U.S. patent application number 12/465561 was filed with the patent office on 2010-04-15 for personal transportation device for supporting a user's foot.
This patent application is currently assigned to Freeline Sports, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ryan Farrelly.
Application Number | 20100090423 12/465561 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40887070 |
Filed Date | 2010-04-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100090423 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Farrelly; Ryan |
April 15, 2010 |
PERSONAL TRANSPORTATION DEVICE FOR SUPPORTING A USER'S FOOT
Abstract
A personal transportation device is described having a U-shaped
truck, a pair of wheels attached to the truck, and a platform
mechanically coupled to the truck, such that the platform is
operable to receive a user's foot. The personal transportation
device can further include an additional pair of easily removable
wheels, and can be propelled by a rider swiveling his or her hips
back and forth to cause the device to move in a targeted
direction.
Inventors: |
Farrelly; Ryan; (San Diego,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
Freeline Sports, Inc.
Irvine
CA
|
Family ID: |
40887070 |
Appl. No.: |
12/465561 |
Filed: |
May 13, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61052921 |
May 13, 2008 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/11.27 ;
280/841 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 17/06 20130101;
A63C 17/01 20130101; A63C 2203/02 20130101; A63C 17/016
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/11.27 ;
280/841 |
International
Class: |
A63C 17/00 20060101
A63C017/00; A63C 1/00 20060101 A63C001/00 |
Claims
1. A personal transportation device comprising: a U-shaped truck
comprising an undercarriage having flanges for mounting the
U-shaped truck to a platform and arms extending from the flanges,
each arm having at least one opening dimensioned to receive a wheel
axle; at least one pair of wheels mechanically coupled to the
U-shaped truck; and a platform mounted to the flanges.
2. The personal transportation device of claim 1, wherein each arm
comprises a semi hour-glass shape.
3. The personal transportation device of claim 1, wherein the
U-shaped truck comprises a bridge connecting the arms underneath
the platform, the bridge forming the bottom of the U-shaped
truck.
4. The personal transportation device of claim 3, wherein the
bridge has a width, measured along an axis of rotation of the
wheels, greater than the width of one of the wheels.
5. The personal transportation device of claim 1, wherein the at
least one opening comprises three openings.
6. The personal transportation device of claim 5, wherein three
separate wheel axles extend through the three openings, the three
wheel axles holding four wheels in place underneath the
platform.
7. The personal transportation device of claim 6, wherein two of
the four wheels are removable training wheels.
8. The personal transportation device of claim 7, wherein the
training wheels are held in place by a locking member on one of the
wheel axles, the locking member being removable so as to allow the
wheel axle and training wheels to be removed from the personal
transportation device.
9. The personal transportation device of claim 1, wherein the
flanges have flat surfaces contacting a bottom of the platform.
10. The personal transportation device of claim 1, wherein each of
the arms comprises at least one opening forming an open void in
each arm.
11. The personal transportation device of claim 1, wherein the
flanges extend substantially perpendicular to the arms and
substantially parallel to the bottom of the platform.
12. The personal transportation device of claim 1, wherein at least
one of the pairs of wheels is in-line.
13. The personal transportation device of claim 1, wherein the
platform comprises a plurality of parallel layers.
14. The personal transportation device of claim 13, wherein each
layer is detachable.
15. The personal transportation device of claim 13, wherein at
least one of the layers is comprised of wood.
16. The personal transportation device of claim 13, wherein at
least one of the layers is comprised of rubber.
17. A method of operating a personal transportation device
comprising: providing two personal transportation devices each
comprising a U-shaped truck, a foot platform mounted to the
U-shaped truck, and two wheels mounted in-line to the U-shaped
truck; placing a foot on each platform of the personal
transportation devices such that each foot is approximately
perpendicular to the direction of travel; rotating one's waist in a
first direction to create a force in the direction of travel;
rotating one's waist in a second direction to create a force in the
direction of travel; and alternating rotating one's waist in the
first and second directions such that the personal transportation
devices move in the direction of travel.
18. The method of claim 14, further comprising removing a foot from
one of the platforms.
19. The method of claim 14, further comprising turning one's foot
toes outwards or toes inwards to steer the personal transportation
device, based on the direction one's waist is rotating.
