Motorized snowboard

Abstract

An apparatus for propelling a user over snow. The invention in one embodiment couples a propulsion unit behind a platform such as a snowboard. The propulsion section and snowboard are interconnected by a joint providing multiple degrees of rotational freedom. Preferably, the interconnection further includes one or more springs.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/074,890, filed Oct. 26, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to powered devices driven over snow, and in particular, a powered snowboard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There are numerous designs for powered devices or “toys” for recreational activity on snow. For example, there are snowmobiles, which are a type of off-road vehicle designed and optimized for travel over snow. There are some designs that attempt to provide motorized power to a person on a pair of snow skis. There are also designs for providing power to a snow sled.

[0004] In any powered recreational device, it is important that the device include features for control of the direction of the device. A nimble, easy to control recreational device will be both more fun and safer for the user of the device.

[0005] The capabilities and/or complexity of the control features are problems on many recreational snow devices. For example, some devices are linked to a motorized propulsion unit such that there is little or no flexibility or pivoting ability of the propulsion unit relative to the user platform. Yet other designs offer multiple degrees of freedom between the user platform and the propulsion device, but provides this in a relatively large, complex mechanism. Yet other designs allow for pivotal movement of the user platform relative to the propulsion device, but do not provide any mechanism for restoring alignment of the two devices. What are needed are apparatus and methods which overcome these failings. The present design does this in a novel and unobvious way.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is an apparatus comprising a user platform and adapted and configured for accepting a standing operator. The apparatus also includes a propulsion unit having an engine driving tracks adapted and configured for propelling the propulsion unit and the user platform over snow. The apparatus also includes a ball joint interconnecting the front of the propulsion unit to the rear of the user platform. The apparatus also includes a spring interconnecting the propulsion unit to the user platform.

[0007] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is an apparatus comprising a user platform. The apparatus also includes a propulsion unit having an engine driving tracks adapted and configured for propelling the propulsion unit and the user platform over snow. The apparatus also includes a first spring interconnecting the propulsion unit to the user platform and adapted and configured to apply a biasing force along a first axis, and a second spring interconnecting the propulsion unit to the user platform and adapted and configured to apply a biasing force along a second axis, with the first axis being horizontally displaced from the second axis.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is a method for propelling a platform over snow, comprising providing a front platform and a track-driven propulsion unit including an engine. The method also includes interconnecting the propulsion unit behind the front platform so that the front platform can rotate relative to the propulsion unit with at least two degrees of freedom. The method also includes steering the front platform to cause rotation of the platform relative to the propulsion unit. The method also includes biasing the propulsion unit relative to the front platform in a direction to return the propulsion unit to a location behind the front platform.

[0009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is an apparatus comprising a user platform having a front and a rear and adapted and configured for accepting an operator. The apparatus also includes a propulsion unit having an engine adapted and configured for propelling the propulsion unit and the user platform over snow. The apparatus also includes a pivoted joint interconnecting the front of the propulsion unit to the rear of the user platform, the joint permitting the user platform to rotate about the propulsion unit with multiple degrees of freedom. The apparatus also includes a dampener interconnecting the propulsion unit to the user platform.

[0010] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention can be found in the description, drawings and claims to follow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, with an operator.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a top front perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 is a top, enlarged perspective view of a portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a top, enlarged perspective view of a portion of an apparatus according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0015] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0016] The present invention pertains to a user platform such as a snowboard which is coupled to a propulsion unit, such that the propulsion unit can pivot or rotate relative to the platform. The platform and propulsion units are preferably coupled by a joint which permits the platform to pivot relative to the propulsion unit with three degrees of rotational freedom (roll, pitch, and yaw). In other embodiments, there is at least one spring which further interconnects the platform and propulsion section. Other embodiments include a plurality of interconnecting springs. The one or more springs are particularly effective in providing a restoring force or restoring torque to the propulsion section, such that the propulsion section realigns itself relative to the user platform after making a pivotal movement. These springs, acting as a biasing unit, assist in preventing jack-knifing of the propulsion unit.

