With Propulsion Means Driven By Occupant Patents (Class 280/11.115)
  • Patent number: 11745054
    Abstract: An exercise device is described. An exercise device includes a body, the body having a top, a bottom, a first end located at one edge of the body, a second end located at an opposite edge of the body, and first and second sides extending between the first and second ends; one or more wheels; and an energy storage device applying resistive and restoring force to the one or more wheels. Optionally, a shaft can be present that rotationally locks two or more of the wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventors: Jessica Mills, Soren Mills, Jennifer O'Griffin, Mose O'Griffin, Andrew Sebastian, Jonathan Thomas Johnson
  • Patent number: 11439236
    Abstract: A method for generating a rebounding motion between a person and a surface includes the steps of providing a rebounding device, positioning the rear member against the surface and the front member adjacent to an upper body of the person and the surface, and applying pressure to the rebounding device through the upper body. The rebounding device includes front and rear members having front and rear widths spanning right front and rear side edges and left front and rear side edges and first and second spring mechanisms positioned between the front and rear members. The first and second spring mechanisms are positioned between the right front side edge of the front member and the right rear side edge of the rear member and between the left front side edge of the front member and the left rear side edge of the rear member, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Assignee: Rocking Inc.
    Inventors: Mladen Djankovich, Milena Djankovich
  • Patent number: 11439889
    Abstract: A skateboard truck that includes an inertia drive attached to a wheel. The inertia drive causes an inertial mass (i.e. flywheel) to turn at a higher speed then the wheel. During “pumping” of the skateboard the wheels accelerate and an inertia drive helps propel the skateboard given its inertia combined with the wheel inertia. The inertia drive may be configured to maintain skateboard stability at high speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventor: Robert Anton Pasic
  • Patent number: 10933298
    Abstract: Disclosed is an anti-reverse rotation device of a power-driven shoe device, the power-driven shoe device comprising a shoe sole (1), wherein a group of front wheels (2) and a group of rear wheels (3) are arranged on a lower side surface of the shoe sole (1); and the front wheels (2) are connected to an anti-reverse rotation mechanism for preventing the front wheels (2) from rotating in reverse. The anti-reverse rotation mechanism can prevent the front wheels (2) from rotating in reverse, and as such, when the front wheels (2) are independently in contact with the ground and a certain included angle is formed between a shoe body and the ground, the situation of the front wheels (2) applying a certain pressure to the ground and the front wheels (2) rotating in reverse, such that a lifted foot moves backwards, thereby causing a person to fall down, is avoided, and walking safety is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Nimbus Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiancheng Zhang, Bojie Xu, Jianjun Li, Dongliang Song
  • Patent number: 10933299
    Abstract: Disclosed is a bionic electric power-driven shoe, comprising a shoe sole (1), wherein a plurality of rotating wheels (2) are arranged below the shoe sole (1); an electric motor (3) is further provided at a lower part of the shoe sole (1); an output end of the electric motor (3) is connected to a transmission device in driving connection with the rotating wheels (2); and the shoe sole (1) comprises a heel part (11) and a sole part (12), the heel part (11) and the sole part (12) being in rotational connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: Nimbus Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiancheng Zhang, Bojie Xu, Jianjun Li, Dongliang Song
  • Patent number: 10843329
    Abstract: A creeper includes a frame having opposed side rails with first and second ends. A first wheel is carried by and extends above each side rail and is spaced a first distance from the first end of the side rails. A second wheel is carried by and extends above each side rail and is spaced a second distance from the second end of the side rails. The first distance is less than the second distance, and the wheels are spaced from each other a third distance which is less than the first and second distances. A fender is carried by each side rail and each fender covers a pair of the first and second wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: WHITESIDE MFG. CO.
