Abstract: The invention relates to a tracked vehicle (V1, V2) comprising a vehicle body (20; 120), at least one track assembly (10) and a suspension device (S). Said track assembly (10) is arranged to be supported by said vehicle body (20; 120) by means of said suspension device (S). Said track assembly comprises a track support beam (12) for supporting a plurality of road wheels (16), an endless track (14) being disposed around said road wheels. Said suspension device (S) comprises a leaf spring arrangement (30; 130, 142, 144) having portions transversally arranged relative to the longitudinal extension of the vehicle.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are discussed for an electric powered personal transportation vehicle with electric motors powered by one or more batteries. A set of universal battery mounting hole locations and a reserved space for one or more battery housings exist on a board for the personal transportation vehicle. The reserved space on the board for the one or more battery housings that house one or more battery packs is set to not interfere with an operation of the motors or the wheels. A first battery pack containing the one or more batteries differs in at least one of i) a different amp-hour capacity, ii) a different length, width, or height, and iii) a different shape than another battery pack designed to be physically contained in the one or more battery housings and electrically connect with corresponding electrical connections in the one or more battery housings.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a snow transport system with a frame comprising a base plate, a pair of opposed side plates mounted on opposed sides of the base plate, and a plurality of cross members extending between the side plates. A pair of convex lower track slides are mounted on lower portions of the pair of opposed side plates, and a pair of convex upper track slides are mounted on upper portions of the pair of opposed side plates. A drive wheel is mounted at an upper front portion of the frame, and an idler wheel mounted at a lower rear portion of the frame. A continuous track is wrapped around the drive wheel, the convex lower track slides, the idler wheel and the convex upper track slides. A motor assembly is mounted within the frame, and connected to the drive wheel through a transmission assembly. A push arm assembly is mounted to one side of the frame, the push arm assembly extending forwardly from the frame and having a push bar portion and user controls at a forward end thereof.

Abstract: A personal conveyance including a flexible substrate, a wheel and an electric motor mounted to a first wheel assembly, the wheel rotatably supported by the first wheel assembly and the electric motor configured to drive the wheel, wherein the first wheel assembly is mounted to the flexible substrate, a battery mounted to the flexible substrate and configured to power the electric motor, and a processor configured to control operation of the electric motor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are discussed for an electric powered personal transportation vehicle with electric motors powered by one or more batteries. A battery pack storage enclosure i) contains a set of pocket cores. The first battery pack storage enclosure has a rigid internal structure that has a set of pocket cores that hold the battery cells in place and ii) contains a metal mid-plate that functionally transfers thermal heat rapidly through a metal mass of the metal mid-plate to smooth out spikes of local temperatures when an initial battery cell overheats and fails in order to minimize the heat from the initial battery cell failure from propagating and causing a neighboring battery cell to also fail from the heat.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a transportation apparatus. The apparatus comprises: a surface to receive a plurality of forces at a plurality of locations thereon; a plurality of force sensors, attached to the surface, to provide information related to the plurality of forces; a plurality of wheels beneath the surface, each of the plurality of wheels being coupled with a motor; and a controller to: determine, based on the provided information, a first plurality of forces at the plurality of locations; determine, based on the first plurality of forces, a reference distribution associated with the plurality of locations; determine, based on the provided information, a second plurality of forces; determine a target speed and a target direction of the apparatus based on the reference distribution and the second plurality of forces; and provide one or more signals to the motors based on the target speed and the target direction.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device comprising a primary pole, a lateral pole affixed to the fore end of the primary pole, and a ducted fan assembly affixed to one end the primary pole and configured to accelerate airflow along the longitudinal axis of the primary pole. A user wields the graspable human propulsion device by grasping the primary pole with a first hand and the lateral pole with a second hand. The graspable human propulsion device acts to propel the user along the direction in which the longitudinal axis of the primary pole is pointed. This device is intended to be utilized by a user mounted on a personal transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. In one embodiment the user controls the amount of thrust by use of a throttle lever mechanism. In another embodiment the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a knobbed slide potentiometer.

