CA2299008A1 - Board with rollers for descending hills - Google Patents
Board with rollers for descending hills Download PDFInfo
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- CA2299008A1 CA2299008A1 CA 2299008 CA2299008A CA2299008A1 CA 2299008 A1 CA2299008 A1 CA 2299008A1 CA 2299008 CA2299008 CA 2299008 CA 2299008 A CA2299008 A CA 2299008A CA 2299008 A1 CA2299008 A1 CA 2299008A1
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Abstract
A rollerboard has a platform and a plurality of rollers. The rollers are disposed below the platform and extend transversely of the platform. The rollers are arranged one behind the other along the length of the platform and have lengths which progressively decrease from each end of the platform toward the centre of the platform. When the rider leans towards one side, the edge of the rollers provide a rough arc through which a turn is effected.
Description
BOARD WITH ROLLERS FOR DESCENDING HILLS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a board with rollers which can be used on hills with soft or grassy terrain.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a board with rollers which can be used on hills with soft or grassy terrain.
2. Description of the Related Art . Snowboarding has become increasingly popular and is quickly emerging as a full-fledged competitive winter sport with acrobatic exhibitions and artistic performances.
Accordingly, snowboards now account for a significant portion of traffic on the slopes at ski resorts. As the sport evolves however, efforts have been directed towards expanding its field of practice, which until now has been substantially limited to snow covered slopes. Snowboard athletes and enthusiasts require warm weather training aids to allow them the opportunity to practice for their sport all year around. Thus, a need has appeared for dry land snowboards that can faithfully reproduce the sensation of riding on a snowboard while being used on terrain with an irregular topography, not unlike a snowboarding slope.
While skateboards allow riding on dry land, they are unable to imitate the turning characteristics of snowboards. As is well understood, snowboards are one track devices that turn primarily by "edging". When a rider leans his weight towards the intended direction of travel, the snowboard leans onto its edge and turns an arc equivalent to the board's edge. This is made possible by the presence of sidecuts in the board and flex in the board design. In comparison, skateboards are two track devices that turn by steering. While both devices can "carve", that is, turn as a result of the rider leaning towards the intended direction of travel, they do so through a different mechanism. As a result, two track devices do not make effective training aids for snowboarders.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,385, issued January 5, 1999 to Hambsch, describes a wheeled board device that has a platform with concave sides. Primary wheels are located along a central longitudinal axis of the platform and outrigger wheels are located along the concave sides so that the apparatus is a capable of turning as a two track device in a learner mode and is also capable of turning as a one track device in a more advanced expert mode. While perhaps functional on a paved surface, this wheeled board device would be undermined by dirt and grass if it were used on rough hill terrain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention seeks to provide roller boards which can simulate the turning characteristics of a snowboard.
The present invention provides a rollerboard apparatus with a platform and a plurality of rollers. The rollers are disposed below the platform and extend transversely of the platform.
The rollers are arranged one behind the other along the length of the platform and have lengths which progressively decrease from each end of the platform toward the centre of the platform.
The provision of rollers with decreasing lengths towards the centre of the platform imitates the function of sidecuts in a snowboard and enables the rollerboard apparatus to turn by "edging".
When the rider leans towards one side, the edge of the rollers provide a rough arc through which the turn is effected. The use of elongated rollers increases the amount of roller surface engaging the ground thereby reducing the possibility of rollers digging into soft hill terrain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be further understood from the following description with references to the drawings in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a board with rollers for descending hills in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the board shown in FIG. 1 with the right hand carriage shown in section;
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the board shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3A is an enlarged bottom view of a portion of the board indicated at 3A
in FIG.
Accordingly, snowboards now account for a significant portion of traffic on the slopes at ski resorts. As the sport evolves however, efforts have been directed towards expanding its field of practice, which until now has been substantially limited to snow covered slopes. Snowboard athletes and enthusiasts require warm weather training aids to allow them the opportunity to practice for their sport all year around. Thus, a need has appeared for dry land snowboards that can faithfully reproduce the sensation of riding on a snowboard while being used on terrain with an irregular topography, not unlike a snowboarding slope.
