US20160206949A1 - Apparatus for board sports - Google Patents
Apparatus for board sports Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20160206949A1 US20160206949A1 US14/915,172 US201414915172A US2016206949A1 US 20160206949 A1 US20160206949 A1 US 20160206949A1 US 201414915172 A US201414915172 A US 201414915172A US 2016206949 A1 US2016206949 A1 US 2016206949A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- board
- wheeled apparatus
- coupled
- wheels
- linkage
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/01—Skateboards
- A63C17/011—Skateboards with steering mechanisms
- A63C17/013—Skateboards with steering mechanisms with parallelograms, follow up wheels or direct steering action
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/0046—Roller skates; Skate-boards with shock absorption or suspension system
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/0093—Mechanisms transforming leaning into steering through an inclined geometrical axis, e.g. truck
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/01—Skateboards
- A63C17/014—Wheel arrangements
- A63C17/015—Wheel arrangements with wheels arranged in two pairs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/12—Roller skates; Skate-boards with driving mechanisms
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/26—Roller skates; Skate-boards with special auxiliary arrangements, e.g. illuminating, marking, or push-off devices
- A63C17/262—Roller skates; Skate-boards with special auxiliary arrangements, e.g. illuminating, marking, or push-off devices with foot bindings or supports therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D51/00—Motor vehicles characterised by the driver not being seated
- B62D51/02—Motor vehicles characterised by the driver not being seated the driver standing in the vehicle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/24—Processing or storing data, e.g. with electronic chip
Definitions
- the present invention relates to apparatus for board sports and in particular to wheeled apparatus for off-road board sports.
- Wheeled apparatus used for board sports typically comprise a board coupled to wheels via trucks. Generally these apparatus have four wheels and two trucks, one truck for the front wheels and one truck for the back wheels.
- the trucks typically comprise a base plate attached to the board and a hanger pivotally coupled to the base plate to support the wheels. The base plate is coupled to the hanger at an angle so that the hanger will turn toward the side to which the board is pivoted.
- the base plate is typically coupled to the hanger via a king pin and bushings.
- the kingpin can be adjusted to provide more or less resistance to turning.
- the wheels are coupled via bearings to the hanger and are maintained at a fixed angle relative to the hanger.
- the wheels on skateboards and long boards, for example, are typically made of solid polyurethane.
- One problem with such boards is that they can not be used effectively off-road.
- mountain boards typically have larger, spoked wheels with tyres to enable them to more easily travel over rough terrain.
- mountain boards typically are limited to being ridden down hill or propelled by the user.
- Another preferred object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for board sports with improved and adjustable steering and handling, in particular during off-road use.
- the apparatus may also be used for applications other than board sports.
- the apparatus may be used as an all terrain mobility vehicle for personal or even military purposes.
- embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus for board sports and in particular to wheeled apparatus for off-road board sports.
- the present invention resides in a wheeled apparatus for board sports comprising:
- At least one linkage between the board and the steering knuckles to enable a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels to be adjusted by pivoting the board
- the at least one linkage comprises a mechanical linkage in the form of an arm pivotally coupled to one of the steering knuckles and the board.
- the at least one linkage comprises an electronic linkage in the form of a sensor for detecting pivoting of the board, the sensor in communication with an actuator coupled to one of the steering knuckles.
- the wheeled apparatus comprises four wheels.
- the wheeled apparatus further comprises a chassis to which the board is pivotally coupled.
- the board pivots laterally about the chassis.
- the wheeled apparatus comprises one or more suspension systems coupled to the chassis and to the steering knuckles.
- the one or more suspension systems include a left suspension system and a right suspension system, and an anti-roll bar is coupled between the left suspension system and the right suspension system to mitigate a rolling of the chassis when the board is pivoted.
- the at least one linkage pivots the respective steering knuckle about a pivot axis defined by one or more of the suspension systems.
- the wheeled apparatus further comprises one or more springs coupled to the board and the chassis to resist the pivoting of the board and to return the board to a neutral position.
- the wheeled apparatus comprises one or more steering links coupled between the board and the steering knuckles to enable the wheels to be steered by pivoting the board.
- the at least one linkage enables the wheels to be steered, and a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels to be adjusted, by pivoting the board.
- each steering knuckle is coupled to the board with a respective steering link and/or linkage to provide independent steering, and/or camber and/or caster and/or toe angle adjustment, of each wheel by pivoting the board.
- the wheeled apparatus comprises one or more motors to drive one or more of the plurality of wheels.
- the wheeled apparatus comprises a controller in communication with the one or more motors to enable a user to control the speed and direction of the one or more motors.
- the wheeled apparatus comprises a carriage fixed to the board, to house one or more batteries and/or control systems to power and/or control the motors.
- the present invention resides in a method of constructing a wheeled apparatus for board sports, the apparatus comprising a board and a plurality of wheels supported by a plurality of steering knuckles, the method comprising:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chassis of a wheeled apparatus for board sports, according to one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the wheeled apparatus of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wheeled apparatus comprising the chassis of FIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 4 is an underside view of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 6 is a top view of a linkage arm assembly of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 7 is a top view of a suspension arm assembly of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 8 is a top view of a steering knuckle of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a chassis of a wheeled apparatus for board sports, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a side view of the wheeled apparatus of FIG. 9 ;
- FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a body of a support structure of the chassis shown in FIG. 9
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a wheeled apparatus comprising the chassis of FIG. 9 , according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is an underside view of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 14 is a top view of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 15 is a front view of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a steering knuckle of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 17 is a top view of a steering arm assembly of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 18 is a top view of a drive shaft of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 19 is a top view of a suspension arm assembly of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 20 is a top view of a spring and shock absorber of the wheeled apparatus shown in FIG. 12 ;
- FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of a method of constructing a wheeled apparatus for board sports, according to one aspect of the present invention.
- embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus for board sports and in particular to wheeled apparatus for off-road board sports. Skilled addressees will appreciate that the apparatus may also be used for general mobility and transportation purposes.
