Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02429881 2004-10-28
SPECIFICATION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle for
recreational
riding and racing, most commonly used on hard packed sloped surfaces. Most
particularly,
the invention relates to a durable, stable, easy to maneuver vehicle with an
extruded
aluminum chassis, molded seat with raised hand grips on the top edge, a molded
curved leg
rest, with polyurethane front and rear bumpers, two custom axle assemblies
with four
polyurethane wheels, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake. Also the
invention
relates to a vehicle which is ridden in a seated position with legs cradled on
a curved leg
rest, and which is steered by leaning to the left for left turns, and leaning
to the right for
right turns. Braking is accomplished by leaning back on a hinged back plate
which is
formed to caress the rear wheels and cause the vehicle to stop. The invention
was designed
to allow for simple manufacturing of parts and easy assembly, while not
jeopardizing the
stability, durability, and performance of the vehicle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Although there are various patents disclosing embodiments for wheeled vehicles
and
skateboard trucks, the following patents known to the inventor hereof, do not
in any
manner suggest or teach the Gravity Driven Lean to Steer Wheeled Vehicle
disclosed and
claimed by the applicant in the instant application for patent.
Canadian Patent Application 2,238,468 to Way. Walton, and Newton discloses a
gravity
driven steerable wheeled vehicle for recreational use, most particularly on
surfaces such as
pavement, artificial hard-pack turf, mountain slopes, dirt roads, grass and
hard-packed
snow. The vehicle has at least (3) but preferably four (4) wheels which may or
may not be
on independent axles one from the other and which may or may not be each
independently
shock suspended. There is also a steering mechanism for steering the vehicle
and a driver
compartment portion for containing a driver of the vehicle in a prone face-
down and face-
forward position. The vehicle is steerable by the driver from the prone face-
down and
face-forward position. The vehicle may further have a braking system for
slowing or
stopping the vehicle and a harness apparatus for harnessing the driver onto
and into the
vehicle. The gravity driven steerable wheeled vehicle mentioned above is
driven in a prone
face-down and face forward position. In the description of the preferred
embodiments in
the 29 of 30~' paragraph "the weight is approximately 100 pounds; the length
is about
70 inches; the width is about 40 inches..."
The above vehicle is driven in a different position then the instant gravity
driven lean to
steer wheeled vehicle, which is driven, in a seated position with legs on a
forward
positioned leg rest. The above vehicle has a steering mechanism where the
instant gravity
driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle relies simply on a balanced leaning
pressure exerted on
the pivoting axle assemblies to turn the vehicle. The above vehicle is complex
and heavy,
the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle weighs approximately
10 to 20
pounds; the length is under 42 inches; the width is about 17 %2 inches.
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Canadian Patent 1.073.492 to Kimmell. and Mattel. Issued Mar 1 l, 1980
discloses a
skateboard truck having a cup-shaped housing with the axis thereof transverse
to a
mounting plate member secured adjacent the housing opening, the bottom of the
housing
pivotally secured thereto a trunnion supporting a transversely extending axle
and wheel
assembly. An annular rubber cushion fits within the cup in alignment with the
axis thereof,
the inner surface of the cup and the cushion being matingly configured to
restrain the
cushion from rotating. A member is received within the cushion, the member
having
diametrically opposed outwardly extending flanges received within splits
within the
cushion, the member being secured for rotation with the trunnion whereby the
surfaces
of the flanges apply circumferential compressive forces to the adjacent
surfaces of the
cushion during pivoting of the trunnion. Means are provided for axially
varying the
volume or density of the cushion whereby to vary the circumferential
compressive forces
resulting from pivoting of the trunnion.
The preceding mentioned skateboard truck however very similar in design to the
axle
assembly being used on the instant gravity driven lean to steer wheeled
vehicle; it does not
offer the stability, nor the strength required for the instant gravity driven
lean to steer
wheeled vehicle. Instead of "a member having diametrically opposed outwardly
extending flanges received within splits within the cushion, the member being
secured
for rotation"(see fig 3 / 4 patent app'cation CA1073492), the instant axle
assembly
relies on a design, where a pivot pin which is cast with the axle in an
opposing angle to the
trunnion mount sits in a pivot bushing securing the axle from rotating (see
fig 4 section A).
The average skateboard truck axle length is between five and inches and is
generally light
in construction to allow for tricks and maneuvering. The instant axle length
is ten inches
and is designed with heavier gussets and a larger shaft diameter, and is
designed for
stability and strength and has no practical use for skateboards.
U.S. Patent 1.052.722 to RA. Hegel Issued Feb. 11, 1913 shows a coasting
device with a
pair of rollers generally underneath the rider and a foot rest at the front
end. Forward
movement is accomplished by pushing offwith a stick, and braking is done by
leaning
forward and having the front end contact the ground.
The above coasting device is different then the instant gravity driven lean to
steer
wheeled vehicle which has raised hand grips on a molded seat, a molded curved
leg rest
which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 1,327.123 to F. Thomas Issued Jan. 6, 1920 shows a coaster which
utilizes
single rollers, hand holding means through notches provided at the sides of
the seating
surface, a hand lever for brakes, and foot pegs which are used to steer the
coaster.
