Patent Publication Number: US-2010109266-A1

Title: Recreational and sporting device for movement over ground

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. pending patent application Ser. No. 11/436,858 filed May 19, 2006, allowed, which claims priority over Australian Application No. AU 2005902648 filed May 24, 2005. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to recreational and sporting devices and more particularly to recreational and sporting devices of the type including a foot support mounted to a wheel where a person stands in a generally upright position and travels over the ground. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Recreational and sporting devices comprising a foot support mounted to one or more wheels, where a person stands in a generally upright position and travels over a surface, are well known in the art. One such type of device is the skateboard, which is constructed for use on paved or other kinds of finished surfaces. Other such devices include either the conventional or in-line roller skates having a plurality of wheels for use on similar types of finished surfaces. 
     In all of the above-described devices, both steering and braking is only achieved by shifting the weight of the rider, which means that unless the person is highly skilled their control of the device, especially braking control, is at times questionable. Further because by virtue of their design they have relatively small diameter wheels the devices are limited to use on relatively smooth finish surfaces and are not appropriate for rough and uneven terrain. The smaller wheels also lead to high wear and tear of the device, and the speed of the user is limited. Conventional and in-line skates also have the disadvantage that since there are typically four wheels on the ground at any one time, this limits manoeuvrability of the device which means that the turning circle for such devices is quite large. 
     The need exists for a wheeled type recreational and sporting device where a person stands and which can be used in travelling on rougher ground than is allowed by the use of current devices. 
     Another limitation with currently available larger wheeled devices is the problem associate with supporting the leg of the user during use, without overly limiting the movement of the user&#39;s legs. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved type of recreational and sporting device that overcomes at least some of the above-mentioned problems or provides the public with a useful alternative. 
     The above and other objects are achieved according to this invention by providing a device comprising a foot support that is mounted on a wheel such that the foot support is located below the axis of rotation of the wheel. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore in one form of the invention there is proposed a recreational and sporting device including: 
     a first wheel having an axle; 
     a foot cradle rotatably attached to the axle of the first wheel; 
     a leg plate hingedly attached to the foot cradle and adapted to be coupled to a lower leg of a user; and 
     a biased member attached to the foot cradle and the leg plate and extending therein between; 
     wherein the biased member is adapted to provide support for the user&#39;s leg and foot. 
     Preferably the biased member includes a biasing spring. 
     In one form the device further includes a second wheel member attached to the foot cradle, wherein the second wheel member includes a second wheel. 
     In one form the second wheel member is rigidly attached to the foot cradle. 
     Alternatively the second wheel member is configured to pivot around an axis that lies along a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the axle of the second wheel. 
     In preference the second wheel is of a smaller diameter than the first wheel. 
     More preferably the device further includes a braking mechanism. In one form the braking mechanism is actuated by the user&#39;s hands by means of a lever. 
     In preference the first wheel comprises a hub, rim and tyre. An inner portion of the first wheel is curved outwardly between the hub and the rim. Typically the tyre is a pneumatic tyre. 
     In one form the braking mechanism is attached to the first wheel and located adjacent to the hub. 
     In preference an outer edge of the foot cradle lies within the vertical footprint of the first wheel. 
     In one form the braking mechanism includes a first and second arm which are biased and configured to engage a ring shaped braking surface. The first and second arm pincerably engage the ring shaped braking surface upon actuation of the braking mechanism by the user. 
     In one form the foot cradle and leg support are constructed from a composite material such as but not limited to fibreglass composite or carbon fibre composite. 
     Alternatively the foot cradle and leg support are constructed from metal or plastic. 
     In a further form of the invention there is proposed a method of transporting a user over terrain, including: 
     providing a device having a first wheel including an axle, a foot cradle rotatably attached to the axle of the first wheel, a leg plate hingedly attached to the foot cradle and adapted to be coupled to a lower leg of a user and a biased member attached to the foot cradle and the leg plate and extending therein between, such that the biased member is adapted to provide support for the user&#39;s leg and foot; 
     wherein a single device is attached to each leg of a user and used to propel the user across the terrain. 
     Preferably each device is configured to correspond to either the left leg or the right leg, wherein the opposing first wheels are positioned adjacent to the outer surface of each of the user&#39;s legs. 
     Most preferably each device includes a braking mechanism to assist the user in terminating movement of the first wheel or to assist in steering. 
     In yet a further form there is proposed a transportation device including a first wheel attached to an axle, a foot cradle coupled to the axle to thereby allow the first wheel to rotate, a leg support member pivotably attached to the foot cradle, the leg support member including a leg capturing means for securing the leg support member to a leg of a user, a biased member extending between the foot cradle and the leg support member to provide support for the user&#39;s leg and foot, and a stop for contact with a portion of the leg support member, wherein the biased member urges the leg support member against the stop. 