Abstract: A personal vehicle system including a control system and at least one wheel motor coupled to the personal vehicle system and subject to control by the control system. A control system for a personal vehicle system including steps for calibrating the control system, where the control system includes a sensor system having load sensors incorporated into the personal vehicle system and also having lean forward and lean backward outputs, a user interface that prompts a user to lean forward and backward and allows a user to input a sensitivity value, and an electronic hardware component for calculating a normalization value where the wheel motor current is controlled as a function of the normalization value.

Abstract: A self-balancing vehicle includes a vehicle body having a housing with a top cover and a bottom cover. It includes a unitary support bar disposed between the top and bottom covers, about which the top and bottom covers are mounted, and which extends entirely along the top and bottom covers between opposed left and right ends of the unitary support bar. The vehicle further includes a left drive wheel and an opposed right drive wheel, each indirectly coupled to the unitary support bar.

Abstract: A vehicle comprising a framework in form of beam, wheel, drive and braking system, while the vehicle is partially loaded with the weigh of user and the user stands on roller skates and holds the vehicle on the beam so that the wheel is behind the user and contacts with its tire the road surface; and when the user activates the drive, the wheel starts rotating and, as a result of friction between the wheel's tire and the road surface, there arises a force making the vehicle with user move. Additionally, another technique for operation of the same vehicle is being offered, at which the vehicle on the move is positioned in the front of user.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a snowboard that is propelled over the snow by a battery powered motor/wheel array. The preferred embodiments include a pair of motor/wheel arrays disposed on both sides of the board, on which are fitted specialized snow propellers designed for various snow conditions. The motor and wheel array are attached to the snowboard with a universal mounting plate, which utilizes any snowboard's standard binding mounting holes or channels. The motor/wheel array can be mounted to the board with L shaped brackets, or alternatively with spring loaded hinges. The motor/wheel arrays can be elevated with spacers, which position the wheels slightly lower than the deck of the board to provide traction during propulsion. Shock absorbers can also be utilized to provide downward force to the motor/wheel arrays, and allow upward articulation to accommodate inclined terrain.

Abstract: A powered skateboard system comprising a skateboard deck having a top surface for supporting a rider of the powered skateboard, a bottom surface configured to facilitate engagement with one or more inner-motorized trucks and a compartment adapted to store one of more components including a control system, and one or more battery packs for a primary, and a secondary back up power source. The control system comprising methodologies configured to control the power of the one or more inner-motorized trucks. The control system provides a means to control the powered skateboard by using a wireless handheld controlled, or a wireless phone device including touchscreen gesturing control having one or more motion control buttons and toggle switches also, configured to transmit and to receive information associated with the operation of the inner-motorized trucks.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a graspable human propulsion device which contains a ducted fan assembly on the aft portion of a longitudinal structure which the user grasps onto, which acts to propel the user along the longitudinal direction of the device while the user is mounted on a human transportation apparatus, such as a skateboard. The user can orient the device so that the ducted fan assembly leads ahead or trails behind the user, according to user preference. In one embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a spring twist throttle mechanism. In another embodiment, the user controls the direction and amount of thrust by use of a trigger and switch mechanism. The fore latch and the aft latch allow the user to clamp the device onto a skateboard deck for ease in transporting while on foot.

Abstract: A mobilized cooler device comprising a fork hanger assembly is disclosed herein. Cooler devices according to the present disclosure can comprise a platform, an attached cooler body and fork hangers connecting cog-hub assemblies to the platform. Fork hangers can be positioned such that a portion of a first fork hanger adjacent to a first end of the platform is attached to a first end of a cog-hub assembly and a second portion of the first fork hanger adjacent to a second end of the platform that is opposite the first end of the platform is attached to a second end of the cog-hub assembly. Additional fork hangers can be similarly configured. The cooler device can further incorporate additional features, including a treading positioned between the fork hangers and at least partially surrounding the cog-hub assemblies, various cog-hub assemblies and shapes, and motors incorporated into the cog-hub assemblies.