- the wheeled apparatus comprises a board to support a rider and a plurality of wheels supported by a plurality of steering knuckles. At least one linkage is coupled between the board and the steering knuckles to enable a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels to be adjusted by the rider pivoting the board. Adjustments of the camber and/or the caster and/or the toe angle of the wheels can change the behaviour of the apparatus during cornering. For example, such adjustments can facilitate drift of the apparatus as it corners.
- the steering knuckles and hence the wheels are supported by a chassis, for example, via a suspension system.
- the board, and/or a board assembly comprising the board is pivotally coupled to the chassis and pivots relative to the chassis.
- the at least one linkage comprises a mechanical linkage in the form of an arm that is pivotally coupled to one of the steering knuckles and pivotally coupled the board.
- the at least one linkage comprises an electronic linkage in the form of a sensor for detecting pivoting of the board. The sensor is in communication with one or more actuators coupled to one or more of the steering knuckles.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 show a perspective view and a side sectional view respectively of a chassis 110 of a wheeled apparatus 100 for board sports, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIGS. 1 and 2 show the apparatus 100 with various components of the apparatus removed, such the wheels, suspension and steering systems. However, the components omitted from FIGS. 1 and 2 will be discussed hereinafter with reference to other drawings.
- the chassis 110 comprises a support frame 120 coupled and/or fixed at each end of an elongate bar 115 .
- a board 105 to support a rider is pivotally coupled to the chassis 110 .
- Each support frame 120 comprises a linkage plate 125 , two parallel side plates 130 , a shock tower 135 and a first bracket 140 .
- the linkage plate 125 and the first bracket 140 are coupled to the elongate bar 115 .
- the linkage plate 125 and the shock tower 135 are coupled to side plates 130 .
- the linkage plate 125 comprises four connecting points 127 having apertures 129 to couple suspension arm assemblies and linkages to the linkage plate 125 .
- the side plates 130 each support a mechanism for driving the wheeled apparatus 100 .
- the mechanism comprises a motor 160 coupled to a first sprocket 165 .
- the first sprocket is coupled to a second sprocket 170 via a drive chain 172 .
- the second sprocket 170 is larger than the first sprocket 165 to gear down the speed of the motor for transmission to the wheels.
- the second sprocket 170 is coupled to a connector 175 to which a drive shaft is coupled for connection to a wheel.
- Each side plate 130 further comprises a connection bracket 132 having an aperture 134 for connecting to a suspension arm assembly, as will be described in further detail herein.
- the shock tower 135 of each support frame 120 extends perpendicularly to the side plates 130 and comprises pins 137 for coupling spring and shock absorbers to the shock tower 135 .
- Three sets of apertures 139 are provided at either side of the shock tower 135 to enable the position of the pins 137 , and therefore the connection point and angle of the spring and shoe k absorbers, to be adjusted.
- the number of sets of apertures 139 may be greater than or less than three.
- a second bracket 145 is pivotally coupled to the first bracket 140 and is fixed to the underside of the board 105 to enable the board to pivot relative to the chassis 110 about a pivot axis.
- Springs 150 are coupled to the first bracket 140 and the second bracket 145 on either side of the pivot point to resist the pivoting of the board 105 and to return the board 105 to a neutral position. For example, where the board pivots laterally, a neutral position is when the board 105 is laterally level relative to the chassis 110 .
- FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the wheeled apparatus 100 for board sports shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , with the wheels, suspension and steering systems attached and
- FIG. 4 shows an underside view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 . Further features of the apparatus 100 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 .
- the wheeled apparatus 100 comprises four wheels 260 supported by four steering knuckles 210 .
- the four steering knuckles 210 are coupled to the chassis 110 via suspension systems 200 .
- the suspension systems 200 comprise suspension arm assemblies 220 , linkage arm assemblies 230 , steering links 240 and spring and shock absorbers 250 .
- Each linkage arm assembly 230 comprises a linkage arm 232 pivotally coupled between the board 105 and each steering knuckle 210 to enable a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels 260 to be adjusted independently by pivoting the board 105 .
- the linkage arms 232 are pivotally coupled to the board via ball joints to the coupling points 107 .
- the linkage arms 232 are also pivotally coupled to the upper connection points 127 of the linkage plates 125 of the chassis 110 by a ball joint.
- Each steering link 240 is pivotally coupled at one end to a tail 147 of the second bracket 145 and pivotally coupled at the other end to a respective steering knuckle 210 to enable the wheels 260 to be steered by pivoting the board 105 .
- Each wheel 260 is coupled to a respective steering knuckle 210 with a respective steering link 240 for independent steering of each wheel 260 .
- Each of the suspension arm assemblies 220 comprises two arms 222 , 223 and is coupled at a body 224 of the arms to one of the steering knuckles 210 .
- One of the arms 222 is coupled to one of the lower connection points 127 of one of the linkage plates 125 and another of the arms 223 is coupled to the connection bracket 132 on one of the side plates 130 .
- the spring and shock absorbers 250 are rotatably coupled to the body 224 of a respective suspension arm assembly 220 via a fastener at coupling point 229 and rotatably coupled to a respective shock tower 135 via the pins 137 .
- each wheel is provided with independent suspension.
- Drive shafts 180 are coupled between the connectors 175 and the wheels 260 via constant velocity joints 185 to enable the motor 160 to drive the wheels.
- the wheels 260 have spokes 262 for structural support and have tyres 264 to provide grip on the ground.
- the spokes 262 can also enable the wheel to be lighter than a solid wheel and the tyres can absorb bumps to provide a smoother ride.
- the board 105 is shaped to enable a rider to stand, kneel, sit and/or lie on the board.
- the board 105 can comprise a waist between two wider regions for accommodating the rider's feet.
- the board 105 can be concave to accommodate the rider in a prone position and can comprise raised side edges to assist in retaining the rider on the board when pivoting the board and cornering.
- FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of one end of the wheeled apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3 .
- FIG. 5 shows positions of the linkage arms 232 and the steering links 240 with the board 105 pivoted to a right hand side of the neutral position.
