U.S. patent application number 10/177963 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-25 for personal transportation apparatus.
Invention is credited to Bordonaro, James J., Maurer, David, Walerstein, Alan.
Application Number | 20030234128 10/177963 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29734547 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030234128 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maurer, David ; et
al. |
December 25, 2003 |
Personal transportation apparatus
Abstract
A personal transportation apparatus (10) having a housing (12)
and a handle (14) which has a right handle (14R) pivotally
connected to the housing right (12R)and a left handle (14L)
pivotally connected to the housing left (12L) connected to
rheostats electrically connected to the battery. A right leg (16R)
having a right leg upper shaft (16RA) pivotally connected to the
housing right (12R) and a left leg (16L) having a left leg upper
shaft (16LA) pivotally connected to the housing left (12L). A right
slipper (18R) having right slipper heel (18RA) securely connected
to a right slipper toe (18RB) by a right slipper sole (18RC). A
right slipper rear wheel (18RR) and right slipper front wheel
(18RF) are connected to a right electric motor (not shown)
positioned within the right slipper (18R). The right electric motor
(not shown) is electrically connected to the right rheostat (not
shown). The slipper (18) further has a left slipper (18L) having
left slipper heel (18LA) securely connected to a left slipper toe
(18LB) by a left slipper sole (18LC). A left slipper rear wheel
(18LR) and left slipper front wheel (18LF) are connected to a left
electric motor (not shown) positioned within the left slipper
(18L). The left electric motor (not shown) is electrically
connected to the left rheostat (not shown).
Inventors: |
Maurer, David; (Hopewell
Junction, NY) ; Bordonaro, James J.; (Bayshore,
NY) ; Walerstein, Alan; (Bayshore, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
David Maurer
26 Dogwood Road
Hopewell Junction
NY
12533
US
|
Family ID: |
29734547 |
Appl. No.: |
10/177963 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
180/180 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62K 17/00 20130101;
A63C 17/12 20130101; A63C 17/28 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
180/180 |
International
Class: |
A63C 017/12 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A personal transportation apparatus (10) comprising: A) a
housing (12) which comprises a housing front (12F), housing right
(12R), housing left (12L), housing back (12B) and housing top
(12T); B) a handle (14) which comprises a right handle (14R)
pivotally connected to the housing right (12R) by a right handle
shaft (14RA) which is securely connected at an outer distal end to
a bottom distal end of a right handle vertical (14RC) connected at
a top distal end to a right handle grip (14RB), the right handle
shaft (14RA) is securely connected to a right rheostat (not shown)
electrically connected to a battery mounted within the housing
(12), the handle (14) further comprises a left handle (14L)
pivotally connected to the housing left (12L) by a left handle
shaft (14LA) which is securely connected at an outer distal end to
a bottom distal end of a left handle vertical (14LC) connected at a
top distal end to a left handle grip (14LB), the left handle shaft
(14LA) is securely connected to a left rheostat electrically
connected to the battery; C) a leg (16) which comprises a right leg
(16R) having a right leg upper shaft (16RA) pivotally connected to
the housing right (12R), the right leg upper shaft (16RA) is
connected at an outer distal end to a top distal end of a right leg
vertical (16RC) connected at a lower distal end to an outer distal
end of a right leg lower shaft (16RB), the leg (16) further
comprises a left leg (16L) having a left leg upper shaft (16LA)
pivotally connected to the housing left (12L), the left leg upper
shaft (16LA) is connected at an outer distal end to a top distal
end of a left leg vertical (16LC) connected at a lower distal end
to an outer distal end of a left leg lower shaft (16LB); and D) a
slipper (18) which comprises a right slipper (18R) having right
slipper heel (18RA) securely connected to a right slipper toe
(18RB) by a right slipper sole (18RC), a right slipper rear wheel
(18RR) and right slipper front wheel (18RF) are connected to a
right electric motor positioned within the right slipper (18R), the
right electric motor is electrically connected to the right
rheostat, the slipper (18) further comprises a left slipper (18L)
having left slipper heel (18LA) securely connected to a left
slipper toe (18LB) by a left slipper sole (18LC), a left slipper
rear wheel (18LR) and left slipper front wheel (18LF) are connected
to a left electric motor positioned within the left slipper (18L),
the left electric motor is electrically connected to the left
rheostat.
2. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in claim
1, wherein the housing back (12B) further comprises a housing back
holder (12BA) extending therefrom.
3. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in claim
1, wherein the housing top (12T) has a seat securely attached
thereon.
4. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in claim
3, wherein the seat is padded.
5. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in claim
1, wherein the housing (12) is manufactured from a lightweight
durable material.
6. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in claim
5, wherein the lightweight durable material is selected from a
group consisting of plastic, plastic composites, rubber, rubber
composites, metal, metal composite, fiberglass, and epoxy.
7. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in claim
1, wherein the handle (14) is manufactured from a lightweight
durable material.
8. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in claim
7, wherein the lightweight durable material is selected from a
group consisting of plastic, plastic composites, rubber, rubber
composites, metal, metal composite, fiberglass, and epoxy.
9. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in claim
1, wherein the leg (16) comprises a bow shape bent
configuration.
10. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in
claim 1, wherein the leg (16) is manufactured from a lightweight
durable material.
11. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in
claim 10, wherein the lightweight durable material is selected from
a group consisting of plastic, plastic composites, rubber, rubber
composites, metal, metal composite, fiberglass, and epoxy.
12. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in
claim 1, wherein the right slipper heel (18RA) and the left slipper
heel (18LA) comprises a high vertical back.
13. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in
claim 1, wherein the right slipper toe (18RB) and the left slipper
toe (18LB) comprises an enclosed front compartment.
14. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in
claim 1, wherein the slipper (18) is manufactured from a
lightweight durable material.
15. The personal transportation apparatus (10) as described in
claim 13, wherein the lightweight durable material is selected from
a group consisting of plastic, plastic composites, rubber, rubber
composites, metal, metal composite, fiberglass, and epoxy.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a personal transportation
apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
personal transportation apparatus which a user sits down and
inserts his feet into moving slippers.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Numerous innovations for personal transportation apparatuses
have been provided in the prior art that are described as follows.
Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific
individual purposes to which they address, they differ from the
present invention as hereinafter contrasted.
[0005] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,829,543, by inventor, Diaz, titled,
Motorized in-line blade roller skate, a motorized in-line blade
roller skate having a longitudinally extending chassis plate with
rear and front ends and several in-line blade roller members. A
motor provides the necessary rotational movement that is
transmitted through a cable to a gear assembly which in turn
transmits it to a driving roller member. A bracket member is
pivotally mounted to the rear end of the chassis plate and the
driving roller member is rotatably mounted to the bracket. A clutch
cable brings the driving roller member in contact with the rearmost
roller member and thus transmitting the rotational movement to the
latter. A second pivotally mounted bracket is provided for
rotatably supporting the rear roller and is rigidly kept in place
with, an adjustable linkage member. Adjusting this linkage member
offset the wear and tear of the rear or driven roller and also
permits a user to enhance gripping, preventing slip action, by
bringing the rear roller member slightly below the plane defined by
the other roller members.
[0006] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,797,466, by inventor, Gendle, titled,
Powered in-line skate, powered skate having a small motor mounted
on an in-line roller blade with a hand-held throttle. The motor,
such as a small internal combustion engine, is mounted at the rear
of an in-line skate having a frame secured to a user's shoe or boot
and drives the rear roller via a reduction gear train, which may
include a clutch assembly. The engine is started by a pull cord,
and the engine speed is controlled by a hand-held control unit
attached to the engine via a throttle cable, which may be secured
to the user's body via arm and leg straps. The powered in-line
skate and a non-powered in-line skate can safely drive a user to
speeds of about 20 MPH, this providing alternate transportation for
the user.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,058, by inventor, Yamet, et al.,
titled, Motor driven roller skates, a combination of a conventional
roller skate having a platform which supports the skater and
axles/wheels below the supporting platform which are mounted in
rotational relationship to the platform; and a motor adapted to
drive the wheels. In this combination, there is provided a braking
system which is operatively associated with the wheels and/or axles
and which is operated by hingedly depressing a forward portion of
the support platform by means of the forward portion of the
skater's foot, such as the toes. Depressing the forward portion of
the support platform forces a braking means into effective stopping
contact with the wheels. There is further provided a means to start
the motor which is associated with the skate. In this embodiment,
an auxiliary wheel is provided rearwardly of the skate and out of
contact with the surface on which the skate wheels bear. The skater
starts skating in a conventional manner, and when enough speed has
been achieved, the skate is pivoted about the rear wheels to cause
the auxiliary wheel to contact the surface on which the
conventional wheels bear. This contact turns the auxiliary wheel
which jump starts the motor.
