US20090295111A1 - Bi-directional propulsion caster - Google Patents
Bi-directional propulsion caster Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090295111A1 US20090295111A1 US12/433,568 US43356809A US2009295111A1 US 20090295111 A1 US20090295111 A1 US 20090295111A1 US 43356809 A US43356809 A US 43356809A US 2009295111 A1 US2009295111 A1 US 2009295111A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- bracket
- caster
- wheel
- rocker
- shaft
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62M—RIDER PROPULSION OF WHEELED VEHICLES OR SLEDGES; POWERED PROPULSION OF SLEDGES OR SINGLE-TRACK CYCLES; TRANSMISSIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR SUCH VEHICLES
- B62M1/00—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles
- B62M1/18—Rider propulsion of wheeled vehicles by movement of rider's saddle
-
- 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
- A63C17/0033—Roller skates; Skate-boards with a castor wheel, i.e. a swiveling follow-up wheel
-
- 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
- A63C17/01—Skateboards
- A63C17/014—Wheel arrangements
- A63C17/016—Wheel arrangements with wheels arranged in one track
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors
- B60B33/0002—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors assembling to the object, e.g. furniture
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors
- B60B33/0002—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors assembling to the object, e.g. furniture
- B60B33/0005—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors assembling to the object, e.g. furniture characterised by mounting method
- B60B33/0007—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors assembling to the object, e.g. furniture characterised by mounting method by screwing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors
- B60B33/0002—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors assembling to the object, e.g. furniture
- B60B33/0015—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors assembling to the object, e.g. furniture characterised by adaptations made to castor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors
- B60B33/0002—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors assembling to the object, e.g. furniture
- B60B33/0015—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors assembling to the object, e.g. furniture characterised by adaptations made to castor
- B60B33/0018—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors assembling to the object, e.g. furniture characterised by adaptations made to castor in the form of a flat mounting plate
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors
- B60B33/0036—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by type of wheels
- B60B33/0039—Single wheels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors
- B60B33/0047—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the rolling axle
- B60B33/0049—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the rolling axle the rolling axle being horizontal
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors
- B60B33/0047—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the rolling axle
- B60B33/0057—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the rolling axle the rolling axle being offset from swivel axis
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors
- B60B33/006—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the swivel mechanism
- B60B33/0065—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the swivel mechanism characterised by details of the swivel axis
- B60B33/0068—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the swivel mechanism characterised by details of the swivel axis the swivel axis being vertical
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60B—VEHICLE WHEELS; CASTORS; AXLES FOR WHEELS OR CASTORS; INCREASING WHEEL ADHESION
- B60B33/00—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors
- B60B33/006—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the swivel mechanism
- B60B33/0065—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the swivel mechanism characterised by details of the swivel axis
- B60B33/0071—Castors in general; Anti-clogging castors characterised by details of the swivel mechanism characterised by details of the swivel axis the swivel axis being inclined
-
- 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
- A63C17/12—Roller skates; Skate-boards with driving mechanisms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/40—Runner or deck of boards articulated between both feet
Definitions
- the present invention relates generally to caster assemblies. More particularly, in various embodiments, the present invention relates to caster assemblies for use with ride-on devices. Even more specifically, this invention, in particular embodiments, pertains to an adjustable rocking action caster assembly for improved performance of recreational skateboards, caster boards, and the like.
- Ride-on devices take many forms and may be used for exercise, entertainment or both. They may have a non-descript, mostly functional aesthetic form, like a skateboard or scooter, or they may be made to look like a vehicle, an animal or a fictional character as with many preschool toys.
- skateboards are generally supported by two-wheeled truck assemblies attached to the undersides of the boards.
- Such skateboards have long been popular, but are limited in the sense that the rider could realistically accelerate on a level or uphill surface only by removing one of his or her feet from the board and pushing off the ground.
- skateboards were also limited in the degree of steering that was possible, as where the turning radius reached a certain angle, the wheels would touch the board.
- Caster boards were subsequently developed to address the limitations of skate boards.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,195,259 provides certain examples of caster boards.
