US20050236783A1 - Personal conveyance for recreational use - Google Patents

Personal conveyance for recreational use Download PDF

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Publication number
US20050236783A1
US20050236783A1 US10/507,488 US50748805A US2005236783A1 US 20050236783 A1 US20050236783 A1 US 20050236783A1 US 50748805 A US50748805 A US 50748805A US 2005236783 A1 US2005236783 A1 US 2005236783A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
supporting member
foot supporting
conveyance
personal conveyance
motion
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Abandoned
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US10/507,488
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English (en)
Inventor
Reginald Reid
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Skorpion Sports Ltd
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Skorpion Sports Ltd
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Assigned to SKORPION SPORTS LIMITED reassignment SKORPION SPORTS LIMITED ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: REID, REGINALD LYALL
Publication of US20050236783A1 publication Critical patent/US20050236783A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
    • A63C17/14—Roller skates; Skate-boards with brakes, e.g. toe stoppers, freewheel roller clutches
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
    • A63C17/01—Skateboards
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
    • A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
    • A63C17/02—Roller skates; Skate-boards with wheels arranged in two pairs

Definitions

  • This invention relates to improvements in and relating to personal conveyance for recreational use.
  • the personal conveyance is an improved roller skate that may be used singularly, or as a pair.
  • the roller skate is designed to have larger diameter wheels that extend above the sides and top surface of the roller skate base plate.
  • the position and size of the wheels contribute to improved overall stability, an improved ride over a variety of uneven surfaces, provides the potential for improved speed and ankle protection, and yet affords the user with the ability to retain directional control of the skates.
  • the roller skate may also include a lowered and altered center of gravity from that found with traditional roller skates, in-line skates, scooters, skate boards, or other similar types of conveyances used recreationally, competitively, or for general transportation.
  • the lower center of gravity contributes to the improved stability and again lessens the likelihood for injury to the ankles of users.
  • the invention herein described relates to an improved roller skate
  • the invention may however, have applications outside this field.
  • the principles of design and the performance aspects may be applied to a range of other conveyances including skate boards and scooters, for example, (but also is not limited to just those used for recreational use of which some have been mentioned above).
  • a number of conveyances for recreational use are available in the market place and some of these have been described in the prior art. Some of these relate to traditional roller skate designs where the base plate (footplate) or truck of the roller skate operates as the foot receiving portion of the skate and to which typically four wheels are attached to axles or similar.
  • the wheels are typically small and are located beneath the base plate in a standard rectangular orientation pattern, where two wheels are positioned towards the front of the skate and two towards the back.
  • portions of the wheels do not typically extend significantly laterally from the sides of the base plate, and if they do, there is typically no portion of the wheel that extends significantly above, or through, the top surface of the base plate, in a manner such that the user's shoe would be bordered by the wheels.
  • the larger wheels enable speed to be achieved more easily, for less effort.
  • the larger wheels also enable the conveyance to be used over a range of ground surfaces, typically not available to users of roller skates with small wheels. Where the larger side wheels extend typically above the base plate to the vicinity of the ankles the wheels provide additional side support/protection for the user's ankles.
  • the stability of the overall conveyance is enhanced and in some designs, the centre of gravity can be effectively altered (such as lowered) to provide further improved stability of (and hence improve the safety of) the conveyance during use.
  • Some skates in the prior art may also include additional features, such as suspension systems, or systems for allowing a pair of the wheels (typically the front pair) to be independently operated to provide the user with varying degrees of directional control.
  • the wheels may be attached to a pivotable plate, or a split axle, to allow for such control.
  • New Zealand Patent No. 240943 relates to a roller skate truck having hemispherical elastomeric suspension mountings.
  • New Zealand Patent No. 181121 a steerable roller skate is described. The wheels are below the foot plate and are small, being typical of most roller skate designs.
  • skate boards has typically focused on improving the manoeuvrability and directional control of the skate board.
  • the invention of New Zealand Patent No. 261599 relates to a wheeled conveyance similar to a skate board where the user stands on a pivotable plate that is connected to steerable front fork by cables.
  • the invention of New Zealand Patent No. 294782 is also a skate board which has its front wheels mounted to biased suspension arms that are pivoted to a supporting frame. The wheels are steered by a board roll linkage.