    Inventor: Jason Sterns
  • Patent number: 10709961
    Abstract: Disclosed is a power-driven shoe device, comprising a shoe sole (1), wherein a plurality of rotating wheels (2) are arranged below the shoe sole (1); an electric motor (3) is further provided at a lower part of the shoe sole (1); an output end of the electric motor (3) is connected to a transmission device; the transmission device is in driving connection with the rotating wheels (2); rotating wheel brackets (6) for having the rotating wheels (2) mounted thereon are arranged on two sides of a lower side surface of the shoe sole (1); and the transmission device comprises a driving wheel (4), a multistage deceleration structure and a planetary speed reducer, the multistage deceleration structure being disposed, in a lengthwise direction of the shoe sole (1), on the rotating wheel brackets (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: Nimbus Robotics, Inc.
    Inventors: Jiancheng Zhang, Bojie Xu, Jianjun Li, Dongliang Song
  • Patent number: 10577046
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a bicycle with variable wheelbase which converts the user's body expansion and contraction into propulsion. The invention comprises a frame [1] having a front wheel, and a structure [2] having a rear hub [4]. The structure [2] is suspended pivotally to the frame [1] about a rotational axis [3]. The wheelbase is varied by pivoting the structure [2] about the rotational axis [3]. By pivoting the structure [2], the catching wheels [7] and [8], both connected to the rear hub [4], travel along the retainer [5] and [6], respectively, and transmit torque to the rear hub [4] in one direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Inventor: Martin Benjamin Seider
  • Patent number: 10507574
    Abstract: A seat assembly. The seat assembly is adapted for use in entering confined spaces or otherwise entering spaces through confined entryways. The seat assembly includes a seat that is slidably disposed along a track. In one embodiment, the seat is rotatable. The seat assembly further includes a wire or tether that has multiple clamps positioned along its length. The assembly is utilized by placing the track such that it extends through a confined entryway and then securing the clamps about the perimeter edge of the opening such that the tether is held taut. The tension in the wire exerts a force that maintains the track, the seat, and a user or any equipment thereon in a horizontal position through the opening. Users can the utilize the slidable seat to enter and exit the confined opening with minimal difficulty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Inventor: Justin Brandt
  • Patent number: 9844719
    Abstract: An electric skateboard with a hinge mechanism includes a first load plate, a second load plate, a hinge mechanism and an electric wire. A first wheel set is installed in the first load plate, and the first load plate includes a first accommodating space. A second wheel set is installed in the second load plate, and the second load plate includes a second accommodating space. A hinge mechanism includes a bridge base and two shaft sleeves pivotally connected at two sides of the bridge base. The bridge base and the two shaft sleeves together form a wiring slot. The two shaft sleeves are fixed to the first load plate and the second load plate respectively, so that the first load plate and the second load plate are foldable toward each other. The electric wire is inserted through the wiring slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: KINPO ELECTRONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Cheng-Hong Huang
  • Patent number: 9586130
    Abstract: A parkour wheeled boot for increasing moving speed, having self-balancing function, wearable on a respective leg of a user. Each boot has a wearing mechanism, a shock reduction mechanism, a drive mechanism, a motion transmission mechanism, a power mechanism and a control mechanism. The wearable mechanism has a pedal, a pedal fixation rack, calf supporting plates, and magnetic pieces or belt and buckle. The shock reduction mechanism has a spring seat, springs and a cover. The drive mechanism has a motor having a hollowed center, and also an inner wall of a bearing. The motion transmission mechanism has an outer wall of the bearing, a wheel hub, and a rubber tire. The power mechanism has batteries, battery smart protection control board, ports and connection wires. The control mechanism is a single board unit with microprocessor, angular speed sensor, acceleration sensor, pressure sensor and relevant electronic components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Inventor: Bo Qin
  • Patent number: 9302172
    Abstract: An inline skate including a wheel-driving unit which generates power when a foot pushes on the ground to rotate the wheels, and when the boot is lifted, the frame is spaced apart from the ground to further increase the time required for stepping forward on the ground or being pushed from the ground, thereby obtaining propulsive force such that the inline skate quickly advances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: HAPPYLIFE CO., LTD
    Inventor: Ji Hoon Kim
  • Patent number: 9295302