While skateboards allow riding on dry land, they are unable to imitate the turning characteristics of snowboards. As is well understood, snowboards are one track devices that turn primarily by "edging". When a rider leans his weight towards the intended direction of travel, the snowboard leans onto its edge and turns an arc equivalent to the board's edge. This is made possible by the presence of sidecuts in the board and flex in the board design. In comparison, skateboards are two track devices that turn by steering. While both devices can "carve", that is, turn as a result of the rider leaning towards the intended direction of travel, they do so through a different mechanism. As a result, two track devices do not make effective training aids for snowboarders.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,385, issued January 5, 1999 to Hambsch, describes a wheeled board device that has a platform with concave sides. Primary wheels are located along a central longitudinal axis of the platform and outrigger wheels are located along the concave sides so that the apparatus is a capable of turning as a two track device in a learner mode and is also capable of turning as a one track device in a more advanced expert mode. While perhaps functional on a paved surface, this wheeled board device would be undermined by dirt and grass if it were used on rough hill terrain.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention seeks to provide roller boards which can simulate the turning characteristics of a snowboard.
The present invention provides a rollerboard apparatus with a platform and a plurality of rollers. The rollers are disposed below the platform and extend transversely of the platform.
The rollers are arranged one behind the other along the length of the platform and have lengths which progressively decrease from each end of the platform toward the centre of the platform.
The provision of rollers with decreasing lengths towards the centre of the platform imitates the function of sidecuts in a snowboard and enables the rollerboard apparatus to turn by "edging".
When the rider leans towards one side, the edge of the rollers provide a rough arc through which the turn is effected. The use of elongated rollers increases the amount of roller surface engaging the ground thereby reducing the possibility of rollers digging into soft hill terrain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will be further understood from the following description with references to the drawings in which FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a board with rollers for descending hills in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of the board shown in FIG. 1 with the right hand carriage shown in section;
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the board shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3A is an enlarged bottom view of a portion of the board indicated at 3A
in FIG.
3;
FIG. 4 is a top view of the board shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a front elevation view looking in the direction of arrows 5 - 5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary exploded view of a portion of the board of FIG. 1;
and FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the board in another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Refernng to FIG. 1, a board with rollers for descending hills 110 comprises an elongated platform 112 ; roller assemblies 130 and 132 ; and a pair of bindings 134a and 134b (collectively bindings 134).
The bindings 134 are mounted to a top surface 114 of platform 112 and positioned centrally over roller assemblies 130 and 132, so as the weight of the rider is evenly distributed across the roller assemblies. In the preferred embodiment, the bindings 134 are rigidly mounted one behind the other and oriented transversely to a longitudinal centre line 115 of platform 112.
Alternatively, the bindings 134 may be mounted as desired on platform 112 in fore and aft or staggered orientations. As well, the bindings 134 may be free to pivot on top surface 114.
Preferably, the bindings 134 are snowboard type bindings as shown in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 4, the platform 112 has a length L and a maximum width W. The length L of the platform is preferably at least four times the maximum width W. In a preferred embodiment, the platform 112 has a maximum width W of 11.25 in. and a length L
of 48 in., but these dimensions may be varied to adjust to the various body types (height, weight) of riders. Preferably, the length L and maximum width W of platform 112 closely resemble those of a snowboard and are much larger than those of a conventional skateboard deck, which typically measures in the range of 7.5 in. to 8.5 in. in width and 31 in. to 34 in. in length. As will be explained later, this additional size enhances the stability of the board and gives the rider greater control as the board with rollers 110 descends a hill.
The platform 112 has roughly the same flexural and torsional characteristics as a snowboard. The platform 112 may be constructed of any conventional materials including, but not limited to: wood, fibreglass, mold injected or spun plastic and metal, such as aluminum or a composite thereof. If wood is chosen, laminates may be particularly preferred to enhance strength and durability. Similarly, preferred fibreglass constructs includes cores of disparate materials (not illustrated), such as balsa, in order to enhance rigidity and support.
As is shown in FIG. 3, the portion of the platform between the front 124 end and the centre 126 of the platform and the portion of the platform between the rear 128 end and the centre 126 of the platform, are identically shaped and preferably taper inwardly towards the centre 126 of the platform, much like in a snowboard. However, it will be appreciated that the shape of the platform could be altered to allow for design or stylistic effects.
Roller assemblies 130 and 132 are positioned along longitudinal centre line 115 of the platform, extending from the front 124 and rear 128 ends of the platform, respectively. The roller assemblies 130 and 132 are preferably transversely spaced as far apart from each other as the length L of the platform will permit so as to create a longer wheel base. In the preferred embodiment, the length of the wheel base as measured from an axle 160 of roller assembly 130 to an axle 166 of roller assembly 132 is 37.5 in. In comparison, the length of the wheel base on a conventional skateboard is 20 in. A longer wheel base increases stability and makes for an easier ride down the hill in the same manner as increasing the length of the base of a snowboard contributes to its overall stability.
FIG. 4 is a top view of the board shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a front elevation view looking in the direction of arrows 5 - 5 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary exploded view of a portion of the board of FIG. 1;
and FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the board in another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Refernng to FIG. 1, a board with rollers for descending hills 110 comprises an elongated platform 112 ; roller assemblies 130 and 132 ; and a pair of bindings 134a and 134b (collectively bindings 134).
The bindings 134 are mounted to a top surface 114 of platform 112 and positioned centrally over roller assemblies 130 and 132, so as the weight of the rider is evenly distributed across the roller assemblies. In the preferred embodiment, the bindings 134 are rigidly mounted one behind the other and oriented transversely to a longitudinal centre line 115 of platform 112.
Alternatively, the bindings 134 may be mounted as desired on platform 112 in fore and aft or staggered orientations. As well, the bindings 134 may be free to pivot on top surface 114.
Preferably, the bindings 134 are snowboard type bindings as shown in FIG. 1.
As shown in FIG. 4, the platform 112 has a length L and a maximum width W. The length L of the platform is preferably at least four times the maximum width W. In a preferred embodiment, the platform 112 has a maximum width W of 11.25 in. and a length L
of 48 in., but these dimensions may be varied to adjust to the various body types (height, weight) of riders. Preferably, the length L and maximum width W of platform 112 closely resemble those of a snowboard and are much larger than those of a conventional skateboard deck, which typically measures in the range of 7.5 in. to 8.5 in. in width and 31 in. to 34 in. in length. As will be explained later, this additional size enhances the stability of the board and gives the rider greater control as the board with rollers 110 descends a hill.
The platform 112 has roughly the same flexural and torsional characteristics as a snowboard. The platform 112 may be constructed of any conventional materials including, but not limited to: wood, fibreglass, mold injected or spun plastic and metal, such as aluminum or a composite thereof. If wood is chosen, laminates may be particularly preferred to enhance strength and durability. Similarly, preferred fibreglass constructs includes cores of disparate materials (not illustrated), such as balsa, in order to enhance rigidity and support.
As is shown in FIG. 3, the portion of the platform between the front 124 end and the centre 126 of the platform and the portion of the platform between the rear 128 end and the centre 126 of the platform, are identically shaped and preferably taper inwardly towards the centre 126 of the platform, much like in a snowboard. However, it will be appreciated that the shape of the platform could be altered to allow for design or stylistic effects.
Roller assemblies 130 and 132 are positioned along longitudinal centre line 115 of the platform, extending from the front 124 and rear 128 ends of the platform, respectively. The roller assemblies 130 and 132 are preferably transversely spaced as far apart from each other as the length L of the platform will permit so as to create a longer wheel base. In the preferred embodiment, the length of the wheel base as measured from an axle 160 of roller assembly 130 to an axle 166 of roller assembly 132 is 37.5 in. In comparison, the length of the wheel base on a conventional skateboard is 20 in. A longer wheel base increases stability and makes for an easier ride down the hill in the same manner as increasing the length of the base of a snowboard contributes to its overall stability.