[0008] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,546,841, by inventor, Sipiano, titled,
Motor roller-skate, a motor system is releasably connected to a
roller-skate provided with a driving shaft. The motor system
comprises a power unit mounted on a frame which can be tied as a
kit-bag to a roller-skate body and a flexible connection for
transmitting the movement from the power unit to the driving shaft.
A releasable clutch is interposed between the flexible connection
of the motor system and the driving shaft of the roller skate.
[0009] In U.S. Pat. No. 4,508,187, by inventor, Wenzel, titled,
Powered roller skates, a powered roller skate apparatus includes a
motor supported on the back of a user, with a flexible drive
extending from the motor to a front wheel truck for a standard
roller skate. The wheel truck is interchangeable with that of any
standard roller skate, and only one bolt need be removed and
replaced to effect the change. Instead of an internal shaft to
drive the one driven wheel, the wheel drive system includes a hub
adjacent to the outside of the wheel, and a series of prongs extend
from the hub directly into the side of the urethane wheel. Gear
reduction from the motor is achieved through two angle drive gear
boxes, one at each end of the flexible drive, which may include
different-sized gears for the reduction, at the same time this
enabling the flexible drive to be oriented generally upright
between the skate and the motor. The motor is supported on a back
pack type frame, with a pair of handle bars extending forwardly at
the hips of the user, including a throttle control and a rope start
handle mounted on these handle bars.
[0010] Numerous innovations for personal transportation apparatuses
have been provided in the prior art that are adapted to be used.
Even though these innovations may be suitable for the specific
individual purposes to which they address, they would not be
suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore
described.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] The present invention relates to a personal transportation
apparatus. More particularly, the present invention relates to a
personal transportation apparatus which a user sits down and
inserts his feet into moving slippers.
[0012] The types of problems encountered in the prior art are
personal transportation in tight areas.
[0013] In the prior art, unsuccessful attempts to solve this
problem were attempted namely: motorized carts, bicycles,
skateboards and scooters. However, the problem was solved by the
present invention because it is more maneuverable.
[0014] Innovations within the prior art are rapidly being exploited
in the field of personal transportation apparatuses.
[0015] The present invention went contrary to the teaching of the
art which describes and claims motorized carts, bicycles,
skateboards and scooters.
[0016] The present invention solved a long felt need for a
maneuverable personal transportation apparatus.
[0017] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a personal transportation apparatus having a housing,
handle, leg, and slipper.
[0018] More particularly, it is an object of the present invention
to provide a housing having a housing front, housing right, housing
left, housing back with a housing back holder and a housing
top.
[0019] In keeping with these objects, and with others which will
become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention
resides, briefly stated, in the handle having a right handle, right
handle shaft, right handle grip, right handle vertical, left
handle, left handle shaft, left handle grip, and left handle
vertical.
[0020] When the leg is designed in accordance with the present
invention, it has a right leg, right leg upper shaft, right leg
lower shaft, right leg vertical, left leg, left leg upper shaft,
left leg lower shaft, and left leg vertical.
[0021] In accordance with another feature of the present invention,
the slipper has a right slipper, right slipper heel, right slipper
toe, right slipper sole, right slipper rear wheel, right slipper
front wheel, left slipper, left slipper heel, left slipper toe,
left slipper sole, left slipper rear wheel, and left slipper front
wheel.
