Single Axis Or Wheel Patents (Class 280/205)
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Patent number: 11794853Abstract: An electric bicycle assistance controlling method and an assistance controlling system are applied to an operation processor of an electric bicycle. The electric bicycle assistance controlling method includes defining several health levels and a first power interval and a second power interval, acquiring one health level and a target heart rate interval, and measuring a current human power and a current heart rate. When the current heart rate is within the target heart rate interval, the operation processor determines the assistance controlling system to output a second motor assistance in response to the current human power inside the first power interval, and determines the assistance controlling system to output a third motor assistance in response to the current human power inside the second power interval.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2020Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: DARAD INNOVATION CORPORATIONInventor: Wen-Yen Chen
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Patent number: 10751574Abstract: An exercise device having a top surface, the top surface having a left side and a right side, and front and back sides, where the front side includes a location for a user to rest their foot on the top surface in a central part of the top surface, and includes at least one handle location allowing the user to hold on relative to the top surface, where the at least one handle location is attached to the top surface, and also having a bottom surface, and where the bottom surface includes a central pivot point at the central part of the top surface. The central pivot point being between first and second stability points and between left, right, rear, and front stability points.Type: GrantFiled: April 10, 2018Date of Patent: August 25, 2020Inventors: Daniel E Metcalfe, Robert Eubanks
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Patent number: 10512336Abstract: The exercise ball chair stabilizes an exercise ball so that it can be used as a comfortable chair. While seated in the exercise ball chair, a user may perform seated-workout exercises. The exercise ball chair comprises a left support, a right support, and a ball retainer. The ball retainer pivots between a ball retention position and a ball release position. An exercise ball is placed in the chair such that the left support, the right support, and the ball retainer, in the ball retention position, capture the exercise ball and prevent it from rolling. A user may then sit on the exercise ball. A left adjustment knob and a right adjustment knob allow the ball retainer to be locked to prevent it from pivoting. With the adjustment knobs loosened, the ball retainer may be pivoted to the ball release position and the exercise ball may be removed.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2018Date of Patent: December 24, 2019Inventor: James Henderson
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Patent number: 10343051Abstract: A self-balancing electric vehicle may include a board having a frame, and a suspension system including at least one four-bar linkage coupling opposing end portions of a hub motor axle to the first end portion of the frame. The four-bar linkage(s) may have a first fixed link connected to the axle, a second fixed link comprising the frame, and two pivotable links joining the first fixed link to the second fixed link, such that the board is configured to be movable up and down relative to the axle. A shock absorber may be coupled to the four-bar linkage(s) and to the first end portion of the frame, such that the shock absorber is configured to damp up and down movement of the board relative to the axle.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2018Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Future Motion, Inc.Inventors: Kyle Jonathan Doerksen, Matthew Michael O'Brien
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Patent number: 10343050Abstract: A self-balancing electric vehicle may include a board having a frame, and a suspension system including at least one four-bar linkage coupling opposing end portions of a hub motor axle to the first end portion of the frame. The four-bar linkage(s) may have a first fixed link connected to the axle, a second fixed link comprising the frame, and two pivotable links joining the first fixed link to the second fixed link, such that the board is configured to be movable up and down relative to the axle. A shock absorber may be coupled to the four-bar linkage(s) and to the first end portion of the frame, such that the shock absorber is configured to damp up and down movement of the board relative to the axle.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2018Date of Patent: July 9, 2019Assignee: Future Motion, Inc.Inventors: Kyle Jonathan Doerksen, Matthew Michael O'Brien
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Patent number: 10010784Abstract: A self-balancing electric vehicle may include a board having a frame, and a suspension system including at least one four-bar linkage coupling opposing end portions of a hub motor axle to the first end portion of the frame. The four-bar linkage(s) may have a first fixed link connected to the axle, a second fixed link comprising the frame, and two pivotable links joining the first fixed link to the second fixed link, such that the board is configured to be movable up and down relative to the axle. A shock absorber may be coupled to the four-bar linkage(s) and to the first end portion of the frame, such that the shock absorber is configured to damp up and down movement of the board relative to the axle.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2017Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: Future Motion, Inc.Inventors: Kyle Jonathan Doerksen, Matthew Michael O'Brien
