EP2107925A2

EP2107925A2 - Personnel transportation devices

Info

Publication number: EP2107925A2
Application number: EP07853920A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Viktor Feldman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Otto Von Guericke Universitaet Magdeburg
Priority date: 2006-10-10
Filing date: 2007-10-10
Publication date: 2009-10-14
Also published as: US20080084034A1; WO2008045973A3; EP2107925A4; WO2008045973A2

Abstract

A personal transportation device includes front and rear sections having wheels mounted adjacent either end. The front section is hingedly attached to the rear section. A foot platform with binding is pivotally mounted to the front section. An overrunning clutch is attached to at least one wheel. A braking element is attached to the foot platform which is urged toward the upper surface of the front section by an elastic member. The braking element projects through a slot in the rear section and contacts a ground surface when the foot platform is tipped upwardly. When a leg of the user is drawn upwardly, the front section will move toward the rear section pivoting at the hinge portions. At least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel will roll toward the other. When the leg is pushed downwardly the overrunning clutch will lock and the device will move forwardly.

Description

PERSONNEL TRANSPORTATION DEVICES Field of Invention

The invention pertains to recreational personal transportation systems. More particularly, the invention relates to hinged skate-like devices providing forward movement through leg compressions and extensions.

Background of the Invention

Roller skates and inline skates have been in use for recreational purposes for some time. They allow a user to achieve relatively swift forward motion over a smooth surface using a side to side gliding motion. While this motion is easy and comfortable for some, it is less so for others. For this, and other reasons, a variety of skate-like devices have been developed to take advantage of other leg motions to propel the devices forward. The present invention takes advantage of the natural walking or stair-climbing motion to advance the device along the ground. The following are examples of the prior art. U.S. Patent No. 5,492,345, issued to Kniczek discloses a self-propelled roller skate including spaced frame side rails mounting a first axle at a first end of side rails. The skate has a first wheel rotatably mounted about the first axle. Similarly, a second wheel is rotatably mounted about a second axle at a second end of the frame side rails, such that the first and second axles are arranged in a parallel relationship relative to one another. The side rails include extension legs that extend from the side rails mounting a spool axle, with the spool axle mounting a first spool wheel that is mechanically coupled to a U-shaped support frame by means of a first string. A second string is directed from a second spool wheel on the spool axle to a third spool wheel mounted to the second axle. The third spool wheel includes a ratchet and pawl structure. Pivoting the U-shaped frame rotates the first and second spool wheels as well as the third spool wheel, thus rotating the ratchet and the second axle which propels the roller skate structure. U.S. Patent No. 5,056,802, issued to Piolrowski is directed to a wheel skate that uses a rear wheel driving mechanism which incorporates one-way driving clutches and also a rack and pinion gear arrangement designed to afford maximum forward movement of the skate during each forward thrust developing phase of operation. In addition, the wheel skate includes a small journalled front wheel whose axis of rotation is disposed substantially vertically beneath the forward portion of the toe end of the shoe of the skate and a larger rear drive wheel which is shiftable between a forwardmost position spaced closely rearward of the front wheel and a rearmost position with the axis of rotation of the rear wheel disposed vertically beneath the heel end of the shoe. This positioning enables the toe of the boot to pivot naturally about the axis of the small front wheel when the heel of the boot is being raised between power strokes and also enables the downward heel force by the skate user to be more efficiently converted into a forward rotation driving force of the rear wheel.

U.S. Patent No. 732,120, issued to Schmidt illustrates a pedocycle or a skate with two axles parallel to each other, each axle containing a single wheel. Each has spring supported foot plates that move vertically. The driving means consists of a pawl adapted to engage with a ratchet which is rigidly secured to a gear.

U.S. Patent No. 5,294,140, issued io Rhikewich discloses a self-propelled vehicle with a single front wheel and a single rear wheel. The scooter is propelled by a pair of foot treadles mounted on the frame and depressible with respect to the frame by the operator by shifting his or her weight from one foot to another. Each foot treadle is coupled to the drive wheel by an overrunning clutch and a planetary gear assembly. Each overrunning clutch is effective to couple its respective foot treadle to the drive shaft of the rear wheel during the downward power stroke of the foot treadle, and to decouple the foot treadle from the drive shaft during the return upstroke of the foot treadle. Each planetary gear assembly is effective to multiply the displacement of die drive wheel by a factor of at least to produce a relatively high propelling velocity.

