CA2429881C

CA2429881C - Gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle

Info

Publication number: CA2429881C
Application number: CA 2429881
Authority: CA
Inventors: Claude Pj. Moreau
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-10-22
Filing date: 2003-05-28
Publication date: 2005-06-14
Anticipated expiration: 2023-05-28
Also published as: CA2429881A1

Abstract

A gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle (fig 1) for recreational riding and racing, most commonly used on hard packed sloped surfaces.
The vehicle (fig 1) comprises of an extruded aluminum chassis (01) mounted on two custom axle assemblies (02) with polyurethane wheels (08) one being positioned at the rear of the chassis (01) and one being positioned in between the seat (15) and the front of the chassis (01). A molded padded seat (15) with raised handgrips (19) is mounted on top of the chassis (01). The seat may, or may not be adjustable, given a choice of forward for shorter riders, or back for taller riders. The chassis may, or may not be telescopic to accommodate shorter or taller riders. A molded leg rest (10) is bolted to the front of the chassis (01) to support and cradle the rider's legs. A back plate (21) with an integral braking system, and spring return (22) is positioned behind the seat.
The vehicle has polyurethane front (11) and rear (17) bumpers.
The vehicle (fig 1) is operated by sitting on the seat (15) with your legs over the leg rest (10). You push off with your hands, and steer by leaning your body to the left for left turns, and to the right for right turns. Braking is done by leaning back on the back plate with integral brake plate. Braking can also be assisted by placing the heals of your shoes on the ground.

Description

SPECIFICATION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle for recreational riding and racing, most commonly used on hard packed sloped surfaces. Most particularly, the invention relates to a durable, stable, easy to maneuver vehicle with an extruded aluminum chassis, molded seat with raised hand grips on the top edge, a molded curved leg rest, with polyurethane front and rear bumpers, two custom axle assemblies with four polyurethane wheels, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake. Also the invention relates to a vehicle which is ridden in a seated position with legs cradled on a curved leg rest, and which is steered by leaning to the left for left turns, and leaning to the right for right turns. Braking is accomplished by leaning back on a hinged back plate which is formed to caress the rear wheels and cause the vehicle to stop. The invention was designed to allow for simple manufacturing of parts and easy assembly, while not jeopardizing the stability, durability, and performance of the vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Although there are various patents disclosing embodiments for wheeled vehicles and skateboard trucks, the following patents known to the inventor hereof, do not in any manner suggest or teach the Gravity Driven Lean to Steer Wheeled Vehicle disclosed and claimed by the applicant in the instant application for patent.
Canadian Patent Application 2,238,468 to Way. Walton, and Newton discloses a gravity driven steerable wheeled vehicle for recreational use, most particularly on surfaces such as pavement, artificial hard-pack turf, mountain slopes, dirt roads, grass and hard-packed snow. The vehicle has at least (3) but preferably four (4) wheels which may or may not be on independent axles one from the other and which may or may not be each independently shock suspended. There is also a steering mechanism for steering the vehicle and a driver compartment portion for containing a driver of the vehicle in a prone face-down and face-forward position. The vehicle is steerable by the driver from the prone face-down and face-forward position. The vehicle may further have a braking system for slowing or stopping the vehicle and a harness apparatus for harnessing the driver onto and into the vehicle. The gravity driven steerable wheeled vehicle mentioned above is driven in a prone face-down and face forward position. In the description of the preferred embodiments in the 29 of 30~' paragraph "the weight is approximately 100 pounds; the length is about 70 inches; the width is about 40 inches..."
The above vehicle is driven in a different position then the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle, which is driven, in a seated position with legs on a forward positioned leg rest. The above vehicle has a steering mechanism where the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle relies simply on a balanced leaning pressure exerted on the pivoting axle assemblies to turn the vehicle. The above vehicle is complex and heavy, the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle weighs approximately 10 to 20 pounds; the length is under 42 inches; the width is about 17 %2 inches.