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Patent number: 9993685Abstract: A push-up device and method of use has been disclosed that employs the use of a spherical member that makes contact with the ground surface and supports the weight of a user when the user grasps the handle members of the push-up device and/or rests thereon. The user may balance his or her body on the push-up device while exercising. The push-up device is operable to permit the push-up device to move or translate in various directions or angles when the user is resting thereon by rotating the spherical member omni-directionally. As such, not only may a user stimulate chest and/or other upper-body muscles, but the user may also stimulate abdominals or other lower-body muscles, permitting the user to stimulate a more variety of his or her muscles through balancing himself or herself on the push-up device through the curved surface of the spherical member.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2016Date of Patent: June 12, 2018Inventor: Albert Clay Stevens
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Patent number: 9776068Abstract: A vehicle for the movement of a driver includes a rolling element, a carrier element supported by the rolling element, a drive arrangement supported by the carrier element and configured to drive the rolling element, and a control unit, by way of which the drive arrangement is steered in a desired travel direction depending on the inclination of the carrier element and the inclination direction of the carrier element. The vehicle is configured such that during operation of the vehicle, the driver stands freely and balances on the carrier element. In a particular embodiment, the rolling element rolling is a ball and the vehicle can be moved in any desired travel direction via the drive arrangement, with the driver being in contact with the vehicle exclusively by way of the driver's feet, and as the case may be, further by way of the driver's lower legs.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignee: Innovated Transport Systems UG (haftungsbeschränkt)Inventor: Ulrich Sambeth
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Patent number: 9744402Abstract: Balance training systems and methods are disclosed. A balance training system is disclosed, comprising: a lower member having a ground contacting surface and an upward facing surface; an upper member having a foot receiving surface and a downward facing surface; the upward facing surface and the downward facing surface being shaped for contact with each other; and the upper member having a balance position when a balance point on the upper member is in contact with the lower member. A balance training system is also disclosed comprising a first platform having a top surface (ground plane) which supports the user's weight, a support having flexible and/or compressible upward facing surface in contact with a downward facing surface of the first platform, the ground plane being within 0.5? of the top surface of the flexible and/or compressible upward facing surface to reduce or prevent horizontal movement of the ground plane when the first platform changes angle.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Inventor: James Brent Klassen
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Patent number: 9737751Abstract: A bodyweight exercise apparatus includes a tower assembly, at least one handle coupleable to the tower assembly, and an exercise ball retainer. A user may grasp the at least one handle to perform one or more bodyweight exercises. The exercise ball retainer may be configured to receive an exercise ball in roll-inhibiting engagement and may be configured to support the exercise ball in a spotting position relative to the at least one handle. With the exercise ball in the spotting position, the user is able to customize and/or modify the one or more bodyweight exercises, thus facilitating the proper performance of the one or more bodyweight exercises.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2015Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Inventor: Reed Anderson
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Patent number: 9517806Abstract: The invention is a foot-propelled wheeled hobby and/or sport device which has a central wheel (1), a frame (4) including side plates (20) connected to each other and located on both sides of the central wheel (1) at a distance from it and foot plates (5) on the lower part of the side plates (20) protruding outwards from them, located below the wheel axle (6) which has a wheel hub (2) and, furthermore, a satellite wheel (7), connected to the frame (4), with a diameter smaller than the central wheel (1). The essence of the invention is that from the point of view of the main propelling direction of the device the satellite wheel (7) is located in front of the central wheel (1). The frame (4) has front and rear frame members (21a, 21b) stiffening the side plates (20), running along their side edges opposite each other. Stable stiffening members are connected at the end parts of the foot plates (5) to the lower ends of the frame members (21a, 21b).Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 13, 2016Inventor: Soma Gabor Ungar
