U.S. patent application number 11/796608 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-01 for motorized apparatus and method for dynamic balancing exercise.
Invention is credited to Larry Richard Odien.
Application Number | 20070254789 11/796608 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38649027 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070254789 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Odien; Larry Richard |
November 1, 2007 |
Motorized apparatus and method for dynamic balancing exercise
Abstract
A method and apparatus for achieving dynamic balance exercise by
using an elongated board that is tiltable in a longitudinal
direction and energized by a set of motor-driven wheels which are
connected to oppose the tilting action. A sidewise tilting movement
of the board can also be accomplished concurrently with the
longitudinal tilting movement to balance the exercise experience
and improve the subjects fore-and-aft balance.
Inventors: |
Odien; Larry Richard;
(Saugus, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GENE W. ARANT
P.O. BOX 269
LINCOLN CITY
OR
97367-0269
US
|
Family ID: |
38649027 |
Appl. No.: |
11/796608 |
Filed: |
April 26, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60795516 |
Apr 28, 2006 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
482/146 ;
482/92 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 26/003 20130101;
A63B 21/0004 20130101; A63B 22/16 20130101; A63B 21/0058 20130101;
A63B 24/0087 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
482/146 ;
482/92 |
International
Class: |
A63B 21/00 20060101
A63B021/00; A63B 22/16 20060101 A63B022/16 |
Claims
1. A method for an individual person to achieve dynamic balance
exercise, comprising the steps of: (a) selecting an elongated
generally flat balance board having a foot-supporting area on its
upper surface at each of its ends; (b) placing a wheel assembly at
about the longitudinal center of and at least partially underneath
the balance board to provide a fulcrum for supporting the balance
board in a tiltable position above the ground; (c) placing the
person's feet on respective foot-supporting areas of the upper
surface of the board so that the person then faces in a direction
generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the board; (d)
moving the person's center of gravity in a direction parallel to
the longitudinal axis of the balance board to produce a tilting
action of the board about the wheel assembly; and (e) then, in
response to that tilting action of the board, drivingly rotating
the wheel assembly so as to shift the fulcrum location along the
ground in generally the same direction that the person's center of
gravity has been moved, so as to oppose that tilting action.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the wheel assembly is selected to
include a laterally spaced parallel pair of wheels, and the driving
rotation is selectively applied unequally to the two wheels in
order to twist the balance board sideways concurrently with the
tilting action.
3. A motorized balance board exercise device for a single person,
comprising: (a) an elongated platform having foot-supporting areas
at each of its two ends, the foot-supporting areas being adapted to
support the person when facing in a direction generally
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the platform; (b) a wheel
assembly underneath and near the longitudinal center of the
platform to provide a fulcrum for supporting the platform in a
longitudinally tiltable position above the ground; (c) an
electrical motor for selectively applying power to the wheel
assembly to move the platform in a direction parallel to its
longitudinal axis; and (d) controls responsive to movement of the
platform when thus tilted for selectively energizing the motor in a
direction to oppose that tilting action.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the platform is also tiltable
about its longitudinal axis relative to the supporting wheel
assembly.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the wheel assembly includes a
laterally spaced parallel pair of wheels, and the controls are also
selectively operable for applying driving rotation unequally to the
two wheels, thereby causing the platform to twist sideways in a
horizontal plane concurrently with its longitudinal tilting
action.
6. In a dynamic balance exercise device having an elongated
platform, the sub-combination comprising: (a) a wheel assembly
positioned at least partially underneath the platform to provide a
fulcrum for supporting the platform in a longitudinally tiltable
position above ground; (b) a motor for selectively applying power
to the wheel assembly to move the wheel assembly along the ground
in a direction longitudinally of the platform; and (c) controls
responsive to changes in the angular position of the platform to
energize the motor for applying driving rotation to the wheel
assembly.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the controls are responsive to
a longitudinal tilting action of the platform for energizing the
motor to drive the wheel assembly along the ground in a direction
toward the end of the platform that has been tilted downward, so as
to oppose that tilting action.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein the wheel assembly
includes a laterally spaced parallel pair of wheels, and the
controls include a differential drive means to drive the wheels
unequally so as to cause the platform to twist sideways in a
horizontal plane.