[0017] The device is steered similar to the manner in which the platform is steered for those embodiments in which it is not powered by a propulsion unit, but rather is propelled downhill by gravity. For those embodiments in which the user platform is a snowboard, the device is maneuvered when the user twists or turns his or her ankles, or shifts his or her weight, such that the longitudinal axis of the board is no longer aligned with the forward velocity vector, or such that the bottom plane or surface of the snowboard “digs” into the snow along one or more of its edges. Such turning, twisting, and weight shifting changes the orientation of the snowboard relative to the propulsion device. This change in orientation is permitted by an interconnecting joint with multiple degrees of freedom. However, the change in orientation is resisted by one or more springs which interconnect the two platforms. As the springs are compressed or extended, they provide a spring force that tends to restore the propulsion unit to its position aligned behind the snowboard.

[0018] Although a snowboard is depicted and described, the present invention contemplates other types of user platforms which are pivotally coupled to a propulsion unit. For example, the present invention further contemplates a snow sled interconnected to a propulsion unit and accommodating a seated user. Other embodiments include interconnection of a skateboard to a propulsion unit.

[0019] Further, although the present invention depicts and describes a propulsion unit that is a “pusher” type device, the present invention further contemplates those embodiments in which the propulsion unit is a “puller” or tractor-type device. Further, although the present invention depicts and describes a propulsion unit that includes moving tracks, the present invention further contemplates those embodiments in which the propulsion unit includes wheels, such as when powering a skateboard.

[0020] The invention concerns a three-part assembly for a motorized snowboard as best shown in FIG. 1. Assembly 20 includes a user platform or snowboard 30, a rear drive or propulsion section 40, and a center coupling section 50 which mechanically connects sections 30 and 40. Rear drive section 40 is conventional, including a two cycle motor (not shown) which drives a pair of rubber treads 42. Other embodiments of the present invention includes other types of power devices, including four cycle motors and electric motors. Snowboard 30 further includes fore and aft hand grips and/or control panels 32 and 34 which have sufficient rigidity for either providing stability to the user as a handhold or control of the propulsion section.

[0021] Snowboard 30 and rear drive section 40 are connected by a center coupling section 50 which permits three dimensional pivoting of a rear drive section 40 relative to snowboard 30. Coupling section 50 includes a vertical attachment plate 52 with a ball and socket joint 54. Ball joint 54 is attached to a rod 55 which extends from the front 41 of drive unit 40.

[0022] Coupling section 50 maintains drive unit 40 located behind platform 30 and aligned to a preadjusted orientation relative to platform 30. In a preferred embodiment, platform 30 is oriented directly behind drive unit 40, such that the centerline of platform 30 and the centerline of drive unit 40 are parallel. However, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments in which the centerlines are not parallel.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, rod 55 couples to front 41 of drive unit 40 with a lockable, pivoting coupling (not shown), such that drive unit 40 can be tilted upward, out of contact with the snow, and locked in place in this tilted condition up to and including a vertical position. This locking coupling can include a pair of members each having a mating, knurled face which can be locked together by a wingnut. One member is attached to front 41 of drive unit 40 and the other member is attached to the rear end of rod 55. By loosening the wingnut, the orientation of rod 55 relative to drive unit 40 can be changed. tightening the wingnut couples the knurled faces together and fixes the orientation of rod 55 relative to drive unit 40. In the tilted configuration, assembly 20 can be ridden down a hill as a conventional snowboard, without the drive unit coming into contact with the snow.

[0024] Ball joint 54 permits pivoting of the user platform relative to the propulsion section about any of axes X, Y, or Z. Further, the present invention preferably utilizes a ball joint, such that the X, Y, and Z axes of the three degrees of rotational freedom intersect at a single point within the ball joint. In this preferred embodiment, the pivotal motion the platform relative to the propulsion section is simplified, and selection of appropriate springs interconnecting the sections is also simplified.

[0025] Rod 55 is fixed at a particular length by use of a setscrew or similar device. Four springs 56 are coupled by eyebolts (as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3) to both vertical plate 52 and the front face of drive unit 40. The hooked ends of the springs are able to slide around the eyebolts, thus minimizing bending of the spring. However, the present invention contemplates any manner of interconnecting the springs to the platform or propulsion section. A horizontal attachment plate 58 couples vertical plate 52 to snowboard 30. The present invention further contemplates any manner for attaching the coupling section to the user platform.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, one embodiment of coupling section is shown to include four springs 56 that are interconnected to plate 52 and the front 41 of the propulsion section such that the springs are both vertically and horizontally offset. For example, springs 56a and 56b are attached such that their endpoints are vertically offset (in the Z direction). Further, the working axes along the centerlines of the springs are also offset in the Z direction. Springs 56c and 56d are similarly arranged. Springs 56 bias the propulsion unit relative to the platform to return them to their preadjusted orientation.

