Ski- Or Skate-type Vehicle For Imparting Movement To A Person Standing Thereon Patents (Class 180/180)
  • Patent number: 7172044
    Abstract: A wheel board comprising a wheel (2) with a diameter of 0.2 to 0.6 m mounted on a free wheel (21), mounted on an axle (3) situated on a vertically pivoting arm (4) arranged on the board (1), and mounted freewheeling and driven by a driving drum (17) around which is wound a band (11) that is fixed to said driving drum (17) by a first end and that is connected to the board by its second end, said driving drum (17) being equipped with a return device (19) so that, when the board (1) is not loaded, the central wheel (2) is in a lower position relative to said board (1) and said band (11) is wound around the drum (17) driving the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: Alain Bouvet
  • Patent number: 7100727
    Abstract: The invention concerns an articulated vehicle comprising a rear frame (1) and a front frame (2) linked by an articulation (3) associated with the device (30, 6) for removably locking controlled by a pendular member (4, 62) mounted oscillating on the front frame (2) between a median position for unlocking the articulation and a spaced apart position for locking the articulation, at least when the vehicle is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: 2P
    Inventors: Pierre Patin, Pierre-Armand Patin
  • Patent number: 7021413
    Abstract: A foldable electric motorcycle structure includes primarily a body, a front and rear frames, and a cap, wherein the cap is located at a front part of the front frame, a seat is located at a top edge of the rear frame, and latching mechanisms are located respectively at the front and rear frames, such that the front and rear frames can be unfolded into a riding condition, and a shielding effect can be constituted by the cap during riding. Whereas a box is formed for carrying upon folding the front and rear frames, which enables pulling in walk by the means of auxiliary wheels at two sides of the rear frame and a pulling bar at a front edge of the body, thereby causing more convenience in using an electric motorcycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Shuei-Yuan Lee
  • Patent number: 6848527
    Abstract: A motorized skateboard or skateboard-like vehicle including a deck upon which the user can stand, fore and aft skateboard-like trucks and a drive wheel mounted intermediate the fore and aft trucks. A suspension allows a range of travel above the drive wheel relative to the deck. In one aspect, a biasing means biases the drive wheel away from the deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2005
    Inventor: Lucas J. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040238251
    Abstract: A lightweight highly maneuverable vehicle capable of traveling on multiple surfaces is disclosed. The driver of the vehicle is in a substantially standing position. The vehicle uses a track drive and a single steering mechanism. The track is driven with a gas or electric motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Shay Oron, Itzik Oron
  • Publication number: 20040231903
    Abstract: The present invention provides a supplementary propulsion apparatus for imparting thrust to a person and a method of manufacturing a supplementary propulsion apparatus. According to one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a supporting shell; a harness in communication with the supporting shell for attaching the apparatus to a person; an engine fixedly attached to the supporting shell; a control device in operative communication with engine; and a propulsion system with at least one fan having a diameter less than fourteen (14) inches operatively connected to the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventor: Shaahin Sean Shayan
  • Patent number: 6796394
    Abstract: A skateboard includes a board member, a front roller, a rear roller, a pair of left and right intermediate rollers disposed between the front and rear rollers, and a driving unit for driving the left and right intermediate rollers. A control unit is operable among a first mode, in which the driving unit is activated to drive the left and right intermediate rollers, a second mode, in which the driving unit is deactivated, a third mode, in which the driving unit is activated to drive one of the left and right intermediate rollers, and a fourth mode, in which the driving unit is activated to drive the other one of the left and right intermediate rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventor: Shen-Keng Lin
  • Publication number: 20040163867
    Abstract: A vehicle for transporting a rider includes a platform for supporting the rider and at least one skate truck coupled to the platform and including a housing. An axel included in the skate truck extends through the housing to support a wheel having a rotational relationship with both the housing and the platform. Motive power rotates the wheel relative to the platform a free-wheel bearing includes first portions coupled to the wheel and second portions coupled to the motive power. The second portions of the bearing have a fixed relationship with the first portions of the bearing when rotated in a first relative direction, and have a free-wheeling relationship with the first portions of the bearing when rotated in a second relative direction opposite to the first relative direction. When the motive power comprises a motor, portions of the platform can be adapted to receive a battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Roger Hillman