9. Apparatus as in claim 8 wherein the controls further include
braking means for selectively braking the two wheels independently
so as to control the twisting movement of the platform.
Description
PRIORITY CLAIM
[0001] This application claims priority of my Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/795,516 filed Apr. 28, 2006.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The field of this invention is exercise apparatus and
methods.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In recent years many different types of apparatus and
machines have been devised for exercising the human body. One kind
of exercise that has not received much attention is dynamic
balance. In addition to walking and performing various other tasks
and exercises, a person who wants to remain healthy will also need
to be able to reliably maintain his or her balance, dynamically as
well as statically. The present invention deals with dynamic
balance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention provides a novel method for an
individual person to achieve dynamic balance exercise. This is done
by using an elongated balance board resting upon a motorized drive
mechanism that provides a fulcrum supporting it for dynamic
movements in three different planes. A person normally stands on
the board facing in a direction generally perpendicular to its
longitudinal axis. The board can tilt or pitch in a longitudinal
direction. When the person moves or tilts his or her body in either
a left or a right direction, that causes the board to tilt
longitudinally in the same direction. The motorized drive assembly
associated with the board then causes the board to oppose that
tilting action, and thus initiates a kind of oscillating or
reciprocating movement in which the person will achieve dynamic
balance exercise.
[0005] Thus, the invention provides an apparatus that automatically
responds to a longitudinal tilting action or pitch of the elongated
board by tending to drive the board in an oppositely oriented
tilting movement. Furthermore, the motorized drive mechanism is
also able to twist sidewise or yaw in a horizontal plane, and to
lean or roll left or right relative to the longitudinal axis of the
board (which would normally be the fore-and-aft plane for a person
using the apparatus). This then can provide a three-dimensional
movement for the person using the board.
[0006] More specifically, according to the principal feature of the
invention the method of achieving dynamic balance exercise is
carried out as follows. An elongated generally flat balance board
is selected having a foot-supporting area on its upper surface at
each of its ends. A wheel assembly is placed at about the
longitudinal center of and at least partially underneath the
balance board to provide a fulcrum for supporting the balance board
in a longitudinally tiltable position above the ground. The person
then places his or her feet on respective foot-supporting areas of
the upper surface of the board so that he or she then faces in a
direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
board. Starting from a horizontal or balanced position of the
board, the person then moves his or her center of gravity in a
lateral direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the balance
board to produce a tilting action of the board about the wheel
assembly. In response to that tilting action of the board, a
motorized drive mechanism drivingly rotates the wheel assembly so
as to shift the wheel assembly and fulcrum location along the
ground in generally the same direction that the person's center of
gravity had been moved, thus opposing that tilting action.
[0007] The apparatus of the present invention also provides an
opportunity for the user to control movement of the board in a fore
and aft direction; that is, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the board. This fore and aft movement can be simply a sidewise
twisting movement in the horizontal plane of the board, or a left
or right leaning movement, or both. Those capabilities are provided
by unique drive controls for the wheel assembly in the motorized
drive apparatus.
[0008] Further in accordance with the invention the longitudinal
tilting of the board on the platform, and its sidewise twisting
movement, can be done concurrently. This not only adds to the
dynamics of the exercise experience by the person but also improves
the stability in the fore-and-aft plane.
DRAWING SUMMARY
[0009] The invention will be more readily understood by reference
to the following description, taken with the accompanying drawings,
in which:
[0010] FIG. 1A, is a frontal view of a preferred embodiment of the
present invention showing subject at rest with embodiment
positioned in its stop mode. Subject's body position is vertical
and perpendicular to the ground represented by centerline (10);
[0011] FIG. 1B, is a frontal view of a preferred embodiment showing
the subject pressing down with right foot (13) causing the
embodiment to travel in the direction (11), to the subject's right.
Subject's body position continues to stay perpendicular to the
ground represented by centerline (10);
[0012] FIG. 1C, is a frontal view of a preferred embodiment showing
the subject standing in a neutral position vertical (10), and
lateral plane (15) intersecting at (62);
[0013] FIG. 1D, is a frontal view of a preferred embodiment showing
the subject pressing down with left foot (14) causing the
embodiment to travel in the direction (12), to the subject's left.