- the pivoting of the board 105 toward the right hand side of the apparatus 100 moves the tail 147 of the second bracket 145 toward the left hand side of the apparatus 100 .
- the steering links 240 which are coupled to the tail 147 of the second bracket 145 , pull or push the steering knuckles 210 , thus turning the wheels 260 and causing the apparatus 100 to turn toward the right hand side to which the board 105 is pivoted.
- Pivoting the board 105 toward the right hand side of the apparatus 100 also moves the coupling points 107 .
- the coupling point 107 on the right hand side moves in a downward direction and the coupling point 107 on the left hand side moves in an upward direction.
- the linkage arms 232 which are coupled to the coupling points 107 and the steering knuckles 210 , therefore pull the steering knuckle 210 on the right hand side and push the steering knuckle 210 on the left hand side to change the camber and/or the castor and/or the toe angle of the wheels 260 .
- This tilts the wheels further towards the centre of the apparatus 100 thereby reducing the contact area of the tyres with the ground and encouraging drift.
- FIG. 6 shows a top view of the linkage arm assembly 230 of the wheeled apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3 .
- the linkage arm assembly 230 comprises a first arm or rod 232 and a second arm or rod 233 coupled to a corner bracket 234 .
- the first arm 232 comprises an aperture 236 for pivotally coupling the first arm 232 via a ball joint to the coupling point 107 of the board 105 .
- a pin 235 is pivotally coupled to the corner bracket 234 and the pin comprises an aperture 237 for pivotally coupling the linkage arm assembly 230 to the steering knuckle 210 .
- the second arm 233 comprises an aperture 238 for pivotally coupling the second arm 233 via a ball joint to the linkage plate 125 of the support frame 120 of the chassis 110 .
- FIG. 7 shows a top view of the suspension arm assembly 220 of the wheeled apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3 .
- the suspension arm assembly comprises two arms 222 , 223 coupled to a body 224 .
- the body 224 comprises a recess and aperture 227 to which the steering knuckle 210 is pivotally mounted.
- Body 224 also comprises an aperture 229 to receive a fastener to couple the spring and shock absorber 250 to the suspension arm assembly 220 .
- the first arm 222 comprises an aperture 226 for coupling the first arm 222 to the linkage plate 125 via a ball joint.
- the second arm 223 comprises an aperture 228 for coupling the second arm 223 to the connection bracket 132 attached to the side plate 130 .
- FIG. 8 is a top view of the steering knuckle 210 of the wheeled apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 3 .
- the steering knuckle 210 comprises a first connection point 212 , a second connection point 214 , a third connection point 216 and an aperture 218 .
- the first connection point 212 is for pivotally coupling the steering knuckle 210 to the pin 235 of the linkage arm assembly 230 .
- the second connection point 214 is for pivotally coupling the steering knuckle 210 to the steering link 240 .
- the third connection point 216 is for pivotally coupling the steering knuckle 210 to the body 224 of the suspension arm assembly 220 .
- Aperture 218 accommodates the CV joint 185 for the wheel 260 .
- the steering knuckles 210 on opposite sides or ends of the apparatus 300 can be mirror images of one another.
- the structure of the steering knuckle 210 shown in FIG. 8 may be for one side of the apparatus.
- a steering knuckle 210 for an opposite side of the apparatus 100 comprises the same structure mirrored along an axis between connection points 212 and 216 .
- FIGS. 1-8 Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to FIGS. 1-8 . However, other embodiments are envisaged that fall within the scope of the present invention. The invention will be described more generally hereinafter with specific examples where necessary.
- embodiments of the wheeled apparatus 100 can have two or more wheels 260 .
- the wheeled apparatus 100 has one wheel on either side of the board 105 .
- a linkage is provided to enable a castor and/or camber and/or or toe angle of the wheels 260 to be adjusted by pivoting the board 105 .
- the apparatus 100 comprises two wheels at one end and a single wheel at the other end. The end with two wheels can be configured as shown at one end of the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 .
- the board 105 pivots laterally to adjust the castor and/or camber and/or toe angle and/or the steering of the wheels. In some embodiments, the board 105 is pivoted longitudinally. In some embodiments, the board 105 can also be pivoted longitudinally to control the speed and/or direction of the one or more motors 160 where the apparatus 100 is motorised.
- apparatus 100 comprises a chassis 110 in the preferred embodiments described herein, it is envisaged that embodiments of the apparatus 100 can be implemented without a chassis.
- support frames 120 can be coupled to the board 105 by first bracket 140 .
- the support frame 120 can be implemented in a variety of ways.
- a centrally located single plate can be provided with the sprockets mounted on either side.
- This alternative enables the linkage plate 125 to be replaced by a smaller linkage plate, such as an “X” shaped plate with effectively just four connecting points 127 .
- the first bracket 140 and the second bracket 145 can be redesigned into a single bracket.
- Embodiments of the wheeled apparatus 100 can comprise one or more motors 160 to drive one or more of the plurality of wheels 260 .
- a single motor can be configured to drive all of the wheels, a separate motor can drive each wheel, or a separate motor can drive each set of wheels, e.g. each pair of wheels.
- One or more brushless DC (BLDC) electric motors can be used, but other types of motor can also be used.
- BLDC brushless DC
- a hub motor can be used within one or more of the wheels 260 with each such wheel coupled to the chassis 110 by the suspension arm assemblies 220 .
- FIG. 2 shows a drive chain 172 coupling the first and second sprockets 165 , 170
- alternative components can be used for the transmission of power from the motor(s) 160 to the wheels 260 , such as belts, further gearing and/or shaft drive assemblies.
- the motors 160 can directly drive the wheels 260 , removing the need for any sprockets, gears or belts.
- suitably sized motors 160 replace the second sprockets 170 , the connectors 175 are attached directly to the motors 160 , and the drive shafts 180 are coupled between the connectors 175 and the wheels 260 via constant velocity joints 185 to enable to motors 160 to directly drive the wheels 260 .