20. A personal transportation device comprising: a truck comprising
an undercarriage for mounting the truck to a platform and arms
extending from the undercarriage, each arm having at least one
opening dimensioned to receive a wheel axle; a first pair of wheels
mechanically coupled to the truck, the first pair of wheels being
in-line; a second pair of wheels releasably coupled to the truck,
the second pair of wheels being out-of-line with the first pair of
wheels; and a platform mounted to the truck, the platform sized to
receive a user's foot.
21. The personal transportation device of claim 20, wherein the
second pair of wheels comprises training wheels for the personal
transportation device, the training wheels being held in place by a
single wheel axle extending through each wheel and the truck.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/052,921, filed
May 13, 2008, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference
herein. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/019,796, filed
Jan. 8, 2008, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/350,864, filed
Jan. 8, 2009, U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,613, and U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/386,822, filed Mar. 23, 2006 and published as U.S.
Patent Publication No. 2006/0186617, are each made a part of this
Application and are incorporated in their entireties by reference
herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS
[0002] 1. Field of the Inventions
[0003] The present inventions relate to human-propelled personal
transportation devices. More particularly, the present inventions
are directed to personal transportation systems that include two
parts, each supporting a single foot of a user.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Many of the currently available extreme sport and personal
transportation devices limit acrobatic moves, hamper
maneuverability and generally do not fully satisfy specific needs
in personal transportation. For example, the traditional skateboard
is usually operated with both feet of the rider placed on the deck
(e.g., platform) of the skateboard. The skateboard limits the
rider's feet to the area of the deck. In-line skates allow the
rider the flexibility of propulsion from each foot, but the wheels
are bound to the riders foot using a shoe like structure.
[0006] Unlike in-line skates or skateboards, the some newer skate
systems include one platform for each foot, neither platform being
bound to the rider's foot. This can also be referred to as
"non-fixed" skates meaning that the skates are not normally "fixed"
to the rider's feet during operation, in contrast to conventional
"roller skates" which are normally fixed to a rider's foot with
shoe laces, Velcro.RTM., bindings, or the like.
[0007] When using a "non-fixed" type skate system, the rider stands
transverse to the direction of travel. This type of personal
transportation device can be propelled using a swivel motion in
which the position of the rider's feet are cyclically rotated
ninety degrees to the direction of travel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS
[0008] Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed
herein includes the realization that a personal transportation
device can be easily assembled and manufactured using certain
designs, such as those including U-shaped configurations.
[0009] Thus, in accordance with at least one embodiment, a personal
transportation device can comprise a U-shaped truck comprising an
undercarriage having flanges for mounting the U-shaped truck to a
platform and arms extending from the flanges, each arm having at
least one opening dimensioned to receive a wheel axle, at least one
pair of wheels mechanically coupled to the U-shaped truck, and a
platform mounted to the flanges.
[0010] In accordance with at least another embodiment, a method of
operating a personal transportation device can comprise providing
two personal transportation devices each comprising a U-shaped
truck, a foot platform mounted to the U-shaped truck, and two
wheels mounted in-line to the U-shaped truck, placing a foot on
each platform of the personal transportation devices such that each
foot is approximately perpendicular to the direction of travel,
rotating one's waist in a first direction to create a force in the
direction of travel, rotating one's waist in a second direction to
create a force in the direction of travel, and alternating rotating
one's waist in the first and second directions such that the
personal transportation devices move in the direction of
travel.
[0011] Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed
herein includes the realization that use of a two-wheeled,
non-fixed, personal transportation device can take time to learn,
and can require some skill with regard to balance. Thus, providing
such a personal transportation device with a set of removable
wheels can help a rider become more familiar and comfortable with
using the personal transportation device. When the rider reaches
that level of skill and comfort, the additional wheel can be
removed, allowing the rider to experience the full ranges of
movement possible with such a transportation device.
[0012] Thus, in accordance with at least another embodiment, a
personal transportation device can comprise a truck comprising an
undercarriage for mounting the truck to a platform and arms
extending from the undercarriage, each arm having at least one
opening dimensioned to receive a wheel axle, a first pair of wheels
mechanically coupled to the truck, the first pair of wheels being
in-line, a second pair of wheels releasably coupled to the truck,
the second pair of wheels being out-of-line with the first pair of
wheels and a platform mounted to the truck, the platform sized to
receive a user's foot.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] These and other features and advantages of the present
embodiments will become more apparent upon reading the following
detailed description and with reference to the accompanying
drawings of the embodiments, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1A is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a
personal transportation device.