Referring to both FIGS. 3 and 5, the shoulder portions 118 and 120 of the platform extend downwardly from the bottom surface 116. In the preferred embodiment, the shoulder portions 118 and 120 run along the bottom surface 116 parallel to the inwardly tapered sides 122 of the platform. The roller assembly 130 comprises a pair of spaced L-shaped mounting brackets 138 and 140 which incline towards each other towards the centre 126 of the platform.
The mounting brackets 138 and 140 are fixed to a mounting surface 136 of shoulder portions 118 and 120 (which mounting surface is parallel to the bottom surface 116 of the platform) by a number of screws or other suitable fasteners. It will be appreciated that although the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings takes the form of a platform having shoulder portions to which are attached mounting brackets, the manner by which the roller assemblies are mounted to the platform could differ in other embodiments of the invention. For example, the platform could be constructed without shoulder portions, in which case the mounting brackets (modified to provide a suitable stand-off between platform and the rollers) could be directly fastened to the bottom surface of the platform. Alternatively, a C-shaped mounting bracket extending laterally across the platform could be used in place of each pair of like L-shaped mounting brackets. In another variation, the brackets could be moulded into the platform such that the board and mounting brackets form a single unit.
Referring to FIG. 6, the mounting brackets 138 and 140 have slots 142. When the mounting brackets 138 and 140 are secured to the platform, corresponding slots of each bracket are transversely aligned. The roller assembly 130 thus has pairs of directly opposed slots 142.
In the preferred embodiment, each slot 142 receives a roller suspension 144.
The roller suspension 144 preferably comprises a sliding block 146, a helical coil spring 148 and a neoprene pad 156 assembled to form what is known as a captive sliding block arrangement. The sliding block 146 has a counterbore 150 to locate the helical spring 148. The other end of helical spring 148 is similarly located in a counterbore 154 provided within the mounting brackets 138 and 140. The neoprene pad 156 is located at the bottom of slot 142 and supports the sliding block 146. The sliding block 146 has channels 152a and 152b which slidingly engage the walls of slot 142. As seen in FIGS. 3A and 6, the sliding block 146 supports the end of a roller axle 160 of a roller 161a. The bore 174 within sliding block 146 is oriented so that when the sliding block 146 is received within slot 142, the sliding block receives roller axle 160 perpendicularly.
The mounting brackets 138 and 140 are fixed to a mounting surface 136 of shoulder portions 118 and 120 (which mounting surface is parallel to the bottom surface 116 of the platform) by a number of screws or other suitable fasteners. It will be appreciated that although the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings takes the form of a platform having shoulder portions to which are attached mounting brackets, the manner by which the roller assemblies are mounted to the platform could differ in other embodiments of the invention. For example, the platform could be constructed without shoulder portions, in which case the mounting brackets (modified to provide a suitable stand-off between platform and the rollers) could be directly fastened to the bottom surface of the platform. Alternatively, a C-shaped mounting bracket extending laterally across the platform could be used in place of each pair of like L-shaped mounting brackets. In another variation, the brackets could be moulded into the platform such that the board and mounting brackets form a single unit.
Referring to FIG. 6, the mounting brackets 138 and 140 have slots 142. When the mounting brackets 138 and 140 are secured to the platform, corresponding slots of each bracket are transversely aligned. The roller assembly 130 thus has pairs of directly opposed slots 142.
In the preferred embodiment, each slot 142 receives a roller suspension 144.
The roller suspension 144 preferably comprises a sliding block 146, a helical coil spring 148 and a neoprene pad 156 assembled to form what is known as a captive sliding block arrangement. The sliding block 146 has a counterbore 150 to locate the helical spring 148. The other end of helical spring 148 is similarly located in a counterbore 154 provided within the mounting brackets 138 and 140. The neoprene pad 156 is located at the bottom of slot 142 and supports the sliding block 146. The sliding block 146 has channels 152a and 152b which slidingly engage the walls of slot 142. As seen in FIGS. 3A and 6, the sliding block 146 supports the end of a roller axle 160 of a roller 161a. The bore 174 within sliding block 146 is oriented so that when the sliding block 146 is received within slot 142, the sliding block receives roller axle 160 perpendicularly.
