Device of Human Conveyance
A device for human conveyance includes a frame and a resilient member that has two ends. Upon exerting a flattening force on the resilient member, increase in distance between the two ends and the increase in distance is converted into movement of the platform by, for example a ratchet system interfaced to a wheel.
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This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/156,910, filed Jun. 9, 2011; which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/045,201, filed Mar. 10, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,578 issued Jul. 19, 2011, which takes priority from U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No 60/918,058; filed Mar. 15, 2007, the disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates to a method and apparatus for allowing a person operating the device of human conveyance to propel oneself, via the device, in a controlled manner along a navigable path.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONWhen a person jumps in the air using muscle energy a substantial amount of potential energy has been created. An example would be appreciated by watching as the person springs and bounce higher and higher on a diving board. Similarly, a human can simply lift one foot off the ground, while maintaining support with the other foot. Thereafter, with gravity alone or with a slight amount of additional downward muscle force, the human may allow the elevated foot's weight to descend and create a comparable effect.
Humanly created potential energy is available to be converted into a substantial amount of useful kinetic energy through little additional effort, by only relying on the natural laws of gravity.
Prior devices for human conveyance relied upon this kinetic energy to be directed onto a pedal system as in a bicycle or pushed against the ground as with a scooter or skateboard. Being that it is not practical to integrate a pedal system in a scooter or a skate board because of the low clearance of the running board of such devices, a way to propel such a device using the energy of a human user is needed. A system is needed that utilizes this energy, providing useful conveyance of the human user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIn one embodiment, a device for human conveyance is disclosed including a frame member and a resilient member. The resilient member has a first edge and a second edge. The first edge is spaced from the second edge by a first distance and the first edge of the resilient member is interfaced to the frame member. Flattening force on the resilient member results in a second distance between the forward edge of the resilient member and the second edge of the resilient member, the second distance being greater than the first distance, and upon abatement of the downward force, the resilient member restores such that distance between the forward edge of the resilient member and the second edge of the resilient member is substantially the first distance. The device for human conveyance includes a device for converting the difference between the first distance and the second distance into movement of the frame.
In another embodiment, a device for human conveyance is disclosed including a frame and an arc-shaped spring, The arc-shaped spring has a first end and a second end distal from the first end, and a first distance between the first end and the second end when the spring is relaxed, the first end of the arc-shaped spring affixed to the frame. Flattening force on the arc-shaped spring deforms the arc-shaped spring causing a second distance between the first end and the second end, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The device for human conveyance includes a device for converting the difference between the first distance and the second distance into movement of the frame.
In another embodiment, a method of human conveyance is disclosed including providing a device for human conveyance, the device for human conveyance that has a frame for supporting a user. The frame is interfaced to one or more devices for moving on a surface. He device for human conveyance includes an arc-shaped spring having a front end and a second end distal from the front end and having a first distance between the front end and the rear end in a relaxed mode. The front end of the arc-shaped spring affixed to the frame. The method includes pushing down on the arc-shaped spring, thereby causing the arc-shaped spring to flatten whereas the front end moves further away from the second end, thereby resulting in a second distance between the front end and the rear end, the second distance being greater than the first distance. The difference between the first distance and the second distance is converted into a movement of the frame.
The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures.
Referring to
This embodiment is directed to a means of propulsion of the inventive device and provides a flexible or hinged platform which securely attaches to a chassis at one end and converts a human's self-generated up and down energy into a rotational energy, which can efficiently rotate a wheel of the device.
A unidirectional drive mechanism is activated by either a flexible or hinged platform that maintains an angled configuration while at rest. The platform assumes a more linear profile as it is deformed or flattened by the rider's weight.
In
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In
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In some embodiments, the scooter 110 has handle bars 116 interfaced with the front wheels 112 for steering the scooter. In some embodiments, a foot rest 114 is provided to allow the user to rest a foot upon while using the other foot for propelling the device for human conveyance 110 as will be discussed.