[0015] FIG. 1B is a bottom perspective view of the personal
transportation device of FIG. 1A.
[0016] FIG. 1C is a top plan view of the personal transportation
device of FIG. 1A.
[0017] FIG. 1D is a front elevational view of the personal
transportation device of FIG. 1A.
[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the personal
transportation device of FIG. 1A.
[0019] FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the truck of the
personal transportation device of FIG. 1A.
[0020] FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of a rider on the two of
the personal transportation devices of FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the
direction of travel of the personal transportation devices shown in
FIG. 4A.
[0022] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a rider on the two personal
transportation devices of FIG. 4A.
[0023] FIG. 5A is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment
of a personal transportation device, including a set of training
wheels.
[0024] FIG. 5B is a side elevational view of the personal
transportation device of FIG. 5A.
[0025] FIG. 5C is a front elevational view of the personal
transportation device of FIG. 5A.
[0026] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the personal
transportation device of FIG. 5A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0027] With reference to FIGS. 1A-D, the personal transportation
device 10 can comprise a U-shaped truck 12. The U-shaped truck 12
can be connected to a platform 14 that supports a rider's foot, and
can further be connected to a pair of wheels 16.
[0028] The U-shaped truck 12 can comprise an undercarriage 18. The
undercarriage 18 can comprise, for example, a pair of flanges
extending substantially parallel to a bottom portion of the
platform 14. The flanges can be attached to and support the
U-shaped truck against the platform, such that weight placed on the
platform by a rider's foot can be dispersed to the flanges of the
undercarriage 18 and supported by the U-shaped truck 12.
[0029] The U-shaped truck 12 can further comprise a frame 20. The
frame 20 can extend from the undercarriage 18 and can comprise at
least one arm 22. The arms 22 can have a generally semi-hourglass
shaped design that provides effective support and an enhanced
riding experience. The arms 22 can include an opening, or void, 23,
which can help to reduce the weight and material used in
manufacturing the personal transportation device 10, while still
providing proper support.
[0030] With reference to FIG. 1B, the frame 20 can further comprise
a bridge 24 extending between the arms 22. The bridge 24 can have a
width, measured along an axis of rotation of a wheel 16, greater
than the width of the wheel 16, such that the bridge 24 and arms 22
act to at least partially enclose the wheels 16 within the U-shaped
truck 12.
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, the frame 20 can
further comprise at least one opening 25 configured to receive a
wheel axle 26. One method of assembling the personal transportation
device 10 can comprise first placing the wheels 16 within the
U-shaped truck 12 and inserting wheel axles 26 through the wheels
16. The fasteners 28, such as for example nuts, and spacers 30 can
then be attached to the wheel axles 26.
[0032] With continued reference to FIG. 2, the platform 14 can then
be attached to the U-shaped truck 12. The platform 14 can be
multilayered, as indicated by a base layer 32, a deck layer 34, and
a skid layer 36, all in parallel planes. In some embodiments, the
skid layer 36 can be optional and removable to provide an improved
riding experience to the user of the device 10. In some
embodiments, at least one of the layers of the platform 14 can be
detachable. In some embodiments, at least one of the layers can be
comprised of wood. In some embodiments, at least one of the layers
can be comprised of rubber. The platform 14 can be attached to the
undercarriage 18 by threading deck fasteners 38 through deck shafts
and attaching deck nuts 40. With reference to FIG. 3, prior to
assembly, such as for example during manufacturing, the U-shaped
truck 12 can be bent along bend lines 42 to create the
undercarriage 18 flanges described above. In some embodiments, the
truck 12 can be bent such that the flanges of the undercarriage 18
are substantially perpendicular to the arms 22.
[0033] With reference to FIGS. 1C and 4A-C, a rider can stand on
top of two personal transportation devices 10, with one foot placed
on each of the two platforms 14. Unlike in-line skates or
skateboards, in some embodiments the platform 14 for each foot of
the rider can not be bound to the rider's foot, and the rider can
remove his or her foot from one of the platforms 14 if desired. The
rider's foot can be angled along a vector 60 which can allow the
rider to be facing in a generally transverse direction relative to
the direction of travel of the personal transportation devices 10,
as shown for example in FIGS. 4A and 4C.