Subject's body position continues to stay perpendicular to the
ground;
[0014] FIG. 1E, is a side view of a preferred embodiment showing
the subject standing erect in the fore-aft plane. The subject can
also pivot the embodiment using their lower body muscles on its
fore-aft plane This applies braking to the back wheel and
acceleration to the front wheel FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, moving the
embodiment in a directional arc from center to back, along the
ground surface. This directional travel helps the subject correct
them self back to a vertical stance in the fore-aft plane (16). It
can also be said that if the subject is falling forward, similar
forward braking occurs. The motorized drive system is important to
this feature. It is necessary for locomotion of embodiment in
either a right or left direction to occur, before braking can occur
in the fore-aft control feature;
[0015] FIG. 2, is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment
showing the platform with its right and left ends (22, 23). Also
shown are the batteries (26, 27), and electric hub motor (28);
[0016] FIG. 3, is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
FIG. 2. with platform removed to show the frame, and its spring
centering assemblies (24, 25), that pivot in a fore-aft plane. Also
shown is the end supports (26, 27). Differential sprocket (31), and
braking tabs (29, 30), are also illustrated;
[0017] FIG. 4A, is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment in a
neutral position. Right end (32), is level with its opposing end
(33). Input arm with single axis wheel (35), connects to the input
device of the switching control unit (36);
[0018] FIG. 4B, is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention, showing members of the switching control
unit in a stopped position. Right end (32), of platform is pressed
down to the ground (34). Input control arm (35), is connected by
linkage to input device (36). Item (37) shows the reference mark on
input device for comparison;
[0019] FIG. 4C, is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention positioned to travel in the right direction.
Item (32) shows the right end of the platform no longer touching
the ground. Reference mark (37) has changed position on the input
device (36);
[0020] FIG. 4D, is a frontal view of the preferred embodiment of
the present invention positioned to travel in the left direction.
Item (33) shows the left end of the platform having been pressed
down. Reference mark (37) has changed position on the input device
(36);
[0021] FIG. 5, is a cutaway side view of the preferred embodiment
of the present invention, illustrating input devices communicating
members. Linkage from input control arm 38, is connected to input
device slider (37). Input device-housing (36). Polarity and shut
off switches (39, 40) with their corresponding notched timing areas
(41, 42). Hall effect detector is shown (43), and its corresponding
magnets shown (44, 45, 46). Input devices secondary connection
point shown (47), an optional feature that is used to over ride
input control arm by connecting to the rotating foot controllers
shown FIG. 15 numbers (20,21);
[0022] FIG. 6 is a lengthwise plan view of the preferred embodiment
illustrating the motorized drive system and its members. Item (33),
represents the right or left end of platform. Item (28), shows the
electric hub motor connecting to differential pinion case (31).
Differential pinion gear (48), mates with differential rack gears
(49, 50) and braking tabs (51, 52);
[0023] FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, are lengthwise plan views of the preferred
embodiment showing Three different illustrations of pivoting
movement on the embodiments fore-aft plane. Movement illustrates
mechanical braking and acceleration of the motorized drive system.
FIG. 7B, represents platform in center position represented by
centerline (55), and end of platform (33). Braking straps (29, 30),
are applying zero (0) friction to drive wheels;
[0024] FIG. 7A illustrates the preferred embodiment pivoting in a
fore-aft plane represented by centerline (55) and end of platform
(33). Braking strap (30), is making contact to drive wheel (56)
causing braking to wheel (56), wherein acceleration occurs in the
motorized drive system's adjacent wheel (57), because of the
differential's inherent gearing advantage;
[0025] FIG. 7C, illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present
invention pivoting in a fore-aft plane in the opposite direction of
FIG. 7A, represented by centerline (55), and end of platform (33).
