Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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APPARATUS INCLUDING USER-PLATFORM ASSEMBLY AND AIR-THRUSTING
ASSEMBLY AND METHOD THEREFOR
[001] TECHNICAL BACKGROUND
[002] Some aspects generally relate to (and are not limited to) an
apparatus
including a user-platform assembly and an air-thrusting assembly (and method
therefor).
[003] SUMMARY
[004] In view of the foregoing, it will be appreciated that there exists a
need to
mitigate (at least in part) problems associated with systems for transporting
a person.
After much study of the known systems and methods along with experimentation,
an
understanding of the problem and its solution has been identified and is
articulated
below.
[005] In order to mitigate, at least in part, the problem(s) identified
with existing
systems and/or methods for transporting a person, there is provided (in
accordance
with an aspect) an apparatus to be operated relative to a working surface; the
apparatus includes: a user-platform assembly configured to support a user in
response
to the user positioned (such as, standing) on the user-platform assembly; an
air-
thrusting assembly operatively coupled to the user-platform assembly, and the
air-
thrusting assembly configured to thrust air along: (A) a first direction
relative to the
working surface in such a way that the air-thrusting assembly urges the user-
platform
assembly to vertically hover, at least in part, over the working surface; and
(B) a
second direction relative to the working surface in such a way that the user-
platform
assembly travels, at least in part, horizontally along the working surface
while the air-
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thrusting assembly urges the user-platform assembly to vertically hover, at
least in
part, over the working surface.
[006] In order to mitigate, at least in part, the problem(s) identified
above, in
accordance with an aspect, there is provided a method for operating an
apparatus
relative to a working surface; the method includes: supporting a user on a
user-
platform assembly; thrusting air along a first direction relative to the
working surface
from an air-thrusting assembly operatively coupled to the user-platform
assembly, in
such a way that the air-thrusting assembly urges the user-platform assembly to
vertically hover, at least in part, over the working surface; and thrusting
air along a
second direction relative to the working surface from the air-thrusting
assembly, in
such a way that the user-platform assembly travels, at least in part,
horizontally along
the working surface while the air-thrusting assembly urges the user-platform
assembly
to vertically hover, at least in part, over the working surface.
[007] In order to mitigate, at least in part, the problem(s) identified
above, in
accordance with an aspect, there is provided other aspects as identified in
the claims.
[008] Other aspects and features of the non-limiting embodiments may now
become
apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed
description
of the non-limiting embodiments with the accompanying drawings.
[009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The non-limiting embodiments may be more fully appreciated by
reference to
the following detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments when taken
in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
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[0011] FIGS. la to id (SHEETS 1 to 2 of 10 SHEETS) depict views of
embodiments
of an apparatus to be operated relative to a working surface;
[0012] FIGS. 2a to 2j (SHEETS 3 to 5 of 10 SHEETS) depict views of
embodiments
of the apparatus of FIGS. la to id;
[0013] FIGS. 3a to 3c (SHEETS 6 to 7 of 10 SHEETS) depict views of
embodiments
of the apparatus of FIGS. la to id;
[0014] FIG. 4 (SHEET 8 of 10 SHEETS) depicts a schematic view of an
embodiment
of the apparatus of FIGS. la to id;
[0015] FIG. 5 (SHEET 9 of 10 SHEETS) depicts a view of an embodiment of the
apparatus of FIGS. la to id; and
[0016] FIGS. 6A and 6B (SHEET 10 of 10 SHEETS) depict views of embodiments
of
the apparatus of FIGS. la to id.
[0017] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may be illustrated by
phantom
lines, diagrammatic representations and fragmentary views. In certain
instances,
details not necessary for an understanding of the embodiments (and/or details
that
render other details difficult to perceive) may have been omitted.
[0018] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding components
throughout the several figures of the Drawings. Elements in the several
figures are
illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to
scale. For
example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be
emphasized
relative to other elements for facilitating an understanding of the various
presently
disclosed embodiments. In addition, common, but well-understood, elements that
are
useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are often not
depicted in
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order to facilitate a less obstructed view of the various embodiments of the
present
disclosure.
[0019] LISTING OF REFERENCE NUMERALS USED IN THE DRAWINGS
100 apparatus
102 user-platform assembly
104 air-thrusting assembly
106 interior chamber
107 outer-facing exterior surface
108 first interior chamber
110 second interior chamber
116 first surface portion
118 air-in portal
119 filter
120 bottom portion
122 air-out portal
123 lip
124 opposite sides
126 side-facing surface
128 top-facing surface
130 inter-cavity barrier
132 first direction
134 second direction
136 outer perimeter
138 skirt
140 intake direction
142 outtake direction
144 intake direction
146 outtake direction
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148 house chamber
150 battery chamber
152 first section
154 second section
156 centering device
158 rotation axis
160 airflow
200 first air-thrusting device
202 vertically-aligned fan
204 vertical-thrust motor assembly
206 coupling mechanism
208 battery assembly
300 second air-thrusting device
302 horizontally-aligned fan
304 horizontal section
306 first tubular unit
308 second tubular unit
310 first interior cavity
312 second interior cavity
314 air intake
315 filter
316 air outtake
320 horizontal-thrust motor
322 horizontal-thrust shaft
324 control switch
326 biasing mechanism
328 air inflow direction
330 air outflow direction
400 control circuit
402 first fuse assembly
403 second fuse assembly
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404 electrical conductors
406 power switch
502 first longitudinally-extending interior chamber
504 second longitudinally-extending interior chamber
506 third longitudinally-extending interior chamber
508 first horizontal interior wall
510 second horizontal interior wall
900 working surface
902 user
[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE NON-LIMITING EMBODIMENT(S)
[0021] The
following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not
intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the
described embodiments. As used herein, the word "exemplary" or "illustrative"
means
"serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation
described
herein as "exemplary" or "illustrative" is not necessarily to be construed as
preferred
or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations
described
below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the
art to
make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit
the scope
of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of the
description
herein, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "rear," "right," "front,"
"vertical,"
"horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the examples as oriented
in the
drawings. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or
implied
theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary
or the
following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific
devices and
processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following
specification, are simply exemplary embodiments (examples), aspects and/or
concepts
defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical
characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be
considered
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as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. It is understood
that "at least
one" is equivalent to "a". The aspects (examples, alterations, modifications,
options,
variations, embodiments and any equivalent thereof) are described with
reference to
the drawings. It should be understood that the invention is limited to the
subject
matter provided by the claims, and that the invention is not limited to the
particular
aspects depicted and described.
[0022] FIGS. la to id depict views of embodiments of an apparatus 100 to be
operated relative to a working surface 900. FIGS. la and lb depict side views.
FIGS.
lc and id depict perspective views (a frontal view and a rearward view,
respectively).