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Patent number: 9327155Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of an exercise apparatus and its method of use are provided. An exercise apparatus can be provided having a resilient ball configured to support a weight of a user performing exercises thereon, and a shell member configured to cover at least an upper portion of the resilient ball. The shell member can have an inner surface conforming to an outer surface of the resilient ball. A toroidal member can be provided that can be attached to the shell member and can surround a portion of the resilient ball.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2012Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Inventor: Brian Doyle
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Patent number: 9266579Abstract: A bicycle is configured for conversion between expanded and folded arrangements and includes a main frame assembly comprising a main frame member coupled with the front assembly, rear wheel carriers extending from the main frame member along a first orientation and a bottom bracket protruding from the main frame member along a second orientation. A front assembly of the vehicle includes a quick release, a head tube configured to receive a fork and a seat tube configured to receive a saddle. The main frame assembly further includes elongate seat stays coupled with the rear wheel carrier and each seat stay includes a latch configured for locking with a quick release provided to the front assembly. With seat stays latches released the head tube and seat tube pivot together relative to the main frame member on a single hinge during conversions between the expanded and folded arrangements.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2014Date of Patent: February 23, 2016Inventor: Fook Fah Yap
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Patent number: 9114841Abstract: The present invention concerns a pedal cycle which is devised in such a way that, in order to improve on the fact that principally with unicycles the rider cannot easily mount, the space inside the hub is provided with a plurality of rollers for dividing up and receiving the weight transmitted to the frame at a downwardly widening angle rather than in the center of the wheel, and a geared drive force is transmitted to the wheel via a gear coupled to a pedal shaft passing through one end of the rollers.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2013Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Inventor: Jong-Hwa Go
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Patent number: 9101817Abstract: An electric vehicle may comprise a board including first and second deck portions each configured to receive a left or right foot of a ride, a wheel assembly disposed between the deck portions and including a ground-contacting element, a motor assembly mounted to the board and configured to rotate the ground-contacting element around an axle to propel the electric vehicle, at least one sensor configured to measure orientation information of the board, and a motor controller configured to receive orientation information measured by the sensor and to cause the motor assembly to propel the electric vehicle based on the orientation information. The electric vehicle may include exactly one ground-contacting element, and the motor may be a hub motor.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Future Motion, Inc.Inventor: Kyle Jonathan Doerksen
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Publication number: 20150102577Abstract: The present invention relates to a walking aid suitable for supporting patients with cerebral palsy whilst walking and/or during physiotherapy. The walking aid comprises a frame supported by a pair of wheels positioned next to one another, and a support element connected to the frame, for securing the walking aid to a patient. The connection between the support element and the frame allows a rotational movement of the support element with respect to the frame, in two or more rotational degrees of freedom.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 13, 2014Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Dirk Wenmakers, Ria Cuppers, Jos Seyler
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Patent number: 8998232Abstract: A powered unicycle device for use upon a riding surface. The unicycle device includes a single wheel rotatably coupled to an axle, the wheel extending substantially in a fore-aft direction. A motor for driving the wheel is provided and electronic equipment, in communication with the motor, is configured to maintain fore-aft balance of the unicycle device while being ridden. An elongated curved rail, defining a curved path, is coupled to a support frame of the unicycle device and extends laterally in a side-to-side direction substantially transverse to the fore-aft direction. A seat is disposed above the wheel and is movably coupled to the rail such that the seat is capable of moving laterally along the curved path of the rail, in the side-to-side direction substantially transverse to the fore-aft direction, while the unicycle device is being ridden.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Inventor: Shane Chen
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Publication number: 20150042061Abstract: A rotary pedal system for propelling a one-wheeled vehicle, in which the pedals are disposed at a distance from their respective pivot shafts. The pivot shafts are pivotably independently of the rotation of the wheel, so that the pedals tend to remain downwardly displaced from their respective pivot shaft while in use. The lowered pedals increase the ease of riding, mounting, and dismounting the one wheeled vehicle, in both seated and standing embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 11, 2013Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventor: Shane Chen