Abstract: A storage system and a load handling device for lifting and moving containers stacked in the storage system are described. The storage system includes a plurality of rails or tracks arranged in a grid pattern above the stacks of containers. The grid pattern can include a plurality of grid spaces and each stack is located within a footprint of only a single grid space. The load handling device is configured to move laterally on the rails or tracks above the stacks. The load-handling device includes a container-receiving space located above the rails or tracks in use and a lifting device arranged to lift a container from a stack into the container-receiving space. The load handling device has a footprint that, in use, occupies only a single grid space in the storage system.

Abstract: The compact pulling apparatus includes a watertight elongated housing extending along a longitudinal axis and a track disposed around the housing along its longitudinal axis. The track enables the apparatus to move when rotatably driven around the housing. Depending on the implementation, the apparatus can include a generator/motor to selectively produce electricity which can power external equipment and rotatably drive the track, and/or a fuel-power engine. The apparatus further includes a power train assembly by which the rotating output power is transmitted from inside to outside the housing by the power train assembly using at least one rotatable shaft section sealingly extending across a corresponding one of the walls of the housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a hands-free, self-balancing vehicle including a tiltable platform for a rider to stand on. The tiltable platform may tilt in any direction and direct the direction of motion of the vehicle. The vehicle is compact and may be disassembled for easy portability.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a platform; a plurality of trucks coupled to the platform; and a roller assembly coupled to the platform, wherein the roller assembly is configured for an omnidirectional rotation, wherein the roller assembly is configured for an elastic biasing, wherein the roller assembly is driven by a motor.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a platform and a plurality of trucks coupled to the platform. The trucks are longitudinally opposing each other. The apparatus further comprising a plurality of roller assemblies coupled to the platform. The assemblies are longitudinally opposing each other between the trucks. The assemblies are configured for omnidirectional rotation. The assemblies are elastically biased for longitudinal alignment. At least one of the assemblies comprises a motor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle having a deck, a plurality of wheels mounted to the deck, a drive system mounted underneath the deck, an energy storage system that provides power to the drive system, and a frame configured to secure a load mounted to the deck. Particularly, the vehicle is an electric vehicle in the form of an electric skateboard for us in golf environments. The frame of the vehicle is adapted to secure and carry a golf bag, as well as various accessories, and enables an operator to traverse a golf course together with their golfing equipment on the vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle wheeled device has a drive wheel, two foot pads and two support wheels. The drive wheel is adapted to drive the device along a longitudinal drive path with the foot pads being located at opposing longitudinal sides of the drive wheel. The two support wheels of the device are adapted to engage the ground face at one of the longitudinal sides of the drive wheel with the drive path being located therebetween.

Abstract: A scooter (10) is provided comprising a deck portion (12) mounted on a pair of front wheels (14); at least one tail portion (16) foldably coupled to the deck portion (12) and being narrower than the deck portion (12) and mounted on at least one rear wheel (18) thereby providing the deck portion (12) with stability. The scooter (10) further includes a steering post (20) coupled to the front wheels (14) and being foldable with respect to the deck portion (12).

Abstract: A snowmobile maintenance device including a pair of stands to secure the rear and middle portion of a snowmobile allowing a snowmobile to be tipped onto its edge for repair. The device includes a first stand and second stand. The first stand securely attaches to the snowmobile bumper and extends a length perpendicular to the length of the snowmobile. A second stand is attached to the steering post of the snowmobile parallel to and oriented to the first stand. The stands are adjustable in length and include a base allowing the snowmobile to be easily tipped onto its side and supported by the stands and its existing skis.