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a gait-altering shoe includes a frame adapted to support a user's foot and at least one wheel that supports the frame above a walking surface, the wheel having a radius that varies as a function of angular position of the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Kyle B. Reed, Ismet Handzic
  • Patent number: 9266582
    Abstract: A rider-propelled wheeled vehicle includes a support surface for supporting a user's feet, which defines a longitudinal axis, a pair of front wheels and a pair of rear wheels associated with the support surface, a system for rotatably connecting the rear wheels to the support surface, and adapted to allow their oscillation about a first oscillation axis inclined with respect to the support surface. The rear wheels have respective first pivot axes independent of and transversally offset from each other for at least partial transfer of the propulsion exerted by the user on the support surface to such wheels and for generation of a reaction substantially parallel to the plane to thereby promote a forward motion of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Inventors: Daniele Calabria, Arcangelo Sassolino
  • Patent number: 9095766
    Abstract: A skateboard can transform into a handheld case that obstructs the view of the wheel and truck assemblies. Once transformed, the wheel assemblies are located in an interior of the case. The skateboard has a multi-part platform, more than one wheel assembly and a handle for use in the transformed configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew Leigh Christie
  • Patent number: 9027690
    Abstract: Personal transport means for walking at faster speeds than normal walking, made up of a pair of wheeled shoes or wheeled undersoles (1-1) that can be adapted by quick attachment (1-2) to the soles of the normal shoes of a walker, laterally articulated (1-3) to follow the natural movements of the heels relative to the tips of the feet (1-10) during normal walking, and allowing walking at higher speeds, without any skating movements, without having to gain momentum, and without modifying the rhythm, amplitude or longitudinal stability of natural walking, by means of a servomotor (1-4) which allows the speed of the driving wheels to exceed the skidding force (1-5a, 1-5b) resulting from the force transmitted by the supporting leg (1-6), and comprising an accelerator (1-8) and a brake (1-9) controlled by the foot of the walker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: Paul Chavand
  • Publication number: 20150042054
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a transportation device comprising one riding wheel, a U-shaped frame, and a stepping assembly. The riding wheel is mounted between the two ends of the U-shaped frame and the stepping assembly is mounted on the axle of the riding wheel. The stepping assembly contains a foot pedal and one or two supporting legs with an optional stepping wheel beneath the foot pedal. This device can convert conveniently between a riding mode and a walking mode to allow rider skate, walk, and stand in various ground surfaces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventor: Katherine Wang Wu
  • Patent number: 8870192
    Abstract: The wheeled personal transportation device includes a frame member having opposed front and rear ends having front and rear wheels rotatably mounted thereto. An air cushion has upper and lower ends, the lower end being supported by the frame member. A foot platform is mounted on the upper end of the air cushion, the foot platform being adapted for supporting a foot of a user. A pneumatic motor is mounted on the front end of the frame member and is in communication with the front wheel for selectively driving rotation thereof. The pneumatic motor is in fluid communication with the air cushion such that compression of the air cushion by the user's foot drives the pneumatic motor to drive rotation of the front wheel. A pneumatic brake is further in communication with the rear wheel for selective braking thereof. Alternatively, the front wheel may be powered mechanically by spring-biased gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Umm Al-Qura University
    Inventor: Fadel M. Y. Othman
  • Patent number: 8672074
    Abstract: A non-conventional motorcycle designed to be a wearable application. It is intended that the present invention is used to transport a passenger commuting between a suburb and a city which lack a reliable public means of transportation to school, work or other, however it is more particular, that the present invention be used in extreme, sport competition racing of various applications providing an area facilitating spectators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Marcus Mark Henry Ganeous
  • Publication number: 20130119622
    Abstract: The wheeled personal transportation device includes a frame member having opposed front and rear ends having front and rear wheels rotatably mounted thereto. An air cushion has upper and lower ends, the lower end being supported by the frame member. A foot platform is mounted on the upper end of the air cushion, the foot platform being adapted for supporting a foot of a user. A pneumatic motor is mounted on the front end of the frame member and is in communication with the front wheel for selectively driving rotation thereof. The pneumatic motor is in fluid communication with the air cushion such that compression of the air cushion by the user's foot drives the pneumatic motor to drive rotation of the front wheel. A pneumatic brake is further in communication with the rear wheel for selective braking thereof. Alternatively, the front wheel may be powered mechanically by spring-biased gears.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: UMM AL-QURA UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: UMM AL-QURA UNIVERSITY
