WHEELED PLATFORM FOR RIDING TANDEM

Abstract

The disclosed apparatus provides an enjoyable and safe way for a first rider and a second rider to ride tandem on a wheeled platform. The disclosed wheeled platform according to various embodiments may include a platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of wheel assemblies coupled to the bottom surface. The wheeled platform may also include a first member and a second member for being grasped by the first rider and the second rider, respectively. The first member and the second member may each be coupled to the top surface of the platform and extend vertically therefrom.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/211,411, filed on Jun. 16, 2021, and incorporates the disclosure of the application in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

State of the Art

Various wheeled platforms, such as skateboards, are made of a platform or board and a variety of components, such as wheels and axles, which are connected to the board. The placement of the components, however, introduces instability by, for example, unequally distributing a rider's weight over the skateboard. Accordingly, the skateboard's riding capacity (i.e., the number of riders per skateboard) may be limited by an unequal distribution of each rider's weight over the skateboard. Furthermore, a second rider will invariably hold onto the rider in front for stability. Such an action can be dangerous since throwing the lead rider off balance will often result in a fall.

In a conventional skateboard, a first wheel assembly is attached to a front end of the board and a second wheel assembly is attached to a rear end of the board. The placement of one wheel assembly at one end and another wheel assembly at an opposite end, however, narrowly distributes each rider's weight over the skateboard, making the skateboard more prone to vibrations or wobbles, thereby limiting the skateboard's riding capacity to one.

Conventional methods for improving stability of a skateboard have not sufficiently addressed the need to provide a balance of nimbleness and stability while providing two riders with sufficient space to rest their feet on the skateboard.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSED APPARATUS

The disclosed apparatus provides an enjoyable and safe way for a first rider and a second rider to ride tandem on a wheeled platform. The disclosed wheeled platform according to various embodiments may comprise a platform having a top surface and a bottom surface and a plurality of wheel assemblies coupled to the bottom surface. The wheeled platform may also comprise a first member and a second member for being grasped by the first rider and the second rider, respectively. The first member and the second member may each be coupled to the top surface of the platform and extend vertically therefrom.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the disclosed apparatus may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures.

FIG. 1 representatively illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled platform in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed apparatus;

FIG. 2 representatively illustrates a side view of the wheeled platform illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 representatively illustrates a bottom view of the wheeled platform illustrated in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 representatively illustrates a perspective view of a wheeled platform in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosed apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The disclosed apparatus may be described in terms of functional components. Such functional components may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the disclosed apparatus may employ various axles, base plates, bearings, boards, bushings, hangers, pins, handles, posts, truck assemblies, wheel assemblies, wheels, and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions. In addition, the disclosed apparatus may be practiced in conjunction with any number of wheeled platforms, and the wheeled platform described herein is merely one exemplary application for the apparatus.

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward wheeled platforms that may be used in connection with skateboarding and longboarding. Various representative implementations of the disclosed apparatus may be applied, for example, to any number of sporting environments, and the wheeled platform described is merely one exemplary application for the apparatus. Alternative embodiments may be applicable to non-sporting environments.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, an exemplary wheeled platform 100 may be used by a first rider 102a and a second rider 102b positioned in tandem with each other for propelling themselves across the ground or any other suitable surface by pushing the ground or surface with one foot (i.e., pushing foot) while balancing themselves on the wheeled platform 100 with another foot (i.e., non-pushing foot). According to various embodiments, the wheeled platform 100 may comprise a platform 105, a plurality of wheel assemblies 110, a first member 115a for being grasped by the first rider 102a, and a second member 115b for being grasped by the second rider 102b.

According to various embodiments, the platform 105 may comprise a top surface 106 and a bottom surface 107. The platform 105 may also comprise a first end 108 and a second end 109 opposite the first end 108. The first end 108 may be a rear end of the platform 105 and the second end 109 may be a front end of the platform 105, or vice versa. The platform 105 may be constructed from a variety of suitable wood materials or composite materials. For example, the wood materials may comprise birch, bamboo, maple, and the like. The composite materials may comprise aluminum, nylon, plexiglass, fiberglass, foam, and the like.