- the wheeled apparatus 100 can comprise a controller in communication with the one or more motors 160 to enable a user to control the speed and direction of the one or more motors.
- the controller is an electronic controller connected to the board, which can be implemented with a programmable circuit board.
- the controlled is a mechanical controller.
- the controller can be designed to be operated by the user via hand and/or foot.
- the controller' can also be a remote controller operating wirelessly.
- some embodiments of the wheeled apparatus 100 comprise an undercarriage or casing affixed to the chassis 110 and/or the board 105 to hold and protect various components of the apparatus 100 , such as batteries, controller units, a wireless receiver and/or cabling, from water, dust, debris and from impacts with obstacles, such as rocks.
- FIGS. 9 and 10 show a perspective view and a side view respectively of a chassis 310 of a wheeled apparatus 300 for board sports, according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- the chassis 310 comprises two support frames 320 .
- the support frames 320 are pivotally coupled at each end of a carriage 315 .
- a board 305 to support a rider is pivotally coupled to the chassis 310 , for example, via the carriage 315 .
- Each support frame 320 comprises a body 330 onto which other components of the support frame 320 are mounted.
- the body 330 can be a unitary structure (as shown in FIG. 11 ).
- An inner end of the body 330 is pivotally coupled to the carriage 315 via a first bracket 340 .
- the carriage 315 is elongate and load bearing.
- the carriage provides a rigid linkage between the two support frames 320 .
- the carriage 315 is fixed to the underside of the board 305 .
- An outer end of the body 330 is pivotally coupled to the board 305 via a second bracket 345 .
- the second bracket 345 is fixed to the underside of the board 305 .
- the board 305 the carriage 315 and the second bracket 345 can be considered to form a board assembly which pivots relative to the chassis 310 about a pivot axis.
- the second bracket 345 extends along the body 330 past the inner end of the body 330 .
- Springs 350 are coupled between the first bracket 340 and the second bracket 345 on either side of the pivot axis to resist the pivoting of the board 305 and to return the board 305 to a neutral position.
- a shock tower 335 is coupled to an upright 331 of the body 330 .
- the upright 331 extends through an aperture 347 in the second bracket 345 and the board 305 .
- the lateral width of the aperture 347 limits the range of lateral movement of the board 305 relative to the upright 331 and therefore limits the angle to which the board 305 can pivot relative to the chassis 310 .
- the shock tower 335 comprises pins 337 for coupling spring and shock absorbers to the shock tower 335 .
- Connecting points are provided to couple a suspension system to the body 330 .
- two of the connecting points 327 are located at a base of the body 330 on each side of the body 330 with one of the two connecting points 327 located toward the outer end of the body 330 and the other located toward the inner end of the body 330 .
- the two connecting points 327 can be located on linkage plates 325 that are fixed to the body 330 or integral with the body 330 .
- a further connecting point 328 on either side of the body 330 is located part way up the body 330 and toward the inner end of the body 330 .
- the further connecting point 328 can be located on a connection bracket 332 that is fixed to the body.
- Coupling points 307 are provided on either side of the second bracket 345 to couple a steering system to the board 305 .
- two coupling points 307 are provided on either side of the second bracket 345 .
- the body 330 supports a mechanism for driving the wheeled apparatus 300 .
- the mechanism comprises a motor 360 coupled to a first sprocket 365 on either side of the body 330 .
- the first sprocket 365 is coupled to a second sprocket 370 via a drive belt 372 .
- the second sprocket 370 is larger than the first sprocket 365 to gear down the speed of the motor 360 for transmission to a wheel on the respective side of the body 330 .
- the second sprocket 370 is coupled to a connector 375 to which a drive shaft 380 is coupled for connection to the wheel.
- the carriage 315 can house a power supply, for example, one or more batteries, to power the motors 360 .
- the carriage 315 can also house one or more control systems to control the motors. In an alternative embodiment, a carriage housing one or more batteries and/or control systems can be fixed to an upper side of the board.
- the motors 360 can directly drive the wheels 460 , removing the need for any sprockets, gears or belts. This can be achieved by locating suitably sized motors 360 in place of the second sprockets 370 .
- the connectors 375 would then be attached directly to the motors 360 , and the drive shafts 372 would be coupled between the connectors 375 and the wheels 460 via constant velocity joints to enable to motors 360 to directly drive the wheels 460 .
- Bindings 312 are provided on the board 305 to secure the feet of the rider. In the embodiment shown, the bindings 312 are semi-open. However the bindings can be fully closed bindings or any other suitable bindings and in one embodiment, the board 305 has no bindings.
- FIG. 11 a body 330 of the wheeled apparatus 300 that is a unitary structure according to one embodiment.
- Two connecting points 327 in the form of longitudinally oriented apertures are located on linkage plates 32 5 at the base of the body 330 that extend laterally on each side of the body 330 .
- the two apertures each receive a pin to couple respective arms of a suspension arm assembly.
- Two bracket mounting holes 333 are provided to mount the connection bracket 332 to the body 330 .
- Three shock tower mounting holes are provided in the upright 331 of the body 330 to mount the shock tower to the body 330 .
- Three motor stands 362 extend laterally from either side of the body 330 at the inner end of the body 330 for mounting the motors 360 .
- a hole 334 is located toward the outer end of the body 330 to receive an anti-roll bar.
- a bracket 340 is mounted to the body 330 or formed integrally with the body 330 ,
- a mount point 342 is provided on the bracket 340 for the spring 350 .
- FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the wheeled apparatus 300 for board sports shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , with the wheels, suspension and steering systems attached and
- FIG. 13 shows an underside view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 12 . Further features of the apparatus 300 will now be described with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 .
- the wheeled apparatus 300 comprises four wheels 460 supported by four steering knuckles 410 .
- the four steering knuckles 410 are coupled to the chassis 310 via suspension systems 400 .
- the suspension systems 400 comprise suspension arm assemblies 420 , steering or linkage arm assemblies 430 , spring and shock absorbers 450 and further suspension arms 440 .