U.S. Patent No 2,544,996, issued to Kcinder is directed to a rear wheel drive for scooters and the like. It is a treadle-operable drive which will not interfere with the normal operation of the scooter when normal operation is desired and it consists of a one-way or free wheeling clutch and a cam member. In operation, the weight of the operator is supported by one foot on a platform while the other foot is placed on the treadle pad. Each time the treadle pad is depressed, the rearward end of the treadle is raised and draws up on the chain which rotates the rear wheel forward, the treadle and chain being operated against the tension of spring. When the treadle is released, the forward movement of the wheel causes the balls to release between the cam surfaces and the housing so as not to hinder the forward movement or speed of the vehicle, and the spring draws the sprocket back to its normal position, ready for another stroke, while simultaneously returning the treadle to its normal position. It is an objective of the present invention to provide a novel, skate-like transportation device using a walking or stair-climbing bodily motion. It is a further objective to provide a transportation device that supports a safe and easy to use method for moving uphill. It is a still further objective of the invention to provide such a device that is simple to learn to use and reliable in operation. Finally, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a transportation device that is inexpensive to manufacture and assemble.

While some of the objectives of the present invention are disclosed in the prior art, none of the inventions found include all of the requirements identified.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention addresses all of the deficiencies of prior personal transportation device inventions and satisfies all of the objectives described above. (I) A personal transportation device providing the desired features may be constructed from the following components. A front section is provided. The front section has a first end and a second end, a front wheel rotatably mounted to an axle adjacent the first end. A first pivot portion is located adjacent the second end and has a first hinge portion located inwardly from the second end. A rear section is provided. The rear section has a second, mating hinge portion adjacent a first end, a rear wheel rotatably mounted to an axle adjacent a second end and a slot. The slot is spaced rearwardly from the first end and penetrates from an upper surface to a lower surface of the rear section. At least one overrunning clutch is provided. The overrunning clutch is attached to at least one of the front and rear wheel and axle mountings and permits the wheel to rotate only in one direction. A foot platform is provided. The foot platform has a forward end, a rearward end, a second mating pivot portion mounted adjacent the rearward end and is pivotally mounted to the first pivot portion. A braking element is provided. The braking element has an upper end, a mid portion and a lower end, is sized and shaped to fit slidably through the slot at the mid portion. The braking element is attached at the upper end to the second pivot portion and has a friction pad at the lower end. An elastic member is provided. The elastic member urges the forward end of the foot platform toward an upper surface of the front section. A binding is provided. The binding is attached to the foot platform and removably attaches a foot of a user to the platform. When a leg of the user is drawn upwardly, the front section will move toward die rear section as the sections pivot at the first and second hinge portions. At least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel will roll toward the other. When the leg is pushed downwardly the at least one overrunning clutch will lock and the device will move forwardly. When the foot platform is tilted rearwardly and upwardly against the elastic member, the braking element will cause the friction pad to contact a ground surface, slowing the forward motion of the device.

(2) In a variant of the invention, the first and second hinge portions include at least one stopping element, said element limits rotation of the front section with respect to the rear section.

(3) In another variant, the stopping element limits rotation of the front section with respect to the rear section to 180 degrees.

(4) In still another variant, the elastic member is detachable from either of the front section and the foot platform. (5) In yet another variant, the front section includes a clearance opening located rearward of the front wheel. The clearance opening is sized, shaped and located to accommodate a portion of the rear wheel when the device is folded about the first and second hinge portions for storage.

(6) In still a further variant, the overrunning clutch comprises a toothed ratchet wheel affixed to the wheel and a spring-driven pall engaging the ratchet wheel at a first end and affixed to the section at a second end.

(7) In yet a further variant, the overrunning clutch comprises a combination roller clutch and bearing assembly.

(8) In another variant of the invention, a personal transportation device, includes an upwardly curved, resilient platform. The platform has a first end and a second end. At least one front wheel is rotatably mounted to an axle attached to an underside of the platform adjacent the first end. At least one rear wheel is rotatably mounted to an axle attached to the underside of the platform adjacent the second end. At least one overrunning clutch is provided. The overrunning clutch is attached to at least one of the front and rear wheel and axle mountings and permitting the wheel to rotate only in a forward direction. When a user jumps upwardly from a top surface of the platform, the first end will move toward the second end and at least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel will roll toward the other. When the user jumps downwardly upon the top surface the at least one overrunning clutch will lock and the device will move forwardly.

