GB2465692A

GB2465692A - Off-road vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2465692A
Application number: GB0921756A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chester Paul Mojay-Sinclae
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-12-11
Filing date: 2009-12-11
Publication date: 2010-06-02
Anticipated expiration: 2029-12-11
Also published as: GB2465692B; GB0921756D0; GB201008807D0

Abstract

An off-road vehicle comprises a platform 2 and a fixed wheel assembly 3, 4 attached to the platform, with a multi-rotational wheel assembly 1 also attached to the platform. The multi-rotational wheel assembly comprises a wheel 10, rotatable about its own axis, and mounted within a circular bearing 5 formed in a hole in the deck 2. Since the wheel is mounted within the circular bearing, the wheel is free to independently change its orientation to face any direction of travel. Furthermore, the wheel protrudes through the hole about which the circular bearing is mounted. As a result, a user standing on the platform 2 is able to rotate the vehicle using the multi-rotational wheel assembly 1 in a manner similar to a snowboard. The invention particularly relates to a sports mountain board. Also provided is a multi-rotational wheel assembly 1, for off-road vehicles.

Description

I

Off-Road Vehicle and Off-Road Wheel Assembly The present invention relates to an off-road vehicle, particularly a mountain board, and to a wheel assembly for use with off-road vehicles such as a mountain board.

The sport of snowboarding has also become increasingly popular, and mountain boarding has been increasingly used amongst snowboarders who wish to enjoy the sensation of snowboarding when there is no snow available to them. Known designs for mountain boards comprise a deck having a fixed wheel assembly, in the form of two pairs of relatively large inflated (or flexible) wheels mounted on respective pivoting trucks, and provide the user with an all-terrain sport that in some way captures elements of snowboarding or surfing.

However, known mountain board designs fail to provide the sensation of snowboarding because the user is unable to rotate the board in the same way that is possible on snow.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an off-road vehicle, such as a mountain board, comprising a platform, upon which the user resides, and a fixed wheel assembly attached to the platform, such as those used with known mountain boards. Additionally, a multi-rotational wheel assembly is attached to the platform, the multi-rotational wheel assembly comprising a wheel, rotatable about its own axis, and mounted within a circular bearing formed in a hole in the platform. Since the wheel is mounted within the bearing, the axis of rotation of the wheel is also free to rotate within the bearing in the plane of the platform, in other words the wheel is free to independently change its orientation to face any direction of travel. Furthermore, the wheel protrudes through the hole about which the circular bearing is mounted. As a result, the user is able to rotate the board using the multi-rotational wheel assembly in a manner similar to a snowboard.

The invention also provides a wheel assembly for an off-road vehicle, suitable for use with a mountain board, comprising a wheel mounted on a flexible frame so that the frame passes through the axis of rotation of the wheel. The frame is mounted on a circular bearing, such that the wheel is substantially perpendicular to, and a portion of the wheel passes through, the plane of the bearing. The wheel is free to rotate within the bearing about its own axis and additionally can rotate with the frame about the circular bearing giving the wheel the ability to rotate about its own axis and also rotate its axis of rotation by 360° such that the wheel is free to independently change its orientation to face any direction of travel. The frame supports the wheel so that its axis of rotation is offset relative to the centre of the circular bearing. Preferably the frame comprises two flexible members each passing through the axis of rotation of the wheel, with the flexible members forming a cross shape.

For the avoidance of doubt, the term off-road is refers to any surface that is not both hard and smooth (i.e. tarmac or similar). For example, off-road surfaces would include rough terrain, such as: dirt tracks, gravel and grass.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1; shows a perspective view of a mountain board in accordance with the present invention and Figure 2; shows a side view of one end of a mountain board in accordance with the present invention and Figure 3; shows a plan view of one end of a mountain board in accordance with the present invention, including the multi-rotational wheel assembly according to an additional aspect of the present invention showing: a circular bearing 5, the cross-shaped frame 6, and off-centre axle 7 and Figure 4; shows a perspective view of a multi-rotational wheel assembly according to an additional aspect of the present invention showing: a circular bearing 5, the cross-shaped frame 6, and off-centre axle 7 and a portion of the wheel 10 that projects through the bearing.

Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, a mountain board is shown comprising a flexible elongated deck, or platform, 2 formed of sheet material and having a fixed wheel assembly in the form of a pair of outer fixed wheels 3, 4 mounted towards the front and rear of the board. Two additional multi-rotational wheel assemblies 1 are mounted at opposite ends of the board, each having a rotating wheel. When the deck 2 is substantially level with the ground, the two additional rotating wheels are the mountain board's only two points of contact with the ground as they are fixed lower than the two outer fixed wheels 3, 4. The board is arranged such that, in use, the two outer fixed wheels 3, 4 on one or other side of the deck may be brought into contact with the ground, to steer the mountain board, by pivoting the deck about the two additional rotating wheels of the multi-rotational wheel assemblies 1. In order to achieve this, the outer fixed wheels are mounted to the board with a raised axle 8 and the wheel of each of the multi-rotational wheel assemblies 1 protrudes through a hole in the platform so that the fixed wheels project below the plane of the platform/deck 2 to a lesser extent than the multi-rotational wheels. So that, in use, the outer fixed wheels 3, 4 on one or other side of the deck 2 may be brought into contact with the ground, to steer the mountain board, by pivoting the deck about its central, longitudinal axis.

The outer fixed wheels 3, 4 may optionally be adjustable so a rider can change the distance between the underside of the board and the bottom edge of the wheel, allowing more or less tilt before they contact the ground. The radius of curvature of the side-edges 9 of the deck 2 also determines the turning radius of the mountain board, however this may be varied by exerting increased pressure on one or other side of the deck 2, causing the deck to flex. This flexing technique is the same as that used to vary the turning radius of a snowboard.

Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 3, the two additional multi-rotational wheels 1 are each mounted to a circular bearing 5 via a frame 6, which is fixed through the wheel as an off-centre axle 7 that is set off-centre to the circular bearing 5. The circular bearings 5 are attached to the deck 2 so that the two additional multi-rotational wheels I may rotate 360 degrees, which provides the side-slip movement associated with a snowboard, and by pivoting the deck to one side or another the board may be made to steer in the same manner as a snowboard.

The outer fixed wheels 3, 4 are arranged to rotate in a fixed plane substantially perpendicular to the deck and are designed in the same manner as known mountain boards, being substantially in line with the side-edges of the deck 9. Arranging the multi-rotational wheels to be mounted off-centre relative to the circular bearing 5 means that the wheels will automatically align themselves with the direction of travel of the board when the user changes the direction of movement, allowing the user to benefit from a smooth transition when switching from moving in one direction to another.

Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, a multi-rotational wheel assembly 1, for an off-road vehicle such as the mountain board described above, is shown. Each of the two additional multi-rotational wheels 1 are mounted to a cross-shaped frame 6 comprising two curved members, such as curved rods, made of flexible material via an off-centre axle 7, therefore providing flex and suspension for the two additional multi-rotational wheels 1, which are secured respectively to a circular bearing 5 that rotates in a substantially planar circular motion that allows the two additional multi-rotational wheels 1 to perform their function of allowing the board to move sideways.

The cross-shaped frame 6 may be formed of two respective portions, each forming a loop that extends from the axis of the wheel around the outside of the wheel. The portions together form a figure of eight arrangement, with the wheel mounted at their intersection. In order to mount the wheel off-center with respect to the bearing, one portion may be made larger than the other. Optionally, each respective portion may not form a complete loop around the wheel, but rather simply be formed of a curved rod that engages at either end with the circular bearing. The two members forming the frame could actually be connected, or integral, at the axle portion so that the wheel is mounted on a single rod or member portion. Since the frame is comprised of a flexible material, and may also be formed by flexible members, it can provide suspension at the board's point of contact with the ground (i.e. the multi-rotational wheels).

The frame of the multi rotational wheel assembly 1 supports the rotational axis of the wheel above the plane of the bearing when in use, and a portion of the wheel 10 projects through the bearing, below the plane of the bearing in use. This is achieved by making the cross-shaped arrangement curved in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the bearing so that the frame curves from the axle of the wheel and down to contact the circular bearing 5. When incorporated into a mountain board, allowing the wheel to project both above and below the plane of the platform allows a relatively large wheel to be used, which is necessary for use on rough terrain, whilst also keeping the platform/deck 2 low to the ground to maintain a low centre of gravity. The sort of wheels used for off-road vehicles, such as mountain boards, would be inflatable or flexible rubber tires, or any other suitable flexible wheel.

When incorporated into an off-road vehicle, such as a mountain board, the circular bearings 5, along with the multi-rotational wheels 1, are secured to the circumferences of two holes, one at either end of the deck 2. Thus, with the deck 2 substantially level with the ground, the two additional multi-rotational wheels 1 provide both forwards and backwards motion, as well as the side-slip and spin associated with a snowboard. A mountain board incorporating such a multi-rotational wheel assembly behaves in a manner substantially different to that of a conventional mountain board, but in a manner very closely resembling that of a snowboard.