The above coaster is different then the instant gravity driven lean to steer
wheeled
vehicle which has raised hand grips on a molded seat, a molded curved leg rest
which
cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
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U.S. Patent 4.098,519 to Thomas J. Reid. Jr. Issued Jul. 4, 1978 shows a
wheeled sled
having front steering and hand brakes, and slots on the riding surface to act
as hand holds.
It is ridden in a face down face forward position to be able to steer and
brake.
The above wheeled sled is different then the instant gravity driven lean to
steer wheeled
vehicle which is ridden in a seated position, has raised handgrips on a molded
seat, with a
molded curved leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate
which acts as
a brake.
U.S. Patent 4.134.599 to DiMille Issued Jan. 16. 1979 shows a runnerless
roller sled
which shows a wheeled vehicle with front handgrips and hand brakes, and slots
on the sides for gripping the sled while bellywhopping. It is ridden in a face
down face
forward position, and brakes are applied by hand levers.
The above runnerless roller sled is different then the instant gravity driven
lean to steer
wheeled vehicle which is ridden in a seated position, it has raised handgrip
on a molded
seat, with a molded curved leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a
hinged back plate
which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 4,323.258 to Culpeper Issued Air. 6,1982 shows a convertible
coaster
having runners or wheels, which is fabricated in the shape of an airplane, it
has up to six
roller assemblies or runners, pedals at the front end for braking, and a
lanyard for steering.
The above convertible coaster having runners or wheels is different then the
instant
gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a
molded seat, a
molded curved leg rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate
which acts as
a brake.
U.S. Patent 4.323.261 to Samuelson Issued Apr. 6. 1982 shows a framework for a
skateboard which is to be clamped to a skateboard, to allow less experienced
people to ride
on a skateboard in a seated position.
The above framework for a skateboard is different then the instant gravity
driven lean to
steer wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded
curved leg
rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a
brake.
U.S. Patent 4.336.952 to Arnold Rochman Issued Jun. 29, 1982 shows a vehicle
with a
balancing plane having a seat with handle grips at the rear, hand brake levers
on the sides
which contact the ground, and foot rest at the front which are used for
steering
The above vehicle with a balancing plane is different then the instant gravity
driven lean
to steer wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded
leg rest
which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 4.384731 to Webb Issued Max 24, 1983 shows a reclinable skateboard
which has a backrest and two elevated foot rest at the front for steering.
The above reclinable skateboard is different then the instant gravity driven
lean to steer
wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded curved
leg rest
which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
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U.S. Patent 4.887,824 to Zatlin Issued Dec. 19. 1989 shows a skatecraft which
shows a
curved platform with roller assemblies at the front and back, as well as on
the upper sides
to assist the vehicle when it tilts.
'The above skatecraft is different then the instant gravity driven lean to
steer wheeled
vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded curved leg rest
which
cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 5.354,081 to Hunan Issued Oct. 11, 1994 shows a stunt riding toy
which
shows a seat at the rear, a wheel assembly at the front and at the rear,
handle bars which
project outward from the front of the seat for holding on to, handbrakes, and
footrest at the
front.
The above stunt riding toy is different then the instant gravity driven lean
to steer
wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded curved
leg zest
which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a brake.
U.S. Patent 5.915.707 to Steffen Issued Jun. 29. 1999 shows a skate-board for
reclined
use which shows a curved platform with two wheel assemblies which is ridden
laying
down on ones back, the rider holds onto two post type handgrips with hand
brakes.
The above skateboard for reclined use is different then the instant gravity
driven lean to
steer wheeled vehicle which has raised handgrips on a molded seat, a molded
curved leg
rest which cradles the riders legs, and a hinged back plate which acts as a
brake.
The patents noted herein provide information regarding the developments that
have taken
place in the field of non motorized vehicle technology and skateboard trucks.
Clearly the
Gravity Driven Lean to Steer Wheeled Vehicle provides many advantages over the
prior art
inventions noted above. It is a lightweight vehicle, which is simple in
overall design
allowing for inexpensive manufacturing and assembly, giving a durable product
with a
stable and controlled ride.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The most fundamental objects and advantages of the invention are: 1 ) a
gravity driven
vehicle, 2) that such a vehicle is maneuvered by leaning in the direction you
wish to turn,
3) that such a vehicle has four wheels on two pivoting axles, 4) that such a
vehicle is ridden
in a seated position, 5) that such a vehicle is stable, 6) that such a vehicle
is stopped by
leaning back on a hinged back plate which is formed to contact the rear
wheels, '~ that such
a vehicle is durable, 8) that such a vehicle is affordable.
A primary object of the invention is to pa~ovide a stable, durable, and
affordable gravity
driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle for recreational riding and racing.