The roller suspension 144 serves to absorb some of the shock that is encountered by the rider when the board is used to descend hills that have rocky and uneven terrain. In this way, the roller suspension 144 allows for improved steering and provides the rider with a smoother ride. In addition, the roller suspension 144 reduces the stress on the platform. While roller suspensions are preferred for these reasons, they are not necessary. .
Referring to FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment, the roller assembly 130 has three cylindrical rollers 161a, 161b and 161c which are rotatably mounted to roller axles 160, 162 and 164, respectively. Bearings 172 (shown in FIG. 6) embedded within the rollers permit the rollers to rotate about the roller axles. The roller axles 160, 162 and 164 are preferably equally spaced from each other and are disposed transversely between the mounting brackets 138 and 140. The opposite ends of roller axles 160, 162 and 164 are received in and supported by roller suspensions 144. Spacer bushings 168 disposed on the roller axles between the rollers and the roller suspensions 144 prevent the rollers from coming into contact with the mounting brackets 138 and 140. Crown nuts 170 (shown in FIG. 6) thread to the axles to secure the roller axles to the roller suspensions 144.
In the preferred embodiment, rollers 161a, 161b, and 161c substantially span the width of the platform 112. The use of elongated rollers increases the amount of roller surface engaging the ground thereby reducing the possibility of the rollers digging into soft hill terrain, for example, dirt or grass. In addition, the use of elongated rollers in the roller assembly provides an advantage over the narrower wheels employed in conventional skateboards in that there are fewer places for grass or other vegetation to become stuck in the roller assembly and slow down the board with rollers 110.
As shown in FIG. 3, the lengths of rollers 161a,161b and 161c progressively decrease towards the centre 126 of the platform so that the outside roller 161a is longer than the middle roller 161b which is longer than the inner roller 161c located nearest to the centre 126 of the platform.
Referring to FIG. 3, in the preferred embodiment, the roller assembly 130 has three cylindrical rollers 161a, 161b and 161c which are rotatably mounted to roller axles 160, 162 and 164, respectively. Bearings 172 (shown in FIG. 6) embedded within the rollers permit the rollers to rotate about the roller axles. The roller axles 160, 162 and 164 are preferably equally spaced from each other and are disposed transversely between the mounting brackets 138 and 140. The opposite ends of roller axles 160, 162 and 164 are received in and supported by roller suspensions 144. Spacer bushings 168 disposed on the roller axles between the rollers and the roller suspensions 144 prevent the rollers from coming into contact with the mounting brackets 138 and 140. Crown nuts 170 (shown in FIG. 6) thread to the axles to secure the roller axles to the roller suspensions 144.
In the preferred embodiment, rollers 161a, 161b, and 161c substantially span the width of the platform 112. The use of elongated rollers increases the amount of roller surface engaging the ground thereby reducing the possibility of the rollers digging into soft hill terrain, for example, dirt or grass. In addition, the use of elongated rollers in the roller assembly provides an advantage over the narrower wheels employed in conventional skateboards in that there are fewer places for grass or other vegetation to become stuck in the roller assembly and slow down the board with rollers 110.
As shown in FIG. 3, the lengths of rollers 161a,161b and 161c progressively decrease towards the centre 126 of the platform so that the outside roller 161a is longer than the middle roller 161b which is longer than the inner roller 161c located nearest to the centre 126 of the platform.
Roller assembly 132 is a mirror image of roller assembly 130; thus, it also comprises a series of rollers 167a, 167b and 167c with the outside roller being the longest roller and the narrowest roller being most proximate the centre 126 of the platform.
The tapering of the roller lengths in this fashion facilitates changing directions and simulates the turning characteristics of snowboarding. In the board with rollers 110, the provision of rollers 161a, 161b, 161c, 167a, 167b and 167c with decreasing lengths towards the centre of the platform imitate the function of sidecuts in a snowboard.