  • This skate board design only includes three wheels of which the front ones are capable of being steered.
  • New Zealand Patent No. 251260 which relates to a skateboard where the wheels, whilst large and mounted outboard from the sides of the board, are displaced some distance lateral from the board and there are only three wheels.
  • the board is also fitted on to a frame configuration.
  • skateboards Whilst there are some featural similarities between skates and the range of skateboards available, skateboards have very obvious differences because of the way the skateboards are used.
  • skateboards have wheels that are moderately small and located beneath the board and do not extend from the side of the board. Others may only have three wheels. Some four-wheeled skate boards may have large wheels and some may even have these wheels extend laterally from the sides of the boards. However, in such designs, the wheels are not typically located directly adjacent the board so as to support a user's ankles, nor do they typically extend any significant distance above the board itself. To have such features may be considered by some to instead be more of a hindrance to the user of the skateboard as the wheels may be seen to impact on the users' ready ability to reposition their feet on the board. This is a consequence of the way a skateboard is ridden. Accordingly, a user typically stands at an angle on a skateboard (in a typical skate board fashion) and repositions the feet as required, rather than the feet remaining in the stance typically employed when using skates or a scooter.
  • skateboards are not designed to be actually fitted to either or both feet and they are not designed to be used as a pair in the same manner as one would use skates.
  • a personal conveyance for recreational use including:
  • a personal conveyance for recreational use substantially as described above, wherein the motion-facilitating means being positioned relative to the foot supporting member such that at least a portion of the motion-facilitating means extends in a vertical plane above and perpendicular to the foot supporting member effects a change in the overall center of gravity of either or both the conveyance and a person standing thereon, for improved stability.
  • a personal conveyance for recreational use substantially as described above, wherein the personal conveyance is adapted to include steering means.
  • a personal conveyance for recreational use substantially as described above, wherein the personal conveyance is also adapted to include optional braking means.
  • a personal conveyance for recreational use substantially as described above, wherein the steering means includes pivoting means and resilience means manufactured such that the pivoting means is centrally positioned in relation to at least the axle assembly located towards the front leading end of the foot supporting member and is attachable to the foot supporting member.
  • the resilience means includes at least one pair of compressible springs positioned along the axle shaft at either or both the front leading end and the rear trailing end of the foot supporting member.
  • a personal conveyance substantially as described above wherein the foot supporting member is adapted to receive a user's foot/shoe.
  • a personal conveyance substantially as described above wherein the foot supporting member is adapted to include gripping means to grip or retain a user's foot/shoe in position on the foot supporting member.
  • the gripping means includes either or both fixing apparata such as straps, screws and so forth, and configured portions to receive and hold the user's foot/shoe in place on the foot supporting member, whether the shoe is fixed permanently or temporarily to the foot supporting member.
  • the at least two axle assemblies comprise at least two shafts each supporting at least one motion-facilitating means at each distal end of each shaft.
  • each axle assembly comprises a shaft capable of independently supporting at least one motion-facilitating apparatus at an outer distal end of the shaft.
  • a personal conveyance substantially as described above wherein the motion-facilitating apparatus, when attached to a distal end of an axle, extends beyond the sides of the foot supporting member.
  • a personal conveyance substantially as described above wherein at least a portion of the motion-facilitating apparatus, when attached to a distal end of an axle, extends in a vertical plane above and perpendicular to the upper surface of the foot supporting member.
  • a personal conveyance substantially as described above wherein the motion-facilitating apparatus may be attached to a distal end of the axle such that its centre of rotation is substantially positioned at any one of: below the lower surface of the foot supporting member, in line with the horizontal plane of the foot supporting member, above the upper surface of the foot supporting member.
  • a personal conveyance substantially as described above wherein the position of the motion-facilitating apparatus relative to the axle and the foot supporting member determines the preferred centre of gravity as determined for stability.
  • a personal conveyance substantially as described above wherein the centre of gravity is lowered to effect preferred stability.
  • foot supporting member and motion-facilitating means shall now be referred to as the base plate and the wheels, respectively.
  • the motion-facilitating means may also include rotating tracks, rollers and may include substantially solid and or inflatable portions, spokes and bearing systems.
  • the base plate is preferably flat and substantially elongate, being dimensioned to receive and accommodate a user's foot or shoe, comfortably.
