Abstract:
A mechanism for the conversion of a force applied in one direction to a rotational force. The rotational force may provide for movement in a second direction. The system utilizes mechanical parts and the movement of these parts to convert the directional force to a rotational force. The system can help to utilize unused forces to the benefit of a user reducing workload and/or increasing speed.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to devices and methods aiding in movement of people and objects in general including but not limited to a dolly, a cart, a fork lift, a hand truck, a roller skate and the like. 
         [0003]    2. Related Art 
         [0004]    Various devices for aiding in movement of people and objects along a surface have been proposed, in which rotatable wheels are attached to a structural body. When a force is applied in the desired direction of movement, the wheels rotate along the surface and decrease friction between the structural body and the surface. 
         [0005]    Various different mechanisms and methods have been used for applying such a force, including a motor that connects, through a transmission or other linkage to one or more wheels, to impart a rotational force to the connected wheels. Other mechanisms have employed a rotary pedal configuration in which foot pedals are attached to a rotary sprocket and a chain or belt connects the sprocket to a wheel gear. 
         [0006]    Wheel motion on such apparatuses is usually limited to rotational motion about an axis of rotation. However, wheels on a roller skate or in-line skate are moved up and down (relative to the riding surface), as the rider&#39;s legs are lifted and set down, to impart a motive force in a generally horizontal direction of travel. As a result of the up and down motion of the wheels during a skating motion, much force is exerted in a perpendicular direction to the movement of the apparatus, resulting in a considerable amount of wasted energy. 
         [0007]    Previous inventions have attempted to remedy the problem, but either required complicated designs or required alteration of the conventional style of use of the device. Examples of previous designs are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 1,208,173; 732,120; 1,924,948; 1,437,314; and, 1,784,761, each of which are incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0008]    Embodiments of the current invention may be configured to address one or more of the above-mentioned problems, including providing a system and method for converting a perpendicular force to a rotational force and utilizing the rotational force to propel the system in the desired direction. Further embodiments of the invention relate to a method of manufacturing such a system. 
         [0009]    More particularly, a system according to a first preferred embodiment converts a force applied to the system in one direction to a rotational force to drive the system in a second direction. The system in this embodiment comprises a pressure part, a motive force transfer mechanism engaged with the pressure part and moveable between at least two states, a spin restricting mechanism with at least two parts that move with respect to each other, and a bias member that provides a bias force. The motive force transfer mechanism has a resting state, wherein no external forces are acting on the system, and an active state, wherein an external force is acting on the pressure part. The motive transfer mechanism is coupled to the system along a single axis allowing it to pivot freely along that axis with respect to the pressure part and to compress in a scissor-like fashion. The motive transfer mechanism engages with a first part of the spin restricting mechanism when transitioning between the resting state and the active state. The bias member causes the motive transfer mechanism to transition back to the resting state when no external force is applied to the system. 
         [0010]    The spin restricting mechanism has a first part and a second part that rotate independently along a shared axis in one direction, and are coupled and rotate together in the opposite direction. As a result, the system may provide a rotational force in two directions to the first part, but will only transfer a rotational force in one direction to the second part. Accordingly, the system may be driven in one direction, such as a forward direction. 
         [0011]    A system in a second preferred embodiment comprises a system of the first embodiment, but with a plurality of wheels and each wheel is attached to a second part of a spin restricting mechanism. Each spin restricting mechanism is engaged to the motive force transfer mechanism. This provides an advantageous results that the system may move along a surface in a given direction from a force provided perpendicular to the surface. 
         [0012]    A system in a third preferred embodiment comprises a system of the first embodiment, but with a plurality of wheels and at least one wheel attached to a second part of a spin restricting mechanism. This provides an advantageous result that the system may move along a surface in a given direction from a force provided perpendicular to the surface. 
         [0013]    A system in a fourth preferred embodiment comprises a system of the first embodiment, but wherein the first part and second part of the spin rotation mechanism have locking elements that lock into each other when rotating in one direction, but slide against each other freely when rotating in the opposite direction. These locking elements may comprise a first plate with wedges in the shape of ramps, and a second plate with slots or holes that are shaped to receive the wedges. 
         [0014]    A system in a fifth preferred embodiment comprises a system of the third embodiment, but wherein the pressure part comprises a shoe attached to the motive transfer function. 
         [0015]    A system in a sixth preferred embodiment comprises a system of the third embodiment, but wherein the pressure part comprises a platform on which a user may step. 
         [0016]    A system in a seventh preferred embodiment comprises a system of the sixth embodiment, but with a member (for example straps) to secure the user&#39;s foot, shoe, or the like to the system. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is an external side view of a motive system according to an embodiment of the invention in its original uncompressed form. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is an external side view of the motive system of  FIG. 1  in its compressed form. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is an internal side view of the motive system of  FIG. 1  with the housing removed. 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a close-up view of a drive train mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is a close-up view of a drive train mechanism according to another embodiment of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6 . is an exploded view of an embodiment of a spin restricting mechanism. 
           [0023]      FIG. 7 . is a top internal view of an embodiment of a spin restricting mechanism where wedges on a circular plate are locked into a spinning slotted plate. 
           [0024]      FIG. 8 . is a top internal view of an embodiment of a spin restricting mechanism where wedges on a circular plate are sliding along a spinning slotted plate. 
           [0025]      FIG. 9  is a close-up view of a drive train mechanism according to a further embodiment of the invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 10  is an external side view of a motive system according to a further embodiment of the invention in its original uncompressed form. 
           [0027]      FIG. 11  is an internal side view of the motive system of  FIG. 10  with the housing removed. 
           [0028]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the motive system of  FIGS. 1-3 , in its compressed form. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to motive systems and methods aiding in movement of people and objects in general including but not limited to a skate, a dolly, a cart, a fork lift, a hand truck, and the like, and components thereof. In addition, embodiments of the invention relate to motive systems and methods for converting a force (such as, but not limited to, a perpendicular or generally perpendicular force) to a rotational force. Motive systems and methods according to embodiments of the present invention include (1) a scissoring motive transfer mechanism and a drive train linkage that converts force applied in one direction (such as a vertical, downward force applied by a user making a stepping motion) into a rotational force for driving one or more rotary wheels; and (2) a spin restricting mechanism for restricting the rotary wheel(s) to only one direction of rotation. 
         [0030]    A motive system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  12 , in various positional states.  FIG. 1  is an external side view of system structure in an uncompressed or resting state.  FIG. 2  is an external side view of the system of  FIG. 1 , but in a compressed or active state. The exterior of the system, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , is provided with a pressure part  1 , a scissoring motive transfer mechanism  2 , a drive train  5 , wheels  7 , and a chassis  16 .  FIG. 12  is a perspective top-side view of the system structure in the compressed or active state, with the pressure part  1  omitted to provide a clearer view of various components within the motive system. 
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is an internal side view of the embodiment of the system of  FIG. 1 . The interior of the system, as shown in  FIG. 3 , is provided with a bias member  8 , a rod or bar  3  supported for pivotal motion about its longitudinal axis, a drive train  5 , and a spin restricting mechanism (not shown in  FIG. 3  but illustrated in  FIGS. 6-8 ). 
         [0032]    The system of  FIGS. 1-3  and  12  may be employed, for example, in a skate structure for allowing a user to skate along a surface. A skate structure according to embodiments of the present invention may be secured directly to each foot of a user. Alternatively, the skate structure may be incorporated with a skate shoe, in a manner similar to a traditional roller skate. In other embodiments, the skate structure may be employed in another form of a motive system, including but not limited to a dolly, a cart, a fork lift, a hand truck, and the like. 
         [0033]    According to an example embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the pressure part  1  comprises a stepping plate that may be part of the chassis  16 . The stepping plate may provide a generally planar surface on which the sole of a users shoe or foot may impart a generally downward-directed manual force, while making a stepping motion. In other embodiments, the pressure part  1  may comprise the sole of a shoe structure for receiving a user&#39;s foot. However, other embodiments of the pressure part may include, but are not limited to, a platform, foot rail or a hand rail, on which manual force is applied by a user&#39;s foot or hand. In one embodiment according to  FIG. 1  the chassis  16  may be directly attached to a shoe structure by a series of fastening elements (for example screws) that extend through mounting holes  9  into, for example, the sole of a shoe structure. In other embodiments, other suitable structure for securing the chassis  16  to a user&#39;s foot or to a shoe structure may be employed, including, but not limited to straps, adhesive material, or the like. The chassis  16  may be connected to the motive transfer mechanism  2  at a single axis, by a pivoting rod or bar  3 . The pivoting rod or bar  3  can be a screw, a bolt, a rod, or a ball-bearing device, and the like. In this embodiment, the pivoting rod or bar  3  is not stationary relative to the chassis  16  or motive transfer mechanism  2 , and may rotate freely relative to either structure. In alternative embodiments, the rod or bar  3  may be non-rotating and provide a fixed axle about which the chassis  16  and motive transfer mechanism  2  may pivot in a rotary manner. 
         [0034]    In an embodiment according to  FIG. 1  the motive force transfer mechanism  2  has a scissor-like shape made of two arms connected at a pivot axis by the pivotal rod or bar  3 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The arms may be made of any suitably rigid material, including, but not limited to metal, plastic, composite material or the like. The arms are pivotal about the pivot axis, between a first final state (which may be a resting state or uncompressed state) as shown in  FIG. 1 , and a second final state (which may be a compressed state) as shown in  FIG. 2 . The bias member  8  may comprise a coil spring that imparts a spring force on the two metal arms. In the illustrated embodiment, the bias member comprises a coil spring having a first spring arm connected in a fixed relation with one of the two scissor arms and a second spring arm connected in a fixed relation to the other of the two scissor arms and a coil arranged around the pivot axis of the scissor arms, for biasing the scissor arms toward the first final state (as shown in  FIG. 1 ). However, in other embodiments, the bias member  8  may comprise a leaf spring or pneumatics. The arms may rotate with respect to each other and with respect to the pressure part  1  around the axis of the pivoting bar  3 . This may provide the advantageous result that pressure may be applied to the pressure part  1  in whatever foot angle position (foot angle, relative to the direction of a downward stepping motion) is most natural or comfortable for each user while still engaging the motive transfer mechanism  2 . 
         [0035]    When no external force is applied to the motive force transfer mechanism  2 , the bias member  8  applies a force to the metal arms so they are in an uncompressed position as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0036]    When a sufficient external force to overcome the force of the bias member  8  (such as, but not limited to, a force from a user&#39;s foot as the user makes a downward stepping motion) is applied to the pressure part  1  while the motive transfer mechanism  2  is supported on a surface of travel, the bias member  8  compresses and the arms rotate into a compressed state as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0037]    According to an embodiment of the system of  FIGS. 1-3 , a series of teeth  2 A are provided along the end of at least one of the metal arms, for engaging a first gear  5 A of the drive train  5 . The series of teeth  2 A are shaped to engage with a first, smaller ring of teeth on the gear  5 A as shown in  FIG. 4 . Gear  5 A also has a second, larger ring that rotates on the same axis and together with the smaller ring of teeth. 
         [0038]    According to the embodiment of a drive train  5  in  FIG. 4 , a larger ring of gear  5 A may have teeth and may be engaged with teeth of a second gear  5 B of the drive train  5 , which in turn may be engaged with teeth of a third gear  10 , which according to the embodiment of  FIG. 4  may be attached to the spin restricting mechanism  6  for rotation with a portion of the spin restricting mechanism  6 . 
         [0039]    According to another embodiment shown in  FIG. 5 , the larger ring on gear  5 A may have teeth and may be connected to a gear  10  through the use of a chain  20 . In yet a further embodiment as shown in  FIG. 9 , each of the larger ring on the gear  5 A and the gear  10  may comprise a pulley  22  and  24  and the two pulleys may be coupled by a belt  20  instead of the chain  20  shown in  FIG. 5 . Accordingly, a chain or belt may transfer rotational motion between the gear  5 A and the gear  10 . 
         [0040]    The drive train  5  provides an operable link between the scissoring arm structure and the gear  10 , to provide a rotational drive force to rotate gear  10 . More specifically, the drive train transfers a rotational force for rotating the gear  10  in a first direction around the axis of gear  10 , as the scissoring arm structure is moved from the uncompressed or rest state ( FIG. 1 ) to the compressed or active state ( FIG. 2 ). The drive train transfers a rotational force for rotating the gear  10  in a second direction around the axis of the gear  10  (opposite to the first direction), as the scissoring arm structure is returned from the compressed or active state ( FIG. 2 ) to the uncompressed or rest state ( FIG. 1 ). 
         [0041]    However, the spin restricting mechanism is operatively coupled to the gear  10 , to transfer the rotational motion of the gear  10  in the first direction to a wheel, but not transfer rotational motion of the gear  10  in the second direction to the wheel. Accordingly, a rotational motive force may be applied to the wheel in a desired direction of motion. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  shows an exploded view of an embodiment of a spin restricting mechanism. According to an example of this embodiment one part of a spin restricting mechanism comprises a circular plate  12  coupled in a fixed relation to a wheel hub  14 . The wheel hub  14  is supported for rotation about an axis of an axle. The wheel hub axle is connected to one end portion of one of the scissor arms. A second part of a spin restricting mechanism comprises a slotted plate  11  coupled in a fixed relation to the gear  10 , to rotate with the gear  10 . A wheel  7  may be coupled in a fixed relation to the wheel hub  14 , to rotate with the wheel hub. The plates  11  and  12  and the wheel hub  14 , each may be formed of any suitably rigid material, including, but not limited to metal, plastic, composite material or the like. 
         [0043]    The wheel hub  14  may be provided with a plurality of spring receptacles and pin receptacles arranged in a spaced relation, around the rotational axis of the wheel hub  14 . The spring receptacles may comprise channels or other structures that are capable of receiving and/or retaining springs. The pin receptacles may comprise channels or other structures that are capable of receiving and/or retaining pins. 
         [0044]    A plurality of springs  13 , such as coil springs having longitudinal axes, may be received, at least partially within the spring receptacles, such that an end portion of the spring is extends outward from the hub  14 . A plurality of pins  15  having longitudinal axes may be received partially within the pin receptacles, such that an end portion of each pin extends outward from the hub  14 , in a direction generally parallel to the rotational axis of the hub. The circular plate  12  may be coupled in a fixed relation to the wheel hub  14  by arranging the outward extended ends of the pins  15  to extend through holes in the circular plate  12 . Accordingly the circular plate  12  and wheel hub  14  rotate together along a common axis. The outward extended ends of the springs  13  are positioned to abut or otherwise impart a spring force on the circular plate  12 . The circular plate  12  may have some freedom of movement in the axial direction (of the axis of rotation), which causes springs  13  to compress and decompress accordingly. The slotted plate  11 , which may also have a circular shape, is arranged adjacent the circular plate  12 , opposite to the spring-side of the plate  12 , such that the springs  13  impart a force on the plate  12  to push the plate  12  against the slotted plate  11 . 
         [0045]    According to an embodiment of the spin restricting mechanism as shown in  FIG. 6 , the circular plate  12  may have wedge-shaped portions on the surface facing away from the wheel hub  14 . Each wedge-shaped portion may be configured to form a ramp-like shape as shown in  FIG. 7 . Each wedge-shaped portion may have a ramp side  12 B that starts flush with a plate surface of the plate  12 , and rises at an angle less than  90  degrees. The wedge then forms a relatively sharp drop to the plate surface, forming an edge  12 A that is approximately perpendicular (or greater than 90 degrees) to the plate surface. The wedges may all be aligned so the ramps face the same rotational direction. The slots on the slotted plate  11  may be about the same size as or larger than the wedges on the circular plate  12 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  shows an internal top view of an embodiment spin restricting mechanism according to  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, when the slotted plate  11  is rotated in the direction so that the edge of the slots slide down the ramp side  12 B of one wedge and hit the edge  12 A of another wedge, the circular plate  12  locks into the slotted plate  11  and may be held in place by the force from the springs  13 . When locked, rotation of the slotted plate  11  in a first direction around the axis of the hub  14  transfers, through the edges  12 A of the wedges, to plate  12  to cause rotation of the plate  12 , wheel hub  14  and wheel  7 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 8  shows an internal top view of an embodiment spin restricting mechanism according to  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, when the slotted plate  11  is rotated in a second direction (opposite to the first direction of rotation) so that the edge of the slots slide up the ramp side  12 B of each wedge and then falls back to the surface, the circular plate  12  is not locked for rotation with the slotted plate  11  and the slotted plate  11  may rotate in a second direction (opposite to the first direction) independently of the circular plate  12 . The springs  13  compress and decompress as the slotted plate  11  moves up and down the ramps. 
         [0048]    Embodiments of  FIG. 6  of the spin restricting mechanism  6  provide an advantageous result that the wheel only spins in one direction and only receives a force from the slotted plate  11  in one rotational direction. Accordingly, the skate will only be propelled forward when the motive force transfer mechanism  2  is moved from an uncompressed or rest state ( FIG. 1 ) to a compressed or active state ( FIG. 2 ) and may continue spinning in that direction when the motive force transfer mechanism  2  returns from the active state ( FIG. 2 ) to the rest state ( FIG. 1 ) and decompresses. 
         [0049]    An embodiment of the invention according to  FIGS. 1-8  may function so that when a user steps down on the pressure plate  1 , the wheels  7  come in contact with a surface of travel, such as the ground, the force of the user&#39;s body weight along with the counteracting force from the surface of travel cause the motive transfer mechanism  2  to move from an uncompressed or rest state ( FIG. 1 ) to a compressed or active state ( FIG. 2 ). As the metal arm with the teeth  2 A moves during the compression, the movement causes the gear  5 A engaged with the teeth  2 A to rotate. The rotation of the gear  5 A is transferred to gear  10 , for example, through a further gear  5 B chain, belt or the like. 
         [0050]    The slotted plate  11  is coupled to rotate with gear  10  and the edge of the slots rotates along the circular plate  12  until they engage an edge  1   2 A, causing the circular plate to rotate with the slotted plate. The wheel hub  14  and wheel  7  are coupled, in a fixed relation to the circular plate  12 , through the pins  15  and, thus, rotate with the rotation of the circular plate  12 . Accordingly, the energy of the vertical motion of the pressure plate  1  and the compression of the scissor arm structure is transferred to a rotational motion of the wheel  7 , for propelling the user forward. 
         [0051]    When the user steps back up, the compression force is released and the wheels may be lifted off of the ground. As a result, the bias member  8  forces the arms back into the decompressed or rest state ( FIG. 1 ). The gear  10  is rotated again by the movement of toothed arm, but in the opposite direction relative to the direction of rotation during a compression step. The slotted plate  11  is coupled in a fixed relation to the gear  10  and, thus, rotates with gear  10 . As the slotted plate rotates, the edges of each slot rotate along a circular plate  12  moving up and down the ramp portions  12 B so as to allow the wheels  7  and circular plate  12  to continue rotating in the forward direction. To allow the ramp portions to readily slide along the plate  12 , the circular plate  12  may move along the axis of rotation from a force from the slotted plate  11 , against or with the spring force of springs  13 . 
         [0052]    Accordingly, in this embodiment, the user may repeat the stepping motions to continue propelling the skate and the user forward. 
         [0053]      FIG. 10 &amp; 11  illustrate a further embodiment of a motive system that engages more than one wheel.  FIG. 10  is an external side view of the motive system in its original uncompressed form, and  FIG. 11  is an internal side view of the motive system of  FIG. 10 . Similar to the motive system of  FIG. 1 , the motive system of  FIGS. 10-11  comprises a pressure part  1 , a scissoring motive transfer mechanism  2 , a pivotal rod or bar  3 , wheels  7  and  7 ′, and a bias member  8 . As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , each of the end of the two arms of the scissoring motive transfer mechanism  2  comprises a series of teeth  2 A and  2 A′. Each series of teeth  2 A and  2 A′ engages with one of drive mechanisms  5  and  5 ′, respectively. In turn, each of the drive mechanisms  5  and  5 ′ engages with one of gear  10  (connected to wheel  7 ) or gear  10 ′ (connected to wheel  7 ′). Each of the wheels  7  and  7 ′ also comprises a spin restricting mechanism (not shown in  FIGS. 10-11 , but illustrated in  FIG. 6 .) Therefore, this provides the advantageous result that as a downwards force is applied to the pressure part  1 , the downwards force is transferred and distributed to rotational motions of both wheels  7  and  7 ′, for propelling the user forward. 
         [0054]    Further, the gears of the two drive mechanisms  5  and  5 ′ may comprise a different number of gears or different gear ratios. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the drive mechanism  5  comprises a set of two gears  5 A and  5 B, whereas the drive mechanism  5 ′ comprises only one gear  5 ′. Therefore, by varying the number of gears or gear ratios between the two drive mechanisms  5  and  5 ′, the proportional fraction of force transferred to the two wheels  7  and  7 ′ can be adjusted. 
         [0055]    An explanation of the present invention was given above of the present invention based on several preferred embodiments. However, the present invention is in no way limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Various modifications and changes that do not deviate from and are within the scope of the essentials of the present invention can be easily surmised.