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Publication number: 20140361510Abstract: The present invention concerns a pedal cycle which is devised in such a way that, in order to improve on the fact that principally with unicycles the rider cannot easily mount, the space inside the hub is provided with a plurality of rollers for dividing up and receiving the weight transmitted to the frame at a downwardly widening angle rather than in the centre of the wheel, and a geared drive force is transmitted to the wheel via a gear coupled to a pedal shaft passing through one end of the rollers.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 25, 2013Publication date: December 11, 2014Inventor: Jong-Hwa Go
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Publication number: 20140327224Abstract: A pedal-powered one-wheeled vehicle with apparatus coupled to the pedals for laterally stabilizing a user's legs. The user can apply inward pressure to the leg stabilizing apparatuses to achieve greater lateral stability and more precise control of the vehicle. Means may be provided for keeping the leg stabilizing apparatuses from moving too far apart, and for varying the distance between the pedals. Some embodiments may have an elliptical wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2013Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventor: Shane Chen
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Patent number: 8876134Abstract: Arrangement for axle and wheels with rolling cylinders for transportation of a load, formed by two separate wheels (1) positioned parallel to one another by means of a main axle (10) arranged in the center of the wheels and a plurality of rolling cylinders (11) that turn radially about the individual axis thereof, supporting and moving thereon a base board (12); said cylinders are fastened by cable or cord (13) to the reel (14), which optionally takes up the cord (13) by means of the handle (15); the rolling cylinders (11) are arranged in an annular manner on the inner face of the wheels (1), following the circumference of the wheels; the ends of the main axle (10) and the base board (12) are connected by cables or cords or the like to the pulling animal or to any other force capable of moving the assembly; movement of the wheels (1) gives rise to the simultaneous movement of the rolling cylinders (11), which, in operation, pass under the base (12) and support the load contained on the base, allowing the slidType: GrantFiled: June 24, 2011Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Inventor: Andre Luiz Esteves Palmeira
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Patent number: 8616313Abstract: Autonomous and lightweight vehicle intended to transport a city dweller combined with the use of public transportation. Formed by one motorized wheel on which the user maintains, through speed, his or her lateral balance, and longitudinal balance is ensured by automatic functioning driven by an accelerometer. The footrests and the guide supports that tightly hold the leg are retractable. Driving does not require the use of the hands. The entire device goes into a bag, e.g. a backpack, and weighs less than 4 kg.Type: GrantFiled: November 27, 2006Date of Patent: December 31, 2013Inventors: Marc Simeray, Janick Simeray
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Patent number: 8567535Abstract: An inverted pendulum type moving body comprising: a base body; a moving behavior unit movable in all directions on a floor surface; an actuator driving the moving behavior unit; and a control unit controlling the actuator so that at least a tilt angle of the base body equals a predetermined target angle, the control unit also controlling the actuator so that the moving behavior unit moves along a predetermined trajectory.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2010Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Toru Takenaka, Kazushi Akimoto
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Patent number: 8522902Abstract: In an inverted pendulum type vehicle configured to travel on a ground surface while maintaining an upright posture under an inverted pendulum control, comprising a base frame supporting a propulsion unit, the propulsion unit including a main wheel configured to roll on the ground surface, and a seat unit provided on the base frame for supporting hips of a rider, the seat unit includes a saddle having at least a center located ahead of an axial line extending between a rotational center line of the main wheel and a gravitational center of the inverted pendulum type vehicle. Thereby, even when there is an obstacle on the ground surface behind the vehicle, the main wheel rolling on the ground surface is prevented from coming into contact with the obstacle, and the boarding of the rider on the vehicle is facilitated.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2009Date of Patent: September 3, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Gomi, Shinichiro Kobashi, Taiji Koyama, Hideharu Izumi, Kazuya Kuwabara, Toru Takenaka
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Patent number: 8414005Abstract: Aspects for a multi-cycle apparatus are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus is provided, which includes a seat, a steering column below the seat, and a handle bar coupled to the steering column in which the handle bar extends behind the seat. In another aspect, an apparatus includes a rear bicycle frame, a steering column coupled to the rear bicycle frame, and a handle bar extending from the steering column. For this embodiment, the steering column is positioned under a seat attached to the rear bicycle frame, and the handle bar wraps around the rear of the seat. Another apparatus is provided, which includes a rear bicycle frame, a steering column coupled to the rear bicycle frame, and a handle bar coupled to the steering column. Here, the steering column is below a seat attached to the rear bicycle frame, and the handle bar extends behind the seat.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 2011Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Inventors: Joe Estrada Garcia, Daniel Garcia
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Patent number: 8381847Abstract: A unicycle having a lower part with a wheel, a drive and a fork, in the branched end of which the wheel is rotatably mounted. An upper part of the unicycle includes a seat and a support frame. The lower part and the upper part are connected by a rotational connection, enabling the rotational movement of the upper part of the unicycle relative to the lower part. The unicycle is therefore easier to steer and to balance.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2009Date of Patent: February 26, 2013Inventor: Aleksander Polutnik
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Patent number: 8353378Abstract: A frictional drive device comprises a pair of drive disks (48) each rotatably supported by a frame (2, 42) around a central axial line (A) in a mutually opposing relationship, and a pair of actuators (64) supported by the frame for individually rotatively actuating the drive disks and coaxially disposed with respect to the corresponding drive disks, a plurality of drive rollers (56) arranged along an outer periphery of each drive disk and each having a rotational center line so as to be rotatable along a plane which is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the central axial line, and an annular main wheel (85) disposed approximately coaxially with respect to the central axial line and engaged by the drive rollers of the drive disks, the main wheel comprising an annular member (86) and a plurality of driven rollers (92) supported along the annular member so as to be rotatable around a tangential line of the annular member.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Gomi, Shinichiro Kobashi, Toru Takenaka, Kazushi Hamaya, Wataru Yada, Kazushi Akimoto, Yuichi Uebayashi, Hironori Waita
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Patent number: 8346441Abstract: A motor vehicle has a body, a wheel rotatably supported and coaxially disposed on the body, and an occupant riding portion supported by the body. The motor vehicle is provided with a body attitude detector for detecting an attitude of the body and a body attitude controller for controlling the body attitude detected by the body attitude detector, wherein, in response to an inertial force or a centrifugal force generated by acceleration, deceleration or a turning motion of the motor vehicle, the occupant riding portion is moved so as to balance the inertial force or the centrifugal force. The motor vehicle further includes an occupant attitude controller for controlling an attitude of the occupant riding portion in accordance with a detection value detected by the body attitude detector.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 1, 2013Assignee: KabushikiKaisha Equos ResearchInventors: Nobuaki Miki, Munehisa Horiguchi, Katsunori Doi
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Publication number: 20110221160Abstract: The present invention discloses a human powered and electricity balanced personal vehicle, which comprises: a main body for bearing a driver; a set of powered wheels being two coaxial wheels; a manpower inputting device being provided for the driver to input manpower into the personal vehicle; an electricity converting device for converting electricity to power and inputting the power into the personal vehicle; a transmission device for receiving the manpower inputted by the manpower inputting device and the power inputted by the electricity converting device, and inputting mixed power of the manpower and power into the powered wheels; an operation device being provided for the driver to control the moving state of the personal vehicle; a plurality of vehicle movement detecting devices for detecting the moving state of the personal vehicle and the operating condition of the driver; and a control unit for receiving and analyzing the signals of the plurality of vehicle movement detecting devices and controllingType: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: NATIONAL TSING HUA UNIVERSITY (TAIWAN)Inventor: De-In Shaw
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Patent number: 8002291Abstract: A heavy panel transport system and method. The system includes a load-bearing horizontal bar for supporting a substantially planar panel placed upon the horizontal bar. The system also includes a lateral support bar attached to the horizontal bar to provide sideways support to the substantially planar panel. The system also includes a wheel system operable without gears. The wheel system includes a wheel disposed between a fork. Here, the horizontal bar and lateral support bar are then mounted over the wheel system for steering and propelling the system in a desired direction.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: August 23, 2011Inventor: Avelino A. Sandoval
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Publication number: 20110175319Abstract: A powered unicycle device having a single wheel, a wheel support frame and a seat mounted above the wheel. The unicycle may have laterally extending control members that provide both steering and desired resistance during turning. A foot support member or members may extend forward of the wheel's axle and be spaced from the axle to provide desired resistance during turning. The seat may be movably mounted to a track and that track may be curved. Various embodiments are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 17, 2011Publication date: July 21, 2011Inventor: Shane Chen