Canadian Patent 1.073.492 to Kimmell. and Mattel. Issued Mar 1 l, 1980 discloses a skateboard truck having a cup-shaped housing with the axis thereof transverse to a mounting plate member secured adjacent the housing opening, the bottom of the housing pivotally secured thereto a trunnion supporting a transversely extending axle and wheel assembly. An annular rubber cushion fits within the cup in alignment with the axis thereof, the inner surface of the cup and the cushion being matingly configured to restrain the cushion from rotating. A member is received within the cushion, the member having diametrically opposed outwardly extending flanges received within splits within the cushion, the member being secured for rotation with the trunnion whereby the surfaces of the flanges apply circumferential compressive forces to the adjacent surfaces of the cushion during pivoting of the trunnion. Means are provided for axially varying the volume or density of the cushion whereby to vary the circumferential compressive forces resulting from pivoting of the trunnion.
The preceding mentioned skateboard truck however very similar in design to the axle assembly being used on the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle; it does not offer the stability, nor the strength required for the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle. Instead of "a member having diametrically opposed outwardly extending flanges received within splits within the cushion, the member being secured for rotation"(see fig 3 / 4 patent app'cation CA1073492), the instant axle assembly relies on a design, where a pivot pin which is cast with the axle in an opposing angle to the trunnion mount sits in a pivot bushing securing the axle from rotating (see fig 4 section A).
The average skateboard truck axle length is between five and inches and is generally light in construction to allow for tricks and maneuvering. The instant axle length is ten inches and is designed with heavier gussets and a larger shaft diameter, and is designed for stability and strength and has no practical use for skateboards.
U.S. Patent 1.052.722 to RA. Hegel Issued Feb. 11, 1913 shows a coasting device with a pair of rollers generally underneath the rider and a foot rest at the front end. Forward movement is accomplished by pushing offwith a stick, and braking is done by leaning forward and having the front end contact the ground.
The above coasting device is different then the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle which has raised hand grips on a molded seat, a molded curved leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 1,327.123 to F. Thomas Issued Jan. 6, 1920 shows a coaster which utilizes single rollers, hand holding means through notches provided at the sides of the seating surface, a hand lever for brakes, and foot pegs which are used to steer the coaster.
The above coaster is different then the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle which has raised hand grips on a molded seat, a molded curved leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.

U.S. Patent 4.098,519 to Thomas J. Reid. Jr. Issued Jul. 4, 1978 shows a wheeled sled having front steering and hand brakes, and slots on the riding surface to act as hand holds.
It is ridden in a face down face forward position to be able to steer and brake.
The above wheeled sled is different then the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle which is ridden in a seated position, has raised handgrips on a molded seat, with a molded curved leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 4.134.599 to DiMille Issued Jan. 16. 1979 shows a runnerless roller sled which shows a wheeled vehicle with front handgrips and hand brakes, and slots on the sides for gripping the sled while bellywhopping. It is ridden in a face down face forward position, and brakes are applied by hand levers.
The above runnerless roller sled is different then the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle which is ridden in a seated position, it has raised handgrip on a molded seat, with a molded curved leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 4,323.258 to Culpeper Issued Air. 6,1982 shows a convertible coaster having runners or wheels, which is fabricated in the shape of an airplane, it has up to six roller assemblies or runners, pedals at the front end for braking, and a lanyard for steering.
The above convertible coaster having runners or wheels is different then the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded curved leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 4.323.261 to Samuelson Issued Apr. 6. 1982 shows a framework for a skateboard which is to be clamped to a skateboard, to allow less experienced people to ride on a skateboard in a seated position.
The above framework for a skateboard is different then the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded curved leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 4.336.952 to Arnold Rochman Issued Jun. 29, 1982 shows a vehicle with a balancing plane having a seat with handle grips at the rear, hand brake levers on the sides which contact the ground, and foot rest at the front which are used for steering The above vehicle with a balancing plane is different then the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 4.384731 to Webb Issued Max 24, 1983 shows a reclinable skateboard which has a backrest and two elevated foot rest at the front for steering.
The above reclinable skateboard is different then the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded curved leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.