(9) In still another variant, the overrunning clutch includes a toothed ratchet wheel affixed to the wheel and a spring-driven pall engaging the ratchet wheel at a first end and affixed to the platfoπn at a second end. ( 10) In yet another variant, the overrunning clutch includes a combination roller clutch and bearing assembly.

(1 1) In a further variant, the personal transportation device includes comprising a resilient member, said resilient member being centrally disposed beneath said platform and attached adjacent said first and second ends.

( 12) In still a further variant, the resilient member limits downward flexion of the platform to a horizontal axis of the platform.

( 13) In yet a further variant, a personal transportation device includes a base. The base has a first end, a second end, an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second sides. At least one guide slot is provided. The guide slot is located in at least one of the first and second sides parallel to a long axis of the base. At least one front sliding element is provided. The at least one front sliding element is attached to the lower surface adjacent the first end. At least one rear sliding element is provided. The at least one rear sliding element is attached to the lower surface adjacent the second end. A driving platform is provided. The driving platform has a front end and a back end and is hingedly attached at the front end to the base adjacent the first end.

At least one guide block is provided. The guide block has an upper end, a lower end, an inner side and an outer side. At least one guide pin is provided. The guide pin is attached to the inner side of the guide block and slidably located within the guide slot. A friction point is provided. The friction point has a mounting end and a surface engaging end and is pivotally attached at the mounting end to the outer side of the guide block. The friction point extends downwardly to below a lowest point of the sliding element. At least one activation rod is provided. The rod has a forward end, a rearward end and is pivotally attached at the forward end to the driving platform adjacent the back end. The activation rod is pivotally attached at die rearward end to die outer side of the guide block above the mounting end of the friction point.

The friction point has a stopping element. The stopping element limits pivoting of the friction point at the mounting end to a predetermined arc of rotation. An elastic element is provided. The elastic element urges the friction point to pivot to an outer limit of the predetermined arc of rotation. A binding is provided. The binding is attached to the driving platform and removably attaches a foot of a user to the platform. When a leg of the user is drawn upwardly, the driving platform will draw the activation rod upwardly, moving the guide block forwardly along the guide slot, pulling the friction point upwardly, permitting the friction point to pivot rearwardly about the mounting end. When a leg of the user is pushed downwardly, the driving platform will push the activation rod downwardly, moving the guide block rearwardly along the guide slot, pushing the friction point downwardly. The stopping element limits pivoting of the friction point to the predetermined arc of rotation, thereby causing the device to move forwardly over a surface.

(14) In another variant the sliding element is selected from the group consisting ice skating blades, ski tips and wheels. (15) In still another variant of the invention, first and second activation rods move first and second guide blocks attached to first and second friction points along first and second guide slots located in first and second sides of the base. A strapping member connects the first and second activation rods, thereby maintaining the first and second guide blocks in the first and second guide slots.

(16) In a yet another variant, a personal transportation device includes a base. The base has a first end, a second end, an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second sides. At least one guide slot is provided. The guide slot is centrally located along a central horizontal axis of the base and penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface. At least one front sliding element is provided. The at least one front sliding element is attached to the lower surface adjacent the first end. At least one rear sliding element is provided. The at least one rear sliding element is attached to the lower surface adjacent the second end. A driving platform is provided. The driving platform has a front end and a back end and is hingedly attached at the front end to the base adjacent the first end. A guide pin is provided. The guide pin has an upper end, a lower end, a removable upper retaining cap and a lower retaining ledge. The cap and the ledge retain the guide pin slidably in the guide slot. An friction point is provided. The friction point has a mounting end and a surface engaging end, is pivotally attached at the mounting end to the lower end of the guide pin and extends downwardly to below a lowest point of the sliding element.

An activation rod is provided. The rod has a forward end, a rearward end and is pivotally attached at the forward end to the driving platform adjacent the back end. The activation rod is pivotally attached at the rearward end to the removable upper retaining cap of the guide pin. The driving platform has a central relief slot located at the back end. The relief slot is sized and shaped to accommodate the activation rod when the driving platform is in a lowered position. The friction point has a stopping element. The stopping element limits pivoting of the friction point at the mounting end to a predetermined arc of rotation. An elastic element is provided. The elastic element urges the friction point to pivot to an outer limit of the predetermined arc of rotation. A binding is provided. The binding is attached to the driving platform and removably attaches a foot of a user to the platform.