FIG. la depicts the apparatus 100 travelling along a forward horizontal
direction. FIG.
lb depicts the apparatus 100 travelling along a reversed horizontal direction.
[0023] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. la and lb, the
apparatus 100
is to be operated relative to the working surface 900. The working surface 900
includes water, ground, or a smooth surface, etc. The apparatus 100 may be
used as a
recreational vehicle or a recreational craft. The apparatus 100 includes (and
is not
limited to) a combination of a user-platform assembly 102 and an air-thrusting
assembly 104.
[0024] The user-platform assembly 102 is configured to support a user 902
in
response to the user 902 standing (that is, being positioned) on the user-
platform
assembly 102 (in this way, the user-platform assembly 102 supports the weight
of the
user 902). The user-platform assembly 102 may also be called a board assembly.
The
user-platform assembly 102 may be used on the working surface 900. The user-
platform assembly 102 is configured in such a way that the user 902 rides upon
the
user-platform assembly 102 in a standing position or crouching position. The
user-
platform assembly 102 is configured to receive and support the user 902 (an
operator).
The user-platform assembly 102 may require relatively better balance of the
user 902
(also called the rider). In accordance with an option, the user-platform
assembly 102
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is configured to be carried by the user 902 once the user 902 no longer stands
on (or is
supported) by the user-platform assembly 102. In accordance with a specific
option,
the user-platform assembly 102 is configured to receive and support a weight
of one
and only one user 902. For instance, the user-platform assembly 102 includes a
short
oblong housing or an elongated housing or simply a housing assembly. The user-
platform assembly 102 may include any suitable materials, such as wood,
plastic,
composite materials, metals, and/or light-weight materials that are
structurally sound.
[0025] The air-thrusting assembly 104 is configured to provide an air flow
for
supporting the user-platform assembly 102 above (vertically above) the working
surface 900 surface (such as, water, ice, snow, land, floor, any surface,
etc.). The air-
thrusting assembly 104 is operatively coupled to the user-platform assembly
102. The
air-thrusting assembly 104 is configured to thrust air along a first direction
132
relative to the working surface 900. It will be appreciated that the air-
thrusting
assembly 104 operates (in use) in such a way that the air-thrusting assembly
104 urges
the user-platform assembly 102 to vertically hover (along the first direction
132), at
least in part, over the working surface 900. For instance, the first direction
132 is
aligned perpendicular to the working surface 900.
[0026] It will be appreciated that the first air-thrusting device 200 is
depicted, in the
various embodiment of FIGS. 2a to 2j, in such a way that the first air-
thrusting device
200 is housed within (internally of) the user-platform assembly 102. It will
be
appreciated that the second air-thrusting device 300 is depicted, in the
various
embodiment of FIGS. 3a to 3c, in such a way that the second air-thrusting
device 300
is housed externally of the user-platform assembly 102. In accordance with a
first
option to what is depicted, it will also be appreciated by persons of skill in
the art that
the first air-thrusting device 200 is housed externally of the user-platform
assembly
102, and the second air-thrusting device 300 is housed internally of the user-
platform
assembly 102. In accordance with a second option to what is depicted, it will
also be
appreciated by persons of skill in the art that the first air-thrusting device
200 and the
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second air-thrusting device 300 are housed internally of the user-platform
assembly
102. In accordance with a third option to what is depicted, it will also be
appreciated
that the first air-thrusting device 200 and the second air-thrusting device
300 are
housed externally of the user-platform assembly 102.
[0027] The air-thrusting assembly 104 is also configured to thrust air
along a second
direction 134 relative to the working surface 900. It will be appreciated that
the air-
thrusting assembly 104 operates (in use) in such a way that the user-platform
assembly 102 travels (along the second direction 134), at least in part,
horizontally
along the working surface 900 while the air-thrusting assembly 104 urges the
user-
platform assembly 102 to vertically hover, at least in part, over the working
surface
900. The air-thrusting assembly 104 may also be called an air-propelling
assembly, or
an air-moving assembly; the air-thrusting assembly 104 is configured to
actively
forcefully move air directly along a predetermined direction (as opposed to
deflecting
moving air along a direction). For instance, the second direction 134 is
aligned
parallel to the working surface 900. The first direction 132 and the second
direction
134 are different directions (not coaxially aligned with each other).
[0028] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. la, lb, lc and id,
the
apparatus 100 is further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that
the
air-thrusting assembly 104 includes a combination of a first air-thrusting
device 200
(also depicted in FIG. 2e) and a second air-thrusting device 300 (also
depicted in FIG.
3a). The first air-thrusting device 200 and the second air-thrusting device
300 are
configured to be user-controllable.
[0029] The first air-thrusting device 200 is operatively coupled to the
user-platform
assembly 102. The first air-thrusting device 200 is configured to thrust air
along the
first direction 132 relative to the working surface 900. The first air-
thrusting device
200 is configured to operate in such a way that the first air-thrusting device
200 urges
the user-platform assembly 102 to vertically hover, at least in part, over the
working
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surface 900. For instance, the first air-thrusting device 200 is configured to
receive air
along an intake direction 144, and to expel forced air along an outtake
direction 146.
[0030] The second air-thrusting device 300 is operatively coupled to the
user-
platform assembly 102. The second air-thrusting device 300 is configured to
thrust air
along the second direction 134 relative to the working surface 900. The second
air-
thrusting device 300 is configured to operate in such a way that the user-
platform
assembly 102 travels, at least in part, horizontally along the working surface
900
while the first air-thrusting device 200 urges the user-platform assembly 102
to
vertically hover, at least in part, over the working surface 900. For
instance, the
second air-thrusting device 300 is configured to receive air along an intake
direction
140, and to expel forced air along an outtake direction 142.
[0031] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. la and lb, the
apparatus 100
is further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the first air-
thrusting
device 200 is configured to thrust air in a vertical direction from the user-
platform
assembly 102 relative to the working surface 900. The second air-thrusting
device 300
is configured to thrust air along a horizontal direction from the user-
platform
assembly 102 relative to the working surface 900.
[0032] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. la and lb, the
apparatus 100
is further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the first air-
thrusting
device 200 is configured to generate a cushion of air beneath the user-
platform
assembly 102. The first air-thrusting device 200 is configured to operate in
such a
way that the user-platform assembly 102 hovers, at least in part, vertically
from the
working surface 900.
[0033] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. la, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 is configured to receive and support the weight of one and only one user.
The
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apparatus 100 has weight and size that is convenient for the user to carry
around
unassisted (thus may be used in most urban areas, including parks, and most
roads).
The apparatus 100 may be transported by a single person, and may be used in
places
such as parks, or even sidewalks.