  • Publication number: 20040079571
    Abstract: The present invention is a suspensioned motor powered scooter with a front steered wheel, a rear driven wheel, a chassis, a motor, and a shock absorber. The front and rear wheels are wide enough to allow the scooter to remain independently upright upon a rider's dismount. A swing arm assembly maintains a fixed relationship between the motor and the rear wheel. In addition, the motor bears only a pivotal relationship with the chassis such that any shock resulting from operation of the scooter over rough terrain is absorbed by the swing arm assembly and shock absorber rather than by the chassis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2002
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Inventors: Erik Laver, Penny laver
  • Publication number: 20040026145
    Abstract: A positioning structure of a dynamic scooter comprises a handle supporter, a linkage seat, and a bicycle body. A lower end of the handle supporter is engaged with a linkage. A bottom end of the bicycle body has a front wheel and a rear end of the bicycle body has a rear wheel. The treadle is installed at an upper side of the bicycle body; and a front end of the treadle has an ear. The ear is connected to the stud of the linkage. The treadle is positioned to the bicycle body. When the treadle is pivotally lifted, the bicycle body pivotally rotates and is positioned. A bottom of the treadle is installed with a first buckle and an upper side of the bicycle body is installed with a second buckle so that the treadle is tightly adhered to the bicycle body by the buckles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Mey-Chu Lan
  • Publication number: 20040026144
    Abstract: An electric driving scooter installed with a motor for driving one rear wheel is disclosed. One side of the car body has a seat fixed. One outer lower edge of the seat is pivotally installed with a driven wheel and the seat is installed with a battery set. Power of the battery set is transferred to a controller and the motor through electric wires. A bottom of the car body has an auxiliary battery set the power of which is transferred to the controller and the auxiliary battery set is connected to the battery set in parallel. Thereby, the user can select one of the battery sets by a controller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: May-Chu Lan
  • Publication number: 20030234128
    Abstract: A personal transportation apparatus (10) having a housing (12) and a handle (14) which has a right handle (14R) pivotally connected to the housing right (12R)and a left handle (14L) pivotally connected to the housing left (12L) connected to rheostats electrically connected to the battery. A right leg (16R) having a right leg upper shaft (16RA) pivotally connected to the housing right (12R) and a left leg (16L) having a left leg upper shaft (16LA) pivotally connected to the housing left (12L). A right slipper (18R) having right slipper heel (18RA) securely connected to a right slipper toe (18RB) by a right slipper sole (18RC). A right slipper rear wheel (18RR) and right slipper front wheel (18RF) are connected to a right electric motor (not shown) positioned within the right slipper (18R). The right electric motor (not shown) is electrically connected to the right rheostat (not shown).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventors: David Maurer, James J. Bordonaro, Alan Walerstein
  • Publication number: 20030221887
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electric wheel structure capable of being directly driven by motor power, wherein a wheel, a motor, and a power transmission structure are jointly structured to directly drive an electric wheel. The object is to provide a better power transmission efficiency and avoid the contamination of external environment to the power transmission structure, thereby enhancing the power transmission efficiency, lengthening the lifetime of use of the electric vehicle, and simplifying the maintenance. The present invention lets the power transmission structure directly drive a wheel axle. A support frame bearing is installed between the wheel axle and a wheel support frame, and is used as a transmission interface between the vehicle load and the wheel axle. The motor structure body is fixedly installed at the wheel support frame. The power transmission output end directly drives the wheel axle to lead the wheel structure to rotate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2002
    Publication date: December 4, 2003
    Inventor: Chun-Pu Hsu
  • Patent number: 6640919