- Each of the suspension arm assemblies 420 comprises two arms 422 , 423 and is coupled at a body 424 of the arms to one of the steering knuckles 410 .
- the arms are each coupled to one of the two connection points 327 ′ at the base of the body 330 .
- the spring and shock absorbers 450 are rotatably coupled to the body 424 of a respective suspension arm assembly 420 via a fastener at coupling point 429 and rotatably coupled to a respective shock tower 335 via the pins 337 .
- Each further suspension arm 440 is pivotally coupled at one end to a respective further connecting point 328 and pivotally coupled at the other end to a respective steering knuckle 410 .
- each wheel is provided with an independent suspension system 400 .
- the four steering knuckles 410 are coupled to the board 305 via the steering or linkage arm assemblies 430 .
- Each wheel 460 has its own steering arm assembly 430 to enable independent steering of each wheel, and for example, independent adjustment of camber, caster and/or toe angle of each wheel 460 .
- Each steering arm assembly 430 comprises two arms 432 , 433 and is coupled at a body 434 of the arms to one of the steering knuckles 410 .
- the arms are each coupled to one of the two coupling points 307 on the second bracket 345 to enable a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels 460 to be adjusted independently by pivoting the board 305 .
- the steering arm assemblies 430 also enable the wheels 460 to be steered by pivoting the board 305 .
- Drive shafts 380 are coupled between the connectors 375 and the wheels 460 via constant velocity joints 385 to enable the motor 360 to drive the wheels 460 .
- the board 305 is shaped to enable a rider to stand, kneel, sit and/or lie on the board.
- the board 305 is concave to accommodate the rider in a prone position and comprises raised side edges to assist in retaining the rider on the board when pivoting the board and cornering.
- FIGS. 14 and 15 show a top view and a front view respectively of the wheeled apparatus 300 for board sports shown in FIG. 12 .
- the board 305 is pivoted to a left hand side of the neutral position.
- the board 305 has pivoted such that the upright 331 is against the edge of the aperture 347 and limits the board 305 from pivoting further relative to the chassis 310 .
- An anti-roll bar 480 is provided to mitigate a compression or extension of the spring and shock absorbers 450 when the board 305 is pivoted and hence mitigate a rolling of the chassis 310 when the board 305 is pivoted.
- the anti-roll bar 480 is coupled between the suspension arm assembly 420 on the left side of the body 330 and the suspension arm assembly 420 on the right side of the body 330 .
- the anti-roll bar 480 extends through the hole 334 in the body 330 (see FIG. 11 ).
- the anti-roll bar 480 is coupled to each suspension arm assembly 420 via a connecting rod 482 .
- the connecting rod 482 comprises a thread link 484 for adjusting the length of the connecting rod 482 and hence adjusting the effect of the anti-roll bar 480 .
- Pivoting the board 305 toward the left hand side of the apparatus 300 moves the coupling points 307 on the left hand side of the second bracket 345 toward the left and downward and moves the coupling points 307 on the right hand side of the second bracket 345 toward the left and upward.
- the steering arm assemblies 430 which are coupled to the coupling points 307 and the steering knuckles 410 , therefore pull the steering knuckle 410 on the right hand side and push the steering knuckle 410 on the left hand side which changes the camber and/or the castor and/or the toe angle of the wheels 460 .
- the suspension arm assemblies 420 and the further suspension arms 440 provide a pivot axis around which the steering knuckles 410 rotate. The pivot axis is shown in more detail in FIG. 16 .
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the steering knuckle 410 of the wheeled apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 12 .
- the steering knuckle 410 comprises a first connection point 412 , a second connection point 414 , a third connection point 416 and an aperture 418 .
- the first connection point 412 is for pivotally coupling the steering knuckle 410 to a pin of the linkage arm assembly 430 .
- the second connection point 414 is for pivotally coupling the steering knuckle 410 to the body 424 of the suspension arm assembly.
- the third connection point 416 is for pivotally coupling the steering knuckle 410 to the further suspension arm 440 .
- Aperture 418 accommodates the CV joint 485 for the wheel 460 .
- the steering knuckles 410 on opposite sides or ends of the apparatus 300 can be mirror images of one another.
- the steering knuckle 410 may be mirrored along an axis between connection points 475 and 414 depending on the side of the apparatus 300 one which it is installed.
- the coupling of the second connection point 414 and the third connection point 416 to the body 330 via the suspension system creates a pivot axis 470 around which the aperture 418 , and hence the wheel 460 , can pivot.
- the wheel 460 is pivoted via the movement of the first connection point 412 along the line 475 when then board 305 is pivoted about the chassis 310 . This pivoting of the wheel causes the wheel 460 to steer for example, to the left and tilt towards the centre of the apparatus 300 thereby reducing the contact area of the tyres with the ground and encouraging drift.
- FIG. 17 shows a top view of the steering arm assembly 430 of the wheeled apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 12 .
- the steering arm assembly 430 comprises a first arm or rod 432 and a second arm or rod 433 coupled to a corner bracket 434 .
- the first arm 432 comprises an aperture 436 for pivotally coupling the first arm 432 to one of the coupling points 307 .
- a pin 435 is pivotally coupled to the corner bracket 434 and the pin comprises an aperture 437 for pivotally coupling the steering arm assembly 430 to the steering knuckle 410 .
- the second arm 433 comprises an aperture 438 for pivotally coupling the second arm 433 to the other coupling point 307 .
- FIG. 18 shows a top view of the drive shaft 380 .
- a first end 382 of the drive shaft 380 is adapted to be received by the CV joint 386 .
- An opposing side of the CV joint 386 is coupled to a shaft 388 which adapted to be received in the aperture 418 of the steering knuckle 410 .
- a second end 384 of the drive shaft 380 is adapted to be connected to the connector 375 .
- FIG. 19 shows a top view of the suspension arm assembly 420 of the wheeled apparatus 300 shown in FIG. 12 .
- the suspension arm assembly comprises two arms 422 , 423 coupled to a body 424 .