  • the base plate may be contoured in overall shape to conform to the shape of a pre-existing shoe design for use specifically with the base plate, or may take any aesthetically pleasing or practical shape as required.
  • the upper surface of the base plate if flat may also, for example, be varyingly configured. Accordingly, the upper surface may be smooth, or include grooves or raised portions and so forth to improve the gripping nature, or traction of the surface.
  • the configuration of the upper surface of the base plate is dependent upon whether the base plate is to accommodate a user's shoe, or be fitted with a pre-assembled shoe specifically designed for use with the base plate.
  • the base plate is preferably designed to be length adjustable so a single base plate can be adjusted for several shoe sizes (or elongated to adapt the conveyance as a scooter/skateboard).
  • the attachment or securing of the user's shoe or foot to the base plate may also be achieved by various gripping means designed or adapted for use with the conveyance.
  • gripping means may be employed include straps/ties that wrap around various portions of a foot, shoe or users' ankles. Also the use of flexible and/or adjustable straps aids the user in achieving a correct fit for their shoe size and shape on the base plate.
  • the straps may be arranged at any point along the length of the base plate, may be attached and extend from one side and be secured to the opposite side of the base plate, or two straps may alternatively be used and fixed/connected together at some point substantially central to the shoe, foot or base plate. In other embodiments, the straps may traverse the foot or shoe and hold it secure by downwards pressure exerted by the strap on the foot/shoe, or the straps may engage, be tied or otherwise affixed to the shoe or foot.
  • the straps may be secured in place on the base plate, to itself or another strap, or to the foot/shoe by appropriate means.
  • buckles, hook and pile systems, press studs, ties and so forth may be used.
  • Safety release systems may also be included.
  • gripping means used with, or adapted for use with, the conveyance may include screws, bolts, press studs and so forth to particularly affix a shoe to the base plate (whether the shoe is a pre-designed shoe specifically for use with the conveyance, or a user's existing shoe the user has chosen to adapt to be used on the base plate).
  • Such gripping means is preferable to ensure the foot or shoe is firmly held in place on the base plate.
  • Minimising longitudinal or lateral movement of the users' feet or shoes on the base plate in turn contributes to improved safety for the user by minimising the likelihood of the foot/shoe becoming loose from the conveyance, minimises the likelihood of injury (particularly to ankles), improves the ability to manoeuvre the conveyance and improves the ability to initiate and maintain preferred operation of the conveyance, among other considerations.
  • the lower surface of the base plate may include attachment means, or may be adapted to receive attachment means capable of engaging with the axles.
  • the axles may include short independent shafts that are attached to side edges of the base plate and the attachment means may also interact with either or both the upper and lower surfaces of the base plate.
  • the at least two axle assemblies may include two substantially elongate shafts.
  • One axle in such an embodiment may be displaced towards the front leading end of the base plate.
  • the second axle may preferably be displaced towards the rear trailing end of the base plate.
  • the axles are preferably independent of each other, although in some embodiments the axles may be connected.
  • the front axle may be pivotally mounted to enable directional movement to be achieved.
  • Each axle also preferably extends transversely beneath the base plate. To each end of each axle is then attached at least one wheel. In yet other embodiments, the axles may include shorter independent axles, each dedicated to its own wheel. In further embodiments any combination of appropriate axle arrangements may be employed. The choice of axle arrangement will be dependent upon the size, number and location of the wheels, the desired use of the conveyance (merely recreational or for speed), the terrain over which the conveyance is designed to travel, and so forth.
  • the axle may be integral with steering means for the conveyance, or the steering means may be separate but attachable to a portion of the base plate and/or axle.
  • axle shall mean and include any supporting member, beam, or shaft designed to carry a rotational motion-facilitating means such as a wheel, or wheel/track combinations or rollers (depending on the type of terrain over which the conveyance may be used).
  • the wheel may be attached to it, driven by it, or freely mounted on it, depending on the movement and performance required from such rotational means.
  • the rotational motion-facilitating means, or wheels, of the present invention preferably include bearings for a smoother ride and improved wheel performance.
  • the wheels may be made of thermoplastics, rubber or any combination of these materials, with the inclusion of other materials as required for strength, durability, serviceability, and so forth.
  • the materials used will also depend on effecting wheels having preferred weight to size ratios, the type of ground over which the conveyance will be used, the speeds the conveyance may be required to attain, and so forth.
  • wheels that when attached to the axle include a hollow spacer which extends to the outer edges of both bearings, when inserted in the wheel. Usually these spacers are plastic. The axle passes through the spacer. When removing these types of spacers in servicing the wheels/bearings of the wheels, it may be preferable to replace them with metal ones. The benefit of using metal spacers is that the wheels tend to spin better. Some skates have a spacer which is push fitted or may be threaded. Some fitness skates use an axle system which similar to that used on speed skates. These types use a floating spacer between the bearings, with a larger diameter axle aligning everything up.