- Caster boards typically have comprised one or two boards, with at least one swivel caster wheel assembly in front and at least one in the rear of the caster board. The rider twists his or her body to the left and to the right to accelerate the caster board or to turn it within a relatively small turning radius. This is accomplished by having the wheels rotate around the wheel axis when the board is twisted in either direction, where the wheel axis is mounted at an acute angle with respect to the bottom, front and back of the caster board.
- the prior art caster board has a defined front and back and are unidirectional with regard to propulsion.
- skateboards and the art of skateboarding have benefitted in regard to the tricks able to be performed and their subsequent popularity by their ability to go either direction with equal capability. Therefore it would be beneficial to the art if a caster board could be bidirectional and travel in either direction with equal capability.
- Typical prior art caster boards have a front and a back defined by its ability to propel itself in a general direction which is determined by the acute angle at which the wheel axis is mounted. This design limits caster boards to be unidirectional and leaves a desire in the marketplace unfulfilled.
- Some ride-on devices have used a spring to work against the rotation of the wheel assembly along the wheel axis, thus creating a force that replaces the gravitational force used in other prior art devices.
- This method still provides forward motion resulting from side-to-side, or twisting, forces applied by the rider.
- this does not allow full rotation of the wheel assembly which limits the maneuverability of the ride-on device.
- the spring has a set tension so performance varies greatly with the weight of the rider.
- ride-on devices such as caster boards that uses a rocking caster to permit bidirectional propulsion, improve performance, or both, for example, for riders of all sizes.
- Some embodiment may have other objects or benefits, some of which may be apparent from this document.
- a caster assembly includes a wheel bracket, a wheel attached to the wheel bracket, a rocker/shaft assembly about which the wheel bracket is free to rotate, a mounting bracket attached to the underside of a ride-on device and connected to the rocker/shaft assembly, and one or more pivot stops to dictate the limits of the rocker/shaft assembly movement, for example.
- the wheel assembly is attached to a caster shaft which rocks on the bracket by pivotally attaching to the mounting bracket.
- the rocking action of the assembly positions the caster to accelerate in either direction by rocking when the wheel bracket rotates more than 90 degrees from the low point on its rotation to create a new low point within 90 degrees. Therefore, the wheel bracket never travels 180 degrees from the low point where propulsion is no longer possible as with conventional caster boards.
- the rocker/shaft assembly of the present invention can be designed to interface with the bottom side of the board or the bracket so that the swing could be restricted to the desired amount.
- a separate piece such as a pivot stop can be introduced to dictate the where and how of this interface. The where could be dictated by the shape of pivot stop and the how can be dictated by the choice of materials.
- the pivot stops may be made from urethane or other material that has rebound qualities.
- forward motion may be easier to maintain than it is to initiate.
- the caster assembly further permits the rider to travel backwards as well as forwards.
- the pivot stops may comprise a wide variety of configurations and some embodiments may be easily changeable by the rider to accommodate various user preferences and skill levels.
- the rocker/shaft assembly may interface directly with the bottom side of the ride-on device or the main bracket to restrict the swing of the rocker/shaft assembly.
- the main bracket may attach to the rocker/shaft assembly with one or more pivot bolts or pins but in every case it will be a common axis between these pins/bolts.
- ride-on devices as contemplated by this invention may require more than one wheel to operate, only one propulsion caster assembly as described may be required.
- the various caster assemblies of the present invention may be used in a variety of combinations with a variety of ride-on devices in some embodiments.
- the caster assembly may, in addition, comprise a blade instead of a wheel where the ride-on device is to be used on ice. Further, the caster assembly may conceivably be used with devices that are not intended to be ridden such as carts or wagons, as examples.
- FIG. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of a ride-on device having bi-directional propulsion caster assemblies attached.
- FIG. 2A is an isometric view of an embodiment of the caster assembly of the invention.
- FIG. 2B is an exploded isometric view of the caster assembly of FIG. 2A .
- FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the caster shaft of FIG. 2A demonstrating the permissible arc of rotation of the caster shaft.
- FIG. 4A is an isometric view of another embodiment of the caster assembly of the invention.
- FIG. 4B is an exploded isometric view of the caster assembly of FIG. 4A .
- FIG. 5A is an isometric view of another embodiment of the caster assembly of the invention.
- FIG. 5B is an exploded isometric view of the caster assembly of FIG. 5A .
- FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a ride-on device having a caster assembly of the invention attached.
- FIG. 7 is an isometric view of another alternative embodiment of a ride-on device having a caster assembly of the invention attached.
- FIG. 1 One embodiment of the invention is disclosed in FIG. 1 .
- a bidirectional propulsion caster assembly 10 is presented for use with a ride-on device 12 having at least one base 14 .
- Each base 14 has a top side 16 for supporting the feet of a rider and a bottom side 18 to which the caster assembly 10 is attachable.
- the caster assembly 10 includes a wheel 20 supported by a wheel bracket 22 .
- the wheel 20 is attached so as to rotate freely along its entire circumference.
- the wheel further rotates freely about a wheel axis 21 .
- the wheel bracket 22 is rotatably connected to a caster shaft 24 having a caster shaft axis 26 that is angularly offset from the wheel axis 21 .
- the caster shaft 24 is connected to the wheel bracket 22 using a wheel bracket bolt 28 .
- the wheel 20 and the wheel bracket 22 are free to rotate around the caster shaft 24 and about the caster shaft axis 26 .
- the benefits of the angularly offset wheel axis 21 from the caster shaft axis 26 will be discussed below.
- mounting bracket 30 is attachable to the bottom side 18 of the base 14 with caster shaft 24 pivotally connected to the mounting bracket 30 .
- the pivotal connection includes a pivot assembly 32 having a pivot pin 32 or bolt 32 connected to the mounting bracket 30 using various fastening components as known in the art.
- the pivot assembly 32 in various embodiments may comprise bushings, washers, bearings, and the like such that the caster shaft 24 is adequately permitted to pivot about the pivot assembly 32 .
- the mounting bracket 30 and the pivot pin 32 further define a pivot axis 34 that extends in a generally transverse direction across the bottom of ride-on device 12 when the caster assembly 10 is attached to the ride-on device 12 .
- the caster shaft 24 is attached to the mounting bracket 30 so that the caster shaft 24 can pivot about the pivot axis 34 along an arc 36 between a first position 38 and a second position 40 .
- the mounting bracket 30 may be shaped such that the wheel assembly 22 or the caster shaft 24 engage the mounting bracket 30 at either end of the arc 36 , thereby defining the first position 38 and the second position 40 .
- the wheel assembly 22 may be shaped so as to engage the bottom side 18 of the base 14 at either end of the arc 36 , or various alternative configurations that may be anticipated for defining the first position 38 and the second position 40 .
- the caster shaft 24 and a laterally extending plane corresponding to the pivot axis of the caster shaft 24 together form an angle with respect to either direction of movement for the ride-on device 12 .
- the angle is not fixed at an acute angle with respect to any given direction of movement, but may instead be acute or obtuse depending on whether the caster shaft 24 is in the first position 38 or the second position 40 . Pivoting of the caster shaft 24 between the first 38 and second position 40 further causes the caster shaft axis 26 to extend on opposing sides of an axis perpendicular in relation to a horizontal plane of the base 14 of the ride-on device 12 .
- a rocker bracket 42 rather than the caster shaft 24 is pivotally attached to the mounting bracket 30 .
- the caster shaft 24 is attached to the rocker bracket 42 that the caster shaft 24 and rocker bracket 42 are together able to pivot along the arc 36 between the first position 38 and the second position 40 previously defined.
- the caster shaft 24 and rocker bracket 42 may be integrally formed from a single material to define a single rocker/shaft assembly 44 .
- the rocker bracket 42 or rocker/shaft assembly 44 may engage the bottom side 18 of the base 14 when it pivots in either direction along the defined arc, the engagement thereby defining the first position 38 and the second position 40 .
- rocker bracket 42 or rocker/shaft assembly 44 as shown may engage the mounting bracket 30 when it pivots to the first or to the second position.
- the mounting bracket 30 in these embodiments may be shaped in any number of configurations so as to selectably define the arc of rotation.
- the pivotal connection in this embodiment is created by a pair of pivot bolts 32 engaging the rocker bracket 42 or rocker/shaft assembly 44 from opposing sides of the mounting bracket 30 .
- the mounting bracket 30 is mounted to the bottom side 18 of the base 14 with one or more mounting bracket bolts 54 and an equivalent number of mounting bracket nuts 52 .