- the body 424 comprises a recess and aperture 427 to which the steering knuckle 410 is pivotally mounted.
- Body 424 also comprises a pin 429 to attach the spring and shock absorber 450 to the suspension arm assembly 420
- the first arm 422 comprises an aperture 426 for coupling the first arm 422 to one of the two connecting points 327 at the base of the body 330
- the second arm 423 comprises an aperture 428 for coupling the second arm 423 for coupling the second arm 423 to the other of the two connecting points 327 .
- a support arm 425 connects between the first arm 422 and the second arm 423 to strengthen the suspension arm assembly 420 .
- a coupling point 421 is provided for coupling the connecting rod 482 to the suspension arm 420 .
- the coupling point 421 is a plate located at a junction of the support arm 425 and the second arm 423 .
- FIG. 20 shows a top view of the spring and shock absorber 450 .
- the spring and shock absorber 450 comprises a spring 455 and a damper assembly 456 .
- the spring and shock absorber 450 also comprises a first aperture 452 at a first end for coupling to the pin 429 of the suspension arm assembly 420 and a second aperture 453 at a second end for coupling to the pin 337 of the shock tower 335 .
- FIG. 21 shows a flow diagram of a method 500 of constructing a wheeled apparatus for board sports comprising a board and a plurality of wheels supported by a plurality of steering knuckles, according to another aspect of the present invention.
- the method 500 comprises step 510 at which at least one linkage is coupled between the board and the steering knuckles to enable a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels 260 to be adjusted by pivoting the board.
- embodiments of the present invention address or at least ameliorate the aforementioned problems of the prior art.
- the wheels can individually follow the contours of the surface over which the apparatus 100 is travelling, thereby increasing grip.
- the suspension systems 200 also absorbs impacts, thereby allowing the rider to traverse rough terrain and perform bigger jumps than otherwise possible with the prior art.
- steering links 240 the apparatus is more responsive to turning than the prior art devices.
- linkage arm assemblies 230 to modify the caster and/or camber and/or toe angle of the wheels, it is easier to drift whilst turning, which is often a desirable effect.
Abstract
A wheeled apparatus for board sports is provided. The wheeled apparatus includes a board, a plurality of wheels supported by a plurality of steering knuckles, and at least one linkage between the board and the steering knuckles. The at least one linkage enables a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels to be adjusted by pivoting the board.
Description
- The present invention relates to apparatus for board sports and in particular to wheeled apparatus for off-road board sports.
- Board sports, such as skateboarding, long boarding and mountain boarding, are pursued by people as a popular past time, as an action sport or even as an extreme sport. Wheeled apparatus used for board sports typically comprise a board coupled to wheels via trucks. Generally these apparatus have four wheels and two trucks, one truck for the front wheels and one truck for the back wheels. The trucks typically comprise a base plate attached to the board and a hanger pivotally coupled to the base plate to support the wheels. The base plate is coupled to the hanger at an angle so that the hanger will turn toward the side to which the board is pivoted.
- The base plate is typically coupled to the hanger via a king pin and bushings. The kingpin can be adjusted to provide more or less resistance to turning.
- The wheels are coupled via bearings to the hanger and are maintained at a fixed angle relative to the hanger. The wheels on skateboards and long boards, for example, are typically made of solid polyurethane. One problem with such boards is that they can not be used effectively off-road.
- One attempted solution to this problem is mountain boards. Mountain boards typically have larger, spoked wheels with tyres to enable them to more easily travel over rough terrain. However, like skateboards and long boards mountain boards typically are limited to being ridden down hill or propelled by the user.
- International patent publication WO 2006/053397 teaches an apparatus that addresses these limitations to an extent by providing a board with motorised track assemblies to enable the board to be propelled uphill. The track assemblies also assist the board to traverse soft ground and snow and reduce bogging. The board is connected to the track assemblies via a truck, similar to that of a skateboard, long board or mountain board. In some embodiments, the board is connected to the truck via a spring to absorb impact on rough ground. However, the use of tracks can negatively affect the handling of the board and limit the control the user has over the board.
- The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
- It is a preferred object of the invention to provide an apparatus for board sports which addresses or at least ameliorates one or more of the aforementioned problems of the prior art and/or provides a useful commercial alternative.
- Another preferred object of the invention is to provide an apparatus for board sports with improved and adjustable steering and handling, in particular during off-road use.
- Skilled addressees will appreciate that the apparatus may also be used for applications other than board sports. For example, the apparatus may be used as an all terrain mobility vehicle for personal or even military purposes.
- Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus for board sports and in particular to wheeled apparatus for off-road board sports.
- According to one aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a wheeled apparatus for board sports comprising:
- a board;
- a plurality of wheels supported by a plurality of steering knuckles; and
- at least one linkage between the board and the steering knuckles to enable a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels to be adjusted by pivoting the board
- Suitably, the at least one linkage comprises a mechanical linkage in the form of an arm pivotally coupled to one of the steering knuckles and the board.
- Alternatively, the at least one linkage comprises an electronic linkage in the form of a sensor for detecting pivoting of the board, the sensor in communication with an actuator coupled to one of the steering knuckles.
- Preferably, the wheeled apparatus comprises four wheels.
- Preferably, the wheeled apparatus further comprises a chassis to which the board is pivotally coupled.
- Preferably, the board pivots laterally about the chassis.
- Preferably, the wheeled apparatus comprises one or more suspension systems coupled to the chassis and to the steering knuckles.
- Preferably, the one or more suspension systems include a left suspension system and a right suspension system, and an anti-roll bar is coupled between the left suspension system and the right suspension system to mitigate a rolling of the chassis when the board is pivoted.
- Preferably, the at least one linkage pivots the respective steering knuckle about a pivot axis defined by one or more of the suspension systems.
- Preferably, the wheeled apparatus further comprises one or more springs coupled to the board and the chassis to resist the pivoting of the board and to return the board to a neutral position.
- Suitably, the wheeled apparatus comprises one or more steering links coupled between the board and the steering knuckles to enable the wheels to be steered by pivoting the board.
- Suitably, the at least one linkage enables the wheels to be steered, and a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels to be adjusted, by pivoting the board.
- Preferably, each steering knuckle is coupled to the board with a respective steering link and/or linkage to provide independent steering, and/or camber and/or caster and/or toe angle adjustment, of each wheel by pivoting the board.
- Preferably, the wheeled apparatus comprises one or more motors to drive one or more of the plurality of wheels.
- Preferably, the wheeled apparatus comprises a controller in communication with the one or more motors to enable a user to control the speed and direction of the one or more motors.
- Preferably, the wheeled apparatus comprises a carriage fixed to the board, to house one or more batteries and/or control systems to power and/or control the motors.
- According to another aspect, but not necessarily the broadest aspect, the present invention resides in a method of constructing a wheeled apparatus for board sports, the apparatus comprising a board and a plurality of wheels supported by a plurality of steering knuckles, the method comprising:
- coupling at least one linkage between the board and the steering knuckles to enable a camber, a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels to be adjusted by pivoting the board.
- Further features and/or aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.
- In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The drawings are provided by way of example only, wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chassis of a wheeled apparatus for board sports, according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the wheeled apparatus ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wheeled apparatus comprising the chassis ofFIG. 1 , according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 4 is an underside view of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 6 is a top view of a linkage arm assembly of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 7 is a top view of a suspension arm assembly of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 8 is a top view of a steering knuckle of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a chassis of a wheeled apparatus for board sports, according to another embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a side view of the wheeled apparatus ofFIG. 9 ; -
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a body of a support structure of the chassis shown inFIG. 9 -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a wheeled apparatus comprising the chassis ofFIG. 9 , according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 13 is an underside view of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 14 is a top view of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 15 is a front view of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a steering knuckle of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 17 is a top view of a steering arm assembly of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 18 is a top view of a drive shaft of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 19 is a top view of a suspension arm assembly of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 12 ; -
FIG. 20 is a top view of a spring and shock absorber of the wheeled apparatus shown inFIG. 12 ; and -
FIG. 21 is a flow diagram of a method of constructing a wheeled apparatus for board sports, according to one aspect of the present invention. - Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
- Generally, embodiments of the present invention relate to apparatus for board sports and in particular to wheeled apparatus for off-road board sports. Skilled addressees will appreciate that the apparatus may also be used for general mobility and transportation purposes.
- The wheeled apparatus comprises a board to support a rider and a plurality of wheels supported by a plurality of steering knuckles. At least one linkage is coupled between the board and the steering knuckles to enable a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels to be adjusted by the rider pivoting the board. Adjustments of the camber and/or the caster and/or the toe angle of the wheels can change the behaviour of the apparatus during cornering. For example, such adjustments can facilitate drift of the apparatus as it corners.
- In preferred embodiments, the steering knuckles and hence the wheels are supported by a chassis, for example, via a suspension system. The board, and/or a board assembly comprising the board, is pivotally coupled to the chassis and pivots relative to the chassis. In some embodiments the at least one linkage comprises a mechanical linkage in the form of an arm that is pivotally coupled to one of the steering knuckles and pivotally coupled the board. However, in alternative embodiments, the at least one linkage comprises an electronic linkage in the form of a sensor for detecting pivoting of the board. The sensor is in communication with one or more actuators coupled to one or more of the steering knuckles. These arrangements will be described in further detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.
-
FIGS. 1 and 2 show a perspective view and a side sectional view respectively of achassis 110 of awheeled apparatus 100 for board sports, according to one embodiment of the present invention. For the sake of clarity,FIGS. 1 and 2 show theapparatus 100 with various components of the apparatus removed, such the wheels, suspension and steering systems. However, the components omitted fromFIGS. 1 and 2 will be discussed hereinafter with reference to other drawings. - With reference to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , thechassis 110 comprises asupport frame 120 coupled and/or fixed at each end of anelongate bar 115. Aboard 105 to support a rider is pivotally coupled to thechassis 110. Eachsupport frame 120 comprises alinkage plate 125, twoparallel side plates 130, ashock tower 135 and afirst bracket 140. Thelinkage plate 125 and thefirst bracket 140 are coupled to theelongate bar 115. Thelinkage plate 125 and theshock tower 135 are coupled toside plates 130. - The
linkage plate 125 comprises four connectingpoints 127 havingapertures 129 to couple suspension arm assemblies and linkages to thelinkage plate 125. - The
side plates 130 each support a mechanism for driving thewheeled apparatus 100. The mechanism comprises amotor 160 coupled to afirst sprocket 165. The first sprocket is coupled to asecond sprocket 170 via adrive chain 172. Thesecond sprocket 170 is larger than thefirst sprocket 165 to gear down the speed of the motor for transmission to the wheels. Thesecond sprocket 170 is coupled to aconnector 175 to which a drive shaft is coupled for connection to a wheel. Eachside plate 130 further comprises aconnection bracket 132 having anaperture 134 for connecting to a suspension arm assembly, as will be described in further detail herein. - The
shock tower 135 of eachsupport frame 120 extends perpendicularly to theside plates 130 and comprisespins 137 for coupling spring and shock absorbers to theshock tower 135. Three sets ofapertures 139 are provided at either side of theshock tower 135 to enable the position of thepins 137, and therefore the connection point and angle of the spring and shoe k absorbers, to be adjusted. In some embodiments, the number of sets ofapertures 139 may be greater than or less than three. - A