    Abstract: A device for pulling a skater including a longitudinal frame, handle bars provided at the upper end potion of the frame and a ground engaging drive wheel rotatably coupled to a lower end portion of the frame. A prime mover is mounted on the frame so as to drive the drive wheel, and a unit for controlling a rotational speed of the drive wheel is coupled thereto. An arm having at least one ground engaging jockey wheel is rotatably coupled to one end thereof and in movably connected at its opposite end to the frame in such a manner that the jockey wheel is disposed substantially rearwardly of the drive wheel when the device is in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: George Antony Towler
  • Patent number: 6631777
    Abstract: A vehicle designed specifically to pull persons standing upright on roller skates, ice skates, skis etc. The invention can be configured to operate on any surface and comprises of an engine driving a wheel or track, connected through a frame to a body pad complete with shoulder and arm supports. The body pad can pivot independently of the frame. Handgrip controls contain actuators for acceleration and braking. The purpose of the invention being to produce a vehicle that allows the operator to be in complete control and to be able to make abrupt turns, accelerate or decelerate, all in an efficient manner. The operator of the vehicle remains in close contact with the vehicle by means of a torso clamp or belt securing the operator to a body pad. The torso clamp or belt can be adjusted to automatically release and disengage the operator in the event of a fall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Inventor: Allister Wade Thompson
  • Publication number: 20030042058
    Abstract: A scooter assembly has a detachable motor. The motor is biased to urge the motor into engagement with one of the wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2001
    Publication date: March 6, 2003
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 6493612
    Abstract: An autonomous vehicle, such as a robotic cleaning device, includes wheels which support the vehicle and allow the vehicle to traverse a surface. Downward looking wheel sensors sense the presence of a surface in front of the wheels. Another sensor is provided at or near a leading edge of the vehicle for sensing the presence beneath the leading edge of the vehicle. The vehicle is arranged so that movement of the vehicle is possible if the leading edge sensor senses that there is no surface beneath the leading edge of the vehicle, provided that the wheel sensors indicate that there is a surface adjacent to the wheel. When the leading edge sensor senses that there is no surface beneath the leading edge of the vehicle, the vehicle performs an edge following routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Dyson Limited
    Inventors: David Lindsey Bisset, Alan Gerard Clark
  • Patent number: 6467559
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a propulsion device and method of use of the propulsion device that propels at least one user equipped with at least one friction-reducing device. The propulsion device typically comprises a motor, a drive train, and a traction device attached or incorporated into a frame. At least one user is secured to the device by straps that engage the user at a waist level or shoulder level interface. The user may direct the propulsion device by acting upon the handlebars that are adjustably attached to the frame of the propulsion device. Moreover, multiple users using multiple propulsion devices can engage in social group or competitive activities. The propulsion device offers the versatility of being able to traverse numerous forms of terrain while using a variety of friction-reducing devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Motoroller Propulsion Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Farrell, Hans J. Fischer
  • Patent number: 6341658
    Abstract: A modular vehicle system consisting of a rear propulsion device and a variety of different front-end assemblies that can be attached to the rear propulsion device to create different types of motorized vehicles. The rear propulsion device contains a frame, an engine mounted to that frame and a drive wheel that is driven by the engine. The front-end assemblies contain a frame, a steering fork element and a steering mechanism for turning the steering fork element. The steering fork supports either a front wheel or a ski. The frame of the front-end assembly attaches to the frame of the rear propulsion device in order to create a vehicle upon which a person can sit. At any time, the front-end assembly can be exchanged with another of a different configuration in order to change the physical characteristics of the resultant vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Greg Rosenwald
  • Patent number: 6318491
    Abstract: A driving brake assembly of a scooter includes a connecting bracket secured to a frame and having two sides each provided with an ear plate for pivoting a wheel; a base pivotally mounted on the connecting bracket and having a first end formed with a front pedal, and a second end formed with a rear pedal, a wheel protecting slot defined in the base for receiving the wheel, a brake pad formed on the base to pivot with the base to press the wheel; an elastic member mounted between the base and the connecting bracket; a driver secured on the base and including a rotatable friction wheel pivoted with the base to press the wheel for driving the wheel to rotate; and a microswitch mounted on the base and connected to the driver for starting and stopping operation of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ko Chen Tung