- pivot stops 46 may be attached to the rocker bracket 42 or rocker/shaft assembly 44 .
- the pivot stops 46 provide an interface between the rocker bracket 42 or rocker/shaft assembly 44 and the bottom side 18 of the base 14 or the mounting bracket 30 .
- the pivot stops 46 further define the first position 38 and second position 40 by limiting the scope of the arc of rotation permitted rocker bracket 42 or rocker/shaft assembly 44 .
- the one or more pivot stops 46 may be implemented in a wide variety of configurations.
- the pivot stops 46 may further be formed of urethane or other equivalent material having rebound qualities as known in the art.
- the pivot stops 46 may be easily changeable by the rider or user to accommodate various user preferences and skill levels.
- the rider or user may change pivot stops 46 so as to selectably increase or decrease the scope of the arc of rotation.
- “changeable”, when referring to a part such as the one or more pivot stops 46 means that the part can be removed and replaced without damaging the part using the skill and tools ordinarily found in homes of most riders of skateboards, caster boards, scooters, and the like.
- a pivot stop 46 is attached directly to the mounting bracket 30 using mounting bracket bolts 54 and mounting bracket nuts 52 , as well as interface nuts 48 and interface washers 50 .
- the rocker bracket 42 or rocker/shaft assembly 44 may be attached to the mounting bracket 30 as previously described.
- the rocker bracket 42 or rocker/shaft assembly 44 engages the pivot stop 46 when it pivots to either the first position or the second position.
- the shape or configuration of the pivot stop 46 thereby defines the permissible scope of the arc of rotation for the rocker bracket 42 or rocker/shaft assembly 44 .
- the pivot stop 46 may be changeable by the rider or user so as to desirably increase or decrease the permissible scope of the arc of rotation.
- the caster shaft 24 , rocker bracket 42 and/or rocker/shaft assembly 44 may be allowed to travel around the pivot connection approximately 30-60 degrees.
- the rocker/shaft assembly would in these embodiments be allowed to travel freely between 15 and 30 degrees on either side of 270 degrees depending on the desired performance.
- a 30 degree total swing is used on a ride-on device 12 such as a caster board 12 , for example, the caster board 12 will be easier to turn and spin but will generate lower speed. It is similar to the lowest gear on a bicycle. It will generate less speed but there will also be less resistance to rider motions. In contrast, if a total swing of 60 degrees was used it would be similar to the highest speed on a bicycle. There would be more speed with less motion but there would be greater resistance against that motion.
- a bi-directional ride-on device 12 having one or more caster assemblies 10 mounted to the undersides 18 of one or more bases 14 or platforms 14 has a first end and a second end corresponding to either direction of movement.
- the associated shaft 24 is pivoted to a position corresponding to the direction of movement. Further, when the wheel bracket 22 and shaft 24 are so positioned, a minimum position or height for the base 14 or platform 14 with respect to the riding surface is defined.
- the wheel bracket 22 is rotated about the shaft 24 in response to lateral forces supplied to the base 14 or platform 14 by a rider or user of the ride-on device 12 .
- the wheel bracket 22 rotates away from a substantial alignment with the direction of movement, and up to a ninety degree angle relative to the direction of movement, the height of the base increases with respect to the riding surface.
- Resultant energy generally corresponding to a weight of the rider or user subsequently is stored in the caster assembly 10 and is released as the platform 14 is forced back to a minimum height with respect to the riding surface, creating propulsion of the ride-on device 12 in the direction of movement.
- a maximum position or height for the platform 14 with respect to the riding surface is defined.
- the shaft 24 , rocker bracket 42 or rocker/shaft assembly 44 further pivots to an orientation substantially parallel with respect to the riding surface.
- the rider or user may have a maximum ability or freedom to achieve various maneuvers, dynamic spins and other tricks, as resistance to lateral forces applied by the user is minimal and the ride-on device 12 is generally receptive to control.
- the speed or acceleration of the ride-on device will be at a minimum as the energy remains stored until the wheel bracket 22 moves back toward substantial alignment with either direction of movement.
- the ride-on device When the wheel 20 and wheel bracket 22 are rotated more than a ninety degree angle with respect to the direction of movement previously described, the ride-on device is functional to maneuver and accelerate in equivalent fashion in an opposing direction of movement.