  • Preferred embodiments include four large wheels arranged in a rectangular configuration, such that there are two wheels at the rear end of the base plate and two wheels towards the front leading end of the base plate.
  • Large diameter wheels are preferred to improve the smooth ride effected by them, the speed which may be more easily reached for less effort, and because wider diameter wheels are required to effect other performance and safety criteria of the conveyance, as discussed below.
  • Larger diameter wheels are the key to allow users to use the conveyance on a variety of surfaces where smaller wheels prove disadvantageous.
  • the larger diameter wheels enable to conveyance—whether skates, scooter or skateboard, to be used on surfaces including broken concrete, over small pebbles/gravel and across typical residential lawns, or hard packed dirt.
  • the larger diameter wheels along with other features designed into the conveyance during the development process have contributed to improved stability, turning, ease of use and a smooth ride.
  • the width of the actual individual wheels/tires themselves and the circumferential surface are also preferably increased. This means that at any given time there is more wheel surface area in contact with the skating surface. Where the wheel is made from an electrometric material (i.e. rubber), there is a natural amount of compression produced when the user's weight is applied, thereby effecting even greater contact area or footprint of the wheel.
  • an electrometric material i.e. rubber
  • the wheels preferably extend from the axles on opposite sides of the plate, rather than beneath the plate as with traditional roller skates.
  • the wider diameter wheels lend themselves to this configuration, particularly where the conveyance is also required to have a preferred centre of gravity. Having the wheels extend laterally from the sides of the base plate enables greater variability in the height adjustment of the base plate and hence control over the centre of gravity, where this is required.
  • the centre of gravity is preferably lowered. Having a lowered centre improves the stability of the conveyance for users.
  • the lowered centre of gravity is determined to effect preferred stability, but without negatively impacting on the performance, manoeuvrability of, or the propulsion of the conveyance.
  • the lack of stability encountered by users of existing skate design contributes to the ease with which a user can so easily lose balance and fall over, effecting injury to many parts of the body in the process. Where balance can be improved and the risk of falling minimised, the overall safety is improved and this translates to the potential for greater enjoyment.
  • the conveyance may include provision for physical ankle protection.
  • the ‘stability’ described above does provide a degree of resistance-improved safety to prevent skaters rolling over on their ankle.
  • the wheels are preferably of a large diameter, such that when attached to the axle, at least a portion of the wheel extends in a vertical plane above the upper surface of the base plate.
  • the large wheels may sit adjacent to the sides of the base plate and thereby effectively enclose the user's ankles within the boundaries created by the wheels. This arrangement may serve as additional support and protection for the users' ankles.
  • the larger wheels may minimise the likelihood of the conveyance tipping over on to its side, thereby making it less likely that the user may twist an ankle—which is a known likelihood with conventional skates. By effecting a design to minimise the likelihood of skates tipping sideways, this contributes to less ankle injury and an overall safer recreational conveyance.
  • the larger wheels also tend to lower the rolling resistance experienced with smaller diameter wheels and as such enable speed to be achieved for much less effort. Where such conveyances are used competitively in speed trials, the larger wheeled conveyances have potentially realisable advantage. Less rolling resistance is encountered by each wheel because of the position of the central axis of rotation of each wheel in the present invention being such that the position of the central wheel bearing relative to the base plate is higher than is ever achievable in traditional roller skates, or other recreational conveyances such as scooters and skate boards.
  • less rolling resistance combined with larger diameter and potentially wider wheels also enables the conveyance to be used more effectively on uneven ground, grassed surfaces and gravelled surfaces where traditional roller skates, or those having wheels positioned beneath the base plate, or even those with small wheels have difficulty traversing.
  • improved safety features commensurate with the design features as described, such conveyances are differentiated from those in the prior art.
  • the base plate may be widened and as such the wheels may be positioned lateral to the foot supporting part of the base plate, but still located within the external edges of the base plate.
  • the base plate may include apertures through which a portion of the wheel extends above the upper surface of the base plate.
  • tandem wheels may be an option in some embodiments whether in relation to either or both the front and back wheels.
  • braking means may include any suitable means capable of being employed with, or adapted for use with, the invention