When the rider leans towards one side, the edge of rollers 161a, 161b,161c, 167a, 167b and 167c provide a rough arc through which the turn is effected. Thus, the board with rollers 110 turn by "edging" much like the snowboard. As with the snowboard, the rider of the board with rollers 110 may vary the distribution of his weight along the board 112 to effect a more or less severe turn. The ability to carve in the board with rollers is further enhanced by the roller suspension 144 as well as the flex in the board 112 itself. The turning characteristics of the board with rollers 110 are I S also affected by the degree with which the lengths of the rollers are tapered inwardly. It will be appreciated that a more drastic tapering of the roller lengths will of necessity provide the board with rollers 110 with a smaller turning radius and consequently, a quicker responsiveness.
However, excessive tapering will adversely affect the stability of the board with rollers 110 and effectively, provides less roller surface to engage the ground. It is preferred that the tapering of the roller lengths parallels the tapering of the platform such that an experienced rider can ascertain the quick responsiveness or "turnability" of the board with rollers 110 by generally looking at the inwardly tapered sides 122 of platform 112, much in the same way a snowboarder would appreciate the turnability of his snowboard by glancing at the sidecuts of the board. In a preferred embodiment, the lengths of the rollers are progressively tapered with the length of outer roller 161a being 7.25 in., the length of middle roller 161b being 6.83 in., and the length of inner roller 161c being 6.5 in. In a preferred embodiment, the minimum length for the inner roller located nearest to the centre 126 of the platform is 6 in.
In a preferred embodiment, the rollers 161a,161,161c,167a,167b and 167c each have an outer diameter of 3.5 inches. This outer diameter has been found to be sufficiently large so as to avoid problems with grass catching on the rollers and slowing down the board as it descends a grassy hill. However, preferably the outer diameter is generally greater than 2 in.
_7_ The rollers 161a, 161b, 161c, 167a, 167b and 167c may be constructed from rubber or a synthetic hard resin such as a hard plastic. Alternatively, the rollers may also be manufactured with foam cores and with fibreglass reinforced plastic, polypropylene, polyurethane, ABS
plastic tubing or rubber exteriors. In another embodiment, the rollers could be cylindrical low pressure pneumatic roller tires made of rubber or other suitable materials. In this embodiment, the roller assemblies would be outfitted with no roller suspensions as the pneumatic roller tires themselves would act to absorb shock. Furthermore, where pneumatic roller tires would be used instead of hard plastic rollers, these roller tires would have tread at their edges so as to facilitate turning.
Referring to FIG. 5, the board 110 is preferably provided with a clearance of at least 0.25 in. between rollers 161a,161b,161c,167a,167b and 167c and the bottom surface 116 of the platform. This clearance provides a safeguard against a stone or other debris lodging between the rollers and the platform and freezing the rotation of any of the rollers during the descent.
It will be appreciated that although the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings takes the form of two roller assemblies, each having three elongated rollers, the invention could take a different form. For example, the middle roller could be removed from each roller assembly. In this variation, each roller assembly would thus have an outer roller located proximate an end of the platform and an inner roller located more proximate to the centre of the platform. The distance as between these rollers could remain the same as for the corresponding rollers of the three roller embodiment of the invention. It will be appreciated that removing the middle roller would make the board with rollers capable of achieving greater speeds as a result of a lightened roller assembly and a reduction in rolling friction. However, less stability would be afforded with the two roller embodiment as a result of the missing roller.
Alternatively, if stability were a primary consideration, as is the case for novice riders, additional rollers could be added to the roller assembly. In a further variation, each roller could be build up from wheels 750 mounted side-by-side on each roller axle, as shown in FIG. 7. The adjacent wheels could be independently rotatable to accommodate for the tendency for opposite ends of a roller to travel at different speeds when rounding curves.
_g_ Although the present invention has been illustrated with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the specifics set forth therein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations within the spirit and the scope of the present invention, and all such variations and modifications are intended to be covered by the present invention, which is defined by the following claims.