When a leg of the user is drawn upwardly, the driving platform will draw the activation rod upwardly, moving the guide pin forwardly in the guide slot, pulling the friction point upwardly and permitting the friction point to pivot rearwardly about the mounting end. When a leg of the user is pushed downwardly, the driving platform will push the activation rod downwardly, moving the guide pin rearwardly in the guide slot, pushing the friction point downwardly. The stopping element limits pivoting of the friction point to the predetermined arc of rotation, thereby causing the device to move forwardly over a surface.

(17) In a final variant the sliding element is selected from the group consisting ice skating blades, ski tips and wheels. An appreciation of the other aims and objectives of the present invention and an understanding of it may be achieved by referring to the accompanying drawings and the detailed description of a preferred embodiment.

Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating the braking member and binding;

Figure IA is a side cross-sectional view of an overrunning using roller bearings; Figure IB is a side cross-sectional view of an overrunning using using a toothed wheel and spring-loaded pall;

Figure 2 is a side elevational view of the Figure 1 embodiment partially cutaway to illustrate the brake slot and hinge mounting; Figure 2A is a side elevational view of the Figure 1 embodiment with an overrunning clutch attached to the front wheel;

Figure 2B is a side elevational view of the Figure 1 embodiment with an overrunning clutch attached to both the front wheel and rear wheels;

Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating the hinging action of the device on the upstroke;

Figure 4 is a side elevational view of the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating the hinging action of the device on the downstroke;

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating the use of the braking element; Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the Figure 1 embodiment illustrating the hinging action of the device when folded for storage or transport;

Figure 7 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment illustrating a skateboard with a resilient upwardly curved platform, shown in a relaxed, upward position;

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of the Figure 7 embodiment shown in a tensed, downward position; Figure 8A is a side elevational view of the Figure 7 embodiment illustrating an overrunning clutch attached to the front wheel and axle group and a resilient member attached below the platform;

Figure 8B is a side elevational view of the Figure 7 embodiment illustrating an overrunning clutch attached to the front and rear wheel and axle group;

Figure 9 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment illustrating a skating device with platform operated activation rod and friction points illustrating the up position;

Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the Figure 9 embodiment illustrating the down position; Figure 11 is a side elevational view of the Figure 9 embodiment illustrating a version with two activating rods, two guide slots and two friction points;

Figure 12 is a side elevational view of the Figure 9 embodiment illustrating a version with two activating rods, two guide slots and a wedge type friction device;

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment illustrating a skating device with platform operated activation rod, central guide slot and friction points illustrating the up position;

Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the Figure 13 embodiment illustrating the attachment of the guide pin and binding;

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of the Figure 13 embodiment illustrating the ski- type sliding elements; and

Figure 16 is a side elevationai view of the Figure 13 embodiment illustrating the wheel-type sliding elements. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment

( I) Figures 1-6 illustrate personal transportation device 10 providing the desired features that may be constructed from the following components. A front section 14 is provided. The front section 14 has a first end 26 and a second end 34, a front wheel 18 rotatably mounted to an axle 22 adjacent the first end 26. A first pivot portion 78 is located adjacent the second end 34 and has a first hinge portion 30 located inwardly from the second end 34. A rear section 38 is provided. The rear section 38 has a second, mating hinge portion 42 adjacent a first end 46, a rear wheel 50 rotatably mounted to an axle 54 adjacent a second end 58 and a slot 66. The slot 66 is spaced rearwardly from the first end 46 and penetrates from an upper surface 70 to a lower surface 74 of the rear section 38. At least one overrunning clutch 62 is provided. The overrunning clutch 62 is attached to at least one of the front 18 and rear 50 wheel and axle 22, 54 mountings and permits the wheel 18, 50 to rotate only in one direction. A foot platform 86 is provided. The foot platform 86 has a forward end 90, a rearward end 94, a second mating pivot portion 98 mounted adjacent the rearward end 94 and is pivotally mounted to the first pivot portion 78. A braking element 102 is provided. The braking element 102 has an upper end 106, a mid portion 110 and a lower end 114, is sized and shaped to fit slidably through the slot 66 at the mid portion 110. The braking element 102 is attached at the upper end 106 to the second pivot portion 98 and has a friction pad 118 at the lower end 114. An elastic member 122 is provided. The elastic member 122 urges the forward end 90 of the foot platform 86 toward an upper surface 126 of the front section 14. As illustrated in Figure 1, a binding 130 is provided. The binding 130 is attached to the foot platform 86 and removably attaches a foot of a user (not shown) to the platform 86. When a leg of the user is drawn upwardly, the front section 14 will move toward the rear section 38 as the sections 14, 38 pivot at the first 30 and second 42 hinge portions. At least one of the front wheel 18 and the rear wheel 50 will roll toward the other. When the leg is pushed downwardly the at least one overrunning clutch 62 will lock and the device 10 will move forwardly. When the foot platform 86 is tilted rearwardly and upwardly against the elastic member 122, the braking element 102 will cause the friction pad 118 to contact a ground surface 120, slowing the forward motion of the device 10. (2) In a variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figure 4, the first 30 and second 42 hinge portions include at least one stopping element 126, said element 126 limits rotation of the front section 14 with respect to the rear section 38.