- the shaft 24 , rocker bracket 42 or rocker/shaft assembly 44 pivots about the permissible arc 36 of rotation from the initial position to the opposing position on the arc.
- the wheel bracket 22 subsequently seeks to substantially align itself with the new direction of movement, wherein a minimum position or height of the platform 14 with respect to the riding surface is attained equivalent to the minimum position associated with the previous direction of movement. Operation of the ride-on device 12 in this direction of movement generally corresponds to the operation for the previous direction as described.
- the caster assemblies 10 have a bidirectional quality in large part because there is no constant acute angle for the caster shaft 24 with respect to any given point on the bottom side 18 of the platform 14 .
- Rotating the rocker/shaft assembly 44 or caster shaft 24 toward the first position corresponds with operating the ride-on device 12 in a first direction and rotating the rocker/shaft assembly 44 or caster shaft 24 toward the second position corresponds with operating the ride-on device in a second direction.
- the first direction of movement is associated with a first position of the wheel bracket 22 in substantial alignment with the first direction of movement.
- the second direction of movement in contrast is associated with a second position of the wheel bracket 22 in substantial alignment with the second direction of movement.
- the wheel bracket 22 forms an acute angle in each case with respect to a vector corresponding to the associated direction of movement and extending along the platform 14 to the attachment with the mounting bracket 30 . In this manner the caster assembly 10 always seeks a minimum position for the platform 14 with respect to the riding surface that corresponds to the direction of movement.
- the bi-directional ride-on device 12 has two bases 14 connected by a connecting element 56 and having at least one caster assembly 10 attached to the bottom side 18 of each base 14 .
- bases 14 may be adapted to support a rider's feet.
- bases 14 may be of sufficient strength to support a rider and may be made of a material having a relatively high coefficient of friction with the sole of a typical shoe that may be worn when riding a ride-on device 12 of the embodiment.
- the caster assembly 10 may also work with numerous other embodiments of ride-on devices 12 .
- FIG. 6 illustrates a bi-directional ride-on device 12 having a first base 14 a and a second base 14 b aligned along an axis coincident with either direction of movement.
- a connecting element 56 having elastic properties is connected between the two bases 14 a, b.
- the first base 14 a is attached to a steering column 58 having a wheel bracket 22 such that the wheel 20 is able to pivot about the axis of the steering column 58 .
- a bi-directional propulsion caster assembly 10 is attached to the underside 18 of the second base 14 b, in the embodiment shown, and permits the rider to sustain motion in either direction of the ride-on device 12 without taking his or her feet off of the bases 14 a, b.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a bi-directional ride-on device 12 having a first member 15 and a second member 15 aligned along an axis generally transverse to either direction of movement, each member 15 having a foot platform 60 to support a rider.
- each foot platform 60 should have sufficient surface area and structural rigidity so as to support a rider's feet during use of the device 12 .
- the members 15 are each attached to a bracket 66 , in this embodiment, the attachments being pins or hinges 64 that permit the members 15 to pivot laterally in either direction while steering column 58 remains at the same nearly-vertical angle.
- a support element 62 pivotably attached on one end to a central portion of the first member 15 and on the other end to a central portion of the second member 15 .
- the bracket 66 also is attached to a steering column 58 , in this embodiment, and a wheel 20 that is able to rotate about the axis of the steering column 58 .
- There are two bi-directional propulsion caster assemblies 10 in this embodiment, one attached to the underside of each foot platform 60 , to permit the rider to sustain a forward motion in the ride-on device 12 without taking his or her feet off of the platforms 60 .