The multi-rotational wheel assembly described above finds particular utility in a mountain board arrangement as described above. However, it is possible to use such a rotational wheel assembly for other off-road vehicles, such as land skis, kite surfer, land surfer or powered off-road vehicle.

Claims

ICLAIMS1. An off-road vehicle comprising: a platform; a fixed wheel assembly attached to the platform; and a multi-rotational wheel assembly attached to the platform; wherein the multi-rotational wheel assembly comprises a wheel rotatable about its own axis and mounted within a circular bearing formed in a hole in the platform such that the wheel is free to independently change its orientation to face any direction of travel; and wherein the wheel protrudes through the hole.
2. An off-road vehicle according to claim I wherein the fixed wheel assembly comprises four fixed wheels attached at the side of the platform, with two wheels located at each end of the platform, and two multi-rotational wheel assemblies, each located at either end along the central longitudinal axis of the platform.
3. An off-road vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the fixed wheels project underneath the plane of the platform to a lesser extent than the wheels of the multi-rotational wheel assemblies.
4. An off-road vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein the height of the wheels of the fixed wheel assembly relative to the platform may be adjusted.
5. An off-road vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein the fixed wheel assembly comprises two raised axles, located on the upper side of the platform.
6. An off-road vehicle according to claim 5 wherein each end of the axles extend over the side of the platform, with a wheel being mounted on either end of each ax'e.
7. An off-road vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein the multi-rotational wheel assembly comprises a frame, coupling the wheel to the bearing, wherein the frame supports the axis of rotation of the wheel above the plane of the platform when in use.
8. A multi-rotational wheel assembly for an off-road vehicle comprising: a wheel; a flexible frame, the wheel being mounted on the frame so that the frame passes through the axis of rotation of the wheel; the frame being mounted on a circular bearing, such that the wheel is substantially perpendicular to, and a portion of the wheel passes through, the plane of the bearing; the wheel being free to rotate within the bearing about its own axis and to rotate with the frame about the circular bearing; S. 5 the frame supporting the wheel so that its axis of rotation is offset relative to the centre of the circular bearing.
9. A multi-rotational wheel assembly according to claim 8 wherein the frame comprises two flexible members each passing through the axis of rotation of the wheel.
10. A multi-rotational wheel assembly according to claim 9 wherein the flexible members form a cross shape.
11 A multi-rotational wheel assembly according to any of claims 8 to 10 wherein the frame supports the axis of rotation of the wheel above the plane of the bearing.
12. A mountain board comprising one or more multi-rotational wheel assemblies according to any of claims 8 to 11.
13. An off-road vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the vehicle is a mountain board.
14. An off-road vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the vehicle is a ski, kite surfer, land surfer or powered off-road vehicle.
15. A land ski, kite surfer, land surfer or powered off-road vehicle comprising one or more multi-rotational wheel assemblies according to any of claims 8 to 11.
16. A mountain board substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.
17. A multi-rotational wheel assembly substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: 1. An off-road vehicle comprising: a platform; a fixed wheel assembly attached to the platform; and a multi-rotational wheel assembly attached to the plafform; wherein the multi-rotational wheel assembly comprises a wheel rotatable about its own axis and mounted within a circular bearing formed in a hole in the platform such that the wheel is free to independently change its orientation to face any direction of travel; and wherein the wheel protrudes through the hole.2. An off-road vehicle according to claim 1 wherein the fixed wheel assembly comprises four fixed wheels attached at the side of the platform, with two wheels located at each end of the platform, and two multi-rotational wheel assemblies, each located at either end along the central longitudinal axis of the platform.3. An off-road vehicle according to claim 2 wherein the fixed wheels project underneath the plane of the platform to a lesser extent than the wheels of the multi-rotational wheel assemblies.4. An off-road vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein the height of the wheels of the fixed wheel assembly relative to the platform may be adjusted.5. An off-road vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein the fixed wheel assembly comprises two raised axles, located on the upper side of the platform.6. An off-road vehicle according to claim 5 wherein each end of the axles extend over r the side of the platform, with a wheel being mounted on either end of each axle. S.,.7. An off-road vehicle according to any preceding claim wherein the multi-rotational wheel assembly comprises a frame, coupling the wheel to the bearing, wherein the frame supports the axis of rotation of the wheel above the plane of the platform when in use.IS.-'-..S S. 8. An off-road vehicle according to any of claims ito 7 wherein the vehicle is aSmountain board.9. An off-road vehicle according to any of claims 1 to 7 wherein the vehicle is a ski, kite surfer, land surfer or powered off-road vehicle.10. A mountain board substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.