  • Patent number: 6193003
    Abstract: The device is a portable tractor with attachments for powering skiers, skaters, snowboarders, and the like. It employs a rigid pole to deliver the thrust to a belt which converts the thrust to a pull on the skier's lower back, leaving the skier's arms, hands, legs and feet free to perform their usual skiing functions. The pole also provides leverage to turn the tractor so that it follows the skier's movements. The device provides controls over the tractor's engine to the skier's hands, or to other parts of the skier's body. The tractor has crawler treads bearing retractable cleats which automatically convert into sled runners so the skier can travel downhill pulling the tractor without dismounting the tractor. The tractor can be folded up and transported by backpack. Various attachments enable use of the tractor to power skates, sleds, snowboards and similar vehicles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Inventor: Harry E Dempster
  • Patent number: 6182779
    Abstract: A power transmission device having at least two one-way clutches is used to transmit the driving force of the power generator to the right and left drive wheels. By this power transmission device, it is possible to transmit the driving force of the power generator to the right and left drive wheels almost half and half when the wheel contact load are the same. While if the drive wheels rotate at a different speed, hardly any driving force is transmitted to the side of the drive wheel which can rotate faster and the driving force is mainly transmitted to the wheel rotates slowly. Accordingly, it is possible to transmit the power without fail to the drive wheel which touches the ground even when the transportation device is curving or slipping, or when one of the wheels parts from the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Kiyoyuki Hosoda
  • Patent number: 6155363
    Abstract: A crawler belt vehicle comprises a chassis, a pair of first wheels mounted on the chassis, a pair of second wheels mounted on the chassis, a pair of crawler belts each trained around the first pair of wheels and the second pair of wheels, and a pair of equalizers each for pressing one of the crawler belts against a ground. Each of the crawler belts has low-friction members spaced-apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the crawler belt. Each of the equalizers has a leaf spring having a first end connected to the chassis and a second end opposite the first end, and a slider supported on the second end of the leaf spring for undergoing pivotal movement about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the crawler belt for pressing the crawler belt against the ground by the resiliency of the leaf spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Naoki Matsumoto, Yasutomo Abe, Kenjiro Hiratsuna, Masahiro Akiyama, Tsuyoshi Yoshigasaki, Hajime Yoshimura, Toshiyuki Kitazawa
  • Patent number: 5975229
    Abstract: The stand-up transportation device according to this invention comprises the shafts to which the front wheel and the rear wheel are assembled respectively, and the frame connecting these shafts. This transportation device also has the drive equipment that can drive the wheels on the shafts. Therefore, the user can run on a plane, an ascending slope or a rough road standing on the frame of this automatic transportation device as when they rides on a snowboard and the like, and changing the course by shifting the weight. As the transportation device is made of the shafts and the frame combined in a simple way, the user can readily enjoy riding on it at any time and anywhere. And the user can enjoy the drive feeling as they ride on a snowboard and the like without snow. Also, they can enjoy riding on it for a long distance or time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Kiyoyuki Hosoda
  • Patent number: 5950754
    Abstract: A multi-terrain riding board includes an elongate deck mounted on a chassis, a front axle assembly pivotally coupled with the chassis and including a pair of horizontal spindles rotatable about respective vertical axes, a pair of wheels mounted for rotation about the spindles, a pair of tie rods connected between the chassis and the spindles to transfer tilting movement of the chassis into rotation of the spindles about the vertical axes, a rear axle coupled with the chassis, and a rear wheel rotatably mounted on the rear axle. In one embodiment, the rear axle is fixedly connected to the chassis so that the rear wheel cambers in response to angulation of the deck; however, the rear axle can be pivotally coupled with the chassis and provide with a pair of spindles and tie rods to steer like the front axle assembly if desired. Preferably, horizontal tension springs are connected between the spindles and a bottom portion of the chassis to help stabilize the deck of the riding board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Albert J. Ondrish, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5913373