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Patent number: 7845664Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a single-wheeled recumbent bicycle trailer which may be attached to a bicycle, for transport of a passenger or passengers, wherein the passengers may contribute to propulsion of the combined cycle. The embodiments include a recumbent seat position and other accommodations for the safety and comfort of passenger(s) and ease of use. Such accommodations may include single or multi-passenger configuration, passenger pedals, hands-free operation for passengers, supportive seats with backrests, extendable leg rests, and safety restraints.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2008Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Inventor: Stephan M Rodgers
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Patent number: 7762569Abstract: A cycle is disclosed that has at least one wheel with an axle rotatably mounted to a pair of opposing support plates. A seat is mounted to an upper end of an inverted Y-shaped seat support frame that includes two lower ends each pivotally mounted at a seat pivot to one of the support plates. A handlebar is mechanically coupled to each support plate with the handlebar being forward of the axle. In use, a user may balance on the cycle by manipulating the distance between the handlebar and the seat, facilitating the fine adjustment of the center of gravity of the cycle over the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2008Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Inventor: Douglas B. Fraser
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Patent number: 7568715Abstract: According to various embodiments a recreational apparatus can include an outer raceway having a ground engaging portion. An inner race assembly can be rotatably engaged to and operable to rotate within the outer raceway. A footrest can be disposed on the inner race assembly. The footrest can be adapted to receive a foot of an operator and support an operator within the inner race assembly. A handle can be disposed on the inner race assembly and adapted to receive a hand of the operator. A locking portion can be disposed on the inner race assembly and operable to permit rotation of the inner race assembly in a first direction around the outer raceway and inhibit rotation of the inner race assembly in a second direction around the outer raceway.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Inventor: George Cooney
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Patent number: 7568714Abstract: A power assist module includes a battery powered motor mounted on a manually operated vehicle, such as a bicycle. The power assist module is fixedly mounted on the bicycle and can be easily removed without the need for tools, so that the bicycle can be manually operated in a conventional manner when so desired without carrying the extra weight of the power assist module. The power assist module includes a motor assembly which is operated through a gear reduction assembly to drive a crank drive gear mounted in conjunction with a crank arm of the bicycle.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2005Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Magna Marque International Inc.Inventors: Allan Sasnowski, Fabio Venier
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Patent number: 7547021Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: June 16, 2009Assignee: Nirve Sports, Ltd.Inventor: Dan Bon
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Patent number: 7543834Abstract: The invention relates to a foot-propelled, wheeled hobby and/or sport device that has a foot plate. Characteristic of the device is that it has one or two wheels (1) positioned between two side plates (7, 8) the axle (3) of which wheel (1) is fixed to the side plates (7, 8). Positioned under the wheel (1) axle (3) there are foot plates (9, 10) extending outwards connected to the side plates (7, 8). During the normal use of the device the side plates (7, 8) extend above the knee (21) of the person using the device, who is standing on either one or both of the foot plates (9, 10).Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: M W Innovators LimitedInventors: András Göczey, Kinga Göczey, Luca Göczey, Péter Göczey, Réka Göczey, Soma Ungár
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Patent number: 7537228Abstract: A monocycle, includes a wheel, a pedal, a frame portion, a saddle portion, a handle portion, and a braking unit. The wheel includes a rim having a tire, an axle arranged at a center portion of the rim, and a connecting piece for connecting the rim and the axle. The pedal can be driven to rotate the axle of the wheel. The frame portion is pivotably fixed with the axle on one end side thereof. The saddle portion is connected to the other end side of the frame portion. The handle portion is slidably and fixably connected to the other end side of the frame portion such that handle shafts of the handle portion can be slid to a position below the axle to form a stand with a bottom of the wheel. The braking unit can manually brake the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2003Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Assignees: Nihon University, Pixen Inc.Inventors: Toshinari Shimizu, Susumu Sasaki, Humiyoshi Suetake