[0034] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. la and lb, the
apparatus 100
is further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-
platform
assembly 102 defines an interior chamber 106. The air-thrusting assembly 104
includes a first air-thrusting device 200. Additional details for the first
air-thrusting
device 200 are depicted in FIGS. 2a to 2j. The first air-thrusting device 200
is
configured to vertically lift the user-platform assembly 102 above, at least
in part, the
working surface 900. Additional details for the second air-thrusting device
300 are
depicted in FIGS. 3a to 3c.
[0035] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. la, there is provided
(in view of
the above description for the apparatus 100) a method for operating the
apparatus 100
relative to the working surface 900. The method includes (and is not limited
to) an
operational step of supporting the user 902 on the user-platform assembly 102.
The
method further includes an operational step of thrusting air along the first
direction
132 relative to the working surface 900 from the air-thrusting assembly 104
operatively coupled to the user-platform assembly 102, and this is done in
such a way
that the air-thrusting assembly 104 urges the user-platform assembly 102 to
vertically
hover, at least in part, over the working surface 900. The method further
includes an
operational step of thrusting air along the second direction 134 relative to
the working
surface 900 from the air-thrusting assembly 104, and this is done in such a
way that
the user-platform assembly 102 travels, at least in part, horizontally along
the working
surface 900 while the air-thrusting assembly 104 urges the user-platform
assembly
102 to vertically hover, at least in part, over the working surface 900.
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[0036] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. la, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 includes a bottom portion 120 and a lip 123 (a downward extending lip).
The lip
123 is located or positioned along the bottom portion 120 of the user-platform
assembly 102, around an outer edge (foot print) of the user-platform assembly
102
(and extends toward, at least in part, the working surface 900). The lip 123
is
configured to allow for uniform and stable lift off of the user-platform
assembly 102
by facilitating the release of a focused forced flow of air toward the working
surface
900 (depicted in FIG. la). It will be appreciated that the lip 123 is
optional.
[0037] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. lc and id, the
apparatus 100
is further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-
platform
assembly 102 defines an outer-facing exterior surface 107. The air-thrusting
assembly
104 includes a second air-thrusting device 300. As depicted in FIGS. lc and
id, there
are two instances of the second air-thrusting device 300 mounted on opposite
lateral
sides of the user-platform assembly 102. The horizontal thrust to be provided
by the
second air-thrusting device 300 may include a forward thrust (propulsion) or a
reverse
thrust (propulsion), depending on the manner in which the second air-thrusting
device
300 is operationally activated. Additional details for the second air-
thrusting device
300 are depicted in FIGS. 3a to 3c.
[0038] FIGS. 2a to 2j depict views of embodiments of the apparatus 100 to
be
operated relative to the working surface 900. FIG. 2a depicts a top view. FIG.
2b
depicts a bottom view. FIGS. 2c and 2d depict internal schematic views along a
longitudinal cross section through a middle portion of the apparatus 100. FIG.
2e
depicts a side view through the cross-sectional line A-A of FIG. 2d. FIG. 2f
depicts an
exploded side view through the cross-sectional line A-A of FIG. 2d. FIGS. 2g,
2h and
2i depict internal schematic views along a longitudinal cross section through
a middle
portion of the apparatus 100. FIG. 2j depicts a bottom view.
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[0039] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2a to 2j, the
apparatus 100 is
further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly 102 defines an interior chamber 106. The air-thrusting assembly 104
includes the first air-thrusting device 200. The first air-thrusting device
200 includes a
vertically-aligned fan 202. The vertically-aligned fan 202 is operatively
mounted to
the user-platform assembly 102 in the interior chamber 106 of the user-
platform
assembly 102. The vertically-aligned fan 202 is configured to generate a
cushion of
air between the user-platform assembly 102 and the working surface 900. The
vertically-aligned fan 202 is configured to operate in such a way that the
user-
platform assembly 102 hovers, at least in part, above the working surface 900.
It will
be appreciated that the air-thrusting assembly 104 is configured to pressurize
the
interior chamber of the user-platform assembly 102. It will be appreciated
that the air-
thrusting assembly 104 may be mounted relative to the user-platform assembly
102 in
any suitable (or convenient) manner or arrangement (such as, vertically,
inclined
relative to the vertical, etc.).
[0040] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2a, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 includes a top-facing surface 128 (which may be generically referred to as
a first
surface portion 116). The top-facing surface 128 defines instances of the air-
in portal
118. The instances of the air-in portal 118 are aligned along a row, one after
the other.
The instances of the air-in portal 118 are positioned on an outer edge region
of the
top-facing surface 128 (so that the user can reduce chances of interfering
with the
operation of the air-in portal 118). The air-in portal 118 is configured to
receive the
intake of air from the exterior of the user-platform assembly 102 to an
interior of the
user-platform assembly 102 (as depicted in FIG. 2e). In accordance with a
variation in
the embodiment depicted in FIG. lb, a side-facing surface 126 of the user-
platform
assembly 102 defines the instances of the air-in portal 118.
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[0041] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2a, a filter 119 (also called a
screen) is
positioned at each instance of the air-in portal 118. FIG. 2a depicts one
instance of the
filter 119 (for the sake of convenient illustration). The filter 119 may
include a formed
latticework configuration. The filter 119 is configured to prevent particulate
matter
from entering the user-platform assembly 102 and potentially jamming the first
air-
thrusting device 200.
[0042] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2b, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 has the bottom portion 120 that is perforated from which air flows out of
and
generates the cushion of air, which the user-platform assembly 102 rests on.
The user-
platform assembly 102 may provide a skirt 138 mounted to an outer perimeter
136 of
the user-platform assembly 102 (for keeping the cushion of air pressurized
underneath
the user-platform assembly 102 between the working surface 900 and the user-
platform assembly 102). The skirt 138 may extend across the bottom portion 120
of
the user-platform assembly 102 proximate to the air-out portal 122. The skirt
138 is
configured to focus the air exiting from the air-out portal 122 toward the
working
surface 900 (depicted in FIG. la). It will be appreciated that the skirt 138
is optional.
Groupings of the air-out portal 122 are provided for respective instances of
the
vertically-aligned fan 202 depicted in FIG. 2c. As depicted, the groupings of
the air-
out portal 122 are positioned on opposite end sections of the user-platform
assembly
102.
[0043] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2c and 2e, the
apparatus 100 is
further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the vertically-
aligned
fan 202 includes a vertical-thrust motor assembly 204. The vertical-thrust
motor
assembly 204 is operatively coupled to the vertically-aligned fan 202. In
response to
operation of the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204, the vertical-thrust motor
assembly 204 urges operative rotational movement of the vertically-aligned fan
202.
The vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 is configured to operate in such a way
that the
,
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vertically-aligned fan 202 imparts a vertical lifting force to the user-
platform
assembly 102 as a result of the vertically-aligned fan 202 operatively
thrusting air
from the exterior of the user-platform assembly 102 to the first interior
chamber 108
and then to the second interior chamber 110, and then to the exterior of the
user-
platform assembly 102. The vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 includes, for
example,
an electric motor or a gas-driven motor. The vertically-aligned fan 202
thrusts (pumps
or forcibly moves) air from the exterior of the user-platform assembly 102 to
the first
interior chamber 108 and then to the second interior chamber 110, and then to
the
exterior of the user-platform assembly 102. It will be appreciated that the
first air-
thrusting device 200 (or the vertically-aligned fan 202) may be aligned in any
suitable
(or convenient) directional alignment (such as, vertical, non-vertical,
inclined to the
vertical, etc.) relative to the orientation of the user-platform assembly 102.
[0044]
Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2c, the apparatus 100 is
further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the vertically-aligned
fan 202
further includes a coupling mechanism 206. In general terms, the coupling
mechanism
206 is configured to operatively couple (the shaft of) the vertical-thrust
motor
assembly 204 to (the shaft of) the vertically-aligned fan 202. For instance,
the
coupling mechanism 206 includes a belt (a belt drive), a gear (a gear drive),
a chain (a
chain drive), and/or a direct-drive device configured to directly connect
(couple) the
shaft of the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 to the shaft of the vertically-
aligned
fan 202. Generally, the coupling mechanism 206 is configured to operatively
couple
the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 to the vertically-aligned fan 202. The
axis of
the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 is spaced apart from the axis of the
vertically-
aligned fan 202. The axis of each instance of the vertically-aligned fan 202
is
positioned along a central longitudinal axis extending through the user-
platform
assembly 102. The axis of each instance of the vertical-thrust motor assembly
204 is
spaced apart from the central longitudinal axis extending through the user-
platform
assembly 102.
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[0045] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2c, the instances of the
vertically-aligned
fan 202 that are positioned on opposite sides of the user-platform assembly
102 are
configured to operate in counter rotation relative to each other. The
instances of the
vertically-aligned fan 202 are mirror images of each other; in this manner,
the
vertically-aligned fan 202 are configured to thrust (force air movement) in
the same
direction but while rotating in opposite directions in relation to each other.
The
purpose for this is to assist in balancing out angular momentum and assist in
preventing the user-platform assembly 102 from spinning out (rotating
inadvertently)
of control (along an undesired path).
[0046] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 2c and 2e, the
apparatus 100 is
further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the vertically-
aligned
fan 202 further includes a battery assembly 208. The battery assembly 208 is
supported by the user-platform assembly 102. The battery assembly 208 is
selectively
connectable to the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204. In response to
operative
connection of the battery assembly 208 to the vertical-thrust motor assembly
204, the
vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 is operationally activated. The vertical-
thrust
motor assembly 204 and the battery assembly 208 are located in the first
interior
chamber 108, and are embedded in an inter-cavity barrier 130 (depicted in
FIGS. 2e
and 2f) provided by the user-platform assembly 102.
[0047] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2d, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 is configured to define a house chamber 148. The house chamber 148 is
dimensioned (shaped or configured) to operatively receive the vertically-
aligned fan
202, the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 and the coupling mechanism 206
depicted
in FIG. 2c. The user-platform assembly 102 is configured to define a battery
chamber
150 configured to operatively receive the battery assembly 208.
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[0048] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2e, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the interior chamber 106
of the
user-platform assembly 102 includes the first interior chamber 108. The
interior
chamber 106 of the user-platform assembly 102 also includes the second
interior
chamber 110 that is spaced apart from the first interior chamber 108. The
first interior
chamber 108 and the second interior chamber 110 are in fluid communication
with
each other. The first interior chamber 108 is also called an upper cavity. The
second
interior chamber 110 is also called a lower cavity.
[0049] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2e, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 provides a first surface portion 116 configured to not face, in operation,
the
working surface 900. The first surface portion 116 defines an air-in portal
118 (also
depicted in FIGS. lb and 2a) leading from an exterior of the user-platform
assembly
102 to the first interior chamber 108. The air-in portal 118 is configured in
such a way
that the first interior chamber 108 is in operative fluid communication with
the
exterior of the user-platform assembly 102. The air-in portal 118 is
configured to
receive the intake of air from the exterior of the user-platform assembly 102
to the
first interior chamber 108 of the user-platform assembly 102. For instance,
examples
of the first surface portion 116 include a side-facing surface 126 (also
depicted in
FIGS. ld and 2a) of the user-platform assembly 102 or a top-facing surface 128
(also
depicted in FIGS. id and 2a) of the user-platform assembly 102.
[0050] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2e, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 provides a bottom portion 120 configured to face, in operation, the
working
surface 900. The bottom portion 120 defines an air-out portal 122 (also
depicted in
FIG. 2b) leading from the second interior chamber 110 to an exterior of the
user-
platform assembly 102. The air-out portal 122 is configured in such a way that
the
second interior chamber 110 is in operative fluid communication with the
exterior of
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the user-platform assembly 102. The air-out portal 122 is configured to
provide the
out-take of air from the second interior chamber 110 to the exterior of the
user-
platform assembly 102.
[0051] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2e, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the first air-thrusting
device
200 is positioned between the first interior chamber 108 and the second
interior
chamber 110; this is done in such a way that the first air-thrusting device
200 thrusts
air, at least in part, from the exterior of the user-platform assembly 102 to
the first
interior chamber 108 via the air-in portal 118, then to the second interior
chamber
110, and then to an exterior of the user-platform assembly 102 via the air-out
portal
122. It is understood that the concept of thrusting air includes pumping air
in a forced
manner. The vertically-aligned fan 202 is configured to generate a relatively
higher
air pressure in the second interior chamber 110, forcing the air through the
air-out
portal 122 (relatively smaller holes) formed on (positioned on) the bottom
portion 120
(also called a bottom section) of the user-platform assembly 102. Since the
air-out
portal 122 (also known as outlet holes) is relatively small, the speed of
airstream
travelling through the air-out portal 122 is increased, thus increasing a
stagnation
pressure when the air stream strikes, at least in part, the working surface
900. The
forced movement of air (forced airflow) from the air-out portal 122 is
configured to
generate the cushion of air between the working surface 900 and the bottom
portion
120 of the user-platform assembly 102. In this manner, the user-platform
assembly
102 floats (hovers) over the working surface 900. This arrangement generates a
relatively higher-pressure region that the user-platform assembly 102 sits
thereon, and
thereby allows the user to stand on the user-platform assembly 102 and to
float above
the working surface 900 (such as, ground, floor or water, etc.). There is an
airflow 160
that is set up (in operation) by the first air-thrusting device 200 (depicted
as the
vertically-aligned fan 202) in response to the activation of the vertically-
aligned fan
202.