The front wheel(s) 112 are coupled to the rear wheel(s) 130 by a frame member 122. The frame member 122 keeps the front wheel(s) 112 at a constant distance from the rear wheel(s) 130. In the preferred embodiment, the frame member 122 is semi-rigid, providing some flexibility to absorb the shock of the propulsion mechanism. In other words, the frame 122 bends slightly, preferably at a mid-section, when downward pressure is applied. In some embodiments, the frame member 122 is rigid. In some embodiments (as shown in
In the example of
In this example, the drive mechanism consists of an arc-shaped drive spring 120 that has a rear-wheel interface 124. The rear wheel interface 124 will be described later. The drive mechanism operates based upon the principles previously described, in that, when the user presses down on the drive spring 120, the rear wheel interface is pushed in a generally horizontal rearward direction, thereby interfacing with the rear wheel 130 (as will be described), causing the scooter 110 to move in a forward direction. In its simplest form, the interface to the rear wheel 130 is a friction interface, in that the rear-wheel interface 124 rubs against a hub (not shown), causing the hub to turn the rear wheel 130 in a forward direction. So that the rear wheel 130 does not stop or reverse when the rear-wheel interface 124 retracts (e.g., the use lifts up), a ratchet mechanism as known in the industry is provided to allow the rear wheel to continue to turn in a forward direction while the rear-wheel interface 124 retracts.
Referring to
In this example, the scooter 110 has handle bars 116 interfaced with the front wheels 112 for steering the scooter. In some embodiments, a foot rest 114 is provided to allow the user to rest a foot upon while using the other foot for propelling the device for human conveyance 110 as will be discussed.
The front wheel(s) 112 are coupled to the rear wheel(s) 130 by a frame member 122. The frame member 122 keeps the front wheel(s) 112 at a constant distance from the rear wheel(s) 130. In this embodiment, the rear wheel 130 is rotatably attached to the frame member 122 by a frame member plate 126. In some embodiments, a rear wheel guard 132 is provided to reduce the risk of a user rubbing their shoe against the rear wheel(s) 130 while using the scooter 110. In the preferred embodiment, the frame member 122 is semi-rigid, providing some flexibility to absorb the shock of the propulsion mechanism. In other embodiments, the frame member 122 is rigid.
The drive mechanism arc-shaped drive spring 120 is shown in its relaxed position (e.g., the user has not applied pressure with a foot) and in its compressed position (shown in dashed lines). As can be seen, the tail end of the drive spring 124 extends rearward past the rear wheel drive mechanism as the drive spring 120 is compressed.
Referring to
In some embodiments, the scooter 210 has handle bars 116 interfaced with the front wheels 112 for steering the scooter. In some embodiments, a foot rest 114 is provided to allow the user to rest a foot upon while using the other foot for propelling the device for human conveyance 210 as will be discussed.
The front wheel(s) 112 are coupled to the rear wheel(s) 130 by a frame member 122. The frame member 122 keeps the front wheel(s) 112 at a constant distance from the rear wheel(s) 130. In this embodiment, the rear wheel 130 is rotatably attached to the frame member 122 by a frame member plate 126. In some embodiments, a rear wheel guard 132 is provided to reduce the risk of a user rubbing their shoe against the rear wheel(s) 130 while using the scooter 210.
In this embodiment, the drive mechanism angle-shaped drive 152/154 is shown in its relaxed position (e.g., the user has not applied pressure with a foot) As can be seen, the tail end 164 of the angle-shaped drive 152/154 will extend rearward past the rear wheel drive mechanism as the angle-shaped drive 152/154 is compressed (e.g., by a user's foot). To return the angle-shaped drive 152/154 to its original position after the user lifts their foot, a spring 156 is employed. Other spring configurations are anticipated as known in the art. In some embodiments, a foot platform 150 is attached to the angle-shaped drive 152/154, providing greater comfort to the user's foot as the user steps down on the angle-shaped drive 152/154.
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The cable 174 is attached to the tail end 124 of the arc-shaped drive spring 120 at an end 176. As the tail end 124 of the arc-shaped drive spring 120 moves in the rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel 130, it pulls the cable 174 which is wound around the spool 170/172. This unwinding operation causes the rear wheel 130 to turn in a forward direction. The spool 170/172 is interfaced to the rear wheel 130 by a ratchet mechanism (not shown) as known in the industry, providing forward motion as the tail end 124 of the arc-shaped drive spring 120 moves in a rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel and allows the wheel 130 to roll freely in the forward motion as the tail end 124 of the arc-shaped drive spring 120 moves in a forward direction with respect to the rear wheel 130. Additionally, the spool 170/172 is spring-loaded to rewind the cable 174 around the spool 170/172 as the tail end 124 of the arc-shaped drive spring 120 moves in the forward direction.