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Patent number: 7537229Abstract: A unicycle includes an n-shaped fork and a wheel rotatably mounted between two lower ends of the fork via a drive axle. The drive axle has two opposite ends each having a crank mounted thereon. A pedal mounted on a free end of each crank. A seat post is longitudinally and securely mounted on an upper end of the fork. A seat is attached to a free end of the seat post. A curved sleeve is connected to the seat post and concentrically corresponds with the wheel. A connecting post is telescopically received in the curved sleeve. The connecting post has a free end with two opposite sides each having an L-shaped linkage mounted thereon. Two auxiliary wheels each is rotatably mounted on a free end of each linkage.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2008Date of Patent: May 26, 2009Inventor: Pao-Kung Wu
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Publication number: 20090085320Abstract: A cycle is disclosed that has at least one wheel with an axle rotatably mounted to a pair of opposing support plates. A seat is mounted to an upper end of an inverted Y-shaped seat support frame that includes two lower ends each pivotally mounted at a seat pivot to one of the support plates. A handlebar is mechanically coupled to each support plate with the handlebar being forward of the axle. In use, a user may balance on the cycle by manipulating the distance between the handlebar and the seat, facilitating the fine adjustment of the center of gravity of the cycle over the wheel.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 24, 2008Publication date: April 2, 2009Inventor: Douglas B. Fraser
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Publication number: 20090051136Abstract: The present invention provides, in connection with a coaxial two-wheeled inverted pendulum type moving vehicle, a technique which allows sudden braking without making a vehicle body to tilt significantly backward. The coaxial two-wheeled inverted pendulum type moving vehicle of the present invention comprises a pair of wheels, a chassis for supporting the pair of wheels coaxially and rotatably, wheel actuators for rotating the wheels with respect to the chassis, a vehicle body supported by the chassis, and an inverted pendulum control unit for controlling the wheel actuators so as to maintain the balanced state of the chassis. In this moving vehicle, the vehicle body is shiftable supported by the chassis in a manner that the vehicle body may shift in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the moving vehicle with respect to the chassis.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventors: Koji Yamada, Masaaki Yamaoka, Toshio Fuwa, Mitsuo Koide
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Patent number: 7407465Abstract: A portable exercising apparatus for isolating a user's torso muscles during operating conditions includes at least one wheel section that has at least one rim including a plurality of spokes, an elongated axle, and at least one hub including a bearing disposed therein. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for supporting a user's feet at an elevated position and along a substantially horizontal plane. Such a supporting mechanism is secured to the axle and is disposed adjacent the at least one wheel section to thereby allow a user to perform exercise movements while extended along a generally horizontal plane. The present invention may reside in alternate embodiments wherein various wheel sections cooperate with the supporting mechanism for providing an effective exercising apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2004Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Inventors: David Alzamora, Sr., Gerardo Alzamora, Jr.
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Publication number: 20080143073Abstract: The invention relates to a foot-propelled wheeled hobby and/or sport device which has a wheel (1) situated between two side-plates (2; 3), and the side-plates (2; 3) are suspended on the axle (X) of the wheel (1). Foot-boards (5) situated below the axle (X) of the wheel (1). Foot-boards (5) situated below the axle (X) of the wheel (1), protruding outwards are connected to the side-plates (2; 3). In the course of the appropriate use of the device (I; II) the side-plates (2; 3) project over the knee of the user (12) standing on one or both of the foot-boards (5), providing a supporting surface (a) for the knee. The invention is based on that at a certain distance (e) behind the wheel (1)—with respect to the travelling direction—there is a structure in the range of the track of the wheel (1) ensuring stabilisation against tilting, and in order to relieve the knees of any load the side-plates (3) are constructed with a height (L) ensuring a supporting surface (b) for the user's (12) thigh.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2005Publication date: June 19, 2008Inventors: Soma Gabor Ungar, Andras Goczey
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Patent number: 7337862Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a mono-wheel vehicle is provided. The vehicle includes a housing with an inner circumference. A wheel is connected to the housing such that the wheel is able to rotate independently of the housing. The wheel has an outside portion that makes contact with a surface. A motor mechanism is provided for rotation of the wheel. Gyroscopic forces acting on the rotating wheel maintain the vehicle in a substantially upright position such that the vehicle is able to travel along the surface in a first direction. A platform connected to the inner circumference of the housing is pivotable in relation to the housing to causes a change in a center of gravity. The change in center of gravity causes the gyroscopic forces acting on the vehicle to turn the vehicle towards the changing center of gravity in order to maintain the vehicle in a more upright position.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Assignee: Rehco, LLCInventors: Peter Greenley, Jeffrey Rehkemper