[0034] With continued reference to FIG. 4A, an angle .alpha.
between a longitudinal axis of the rider's foot, along vector 60,
and the direction of travel along vector 62, can vary. In some
embodiments, this angle is typically approximately 74 degrees.
Other angles can also be used.
[0035] The personal transportation device can be propelled by the
rider using a swivel motion with his or her hips. For example, the
rider can swivel his or her hips in a first direction, and then in
an opposite direction, repeating this motion again and again and
propelling the personal transportation devices 10 through a path
similar to that shown in FIG. 4B. In some embodiments during use,
the rider can turn his or her feet either toes out or toes in to
steer the personal transportation device 10, depending on which
direction the rider is swinging his or her waist.
[0036] With reference to FIGS. 5A-C and 6, another embodiment of a
personal transportation device 110 is illustrated. The personal
transportation device 110 can comprise a U-shaped truck 112, a
platform 114, and wheels 116. In contrast to the personal
transportation device 10 described above, the personal
transportation device 110 can further comprise two training wheels
146, a training wheel axle 148, and a removable locking member 150,
such as for example a pin, which can hold the training wheel axle
148 in place. As shown in FIG. 5A, the training wheels 146 can be
out of line with the two in-line wheels 116, such that the training
wheels offer added stability and support for the personal
transportation device 110. In some embodiments, and as described
herein, the training wheels 146 can be easily removed and/or added
to the personal transportation device 110.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 6, the U-shaped truck 112 can be
similar to that of the U-shaped truck 12 described above. For
example, the U-shaped truck 112 can comprise an undercarriage 118
which can be fastened to the platform 114. The U-shaped truck 112
can further include at least one opening or void 123, which can
help to reduce the amount of material and/or weight of the personal
transportation device 110.
[0038] In contrast to the U-shaped truck 12, the U-shaped truck 112
can include additional openings 144 in generally a central portion
of the U-shaped truck 112. The additional openings 144 can be
configured to receive the training wheel axle 148. With reference
to FIG. 6, the training wheels 116 can be removably attached to the
U-shaped truck 112, such that a rider can quickly and easily add or
remove the wheels. To add the training wheels 146, the rider can
place one of the training wheels 146 along the outside of the
U-shaped undercarriage 112 and then insert the training wheel axle
148 first through the training wheel 146 and then through the
openings 144. Once the training wheel axle 148 has passed through
the U-shaped truck 112, the second training wheel 146 can be placed
over the end of the training wheel axle 148, and the locking member
150 can be used to secure the training wheel axle 148 in place
within the U-shaped truck 112. In some embodiments, the locking
member 150 can comprise a simple locking pin which can slide over
an indented groove on the end of the training wheel axle 148 and
inhibit the training wheel 146 from sliding off the end of the
training wheel axle 148.
[0039] The training wheels 146 described above can be used with
other types of truck configurations and types of personal
transportation devices, and are not limited to the U-shaped truck
and/or personal transportation devices described herein.
Furthermore, while two training wheels 146 and two wheels 16 or 116
are shown in the illustrated embodiments, other numbers and
configurations of wheels are also possible. For example, in some
embodiments, the personal transportation device 10 or 110 can
include three wheels 16 or 116, and/or one training wheel 146.
[0040] The size, shape, width, and/or material of the wheels can
also vary. For example, in some embodiments the training wheels 146
can be comprised of a different material, and/or have a different
size, than that of the wheels 16 or 116. Additionally, the wheels
can be attached to the personal transportation devices 10, 110 in
other methods than those described above.
[0041] With continued reference to FIG. 6, the personal
transportation device 110 can include a grip layer 136 similar to
that of grip layer 36 shown in FIG. 2. In contrast to the grip
layer 36, however, the grip layer 136 can be a clear grip tape. The
clear grip tape can be a thin, separate layer which can be adhered
to the top of the platform 114, thus covering the tops of the deck
fasteners 138 and giving the personal transportation device 110 a
more aesthetically pleasing, and smoother appearance.
[0042] Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context
of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be
understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions
extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other
alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious
modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several
variations of the inventions have been shown and described in
detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these
inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art
based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various
combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and
aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the
scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various
features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined
with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes
of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of
at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not
be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described
above.
* * * * *