[0027] Further, top springs 56a and 56c are laterally offset from one another (in the Y direction). Both the ends of the springs and also their centerline working axes are laterally displaced from one another. The similar description applies to bottom springs 56b and 56d. although coil springs have been shown and described, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments including any type of biasing element, including for example leaf springs, coil springs, and rubber bushings.

[0028] FIG. 3 further illustrates yet another preferred characteristic of the alignment of the springs interconnecting the platform and the propulsion section. The centerlines of the springs are angled such that, if carried forward, they would intersect at one or more points in front of the propulsion section. However, although a particular arrangement of four springs has been shown and described, the present invention contemplates the use of either fewer springs or more springs to interconnect the platform and propulsion section. Further, the present invention contemplates those embodiments in which the springs are aligned in substantially parallel fashion, and also aligned such that their centerlines intersect at one or more points behind the user platform.

[0029] In use, an operator stands upon snowboard 30 and holds onto hand throttle 34 to control power being delivered to treads 42. The operator also holds on with another hand to handle 32 to stabilize himself. Assembly 20 is propelled in a direction indicated by arrow 22.

[0030] The operator is able to steer assembly 20 by twisting or turning his or her ankles, shifting his or her weight, or any other suitable method of steering. Snowboard 30 is able to quickly change its orientation in response to these steering inputs because of the flexibility of center coupling section 50. Snowboard 30 can roll, pitch and yaw relative to rear drive section 40 because of ball joint 54. Further, springs 56 create a tendency for the rear drive unit 40 to realign itself with snowboard 30 after a turn is made. For example, when turning to the left, the springs on the right side of the interconnecting unit (along the outer part of the turn) extend. If the user then decides to adopt a straight path, for instance, these extended springs will pull the propulsion unit back to its original position of alignment behind the snowboard. Without the springs, there may not be any reliable force which works to restore propulsion unit 40 to its original aligned position.

[0031] FIG. 4 depicts an alternate embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, ball joint 54 is replaced by a universal coupling 60 which permits two degrees of rotational freedom (around the Y and Z axes). Further, shaft 62, which is rigidly attached to U-joint 60, is rotatingly received within the bore of a housing 64. Shaft 62 and U-joint 60 are thereby free to rotate about the X axis, thereby providing three degrees of rotational freedom. In some embodiments, sleeve 62 and U-joint 60 are further permitted to translate in and out of the bore of housing 64, thus providing a fourth degree of translational freedom along the X axis.

[0032] The embodiment shown in FIG.4 further includes one or more dampeners or shock absorbers 68a and 68b which provide dampening of the motion of the user platform relative to the propulsion section. Referring to shock absorber 68b, at its front end it is connected to plate 52 by a joint 70a which permits at least one degree of rotational freedom, and preferably multiple degrees of rotational freedom and/or sliding. Interconnection 70b between shock absorber 68b and the front face 41 of propulsion section 40 is preferably similarly constructed to front joint 70a. Other shock absorbers are similarly interconnected to the platform and the propulsion section. Although what has been shown and described is the use of two shock absorbers laterally spaced apart, the present invention also contemplates those embodiments containing fewer or more shock absorbers, and also in which there is a vertical displacement between shock absorbers. Further, the present invention contemplates the use of shock absorbers which provide only a dampening function, as well as shock absorbers which include a spring or biasing unit.

[0033] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a snowboard having a front and a rear and adapted and configured for accepting a standing operator;

a propulsion unit being adapted and configured for propelling said propulsion unit and said snowboard over snow, said propulsion unit having a front and a rear;

a ball joint interconnecting the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of said snowboard, said ball joint permitting said snowboard to rotate about said propulsion unit with at least two degrees of rotational freedom; and

a spring interconnecting said propulsion unit to said snowboard.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spring interconnects the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of said snowboard, said spring being adapted and configured to apply a biasing force along a first axis, said ball joint being rotational about a longitudinal axis, and the first axis is displaced from the longitudinal axis.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said ball joint permits said snowboard to rotate about said propulsion unit with at least three degrees of rotational freedom.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spring is a coil spring.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spring is a first spring adapted and configured to apply a biasing force along a first axis, the apparatus further comprising a second spring interconnecting the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of said snowboard and adapted and configured to apply a biasing force along a second axis, and a third spring interconnecting the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of said snowboard and adapted and configured to apply a biasing force along a third axis, wherein the first axis is horizontally displaced from the third axis, and the second axis is vertically displaced from the third axis.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said spring has a length and a pair of opposing ends along the length, one end being interconnected to said platform by a first sliding joint and the other end being interconnected to said propulsion unit by a second sliding joint.