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[0052] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2e (and FIG. 2b), the
apparatus
100 is further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-
platform assembly 102 has the bottom portion 120 that is perforated from which
air
flows out of and generates the cushion of air, which the user-platform
assembly 102
rests on. When the first air-thrusting device 200 is activated (turned on),
the first air-
thrusting device 200 operates to pump (thrust) air from the first interior
chamber 108
to the second interior chamber 110. The first interior chamber 108 is exposed
to the
atmosphere so it is full of air. The first air-thrusting device 200 is
configured to
generate enough relatively higher air pressure (underneath the user-platform
assembly
102 between the user-platform assembly 102 and the working surface 900) in the
second interior chamber 110, forcing the air through the air-out portal 122
(small
holes) located on the bottom portion 120 of the user-platform assembly 102.
Since the
instances of the air-out portal 122 are relatively small, the speed of
airstream may be
increased, thus increasing the stagnation pressure when the air stream strikes
the
working surface 900. The airflow from the air-out portal 122 then acts to
generate a
cushion of air underneath the user-platform assembly 102 (upon which the user-
platform assembly 102 may float over the working surface 900). The user-
platform
assembly 102 is configured to glide on the cushion of air over the working
surface
900. The user-platform assembly 102 may be turned or steered, at least
partially, in
response to the user acting to vary the user-weight distribution placed on the
user-
platform assembly 102. The air-thrusting assembly 104 is configured to push
(thrust)
air underneath the user-platform assembly 102. This arrangement generates a
higher
air pressure region beneath the user-platform assembly 102, which causes the
user-
platform assembly 102 to be lifted away from the working surface 900. The user-
platform assembly 102 can float above land and/or water.
[0053] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2f, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 includes a first section 152 (also called an upper section or an upper
housing), and
a second section 154 (also called a bottom section or a bottom housing). The
first
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section 152 and the second section 154 are configured to selectively attach
and detach
from each other. The first section 152 and the second section 154 are
configured to be
snap-fitted together (in a secured arrangement or a locked arrangement). The
first
section 152 and the second section 154 define an inter-cavity barrier 130
positioned
therein (between) once the first section 152 and the second section 154 are
operationally mated together (as depicted in FIG. 2e). The first section 152
and the
second section 154 define the battery chamber 150 once the first section 152
and the
second section 154 are operationally mated together (as depicted in FIG. 2e).
The first
section 152 and the second section 154 define the house chamber 148 once the
first
section 152 and the second section 154 are operationally mated together (as
depicted
in FIG. 2e).
[0054] The user-platform assembly 102 is configured to provide or include a
centering device 156 (such as protrusions, etc.) positioned to extend into the
first
interior chamber 108 and the second interior chamber 110 (as depicted in FIG.
2e).
The centering device 156 is configured to receive and operatively mount the
shaft of
the vertically-aligned fan 202 (depicted in FIG. 2e) within the interior
chamber 106
(that is, the first interior chamber 108 and the second interior chamber 110).
A
rotation axis 158 of the vertically-aligned fan 202 extends to (reaches to)
the centering
device 156. As depicted, each of the first section 152 and the second section
154
provides an instance of the centering device 156 aligned together (or face
each other
and spaced apart from each other) once the first section 152 and the second
section
154 are operationally mated together (as depicted in FIG. 2e).
[0055] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2g, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the axis of the vertical-
thrust
motor assembly 204 is spaced apart from the axis of the vertically-aligned fan
202.
The axis of each instance of the vertically-aligned fan 202 is positioned
along a
central longitudinal axis extending through the user-platform assembly 102.
The axis
of each instance of the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 is positioned along
the
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central longitudinal axis extending through the user-platform assembly 102.
The
embodiment of FIG. 2g provides an alternative to the embodiment depicted in
FIG.
2c.
[0056] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2h, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 is configured to define the house chamber 148. The house chamber 148 is
dimensioned (shaped or configured) to operatively receive the vertically-
aligned fan
202, the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 and the coupling mechanism 206
depicted
in FIG. 2g. The user-platform assembly 102 is configured to define the battery
chamber 150. The battery chamber 150 is configured to operatively receive the
battery assembly 208. The embodiment of FIG. 2h provides an alternative to the
embodiment depicted in FIG. 2d. The embodiment of FIG. 2h is configured to
cooperate with the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2g.
[0057] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2i, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 is configured to operatively house four instances of the vertically-
aligned fan 202,
the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 and the coupling mechanism 206. The
axis of
each instance of the vertically-aligned fan 202 is positioned along a central
longitudinal axis extending through the user-platform assembly 102. The axis
of each
instance of the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 is spaced apart from the
central
longitudinal axis extending through the user-platform assembly 102.
[0058] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2j, the apparatus 100
is further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 includes the bottom portion 120 configured to be used with the embodiment
of
the user-platform assembly 102 depicted in FIG. 2i. The user-platform assembly
102
has the bottom portion 120 that is perforated from which air flows out of and
generates the cushion of air, which the user-platform assembly 102 rests on.
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22
Groupings of the air-out portal 122 are provided for respective instances of
the
vertically-aligned fan 202 depicted in FIG. 2i.
[0059] FIGS. 3a to 3c depict views of embodiments of the apparatus 100 to
be
operated relative to the working surface 900. FIG. 3a depicts a top view. FIG.
3b
depicts a frontal view. FIG. 3c depicts a rearward view.
[0060] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3a to 3c, the
apparatus 100 is
further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly 102 defines an outer-facing exterior surface 107. The air-thrusting
assembly
104 includes the second air-thrusting device 300. As depicted in the
embodiments of
FIGS. 7a to 7c, there are two instances of the second air-thrusting device 300
securely
attached and positioned to opposite sides of the user-platform assembly 102.
The
horizontal thrust to be provided by the second air-thrusting device 300 may
include a
forward thrust (propulsion) or a reverse thrust (propulsion), depending on the
manner
in which the second air-thrusting device 300 is operationally activated. It
will be
appreciated that multiple instances of the second air-thrusting device 300 may
be
deployed (if so required) at various positions on the user-platform assembly
102. In
accordance with the depicted embodiment, the second air-thrusting device 300
includes (and is not limited to) a horizontally-aligned fan 302. The
horizontally-
aligned fan 302 is operatively mounted to the outer-facing exterior surface
107. The
horizontally-aligned fan 302 is configured to impart a horizontal thrust to
the user-
platform assembly 102. The horizontally-aligned fan 302 is configured to
operate in
such a way that the user-platform assembly 102 moves, at least in part,
horizontally
above the working surface 900. It will be appreciated that the second air-
thrusting
device 300 may be aligned in any suitable (or convenient) directional
alignment (such
as, vertical, non-vertical, inclined to the vertical, etc.) relative to the
orientation of the
user-platform assembly 102.
