Patent Publication Number: US-7594473-B2

Title: Wheel hub rider conveyance

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a non-provisional application claiming the benefits of provisional application No. 60/683,167 filed May 20, 2005. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a roller coaster-type amusement ride and/or people mover, wherein a large wheel travels along a track, the wheel&#39;s axle supporting a rider compartment. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Roller coasters have long been some of the most well-liked rides in amusements parks. Roller coasters normally have an endless track loop. Riders load and unload at a platform or station, typically at a low elevation. At the beginning of each ride cycle, a roller coaster car or a train of cars is generally towed or propelled up a relatively steep incline of an initial track section to the highest point on the entire track. The car is then released from the high point and gains kinetic energy, which allows the car to travel entirely around the track, and return back to the loading/unloading station. The roller coaster track typically includes various loops, turns, inversions, corkscrews and other configurations intended to thrill the riders. 
     Since the early days of roller coasters, people have experimented with variations of a central theme, which is to provide amusement to riders seated inside cars which travel along tracks. Traditional roller coasters travel along rail tracks and provide their riders with stationary seats or harnesses which fix the motion of the riders to the direction of travel of the cars. 
     The overall effect attained by traditional roller coasters is to statically couple riders to the cars and, therefore, sense essentially the same motions in gravitational forces experienced by the cars in which they ride. Due to the static nature of the ride, each ride provides the same ride sensation and experience every time it is ridden. 
     Some amusement devices, including roller coasters, attempt to deliver additional systems of rotation other than the movement of the vehicle on the track system. Examples of amusement rides which provide some rotation capabilities with or without passenger control are various patents to Mares including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,791,254, 6,098,549 and 6,227,121. 
     WO 03/082421 teaches an amusement ride, such as a roller coaster or a vertical track ride, which enables full rotation in at least two planes or axes, and preferably all three planes or axes. 
     The WO 03/082421 amusement ride generally comprises a track system, which may be an endless roller track or at least one vertical tower track. An attachment assembly, such as a bogey, is movably connected to the track system. A vehicle assembly is connected to the attachment assembly and includes a seat assembly having at least one rider seat. The vehicle assembly includes means for fully rotating the seat assembly about first, second and third axes independent of the track system, and preferably independent of one another. 
     In one 421 embodiment, the vehicle system includes a first arm extending from the attachment assembly and operably coupled to an actuator such that the first arm is freely or selectively rotatable about a first axis. The firm arm may comprise a generally semi-circular arm attached to a yaw actuator whereby yaw rotation is imparted to the arm. Alternatively, the first arm comprises a shaft extending from the attachment assembly and coupled to a yaw actuator. A second arm is rotatably connected to the first arm by an actuator such that the second arm is freely or selectively rotatable about a second axis independent of the first arm. Typically, the second arm extends generally transverse from an end portion of the first arm and supports at least one seat assembly. A roll actuator is operably connected to each seat assembly such that roll rotation is imparted to the seat assembly. Thus, the seat assembly is capable of yaw, pitch, and roll rotations over all three axes. 
     In another 421 embodiment, the vehicle assembly comprises a generally circular main ring housing that is rotatably connected to the attachment assembly. Typically, a yaw gear of a gear assembly interconnects the attachment assembly and the vehicle assembly whereby yaw rotation is imparted to the main ring housing, and thus the seat assembly. A pitch arm extends between opposing sides of the main ring housing and supports the seat assembly. The pitch arm is rotatable along a second axis independent of the track system. A gear of the pitch bar mates with a pitch gear of the gear assembly to impart such pitch rotation. A split inner race assembly including rollers is disposed within the main ring housing and connected to the pitch bar. The split inner race assembly is operably coupled to a roll gear of the gear assembly, whereby roll rotation is imparted to the split inner race assembly, and thus the seat assembly. 