Braking strap (29), is making contact to drive wheel (57), causing
braking to wheel (57), wherein acceleration occurs in the motorized
drive system's adjacent wheel (56), because of the differential's
inherent gearing advantage;
[0026] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, are end views from ground level, of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention showing the
embodiments platform, pivoting in the fore-aft plane. Platform's
change in the fore-aft plane is represented by vertical and
horizontal centerlines (58), and center of pivot is shown in item
(59);
[0027] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, are end views from ground level of the
preferred embodiment of the present invention showing an exposed
view of the spring centering assembly applied to the fore-aft
plane. FIG. 9B, illustrates the platform in a level position. It
also illustrates centering springs (60, 61), equally applying
pressure to assembly, using fifty (50) percent of compression
travel;
[0028] FIG. 9A, illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, pivoting in a fore-aft plane in a direction reflecting
compression of the centering spring (61). Compression spring (61),
is using one-hundred (100) percent of its compression travel
wherein spring (60), is using zero (0) percent of its compression
travel;
[0029] FIG. 9C, illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, pivoting in a fore-aft plane in the opposite direction
of FIG. 9A. The compression spring (60), is using one-hundred (100)
percent of its compression travel wherein spring (61), is using
zero (0) percent of its compression travel;
[0030] FIG. 10, is a top view of preferred embodiment of the
present invention, showing subject's feet positioning with their
centerlines (17, 18). It also illustrates the lateral axis (19) of
the motorized wheel assembly; a lateral/vertical plane (15) about
which the longitudinal tilting of the board may occur, and the
vertical plane (16) about which the fore-aft movement may occur.
Item (64) represents the intersection of the lateral and fore-aft
planes and at a vertical point not shown;
[0031] FIG. 11, is a perspective view of an alternate form of the
present invention. Illustrating a solid platform that pivots on the
fore-aft and lateral planes that uses curved braking straps and
external motor with drive chain. The battery placement has also
been changed;
[0032] FIG. 12, is a perspective view of another alternate form of
the present invention. Illustrating a solid platform that pivots on
the fore-aft and lateral planes wherein the differential has been
removed and mechanical linkage turns the motorized drive system.
This method provides less turning ability than the preferred
method;
[0033] FIG. 13, is a perspective view of still another alternate
form of the present invention. Illustrating a solid platform that
pivots on the fore-aft and lateral planes wherein drive wheels have
been widened apart from each other on their axis. The battery
locations have changed and the drive motor runs perpendicular to
the axis of the ground contacting drive system;
[0034] FIG. 14, is a perspective view of a further alternate form
of the present invention wherein the platform is solid and conceals
the ground contacting drive system because, the ground contacting
drive system uses smaller wheels and smaller drive motor. Pivoting
on the fore-aft plane will turn the embodiment through the use of a
skateboard type truck wherein braking to the front and back wheels
are not necessary. This alternate form can only travel effectively
in one direction because of the truck type steering;
[0035] FIG. 15, is a perspective view of yet another alternate form
of the present invention where the ends (22, 23) pivot on the fore
aft plane separate from the middle section and are connected to one
another by curved braking straps. The external motor (28), uses a
chain drive system to power the differential. Also shown are the
rotating foot controllers (20, 21) and the battery location has
been changed to accommodate the external motor (26, 27);
[0036] FIG. 16, is an exposed view of the apparatus FIG. 15,
showing the frame assembly that supports the platform. End sections
(24, 25) pivot on the fore-aft plane with centering springs (26,
27). Also shown is the chain drive to differential (31), and
braking straps (29, 30). This method operates exactly the same as
the preferred method but does not require a hub motor assembly;
and
[0037] FIG. 17, is a frontal view of an artistic drawing, which
schematically illustrates the principal method of the present
invention.
ILLUSTRATION OF THE METHOD CONCEPT
Drawing FIG. 17
[0038] Referring now to drawing FIG. 17, one principal feature of
the method of the present invention is illustrated there. Artistic
license is taken for purpose of illustration, showing some parts in
expanded or schematic form, and distances exaggerated for clarity
of description. A motorized apparatus 100 includes an elongated
board 104 which has foot-supporting areas 112, 110, on its
respective ends. The motorized apparatus includes a wheel assembly
120 positioned underneath the board near its longitudinal center.
Left and right drive linkages 124 and 122 control the motorized
drive for the wheel assembly in response to tilting actions of the
board. In FIG. 17 a person 130 is assumed to be in a forward facing
position, with head 132, left and right arms 134, 136, and left and
right legs 140, 142. The person's center of gravity or mass is
indicated by a solid dot 150, which is the centroid of the person.