The tapering of the roller lengths in this fashion facilitates changing directions and simulates the turning characteristics of snowboarding. In the board with rollers 110, the provision of rollers 161a, 161b, 161c, 167a, 167b and 167c with decreasing lengths towards the centre of the platform imitate the function of sidecuts in a snowboard.
When the rider leans towards one side, the edge of rollers 161a, 161b,161c, 167a, 167b and 167c provide a rough arc through which the turn is effected. Thus, the board with rollers 110 turn by "edging" much like the snowboard. As with the snowboard, the rider of the board with rollers 110 may vary the distribution of his weight along the board 112 to effect a more or less severe turn. The ability to carve in the board with rollers is further enhanced by the roller suspension 144 as well as the flex in the board 112 itself. The turning characteristics of the board with rollers 110 are I S also affected by the degree with which the lengths of the rollers are tapered inwardly. It will be appreciated that a more drastic tapering of the roller lengths will of necessity provide the board with rollers 110 with a smaller turning radius and consequently, a quicker responsiveness.
However, excessive tapering will adversely affect the stability of the board with rollers 110 and effectively, provides less roller surface to engage the ground. It is preferred that the tapering of the roller lengths parallels the tapering of the platform such that an experienced rider can ascertain the quick responsiveness or "turnability" of the board with rollers 110 by generally looking at the inwardly tapered sides 122 of platform 112, much in the same way a snowboarder would appreciate the turnability of his snowboard by glancing at the sidecuts of the board. In a preferred embodiment, the lengths of the rollers are progressively tapered with the length of outer roller 161a being 7.25 in., the length of middle roller 161b being 6.83 in., and the length of inner roller 161c being 6.5 in. In a preferred embodiment, the minimum length for the inner roller located nearest to the centre 126 of the platform is 6 in.
In a preferred embodiment, the rollers 161a,161,161c,167a,167b and 167c each have an outer diameter of 3.5 inches. This outer diameter has been found to be sufficiently large so as to avoid problems with grass catching on the rollers and slowing down the board as it descends a grassy hill. However, preferably the outer diameter is generally greater than 2 in.
_7_ The rollers 161a, 161b, 161c, 167a, 167b and 167c may be constructed from rubber or a synthetic hard resin such as a hard plastic. Alternatively, the rollers may also be manufactured with foam cores and with fibreglass reinforced plastic, polypropylene, polyurethane, ABS
plastic tubing or rubber exteriors. In another embodiment, the rollers could be cylindrical low pressure pneumatic roller tires made of rubber or other suitable materials. In this embodiment, the roller assemblies would be outfitted with no roller suspensions as the pneumatic roller tires themselves would act to absorb shock. Furthermore, where pneumatic roller tires would be used instead of hard plastic rollers, these roller tires would have tread at their edges so as to facilitate turning.
Referring to FIG. 5, the board 110 is preferably provided with a clearance of at least 0.25 in. between rollers 161a,161b,161c,167a,167b and 167c and the bottom surface 116 of the platform. This clearance provides a safeguard against a stone or other debris lodging between the rollers and the platform and freezing the rotation of any of the rollers during the descent.
It will be appreciated that although the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings takes the form of two roller assemblies, each having three elongated rollers, the invention could take a different form. For example, the middle roller could be removed from each roller assembly. In this variation, each roller assembly would thus have an outer roller located proximate an end of the platform and an inner roller located more proximate to the centre of the platform. The distance as between these rollers could remain the same as for the corresponding rollers of the three roller embodiment of the invention. It will be appreciated that removing the middle roller would make the board with rollers capable of achieving greater speeds as a result of a lightened roller assembly and a reduction in rolling friction. However, less stability would be afforded with the two roller embodiment as a result of the missing roller.
Alternatively, if stability were a primary consideration, as is the case for novice riders, additional rollers could be added to the roller assembly. In a further variation, each roller could be build up from wheels 750 mounted side-by-side on each roller axle, as shown in FIG. 7. The adjacent wheels could be independently rotatable to accommodate for the tendency for opposite ends of a roller to travel at different speeds when rounding curves.