     In another 421 embodiment, the vehicle assembly comprises an arm extending from the attachment assembly, such as a semi-circular arm, which is rotationally coupled to a gyroscope assembly that supports the one or more seats of the seat assembly therein. The gyroscope structure or assembly comprises a first generally circular ring coupled to the semi-circular arm by an actuator that imparts rotation to it, and thus the seat assembly, about a first axis. A second generally circular ring is disposed within the first ring and is coupled thereto by an actuator that imparts rotation about a second axis. A third ring may be used which is disposed within the second ring and rotatably coupled to the second ring by an actuator that imparts rotation to the seat assembly about a third axis. Alternatively, the arm is rotatably coupled to the attachment assembly to provide the third degree of rotation. 
     The important aspect of this 421 invention is that the seats be fully rotatable in at least two, and preferably all three, planes or axes. Although such rotation may be free and dependent upon the change of acceleration placed upon the seat assembly, typically the actuators are mechanically driven or powered to selectively rotate the seat assembly. When powered, the rotation of the seat may be altered by pre-defined programs or even rider control. 
     A historic summary of relevant prior art patents follows below: 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,120,197 (1964) to Cirami discloses a ground-traveling people-carrying robot with a pilot track used for steerage. A power rail supplies electric power to the motorized robot. A yoke arm from the robot has a wheel connection to the power rail and a roller clamp connection to the pilot track. 
     French Patent 2098914 (1972) discloses a central pivot marry-go-round type ride having peripheral tires which rock a rider compartment. Each outer tire has an outer axle which supports a rod which carries the rider compartment. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 3,985,081 (1976) to Sullivan, II discloses a people mover mounted on a post with a horizontal top rail, wherein the supporting sides of the top rail are used for supporting canted weight-bearing wheels. A rider compartment is supported outbound of the post (FIGS.  1 , 2 ,) by a strut ( 20 ) supported by the wheels. 
     French Patent 2599988 (1987) discloses a roller coaster concave track, wherein a large ball rolls down the track. Passengers are seated inside the large ball. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,047,645 (2000) discloses a square roller coaster truss track, and  FIG. 4  discloses a three-tube truss track. There are two parallel running rails  52 , 54  which support (see  FIG. 10 ) a chassis beam with a rail clamp at each end. Each rail clamp has an array of three wheels to ride along the rail. Thus, the passenger compartment, which is side-mounted to the running rails  52 ,  54 , is supported by the two arrays of wheels and the interconnecting chassis beam. A single support rail  56  runs parallel to the two running rails  52 , 54  and has interconnected frame elements  60  to secure the three-tube truss track together. 
     The present invention provides a relatively quiet, smooth yet exhilarating ride. The track can be designed for the level of excitement desired, from flat to loop layouts. A ferris wheel type rocking motion is included combined with a roller coaster thrill. An optional “flip the rider in a full circle” feature may be included. Also the rider is not encased in a car, but rather sitting exposed to the surroundings. This free flight and relatively quiet ride creates a bird-like feeling unique in amusement rides. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An aspect of the present invention is to provide a large wheel running over a roller coaster track so as to support a rider compartment from the axle. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a relatively flat layout of a track with a motor powering the large wheel, creating a people mover. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide the running track with a pilot rail and structural support rail in a triangular cross-sectional shape for the track assembly. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to design the wheel axle to be the support for a rider compartment. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to design the rider compartment into a side-by-side pair of seats that let the rider fly freely through the air. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a flipping (head over heels or forward or backward somersault) feature for the rider compartment. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a group of coupled large wheel devices to form a train. 
     Other aspects of this invention will appear from the following description and appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views. 
     The wheel support rail is a pipe about four inches wide with the large wheel being also about four inches wide. A quiet, smooth weight-bearing wheel is designed. The wheel axle extends several feet off to the side of the wheel to provide a support for a pair of seats. To counterbalance the seats, a steerage assembly (called a pilot car) connects the large wheel axle to a pilot rail that runs parallel to the wheel support rail. The steerage assembly consists of a plurality of brackets extending from the large wheel axle to a base that travels on two or more support clamps having roller wheels running on the pilot rail. A safety bar encircles both the wheel support and the pilot rails to secure the large wheel should the steerage assembly fail. 