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
- Handcart (AREA)
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/433,568 US20090295111A1 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2009-04-30 | Bi-directional propulsion caster |
US13/463,699 US8297630B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-05-03 | Bi-directional propulsion caster |
US13/629,020 US8454038B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-09-27 | Bi-directional propulsion caster |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US4912508P | 2008-04-30 | 2008-04-30 | |
US12/433,568 US20090295111A1 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2009-04-30 | Bi-directional propulsion caster |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/463,699 Continuation US8297630B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-05-03 | Bi-directional propulsion caster |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20090295111A1 true US20090295111A1 (en) | 2009-12-03 |
Family
ID=41255431
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/433,568 Abandoned US20090295111A1 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2009-04-30 | Bi-directional propulsion caster |
US13/463,699 Expired - Fee Related US8297630B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-05-03 | Bi-directional propulsion caster |
US13/629,020 Expired - Fee Related US8454038B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-09-27 | Bi-directional propulsion caster |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/463,699 Expired - Fee Related US8297630B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-05-03 | Bi-directional propulsion caster |
US13/629,020 Expired - Fee Related US8454038B2 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2012-09-27 | Bi-directional propulsion caster |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US20090295111A1 (de) |
EP (1) | EP2285593B8 (de) |
JP (1) | JP2011521821A (de) |
KR (1) | KR20110056367A (de) |
CN (1) | CN102089160B (de) |
AU (1) | AU2009242669A1 (de) |
WO (1) | WO2009135041A1 (de) |
Cited By (23)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090066150A1 (en) * | 2007-09-10 | 2009-03-12 | O'rourke Sr Thomas Joseph | Cam Action Caster Assembly for Ride-On Devices |
US20090315290A1 (en) * | 2008-06-24 | 2009-12-24 | Alon Vanounou | Multi-directional caster assembly |
US20100117316A1 (en) * | 2008-11-13 | 2010-05-13 | Jasun Weiner | Scooter with inclined caster |
US20100225080A1 (en) * | 2009-03-09 | 2010-09-09 | Shane Smith | Articulated Two-piece Wheeled Sport Board with Rigid Flexible Connector |
US20110006497A1 (en) * | 2006-04-28 | 2011-01-13 | Robert Chen | One piece flexible skateboard |
US20110133420A1 (en) * | 2008-11-13 | 2011-06-09 | Smith Kevin L | Three-wheeled skateboard method |
US20110221162A1 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2011-09-15 | Tisport Llc | Mono-fork for a front caster of a wheelchair |
US20120018969A1 (en) * | 2010-07-20 | 2012-01-26 | Dodam Ms Co., Ltd. | Multi-purpose board |
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US20120326403A1 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2012-12-27 | Henkel Lin | Skateboard |
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US12053690B2 (en) | 2021-09-30 | 2024-08-06 | Razor Usa Llc | Personal mobility vehicles with adjustable wheel positions |
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WO2009135041A1 (en) | 2008-04-30 | 2009-11-05 | Thomas Joseph O'rourke | Bi-directional propulsion caster |
US8152176B2 (en) * | 2009-06-25 | 2012-04-10 | Sbyke Usa Llc | Truck assembly |
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US8783699B2 (en) * | 2012-05-15 | 2014-07-22 | Daniel Jon GESMER | Truck and wheel bearing assembly |
CN112158776B (zh) * | 2020-09-25 | 2021-10-01 | 山河智能装备股份有限公司 | 一种支重轮结构及工具车 |
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US20110006497A1 (en) * | 2006-04-28 | 2011-01-13 | Robert Chen | One piece flexible skateboard |
US8414000B2 (en) | 2006-04-28 | 2013-04-09 | Razor USA, Inc. | One piece flexible skateboard |
US20090066150A1 (en) * | 2007-09-10 | 2009-03-12 | O'rourke Sr Thomas Joseph | Cam Action Caster Assembly for Ride-On Devices |