Abstract: An IPU protection guard includes a pair of left and right upper horizontal members, which extend along a forward and rearward direction on an upper portion of an IPU on both sides in a vehicle width direction of the IPU, a pair of left and right lower horizontal members, which extend along the forward and rearward direction on a lower portion of the IPU on both sides in the vehicle width direction of the IPU, and an X-shaped member which extends in an X shape along a rear surface of the IPU.

Abstract: A wearable mobility device comprising a base for the placement of a shoe, the base including a heel-support section, a battery pack, a tail reflector, and a wireless receiver. The device including a first wheel having a wheel hub motor embedded therein, the motor rotatably connected to a first partial axial shaft connected to the base. The device including a second wheel having a wheel hub motor controller embedded therein, the motor controller rotatably connected to a second partial axial shaft connected to the base and operative to control a speed of rotation of the first wheel and the second wheel. The device also including a remote control for controlling the speed of rotation of the first wheel and the second wheel, the remote control operative to transmit one or more control signals to the wireless receiver, the wireless receiver being electrically coupled to the motor controller.

Abstract: Incremental automotive transportation to a person wearing a pair of identical motorized shoes is described. Each shoe houses in its sole an assembly of electrically powered set of wheels clasped over longitudinally by a conveyor from heel to toe. The assembly, skewed at an adjustable angle from the longitude towards the instep, is initially in an elevated no-contact position with an underlying surface. When lowered and switched on, the assembly operates and transports the shoe forward, which is in contact with the surface through it only. The assembly is designed to neutralize forces acting to disrupt its operation during walking while the sole is equipped to provide stability by absorbing impacts. Further, multiple assemblies can be housed in one sole wherein some of them can be tilted, twisted, reflexively twisted, recessed and all have electronic sensors. Additionally, all electro-mechanical operations can be remote and computer controlled.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a foldable motorized vehicle for locking a main frame body thereof comprises a pulling arm, locking shafts, shaft sleeves, elastic elements, and locking pins. The shaft sleeves are fixedly positioned in parallel below the main frame body and respectively sleeved on the locking shafts. Each of the locking pins is fixed on one end of a corresponding locking shaft and penetrates corresponding locking holes on the main frame body. Each elastic elements is sleeved on the corresponding locking shaft and pressing against the locking shaft and the corresponding shaft sleeve, respectively. The pulling arm comprises a pulling rod pivoted on one end of one locking shaft, and a connecting member with one end pivoted on one end of the other locking shaft, and the other end pivoted on the pulling rod.

Abstract: An improved personal propulsion device that generally imparts thrust directly to the user. The device allows hands free control of thrust magnitude and direction so both hands can grasp and control bicycle handlebars and brakes, watercraft paddles, ski poles or other apparatuses. The device is adjustable vertically, on the users' back, higher to allow sitting in a canoe or wheelchair and lower for standing on skates, skis, kick scooters etc. In one embodiment, the device includes an air compressor that is operatively connected to a cam mechanism engaged with the propulsion mechanism to provide compressed air. In another embodiment, the device includes a gap control mechanism to reduce or increase the size of the air inlet gap between the lip of the propeller shroud and an air horn to decrease noise levels or increase propulsion. The air horn can be gradiently flexible and warpable to allow controlled movement thereof.