     A structural support rail completes the third member of the rail assembly which is supported by interconnecting brackets. 
     A shield may separate the large wheel from the rider seats. In a roller coaster ride the riders fly around the course with nothing in front of them. They will also rock back and forth (optionally) with a gimbaled axle and/or spin. Thus, each ride should be somewhat different with the rocking motion, and each ride should be stimulating at roller coaster speeds with nothing in front of the rider. 
     In a people mover design the rail assembly could be installed around a park. Each car is separately powered. A controller could automatically keep a safe distance between the large wheels for loading and unloading. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side perspective view of a roller coaster layout using one embodiment of the rail and large wheel conveyance. 
         FIG. 2  is a side perspective view of the large wheel conveyance and the rail assembly. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the  FIG. 2  apparatus. 
         FIG. 4  is a front plan view of the  FIG. 2  apparatus with the rail assembly in sectional view. 
         FIG. 5  is a top perspective view of the rail assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of a people mover layout. 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment flat track ride. 
         FIG. 8  is a front plan view of the alternate embodiment conveyance shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom perspective view of the alternate embodiment shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view of a pilot rail for a people mover with a powered robot in the pilot rail to move the large wheel conveyance. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a motor in the  FIG. 2  steerage assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is a top perspective view of an alternate embodiment pilot car assembly cover. 
         FIG. 13  is a front perspective view of a train embodiment large wheel ride. 
         FIG. 14  is a side perspective view of the  FIG. 13  embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  is a side perspective view of a straight rail assembly. 
         FIG. 16  is a side perspective view of a left twist rail assembly. 
         FIG. 17  is a side perspective view of a right twist rail assembly. 
         FIG. 18  is a side plan view of a flip type rider conveyance. 
         FIG. 19  is a rear perspective view of a two car train embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  is a front perspective view of a roller coaster layout with a spin type train rider conveyance. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of a flip hub assembly. 
         FIG. 22  is a side perspective view of another embodiment of the rail and large wheel conveyance. 
         FIG. 23  is a front perspective view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 24  is a front plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22  with a sectional view of the track. 
         FIG. 25  is a left side plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 26  is a top plan view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 22 . 
         FIG. 27  is a close up view of a magnetic embodiment of the spin assembly. 
         FIG. 28  is a bottom perspective view of the chain dog under the steerage assembly which is used to lift the conveyance up an incline. 
         FIG. 29  is a front perspective view of the moving magnetic coupler assembly. 
         FIG. 30  is a side plan view of the moving magnetic coupler assembly. 
         FIG. 31  is a cross sectional view of the moving magnetic coupler assembly. 
         FIG. 32  is a front perspective view of a small, dual wheel embodiment conveyance. 
         FIG. 33  is a front plan view of the small, dual wheel embodiment. 
         FIG. 34  is left side plan view of the small, dual wheel embodiment. 
     
    
    
     Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown, since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring first to  FIG. 1  the roller coaster layout  1  consists of a loading platform  2  and a rail assembly  3  laid out with a high point H. A series of towers  4  support the rail assembly  3 . A lift chain  5  lifts the large wheel conveyance  6  to the high point H and then releases the conveyance  6  to travel the circuit and stop at the loading platform  2 . Banked turns at T provide a free flight sensation since the riders are projected tangentially while seated in a seat rather than in a roller coaster car. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 2  large wheel conveyance  6  has a large wheel  25  with a tread  26  that rides on carriage support rail  30 . The axle  24  supports a gimbaled bearing  23  which in turn supports a frame  22 . The frame  22  supports a pair of standard amusement ride seats  20 , 21 . A safety screen  27  separates the seats  20 , 21  from the wheel  25 . 
     The rail assembly  3  consists of the carriage support rail  30 , the pilot rail  31  and the structural support rail  32 . Braces  33  connect the rails  30 , 31 , 32  into a strong structural rail assembly  3 . 