The person by moving his or her legs, or by other motion, may move
the centroid left or right, or forward or back.
[0039] The extended illustration at the right of FIG. 17 shows the
person 130 facing forward in a left-leaning position, having moved
the centroid 150 to the left. It is seen from dotted lines that the
left end of the board 104 has tilted downward. That movement has
triggered operation of a left drive linkage 124, which has then
caused the wheel assembly to be driven a short distance from its
original or previous position as shown by dotted lines.
[0040] The illustration at the left of FIG. 17 shows response of
the board 104 through drive linkage 122 when the centroid 150 of
the person's body moves in the other direction, to the right.
Again, the wheel assembly has been driven a short distance from its
original or previous position as shown by dotted lines.
[0041] While FIG. 17 shows separate left and right drive linkages
124, 122, in the preferred form of the apparatus as shown in FIGS.
1-10 a single switching control unit (36) (FIGS. 5 and 6) controls
the movements in both directions. Though not shown in FIG. 17, the
apparatus of the present invention also provides an opportunity for
the user to control movement of the board in a fore and aft
direction; that is, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
board. This fore and aft movement can be simply a sidewise twisting
movement in the horizontal plane of the board, or a left or right
leaning movement perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the
board, or both. Those capabilities are provided by the unique drive
controls for the wheel assembly in the motorized drive
apparatus.
Preferred Embodiment
Drawing FIGS. 1 through 10
[0042] The objective of the present invention is to provide a means
in which the subject dynamically uses the muscles in their lower
body, and to create a fun activity at the same time. The present
invention has a platform in which the subject stands FIG. 10,
positioning their feet in a direction, parallel to one another (17,
18) that is parallel to the axis (19) of a ground contacting drive
assembly. The ground contacting drive assembly is motor driven FIG.
2, (28) to move the embodiment in either a right or left direction
FIGS. 1B and 1D (11, 12).
[0043] The vertical plane in which the subject stands over the
ground contacting drive assembly FIG. 10, defines an intersection
(64) of the lateral and fore aft planes. In FIGS. 1B,1C,1D the
forces of the subject's lower body controls locomotion of the
embodiment by pressing down with either their right or left foot
(13, 14) pivoting the platform on the motorized drive system in a
lateral plane (15). If the subject decides to lean with their upper
body and not use their legs the subject will fail, stopping the
apparatus. It is critical that the subject uses only their legs for
balance and maintain a vertical position with their upper body
(10). Furthermore, the embodiment has a foot-actuated platform in
which the subject can manipulate to control different features of
the embodiment. The foot controllers allow the subject to balance
in a fore-aft plane. This is controlled by, a braking assembly (25,
29) that is directly related to the motor driven portion of the
embodiment. FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C illustrate the fore-aft movement (58),
how the subject can slow either the front wheel (56) or back wheel
(57) of the drive assembly FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C. The stabilization
occurs because of a differential between the drive wheels FIG. 6.
When the subject actuates the foot controllers in a fore-aft plane,
either the front or back wheel is slowed down FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C (56,
57). The inherent nature of the differential's gearing immediately
applies acceleration to the adjacent wheel wherein the apparatus is
forced to turn in a directional arc around the ground contacting
point of the slowed wheel. This feature allows the subject to move
the platform beneath them, in a direction that keeps their center
of gravity directly centered above the embodiment FIG. 1E, (10,
63), therefore increasing their stability in the fore-aft plane
(16).
[0044] The following might give a better understanding wherein the
subject gains stability in the fore-aft plane. As mentioned
earlier, the subject can achieve stability in the lateral plane
FIG. 1C (15), by use of the motorized drive system FIG. 2 (28), by
pressing the platform down on either the right or left end
respectively (22, 23).
[0045] Furthermore, if the subject starts to fall back or balance
on the fore-aft plane FIG. 1E (16), the subject can pivot the
embodiment using their lower body muscles on its fore-aft plane.
This applies braking to the back wheel and acceleration to the
front wheel FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, moving the embodiment in a
directional arc from center to back, along the ground surface. The
front wheel is defined as moving the embodiment as to help the
subject correct them back to a vertical stance in the fore-aft
plane FIG. 1E (16). It can also be said that if the subject is
falling forward, similar forward braking occurs. The motorized
drive system is important to this feature. It is necessary for
locomotion of embodiment in either a right or left direction to
occur, before braking can occur in the fore-aft control
feature.