  • braking means may include a substantially resilient stop which is deployed against the ground surface by tipping the base plate downwards.
  • the stop may be made of rubber, hard thermoplastics materials or any other suitable material.
  • the invention can be used as a pair—in the same manner as skates, or as a single unit—in the same manner as a scooter (without the handle) or a skate board (although without the side-tilting feature of a skateboard).
  • a removable handle may be provided that may be attached to a portion of the base plate as required or permanently, thereby converting the conveyance from a roller skate to a modified scooter.
  • the handle may be attached via a screw thread, bayonet, push-fit or pinned system.
  • the handle may be telescopic to be adjustable in height or of a fixed length.
  • Locking means may be employed to lock the handle in position on the base plate and/or to lock the height of a handle portion after adjustment.
  • the handle may include hand grips which may in turn be adjustable in width.
  • provision for attachment of the handle may be included in a base plate designed to accommodate a right or a left foot—to enable the modified skate to be used as a scooter by people having either left or right dependent tendencies.
  • the base plate may be of a universal shape, capable of accommodating either a left or right foot, thereby more appropriately predisposing the conveyance to use either singularly or as a pair.
  • the length of the base plate may be adjusted as previously described to provide additional space for a user's foot or shoe.
  • a rear footplate may also be included to enable the free foot to be rested when not being used to propel the scooter (or skateboard) forward.
  • the placement of the wheels and the extent of projection of the wheels above the base plate may be adjusted to enable a single conveyance to be also used in a manner similar to that of a skateboard (or again a scooter).
  • pivoting axle mounts and/or suspension systems may be added to effect the versatility of manoeuvrability and directional control required from a skateboard-type conveyance.
  • the steering means of the present invention preferably includes double compression springs located towards the front leading end and rear trailing end of the base plate.
  • the present invention provides a more rigid, but positive, smooth transfer of weight for changing direction.
  • traditional truck systems tend to take up space beneath the base plate. In circumstances where the base plate is preferably lowered to effect a lower center of gravity, the truck system would be a hindrance.
  • the traditional truck has a single centered pivot point. Accordingly, when weight is transferred a sudden movement can result. Whilst a central pivot point is also included in the present invention, the springs located on each side of the base plate front and back provides a more controlled weight transfer by way of a “push-pull” motion that offers a degree of resistance. Improvements in the spring system to enable tension and pulling actions are also envisaged.
  • the steering system also includes a pivotable hinge point.
  • the pivotable hinge point is moulded as an integral part of the footplate. This provides a hinging point for the steering system to provide lateral motion when transferring weight to initiate a turn.
  • the pivoting point does not have to be molded onto the base plate. This compares to a normal quad style skate system which simply bolts a traditional truck system to the base of the footplate.
  • the steering means of the present invention accordingly provides the conveyance with a suspension turning system.
  • modifications to the design could provide a system similar to traditional trucks which bolt onto sandshoes or boots.
  • the invention may be presented as a finished skate whereby a user's footwear can be strapped into as opposed to a shoe being providing with the conveyance as part of the design.
  • the base plate technology may also be available to add a specifically configured upper/boot design from an existing manufacturer of skating boots and the like.
  • FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of the conveyance of the present invention in accordance with one embodiment of the present where the configuration is such as to lower the center of gravity of the conveyance and user thereon;
  • FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the conveyance FIG. 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a front diagrammatic perspective view of a person using the conveyance of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of a person using the conveyance of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged front diagrammatic perspective view of a person using the conveyance of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a enlarged side view of a person using the conveyance of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a front view of the conveyance in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged rear diagrammatic view of a person using the conveyance of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of a shoe positioned on the base plate of the conveyance in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a bottom perspective view of the base plate of the conveyance of FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the base plate of the conveyance of FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the conveyance of the present invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present wherein the configuration is such as to improve the stability of the conveyance and a user thereon;
  • FIG. 13 is a bottom perspective view of the conveyance of FIG. 12 ;
  • FIG. 14 is a front diagrammatic view of the conveyance of FIG. 12 ;
  • FIG. 15 is a side view of the conveyance of FIG. 12 ;