     A steerage assembly (pilot car)  40  connects the axle  24  to the rail assembly  3 . The steerage assembly  40  consists of brackets  41  that are connected to the axle  24  at a first end, and are connected to a base  42  at a second end. The base  42  has a pair of C clamps  43 , each of which has a plurality of roller wheels  44 / 449  which run along pilot rail  31 . Thus, the wheels  44 / 449  support the offset weight of the frame  22  along the axle  24  so as to counter balance the weight of the passengers and seats, and to steer the large wheel. The pilot car  40  maintains the large wheel  25  about perpendicular to the plane created by rails  30 , 31 . 
     The base  42  also has an emergency hook  55  which has a hook end  56  hovering around rail  30 , and a hook end  57  hovering around rail  31  in case of a failure of the steerage assembly  40 , as well as to clear the track of debris. 
     The base also supports a controllable latch  50  that grabs the lift chain  5  on the UP links to lift the conveyance  6  to point H on  FIG. 1 . The DOWN links run on top of the rail assembly  3 , wherein the UP links run down the center of the rail assembly  3 . A conventional motor (not shown) runs the lift chain  5 . 
     Referring next to FIGS.  3 , 4 , nominal dimensions are d 1 =2½″, d 2 =3″, d 3 =3′ on center, d 4 =6″, d 5 =5′, d 6 =4 inches, d 7 =3 feet 2 inches, d 8 =3′ on center, d 9 =6′. 
       FIG. 5  shows the rail assembly  3  constructed of three identical structural elements for rails  31 , 32 , 33 . Engineering requirements for each layout determine these details. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 6  a people mover layout  600  consists of a relatively flat rail assembly  3 . The conveyance  6 -PM (people mover) is a modified conveyance  6  as shown in  FIG. 11 . A controller (not shown) starts and stops the conveyances  6 -PM for loading/unloading. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 7-9  an alternate embodiment amusement ride/people mover is shown. The rail assembly  700  consists of a flat track  701  with a parallel pilot rail  702 . A guardrail  703  structurally connects members  701 , 702  in a parallel fashion. The conveyance  704  consists of a large wheel  705  with a tread that rides on track  701 . The axle  707  supports a frame  708  which has seats  709 , 710  connected thereto. To counterbalance the weight of frame  708  the pilot rail  702  is used. A steerage assembly  711  connects the axle  707  to the pilot rail  702 . The steerage assembly  711  consists of a base  712 , brackets  713  and C clamps  714  having roller wheels  715 . 
       FIG. 8  shows the optional gimbaled bearing  716  to provide a rocking motion. 
       FIG. 9  shows riders R 1 , R 2  experiencing a free flight ride. 
       FIG. 10  shows a people mover embodiment, wherein the pilot rail  702  is now numbered  702 -PM (people mover). A slot  1000  provides an opening for a drive arm  1001  which connects to the conveyance  704 . A motor M powers a drive wheel  1004  via a belt  1003 . A stabilizer bar  1005  has wheels  1006  keeping the frame  1010  about centered in the rail  702 -PM. 
       FIG. 11  shows the conveyance  6  used as a people mover by connecting it to a powered steerage assembly  1100 . The assembly  1100  has a base  42  supporting a motor M that has a shaft  1101  driving a roller  1102  against the inner periphery of wheel  25 . 
     The term roller coaster ride used herein describes the embodiments of FIGS.  1 , 7  and  22 . The term large wheel used herein includes any wheel which can support a rider via its control hub assembly. The control hub assemblies disclosed herein use an axle to support the rider conveyance. Multiple wheels in parallel as used in trucks are covered under the definition of a wheel used to support a rider conveyance via a hub assembly. 
     A hub assembly could be designed around the axle so as to be part of the wheel frame, not directly part of the axle, and still functioning equivalent to axles shown in FIGS.  1 , 7  and  22 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 12  the structural brackets  41  of  FIG. 2  have been replaced with and/or covered with walls  4100 . Markings  4101  are decorative. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 13 ,  14  a “train coaster” embodiment  1300  consists of a series of large wheel conveyances  1301  joined together by their respective pilot cars  1302 . Any manner of bolting the bases  1304  of pilot cars  1302  together will allow joining a desired number of conveyances  1301  together. A triangular brace  1303  is used to join members  30 ,  31 ,  32 . 
     In  FIG. 15  a rail assembly  1500  has a straight support rail  30 . In  FIG. 16  a rail assembly  1600  has a left twist support rail  30 . In  FIG. 17  a rail assembly  1700  has a right twist support rail  30 . All three assemblies  1500 ,  1600 ,  1700  can be combined on a layout as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 18  the flip feature has been added to each large wheel conveyance  1301 , wherein each rider compartment  1801  is rotated clockwise c as powered by the rotation of the large wheel  25 . A reduction gear hub assembly  1802  is actuated either by a rider control switch and/or a rail  1600  mounted remote activator. Numbers  1800  a-e represent a stage of flip. The hub assembly  1802  nominally has about a 3:1 reduction gear ratio of the rotation of the large wheel  25  to the axle  24  of the hub assembly  1802 . On embodiment has a rider switch to hit “flip”, and if the large wheel  25  has sufficient rotational speed, the engagement of the hub assembly  1802  to the axle  24  of the rider compartment  1801  flips the rider compartment clockwise one rotation with the wheel  25 . If not enough speed exists of the large wheel, then the rider conveyance  1801  rocks. Another embodiment has a remote signal, perhaps track mounted, to activate a flip cycle at selected portions of the layout. Another embodiment allows the rider to deactivate the “flip” cycle via a switch. 
       FIG. 19  shows a perspective rear view of a two car train  1300 , wherein rail  1600  is twisting left and rising. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 20  a roller coaster layout  2000  has a five car train  2001  with flip type rider conveyances  1801 . Rider conveyance  2020  is upside-down. Based on different flip cycle actuations, each ride can offer a new experience. 
     Referring next to  FIG. 21  the wheel  25  is connected to the rider frame  2201  via a coaster brake assembly  2200 . U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,967,938 and 6,840,136 are incorporated herein by reference to teach some of the prior art designs available for the means to flip the rider frame using the circular rotational momentum of the large wheel  25  as the driving force. The coaster brake assembly is activated to the lock (flip) mode via a rider controlled switch  2202 . About a 1:4 or 1:3 rotation ratio from the large wheel  25  to the axle  2203  of the rider frame  2201  is desirable, otherwise too much G force is experienced by the rider. Other prior art equivalents to a coaster brake means for the spin hub include a belt driven means or a hydraulic clutch means. The gearing of the flip hub can be arranged for either a forward or a rearward flip. Another switch means could allow deactivation of the flip by the rider wherein a remote activated flip means (radio controlled coaster brake means) is deactivated. 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 22 ,  23  a conveyance assembly  2200  comprises a triangular track assembly  2201  which supports a large wheel  25  with a tread  26  that rides on carriage support rail  2202 . The axle  24  supports a bearing  2210  which in turn supports a conveyance frame  2211 . The frame  2211  includes a support bar  2212  upon which rider seats  2213 ,  2214  are mounted. 
     The bearing  2210  has attached to it a plate shaped magnet  2215 . The stator  2216  is permanently affixed to the wheel  25 . Control handle  2217  allows a rider to move the magnet  2215  and bearing  2210  toward the stator  2216 . When the magnet  2215  connects to the stator  2216 , the bearing  2210  and frame  2211  rotate with the wheel  25 . 
     The frame  2211  can either spin 360° and/or rock back and forth, depending on design force. When the magnet  2215  is close to the stator  2216 , then the frame  2211  will rock back and forth as the stator  2216  partially propels the frame  2211  in the direction of motion of the wheel  25 . 
     The rail assembly  2201  consists of the support rail  2202 , a pilot rail  2203  and a structural support rail  2204 , wherein a brace  2205  interconnects all three rails. 
     A support carriage  2220  rides along rail assembly  2201  and supports the axle  24 . Strut  2224  is supported by longitudinal beam  2221 . Strut  2224  supports the axle  24  and bushing  2225 . 
     Suspension arms  2222  and  2223  are mounted to the longitudinal beam  2221 . At each end of each suspension arm  2222  is mounted a roller support assembly  2226 . Each roller support assembly  2226  has a frame  2240  with axles  2227  that support upper rollers  2230 , side rollers  2231  and lower rollers  2232 . Shock absorbers  2250  cushion the ride by clamping motion from the arms  2222 ,  2223  imparted to the beam  2221 . A coupler  2260  connects to an adjoining conveyance assembly  2200 . 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 27 ,  29 ,  30 ,  31  the moving magnetic assembly is designated  3000 . The fixed stator  2216  is affixed to the large wheel  25 . The magnet  2215  moves toward and away from the stator  2216  as controlled by the rider&#39;s joy stick  2217 . Not shown are optional remote triggers for the actuation of moving the magnet  2215  towards the stator  2216 . A remote trigger could consist of a radio transmitter mounted to the track to emit a signal. A receiver gets the command signal and moves the magnet  2215  toward the stator  2216  using a hydraulic actuator instead of the joy stick  2217 . 
     The joy stick  2217  has a pivot connection  3007  to the frame  2211 . When the rider pushes the joy stick  2217  forward, the connecting rod  3008  pushes the cam roller  3009  up. When the cam roller  3009  is forced up, then its actuator rod  3004  rides up cam slot  3003  of the cam plate(s)  3002 . The cam plate(s)  3002  are affixed to a thrust plate  3035  which in turn is attached to the magnet  2215 . The thrust plate  3035  moves away from the frame  2211  and toward the stator  2216 . If enough speed is underway by wheel  25 , then the magnet will spin the frame  2211  forward. If not enough speed is underway, then the magnet  2215  will rock the frame  2211 . Not shown is an optional hydraulic booster for the connecting rod  3008 . 
     When the joy stick  2217  is released the return gas spring  3005  back down to its disengaged position.  FIG. 29  shows the thrust plate  3035  and magnet  2215  engaged for a spin. 
     Thrust plated pins  3025  slidably engage linear bearings  3026  to direct the thrust plate  3035  toward and away from stator  2216 . 
       FIG. 31  shows the past hub  4000  supporting axle  24 . The adjustable lock nut  4001  secures the axle  24  to the post hub  4000 . Wheel hub  4003  is the center of the wheel  25 . 
     Referring next to  FIG. 28  a bracket  2802  is mounted to the longitudinal beam  2221 . An axle  2803  supports a prior art anti-rollback dog  2800  and a chain dog  2801  which connect to a prior art chain  5  in a known manner to lift the conveyance  2200  up the first incline in a roller coaster layout as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     Referring next to  FIGS. 32 ,  33 ,  34  a conveyance  9000  has one or more small wheels  2555 ,  2556  sharing a common axle  24 . Small is defined as a diameter D equal to or less than the height L of the rider conveyance  1900 . The wheel hub  3334  is part of second (optional) wheel  2556 . Support post  3333  is sized to keep wheels  2555 ,  2556  about perpendicular to support track  22020 . Support track  22020  is sized to support whatever wheel(s) width is chosen by the designer. 
     Central to the invention&#39;s concept is that any sized wheel or wheels support an axle  24  which in turn supports a rider frame  2211 . Equivalent to an axle  24  support the frame  2211 , a hub  3334  (on the other side of the wheel) could also support a rider frame  2211  in mid air as shown in  FIG. 13 . This free flight thrill to the rider is unique in a roundabout type ride. 
     In its broadest concept the unique conveyance could be rolled down a hill and/or pushed along a path. A ground version could use a counterweight and a pilot wheel attached to the opposite end of the axle as the rider frame. 
     Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, numerous modifications and variations can be made and still the result will come within the scope of the invention. No limitation with respect to the specific embodiments disclosed herein is intended or should be inferred. Each apparatus embodiment described herein has numerous equivalents.