7. An apparatus comprising:

a user platform having a front and a rear and adapted and configured for accepting a standing operator;

a propulsion unit and being adapted and configured for propelling said propulsion unit and said platform, said propulsion unit having a front and a rear, the front of said propulsion unit being behind the rear of said platform;

a first spring interconnecting said propulsion unit to said platform and adapted and configured to apply a biasing force along a first axis, and a second spring interconnecting said propulsion unit to said platform and adapted and configured to apply a biasing force along a second axis, wherein the first axis is horizontally displaced from the second axis.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 which further comprises a third spring interconnecting said propulsion unit to said platform and adapted and configured to apply a biasing force along a third axis, wherein the third axis is vertically displaced from the second axis.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 which further comprises a ball joint interconnecting the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of said platform.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first spring interconnects the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of said platform, said second spring interconnects the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of said platform, and said third spring interconnects the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of said platform.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 which further comprises an interconnecting joint between the rear of said platform and the front of said propulsion unit, said interconnecting joint permitting rotation of said platform relative to said propulsion unit about a first axis.

12. The apparatus of claim 7 which further comprises an interconnecting joint between the rear of said platform and the front of said propulsion unit, said interconnecting joint permitting rotation of said platform relative to said propulsion unit about two axes.

13. The apparatus of claim 7 which further comprises a universal joint between the rear of said platform and the front of said propulsion unit, said interconnecting joint permitting rotation of said platform relative to said propulsion unit about three orthogonal axes.

14. A method for propelling a platform over snow, comprising:

providing a front platform to accept the feet of a standing operator and a propulsion unit;

interconnecting the propulsion unit behind the front platform so that the front platform can rotate relative to the propulsion unit with at least two degrees of freedom;

steering the front platform by movement of the feet to cause rotation of the platform relative to the propulsion unit; and

biasing the propulsion unit relative to the front platform in a direction to return the propulsion unit to a location behind the front platform.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said biasing includes a spring.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein said interconnecting is by a U joint.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein said interconnecting is by a ball joint.

18. The method of claim 14 wherein the front platform is a snowboard and the propulsion unit is adapted and configured for propelling the front platform over snow.

19. The method of claim 14 wherein the front platform is a skateboard and the propulsion unit is adapted and configured for propelling the front platform over a roadway.

20. An apparatus comprising:

a snowboard having a front and a rear and adapted and configured for accepting a standing operator;

a propulsion unit driving tracks adapted and configured for propelling said propulsion unit and said snowboard over snow, said propulsion unit having a front and a rear;

a ball joint interconnecting the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of said snowboard, said ball joint permitting said snowboard to rotate about said propulsion unit with three degrees of freedom; and

a dampener interconnecting said propulsion unit to said snowboard.

21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said dampener interconnects the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of said snowboard, said dampener being adapted and configured to apply a dampening force along a first axis, said ball joint being rotational about a longitudinal axis, and the first axis is displaced from the longitudinal axis.

22. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said dampener is a first dampener adapted and configured to apply a dampening force along a first axis, and which further comprises a second dampener interconnecting the front of said propulsion unit to the rear of said snowboard and adapted and configured to apply a dampening force along a second axis, said ball joint being rotational about a longitudinal axis, and the first axis is horizontally displaced from the longitudinal axis, and the second axis is vertically displaced from the longitudinal axis.

23. A method for propelling a platform over snow, comprising:

providing a platform to accept an operator and a propulsion unit for the platform located behind said platform and aligned to an orientation relative to the platform;

interconnecting the propulsion unit to the platform so that the platform can pivot relative to the propulsion unit; and

biasing the propulsion unit relative to the platform to return to the orientation after the platform pivots relative to the propulsion unit.