[0022] The novel features which are considered characteristic for
the invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention
itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of
operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof,
will be best understood from the following description of the
specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with
the accompanying drawings.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS UTILIZED IN THE DRAWINGS
[0023] 10--personal transportation apparatus (10)
[0024] 12--housing (12)
[0025] 12F--housing front (12F)
[0026] 12R--housing right (12R)
[0027] 12L--housing left (12L)
[0028] 12B--housing back (12B)
[0029] 12BA--housing back holder (12BA)
[0030] 12T--housing top (12T)
[0031] 14--handle (14)
[0032] 14R--right handle (14R)
[0033] 14RA--right handle shaft (14RA)
[0034] 14RB--right handle grip (14RB)
[0035] 14RC--right handle vertical (14RC)
[0036] 14L--left handle (14L)
[0037] 14LA--left handle shaft (14LA)
[0038] 14LB--left handle grip (14LB)
[0039] 14LC--left handle vertical (14LC)
[0040] 16--leg (16)
[0041] 16R--right leg (16R)
[0042] 16RA--right leg upper shaft (16RA)
[0043] 16RB--right leg lower shaft (16RB)
[0044] 16RC--right leg vertical (16RC)
[0045] 16L--left leg (16L)
[0046] 16LA--left leg upper shaft (16LA)
[0047] 16LB--left leg lower shaft (16LB)
[0048] 16LC--left leg vertical (16LC)
[0049] 18--slipper (18)
[0050] 18R--right slipper (18R)
[0051] 18RA--right slipper heel (18RA)
[0052] 18RB--right slipper toe (18RB)
[0053] 18RC--right slipper sole (18RC)
[0054] 18RR--right slipper rear wheel (18RR)
[0055] 18RF--right slipper front wheel (18RF)
[0056] 18L--left slipper (18L)
[0057] 18LA--left slipper heel (18LA)
[0058] 18LB--left slipper toe (18LB)
[0059] 18LC--left slipper sole (18LC)
[0060] 18LL--left slipper rear wheel (18LL)
[0061] 18LF--left slipper front wheel (18LF)
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0062] FIG. 1 is a right top front perspective view of a personal
transportation apparatus (10).
[0063] FIG. 2 is a right bottom rear perspective view of a personal
transportation apparatus (10).
[0064] FIG. 3 is a front view of a personal transportation
apparatus (10).
[0065] FIG. 4 is a top view of a personal transportation apparatus
(10).
[0066] FIG. 5 is a right side view of a personal transportation
apparatus (10) in an extended position.
[0067] FIG. 6 is a right side view of a personal transportation
apparatus (10) in a collapsed position.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4 which are a right top
front perspective view, right bottom rear perspective view, front
view, and top view, respectively of a personal transportation
apparatus (10) comprising a housing (12) which comprises a housing
front (12F), housing right (12R), housing left (12L), housing back
(12B) and housing top (12T). The housing back (12B) further
comprises a housing back holder (12BA) extending therefrom. The
housing top (12T) has a seat securely attached thereon. The seat is
preferably padded. The housing (12) is preferably manufactured from
a lightweight durable material. The lightweight durable material is
selected from a group consisting of plastic, plastic composites,
rubber, rubber composites, metal, metal composite, fiberglass, and
epoxy.
[0069] The personal transportation apparatus (10) further comprises
personal a handle (14) which comprises a right handle (14R)
pivotally connected to the housing right (12R) by a right handle
shaft (14RA) which is securely connected at an outer distal end to
a bottom distal end of a right handle vertical (14RC) connected at
a top distal end to a right handle grip (14RB). The right handle
shaft (14RA) is securely connected to a right rheostat (not shown)
electrically connected to a battery mounted within the housing
(12). The handle (14) further comprises a left handle (14L)
pivotally connected to the housing left (12L) by a left handle
shaft (14LA) which is securely connected at an outer distal end to
a bottom distal end of a left handle vertical (14LC) connected at a
top distal end to a left handle grip (14LB). The left handle shaft
(14LA) is securely connected to a left rheostat (not shown)
electrically connected to the battery. The handle (14) is
manufactured from a lightweight durable material. The lightweight
durable material is selected from a group consisting of plastic,
plastic composites, rubber, rubber composites, metal, metal
composite, fiberglass, and epoxy.
[0070] The further the right handle (14R) is moved forward, the
more electricity the right rheostat (not shown) sends to the right
motor (not shown) causing the right slipper rear wheel (18RR) and
the right slipper front wheel (18RF) to move in a fast forward
rotation propelling the right slipper (18R) in a forward direction.
The further the left handle (14L) is moved forward, the more
electricity the left rheostat (not shown) sends to the left motor
(not shown) causing the left slipper rear wheel (18LR) and the left
slipper front wheel (18LF) to move in a fast forward rotation
propelling the left slipper (18L) in a forward direction.
[0071] The further the right handle (14R) is moved rearward, the
more electricity the right rheostat (not shown) sends to the right
motor (not shown) causing the right slipper rear wheel (18RR) and
the right slipper front wheel (18RF) to move in a fast rearward
rotation propelling the right slipper (18R) in a rearward
direction. The further the left handle (14L) is moved rearward, the
more electricity the left rheostat (not shown) sends to the left
motor (not shown) causing the left slipper rear wheel (18LR) and
the left slipper front wheel (18LF) to move in a fast rearward
rotation propelling the left slipper (18L) in a rearward
direction.
[0072] If the right handle (14R) is moved forward and the left
handle (14L) is moved rearward, the personal transportation
apparatus (10) turns left. If the right handle (14R) is moved
rearward and the left handle (14L) is moved forward, the personal
transportation apparatus (10) turns right.
[0073] The personal transportation apparatus (10) further comprises
a leg (16) which comprises a right leg (16R) having a right leg
upper shaft (16RA) pivotally connected to the housing right (12R).
The right leg upper shaft (16RA) is connected at an outer distal
end to a top distal end of a right leg vertical (16RC) connected at
a lower distal end to an outer distal end of a right leg lower
shaft (16RB). The leg (16) further comprises a left leg (16L)
having a left leg upper shaft (16LA) pivotally connected to the
housing left (12L). The left leg upper shaft (16LA) is connected at
an outer distal end to a top distal end of a left leg vertical
(16LC) connected at a lower distal end to an outer distal end of a
left leg lower shaft (16LB). The leg (16) comprises a bow shape
bent configuration to allow for room for a user's calf. The leg
(16) is manufactured from a lightweight durable material. The
lightweight durable material is selected from a group consisting of
plastic, plastic composites, rubber, rubber composites, metal,
metal composite, fiberglass, and epoxy.
[0074] The personal transportation apparatus (10) further comprises
a slipper (18) which comprises a right slipper (18R) having right
slipper heel (18RA) securely connected to a right slipper toe
(18RB) by a right slipper sole (18RC). A right slipper rear wheel
(18RR) and right slipper front wheel (18RF) are connected to a
right electric motor (not shown) positioned within the right
slipper (18R). The right electric motor (not shown) is electrically
connected to the right rheostat (not shown). The slipper (18)
further comprises a left slipper (18L) having left slipper heel
(18LA) securely connected to a left slipper toe (18LB) by a left
slipper sole (18LC). A left slipper rear wheel (18LR) and left
slipper front wheel (18LF) are connected to a left electric motor
(not shown) positioned within the left slipper (18L). The left
electric motor (not shown) is electrically connected to the left
rheostat (not shown). The right slipper heel (18RA) and the left
slipper heel (18LA) comprises a high vertical back. The right
slipper toe (18RB) and the left slipper toe (18LB) comprises an
enclosed front compartment. A user inserts his right foot into the
right slipper (18R) and left foot into the left slipper (18L). The
slipper (18) is manufactured from a lightweight durable material.
The lightweight durable material is selected from a group
consisting of plastic, plastic composites, rubber, rubber
composites, metal, metal composite, fiberglass, and epoxy.
[0075] Lastly, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 which are right side
views of a personal transportation apparatus (10) in an extended
and collapsed position, respectively. The housing back (12B)
further comprises a housing back holder (12BA) extending therefrom.
The housing back holder (12BA) functions to facilitate carrying the
personal transportation apparatus (10) when in a collapsed
position. The pivotal connections of the right handle shaft (14RA),
left handle shaft (14LA), right leg upper shaft (16RA), right leg
lower shaft (16RB), left leg upper shaft (16LA), and left leg lower
shaft (16LB) allow the personal transportation apparatus (10) to
collapse into a compact configuration.
[0076] It will be understood that each of the elements described
above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application
in other types of constructions differing from the type described
above.
[0077] While the invention has been illustrated and described as
embodied in a personal transportation apparatus, it is not intended
to be limited to the details shown, since it will be understood
that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in
the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its
operation can be made by those skilled in heart without departing
in any way from the spirit of the present invention.
[0078] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal
the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying
current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications
without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art,
fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or
specific aspects of this invention.
[0079] What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by
Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims.
* * * * *