U.S. Patent 4.887,824 to Zatlin Issued Dec. 19. 1989 shows a skatecraft which shows a curved platform with roller assemblies at the front and back, as well as on the upper sides to assist the vehicle when it tilts.
'The above skatecraft is different then the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded curved leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 5.354,081 to Hunan Issued Oct. 11, 1994 shows a stunt riding toy which shows a seat at the rear, a wheel assembly at the front and at the rear, handle bars which project outward from the front of the seat for holding on to, handbrakes, and footrest at the front.
The above stunt riding toy is different then the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded curved leg zest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 5.915.707 to Steffen Issued Jun. 29. 1999 shows a skate-board for reclined use which shows a curved platform with two wheel assemblies which is ridden laying down on ones back, the rider holds onto two post type handgrips with hand brakes.
The above skateboard for reclined use is different then the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded curved leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
The patents noted herein provide information regarding the developments that have taken place in the field of non motorized vehicle technology and skateboard trucks.
Clearly the Gravity Driven Lean to Steer Wheeled Vehicle provides many advantages over the prior art inventions noted above. It is a lightweight vehicle, which is simple in overall design allowing for inexpensive manufacturing and assembly, giving a durable product with a stable and controlled ride.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The most fundamental objects and advantages of the invention are: 1 ) a gravity driven vehicle, 2) that such a vehicle is maneuvered by leaning in the direction you wish to turn, 3) that such a vehicle has four wheels on two pivoting axles, 4) that such a vehicle is ridden in a seated position, 5) that such a vehicle is stable, 6) that such a vehicle is stopped by leaning back on a hinged back plate which is formed to contact the rear wheels, '~ that such a vehicle is durable, 8) that such a vehicle is affordable.
A primary object of the invention is to pa~ovide a stable, durable, and affordable gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle for recreational riding and racing.
Comprising of an extruded aluminum chassis mounted on two custom axle assemblies with polyurethane wheels one being positioned at the rear of the chassis and one being positioned in between the seat and the front of the chassis. A molded padded seat with raised handgrips is mounted on the chassis. The seat may or may not be adjustable, giving a choice of forward for shorter riders, or back ~:or taller riders. The chassis may, or may not be telescopic to accommodate shorter or taller riders. A molded curved padded leg rest is fastened to the front of the chassis to support and cradle the rider's legs. A hinged back plate braking system, and spring return is positioned behind the seat and fastened to the chassis. The vehicle also has polyureth~~ne front and rear bumpers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig.l shows a perspective view of the vehicle itemizing the vehicles basic components, illustrating the aluminum chassis, the custom axle assemblies with polyurethane wheels., the adjustable molded padded seat with raised handgrips, the molded curved leg rest, the hinged back plate braking system, and the front and rear bumpers.
Fig. 2 shows a plan, side and front view of the vehicle itemizing the vehicles components and listing them as: reference no., description, part no., and quantity. This figure also shows basic dimensions.
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the axle assembly itemizing its components.
Fig. 4 shows a plan, front, and sectional side view labeled (Section A) itemizing the axle:
assemblies components arid listing them as: reference no., description, part no., and quantity. This figure also shows basic dimensions.
Fig. 5 shows a perspecrive of the brake assembly itemizing its components.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following is a description of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
In order to most simply and clearly characterize the essential features of the invention reference is made to drawings Fig 1, Fig 2, Fig 3, Fig 4, and Fig 5.
With reference now to Fig 1, and Fig 2 there is illustrated a gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle comprising of an extruded aluminum chassis (01 ) mounted on two custom axle assemblies (02) with eight screws (04) sixteen washers (OS) and eight nuts (06). Two polyurethane wheels (08) are sandwiched between two bearings (07) and are fastened to the axles with four nuts (09). The leg rest (10) is mounted integrally with the front bumper (11) at the front of the vehicle with two screws (12) four washers (13) and two nuts (14).
The seat is mounted at the; back of the vehicle with three screws (12) six washers (13) and three nuts (14). The back lbumper (17) is inserted in the back of the chassis (O1) and secured with a screw (18). Two handgrips (19) are slotted and fit over the top edges of the molded seat (15) and are ~;ecured with eight screws (20). A hinged back plate braking system (21) with spring reaurn (22) is bolted to the rear underside of the chassis behind the seat with a bolt (23) two washers (24) and a locknut (09).