  • Publication number: 20130062840
    Abstract: The center point of an ice skate rocker with respect to the plane of the skater's foot, in a skating position, is adjusted without changing the contour or profile of the skate blade. This is done by adjusting the angular position of the foot inside the skating boot with a shim placed under the heel or under the ball of the foot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventor: L. Patrick Kelly
  • Patent number: 8251384
    Abstract: An improved skateboard truck in which a curved support surface is configured to make line contact that sweeps back and forth along a working surface associated with a truck's axle as the axle oscillates through a cycle including left-turn and right-turn orientations. The axle pivots around the locus of line contact during at least a portion of the cycle. From a frame of reference associated with the support surface, the lines of contact are parallel at max-left and max-right turn configurations. Preferred embodiments include structure arranged to resist departure from a zero-turn configuration while permitting micro-turn adjustment. Structure may be included to limit the range of rolling rotation of the deck about its length axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Other Planet Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Christensen, George F. McHugh, III
  • Publication number: 20110012319
    Abstract: The embodiments described are directed to a solar board having an elongated base for supporting the weight of one or more riders. The elongated based includes an upper surface, a lower surface, a tail, and a nose. A solar cell component disposed between the nose and the tail and proves electricity to a heating component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Inventors: Chris Kuczynski, Gabriel Penix
  • Patent number: 7866672
    Abstract: Skate propulsion mechanisms are provided. In some embodiments, skate propulsion mechanisms comprise: a base plate; a drive wheel couple to the base plate; a shoe plate to which a user's foot can be coupled, which shoe plate can be moved relative to the base plate in response to movements in the user's foot; and a drive mechanism, coupling the shoe plate, the base plate, and the drive wheel, that propels the drive wheel when the user's foot is moved in a first direction and that permits the drivel wheel to operate in a free wheel mode when the user's foot is stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Adolf Brunner
  • Patent number: 7744100
    Abstract: A method of propelling a wheeled platform, which includes creating a source of energy upon a first change in orientation of the platform relative to an axle housing of the wheeled platform by rotating the platform around an axis approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the platform. The source of energy is stored and released to propel the wheeled platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Cole
  • Patent number: 7635136
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Jeffrey E. Cole
  • Patent number: 7568706
    Abstract: A mechanism for the conversion of a force applied in one direction to a rotational force. The rotational force may provide for movement in a second direction. The system utilizes mechanical parts and the movement of these parts to convert the directional force to a rotational force. The system can help to utilize unused forces to the benefit of a user reducing workload and/or increasing speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventors: Kenneth Yat Chung Ng, Edmund Yat Kwong Ng
  • Patent number: 7547021
    Abstract: An automatic transmission bicycle including a bicycle frame, a chain ring, a pair of pedals, a wheel, and a plurality of gears coupled to the bicycle frame. The plurality of gears has a plurality of gear combinations defined by at least two gears cooperatively engaged. The automatic transmission bicycle includes an electric motor coupled to the bicycle frame. The automatic transmission bicycle includes a voltage generator configured to generate a current that has a corresponding voltage dependent upon rotational speed of the wheel. The automatic transmission bicycle includes a gear shifter in electrical communication with the voltage generator and configured to receive the current generated by the voltage generator. The gear shifter shifts between two respective gear combinations from the plurality of gear combinations in response to receiving the current that has a corresponding voltage within a predetermined voltage range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Nirve Sports, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dan Bon
  • Patent number: 7374209