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23
[0061] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3a, the instances of the
horizontally-
aligned fan 302 that are positioned on opposite sides of the user-platform
assembly
102 are configured to operate in counter rotation relative to each other. The
instances
of the horizontally-aligned fan 302 are mirror images of each other; in this
manner,
the horizontally-aligned fan 302 are configured to thrust (force air movement)
in the
same direction but while rotating in opposite directions in relation to each
other. The
purpose for this is to assist in balancing out angular momentum and assist in
preventing the user-platform assembly 102 from spinning out (rotating
inadvertently)
of control (along an undesired path).
[0062] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 3b and 3c, a filter 315 (also
called a
screen) is positioned at each instance of the air intake 314 and the air
outtake 316.
FIGS. 3b and 3c depict one instance of the filter 315 for the air intake 314
and the air
outtake 316 (for the sake of convenient illustration). The filter 315 may
include a
formed latticework configuration. The filter 315 is configured to prevent
particulate
matter from entering the first tubular unit 306 and the second tubular unit
308
(generally, the second air-thrusting device 300) and potentially jamming the
second
air-thrusting device 300.
[0063] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3a to 3c, the
apparatus 100 is
further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly 102 includes opposite sides 124 spaced apart from each other. The air-
thrusting assembly 104 includes the second air-thrusting device 300. The
second air-
thrusting device 300 includes a horizontal section 304, a first tubular unit
306, and a
second tubular unit 308 each of which are positioned on another side of the
horizontal
section 304 opposite from the first tubular unit 306. The horizontal section
304 spans
across the opposite sides 124 of the user-platform assembly 102. The first
tubular unit
306 is positioned on one side of the horizontal section 304 at a selected side
of the
user-platform assembly 102. The second tubular unit 308 is positioned on
another side
of the horizontal section 304 opposite from the first tubular unit 306. The
first tubular
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unit 306 and the second tubular unit 308 are aligned parallel to each other.
The first
tubular unit 306 and the second tubular unit 308 are positioned and connected
to a
respective opposite side of the horizontal section 304. The second air-
thrusting device
300 is also called a propulsion unit. The horizontal section 304 is also
called a flat
surface.
[0064] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3a to 3c, the
apparatus 100 is
further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the first tubular
unit
306 and the second tubular unit 308 each defines a first interior cavity 310,
a second
interior cavity 312, an air intake 314, and an air outtake 316. The second
interior
cavity 312 is spaced apart from the first interior cavity 310. The first
interior cavity
310 and the second interior cavity 312 are in fluid communication with each
other.
The air intake 314 leads from an exterior of the first tubular unit 306 and
the second
tubular unit 308 (so that the air may enter the first interior cavity 310);
this is done in
such a way that the first interior cavity 310 is in operative fluid
communication with
the exterior of the first tubular unit 306 and the second tubular unit 308.
The air intake
314 is configured to receive the intake of air from the exterior of the first
tubular unit
306 and the second tubular unit 308 (for taking in air to the first interior
cavity 310). It
will be appreciated that an air inflow direction 328 leads to the air intake
314, and an
air outflow direction 330 leads away from the air outtake 316.
[0065] The air outtake 316 leads from the second interior cavity 312 to the
exterior of
the first tubular unit 306 and the second tubular unit 308, and this is done
in such a
way that the second interior cavity 312 is in operative fluid communication
with the
exterior of the first tubular unit 306 and the second tubular unit 308. The
air outtake
316 is configured to provide the out-take of air from the second interior
cavity 312 to
the exterior of the first tubular unit 306 and the second tubular unit 308.
[0066] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3a to 3c, the
apparatus 100 is
further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the second air-
thrusting
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device 300 is positioned between the first interior cavity 310 and the second
interior
cavity 312 in such a way that the second air-thrusting device 300 thrusts air,
at least in
part, from the exterior of the first tubular unit 306 and the second tubular
unit 308 to
the first interior cavity 310 via the air intake 314, then to the second
interior cavity
312, and then to the exterior of the first tubular unit 306 and the second
tubular unit
308 via the air outtake 316.
[0067] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3a to 3c, the
apparatus 100 is
further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the second air-
thrusting
device 300 includes a horizontally-aligned fan 302. The horizontally-aligned
fan 302
is operatively mounted to each of the first interior cavity 310 and the second
interior
cavity 312 of the first tubular unit 306 and the second tubular unit 308. The
horizontally-aligned fan 302 is configured to thrust air in such a way that
the user-
platform assembly 102 travels, at least in part, along the working surface 900
(depicted in FIG. la) while the user-platform assembly 102 hovers vertically,
at least
in part, above the working surface 900.
[0068] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3a to 3c, the
apparatus 100 is
further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the horizontally-
aligned fan 302 includes a horizontal-thrust motor 320. The horizontal-thrust
motor
320 is operatively coupled to the horizontally-aligned fan 302; in response to
the
operation of the horizontal-thrust motor 320, the horizontal-thrust motor 320
urges
operative rotational movement of the horizontally-aligned fan 302; this is
done in
such a way that the horizontally-aligned fan 302 imparts a horizontal
thrusting force
to the first tubular unit 306 and the second tubular unit 308 as a result of
the
horizontally-aligned fan 302 operatively thrusting air from the exterior of
the first
tubular unit 306 and the second tubular unit 308 to the first interior cavity
310 (and
then to the second interior cavity 312, and then to the exterior of the first
tubular unit
306 and the second tubular unit 308). The horizontal-thrust motor 320
includes, for
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example, an electric motor or a gas-driven motor. The horizontally-aligned fan
302 is
configured to thrust (pump or forcibly move) air.
[0069] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3a to 3c, the
apparatus 100 is
further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the horizontally-
aligned fan 302 includes a horizontal-thrust shaft 322. The horizontal-thrust
shaft 322
is configured to operatively couple the horizontal-thrust motor 320 to the
horizontally-aligned fan 302.
[0070] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 3a to 3c, the
apparatus 100 is
further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the horizontally-
aligned fan 302 includes a battery assembly 208. The battery assembly 208 is
supported by the user-platform assembly 102. The battery assembly 208 is
selectively
connectable to the horizontal-thrust motor 320. In response to the operative
connection of the battery assembly 208 to the horizontal-thrust motor 320, the
horizontal-thrust motor 320 is operationally activated. The second air-
thrusting device
300 is configured to provide backward horizontal thrust when a control switch
324 is
moved toward a forward position of the user-platform assembly 102, by turning
the
horizontally-aligned fan 302 located inside the first tubular unit 306 and the
second
tubular unit 308 of the second air-thrusting device 300 in opposing
directions. The
second air-thrusting device 300 is configured to provide a backward thrust as
a
breaking mechanism.
[0071] For instance, the control switch 324 includes a double pull double
throw or
DPDT rocker switch (and any equivalent). The control switch 324 is configured
to
selectively reverse the application of polarity of the battery assembly 208
for the
electric current to be applied to the horizontal-thrust motor 320. In this
way, rotation
of the horizontally-aligned fan 302 may be selectively changed (reversed)
between
rotation directions (clockwise rotation and counter-clockwise rotation), and
in this
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manner, forward horizontal propulsion and rearward horizontal propulsion of
the
user-platform assembly 102 is achieved.