     The stop may be attached to, or form part of the foot cradle adjacent the axle member of the first wheel. A portion of that foot cradle may be configured to releasably engage with and support a portion of the leg support member. Alternatively a stop, or multiple stops may be positioned along an edge of the foot cradle. The stop may be independent of the biasing means and positioned at a location wherein the leg support contacts the foot cradle. The stop may be an edge of the foot cradle or a portion of the axle that is configured to contact the leg support member. 
     In one form of the invention of the immediately preceding paragraph the stop extends rearwardly from an upper portion of the foot cradle and is configured to contact a front portion of the leg support member. 
     The biased member may be attached adjacent a position at which the foot cradle is pivotable attached to the leg support member or alternatively any position between the foot cradle and leg support that provides unobstructed movement. The biased member may be a spring or resiliently flexible material that returns to its original shape, length or size. A metal coiled spring may be used, or alternatively a flexible band or block could be used, provide there is a rapid response to any expansion or contraction of the biased member. 
     In one possible form the biasing means is a block of resiliently flexible material positioned at, or adjacent the pivotable junction between the leg support and foot cradle. The block of resiliently flexible material biasing the leg support towards the stop. 
     In another form the leg support member comprises an elongate plate that extends through the lower leg of the user, the elongate plate being curved about its longitudinal length to generally conform to the leg of a user. The rear-facing surface of the stop may be shaped to correspond with a front portion of the elongate plate. 
     The leg capturing means may be an adjustable coupling device, including straps, bands or any other device that can secure the leg of the user against an inner surface of the leg support member. The inner surface of the leg support member may include compressible material that is able to conform to the shape of the user&#39;s leg. 
     In still another form the biased member comprising a torsional spring attached between the foot cradle and leg support member adjacent the position at which the foot cradle is pivotable attached to the leg support member. 
     The torsional spring may be positioned at away from the pivot point or multiple torsional springs may be used. 
     The torsional spring may be mounted to a projection on the foot cradle, a first end of the torsional spring being attached to the foot cradle and a second opposing end of the torsional spring being attached to the leg support member. 
     Alternatively the torsional spring is mounted to a projection on the leg support member, a first end of the torsional spring being attached to the leg support member and a second opposing end of the torsional spring being attached to the foot cradle. 
     In yet another form the biased member may be a resiliently stretchable coiled spring, wherein a first end of the resiliently stretchable coiled spring is attached between an outer surface of the foot cradle and a second end of the resiliently stretchable coiled spring is attached to the leg support member, whereby the coiled spring is positioned in a gap between the foot cradle and the first wheel. 
     The device may further include a second wheel member mounted to a rear portion of the foot cradle, the second wheel member comprising a wheel support rotatably attached to the axle of the second wheel. 
     The biasing means may be a single torsional springs a resiliently stretchable coiled spring or a compression spring. Alternatively in yet another form a plurality of torsional springs, resiliently stretchable coiled springs or compression springs may be used to support the leg of the user. 
     In still yet another form of the invention there is proposed a transportation apparatus including a first limb engaging member for attachment to a first foot of a user and a second limb engaging member for attachment to a second foot of a user, each said first and second limb engaging members having respectively a first wheel including an axle member, a foot cradle coupled to the axle member to thereby allow the first wheel to rotate, a leg support member pivotably attached to the foot cradle, the leg support member including a leg capturing means for securing the leg support member to a leg of a user, a biased member extending between the foot cradle and the leg support member to provide support for the user&#39;s leg and foot, and a stop for contact with a portion of the leg support member, wherein the biased member urges the leg support member in the direction of said stop. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. 
       In the drawings, 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a person using a first embodiment of a recreational device; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the device illustrated in  FIG. 1  in this case the device corresponding to the right leg of the user; 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 1  used by the left leg of a user and when in a first travelling position; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the device of  FIG. 3  in a second travelling position; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the recreational device; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the wheel hub of the recreational device of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of the recreational device of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view through AA of the recreational device of  FIG. 7 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the device, illustrating the leg support member resting on a stop; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the device of  FIG. 9 , illustrating the leg support member in a reclined position, exposing the inwardly curved rear surface of the stop; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the biasing member of  FIG. 9 ; and 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the device, illustrating the first wheel removed to reveal a biasing member comprising a coiled spring. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompany drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing form the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts. 
     Referring now to the drawings there is shown a recreational and sporting device  10  constructed according to the teachings of the present invention and identified generally by reference numerals. Device  10  includes a rigid foot cradle  12  adapted to accommodate a person&#39;s foot and formed of an integral shell having a toe and a rear opening  14  and  16 . 
     Hinged to the cradle  12  is a leg support plate  18  including a plurality of straps  20  of an adjustable type lock arrangement and adapted to engage the lower portion of a user&#39;s leg  22 . The cradle  12  is designed to accommodate not only the foot of the user but a standard shoe, such as a sports shoe. However, that is not to say that the cradle  12  may in fact include an inner portion that accommodates a portion of the user&#39;s leg, much alike a ski boot. 
     The leg plate  18  provides support for the leg and has distinct advantages over the prior art. The combination of a foot cradle  12  and leg guard  18  provides greater protection for the user, in that they are less likely to twist or break their ankle during use because the device extends over the lower part of the leg and knee of the user. This is in contrast with conventional or in-line skates which barely extend over the ankle of the user. The leg plate  18  may also be configured to extend over the knee of the user thereby providing an inbuilt knee protector. 
     The foot cradle  12  is rotatably journalled through axle  24  of wheel  26  at the upper surface  28  of the cradle  12  so that when the user has mounted the device  10  the foot lies below the axle  24  which defines the axis of rotation X-Y. The foot cradle  12  is secured there by a typical nut arrangement  30 . The wheel  26  is a standard configuration wheel but with the exception that the central portion  32  of the wheel  26  is of a concave arrangement so that some of the outer side  34  of cradle  12  lies within the vertical footprint of the wheel  26 . To provide the greatest manoeuvrability the ball of the user&#39;s foot is located directly below the axle  24 . It is however envisaged that this may not always be necessary, for instance if the device  10  was configured for speed the axle  24  may be located in front of the ball of the user&#39;s foot. 
     The wheel  26  may typically be a composite construction, such as fibreglass composite or carbon fibre composite, having a plurality of holes  36  that add to the visual appeal and lighten the structure whilst retaining the structural integrity of the wheel. The wheel  26  further includes a tyre tube  38  as is well known in the art, whilst the outer perimeter of the wheel  26  includes a rim  40  adapted to act as a braking surface for a braking arrangement  42 , such as a disc type system illustrated in  FIG. 1  which is well known for use on bicycles. 
     It is to be understood that the journaling of the rotational attachment of the various parts is achieved by standard well known engineering techniques and it is not intended to discuss these in further detail. 
     The leg support plate  18  is hinged to cradle  12  to allow for the users foot to freely rotate around an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of wheel  26 . Extending between the upper end of the leg plate  18  and the axle  24  is a biased support member  44  consisting of an outer member  46  attached to the axle  24  and slidably supporting an inner member  48  that at one end is rotatably attached adjacent to the upper end of the leg plate  18 . The biased member  44  provides support for the user&#39;s foot, such that the user&#39;s shin muscles do not become strained during use. Any biasing means could be used, such as a spring, provided it is responsive to the movement of the user and does not unduly restrict the movement of the user&#39;s leg during use of the device  10 . 
     The reader should appreciate that the biased member  44  is used to compensate for the weight of the foot cradle  12  and wheel  26 . The weight of the device would tend to pull the end of the user&#39;s foot down. Therefore, the biased support  44  facilitates use of the device without risking strain. Alternatively, the biased member  44  could be located at the point where the foot cradle  12  and leg plate  18  pivot. 
     Since the leg plate  18  is rotatably fixed to the cradle and to the axle  24  the reader will appreciate why the member  44  needs to have a sliding arrangement. As best illustrated in  FIG. 3 , when the user has mounted the apparatus and is leaning backwards or has extended their foot during use, the biased member  44  is in an extended state. However, when the user leans forward so that the lower leg leans forward over the foot as in  FIG. 4 , the biased member  44  needs to be in retracted position. Thus biased member  44  provides support for the user&#39;s leg thereby minimising the strain on the user&#39;s leg muscles. 
     Although not illustrated, between the inner and outer members  48  and  46  there may be located a stop to minimise any sudden impact or jarring when the biased member  44  rapidly moves to the retracted position as may occur when the user is in an aggressive travelling or “skating’ mode. 
     The biased member  44  or more specifically the upper end of the outer member  46  is also used to support, in a fixed position, the braking mechanism  42  so that it is always next to the braking surface  40 . Other than stated above, the braking system is of the form typically employed on bicycles and is activated by a squeezable handle  50 , one for each wheel, through cable  52 . The handle  50  is held by the user during use. To ensure the cable  52  does not get tangled up with the wheel  26  or passing objects, such as trees, the user may feed them through elbow guards  54 . The cable  52  may also be clipped to a user&#39;s belt or other items of clothing. 
     The apparatus  10  may include an additional wheel  56  mounted to the rear of the foot cradle  12 . This wheel  56  may act in several different capacities. It may be used as a trainer wheel for new or cautious users and it also assists during intense braking action much like a stabiliser wheel. The wheel  56  also prevents the user from falling backwards which could cause significant injury. The wheel  56  has a swivel action which provides for greater cornering and turning ability. The wheel  56  may be of a caster wheel configuration wherein the wheel is connected to a swivel, or alternatively the wheel  56  could be a fixed configuration. 
     Although it is envisaged that the wheel  56  will be attached to the cradle  12  in a rigid manner, the wheel  56  may also be mounted to the cradle through a flexible member such as fibreglass coated plywood that also provides a damping effect which, in combination with the pneumatic tyre, provides a softer ride. The invention is however not limited to the use of the additional wheel  56 . An expert may not require the rear wheel  56  for stabilisation and therefore the rear wheel  56  could be removably attached to the foot cradle  12  so that when a user become proficient in using the device the wheel  56  could be completely removed, much like training wheels on a bicycle can be removed. 
     The cradle  12  is configured so that the user can leave their own conventional shoes on during use. This means that wherever the user is they are able to dismount from the device  10  and are still wearing protective footwear. This would be useful if a user was travelling from point A to point B, such as going to work or the shops, as they would be wearing footwear when they dismount the device  10 . Typically, the device  10  will be constructed in a series of different sizes to fit a range of shoe sizes, each having wheel  26  of different diameters. It is envisaged that there will be three different sized wheels  26  used, such as 24 inch, 22 inch and 20 inch diameter. 
     In an alternate embodiment as illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the braking arrangement  42  is located at the hub  58  of wheel  26  proximal to the axle  24 . In this way the tyre  38  can be removed without having to disengage the braking arrangement  42 . The wheel  26  includes curved spokes  60  which have a concave shaped inner surface  62  such that the outer side  34  of cradle  12  lies within the vertical footprint of the wheel  26 . 
     The braking arrangement  42  of the alternate embodiment is further illustrated in  FIG. 6  and includes first and second biased arms  64  and  66  and a biasing spring  68  which are engaged therethrough by cable  52 . The braking member  42  further includes a ring shaped braking surface  70  which is mounted to the hub  58  of wheel  26 . The first and second arms  64  and  66  are mounted onto bracket  72  which extends outwardly from the member  46 . The first and second arms  64  and  66  are configured to engage the braking surface  70  upon actuation of the squeezable handle  50 . The member  46  also includes cable eyelets  74  which ensure that the cable  52  does not rub against or become tangled up with the wheel  26  during use. There may also be eyelets located on respective knee portions of the leg plates  18  (not shown). These eyelets would be of a larger size to allow for the free movement of the cable  52  therethrough as the user extends his or her leg during use. As further illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the biasing member  44  includes a spring  75  connected between inner and outer members  46  and  48  thereby providing support for the user&#39;s leg during use. The spring  75  is housed within inner tube  48 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , during use the rear wheel  56  may not be in contact with the ground at all times. This would occur when the user is aggressively skating at high speed or as they push off when they begin to skate. In both instances the foot is extended rearward of the user&#39;s body. As further illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the leg support  18  extends around the outer portion of the user&#39;s leg thereby protecting the leg  22  or clothing from coming into contact with the rotating wheel  26  during use. 
     The cross-sectional view in  FIG. 8  illustrates the curved spokes  60  with a concave shaped inner surface  62  which extend between the hub  58  and rim  40 . As illustrated, this enables the outer side  34  of cradle  12  to lie within the vertical footprint of the wheel  26  which assists in providing greater stability to the device  10  during use. 
     The device  10  may be constructed from typical materials such as, metal, fibreglass composite or carbon fibre composite. Obviously the device  10  for each leg will be a mirror image of each other and a right leg device may not be mounted on the left leg and vice versa. However, the wheels may be adapted for quick coupling and decoupling from the cradle and the brake mechanism and there is no reason why these devices would not be stored in an easily assembled and disassembled state. 
     When using the present invention the rider mounts both devices and pushes himself or herself off much like skating. However, the wheels, being of a large diameter, are able to accommodate rough and uneven ground much easier than the wheels of conventional roller skate or in-line skates device. It should be appreciated that to enable free movement of the user&#39;s leg and foot, the axes of rotation, between the leg support  18  and the cradle  12 , where the support member  44  connects to the leg support  18 , and where the support member  44  connects to the cradle  12 , are all parallel. Furthermore, the support member  44  is perpendicular to these axes of rotation. 
     As the skilled addressee will appreciate the use of a single large wheel  26  provides greater manoeuvrability than conventional skates as there is only one point of contact with the ground upon which the user pivots. This is in contrast with conventional or in-line skates which typically have at least four wheels in contact with the ground. The present invention therefore provides a recreational device which has a smaller turning circle. 
     Slowing down the device  10  is achieved by simply activating the brake handles  50  the amount of braking proportional to the squeezing of the handles. To turn the rider simply shifts their weight and controls the steering by turning their legs. The wheels, being firmly fixed to the cradle, then turn in the direction pointed by the rider. 
     The user may also use the brakes to assist in steering, for instance the user could apply the brake corresponding to their left foot to turn their direction of travel to the left. Alternatively, the right brake could be applied to move to the right. Since there is only one wheel in contact with the ground and therefore only one pivot point for each foot the user has the ability to turn sharply. It is therefore possible for the user to skate in a manner similar to the slalom action in snow skiing to thereby slow down. 
     In further embodiments, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 to 12 , there is provided a transportation device  10  including a first wheel  26  attached to an axle  24 , a foot cradle  12  coupled to the axle  24  to thereby allow the first wheel  26  to rotate, a leg support member  18  pivotably attached to the foot cradle  12 , the leg support member  18  including a leg capturing means  90  for securing the leg support member  18  to a leg of a user, a biased member  44  extending between the foot cradle  12  and the leg support member  18  to provide support for the user&#39;s leg and foot, and a stop  92  attached to, or adjacent, the foot cradle  12  for contact with a portion of the leg support member  18 , wherein the biased member  44  urges the leg support member  18  against the stop  92 . 
     The stop  92  extends rearwardly from an upper portion  94  of the foot cradle  12  and is configured to contact the front of the leg support member  18 . As illustrated in the figures the leg support member  18  comprises an elongate plate  96  that extends through the lower leg of the user, the elongate plate  18  being curved rearwardly about its longitudinal length to generally conform to the leg of a user. The rear-facing surface of the stop  92  is shaped to correspond with a front portion of the elongate plate  96 . 
     The leg capturing means  90  is adjustable and may be similar to the ski boot coupling device although other devices such as straps or bands could be used. 
     In one particular embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 9 to 11 , the biased member  44  comprising a torsional spring  98  attached between the foot cradle  12  and leg support member  18  adjacent the position at which the foot cradle  12  is pivotably attached to the leg support member. The torsional spring  98  is mounted to a projection  100  on the foot cradle  12 , a first end  102  of the torsional spring  98  being attached to the foot cradle  12  and a second opposing end  104  of the torsional spring  98  being attached to the leg support member  18 . 
     In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the biased member  44  is a resiliently stretchable coiled spring  106 , wherein a first end  108  of the resiliently stretchable coiled spring  106  is attached between an outer surface of the foot cradle  12  and a second end  110  is attached to the leg support member  18 , whereby the coiled spring  106  is positioned in a gap between the foot cradle  12  and the first wheel  26 . The reader should appreciate that  FIG. 12  is a partial view of the device  10  wherein the first wheel  26  has been removed to expose the axle receiving member  112  of the foot cradle  12 . 
     It should be appreciated that the use of a stop  92  and spring, whether that be a torsional spring  98  or a coiled spring  106 , or the like, reduces the weight of the device  10 . This thereby reduces the strain on the user&#39;s legs during use. 
     The biased member may be attached adjacent a position at which the foot cradle is pivotable attached to the leg support member or alternatively any position between the foot cradle and leg support that provides unobstructed movement. The biased member may be a spring or resiliently flexible material that returns to its original shape, length or size. A metal coiled spring may be used, or alternatively a flexible band or block could be used, provide there is a rapid response to any expansion or contraction of the biased member. 
     The skilled addressee will now appreciate the many advantages of the present invention. The device  10  provides a recreational and sporting apparatus that can be used on uneven terrain and in places where conventional skates, such as in-line skates, cannot be used. The use of a large wheel also may mean that the user can traverse over smooth surfaces at greater speed and with less effort than when using conventional skates. By being able to use their own shoes the user has the advantage of have shoes on when they reach their destination or if they want to dismount the device for some other reason. This is particularly useful if the user is going down to the shops or going to work where skates cannot be worn. The addition of rear support wheels and brakes makes the device safe for use even by inexperienced users, while the different sizes make it suitable for both young people and adults alike. 
     Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus. 
     In any claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprising” is used in the sense of “including”, i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention.