Abstract:
An application for a device for human conveyance includes a front wheel and a rear wheel. The rear wheel interfaced to a sprocket through a ratchet drive system which allows forward rotation of the rear wheel in response to forward rotation of the sprocket and allows free backward rotation of the sprocket. A frame interfaces the front wheel to the rear wheel keeping the front wheel at a constant distance from the rear wheel. The front and rear wheels are rotatably interfaced to the frame. A front end of an arc-shaped spring is affixed to the frame in proximity to the front wheel and a rear end of the arc-shaped spring has a sprocket gear interfaced to the sprocket whereas depression of the arc-shaped spring pushes the rear-end of the arc-shaped spring in a rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel and the sprocket gear turns the sprocket in a forward rotational direction.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This nonprovisional patent application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/918,058; filed Mar. 15, 2007, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    This invention relates to a method and apparatus for allowing a person operating the device of human conveyance to propel oneself, via the device, in a controlled manner along a navigable path. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    When a person jumps in the air using muscle energy a substantial amount of potential energy has been created. An example would be appreciated by watching as the person springs and bounce higher and higher on a diving board. Similarly, a human can simply lift one foot off the ground, while maintaining support with the other foot. Thereafter, with gravity alone or with a slight amount of additional downward muscle force, the human may allow the elevated foot&#39;s weight to descend and create a comparable effect. 
         [0004]    Humanly created potential energy is available to be converted into a substantial amount of useful kinetic energy through little additional effort, by only relying on the natural laws of gravity. 
         [0005]    Prior devices for human conveyance relied upon this kinetic energy to be directed onto a pedal system as in a bicycle or pushed against the ground as with a scooter or skateboard. Being that it is not practical to integrate a pedal system in a scooter or a skate board because of the low clearance of the running board of such devices, a way to propel such a device using the energy of a human user is needed. A system is needed that utilizes this energy, providing useful conveyance of the human user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    In one embodiment, a device for human conveyance is disclosed including a front wheel, a rear wheel and a frame which interfaces the front wheel to the rear wheel whereas the front wheel is held at a constant distance from the rear wheel. The front wheel and the rear wheel are rotatably interfaced to the frame. A device is provided for creating a rearward movement from a downward movement and another device is provided for converting the rearward movement into a rotational movement of the rear wheel. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment, a device for human conveyance is disclosed including a front wheel and a rear wheel. The rear wheel interfaced to a sprocket through a ratchet drive system which allows forward rotation of the rear wheel in response to forward rotation of the sprocket and allows free backward rotation of the sprocket. A frame interfaces the front wheel to the rear wheel keeping the front wheel at a constant distance from the rear wheel. The front and rear wheels are rotatably interfaced to the frame. A front end of an arc-shaped spring is affixed to the frame in proximity to the front wheel and a rear end of the arc-shaped spring has a sprocket gear interfaced to the sprocket whereas depression of the arc-shaped spring pushes the rear-end of the arc-shaped spring in a rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel and the sprocket gear turns the sprocket in a forward rotational direction. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment, a method of human conveyance is disclosed including providing a device for human conveyance that has a front wheel and a rear wheel. The rear wheel is interfaced to a sprocket through a ratchet drive system and the ratchet drive system allows forward rotation of the rear wheel in response to forward rotation of the sprocket and free backward rotation of the sprocket. A frame interfaces the front wheel to the rear wheel keeping the front wheel at a constant distance from the rear wheel. The front wheel and the rear wheel are rotatably interfaced to the frame. A front end of an arc-shaped spring is affixed to the frame in proximity to the front wheel while a rear end of the arc-shaped spring has a sprocket gear interfaced to the sprocket. Depressing the arc-shaped spring pushes the rear-end of the arc-shaped spring in a rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel resulting in the sprocket gear turning the sprocket in a forward rotational direction. The method continues with a user pushing down on the arc-shaped spring causing the rear end of the arc-shaped spring to turn the sprocket and, therefore, turning the rear wheel causing the device for human conveyance to move in a forward direction. Next, the user lifts up on the arc-shaped spring, thereby returning the rear end of the arc-shaped spring. The prior two steps are repeated until the device for human conveyance reaches a point of destination. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  illustrates an operational schematic view of the present invention. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  illustrates a second operational schematic view of the present invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  illustrates a third operational schematic view of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  illustrates a fourth operational schematic view of the present invention. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  illustrates an isometric view of the present invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  illustrates a plan view of the present invention showing the drive spring in its relaxed mode and depressed mode. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  illustrates a plan view of the present invention showing an alternative drive mechanism. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  illustrates an enlarged plan view of a first gear system of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  illustrates an enlarged plan view of a second gear system of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 10  illustrates an enlarged plan view of a spool system of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 11  illustrates an enlarged plan view of a third gear system of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0021]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0022]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an operational schematic view of a system of the present invention is shown. The present invention translates simple body motions  15  into a useful force that may then be used to efficiently rotate a wheel. The present invention is directed to a vehicle composed of a semi flexible or rigid chassis supported by one or more wheels placed in both the forward and rear of the vehicle. Outwardly, an embodiment of a configuration of this invention could be described as resembling a bicycle, a scooter, or even a skateboard. 
         [0023]    An embodiment of the present invention is directed to a means of propulsion of the inventive device. The present invention provides a flexible or hinged platform which securely attaches to a chassis at one end and converts a human&#39;s self-generated up and down energy into a rotational energy, which can efficiently rotate a wheel of the device. 
         [0024]    A unidirectional drive mechanism is activated by either a flexible or hinged platform that maintains an angled configuration while at rest. The platform assumes a more linear profile as it is deformed or flattened by the rider&#39;s weight. 
         [0025]    In  FIG. 1 , the sides  20 / 30  of the triangle  10  are shown with equivalent lengths as the hypotenuse  50 . It should be noted that the hypotenuse  50  of the triangle virtually exists in an embodiment of the present invention. Changes in dimension between a first vertex  35  and a second vertex  45  occur as a result of a force  15  applied to the third vertex  25 . The change in dimension is represented by a distance  50  between the first vertex  35  and the second vertex  45 . Since the sides  20 / 30  of the triangle are of fixed length, as pressure  15  is applied to the third vertex  25 , the sides  20 / 30  are flattened as shown in  FIG. 2 . The result in the downward force  15  is transposed into a linear force making the distance  50  between the first and second vertices  35 / 45  approach the total of the length of the sides  20 / 30 . In operation, a spring (not shown) is positioned to pull the first and second vertices  35 / 45  together, thereby returning the triangle  10  to its original shape after the force  15  is diminished. It should also be noted that a stop is needed, preventing the sides  20 / 30  from becoming a straight line; is such was allowed, the spring is prevented from returning the triangle  10  to its original shape. 
         [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an operational schematic view of a system of the present invention is shown. The present invention translates simple body motions  15  into a useful force that may then be used to efficiently rotate a wheel. 
         [0027]    In  FIG. 3 , an arc  22 / 32  is shown. In this example, each half of the arc  22 / 32  is shown of equal size and shape, although this is not required. The distance  52  between the end points of the arc  38 / 48  is shown. Changes in dimension between end points  38 / 48  of the arc  22 / 32  occur as a result of a force  15  applied to the arc  22 / 32 . The change in dimension is represented by a distance  52  between end points  38 / 48  of the arc  22 / 32 . Since the halves  22 / 32  of the arc are of fixed length, as pressure  15  is applied to the arc  22 / 32 , the side halves  22 / 32  of the arc  22 / 32  are flattened as shown in  FIG. 4 . The result in the downward force  15  is transposed into a linear force making the distance  50  between the end points  38 / 48  of the arc  22 / 32  become longer. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an isometric view of the present invention is shown. Although the device for human conveyance  110  is shown as a scooter, the present invention includes any device for human conveyance, including a scooter, a skateboard, etc. Also, although shown having two front wheels  112  and one back wheel  130 , any configuration of wheels is anticipated, including one front wheel and one back wheel. 
         [0029]    In some embodiments, the scooter  110  has handle bars  116  interfaced with the front wheels  112  for steering the scooter. In some embodiments, a foot rest  114  is provided to allow the user to rest a foot upon while using the other foot for propelling the device for human conveyance  110  as will be discussed. 
         [0030]    The front wheel(s)  112  are coupled to the rear wheel(s)  130  by a frame member  122 . The frame member  122  keeps the front wheel(s)  112  at a constant distance from the rear wheel(s)  130 . In the preferred embodiment, the frame member  122  is semi-rigid, providing some flexibility to absorb the shock of the propulsion mechanism. In other words, the frame  122  bends slightly, preferably at a mid-section, when downward pressure is applied. In some embodiments, the frame member  122  is rigid. 
         [0031]    In the example of  FIG. 5 , the rear wheel  130  is rotatably attached to the frame member  122  by a frame member plate  126 . In some embodiments, a rear wheel guard  132  is provided to reduce the risk of a user rubbing their shoe against the rear wheel(s)  130  while using the scooter  110 . 
         [0032]    In this example, the drive mechanism consists of an arc-shaped drive spring  120  that has a rear-wheel interface  124 . The rear wheel interface  124  will be described later. The drive mechanism operates based upon the principles previously described, in that, when the user presses down on the drive spring  120 , the rear wheel interface is pushed in a generally horizontal rearward direction, thereby interfacing with the rear wheel  130  (as will be described), causing the scooter  110  to move in a forward direction. In its simplest form, the interface to the rear wheel  130  is a friction interface, in that the rear-wheel interface  124  rubs against a hub (not shown), causing the hub to turn the rear wheel  130  in a forward direction. So that the rear wheel  130  does not stop or reverse when the rear-wheel interface  124  retracts (e.g., the use lifts up), a ratchet mechanism as known in the industry is provided to allow the rear wheel to continue to turn in a forward direction while the rear-wheel interface  124  retracts. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , a plan view of the present invention showing the drive spring in its relaxed mode and depressed mode is shown. Again, a device for human conveyance  110  is shown as a scooter with a front wheel  112  and a rear wheel  130 . 
         [0034]    In this example, the scooter  110  has handle bars  116  interfaced with the front wheels  112  for steering the scooter. In some embodiments, a foot rest  114  is provided to allow the user to rest a foot upon while using the other foot for propelling the device for human conveyance  110  as will be discussed. 
         [0035]    The front wheel(s)  112  are coupled to the rear wheel(s)  130  by a frame member  122 . The frame member  122  keeps the front wheel(s)  112  at a constant distance from the rear wheel(s)  130 . In this embodiment, the rear wheel  130  is rotatably attached to the frame member  122  by a frame member plate  126 . In some embodiments, a rear wheel guard  132  is provided to reduce the risk of a user rubbing their shoe against the rear wheel(s)  130  while using the scooter  110 . In the preferred embodiment, the frame member  122  is semi-rigid, providing some flexibility to absorb the shock of the propulsion mechanism. In other embodiments, the frame member  122  is rigid. 
         [0036]    The drive mechanism arc-shaped drive spring  120  is shown in its relaxed position (e.g., the user has not applied pressure with a foot) and in its compressed position (shown in dashed lines). As can be seen, the tail end of the drive spring  124  extends rearward past the rear wheel drive mechanism as the drive spring  120  is compressed. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , a plan view of the present invention showing an alternative drive mechanism is shown. Again, a device for human conveyance  210  is shown as a scooter with a front wheel  112  and a rear wheel  130 . 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, the scooter  210  has handle bars  116  interfaced with the front wheels  112  for steering the scooter. In some embodiments, a foot rest  114  is provided to allow the user to rest a foot upon while using the other foot for propelling the device for human conveyance  210  as will be discussed. 
         [0039]    The front wheel(s)  112  are coupled to the rear wheel(s)  130  by a frame member  122 . The frame member  122  keeps the front wheel(s)  112  at a constant distance from the rear wheel(s)  130 . In this embodiment, the rear wheel  130  is rotatably attached to the frame member  122  by a frame member plate  126 . In some embodiments, a rear wheel guard  132  is provided to reduce the risk of a user rubbing their shoe against the rear wheel(s)  130  while using the scooter  210 . 
         [0040]    In this embodiment, the drive mechanism angle-shaped drive  152 / 154  is shown in its relaxed position (e.g., the user has not applied pressure with a foot) As can be seen, the tail end  164  of the angle-shaped drive  152 / 154  will extend rearward past the rear wheel drive mechanism as the angle-shaped drive  152 / 154  is compressed (e.g., by a user&#39;s foot). To return the angle-shaped drive  152 / 154  to its original position after the user lifts their foot, a spring  156  is employed. Other spring configurations are anticipated as known in the art. In some embodiments, a foot platform  150  is attached to the angle-shaped drive  152 / 154 , providing greater comfort to the user&#39;s foot as the user steps down on the angle-shaped drive  152 / 154 . 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , an enlarged plan view of a first gear system of the present invention is shown. In this example, the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  is shown interfacing with a multiple-speed sprocket system  140  interfaced to the rear wheel  130  by a drive shaft  131 . As the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  moves in the rearward direction, it turns a selected one of the sprockets  140 . If the smaller sprocket of the sprockets  140  is selected, the scooter will go faster whereas if a larger sprocket of the sprockets  140  is selected, the scooter will go slower but will be able to climb a steeper grade as known in the industry. The sprockets  140  are interfaced to the rear wheel  130  by a ratchet mechanism (not shown internal to the hub of the wheel  130 ) as known in the industry, providing forward motion as the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  moves in a rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel and allows the wheel  130  to roll freely in the forward motion as the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  moves in a forward direction with respect to the rear wheel  130 . 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 9 , an enlarged plan view of a second gear system of the present invention is shown. In this example, the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  is shown interfacing with a single sprocket  142  interfaced to the rear wheel  130  by a drive shaft  131 . As the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  moves in the rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel  130 , it turns the sprocket  142 . The sprocket  142  is interfaced to the rear wheel  130  by a ratchet mechanism (not shown) as known in the industry, providing forward motion as the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  moves in a rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel and allows the wheel  130  to roll freely in the forward motion as the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  moves in a forward direction with respect to the rear wheel  130 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , an enlarged plan view of a spool system of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  is interfaced to a spool  170 / 172  by a cable  174 . In this example, the spool shares a hub  131  of the rear wheel  130 . 
         [0044]    The cable  174  is attached to the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  at an end  176 . As the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  moves in the rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel  130 , it pulls the cable  174  which is wound around the spool  170 / 172 . This unwinding operation causes the rear wheel  130  to turn in a forward direction. The spool  170 / 172  is interfaced to the rear wheel  130  by a ratchet mechanism (not shown) as known in the industry, providing forward motion as the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  moves in a rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel and allows the wheel  130  to roll freely in the forward motion as the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  moves in a forward direction with respect to the rear wheel  130 . Additionally, the spool  170 / 172  is spring-loaded to rewind the cable  174  around the spool  170 / 172  as the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  moves in the forward direction. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , an enlarged plan view of the gear system of the present invention is shown. In this example, a sprocket interface gear  180  is affixed to the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120 . The teeth of the sprocket  142  mesh with the sprocket interface gear  180  so that as the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  and sprocket interface gear  180  move in the rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel  130 , the sprocket  142  turns the wheel  130  in a forward direction. The sprocket  142  is interfaced to the rear wheel  130  by a ratchet mechanism (not shown) as known in the industry, providing forward motion as the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  moves in a rearward direction with respect to the rear wheel and allows the wheel  130  to roll freely in the forward motion as the tail end  124  of the arc-shaped drive spring  120  moves in a forward direction with respect to the rear wheel  130 . 
         [0046]    Note that a sprocket interface  180 / 142  is described as an example and any other type of gear interface known in the industry is anticipated and is interchangeable with the described sprocket  142 —sprocket interface gear  180  system. 
         [0047]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0048]    It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.