(3) In another variant, the stopping element 126 limits rotation of the front section 14 with respect to the rear section 38 to 180 degrees. (4) In still another variant, the elastic member 122 is detachable from either of the front section 14 and the foot platform 86.

(5) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figure 4, the front section 14 includes a clearance opening 130 located rearward of the front wheel 18. The clearance opening 130 is sized, shaped and located to accommodate a portion of the rear wheel 50 when the device 10 is folded about the first 30 and second 42 hinge portions for storage.

(6) In still a further variant, as illustrated in Figure IB, the overrunning clutch 62 comprises a toothed ratchet wheel 142 affixed to the wheel 18, 50 and a spring-driven pall 146 engaging the ratchet wheel 142 at a first end 150 and affixed to the section 14, 38 at a second end 154.

(7) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in Figure IA, the overrunning clutch 62 comprises a combination roller clutch and bearing assembly 158. (8) In another variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, a personal transportation device 162, includes an upwardly curved, resilient platform 166. The platform 166 has a first end 170 and a second end 174. At least one front wheel 178 is rotatably mounted to an axle 182 attached to an underside 186 of the platform 166 adjacent the first end 170. At least one rear wheel 190 is rotatably mounted to an axle 194 attached to the underside 186 of the platform 166 adjacent the second end 174. At least one overrunning clutch 62 is provided. The overrunning clutch 62 is attached to at least one of the front 178 and rear 190 wheel and axle 182, 194 mountings and permitting the wheel 178, 190 to rotate only in a forward direction. When a user (not shown) jumps upwardly from a top surface 198 of the platform 166, the first end 170 will move toward the second end 174 and at least one of the front wheel 178 and the rear wheel 190 will roll toward the other. When the user jumps downwardly upon the top surface 198 the at least one overrunning clutch 62 will lock and the device 10 will move forwardly.

(9) In still another variant, as illustrated in Figure IB, the overrunning clutch 62 includes a toothed ratchet wheel 142 affixed to the rear wheel 178, 190 and a spring-driven pall 146 engaging the ratchet wheel 142 at a first end and affixed to the platform 166 at a second end 154. (10) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figure IA, the overrunning clutch 62 includes a combination roller clutch and bearing assembly 158.

(1 1) In a further variant, as illustrated in Figure 8A, the personal transportation device 162 includes a resilient member 202, said resilient member 202 being centrally disposed beneath said platfoπn 166 and attached adjacent said first 170 and second 174 ends.

(12) In still a further variant, the resilient member 202 limits downward flexion of the platform 166 to a horizontal axis 214 of the platform 166.

( 13) In yet a further variant, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, a personal transportation device 218 includes a base 222. The base 222 has a first end 226, a second end 230, an upper surface 234, a lower surface 238, first 242 and second 246 sides. At least one guide slot 250 is provided. The guide slot 250 is located in at least one of the first 242 and second 246 sides parallel to a long axis 254 of the base 222. At least one front sliding element 258 is provided. The at least one front sliding element 258 is attached to the lower surface 238 adjacent the first end 226. At least one rear sliding element 262 is provided. The at least one rear sliding element 262 is attached to the lower surface 238 adjacent the second end 230. A driving platform 266 is provided. The driving platform 266 has a front end 270 and a back end 274 and is hingedly attached at the front end 270 to the base 222 adjacent the first end 226.