The driver of the vehicle is held in place by the molded padded seat and handgrips. The molded padded leg rest having a curved face helps cradle and keep the driver's legs in position. The custom axle assemblies Fig 3 and Fig 4 are ten inches in width, which give needed lateral stability. The chassis is made from 1 %Z inch x 3 inch x (34 to 40) inch long extruded aluminum tube with .120 inch wall thickness and .120 inch radiused corners.
The molded seat may he manufactured with aluminum, molded fiberglass, or plastic.
The seat has closed cell foam laminated to the top surface to provide a cushion.
The handgrips may be manufactured from plastic, polyurethane, rubber; or may even bf;
molded as part of the seat.
The molded leg rest may be manufactured with aluminum, molded fiberglass, or plastic;.
The leg rest has closed cell foam laminated to the top surface to provide a cushion.
With reference now to Fig 3 and Fig 4 the axle assembly is made of two main components. The base (50) which is an aluminum casting, and the 5/16 inch diameter x 10 inch wide steel axle cast in aluminum (54). The two parts are mated together as shown in Fig 4 Section A, with a polyurethane pivot bushing (51 ) inserted in the base.
A 3/8-24 x 2 inch Hex Head Cap Screw (52) inserted through the base (50) with a large polyurethane bushing (53) between the base (50) and the axle (54) a smaller polyurethane bushing (55) at the bottom with a cup washer (56) and a Nylock Nut (57) holding it together.
The amount of stability can be regulated simply by tightening the nut (57) limiting the amount of pivot and turn giving more sta>,~ility, or by loosening the nut (57) increasing the pivot and turn giving more turning abili~~y.
With reference now to Fig 5 the brake assembly (21) is made of a cushioned back plate which is attached to two vertical prongs which form a curved brake pad which caresses thc:
rear wheels, and is attached to the lower rear portion of the chassis just behind the seat to a hinge plate (60) with a he:x head cap screw (23), washers (24), and a Nylock Nut (09). A
spring (22) is used to keep the assembly in a brake off position.
The preferred size of the vehicle is as follows: the weight is approximately 12 to 16 pounds, the length is under 42 inches; the width is about 17 %Z inches; the wheel base is about 24 3/4 inches; and the height is about 10 S/16 inches.
It is thought that the present gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle, used for recreational riding or racing down hard packed sloped surfaces, and many of its outlined advantages is understood from the foregoing description and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form herf;in described being merely a preferred exemplary embodiment thereof.

Claims

1 The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle comprising:
-a chassis hawing a front portion, a rear portion, an underside and a top side;
-a molded seat with raised sides and hand grips on said chassis top side configured to give a rider on said seat balance and control;
-a molded curved leg rest on said chassis top front portion helping the rider to keep balance and control;
-custom front and rear pivoting axle assemblies for stability and control in turning;
-a back plate-braking system which is bolted to a hinge plate behind the seat to the underside of the chassis is formed to contact the rear wheels when the rider leans back on the back plate, and a spring keeps the hack plate in a vertical brake off position;
-means for attaching a rear pivoting axle assembly at said chassis underside rear portion;
-means for attaching a front pivoting axle assembly at said chassis underside front portion;
-means for attaching a molded leg rest at said chassis top side front portion;
-means for attaching an adjustable molded seat with hand grips at said chassis top side rear portion;
-means to adjust said molded seat forward or backward to accommodate rider maintaining the riders center of gravity over the two pivoting axle assemblies;
-means for attaching said back plate-braking system to the rear of the chassis.

2. The gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said chassis is telescopic to accommodate shorter or taller riders.

3. The gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said molded seat is manufactured with aluminum, molded fiberglass, or plastic.

4. The gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said hand grips are manufactured from plastic, polyurethane, or rubber.

5. The gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said hand grips are mounted on the top edge of the curved seat with raised sides to allow the driver to lean without danger of his hands hitting the ground.

6. The gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said molded curved leg rest is manufactured with aluminum, molded fiberglass, or plastic.

7. The gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said custom front and rear axle assemblies comprises of a 5/16 inch diameter by ten inch wide steel axle cast in aluminum, which is joined to a base with a bolted assembly consisting of a belt passing through the base and down from the chassis, a polyurethane bushing being sandwiched between the base and the axle casting, a second polyurethane bushing placed an the underside of the axle casting held in place with a cup washer and a nut with the axle also having a pivot pin recessed at an opposite angle to the said bolt assembly into the base keeping the axle from rotating but not from pivoting which is controlled by loosening or tightening the bolt which compresses the polyurethane bushings.

8. The gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said back plate-braking system to be used by the rider to stop the vehicle is attached to two vertical prongs which form curved brake pads which caress the rear wheels, and cause friction with the rear wheels thereby causing the vehicle to stop.

9. The gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said means for attaching comprises of a one and a half inch by threw inch extruded aluminum tube representing said chassis being pre-drilled and machined for assembly of parts.

10. The gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said means to adjust said molded seat forward or backward to accommodate rider maintaining the riders center of gravity over the two custom axle assemblies comprises of extra hates provided in the chassis allowing positioning; of the seat to be adjusted for the rider in order to keep the riders center of gravity balanced over the custom axle assemblies which is critical in maintaining a balanced turn from both said axles.

11. The gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle according to claim 1 wherein said hand grips are molded as part of the seat.