Abstract:
A bicycle (1) has an instant centre (IC) and including separate front and rear frames (2,3). The front frame (2) is supported by a front wheel (6b) and the rear frame (3) is supported by a rear wheel (6a) rotatable about a rear hub (9). A set of pivoting members (4) connect the front and rear frames (2,3) through pivotal connections (11a-b,13a-c,21a-b,23-24) and a biased dampening device (16). The pivoting members (4) include a lower member (22) extending from a first lower join (21) a to a second lower join (21b), and a mid member (20) extending from a forward mid pivot (24) to a rear mid pivot (23). The forward mid pivot (24) and the second lower join (21b) are connected to the front frame (2) at pivots 21b, (24) with fixed axes relative to the front frame (2). The instant centre (IC) moves rearwardly and downwardly from a first resting position to a second activated position, through a path (50) intersecting the forward mid pivot (24) and a substantially horizontal cylindrical footprint corresponding to the axial bore of the forward mid pivot (24).
Abstract:
A drive mechanism for a wheelchair may include a hand grip having a continuous track that moves over a drive rotator. The hand grip may have a flat, top surface that extends ventrally from the wheelchair. The drive mechanism may include a drivetrain connected to the drive rotator, such that movement of the hand grip in a dorsal or a ventral direction causes the drive rotator to rotate, and such rotation actuates the drivetrain. The drive mechanism may further comprise a switch. When the switch is in a first position, actuation of the drivetrain drives the wheels of the wheelchair. When the switch is in a second position, actuation of the drivetrain drives a mechanism that lifts the wheelchair into a standing position.
Abstract:
An apparatus for connecting a rider to a bike comprises a belt with a link at the front to a coupling on the bike frame which coupling allows hands free release of the link from the frame. A strap connected to the belt at one end and to a cable at the other end which has a ball bearing attached which engages a mating recess in the coupling such that the rider can disengage the cable by moving her body forward of the coupling.
Abstract:
A wheeled riding device has a body with an elongate front arm, a turning tail, and a joint part pivotally connecting the turning tail and front arm relative to one another. A front wheel is carried by a forward end of the front arm. Rear wheels are carried by a rear end of the turning tail. A standing platform is supported over the front arm and turning tail. The rear wheels and turning tail can pivot laterally side to side relative to the front arm. The front wheel and front arm can pivot vertically up and down relative to the standing platform. The front wheel, during a turn, is cambered inward into the turn. The device is controlled by the rider using body movements and skills required to ride a snowboard.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a braking apparatus for a recreational wheeled board apparatus such as a skate board. The braking apparatus comprising braking members slidably mounted on an axle, wheel mounting assemblies, a trigger assembly and an actuating means. The braking assembly characterised in that the actuating means comprises opposed first and second actuating levers arranged to provide a balanced force to each of the braking members such that even braking of both wheel mounting assemblies is affected when the trigger assembly is engaged.
Abstract:
A mobile platform such as, but not limited to, a skateboard or roller skate type of structure capable of movably transporting an individual over a supporting surface. A wheel assembly connected to the platform includes at least one but more practically a plurality of wheels each having a spherical configuration extending outwardly from opposite surfaces of the platform. A mounting assembly and each of a plurality of different embodiments of a bearing assembly are structured to facilitate a substantially universal, rotational movement of said wheel (s) relative to said platform. The different embodiments of the bearing assembly facilitate either a free or unrestricted universal rotational movement of the one wheel relative to the platform or alternatively a universal, rotational movement thereof concurrently about more defined rotational axes.
Abstract:
In a preferred embodiment a wheeled platform apparatus and method for use in combination with a wheel- in-the-heel "heeling" apparatus, or other footwear, for rolling on a surface are provided. The apparatus includes a platform having a top surface, a bottom surface, a front portion, a center portion, a rear portion, and a first wheel and a second wheel that interface with or are positioned below the bottom surface of the platform to facilitate rolling movement of the platform. The apparatus may further include an attachment structure interfacing with the top surface for mating with a foot, or footwear, including a heeling apparatus, as well as a foot rest to support the forefoot of another foot, or footwear, including a heeling apparatus, while rolling.
Abstract:
A dynamically stabilized personal transporter (100) is provided. The dynamically stabilized personal transporter includes: a chassis frame (102); first and second driving wheels (104,106), which are attached to the chassis frame at diagonally opposite ends of the chassis frame such that the axles of the first and second driving wheels are offset by a predetermined perpendicular distance, wherein at least one of the first and second driving wheels imparts movement to the personal transporter; first and second castor wheels (108,110) attached to the chassis frame at other diagonally opposite ends of the chassis frame, wherein the first and second driving wheels and the first and second castor wheels together provide stability to the personal transporter through balancing weight of displaced center of gravity of an operator of the personal transporter over the axles of the first and second driving wheels during maneuvering.
Abstract:
A skateboard is provided with a deck providing a support platform for the user, a front and rear wheel sets and trucks coupled to the deck. The support platform may include a central portion and raised front and rear portions. The front and rear portions may angle upwardly from the central portion, and then angle downwardly. The trucks may be coupled to the deck at the downwardly angled portions. The front and rear trucks may each include a pair of torsion springs alongside a kingpin. A foot-operated brake may be mounted to the rear portion of the support platform. The deck may include a hinged portion located between the front and rear portions with a handle located in the hinged portion of the deck.