The platform 105 may comprise any suitable size or shape to provide sufficient space for the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b to rest their feet on the top surface 106 of the platform 105 so that the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b may ride in tandem with each other. As an example, the platform 105 may comprise a length of approximately 72 inches and a width of approximately 13 inches. In some embodiments, the platform 105 may be planar-shaped. In other embodiments, the platform 105 may be non-planar shaped with a raised rear end and/or front end.

In an exemplary embodiment, and referring now to FIGS. 2-3, the plurality of wheel assemblies 110 may comprise a first wheel assembly 110a, a second wheel assembly 110b, and a third wheel assembly 110c. The first wheel assembly 110a may be coupled to the bottom surface 107 and positioned at the first end 108 of the platform 105. The second wheel assembly 110b and the third wheel assembly 110c may each be coupled to the bottom surface 107 and positioned at the second end 109 of the platform 105.

The first wheel assembly 110a may comprise a first “truck” assembly 120a, the second wheel assembly 110b may comprise a second “truck” assembly 120b, and the third wheel assembly 110c may comprise a third “truck” assembly 120c. The first “truck” assembly 120a may comprise a first baseplate 121a coupled to the bottom surface 107 of the platform 105, a first “hanger” (not shown) pivotally coupled to the first baseplate 121a via a first kingpin 130a and a first compressible bushing 135a, a first axle 123a, and a first pair of wheels 125a connected to the ends of the first axle 123a via a first pair of ball bearings (not shown). The second “truck” assembly 120b may comprise a second baseplate 120b coupled to the bottom surface 107 of the platform 105, a second “hanger” (not shown) pivotally coupled to the second baseplate 121b via a second kingpin 130b and a second compressible bushing 135b, a second axle 123b, and a second pair of wheels 125b connected to the ends of the second axle 123b via a second pair of ball bearings (not shown). Similarly, the third “truck” assembly 120c may comprise a third baseplate 120c coupled to the bottom surface 107 of the platform 105, a third “hanger” (not shown) pivotally coupled to the third baseplate 121c via a third kingpin 130c and a third compressible bushing 135c, a third axle 123c, and a third pair of wheels 125c connected to the ends of the third axle 123c via a third pair of ball bearings (not shown). Each baseplate 121a, 121b, and 121c may be fixedly coupled to the bottom surface 107 of the platform 105 by any suitable mechanical connectors, such as rivets, screws, bolts, and the like.

In one embodiment, the second wheel assembly 110b and the third wheel assembly 110c may be coupled to the bottom surface 107 of the platform 105 in a front (or leading) position and a rear (or trailing) position, respectively, along a central longitudinal or lengthwise axis L of the platform 105. The first axle 123a, second axle 123b, and third axle 123c may be substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis L of the platform 105 when the wheeled platform 100 is at rest.

The first member 115a and the second member 115b may be coupled to the top surface 106 of the platform 105 and extend vertically therefrom. The first member 115a and the second member 115b may be connected to the top surface 106 of the platform 105 via a first connecting member 140a and a second connecting member 140b, respectively. The first connecting member 140a and the second connecting member 140b may each comprise any suitable mechanical connector, such as a rivet, a screw, a bolt, and the like. The first member 115a and the second member 115b may be positioned along the central longitudinal axis L of the platform 105. The first member 115a may be positioned proximate the first end 108 of the platform 105 and the second member 115b may be positioned proximate the second end 109 of the platform 105. The first member 115a and the second member 115b may, however, be placed in any suitable position for being grasped by the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b, respectively.

The first member 115a and the second member 115b may allow the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b to lean to one side or the other to a significant degree without hindering the riders' ability to balance on the wheeled platform 100. As an example, when the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b want to turn or otherwise control the direction of the wheeled platform 100, the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b may grasp the first member 115a and the second member 115b, respectively, with one hand and/or both hands while leaning to one side or the other.