    Abstract: An ice skate comprises a horizontal platform and a pair of opposing side brackets perpendicularly secured to an underside of the platform. A pair of opposing extension arms is pivotally engaged with each end portion of the side brackets, and an extender bracket is engaged with a center portion of the side brackets. Each extension arm has a torsion spring confined and arranged to enable the extension arm to pivot about the center axle within a certain range in tandem with the other of the pair of extension arms. A distal end of each extension arm has an axle non-rotatably engaged with a follower rotatably engaged in a vertical plane. Each follower is engaged with a horizontally elongated hole at front and rear end portions of the skating blade, and the extender bracket provides an additional follower engaged with a vertically elongated hole on a centerline of the skating blade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Inventor: Volker von Detten
  • Publication number: 20080084034
    Abstract: A personal transportation device includes front and rear sections having wheels mounted adjacent either end. The front section is hingedly attached to the rear section. A foot platform with binding is pivotally mounted to the front section. An overrunning clutch is attached to at least one wheel. A braking element is attached to the foot platform which is urged toward the upper surface of the front section by an elastic member. The braking element projects through a slot in the rear section and contacts a ground surface when the foot platform is tipped upwardly. When a leg of the user is drawn upwardly, the front section will move toward the rear section pivoting at the hinge portions. At least one of the front wheel and the rear wheel will roll toward the other. When the leg is pushed downwardly the overrunning clutch will lock and the device will move forwardly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: Viktor Feldman, Daniel Kadisha, Alex Gubenko
  • Publication number: 20080061521
    Abstract: A mechanism for the conversion of a force applied in one direction to a rotational force. The rotational force may provide for movement in a second direction. The system utilizes mechanical parts and the movement of these parts to convert the directional force to a rotational force. The system can help to utilize unused forces to the benefit of a user reducing workload and/or increasing speed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2006
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Inventors: Kenneth Yat Chung Ng, Edmund Yat Kwong Ng
  • Publication number: 20070273110
    Abstract: Skate propulsion mechanisms are provided. In some embodiments, skate propulsion mechanisms comprise: a base plate; a drive wheel couple to the base plate; a shoe plate to which a user's foot can be coupled, which shoe plate can be moved relative to the base plate in response to movements in the user's foot; and a drive mechanism, coupling the shoe plate, the base plate, and the drive wheel, that propels the drive wheel when the user's foot is moved in a first direction and that permits the drivel wheel to operate in a free wheel mode when the user's foot is stationary.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 29, 2007
    Inventor: Adolf Brunner
  • Patent number: 6626442
    Abstract: A rolling foot-powered apparatus mounted for movement on rotatable rollers and including at least one upper movable assembly, a lower stationary assembly, and at least one motion-conversion mechanism or an alternatively retractable motion-conversion mechanism. The movable assembly, which is provided with mounted means for movement therewith, and the lower stationary assembly, are cooperatively associated one with another and with the assistance of the motion conversion mechanism or alternatively retractable motion-conversion mechanism are operative such that an oscillating motion of the movable assembly or alternatively a linear motion of the movable assembly is converted either to a continuous circular motion of the rotatable shaft or alternatively to the rotatable rollers for the purpose of imparting a continuous linear motion of the rolling foot-powered apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Inventor: Nikolaos S. Pahis
  • Patent number: 6588784
    Abstract: A vertical pedal-operated vehicle can be driven directly by a driver's own weight. To operate such a vehicle, a driver is supposed to apply his/her own weight to the vehicle by treading his/her left and right foot alternately on a pair of pedals such that the rotation torque can be transmitted through a pair of ratchet-typed freewheels with one-way clutch, a driving shaft, then a transmission mechanism to reach at least a rear wheel for driving the vehicle forwards without needing any extra labors, such that a relaxative physical exercise is performable unknowingly. Furthermore, it is possible to make the vertical pedal-operated vehicle compact or foldable for being stuffed and stored in a car's rear baggage compartment for easy delivery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventor: Harvey Cheng-Chung Chen
  • Publication number: 20030047893