Referring to
Note that a sprocket interface 180/142 is described as an example and any other type of gear interface known in the industry is anticipated and is interchangeable with the described sprocket 142—sprocket interface gear 180 system.
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Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result.
It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.
Claims
1. A device for human conveyance comprising:
- a frame member;
- a resilient member having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge spaced from the second edge by a first distance, the first edge of the resilient member interfaced to the frame member, whereas flattening force on the resilient member results in a second distance between the forward edge of the resilient member and the second edge of the resilient member, the second distance being greater than the first distance, and upon abatement of the downward force, the resilient member restores such that distance between the forward edge of the resilient member and the second edge of the resilient member is substantially the first distance; and
- means for converting the difference between the first distance and the second distance into movement of the frame.
2. The device for human conveyance of claim 1, wherein the resilient member comprises an arc-shaped spring.
3. The device for human conveyance of claim 1, wherein the means for converting comprises a sprocket system interfaced to the second edge and interfaced to a ratchet system, the ratchet system interfaced to a wheel.
4. The device for human conveyance of claim 3, wherein the sprocket system has multiple, selectable sprockets, providing variable torque to the wheel.
5. The device for human conveyance of claim 1, wherein the resilient member comprises a first plate hingedly coupled to a second plate and a spring urging the first plate at an angle of less than 90 degrees to the second plate, whereas the flattening force counteracts the urging of the spring, thereby increasing the angle and increasing the distance to the second distance.
6. The device for human conveyance of claim 5, wherein the means for converting comprises a sprocket system interfaced to the second edge and to a ratchet system, the ratchet system interfaced to a wheel.
7. The device for human conveyance of claim 6, wherein the sprocket system has multiple, selectable sprocket gears.
8. A device for human conveyance comprising:
- a frame;
- an arc-shaped spring having a first end and a second end distal from the first end, and a first distance between the first end and the second end when the spring is relaxed, the first end of the arc-shaped spring affixed to the frame, whereas a flattening force on the arc-shaped spring deforms the arc-shaped spring causing a second distance between the first end and the second end, the second distance being greater than the first distance; and
- means for converting the difference between the first distance and the second distance into movement of the frame.
9. The device for human conveyance of claim 8, further comprising wheels, a first wheel of the wheels freely interfaced to the frame and a second wheel of the wheels interfaced to the means for converting.
10. The device for human conveyance of claim 9, further comprising a handle system interfaced with the first wheel for steering the device for human conveyance.
11. The device for human conveyance of claim 9, further comprising a foot rest interfaced with the handle system.
12. The device for human conveyance of claim 8, wherein the frame is semi-rigid.
13. The device for human conveyance of claim 9, wherein the means for converting comprises a sprocket system interfaced to the second end of the arc-shaped spring and the sprocket system is interfaced to a ratchet system, the ratchet system interfaced to the second wheel thereby resulting in one direction of motion of the frame during application of the flattening force.
14. A method of human conveyance, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a device for human conveyance, the device for human conveyance comprising: a frame for supporting a user, the frame interfaced to means for moving on a surface; an arc-shaped spring having a front end and a second end distal from the front end and having a first distance between the front end and the rear end in a relaxed mode, the front end of the arc-shaped spring affixed to the frame;
- (b) pushing down on the arc-shaped spring, thereby causing the arc-shaped spring to flatten whereas the front end moves further away from the second end, thereby resulting in a second distance between the front end and the rear end, the second distance being greater than the first distance;
- (c) converting the difference between the first distance and the second distance into a movement of the frame.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the device for human conveyance is a scooter.
16. The method of claim 15, further comprising a handle system interfaced with a front wheel for steering the device for human conveyance.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein wheels are interfaced to the frame and the step of converting includes rotating at least one of the wheels in a first direction responsive to the pushing down on the arc-shaped spring.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of converting includes allowing the at least one of the wheels to continue to rotate in the first direction after releasing the arc-shaped spring while restoring the arc-shaped spring to an original shape.
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 16, 2014
Publication Date: Nov 6, 2014
Applicant: MINDWORKS HOLDINGS, LLC (Dunedin, FL)
Inventors: Gregory R. Prior (Dunedin, FL), Christopher Phillip Miller (Clearwater, FL)
Application Number: 14/332,553
International Classification: B62M 1/32 (20060101);