The first member 115a and the second member 115b may each comprise an adjustable height. The first member 115a and the second member 115b may each be twisted into a locked position by pressing the first member 115a and the second member 115b towards the platform 105 and turning the first member 115a and the second member 115b to lock into position. Similarly, the first member 115a and the second member 115b may be decoupled from the platform 105 by twisting the first member 115a and the second member 115b into the unlocked position by turning the first member 115a and the second member 115b to disengage. In some embodiments, a first handle (not shown) may be coupled to the first member 115a and a second handle (not shown) may be coupled to the second member 115b.

In operation, one or more riders, such as the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b, may be positioned in tandem with each other. Specifically, the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b may propel themselves across the ground or any other suitable surface by pushing the ground or surface with one foot (i.e., pushing foot) while balancing themselves on the wheeled platform 100. Each rider may balance themselves by resting their non-pushing foot on the top surface 106 of the platform 105. Once the wheeled platform 100 is in motion, the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b may rest both feet on the top surface 106 of the platform 105 and may turn, or otherwise control the direction of the wheeled platform 100, by shifting their weight from one side of the wheeled platform 100 to the other. When the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b lean to one side or the other by pushing or pulling the first member 115a and the second member 115b, respectively, the first axle 123a, second axle 123b, and third axle 123c may rotate, in part, around an axis oriented perpendicular to the ground or other surface upon which the wheeled platform 100 is positioned. Accordingly, when the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b incline the platform 105 with respect to the plurality of wheels 110, the wheeled platform 100 may be steered in the direction of the lean. For example, both the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b may steer the wheeled platform 100 in a rightward direction by holding onto the first member 115a and the second member 115b and leaning in the rightward direction. Similarly, the first rider 102a and the second rider 102b may steer the wheeled platform 100 in a leftward direction by holding onto the first member 115a and the second member 115b and leaning in the leftward direction.

The particular implementations shown and described are illustrative of the apparatus and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the disclosed apparatus in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation, and other functional aspects of the apparatus may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connections and points of contact shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary physical relationships between the various elements. Many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system.

In the foregoing description, the disclosed apparatus has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the disclosed apparatus as set forth. The description and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative manner, rather than a restrictive one and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosed apparatus. Accordingly, the scope of the disclosed apparatus should be determined by the generic embodiments described and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the specific examples described above. For example, the components and/or elements recited in any system or apparatus embodiment may be combined in a variety of permutations to produce substantially the same result as the disclosed apparatus and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the specific examples.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problems or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced, however, is not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature or component.

The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition, or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the disclosed apparatus, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied, or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.

The disclosed apparatus has been described above with reference to an exemplary embodiment. However, changes and modifications may be made to the exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosed apparatus. These and other changes or modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosed apparatus.

Claims

1. A wheeled platform for use by a first rider and a second rider, comprising:

a platform comprising a top surface and a bottom surface;

a plurality of wheel assemblies coupled to the bottom surface; and

a first member and a second member for being grasped by the first rider and the second rider, respectively, wherein the first member and the second member are coupled to the top surface and extend vertically therefrom.

2. The wheeled platform of claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are positioned along a central longitudinal axis of the platform.

3. The wheeled platform of claim 1, wherein the plurality of wheel assemblies comprises a first wheel assembly, a second wheel assembly, and a third wheel assembly, and wherein the first wheel assembly is positioned at a first end of the platform and the second wheel assembly and the third wheel assembly are positioned at a second end of the platform.

4. The wheeled platform of claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member each comprise a height-adjustable post.

5. The wheeled platform of claim 1, wherein the platform comprises a wood material or a composite material.

6. The wheeled platform of claim 4, wherein the first member and the second member each further comprise a handle coupled to the height-adjustable post.

7. The wheeled platform of claim 5, wherein the wood material comprises at least one of birch, bamboo, or maple.

8. The wheeled platform of claim 5, wherein the composite material comprises aluminum, nylon, plexiglass, fiberglass, foam, or a combination thereof.