[0072] The control switch 324 may be mounted to an outer surface of the
horizontal
section 304 of the second air-thrusting device 300 or to the outer surface of
the user-
platform assembly 102. The control switch 324 is biased (such as, biasing
provided by
a biasing mechanism 326). For instance, a spring assembly is attached to the
control
switch 324 so that in this manner the control switch 324 is configured to
deactivate in
the absence of a user-applied force received by the spring assembly. In other
words,
the user is required to apply a constant force to the spring assembly in order
to
maintain the application of the electric current to the horizontal-thrust
motor 320.
Once the constant force is not applied, the horizontal-thrust motor 320 is
deactivated.
[0073] For the case where the control switch 324 is pressed (backwardly),
the control
switch 324 causes the horizontal-thrust motor 320 to generate a backward-
directed
thrust of air. The control switch 324 has a biasing mechanism 326 (such as a
spring,
etc.) so that the control switch 324 requires application of the constant
force (from the
user) to be activated. For the case where the second air-thrusting device 300
is
selectively activated, the second air-thrusting device 300 generates
horizontally
directed thrust (forward thrust or reverse thrust).
[0074] FIG. 4 depicts a schematic view of an embodiment of the apparatus
100 to be
operated relative to the working surface 900.
[0075] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, the apparatus 100 is
further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 includes a control circuit 400 configured to control the operation of the
air-
thrusting assembly 104. Specifically, the control circuit 400 is configured to
control
operation of the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 associated with the first
air-
thrusting device 200 (depicted in FIGS. 2a to 2j), and to control operation of
the
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horizontal-thrust motor 320 of the second air-thrusting device 300 (depicted
in FIGS.
3a to 3c). The control circuit 400 is configured to control the power
delivered from
the battery assembly 208 to the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 and the
horizontal-
thrust motor 320 (or instances of the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 and
the
horizontal-thrust motor 320).
[0076] The control circuit 400 includes electrical components
interconnected with
conductors (wires). For instance, the control circuit 400 includes a first
fuse assembly
402, a second fuse assembly 403, electrical conductors 404, and a power switch
406
(on/off switch), etc.
[0077] The control circuit 400 is configured to operatively connect the
battery
assembly 208 to the first fuse assembly 402; the vertical-thrust motor
assembly 204
(of the first air-thrusting device 200) is operatively connected (electrically
connected)
to the first fuse assembly 402; the vertical-thrust motor assembly 204 is also
operatively connected to the power switch 406; and the power switch 406 is
operatively connected to the battery assembly 208. In response to changing the
state
of the power switch 406 between the ON state and the OFF state, power
(electrical
current) is selectively provided (delivered) to the vertical-thrust motor
assembly 204,
thereby selectively energizing and de-energizing the first air-thrusting
device 200.
[0078] The control circuit 400 is configured to operatively connect the
battery
assembly 208 to the second fuse assembly 403; the horizontal-thrust motor 320
(of the
second air-thrusting device 300) is operatively connected (electrically
connected) to
the second fuse assembly 403; the horizontal-thrust motor 320 is also
operatively
connected to the control switch 324 (depicted in FIG. 3a); the control switch
324 is
operatively connected to the power switch 406; and the power switch 406 is
operatively connected to the battery assembly 208. In response to changing the
state
of the power switch 406 between the ON state and the OFF state, power
(electrical
current) is selectively provided (delivered) to the horizontal-thrust motor
320, thereby
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selectively energizing and de-energizing the second air-thrusting device 300.
In
response to changing the state of the control switch 324 between the FORWARD
state and the REVERSE state, power (electrical current) is selectively
provided
(delivered) to the horizontal-thrust motor 320 in such a way that the
horizontal-thrust
motor 320 selectively changes direction, thereby selectively causing the
second air-
thrusting device 300 to urge the apparatus 100 to go in a forward direction
and a
reverse direction (as may be required by the user by manipulation of the
control
switch 324).
[0079] FIG. 5 depicts a side view of an embodiment of the apparatus 100 to
be
operated relative to the working surface 900.
[0080] Referring to the embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the apparatus 100 is
further
adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-platform
assembly
102 includes or defines a first longitudinally-extending interior chamber 502,
a second
longitudinally-extending interior chamber 504, and a third longitudinally-
extending
interior chamber 506 (each spaced apart from each other in a vertically
stacked
arrangement). Below the top-facing surface 128 of the user-platform assembly
102
there is positioned a first horizontal interior wall 508 within the user-
platform
assembly 102 (the first horizontal interior wall 508 extends from opposite
ends of the
user-platform assembly 102). Above the bottom portion 120 of the user-platform
assembly 102 there is positioned a second horizontal interior wall 510 within
the user-
platform assembly 102 (the second horizontal interior wall 510 extends from
opposite
ends of the user-platform assembly 102). At the opposite ends of the user-
platform
assembly 102, an instance of the vertically-aligned fan 202 (or the first air-
thrusting
device 200) is mounted to the first horizontal interior wall 508; this is done
in such a
way that the first longitudinally-extending interior chamber 502 and the
second
longitudinally-extending interior chamber 504 are in fluid communication via
the
vertically-aligned fan 202. At opposite ends of the user-platform assembly
102, an
instance of the vertically-aligned fan 202 (or the first air-thrusting device
200) is
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mounted to the second horizontal interior wall 510; this is done in such a way
that the
second longitudinally-extending interior chamber 504 and the third
longitudinally-
extending interior chamber 506 are in fluid communication via the vertically-
aligned
fan 202. At opposite ends of the user-platform assembly 102, the instances of
the
vertically-aligned fan 202 (or the first air-thrusting device 200) are
positioned so as to
be stacked vertically relative to each other (one above the other) and spaced
apart
from each other. Between each internal chamber formed by or provided by the
user-
platform assembly 102, one or more instances of the vertically-aligned fan 202
are
positioned there between in a stacked relationship. The instances of the
vertically-
aligned fan 202 (or the first air-thrusting device 200) are operated so as to
force
movement of air from the air-in portal 118, through the first longitudinally-
extending
interior chamber 502, past the vertically-aligned fan 202 (or the first air-
thrusting
device 200), through the second longitudinally-extending interior chamber 504,
past
the vertically-aligned fan 202 (or the first air-thrusting device 200),
through the third
longitudinally-extending interior chamber 506 and out from the air-out portal
122. In
this manner, the apparatus 100 provides a multi-chambered configuration with
instances of the vertically-aligned fan 202 (or the first air-thrusting device
200)
separating the instances of the internal chambers of the user-platform
assembly 102.