At least one guide block 278 is provided. The guide block 278 has an upper end 282, a lower end 286, an inner side (not shown) and an outer side 294. At least one guide pin 298 is provided. The guide pin 298 is attached to the inner side (not shown) of the guide block 278 and slidably located within the guide slot 250. A friction point 302 is provided. The friction point 302 has a mounting end 306 and a surface engaging end 310 and is pivotally attached at the mounting end 306 to the outer side 294 of the guide block 278. The friction point 302 extends downwardly to below a lowest point 314 of the sliding element 258, 262. At least one activation rod 318 is provided. The rod 318 has a forward end 322, a rearward end 326 and is pivotally attached at the forward end 322 to the driving platform 266 adjacent the back end 274. The activation rod 318 is pivotally attached at the rearward end 326 to the outer side 294 of the guide block 278 above the mounting end 306 of the friction point 302.

The friction point 302 has a stopping element 330. The stopping element 330 limits pivoting of the friction point 302 at the mounting end 306 to a predetermined arc of rotation 334. An elastic element 338 is provided. The elastic element 338 urges the friction point 302 to pivot to an outer limit 342 of the predetermined arc of rotation 334. A binding 346 is provided. The binding 346 is attached to the driving platform 266 and removably attaches a foot of a user (not shown) to the platform 266. When a leg of the user is drawn upwardly, the driving platform 266 will draw the activation rod 318 upwardly, moving the guide block 278 forvvardly along the guide slot 250, pulling the friction point 302 upwardly, permitting the friction point 302 to pivot rearwardly about the mounting end 306. When a leg of the user is pushed downwardly, the driving platform 266 will push the activation rod 318 downwardly, moving the guide block 278 rearwardly along the guide slot 250, pushing the friction point 302 downwardly. The stopping element 330 limits pivoting of the friction point 302 to the predetermined arc of rotation 334, thereby causing the device 218to move forwardly over a surface 338. (14) In another variant,_as illustrated in Figures 14-16, the sliding element 258, 262 is selected from the group consisting ice skating blades 260, ski tips 264 and wheels 268.

(15) In still another variant of the invention, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, first 344 and second 348 activation rods move first 350 and second 354 guide blocks attached to first 358 and second 362 friction points along first 366 and second 370 guide slots located in first 242 and second 246 sides of the base 222. A strapping member 374 connects the first 342 and second 346 activation rods, thereby maintaining the first 350 and second 354 guide blocks in the first 366 and second 370 guide slots.

(16) In yet another variant, as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14, a personal transportation device 378 includes a base 382. The base 382 has a first end 386, a second end 390, an upper surface 394, a lower surface 398, first 402 and second 406 sides. At least one guide slot 410 is provided. The guide slot 410 is centrally located along a central horizontal axis 414 of the base 382 and penetrates from the upper surface 394 to the lower surface 398. At least one front sliding element 418 is provided. The at least one front sliding element 418 is attached to the lower surface 398 adjacent the first end 386. At least one rear sliding element 422 is provided. The at least one rear sliding element 422 is attached to the lower surface 398 adjacent the second end 390. A driving platform 426 is provided. The driving platform 426 has a front end 430 and a back end 434 and is hingedly attached at the front end 430 to the base 382 adjacent the first end 386. A guide pin 438 is provided. The guide pin 438 has an upper end 442, a lower end 446, a removable upper retaining cap 450 and a lower retaining ledge 454. The cap 450 and the ledge 454 retain the guide pin 438 slidably in the guide slot 410. A friction point 458 is provided. The friction point 458 has a mounting end 462 and a surface engaging end 466, is pivotally attached at the mounting end 462 to the lower end 446 of the guide pin 438 and extends downwardly to below a lowest point 470 of the sliding element 418, 422.

An activation rod 474 is provided. The rod 474 has a forward end 478, a rearward end 482 and is pivotally attached at the forward end 478 to the driving platform 426 adjacent the back end 434. The activation rod 474 is pivotally attached at the rearward end 482 to the removable upper retaining cap 450 of the guide pin 438. The driving platform 426 has a central relief slot 486 located at the back end 434. The relief slot 486 is sized and shaped to accommodate the activation rod 474 when the driving platform 426 is in a lowered position 490. The friction point 458 has a stopping element 494. The stopping element 494 limits pivoting of the friction point 458 at the mounting end 462 to a predetermined arc of rotation 498. An elastic element 502 is provided. The elastic element 502 urges the friction point 458 to pivot to an outer limit 506 of the predetermined arc of rotation 498. A binding 510 is provided. The binding 510 is attached to the driving platform 426 and removably attaches a foot of a user (not shown) to the platform 426.