[0046] FIG. 9A, illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, pivoting in a fore-aft plane in a direction reflecting
compression of the centering spring 61. Compression spring (61), is
using one-hundred (100) percent of its compression travel wherein
spring (60), is using zero (0) percent of its compression
travel.
[0047] FIG. 9C, illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, pivoting in a fore-aft plane in the opposite direction
of FIG. 9A. The compression spring (60), is using one-hundred (100)
percent of its compression travel wherein spring (61), is using
zero (0) percent of its compression travel.
Alternate Embodiments
Drawing FIGS. 11 through 16
[0048] There are alternate forms of the present invention, wherein
the left and right foot controls if desired can be rotated in a
plane parallel to the platforms surface FIG. 15 (20, 21). This is
to provide adjustments to any of the embodiment's features. One
example of adjustment might be to alter the platforms angle in its
lateral plane (15) compensating for any irregularities in the
grounds surface. This is accomplished by changing the location of
the switching controls (36), input device over ride (47). Should
the ground level have a slope for example, the subject could
compensate for this by rotating the foot controllers (20, 21). This
rotation would elevate or drop either end of the platform,
respectively, pivoting on its lateral plane (15). A motorized drive
system (28, 31) provides locomotion to the embodiment. Its power
plant can consist of one or more batteries (26, 27) or a fuel to
provide energy to a combustion powered engine. Subject uses lower
body to control input devices FIG. 5 (37) that send signals to the
switching control unit (36). The switching control unit, controls
the speed and direction of the motorized drive system, magnets (43,
39, 40) and switches (39, 40). A frame assembly connects all
embodiment members as a unit, allowing them to work with one
another respectively, as well as reinforcing the platform on which
the subject stands FIG. 3 (26, 27).
[0049] The following are descriptions of the FIG. 11, 12, 13, 14,
15, and 16 which represent alternate forms of the present
invention:
[0050] FIG. 11, is a perspective view of an alternate form of the
present invention. Illustrating a solid platform that pivots on the
fore-aft and lateral planes that uses curved braking straps and
external motor with drive chain. The battery placement has also
changed;
[0051] FIG. 12, is a perspective view of an alternate form of the
present invention. Illustrating a solid platform that pivots on the
fore-aft and lateral planes wherein the differential has been
removed and mechanical linkage turns the motorized drive system.
This method provides less turning ability then the preferred
method;
[0052] FIG. 13, is a perspective view of an alternate form of the
present invention. Illustrating a solid platform that pivots on the
fore-aft and lateral planes wherein drive wheels have been widened
apart from each other on their axis. The battery locations have
changed and the drive motor runs perpendicular to the axis of the
ground contacting drive system;
[0053] FIG. 14, is a perspective view of an alternate form of the
present invention wherein the platform is solid and conceals the
ground contacting drive system because, the ground contacting drive
system uses smaller wheels and smaller drive motor. Pivoting on the
fore-aft plane will turn the embodiment through the use of a
skateboard type truck wherein braking to the front and back wheels
are not necessary. This alternate form can only travel effectively
in one direction because of the truck type steering;
[0054] FIG. 15, is a perspective view of an alternate form of the
present invention where the ends (22, 23) pivot on the fore aft
plane separate from the middle section and are connected to one
another by curved braking straps. The external motor (28) uses a
chain drive system to power the differential. Also shown are the
rotating foot controllers (20, 21) and the battery location has
been changed to accommodate the external motor (26, 27);
[0055] FIG. 16, is an exposed view of FIG. 15, showing the frame
assembly that supports the platform. End sections (24, 25) pivot on
the fore-aft plane with centering springs (26, 27). Also shown is
the chain drive to differential (31), and braking straps (29, 30).
This method operates exactly the same as the preferred method but
does not require a hub motor assembly;
[0056] While I have described a presently preferred form of the
invention in detail in order to compile with the patent laws, it
will be understood that the scope of the invention is to be
interpreted only in accordance the appended claims.
* * * * *