Abstract: A snowboard has a removable tripod at the rear. A tiller mounts atop the tripod. The rider end of the tiller supports a motor. The distal end of the tiller supports a powered wheel. The power assembly doesn't compromise the shape and dynamics of a traditional snowboard as much of the prior art has. Another advantage is that it can be made integral with the snowboard and also easily removed. The ease of control with the handle and radical turning ability of over 180° make it unique in this field. The tripod mounting and balancing are also unique and useful. It is lighter in weight and simpler than previous embodiments in this are. The tiller can be locked with the wheel up for freestyle snowboarding.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a recreational vehicle includes a foot support and a steering device connected to the foot support, the steering device being moved by a motion of the foot support. A recreational vehicle is also disclosed that includes a front portion, a body connected to the front portion, a track mechanism disposed in the body, a steering mechanism disposed in the front portion, and a foot support disposed between the front portion and the body, the steering mechanism being steered by a motion of the foot support. A method of steering the recreational vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A propulsion device for use with skate equipment includes a frame having an upper end and a lower end, an engine mounted on the frame, a single wheel and first and second hand grips. The single wheel is mounted at the lower end of the frame and operatively connected with the engine to be driven thereby. The first hand grip is mounted on the frame above the engine, spaced apart from the upper end of the frame when the propulsion device is placed in its normal angle of use, and in front of a user's body. The second hand grip is adjacent the upper end of the frame and is positioned behind the user's body when the device is in an operable position. Additionally, the hand grips are positioned to enable a user to position the propulsion device between operative and raised positions while the user is in motion.

Abstract: A motorized vehicle is of a type which is used to travel on snow and which is equipped with at least one ski and one caterpillar track. The motorized vehicle comprises: handlebars (2) which are solidly connected to a chassis (3) of the vehicle (1); a pair of skis (4) which are solidly connected to the chassis (3) and which are not symmetrical in relation to the longitudinal and transverse axes thereof, the width of each ski decreasing from front to rear and the outer side (5) being curvilinear; and a platform (6) for a standing user, the width of the platform being greater than the maximum distance separating the two skis (4).

Abstract: An improved wheeled vehicle includes a platform adapted and constructed to support an operator of the vehicle. A plurality of wheels support the vehicle for movement on a surface, the plurality of wheels including at least one front wheel adapted and constructed to steer the vehicle, and at least one rear wheel adapted to be driven to impart motion to the vehicle. A handlebar assembly is connected to at least one of the wheels of the vehicle. The handlebar assembly provides directional control of the vehicle, and extends toward the rear of the platform. A motorized drive mechanism is connected to at least one of the wheels, whereby actuation of the drive mechanism causes the vehicle to move along a surface. A control mechanism actuated by the foot of a user includes at least one pedal, and is used to accelerate and decelerate the vehicle.

Abstract: An improved personal propulsion device that generally imparts thrust directly to the user. The device allows hands free control of thrust magnitude and direction so both hands can grasp and control bicycle handlebars and brakes, watercraft paddles, ski poles or other apparatuses. The device is adjustable vertically, on the users' back, higher to allow sitting in a canoe or wheelchair and lower for standing on skates, skis, kick scooters etc. A user on a bicycle may prefer to lean forward for comfort and aerodynamics, a device adjustment compensates and delivers level thrust. A user on a snowboard or skateboard stands oblique to the direction of travel, a device adjustment allows in line thrust. Both users' hands and arms are free to balance, protect others by pushing off or break a fall. The present invention can be provided as separate modules that allow interchangeability and use with a direct drive mechanism.

Abstract: To provide a coaxial two-wheel vehicle that allows a person to easily get off the vehicle with high safety, and a method of controlling the same. A coaxial two-wheel vehicle according to the present invention includes step portions on which feet are placed, and a handle capable of operating back-and-forth movements, and said vehicle moves with a passenger riding thereon. Upon detecting that the passenger gets off the vehicle by using a getting-off switch or the like, a control device of the coaxial two-wheel vehicle performs an assist control for getting-off the vehicle by increasing an inclination angle of each of the step portions with respect to a direction in which the passenger gets off the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of propelling a wheeled platform, which includes creating a source of energy upon a first change in orientation of the platform around an axis approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the platform and wherein the platform rotates around the axis. The source of energy is stored and released to propel the wheeled platform upon a second change in orientation of the platform around the axis.

