Patent ID: 8454038

Claim:
A method of operating a bi-directional ride-on apparatus, the method comprising: a) providing a bi-directional ride-on apparatus for use by a rider on a riding surface, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of base members, the plurality of base members each having a bottom surface and a top surface adapted to support the feet of a rider; at least one connecting element connecting the base members; and at least one caster assembly mounted to the bottom surface of at least one base member, the at least one castor assembly comprising: a mounting bracket attached to the bottom surface, the mounting bracket defining a pivot axis that extends in a generally transverse direction across the bottom surface; a caster shaft having a caster shaft axis, the caster shaft attached to the mounting bracket so that the caster shaft can pivot about the pivot axis between a first position and a second position on opposing sides of an axis that is perpendicular to a horizontal plane of the base member; a wheel bracket mounted to the caster shaft such that the wheel bracket rotates about the caster shaft axis; and a wheel mounted to the wheel bracket for rotation about a wheel axis that is angularly offset from the caster shaft axis; b) standing on the top surfaces; c) moving the bi-directional ride-on apparatus in a direction of movement; and d) rotating the wheel bracket with respect to the caster shaft axis by applying force to the base member to which the mounting bracket is attached, wherein said rotating of said wheel bracket with respect to said caster shaft axis causes the base member to which the mounting bracket is attached to rise and fall with respect to the riding surface and further wherein said falling of said base member propels the ride-on apparatus along the riding surface.