When a leg of the user is drawn upwardly, the driving platform 426 will draw the activation rod 474 upwardly, moving the guide pin 438 forwardly in the guide slot 410, pulling the friction point 458 upwardly and permitting the friction point 458 to pivot rearwardly about the mounting end 462. When a leg of the user is pushed downwardly, the driving platform 426 will push the activation rod 474 downwardly, moving the guide pin 438 rearwardly in the guide slot 410, pushing the friction point 458 downwardly. The stopping element 494 limits pivoting of the ice point 458 to the predetermined arc of rotation 498, thereby causing the device 378 to move forwardly over a surface 338.

(18) In a final variant,_as illustrated in Figures 14-16, the sliding element 258, 262is selected from the group consisting ice skating blades 260, ski tips 264 and wheels 268.

The Personal Transportation Devices 10, 162, 218 and 378 has been described with reference to particular embodiments. Other modifications and enhancements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims that follow.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A personal transportation device, comprising: a front section, said front section having a first end and a second end, a front wheel rotatably mounted to an axle adjacent said first end, a first pivot portion disposed adjacent said second end and having a first hinge portion disposed inwardly from said second end; a rear section, said rear section having a second, mating hinge portion adjacent a first end, a rear wheel rotatably mounted to an axle adjacent a second end and a slot, said slot spaced rearwardly from said first end and penetrating from an upper surface to a lower surface of said rear section; at least one overrunning clutch, said overrunning clutch attached to at least one of said front and rear wheel and axle mountings and permitting said wheel to rotate only in one.direction; a foot platform, said foot platform having a forward end, a rearward end, a second mating pivot portion mounted adjacent said rearward end and being pivotally mounted to said first pivot portion; a braking element, said braking element having an upper end, a mid portion and a lower end, being sized and shaped to fit sHdably through said slot at said mid portion, being attached at said upper end to said second pivot portion and having a friction pad at said lower end; an elastic member, said elastic member urging said forward end of said foot platform toward an upper surface of said front section; a binding, said binding being attached to said foot platform and removably attaching a foot of a user to said platform; and whereby, when a leg of said user is drawn upwardly, said front section will move toward said rear section as said sections pivot at said first and second hinge portions, at least one of said front wheel and said rear wheel will roll toward the other and when said leg is pushed downwardly said at least one overrunning clutch will lock and said device will move forwardly and when said foot platform is tilted rearwardly and upwardly against said elastic element, said braking element will cause said friction pad to contact a ground surface, slowing the forward motion of said device.

2. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim 1 , wherein said first and second hinge portions include stopping elements limiting rotation of said front section with respect to said rear section.

3. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim 2, wherein said stopping elements limit rotation of said front section with respect to said rear section to 180 degrees.

4. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim I, wherein said elastic member is detachable from either of said front section and said foot platform.

5. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim 4, wherein said front section further comprises a clearance opening disposed rearward of said front wheel, said clearance opening being sized, shaped and disposed to accommodate a portion of said rear wheel when said device is folded about said first and second hinge portions for storage.

6. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim 1, wherein said overrunning clutch comprises a toothed ratchet wheel affixed to said wheel and a spring-driven pall engaging said ratchet wheel at a first end and affixed to said section at a second end.

7. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim 1, wherein said overrunning clutch comprises a combination roller clutch and bearing assembly.

8. A personal transportation device, comprising:

An upwardly curved, resilient platform, said platform having a first end and a second end; at least one front wheel rotatably mounted to an axle attached to an underside of said platform adjacent said first end; at least one rear wheel rotatably mounted to an axle attached to an underside of said platform adjacent said second end; at least one overrunning, said overrunning clutch attached to at least one of said front and rear wheel and axle mountings and permitting said wheel to rotate only in a forward direction; and whereby, when a user jumps upwardly from a top surface of said platform, said first end will move toward said second end, at least one of said front wheel and said rear wheel will roll toward the other and when said user jumps downwardly upon said top surface said at least one overrunning clutch will lock and said device will move forwardly.

9. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim 8, wherein said overrunning clutch comprises a toothed ratchet wheel affixed to said rear wheel and a spring-driven pall engaging said ratchet wheel at a first end and affixed to said rear section at a second end.

10. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim 8, wherein said overrunning clutch comprises a combination roller clutch and bearing assembly.

1 1. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim 8, further comprising a resilient member, said resilient member being centrally disposed beneath said platform and attached adjacent said first and second ends.

12. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim 1 1 , wherein said resilient member limits downward flexion of said platform to a horizontal axis of said platform.