Abstract: An exemplary motorized personal transportation apparatus is provided that may include a motorized heeling apparatus, a motorized heel bracket or a motorized wheel assembly. The motorized heeling apparatus may include a heeling apparatus and an electric motor mounted adjacent the heeling apparatus to impart forward rotation to at least one wheel adjacent the heel of a footwear to allow walking/running on forefoot, and transition to passive rolling and then electric powered rolling. The motorized heel bracket may include a heel support structure, which may be incorporated in footwear, for supporting at least a portion of the user's heel, wheel(s) mounted adjacent the heel bracket, and an electric motor positioned adjacent the heel support structure and operable to impart forward rotation to the wheel(s). The motorized wheel assembly includes an electric motor with a wheel around the motor such that the casing or external housing rotates to impart rotation to the wheel assembly.

Abstract: A control unit controls a vehicle having a body to allow a user to step on, a power generator arranged to generate power that drives the body, and a first sensor and a second sensor. Each sensor preferably outputs a load value representing a load that has been applied to the body. The control unit preferably includes a processor arranged to output a command value associated with a bias of the load based on first and second load values that have been respectively detected by the first and second sensors, and a drive controller arranged to control the power generator in accordance with the command value.

Abstract: A control unit is designed to control a vehicle which includes a body arranged to allow a user to step onto the body, a power generator arranged to generate power that drives the body, and a load sensor unit arranged to output a load value representing a load that has been applied to the body. The control unit preferably includes a processor arranged to calculate a bias of the load based on the load value that has been detected by the load sensor unit and to output a command value as a function of the bias, and a drive controller arranged to control the power generator in accordance with the command value. The processor outputs the command value for generating the power when there is substantially no bias in the load.

Abstract: A steering mechanism for a recreational vehicle includes a foot support and a steering device connected to the foot support, the steering device being moved by a motion of the foot support. A recreational vehicle is also disclosed that includes a front portion, a body connected to the front portion, a track mechanism disposed in the body, a steering mechanism disposed in the front portion, and a foot support disposed between the front portion and the body, the steering mechanism being steered by a motion of the foot support. A method of steering the recreational vehicle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A powered snowboard having a drive assembly mounted thereon, the drive assembly including a frame, a track assembly having a track suspended over multiple wheels, the track assembly being supported in the frame such that it is able to travel in a vertical direction as well as pivot about an axis, and a motor operatively engaged with the track such that it drives the track thus propelling the snowboard. A cutout is formed in the snowboard through which the track assembly engages the snow or ice below the snowboard, and the track assembly is biased against the snow or ice to maintain a constant contact with the snow or ice during use.

Abstract: This invention is a lumbar-friendly cargo carrier sled that can be used by humans to move cargo across rough or snow covered terrain and is adapted for use in conjunction with skis or wheels. The sled has an adjustable harness that articulates, by pivoting about three points in two planes. The sled frame itself flexes under dynamic loading conditions to absorb shock, and the harness is adjustable in length to transfer the majority of the load more directly onto the pelvic girdle region via a curved hip plate. The overall result is a lumbar—friendly pack sled that has the capability of maximizing the load that can be transported while minimizing the strain upon the human body.

Abstract: An improved personal propulsion device that generally imparts thrust directly to the user. The device allows hands free control of thrust magnitude and direction so both hands can grasp and control bicycle handlebars and brakes, watercraft paddles, ski poles, etc. The device is adjustable vertically, on the users' back, higher to allow sitting in a canoe or wheelchair and lower for standing on skates, skis, kick scooters etc. A user on a bicycle may prefer to lean forward for comfort and aerodynamics, a device adjustment compensates and delivers level thrust. A user on a snowboard or skateboard stands oblique to the direction of travel, a device adjustment allows in line thrust. Both users' hands and arms are free to balance, protect others by pushing off or break a fall.