  • FIG. 16 is rear diagrammatic view of the conveyance of FIG. 12 ;
  • FIG. 17 is a enlarged top plan view of the conveyance of FIG. 12 ;
  • FIG. 18 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view at “A-A” of the conveyance in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention and includes enlarged portion “B”;
  • FIG. 19 a, b are enlarged rear diagrammatic views of the conveyance of FIG. 12 from perspective “C-C” and “E-E” during a turning manoeuvre;
  • FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the axle assembly of the conveyance in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of the axle assembly of FIG. 20 .
  • FIG. 22 is a bottom perspective view of the axle assembly of FIG. 20 ;
  • FIGS. 23 a,b are diagrammatic side views of the conveyance of FIG. 12 adapted as a scooter.
  • FIGS. 1 to 22 there is provided personal conveyance apparatus (generally indicated by arrow ( 1 )) for recreational use by individuals ( 2 ). Whilst the emphasis is on recreational use, the conveyance may be used competitively, in speed events and/or as a general transport means.
  • the conveyance as described herein is described with reference to an improved roller skate design.
  • the design features and performance characteristics of the conveyance means it is able to be applied as a scooter; a skate board and so forth.
  • the base plate is preferably flat and substantially elongate.
  • the base plate is adapted to receive a user's foot/shoe ( 3 ), being dimensioned to receive and accommodate a user's foot or shoe, comfortably.
  • the base plate may be of a universal shape, capable of accommodating either a left or right foot, thereby more appropriately predisposing the conveyance to use either singularly or as a pair.
  • the base plate ( 4 ) may be shaped such that one of a pair is dedicated for use with the user's right foot and the other for use with the user's left foot.
  • the base plate may be contoured in overall shape to conform to the shape of a pre-existing shoe design manufactured for use specifically with the base plate, or may take any aesthetically pleasing or practical shape as required.
  • the adjustment means 9 is in the form of sliding plate portions of the base plate which are tightened to secure the preferred adjustment via a screw lug or pin system.
  • Gripping means in the form of straps ( 7 ) shown in FIGS. 9, 12 , and 14 - 17 , for example, are included to grip or retain a user's foot/shoe in position on the foot supporting member.
  • Use of such gripping means is preferable to ensure the foot or shoe is firmly held in place on the base plate to minimise longitudinal or lateral movement of the users' feet or shoes and the likelihood of the foot/shoe becoming loose from the conveyance. This in turn minimises the likelihood of injury (particularly to ankles), improves the ability to manoeuvre the conveyance and improves the ability to initiate and maintain preferred operation of the conveyance, among other considerations.
  • any arrangement of straps, screws, configured portions raised protrusions, and configuration 7 a of the base plate and so forth may also be included (as shown in the FIGS. 12-16 ), to receive and hold the user's foot/shoe in place on the base plate ( 4 ), whether the shoe is fixed permanently or temporarily to the foot supporting member.
  • the foot supporting member/base plate ( 4 ) includes, or includes provision for attachment of, at least two axle assemblies ( 5 ) adapted to receive rotational motion-facilitating means or wheels ( 6 ).
  • the personal conveyance is characterised by the motion-facilitating means/wheels ( 6 ) being positioned relative to the base plate ( 4 ) such that at least a portion of the wheels extends in a vertical plane above and perpendicular to the horizontal plane of the base plate ( 4 ).
  • the arrangement of the wheels is in a manner whereby the overall center of gravity of either or both the conveyance and a person standing thereon, is lowered (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 particularly), to effect improved stability.
  • the arrangement of the wheels contributes to improved stability without the need to lower the center of gravity of the base plate.
  • One embodiment of the personal conveyance includes at least two axle assemblies ( 5 ) which comprise two shafts ( 5 b ) each supporting at least one wheel ( 6 ) at each distal end of each shaft ( 5 ).
  • Each axle extends transversely beneath the base plate.
  • One axle in such an embodiment is displaced towards the front leading end of the base plate.
  • the second axle is displaced towards the rear trailing end of the base plate.
  • the axles are preferably independent of each other, although in some embodiments the axles may be connected.
  • the front axle is pivotally mounted to enable directional movement to be achieved.
  • each axle assembly ( 5 ) comprises a shaft capable of independently supporting at least one wheel ( 6 ) at the outer distal end of the shaft.
  • the axle includes a stepped portion and operates in this configuration to contribute to lowering the centre of gravity of the conveyance.
  • the choice of axle arrangement will be dependent upon the size, number and location of the wheels, the desired use of the conveyance (merely recreational or for speed), the terrain over which the conveyance is designed to travel, and so forth.
  • the wheels ( 6 ) of the personal conveyance in the varying embodiments of FIGS. 9 to 11 and 12 - 21 are attached to a distal end of the axle such that its centre of rotation is substantially positioned in line with the horizontal plane of the base plate ( 4 ).
  • the wheels ( 6 ) of the personal conveyance in FIGS. 1 to 8 are attached to a distal end of the axle such that its centre of rotation is substantially positioned above the upper surface of the base plate ( 4 ).