Comprising of an
extruded aluminum chassis mounted on two custom axle assemblies with
polyurethane
wheels one being positioned at the rear of the chassis and one being
positioned in between
the seat and the front of the chassis. A molded padded seat with raised
handgrips is
mounted on the chassis. The seat may or may not be adjustable, giving a choice
of forward
CA 02429881 2004-07-21
for shorter riders, or back ~:or taller riders. The chassis may, or may not be
telescopic to
accommodate shorter or taller riders. A molded curved padded leg rest is
fastened to the
front of the chassis to support and cradle the rider's legs. A hinged back
plate braking
system, and spring return is positioned behind the seat and fastened to the
chassis. The
vehicle also has polyureth~~ne front and rear bumpers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig.l shows a perspective view of the vehicle itemizing the vehicles basic
components,
illustrating the aluminum chassis, the custom axle assemblies with
polyurethane wheels.,
the adjustable molded padded seat with raised handgrips, the molded curved leg
rest, the
hinged back plate braking system, and the front and rear bumpers.
Fig. 2 shows a plan, side and front view of the vehicle itemizing the vehicles
components and listing them as: reference no., description, part no., and
quantity. This
figure also shows basic dimensions.
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the axle assembly itemizing its components.
Fig. 4 shows a plan, front, and sectional side view labeled (Section A)
itemizing the axle:
assemblies components arid listing them as: reference no., description, part
no., and
quantity. This figure also shows basic dimensions.
Fig. 5 shows a perspecrive of the brake assembly itemizing its components.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following is a description of the preferred embodiment of the invention.
In order to most simply and clearly characterize the essential features of the
invention
reference is made to drawings Fig 1, Fig 2, Fig 3, Fig 4, and Fig 5.
With reference now to Fig 1, and Fig 2 there is illustrated a gravity driven
lean to steer
wheeled vehicle comprising of an extruded aluminum chassis (01 ) mounted on
two custom
axle assemblies (02) with eight screws (04) sixteen washers (OS) and eight
nuts (06). Two
polyurethane wheels (08) are sandwiched between two bearings (07) and are
fastened to the
axles with four nuts (09). The leg rest (10) is mounted integrally with the
front bumper
(11) at the front of the vehicle with two screws (12) four washers (13) and
two nuts (14).
The seat is mounted at the; back of the vehicle with three screws (12) six
washers (13) and
three nuts (14). The back lbumper (17) is inserted in the back of the chassis
(O1) and
secured with a screw (18). Two handgrips (19) are slotted and fit over the top
edges of the
molded seat (15) and are ~;ecured with eight screws (20). A hinged back plate
braking
system (21) with spring reaurn (22) is bolted to the rear underside of the
chassis behind the
seat with a bolt (23) two washers (24) and a locknut (09).
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The driver of the vehicle is held in place by the molded padded seat and
handgrips. The
molded padded leg rest having a curved face helps cradle and keep the driver's
legs in
position. The custom axle assemblies Fig 3 and Fig 4 are ten inches in width,
which give
needed lateral stability. The chassis is made from 1 %Z inch x 3 inch x (34 to
40) inch long
extruded aluminum tube with .120 inch wall thickness and .120 inch radiused
corners.
The molded seat may he manufactured with aluminum, molded fiberglass, or
plastic.
The seat has closed cell foam laminated to the top surface to provide a
cushion.
The handgrips may be manufactured from plastic, polyurethane, rubber; or may
even bf;
molded as part of the seat.
The molded leg rest may be manufactured with aluminum, molded fiberglass, or
plastic;.
The leg rest has closed cell foam laminated to the top surface to provide a
cushion.
With reference now to Fig 3 and Fig 4 the axle assembly is made of two main
components. The base (50) which is an aluminum casting, and the 5/16 inch
diameter x 10
inch wide steel axle cast in aluminum (54). The two parts are mated together
as shown in
Fig 4 Section A, with a polyurethane pivot bushing (51 ) inserted in the base.
A 3/8-24 x 2
inch Hex Head Cap Screw (52) inserted through the base (50) with a large
polyurethane
bushing (53) between the base (50) and the axle (54) a smaller polyurethane
bushing (55) at
the bottom with a cup washer (56) and a Nylock Nut (57) holding it together.
The amount
of stability can be regulated simply by tightening the nut (57) limiting the
amount of pivot
and turn giving more sta>,~ility, or by loosening the nut (57) increasing the
pivot and turn
giving more turning abili~~y.
With reference now to Fig 5 the brake assembly (21) is made of a cushioned
back plate
which is attached to two vertical prongs which form a curved brake pad which
caresses thc:
rear wheels, and is attached to the lower rear portion of the chassis just
behind the seat to a
hinge plate (60) with a he:x head cap screw (23), washers (24), and a Nylock
Nut (09). A
spring (22) is used to keep the assembly in a brake off position.
The preferred size of the vehicle is as follows: the weight is approximately
12 to 16
pounds, the length is under 42 inches; the width is about 17 %Z inches; the
wheel base is
about 24 3/4 inches; and the height is about 10 S/16 inches.
It is thought that the present gravity driven lean to steer wheeled vehicle,
used for
recreational riding or racing down hard packed sloped surfaces, and many of
its outlined
advantages is understood from the foregoing description and it will be
apparent that various
changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts
thereof
without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing
all of its material
advantages, the form herf;in described being merely a preferred exemplary
embodiment
thereof.