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Patent number: 7240586Abstract: The present invention relates to an auxiliary power unit starting apparatus for an electric bicycle, which can convert the rider's pedaling force into mechanical displacement at the time the bicycle is being pedaled, and then the mechanical displacement can start the auxiliary power unit of the electric bicycle. The device of the present invention has simple structure and small size, and it can be easily manufactured and assembled.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Inventor: Donald P. H. Wu
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Patent number: 7207584Abstract: An auxiliary power system for a bicycle having a motor (10) attached to the bicycle flame (22) by thin clamps (30), which can be arranged in a variety of positions to avoid disturbing the control cables. Power is delivered on demand via a sprocket driving a single freewheel (180) attached to a modified left crank (200). The gearbox (20) may be attached to the frame by means of a quick-release system. A bushing (600), (700), (820) may be used instead of a modified as a means of mounting the freewheel to the crank axle. (720), (610), (850b). To prevent accidental simultaneous braking and triggering, triggering the system is accomplished by placing the trigger switch (430) so that the rider's fingers must disengage the brake in order to engage the motor. Accidental triggering may be prevented by placing a trigger switch on each handle and wiring them in series so that both switches must be engaged to obtain power.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Inventor: Paul F. Forderhase
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Patent number: 7074169Abstract: A wheel-guiding device comprises a handle connected to a member of a U-shaped member and the handle is preferably essentially perpendicular to a plane of the U-shaped member for guiding the motion of a preferably wheel. The handle is extendable for adjusting the length of the wheel-guiding device. The wheel's motion is controlled with the wheel-guiding device by engaging the U-shaped member and pushing on the wheel with the wheel-guiding device causing the wheel to both rotate and move in various directions or to stop movement of the wheel.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2003Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Inventor: Vasil T. Hristov
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Patent number: 6854751Abstract: An apparatus facilitating the lifting and movement of objects. The present invention, in one embodiment, features a curved rim extending around a mounting plate to which an object or an object carrier can be attached. The object is mounted off-center relative to the central axis of the curved rim. According to the invention, a counter-balancing weight offsets the moment associated with the object to allow the moving device to roll along a surface, and thereby move the object, with application of a small amount of force. According to embodiments of the present invention, the curved rims include at least one section having an increased radius of curvature relative to other sections of the curved rim to promote rotation of the moving device.Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2002Date of Patent: February 15, 2005Inventor: Richard Paul Halke
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Patent number: 6676146Abstract: A three-wheeled device (10) for pedal-powered riding, wherein the device (10) provides a substantial but not excessive riding challenge. The preferred device (10) broadly comprises three wheels (12); two shafts (14); and two pedals (16). The wheels (12) are oriented parallel to one another so as to rotate about a common axis. Each shaft extends between and couples (14) two of the wheels (12) in an offset manner. Bearings (26) may be provided to facilitate movement of the shafts relative to the wheels (12) by reducing friction therebetween. Each pedal (16) is coupled with a different one of the shafts (14). For added safety, the pedals (16) may include non-slip contact surfaces (30) and light reflectors (32). In use, a rider stands on the pedals (16) and applies force thereto, with the force being transferred via the shafts (14) to the wheels (12) which are thereby caused to roll.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2002Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Inventor: Donald Boyd
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Patent number: 6666469Abstract: An auxiliary device of a monocycle has an auxiliary body connected to a monocycle. The main fork of the monocycle has a main sleeve. A detachable auxiliary body is connected to the main sleeve. Thereby, the auxiliary body can be installed to or detachable from the monocycle. The auxiliary body is mainly formed by a front head and a frame tube. The front head has a handle frame, a sub-wheel body and a sub-fork. The frame tube is connected to the monocycle. A front end of the monocycle is installed with a sub-sleeve which is formed at an upper end of the sub-fork so as to be formed as a monocycle with an auxiliary wheel.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2002Date of Patent: December 23, 2003Inventors: Chih Wang Yu, Chih Yung Yu