  • the position of the wheels ( 6 ) relative to the axle ( 5 ) and the base plate ( 4 ) determines the preferred centre of gravity as determined for stability. In these latter FIGS. 1-11 , the centre of gravity is lowered to effect preferred stability.
  • the embodiments illustrated include four large wheels ( 6 ) arranged in a rectangular configuration, such that there are two wheels at the rear end of the base plate and two wheels towards the front leading end of the base plate.
  • Large diameter wheels are preferred to improve the smooth ride effected by them, the speed which may be more easily reached for less effort, and because wider diameter wheels are required to effect other performance and safety criteria of the conveyance.
  • the circumferential surface of the wheels is an additional benefit in increasing the contact between the wheels and the surface on which the conveyance is being used. The larger diameter and greater width of the wheels enable use of the conveyance over broken concrete, gravel or pebbles and over grass.
  • the wheels ( 6 ) extend from the axles on opposite sides of the plate, rather than beneath the plate as with traditional roller skates.
  • the wider diameter wheels lend themselves to this configuration, particularly where the conveyance is also required to have a preferred centre of gravity. Having the wheels extend laterally from the sides of the base plate enables greater variability in the height adjustment of the base plate and hence control over the centre of gravity. Accordingly, for example, the centre of gravity in embodiments illustrated by FIGS. 1-8 will be lower than the centre of gravity in the embodiments represented by FIGS. 9-11 and 12 - 21 , respectively.
  • these embodiments and any other variations using the same concept are typically more stable than the traditional roller skates where the wheels are below the base plate, or substantially below the base plate.
  • the wheels ( 6 ) are preferably of a large diameter, such that when attached to the axle ( 5 ), at least a portion of the wheel ( 6 ) extends in a vertical plane above the upper surface of the base plate ( 4 ).
  • the large wheels ( 6 ) sit adjacent the sides of the base plate ( 4 ) and thereby effectively enclose the user's ankles within the boundaries created by the wheels (as shown in FIGS. 3-6 , 8 ). This arrangement acts as additional support and protection for the users' ankles.
  • the base plate ( 4 ) may be widened and as such the wheels may be positioned lateral to the foot supporting part of the base plate, but still located within the external edges of the base plate and the base plate may include apertures through which a portion of the wheel extends above the upper surface of the base plate.
  • the large wheels effectively enclose the user's ankles within the boundaries created by the wheels to serve as additional support and protection for the users' ankles.
  • tandem wheels may be an option in some embodiments whether in relation to either or both the front and back wheels ( 6 ).
  • FIGS. 9-11 and FIGS. 13-18 include a braking means ( 8 ).
  • braking means may include any suitable means capable of being employed with, or adapted for use with, the invention.
  • the braking means ( 8 ) is a resilient stop which is deployed against the ground surface by tipping the base plate ( 4 ) downwards.
  • the steering means ( 10 ) of a preferred embodiment illustrated by FIGS. 12-22 includes two pairs of compression springs ( 11 ). One pair located towards the front leading end is optionally a lighter spring than the second pair located at the rear trailing end of the base plate.
  • the axle assembly ( 5 ) as shown in FIGS. 20-22 is adapted to receive the springs on an appropriately configured lug ( 13 ).
  • the steering system also includes a pivotable hinge point ( 12 ).
  • the pivotable hinge point includes a moulded portion ( 12 a ) which is an integral part of the footplate as shown in FIG. 18 .
  • This provides a hinging point against a portion ( 12 b ) of the axle assembly for the steering system to provide lateral motion when transferring weight to initiate a turn as illustrated in FIGS. 19 a and 19 b .
  • a pin in the form of a nut ( 15 ) and bolt ( 14 ) arrangement may be used to secure the axle assemblies ( 5 ) to the base plate ( 4 ).
  • the steering means of the present invention accordingly provides the conveyance with a suspension turning system.
  • the user standing on said foot supporting member effects a shift in the position of applied body weight on the foot supporting member, which effects compression of at least one front and/or one rear spring resulting in pivoting of the pivoting means and the axle assembly causing a turning of the motion facilitating means and a directional change of the personal conveyance.
  • the optional braking means slows down or completes the steering by deployment of the stop against the ground surface by tipping the rear or front of the foot supporting member downwards.
  • the invention can be used as a pair in the same manner as skates, or as a single unit, in the same manner as a scooter or a skateboard.
  • a removable or fixed handle 16 may be provided.
  • the handle may be attached to an appropriately configured portion of the base plate via a screw thread, bayonet, push-fit, or pinned/bolted system, thereby converting the conveyance from a roller skate to a modified scooter as illustrated in part in FIGS. 23 a,b .
  • the base plate may be lengthened by adjustment as previously discussed to provide more room for the user to position the foot.
  • a rear footplate ( 17 ) for supporting the free foot may also be included, which may be removable, fixed in position, or hinged for folding down.