    Abstract: A personal traction transportation vehicle which includes two pulley-motor-wheels which drive a connected chassis forward. The chassis is stabilized by a connection to a drag pole which is controlled by the operator. The vehicle is electrically driven by a removable battery pack. At least one drag pole of the two simulated ski poles is attached to the chassis through joints in a manner allowing the handles of the ski poles to be free to move in the plane normal to the direction of forward movement. The other drag pole can be connected through a universal joint. The vehicle is steered by differentially pulling on the drag poles. The user is not restricted in the typical operating range of vertical movement the stabilizing pole, since the chassis is able to rotate within broad constraints about the axis of the drive wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Inventor: Kenneth Roy Forrest
  • Patent number: 5893425
    Abstract: An electric powered skateboard having an electric motor which directly drives one of the wheels of the skateboard. The board is preferably controlled by a remote controller which smoothly accelerates the motor and also smoothly brakes the motor electrically. Preferably the direct drive is through a toothed belt and preferably a high torque/low RPM electric motor is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Inventor: Louis J. Finkle
  • Patent number: 5735361
    Abstract: A personal traction transportation vehicle which includes two gear-motor-wheels which drive a connected chassis forward. The chassis is stabilized by a third trailing caster wheel. The vehicle is electrically driven by a removable battery pack. At least one and preferably two drag poles simulating ski poles are attached to the chassis through universal joints in a manner allowing the handles of the ski poles to be free to move in the plane normal to the direction of forward movement. The vehicle is steered by either twisting the poles which turn the front two wheels, or by motoring the front drive wheels independently, or by differentially pulling on the drag poles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Inventor: Kenneth R. Forrest
  • Patent number: 5562176
    Abstract: A motor arrangement for a roller skater comprising a frame provided with a prime mover, a pair of tires mounted on a transversal axle connected to the frame, a drive bar integral with such frame and carrying at the fore end the motor controls, and a thrust cross-bar secured to the drive bar and pushing the body of the user seizing such drive bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1996
    Inventors: Fabrizio Lucernoni, Giorgio Lazzeri
  • Patent number: 5385210
    Abstract: A tow vehicle system which includes a vehicle chassis, a vehicle drive mechanism and a power actuating mechanism for driving a wheel member in frictional engagement with a base surface. The tow vehicle system includes a pair of batteries which are mounted on opposing sides of a drive axle of wheel member. A motor member is mounted in vertical aligned relation with respect to drive axle to maintain a longitudinally balanced weight relation of the tow vehicle system about drive axle. In this manner, maneuverability and control of tow vehicle system is optimized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Inventor: William B. Harvey
  • Patent number: 5332058
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-propelled scooter for transporting and carrying uphill one or more persons on snow and/or ice. The self-propelled scooter comprises a supporting structure which supports a gearmotor unit which actuates a roller which is arranged so that its axis is horizontal and is rotatably supported by the supporting structure about its own axis. The gearmotor unit is arranged inside the roller and the roller is provided, on its cylindrical surface, with devices for increased grip on lo snow and/or ice which allow the advancement of the scooter when the roller is actuated. A seat arranged above the roller and suitable to accommodate at least one person is furthermore connected to said supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Nunziato Bianco
  • Patent number: 5222569
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a propulsion apparatus for imparting thrust to a person. The propulsion apparatus is configured so as to be disposed or mounted on the user such that the thrust is transmitted to the rear of the user's pelvic area. The propulsion apparatus may, for example, include a motor which is connected to a propeller for providing forward thrust. The propulsion, apparatus may, in particular, be used in association with skis for travelling over a snow covered surface; however, it may be used in association with other similar or analogous devices for travel over the same or other surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Inventor: Yvon Martel
  • Patent number: 5127488