_g_ Although the present invention has been illustrated with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the specifics set forth therein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations within the spirit and the scope of the present invention, and all such variations and modifications are intended to be covered by the present invention, which is defined by the following claims.
Claims (19)
1. A board with rollers comprising:
a platform for supporting a rider;
a plurality of rollers, each of said rollers disposed below said platform and extending transversely of said platform; said plurality of rollers arranged one behind the next in a line along a length of said platform; said plurality of rollers having lengths which progressively decrease from each end of said platform toward a centre of said platform.
a platform for supporting a rider;
a plurality of rollers, each of said rollers disposed below said platform and extending transversely of said platform; said plurality of rollers arranged one behind the next in a line along a length of said platform; said plurality of rollers having lengths which progressively decrease from each end of said platform toward a centre of said platform.
2. The board of claim 1 comprising at least two rollers between a front end of said platform and said centre of said platform and at least two rollers between a rear end of said platform and said centre of said platform.
3. The board of claim 1 comprising at least three rollers between said front end of said platform and said centre of said platform and at least three rollers between said rear end of said platform and said centre of said platform.
4. The board of claim 3 wherein said rollers between said front end and said centre of said platform are equally spaced one behind another and wherein said rollers between said centre of said platform and said rear end of said platform end are equally spaced one behind another.
5. The board of claim 3 comprising a pair of suspensions for each roller.
6. The board of claim 5 wherein each suspension comprises a captive sliding block.
7. The board of claim 2 wherein said rollers are cylindrical.
8. The board of claim 7 wherein said rollers are pneumatic.
9. The board of claim 3 wherein said rollers are cylindrical.
10. The board of claim 9 wherein said rollers are pneumatic.
11. The board of claim 9 wherein each roller has an outer diameter greater than 2 in.
12. The board of claim 9 wherein said rollers most proximate to said centre of said platform have a length of at least 6 in.
13. The board of claim 3 comprising mounting means for securing said rollers to a bottom surface of said platform.
14. The board of claim 1 wherein said platform has a length at least four times a maximum width of said platform.
15. The board of claim 14 wherein said maximum width is greater than 8.5 in.
16. The board of claim 3 wherein said platform has sides which taper inwardly towards said centre of said platform and wherein said length of each roller parallels the tapering of said sides.
17. The board of claim 1 comprising foot retainers disposed above said platform.
18. The board of claim 17 wherein foot retainers are bindings rigidly mounted to a top surface of said platform.
19. A board with rollers comprising:
a platform for supporting a rider;
a plurality of series of side-side wheels, each said series comprising at least two co-axial wheels; each said series disposed below said platform and extending transversely of said platform; said plurality of series arranged one behind the next in a line along a length of said platform; said plurality of series having lengths which progressively decrease from each end of said platform toward a centre of said platform.
a platform for supporting a rider;
a plurality of series of side-side wheels, each said series comprising at least two co-axial wheels; each said series disposed below said platform and extending transversely of said platform; said plurality of series arranged one behind the next in a line along a length of said platform; said plurality of series having lengths which progressively decrease from each end of said platform toward a centre of said platform.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US29945999A | 1999-04-26 | 1999-04-26 | |
| US09/299,459 | 1999-04-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2299008A1 true CA2299008A1 (en) | 2000-10-26 |
Family
ID=31887955
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2299008 Abandoned CA2299008A1 (en) | 1999-04-26 | 2000-02-21 | Board with rollers for descending hills |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2299008A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9327182B1 (en) | 2014-04-07 | 2016-05-03 | Frank Meak | Two wheeled recreational board |
| USD785737S1 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2017-05-02 | Frank Meak | Two wheeled recreational board |
-
2000
- 2000-02-21 CA CA 2299008 patent/CA2299008A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9327182B1 (en) | 2014-04-07 | 2016-05-03 | Frank Meak | Two wheeled recreational board |
| USD785737S1 (en) | 2015-01-09 | 2017-05-02 | Frank Meak | Two wheeled recreational board |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |