Patent ID: 7004271
Filing Date: 2006-02-28
Classification: A61G,B62D,B62K

Abstract:
1. A device for carrying a user, the device comprising: a platform; a motorized drive that propels the platform over an underlying surface through motion of at least one ground-contacting member, the ground contacting member characterized by a point of ground contact and an axis of rotation; a user support having a position defined with respect to the platform and coupled to the platform in such a manner that the user may vary the position of the support with respect to the platform in the course of normal operation of the device by translation of the support in a direction substantially perpendicular to a line running through the point of ground contact and the axis of rotation of the at least one ground contacting member; and a controller, coupled to the motorized drive, for governing the operation of the motorized drive at least in response to the position of the user support to dynamically control balancing of the device; wherein the support includes a seat.