprise a tact switch.
13. The controller of claim 1, wherein the display screen comprises a TFT-LCD (thinfilm transistor liquid crystal display) screen.
14. The controller of claim 1, further comprising a removable screen cover for the display screen.
15. The controller of claim 8, further comprising a removable USB cover for the micro-USB socket.
16. A method of remotely controlling an electric skateboard using the controller of any preceding claim.
2018247272 11 Oct 2018
AU2018247272A 2017-10-12 2018-10-11 Controllers for electric skateboards Abandoned AU2018247272A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2017904121 2017-10-12
AU2017904121A AU2017904121A0 (en) 2017-10-12 Controllers for electric skateboards

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2018247272A1 true AU2018247272A1 (en) 2019-05-02

Family

ID=66097733

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2018247272A Abandoned AU2018247272A1 (en) 2017-10-12 2018-10-11 Controllers for electric skateboards

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20190111330A1 (en)
CN (1) CN109649560A (en)
AU (1) AU2018247272A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2017064568A1 (en) 2015-10-16 2017-04-20 Globe International Nominees Pty Ltd Motorized wheel assembly with quick release

Family Cites Families (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6543578B1 (en) * 1996-06-28 2003-04-08 Safety Dynamicon, Inc. Analog control
US6072470A (en) * 1996-08-14 2000-06-06 Sony Corporation Remote control apparatus
US6848527B2 (en) * 2002-10-08 2005-02-01 Lucas J. Nelson Motorized skateboard-type vehicle
CN200962534Y (en) * 2006-07-24 2007-10-17 方毅 A chargeable remote controller based on USB interface
CN100518869C (en) * 2007-05-29 2009-07-29 徐志刚 Remote control electric scooter
JP5235005B2 (en) * 2009-08-31 2013-07-10 株式会社クボタ grip
EP3265355A4 (en) * 2015-03-03 2018-09-12 Inboard Technology, Inc. Handheld controller for a motorized wheel

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN109649560A (en) 2019-04-19
US20190111330A1 (en) 2019-04-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US11198060B2 (en) Control apparatus and control program
US9833700B2 (en) Connectable hand-held controllers for virtual-reality systems
US9197153B2 (en) Power tool having display that displays residual capacity of battery
TWI763512B (en) Pedal system for gaming apparatus
US20070004562A1 (en) Remote control of treadmill
US10722786B2 (en) Video game controller with unitary back shell for button control and battery access
US20170332541A1 (en) Garden-Implement-Handle Device
CN103747841A (en) Game controller
US10209781B2 (en) Input device with contoured region
US11366484B2 (en) User interface device
US11114267B2 (en) Single hand controller
US20180215029A1 (en) Quick double trigger configuration change
EP3785862A1 (en) Tool with wireless switch
KR101857283B1 (en) Steering wheel switching haptical unit and apparatus with the same unit
AU2018247272A1 (en) Controllers for electric skateboards
CN202398111U (en) Rocker of toy aircraft
KR101863460B1 (en) Electric board control system
US20200371613A1 (en) Ergonomic control system for electronic devices
US20090085778A1 (en) Text input device for videogame controller
CN203017777U (en) Single hand hand-held type remote control aircraft remote controller
CN209400938U (en) Intelligence joins control handle
CN213768878U (en) Electric scooter and indicate to dial device thereof
US20170361207A1 (en) Internally illuminable playing cards
CN109324656A (en) Intelligence joins control handle
CN215457450U (en) Hand-held food processor

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PC1 Assignment before grant (sect. 113)

Owner name: EVOLVE SKATEBOARDS IP PTY LTD

Free format text: FORMER APPLICANT(S): EVOLVE SKATEBOARDS PTY LTD

MK4 Application lapsed section 142(2)(d) - no continuation fee paid for the application