    Abstract: A rolling foot-powered apparatus mounted for movement on rotatable rollers and including at least one upper movable assembly, a lower stationary assembly, and at least one motion-conversion mechanism or an alternatively retractable motion-conversion mechanism. The movable assembly, which is provided with mounted means for movement therewith, and the lower stationary assembly, are cooperatively associated one with another and with the assistance of the motion conversion mechanism or alternatively retractable motion-conversion mechanism are operative such that an oscillating motion of the movable assembly or alternatively a linear motion of the movable assembly is converted either to a continuous circular motion of the rotatable shaft or alternatively to the rotatable rollers for the purpose of imparting a continuous linear motion of the rolling foot-powered apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Inventor: Nikolaos S. Pahis
  • Patent number: 6467777
    Abstract: An in-line skate with power assistance has at least two rollers attached to a base, the at least two rollers aligned to form an in-line axis such that the at least two rollers travel along a surface in essentially a single travel line and a power roller aligned outward of the at least two rollers. A bias mechanism coupled between the power roller and the base, the bias mechanism is responsive to pressure on the power roller when contacting the surface to adjust position of the power roller relative to the base. The power roller is adjustable and resiliently mounted to be positioned above the skating surface when gliding. The power roller makes with contact the skating surface when pushing, the pressure on the power roller being varied by the bias mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Inventor: J. Gary Teyhen
  • Patent number: 6454280
    Abstract: The present invention provides a suspension system for in-line skates. The in-line skate includes a boot and a tracking system attached to the sole of the boot. Opposing rocking arms that hold the wheels are connected to the tracking system using a truncated axle. In addition, an adjustable spring can be configured between the opposing rocker arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Sprung Suspensions
    Inventor: Robert Keith Longino
  • Publication number: 20020113383
    Abstract: An in-line skate with power assistance has at least two rollers attached to a base, the at least two rollers aligned to form an in-line axis such that the at least two rollers travel along a surface in essentially a single travel line and a power roller aligned outward of the at least two rollers. A bias mechanism coupled between the power roller and the base, the bias mechanism is responsive to pressure on the power roller when contacting the surface to adjust position of the power roller relative to the base. The power roller is adjustable and resiliently mounted to be positioned above the skating surface when gliding. The power roller makes with contact the skating surface when pushing, the pressure on the power roller being varied by the bias mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventor: J. Gary Teyhen
  • Publication number: 20020084601
    Abstract: A jump skate comprises a boot with a base attachment, a surface engager, and a link/spring mechanism, which uses large spring deformation to boost a skater in jumping.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wu
  • Patent number: 6336643
    Abstract: A jump skate comprises a boot with a base attachment, a surface engager, and a link/spring mechanism, which uses large spring deformation to boost a skater in jumping. The link/spring mechanism comprises at least two links and at least one spring (coil or wound). The links and the spring(s) are made of metallic, synthetic, or composite materials. The link/spring mechanism is connected to the boot and the surface engager with pin joints in such a way that allows large relative displacement with zero rotation between the boot and the surface engager, which offers improved control of the surface engager for skate jump/landing. The spring(s) is installed in such a way that it deforms with relative displacements between the boot and the surface engager. Thus a skater can first store energy into the spring(s) by forcing the boot down towards the surface engager and then jump to release the energy for further height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: American Composites Corporation
    Inventor: Thomas J. Wu
  • Patent number: 6237923
    Abstract: A skate (10) is provided which includes a boot portion having a base portion (14) and a boot (12), a first member (42) pivotably connected at an upper longitudinal end thereof to the base portion (14), a second member (44) pivotably connected at an upper longitudinal end thereof to the base portion (14) and pivotably connected to the first member (42), a first wheel (16) mounted on the first member (42) at a lower longitudinal end thereof, a drive wheel (18) mounted on the second member (44) at a lower longitudinal end thereof, the drive wheel (18) having a concentrically mounted pinion (53), and an elongate driving mechanism (46) pivotably connected to the boot portion and adapted to operatively engage with the pinion (53). The skate (10) is movable between an expanded configuration wherein the base portion (14) is spaced from the first wheel (16) and the drive wheel (18) and a contracted configuration wherein the base portion (14) is adjacent the first wheel (16) and the drive wheel (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Inventor: Roger Fowle