13. A personal transportation device, comprising: a base, said base having a first end, a second end, an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second sides; at least one guide slot, said guide slot disposed in at least one of said first and second sides parallel to a long axis of said base; at least one front ice skating blade, said at least one front blade attached to said lower surface adjacent said first end; at least one rear sliding element, said at least one rear sliding element attached to said lower surface adjacent said second end; a driving platform, said driving platform having a front end and a back end and being hingedly attached at said front end to said base adjacent said first end; at least one guide block, said guide block having an upper end, a lower end, an inner side, an outer side ; at least one guide pin, said guide pin attached to said inner side of said guide block and slidably disposed within said guide slot; a friction point, said friction point having a mounting end and a surface engaging end, being pivotally attached at said mounting end to said outer side of said guide block and extending downwardly to below a lowest point of said sliding element; at least one activation rod, said rod having an forward end, a rearward end and being pivotally attached at said forward end to said driving platform adjacent said back end and pivotally attached at said rearward end to said outer side of said guide block above said mounting end of said friction point; said friction point having a stopping element, said stopping element limiting pivoting of said friction point at said mounting end to a predetermined arc of rotation; an elastic element, said elastic element urging said friction point to pivot to an outer limit of said predetermined arc of rotation; a binding, said binding being attached to said driving platform and removably attaching a foot of a user to said platform; and whereby, when a leg of said user is drawn upwardly, said driving platform will draw said activation rod upwardly, moving said guide block forwardly along said guide slot, pulling said friction point upwardly, permitting said friction point to pivot rearwardly about said mounting end and when a leg of said user is pushed downwardly, said driving platform will push said activation rod downwardly, moving said guide block rearwardly along said guide slot, pushing said friction point downwardly, said stopping element limiting pivoting of said friction point to said predetermined arc of rotation permitting, thereby causing said device to move forwardly over a surface.

14. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim 13, wherein said sliding element is selected from the group consisting of: ice skating blades, ski tips and wheels.

15. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim 13, wherein first and second activation rods move first and second guide blocks attached to first and second friction points along first and second guide slots disposed in first and second side of said base and a strapping member connects said first and second activation rods, thereby maintaining said first and second guide blocks in said first and second guide slots.

16. A personal transportation device, comprising: a base, said base having a first end, a second end, an upper surface, a lower surface, first and second sides; at least one guide slot, said guide slot centrally disposed along a central horizontal axis of said base and penetrating from said upper surface to said lower surface; at least one front sliding element, said at least one front sliding element attached to said lower surface adjacent said first end; at least one rear sliding element, said at least one rear sliding element attached to said lower surface adjacent said second end; a driving platform, said driving platform having a front end and a back end and being hingedly attached at said front end to said base adjacent said first end; a guide pin, said guide pin having an upper end, a lower end, a removable upper retaining cap and a lower retaining ledge, said cap and said ledge retaining said guide pin slidably in said guide slot; an friction point, said friction point having a mounting end and an surface engaging end, being pivotally attached at said mounting end to said lower end of said guide pin and extending downwardly to below a lowest point of said sliding element; an activation rod, said rod having an forward end, a rearward end and being pivotally attached at said forward end to said driving platform adjacent said back end and pivotally attached at said rearward end to said removable upper retaining cap of said guide pin; said driving platform having a central relief slot disposed at said back end, said relief slot being sized and shaped to accommodate said activation rod when said driving platform is in a lowered position; said friction point having a stopping element, said stopping element limiting pivoting of said friction point at said mounting end to a predetermined arc of rotation; an elastic element, said elastic element urging said friction point to pivot to an outer limit of said predetermined arc of rotation; a binding, said binding being attached to said driving platform and removably attaching a foot of a user to said platform; and whereby, when a leg of said user is drawn upwardly, said driving platform will draw said activation rod upwardly, moving said guide pin forwardly in said guide slot, pulling said friction point upwardly, permitting said friction point to pivot rearwardly about said mounting end and when a leg of said user is pushed downwardly, said driving platform will push said activation rod downwardly, moving said guide pin rearwardly in said guide slot, pushing said friction point downwardly, said stopping element limiting pivoting of said friction point to said predetermined arc of rotation permitting, thereby causing said device to move forwardly over a surface.

17. The personal transportation device, as described in Claim 16, wherein said sliding element is selected from the group consisting of: ice skating blades, ski tips and wheels.