    Abstract: A power supplying accessory that can readily be retrofitted to an unpowered skateboard includes a leaf spring having a front end and a rear end; the front end including holes sized and spaced to fit on the threaded fasteners that attach the rear truck to the body of the skateboard; the leaf spring being secured between the rear truck and the body of the skateboard; the rear end of the leaf spring being attached to a drive assembly that includes an internal combustion engine, a drive wheel and a speed reducer; the leaf spring, in its unloaded condition, holding the drive wheel below an imaginary ground plane tangent to both the front and rear wheel of the skateboard, so that when the skateboard is loaded, the leaf spring preloads the drive wheel against the ground while the use of the rear truck of the skateboard permits the skateboard to retain its steering characteristics, thereby making it easy to learn to use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Tom Shanahan, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Shanahan
  • Patent number: 5020621
    Abstract: An electrically driven brake controlled skateboard employing an electric motor and associated battery mounted on the bottom of its foot supporting board employs a pulley arrangement whereby the initial slipping of its belt acts as a clutch for transferring rotational power from the motor to a U-grooved drive wheel of the skateboard. The U-groove is low cut so that the drive belt is partially exposed to the road surface. A dual purpose tether mounted brake control and on/off switch is used to control the braking of the skateboard and the energization of the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Inventor: Christopher V. Martin
  • Patent number: 4921513
    Abstract: A method is shown for manufacturing a skateboard having an upper and lower surface. A pre-printed label is applied to the board lower surface by a suitable adhesive so that the outer periphery of the label matches the contours of the board lower surface. The label is then sealed by applying a suitable coating to protect the label.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1989
    Date of Patent: May 1, 1990
    Assignee: Nash Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Keith Parten
  • Patent number: 4754825
    Abstract: The game sled of the instant invention includes an elongate, game carrying box which has spaced apart, substantially parallel sides and a planar base. The forward end of the box is streamlined for easy movement over and around obstructions. The game sled is drawn over a surface by a powered winch which is mounted in the box and which includes a spool having a length of cable wound thereon. The cable is played off of the spool and attached to a fixed object. The winch is then used to draw the sled towards the fixed object. A cable is trained from the spool through a cable guide, located in a substantially V-shaped fairlead located at the front end of the box. The free ends of the fairlead are attached at the sides of the box such that the apex of the V, containing the cable guide, is vertically swingable to assist clearance of the box over and around obstacles as the sled is drawn over the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1988
    Inventor: Darrell J. Scheffer
  • Patent number: 4519470
    Abstract: A self-propelled unit (3), usable by a skier for moving along a rising snow path, comprises a frame (7), rolling structure (12) for the movement of the self-propelled unit (3) along the snow, an engine (20) for driving the rolling structure (12), a transmission (21, 25) which connects the engine (20) to the rolling structure (12), and a control (4) for the engine (20). The self-propelled unit (3) is of such dimensions and weight as to be portable. It is also provided with structure (14 and 34) for the releasable connection of the frame to the skis (2) and sticks (37) of the skier. This connection (14 and 34) is configured in such a manner that a large part of the weight of the skier acts on the self-propelled unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Inventor: Giovanni Allisio
  • Patent number: 4456089
    Abstract: A driving vehicle by which a skater may enjoy skating by being pulled or pushed, said vehicle comprises a frame constituting a framework, a handle provided at the upper end portion of said frame, a rotary wheel means rotatably provided at the lower end portion of said frame and a prime mover mounted on one portion of said frame so as to drive said rotary wheel means, said handle is further provided with an accelerator operating portion for controlling rotational speed of said prime mover and a brake operating portion for braking said rotary wheel means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1984
    Inventor: Akira Kuwahara
  • Patent number: 4307788
    Abstract: A motorized "stand-up" snow vehicle comprising a frame having a driving means thereon, a forward steering ski controlled by a steering unit which extends to a height above the frame sufficient to be easily grasped by a standing operator. The steering unit is a vertical steering rod causing turning to the right when its upper end is moved to the right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1981
    Inventor: Stuart T. Shelton