Landscapes

  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
US10/507,488 2002-03-11 2003-03-11 Personal conveyance for recreational use Abandoned US20050236783A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ517724A NZ517724A (en) 2002-03-11 2002-03-11 Roller-skates with large wheels mounted outboard of foot-plate.
NZ517724 2002-03-11
PCT/NZ2003/000044 WO2003076031A1 (en) 2002-03-11 2003-03-11 Personal conveyance for recreational use

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20050236783A1 true US20050236783A1 (en) 2005-10-27

Family

ID=27800847

Family Applications (1)

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US10/507,488 Abandoned US20050236783A1 (en) 2002-03-11 2003-03-11 Personal conveyance for recreational use

Country Status (9)

Country Link
US (1) US20050236783A1 (ko)
EP (1) EP1487550A4 (ko)
KR (1) KR20040111400A (ko)
CN (1) CN100544800C (ko)
AU (1) AU2003217080A1 (ko)
CA (1) CA2479094A1 (ko)
NZ (1) NZ517724A (ko)
RU (1) RU2359729C2 (ko)
WO (1) WO2003076031A1 (ko)

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US20080169621A1 (en) * 2007-01-17 2008-07-17 Michael Denver Knapton Corrugated hanger for skateboard truck
US20090107415A1 (en) * 2007-10-26 2009-04-30 Handal Patricia M Bird Skate Amusement Device
US20120013085A1 (en) * 2010-07-16 2012-01-19 Roger R. Adams Wearable Device
US8544854B2 (en) 2011-12-09 2013-10-01 Roger R. Adams Wearable device with attachment system
GB2503214A (en) * 2012-06-18 2013-12-25 Ching-Ho Yeh Safe roller skate
USD736861S1 (en) 2014-12-01 2015-08-18 Radio Flyer Inc. Scooter
USD756465S1 (en) 2015-03-06 2016-05-17 Radio Flyer Inc. Scooter
US11291909B2 (en) * 2020-02-07 2022-04-05 JMKRIDE International, LLC Single-foot skateboard

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KR100732956B1 (ko) * 2005-10-26 2007-06-29 김선기 아우트라인스케이트
CN102489018A (zh) * 2011-12-05 2012-06-13 刘其虎 带有刹车和减速装置的弓型轴足轮
CN108945236A (zh) * 2018-07-31 2018-12-07 深圳市乐骑智能科技有限公司 一种使用稳定性能高的平衡车
RU2686731C1 (ru) * 2018-10-22 2019-04-30 Игорь Михайлович Рулев Устройство роликовых коньков с одним роликом
US11554915B2 (en) 2020-03-02 2023-01-17 Goodrich Corporation Cargo aisle drive system
CN112519868B (zh) * 2020-11-25 2021-12-10 浙江昕动智能技术有限公司 一种山道滑车的脚踏机构

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US20080169621A1 (en) * 2007-01-17 2008-07-17 Michael Denver Knapton Corrugated hanger for skateboard truck
US7871087B2 (en) * 2007-01-17 2011-01-18 Michael Denver Knapton Corrugated hanger for skateboard truck
US20090107415A1 (en) * 2007-10-26 2009-04-30 Handal Patricia M Bird Skate Amusement Device
US9492732B2 (en) 2010-07-16 2016-11-15 Roger R. Adams Wearable device
JP2017109136A (ja) * 2010-07-16 2017-06-22 ロジャー アール． アダムス， 装着型デバイス
US11511181B2 (en) 2010-07-16 2022-11-29 V.N.O. Llc Wearable device
KR101835053B1 (ko) * 2010-07-16 2018-03-08 로저 알 아담스 착용 가능한 장치
US8641054B2 (en) * 2010-07-16 2014-02-04 Roger R. Adams Wearable device
US8690165B2 (en) 2010-07-16 2014-04-08 Roger R. Adams Wearable device
US9901809B2 (en) 2010-07-16 2018-02-27 V.N.O. Llc Wearable device
US8801002B2 (en) 2010-07-16 2014-08-12 Roger R. Adams Wearable device
US8882114B2 (en) 2010-07-16 2014-11-11 Roger R. Adams Wearable device
JP2013535999A (ja) * 2010-07-16 2013-09-19 ロジャー アール． アダムス， 装着型デバイス
JP2016000213A (ja) * 2010-07-16 2016-01-07 ロジャー アール． アダムス， 装着型デバイス
US20120013085A1 (en) * 2010-07-16 2012-01-19 Roger R. Adams Wearable Device
US8544854B2 (en) 2011-12-09 2013-10-01 Roger R. Adams Wearable device with attachment system
GB2503214B (en) * 2012-06-18 2014-06-18 Ching-Ho Yeh Safe roller shoe structure
GB2503214A (en) * 2012-06-18 2013-12-25 Ching-Ho Yeh Safe roller skate
USD736861S1 (en) 2014-12-01 2015-08-18 Radio Flyer Inc. Scooter
USD756465S1 (en) 2015-03-06 2016-05-17 Radio Flyer Inc. Scooter
US11291909B2 (en) * 2020-02-07 2022-04-05 JMKRIDE International, LLC Single-foot skateboard

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
RU2004130434A (ru) 2005-07-10
EP1487550A4 (en) 2006-04-12
NZ517724A (en) 2004-02-27
CA2479094A1 (en) 2003-09-18
KR20040111400A (ko) 2004-12-31
CN1652847A (zh) 2005-08-10
RU2359729C2 (ru) 2009-06-27
EP1487550A1 (en) 2004-12-22
AU2003217080A1 (en) 2003-09-22
WO2003076031A1 (en) 2003-09-18
CN100544800C (zh) 2009-09-30

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Owner name: SKORPION SPORTS LIMITED, NEW ZEALAND

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:REID, REGINALD LYALL;REEL/FRAME:016330/0434

Effective date: 20030124

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

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