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US20110133420A1 (en) * | 2008-11-13 | 2011-06-09 | Smith Kevin L | Three-wheeled skateboard method |
US20100117316A1 (en) * | 2008-11-13 | 2010-05-13 | Jasun Weiner | Scooter with inclined caster |
US20100225080A1 (en) * | 2009-03-09 | 2010-09-09 | Shane Smith | Articulated Two-piece Wheeled Sport Board with Rigid Flexible Connector |
US20110221162A1 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2011-09-15 | Tisport Llc | Mono-fork for a front caster of a wheelchair |
US20110221161A1 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2011-09-15 | Tisport Llc | Adjustable front caster mount assembly for a wheelchair |
US8616572B2 (en) | 2010-03-09 | 2013-12-31 | Tisport, Llc | Mono-fork for a front caster of a wheelchair |
US8256786B2 (en) * | 2010-03-09 | 2012-09-04 | Tisport, Llc | Adjustable front caster mount assembly for a wheelchair |
US20120018969A1 (en) * | 2010-07-20 | 2012-01-26 | Dodam Ms Co., Ltd. | Multi-purpose board |
WO2012096624A1 (en) * | 2011-01-10 | 2012-07-19 | Streetwave Pte Ltd | A skateboard |
US20120326403A1 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2012-12-27 | Henkel Lin | Skateboard |
US8459669B2 (en) * | 2011-06-22 | 2013-06-11 | Henkel Lin | Skateboard |
EP2596840A1 (de) * | 2011-11-17 | 2013-05-29 | Crosshouse 24 Ltd. & Co. KG | Waveboard-Roller |
US20140312588A1 (en) * | 2011-12-13 | 2014-10-23 | Christopher John Davis | Swivel Wheel Mounting For A Scooter |
US20130277939A1 (en) * | 2012-04-24 | 2013-10-24 | J.D. Japan Co., Ltd. | Skateboard |
US20150108727A1 (en) * | 2013-10-21 | 2015-04-23 | Henry Kim | Recreational board riser |
US9364738B2 (en) * | 2013-10-21 | 2016-06-14 | Henry Kim | Recreational board riser |
US10709960B2 (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2020-07-14 | Razor Usa Llc | Powered wheeled board |
US11478693B2 (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2022-10-25 | Razor Usa Llc | Powered wheeled board |
USD865096S1 (en) | 2015-05-04 | 2019-10-29 | Razor Usa Llc | Skateboard |
USD899543S1 (en) | 2015-05-04 | 2020-10-20 | Razor Usa Llc | Skateboard |
USD940805S1 (en) | 2015-05-04 | 2022-01-11 | Razor Usa Llc | Skateboard |
USD1012217S1 (en) | 2016-09-02 | 2024-01-23 | Razor Usa Llc | Powered wheeled board |
USD911476S1 (en) | 2016-09-02 | 2021-02-23 | Razor Usa Llc | Powered wheeled board |
USD942572S1 (en) | 2016-09-02 | 2022-02-01 | Razor Usa Llc | Powered wheeled board |
USD871532S1 (en) | 2016-09-02 | 2019-12-31 | Razor Usa Llc | Powered wheeled board |
US12042716B2 (en) | 2017-04-18 | 2024-07-23 | Razor Usa Llc | Powered wheeled board |
US9975035B1 (en) * | 2017-05-26 | 2018-05-22 | Sheng Wang | Bifurcated spring-tethered electric skateboard |
US11951382B2 (en) | 2019-03-06 | 2024-04-09 | Razor Usa Llc | Powered wheeled board |
US11844998B2 (en) | 2019-09-18 | 2023-12-19 | Razor Usa Llc | Caster boards with removable insert |
US11446562B2 (en) | 2019-09-18 | 2022-09-20 | Razor Usa Llc | Caster boards with removable insert |
US12053690B2 (en) | 2021-09-30 | 2024-08-06 | Razor Usa Llc | Personal mobility vehicles with adjustable wheel positions |
USD1012681S1 (en) * | 2022-02-14 | 2024-01-30 | Zhongshan Lanlun Castor Manufacturing Co., Ltd | Furniture caster |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2285593A4 (de) | 2012-04-18 |
EP2285593B1 (de) | 2013-07-10 |
CN102089160B (zh) | 2015-02-04 |
US20120217721A1 (en) | 2012-08-30 |
US8297630B2 (en) | 2012-10-30 |
AU2009242669A1 (en) | 2009-11-05 |
EP2285593A1 (de) | 2011-02-23 |
KR20110056367A (ko) | 2011-05-27 |
US8454038B2 (en) | 2013-06-04 |
EP2285593B8 (de) | 2013-08-28 |
CN102089160A (zh) | 2011-06-08 |
WO2009135041A1 (en) | 2009-11-05 |
US20130087987A1 (en) | 2013-04-11 |
JP2011521821A (ja) | 2011-07-28 |
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Legal Events
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |
|
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Owner name: O'ROURKE, JAMES PATRICK, TENNESSEE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:O'ROURKE, THOMAS JOSEPH;REEL/FRAME:029040/0477 Effective date: 20120927 |