The user-platform assembly 102 depicted in FIG. 5 is configured to reduce the
pressure gradient extending across the instances of the vertically-aligned fan
202 (or
the first air-thrusting device 200) that are operatively mounted in a stacked
arrangement to each other (one above the other). The user-platform assembly
102 of
FIG. 5 is configured to increase (at least in part) the pressure gradient from
the top of
the user-platform assembly 102 to the bottom of the user-platform assembly 102
(that
is, the maximum pressure gradient is located or positioned below the bottom of
the
user-platform assembly 102 once the instances of the vertically-aligned fan
202 are
energized and operative).
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[0081] FIGS. 6A and 6B depict views of embodiments of the apparatus 100 to
be
operated relative to the working surface 900. FIG. 6a depicts a perspective
view. FIG.
6b depicts a top view of the internal components of the apparatus 100 of FIG.
6a.
[0082] Referring to the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 6a and 6b, the
apparatus 100
is further adapted (in accordance with an embodiment) such that the user-
platform
assembly 102 defines a first longitudinally-extending interior chamber 502
extending
from the front section of the user-platform assembly 102 to the rear section
of the
user-platform assembly 102, and extends along the lateral peripheral side of
the user-
platform assembly 102. The user-platform assembly 102 also defines a second
longitudinally-extending interior chamber 504 extending from the front section
(the
front end or simply the end section) of the user-platform assembly 102 to the
rear
section (the rear end or simply the end section) of the user-platform assembly
102,
and extends along the lateral peripheral side of the user-platform assembly
102. The
first longitudinally-extending interior chamber 502 and the second
longitudinally-
extending interior chamber 504 are positioned on the opposite lateral sides of
the
user-platform assembly 102 (and within the user-platform assembly 102). The
user-
platform assembly 102 defines the air intake 314 at one end portion of the
user-
platform assembly 102). The user-platform assembly 102 also defines the air
outtake
316 at an opposite end portion of the user-platform assembly 102. The first
longitudinally-extending interior chamber 502 is in fluid communication with
the air
intake 314 and the air outtake 316 that are positioned at one end portion (end
section)
of the user-platform assembly 102. The second longitudinally-extending
interior
chamber 504 is in fluid communication with the air intake 314 and the air
outtake 316
that are positioned on the opposite end portion (end section) of the user-
platform
assembly 102.
[0083] The second air-thrusting device 300 includes instances of the
horizontally-
aligned fan 302 positioned in the first longitudinally-extending interior
chamber 502
proximate to the air intake 314 and proximate to the air outtake 316. The
horizontal-
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thrust motor 320 is positioned in the first longitudinally-extending interior
chamber
502 between the air intake 314 and the air outtake 316 positioned at the
opposite ends
of the first longitudinally-extending interior chamber 502. The horizontal-
thrust shaft
322 extends from the instances of the horizontally-aligned fan 302 to the
horizontal-
thrust motor 320. The horizontal-thrust motor 320 is configured to operative
drive the
instances of the horizontally-aligned fan 302 (connected by way of the
horizontal-
thrust shaft 322).
[0084] The second air-thrusting device 300 includes instances of the
horizontally-
aligned fan 302 positioned in the second longitudinally-extending interior
chamber
504 proximate to the air intake 314 and proximate to the air outtake 316. The
horizontal-thrust motor 320 is positioned in the second longitudinally-
extending
interior chamber 504 between the air intake 314 and the air outtake 316
positioned at
the opposite ends of the second longitudinally-extending interior chamber 504.
The
horizontal-thrust shaft 322 extends from the instances of the horizontally-
aligned fan
302 to the horizontal-thrust motor 320. The horizontal-thrust motor 320 is
configured
to operative drive the instances of the horizontally-aligned fan 302
(connected by way
of the horizontal-thrust shaft 322).
[0085] In accordance with a first operation mode, the instances of the
horizontal-
thrust motor 320 are configured to be operated to cause the horizontally-
aligned fan
302 to force movement of air flow along the air inflow direction 328 toward
the air
outflow direction 330 (this may be called the forward direction of movement of
the
user-platform assembly 102). In accordance with a second operation mode, the
instances of the horizontal-thrust motor 320 may be operated to cause the
instances of
the vertically-aligned fan 202 to force movement of air flow in the opposite
direction
as indicated in FIG. 6b (this may be called the reverse direction of movement
of the
user-platform assembly 102). In accordance with a third operation mode, the
instances
of the horizontal-thrust motor 320 may be operated in such a way that the air
flow
may be forced to move (A) along the first longitudinally-extending interior
chamber
502 and (B) along the second longitudinally-extending interior chamber 504, in
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opposite directions to each other in such a way that the user-platform
assembly 102
may be rotated along a horizontal plane of rotation (along a plane of rotation
that is
parallel to the working surface while the user-platform assembly 102 that
remains
spaced apart from the working surface ,if so desired). It will be appreciated
that the
modes of operation (described above) may be applicable to the embodiment
depicted
in FIGS. 3a, 3b, 3c.
[0086] In accordance with FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, the user-platform assembly
102
forms a built-in horizontally-aligned propulsion system. In this manner, the
second
air-thrusting device 300 is positioned within the user-platform assembly 102
instead
of being mounted externally of the user-platform assembly 102 (as depicted in
FIG.
3a). It will be appreciated that the first air-thrusting device 200 of FIGS.
2a to 2j are
depicted as being mounted within the user-platform assembly 102; it will be
appreciated that the first air-thrusting device 200 may be mounted externally
of the
user-platform assembly 102 (if so desired).
[0087] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,
including the
best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use
the
invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and
may
include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other
examples are
intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements
that do
not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent
structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language
of the
claims.
[0088] It may be appreciated that the assemblies and modules described
above may
be connected with each other as may be required to perform desired functions
and
tasks that are within the scope of persons of skill in the art to make such
combinations
and permutations without having to describe each and every one of them in
explicit
terms. There is no particular assembly, or components, that are superior to
any of the
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equivalents available to the art. There is no particular mode of practicing
the disclosed
subject matter that is superior to others, so long as the functions may be
performed. It
is believed that all the crucial aspects of the disclosed subject matter have
been
provided in this document. It is understood that the scope of the present
invention is
limited to the scope provided by the independent claim(s), and it is also
understood
that the scope of the present invention is not limited to: (i) the dependent
claims, (ii)
the detailed description of the non-limiting embodiments, (iii) the summary,
(iv) the
abstract, and/or (v) the description provided outside of this document (that
is, outside
of the instant application as filed, as prosecuted, and/or as granted). It is
understood,
for the purposes of this document, that the phrase "includes" is equivalent to
the word
"comprising." It is noted that the foregoing has outlined the non-limiting
embodiments (examples). The description is made for particular non-limiting
embodiments (examples). It is understood that the non-limiting embodiments are
merely illustrative as examples.