Abstract: A stable and lightweight golf cart comprises: an elongate frame has a front fork having a lower forked portion attached to a front wheel, a central portion pivotably attached to a front portion of the elongate frame, and a top portion carrying a steering member; a drive means and rear driven wheel attached to a rear portion of the frame; and, two laterally extended balance wheels attached to and carried by a central portion of the frame. In use the balance wheels are positioned outwardly thereby maintaining the golf cart in an upright position. In a preferred aspect of the invention the golf cart frame comprises a platform and each of the balance wheels are attached to one end portion of an arm having an opposite end portion which is hingably attached to a rear of the central portion of the platform so that the balance wheels may swing laterally outward from the platform to an in-use position.

Abstract: An illuminated scooter includes a platform having a pivotal, length-adjustable handlebar at a front end and a wheel at a back end. Mounted on the upper surface of the platform adjacent the wheel is a generator including a drive shaft with a roller at a distal end thereof. The generator is biased rearwardly whereby a rider can selectively move the roller into engagement with the scooter rear wheel. When the roller is moved into engagement with the rear wheel, the generator powers a plurality of LED's that are fastened to each of two side edges of the platform. An associated microprocessor selectively activates certain segments of the LED's according to the scooter speed.

Abstract: An articulated vehicle includes a rear frame and a front frame linked by an articulation associated with the device for removably locking controlled by a pendular member mounted oscillating on the front frame between a median position for unlocking the articulation and a spaced apart position for locking the articulation, at least when the vehicle is stopped. The vehicle comprises elements for controlling the unlocking of the articulation, at least during start-up, including an auxiliary platform integral in rotation with the rear frame and comprising, at least, two footrests arranged at substantially the same level relative to the ground, on either side of the articulation axis and constituting each, on the side towards which the front frame is inclined, a support for the front frame to be set upright by the vehicle driver, the pendular member returning to its median position for unlocking the articulation.

Abstract: A weight-controlled, motorized vehicle can be accelerated in either direction, steered, or decelerated without hand controls and without repositioning of a rider situated atop the vehicle. Like a skateboard, the vehicle is normally ridden by a rider standing upon a platform on top of the vehicle with one foot in front of the other. The vehicle is propelled forward when the rider increases weight on the front portion of the platform and backward when weight is increased on the rear portion. The vehicle is steered like a skateboard, by tilting the platform from side-to-side. An improved drive system utilizes a single front drive wheel to power and steer the vehicle. The drive system eliminates need of a flexible power transmission coupling such as a U-joint or constant-velocity joint. It also eliminates need of the differential mechanism normally required for two laterally spaced drive wheels.

Abstract: In a system and method for enabling a person to be transported in a personal transport vehicle, the vehicle includes smoothly operable controls and a safety user-positioning strip. The vehicle further includes a power source rapid disconnection and connection system for recharge and replacement and for secure connection. Also, the vehicle may include a safety speed regulator, and a bi-directional safety braking system. Further, the vehicle includes a preferential drive sharp-turns enabling system. The vehicle further includes an initially-flat indicia-applicable cowling. It may also include a protective security lock, a further or alternative braking system, and a trailer for enabling the carrying of items, and may be readily separable for shipping.

Abstract: A thrust piece unit for rack-and-pinion steering mechanisms, which is integrated into a housing bore of the steering mechanism housing of motor vehicles, in order to keep the pinion in constant intermeshing with the rack, the thrust piece unit comprising a cylinder part, a piston part and two chambers which are matched with one another and are filled with hydraulic medium and which are connected to one another via a replenishing valve and via a throttle point, and overload protection being additionally integrated in the thrust piece unit.

Abstract: A backpack with backpack frame and adjustable shoulder harness removably fitting a person, the backpack further comprising an internal combustion engine with a pulley system connecting the engine to a propeller axle with propeller, a propeller surround with air intake and air outlet whereby the propeller propels a person upon a given surface. Handles comprise controls for throttle, kill switch, and lights. Handles are a part of the backpack frame or of ski poles. A pendulum emergency stop device kills the engine if the person falls.