GB2334494A - Wheeled board propelled by a pivoting deck drive mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

The wheeled board has a pivotable deck that is coupled via gears and belts to drive the wheels of the board so that when the weight of a rider is transferred from one foot to the other pivoting the deck in a see-saw like motion the board is propelled in a forward direction. The board is steered by raising the front wheels clear of the ground and turning the board on its rear wheels and for this purpose the rear axle is provided with a differential (see Figure 3). The board is braked by tipping it back so that a rubber stopper is brought into contact with the ground. Different sized gears can be employed to alter the ratio of the drive mechanism enabling the board to be used on various terrains.

Description

Pedalable wheeled board This invention relates to a pedalable form of transport. It is unique in its ability to provide a fun form of transport which can be pedaled over uneven terrain, but that also remains compact enough to be carried or transported in the boot of a car.

Bicycles and skateboards have provided leisure transport for many years, however they both have significant disadvantages. Bicycles are often too large to be transported easily within cars but can be ridden over most types of terrain, skateboards can be carried with ease but necessitate very smooth hard surfaces to work properly. This invention fills the gap between the two, being able to be carried easily and yet pedaled over uneven terrain.

The proposed wheeled board uses the reciprocating weight of the rider to propel it forward.

This is achieved by the rider leaning back and forth, transferring their weight from one foot to the other and thus pivoting the deck. This motion is translated to a rotational force by mechanical means (depicted later in this document) to the axle below the foot which currently has most of the riders weight over it.

A specific embodtment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows, in perspective, a computer rendering of the wheeled board and rider.

Figure 2 depicts a cross section of the wheeled board.

Figure 3 depicts a plan view cross section of the wheeled board.

Figure 4 illustrates the two cycles of the mechanisms motion.

With reference to the drawings provided, the two outer gears on the central axle (A) contain a free wheel mechanism. This enables the unpowered wheels to spin freely and send the energy to the wheels that currently have the majority of the riders weight over them as illustrated in figure 4.

The use of a differential (B) on the rear axle enables the rider to pivot around on the rear wheels when the front ones are lifted clear of the ground. Thus providing a simple way to control the boards direction without the complexity of a steering mechanism.

Injection moulded plastic forms a ridged monocoque shell and chassis strengthened by internal webs.

Different sized gears could be employed to alter the ratios of the board. This would enable the riders to "tune" their boards for various terrains. ie the rougher the terrain the lower the ratio.

Claims (5)

1. Claims 1 A wheeled board propelled by the reciprocating motion of the rider that enables the rider to travel across various terrains at speed and be easily transportable.
2. 2 A wheeled board as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the downward motion of each of the riders pushes is mechanicaliy translated into a rotational force which propels the board forward.
3. 3 A wheeled board as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2, wherein the rotational force created by the riders movement is sent via a series of gears to the axle and wheels currently under the most downward force.
4. 4 A wheeled board as claimed in Claim 1, Claim2 and Claim 3, wherein gears could be interchanged to provide different ratios to suit various terrains.
5. 5 A wheeled board substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawing.