Abstract:
A personal transportation device is described having a U-shaped truck, a pair of wheels attached to the truck, and a platform mechanically coupled to the truck, such that the platform is operable to receive a user&#39;s foot. The personal transportation device can further include an additional pair of easily removable wheels, and can be propelled by a rider swiveling his or her hips back and forth to cause the device to move in a targeted direction.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/052,921, filed May 13, 2008, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/019,796, filed Jan. 8, 2008, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/350,864, filed Jan. 8, 2009, U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,613, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/386,822, filed Mar. 23, 2006 and published as U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0186617, are each made a part of this Application and are incorporated in their entireties by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Inventions 
         [0003]    The present inventions relate to human-propelled personal transportation devices. More particularly, the present inventions are directed to personal transportation systems that include two parts, each supporting a single foot of a user. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Many of the currently available extreme sport and personal transportation devices limit acrobatic moves, hamper maneuverability and generally do not fully satisfy specific needs in personal transportation. For example, the traditional skateboard is usually operated with both feet of the rider placed on the deck (e.g., platform) of the skateboard. The skateboard limits the rider&#39;s feet to the area of the deck. In-line skates allow the rider the flexibility of propulsion from each foot, but the wheels are bound to the riders foot using a shoe like structure. 
         [0006]    Unlike in-line skates or skateboards, the some newer skate systems include one platform for each foot, neither platform being bound to the rider&#39;s foot. This can also be referred to as “non-fixed” skates meaning that the skates are not normally “fixed” to the rider&#39;s feet during operation, in contrast to conventional “roller skates” which are normally fixed to a rider&#39;s foot with shoe laces, Velcro®, bindings, or the like. 
         [0007]    When using a “non-fixed” type skate system, the rider stands transverse to the direction of travel. This type of personal transportation device can be propelled using a swivel motion in which the position of the rider&#39;s feet are cyclically rotated ninety degrees to the direction of travel. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONS 
       [0008]    Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that a personal transportation device can be easily assembled and manufactured using certain designs, such as those including U-shaped configurations. 
         [0009]    Thus, in accordance with at least one embodiment, a personal transportation device can comprise a U-shaped truck comprising an undercarriage having flanges for mounting the U-shaped truck to a platform and arms extending from the flanges, each arm having at least one opening dimensioned to receive a wheel axle, at least one pair of wheels mechanically coupled to the U-shaped truck, and a platform mounted to the flanges. 
         [0010]    In accordance with at least another embodiment, a method of operating a personal transportation device can comprise providing two personal transportation devices each comprising a U-shaped truck, a foot platform mounted to the U-shaped truck, and two wheels mounted in-line to the U-shaped truck, placing a foot on each platform of the personal transportation devices such that each foot is approximately perpendicular to the direction of travel, rotating one&#39;s waist in a first direction to create a force in the direction of travel, rotating one&#39;s waist in a second direction to create a force in the direction of travel, and alternating rotating one&#39;s waist in the first and second directions such that the personal transportation devices move in the direction of travel. 
         [0011]    Another aspect of at least one of the embodiments disclosed herein includes the realization that use of a two-wheeled, non-fixed, personal transportation device can take time to learn, and can require some skill with regard to balance. Thus, providing such a personal transportation device with a set of removable wheels can help a rider become more familiar and comfortable with using the personal transportation device. When the rider reaches that level of skill and comfort, the additional wheel can be removed, allowing the rider to experience the full ranges of movement possible with such a transportation device. 
         [0012]    Thus, in accordance with at least another embodiment, a personal transportation device can comprise a truck comprising an undercarriage for mounting the truck to a platform and arms extending from the undercarriage, each arm having at least one opening dimensioned to receive a wheel axle, a first pair of wheels mechanically coupled to the truck, the first pair of wheels being in-line, a second pair of wheels releasably coupled to the truck, the second pair of wheels being out-of-line with the first pair of wheels and a platform mounted to the truck, the platform sized to receive a user&#39;s foot. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    These and other features and advantages of the present embodiments will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments, in which: 
           [0014]      FIG. 1A  is a side elevational view of an embodiment of a personal transportation device. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1B  is a bottom perspective view of the personal transportation device of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0016]      FIG. 1C  is a top plan view of the personal transportation device of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0017]      FIG. 1D  is a front elevational view of the personal transportation device of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the personal transportation device of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of the truck of the personal transportation device of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0020]      FIG. 4A  is a side elevational view of a rider on the two of the personal transportation devices of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0021]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the direction of travel of the personal transportation devices shown in  FIG. 4A . 
           [0022]      FIG. 4C  is a perspective view of a rider on the two personal transportation devices of  FIG. 4A . 
           [0023]      FIG. 5A  is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a personal transportation device, including a set of training wheels. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5B  is a side elevational view of the personal transportation device of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0025]      FIG. 5C  is a front elevational view of the personal transportation device of  FIG. 5A . 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of the personal transportation device of  FIG. 5A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0027]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A-D , the personal transportation device  10  can comprise a U-shaped truck  12 . The U-shaped truck  12  can be connected to a platform  14  that supports a rider&#39;s foot, and can further be connected to a pair of wheels  16 . 
         [0028]    The U-shaped truck  12  can comprise an undercarriage  18 . The undercarriage  18  can comprise, for example, a pair of flanges extending substantially parallel to a bottom portion of the platform  14 . The flanges can be attached to and support the U-shaped truck against the platform, such that weight placed on the platform by a rider&#39;s foot can be dispersed to the flanges of the undercarriage  18  and supported by the U-shaped truck  12 . 
         [0029]    The U-shaped truck  12  can further comprise a frame  20 . The frame  20  can extend from the undercarriage  18  and can comprise at least one arm  22 . The arms  22  can have a generally semi-hourglass shaped design that provides effective support and an enhanced riding experience. The arms  22  can include an opening, or void,  23 , which can help to reduce the weight and material used in manufacturing the personal transportation device  10 , while still providing proper support. 
         [0030]    With reference to  FIG. 1B , the frame  20  can further comprise a bridge  24  extending between the arms  22 . The bridge  24  can have a width, measured along an axis of rotation of a wheel  16 , greater than the width of the wheel  16 , such that the bridge  24  and arms  22  act to at least partially enclose the wheels  16  within the U-shaped truck  12 . 
         [0031]    With reference to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B, and  2 , the frame  20  can further comprise at least one opening  25  configured to receive a wheel axle  26 . One method of assembling the personal transportation device  10  can comprise first placing the wheels  16  within the U-shaped truck  12  and inserting wheel axles  26  through the wheels  16 . The fasteners  28 , such as for example nuts, and spacers  30  can then be attached to the wheel axles  26 . 
         [0032]    With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the platform  14  can then be attached to the U-shaped truck  12 . The platform  14  can be multilayered, as indicated by a base layer  32 , a deck layer  34 , and a skid layer  36 , all in parallel planes. In some embodiments, the skid layer  36  can be optional and removable to provide an improved riding experience to the user of the device  10 . In some embodiments, at least one of the layers of the platform  14  can be detachable. In some embodiments, at least one of the layers can be comprised of wood. In some embodiments, at least one of the layers can be comprised of rubber. The platform  14  can be attached to the undercarriage  18  by threading deck fasteners  38  through deck shafts and attaching deck nuts  40 . With reference to  FIG. 3 , prior to assembly, such as for example during manufacturing, the U-shaped truck  12  can be bent along bend lines  42  to create the undercarriage  18  flanges described above. In some embodiments, the truck  12  can be bent such that the flanges of the undercarriage  18  are substantially perpendicular to the arms  22 . 
         [0033]    With reference to FIGS.  1 C and  4 A-C, a rider can stand on top of two personal transportation devices  10 , with one foot placed on each of the two platforms  14 . Unlike in-line skates or skateboards, in some embodiments the platform  14  for each foot of the rider can not be bound to the rider&#39;s foot, and the rider can remove his or her foot from one of the platforms  14  if desired. The rider&#39;s foot can be angled along a vector  60  which can allow the rider to be facing in a generally transverse direction relative to the direction of travel of the personal transportation devices  10 , as shown for example in  FIGS. 4A and 4C . 
         [0034]    With continued reference to  FIG. 4A , an angle α between a longitudinal axis of the rider&#39;s foot, along vector  60 , and the direction of travel along vector  62 , can vary. In some embodiments, this angle is typically approximately 74 degrees. Other angles can also be used. 
         [0035]    The personal transportation device can be propelled by the rider using a swivel motion with his or her hips. For example, the rider can swivel his or her hips in a first direction, and then in an opposite direction, repeating this motion again and again and propelling the personal transportation devices  10  through a path similar to that shown in  FIG. 4B . In some embodiments during use, the rider can turn his or her feet either toes out or toes in to steer the personal transportation device  10 , depending on which direction the rider is swinging his or her waist. 
         [0036]    With reference to  FIGS. 5A-C  and  6 , another embodiment of a personal transportation device  110  is illustrated. The personal transportation device  110  can comprise a U-shaped truck  112 , a platform  114 , and wheels  116 . In contrast to the personal transportation device  10  described above, the personal transportation device  110  can further comprise two training wheels  146 , a training wheel axle  148 , and a removable locking member  150 , such as for example a pin, which can hold the training wheel axle  148  in place. As shown in  FIG. 5A , the training wheels  146  can be out of line with the two in-line wheels  116 , such that the training wheels offer added stability and support for the personal transportation device  110 . In some embodiments, and as described herein, the training wheels  146  can be easily removed and/or added to the personal transportation device  110 . 
         [0037]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , the U-shaped truck  112  can be similar to that of the U-shaped truck  12  described above. For example, the U-shaped truck  112  can comprise an undercarriage  118  which can be fastened to the platform  114 . The U-shaped truck  112  can further include at least one opening or void  123 , which can help to reduce the amount of material and/or weight of the personal transportation device  110 . 
         [0038]    In contrast to the U-shaped truck  12 , the U-shaped truck  112  can include additional openings  144  in generally a central portion of the U-shaped truck  112 . The additional openings  144  can be configured to receive the training wheel axle  148 . With reference to  FIG. 6 , the training wheels  116  can be removably attached to the U-shaped truck  112 , such that a rider can quickly and easily add or remove the wheels. To add the training wheels  146 , the rider can place one of the training wheels  146  along the outside of the U-shaped undercarriage  112  and then insert the training wheel axle  148  first through the training wheel  146  and then through the openings  144 . Once the training wheel axle  148  has passed through the U-shaped truck  112 , the second training wheel  146  can be placed over the end of the training wheel axle  148 , and the locking member  150  can be used to secure the training wheel axle  148  in place within the U-shaped truck  112 . In some embodiments, the locking member  150  can comprise a simple locking pin which can slide over an indented groove on the end of the training wheel axle  148  and inhibit the training wheel  146  from sliding off the end of the training wheel axle  148 . 
         [0039]    The training wheels  146  described above can be used with other types of truck configurations and types of personal transportation devices, and are not limited to the U-shaped truck and/or personal transportation devices described herein. Furthermore, while two training wheels  146  and two wheels  16  or  116  are shown in the illustrated embodiments, other numbers and configurations of wheels are also possible. For example, in some embodiments, the personal transportation device  10  or  110  can include three wheels  16  or  116 , and/or one training wheel  146 . 
         [0040]    The size, shape, width, and/or material of the wheels can also vary. For example, in some embodiments the training wheels  146  can be comprised of a different material, and/or have a different size, than that of the wheels  16  or  116 . Additionally, the wheels can be attached to the personal transportation devices  10 ,  110  in other methods than those described above. 
         [0041]    With continued reference to  FIG. 6 , the personal transportation device  110  can include a grip layer  136  similar to that of grip layer  36  shown in  FIG. 2 . In contrast to the grip layer  36 , however, the grip layer  136  can be a clear grip tape. The clear grip tape can be a thin, separate layer which can be adhered to the top of the platform  114 , thus covering the tops of the deck fasteners  138  and giving the personal transportation device  110  a more aesthetically pleasing, and smoother appearance. 
         [0042]    Although these inventions have been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present inventions extend beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the inventions and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while several variations of the inventions have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of these inventions, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments can be made and still fall within the scope of the inventions. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed inventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of at least some of the present inventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.