second bracket 145 is pivotally coupled to thefirst bracket 140 and is fixed to the underside of theboard 105 to enable the board to pivot relative to thechassis 110 about a pivot axis.Springs 150 are coupled to thefirst bracket 140 and thesecond bracket 145 on either side of the pivot point to resist the pivoting of theboard 105 and to return theboard 105 to a neutral position. For example, where the board pivots laterally, a neutral position is when theboard 105 is laterally level relative to thechassis 110. -
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of thewheeled apparatus 100 for board sports shown inFIGS. 1 and 2 , with the wheels, suspension and steering systems attached andFIG. 4 shows an underside view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 3 . Further features of theapparatus 100 will now be described with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4 . - The
wheeled apparatus 100 comprises fourwheels 260 supported by four steeringknuckles 210. The foursteering knuckles 210 are coupled to thechassis 110 viasuspension systems 200. Thesuspension systems 200 comprisesuspension arm assemblies 220,linkage arm assemblies 230, steeringlinks 240 and spring andshock absorbers 250. - Each
linkage arm assembly 230 comprises alinkage arm 232 pivotally coupled between theboard 105 and eachsteering knuckle 210 to enable a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of thewheels 260 to be adjusted independently by pivoting theboard 105. Thelinkage arms 232 are pivotally coupled to the board via ball joints to the coupling points 107. Thelinkage arms 232 are also pivotally coupled to the upper connection points 127 of thelinkage plates 125 of thechassis 110 by a ball joint. - Each steering link 240 is pivotally coupled at one end to a
tail 147 of thesecond bracket 145 and pivotally coupled at the other end to arespective steering knuckle 210 to enable thewheels 260 to be steered by pivoting theboard 105. Eachwheel 260 is coupled to arespective steering knuckle 210 with a respective steering link 240 for independent steering of eachwheel 260. - Each of the
suspension arm assemblies 220 comprises twoarms body 224 of the arms to one of the steeringknuckles 210. One of thearms 222 is coupled to one of the lower connection points 127 of one of thelinkage plates 125 and another of thearms 223 is coupled to theconnection bracket 132 on one of theside plates 130. The spring andshock absorbers 250 are rotatably coupled to thebody 224 of a respectivesuspension arm assembly 220 via a fastener atcoupling point 229 and rotatably coupled to arespective shock tower 135 via thepins 137. Hence, in the preferred embodiment shown inFIG. 3 , each wheel is provided with independent suspension. - Drive
shafts 180 are coupled between theconnectors 175 and thewheels 260 viaconstant velocity joints 185 to enable themotor 160 to drive the wheels. - The
wheels 260 havespokes 262 for structural support and havetyres 264 to provide grip on the ground. Thespokes 262 can also enable the wheel to be lighter than a solid wheel and the tyres can absorb bumps to provide a smoother ride. Theboard 105 is shaped to enable a rider to stand, kneel, sit and/or lie on the board. For example, theboard 105 can comprise a waist between two wider regions for accommodating the rider's feet. Theboard 105 can be concave to accommodate the rider in a prone position and can comprise raised side edges to assist in retaining the rider on the board when pivoting the board and cornering. -
FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of one end of thewheeled apparatus 100 shown inFIG. 3 .FIG. 5 shows positions of thelinkage arms 232 and the steering links 240 with theboard 105 pivoted to a right hand side of the neutral position. The pivoting of theboard 105 toward the right hand side of theapparatus 100 moves thetail 147 of thesecond bracket 145 toward the left hand side of theapparatus 100. The steering links 240, which are coupled to thetail 147 of thesecond bracket 145, pull or push thesteering knuckles 210, thus turning thewheels 260 and causing theapparatus 100 to turn toward the right hand side to which theboard 105 is pivoted. - Pivoting the
board 105 toward the right hand side of theapparatus 100 also moves the coupling points 107. Thecoupling point 107 on the right hand side moves in a downward direction and thecoupling point 107 on the left hand side moves in an upward direction. Thelinkage arms 232, which are coupled to the coupling points 107 and the steeringknuckles 210, therefore pull thesteering knuckle 210 on the right hand side and push thesteering knuckle 210 on the left hand side to change the camber and/or the castor and/or the toe angle of thewheels 260. This tilts the wheels further towards the centre of theapparatus 100 thereby reducing the contact area of the tyres with the ground and encouraging drift. There is also a corresponding effect on the camber and/or the castor and/or the toe angle of thewheels 260 at the other end of theapparatus 100. It will be appreciated that pivoting theboard 105 in the opposite direction will have the opposite effects. -
FIG. 6 shows a top view of thelinkage arm assembly 230 of thewheeled apparatus 100 shown inFIG. 3 . Thelinkage arm assembly 230 comprises a first arm orrod 232 and a second arm orrod 233 coupled to acorner bracket 234. Thefirst arm 232 comprises anaperture 236 for pivotally coupling thefirst arm 232 via a ball joint to thecoupling point 107 of theboard 105. Apin 235 is pivotally coupled to thecorner bracket 234 and the pin comprises anaperture 237 for pivotally coupling thelinkage arm assembly 230 to thesteering knuckle 210. Thesecond arm 233 comprises anaperture 238 for pivotally coupling thesecond arm 233 via a ball joint to thelinkage plate 125 of thesupport frame 120 of thechassis 110. -
FIG. 7 shows a top view of thesuspension arm assembly 220 of thewheeled apparatus 100 shown inFIG. 3 . The suspension arm assembly comprises twoarms body 224. Thebody 224 comprises a recess andaperture 227 to which thesteering knuckle 210 is pivotally mounted.Body 224 also comprises anaperture 229 to receive a fastener to couple the spring andshock absorber 250 to thesuspension arm assembly 220. Thefirst arm 222 comprises anaperture 226 for coupling thefirst arm 222 to thelinkage plate 125 via a ball joint. Thesecond arm 223 comprises anaperture 228 for coupling thesecond arm 223 to theconnection bracket 132 attached to theside plate 130. -
FIG. 8 is a top view of thesteering knuckle 210 of thewheeled apparatus 100 shown inFIG. 3 . Thesteering knuckle 210 comprises afirst connection point 212, asecond connection point 214, athird connection point 216 and anaperture 218. Thefirst connection point 212 is for pivotally coupling thesteering knuckle 210 to thepin 235 of thelinkage arm assembly 230. Thesecond connection point 214 is for pivotally coupling thesteering knuckle 210 to thesteering link 240. Thethird connection point 216 is for pivotally coupling thesteering knuckle 210 to thebody 224 of thesuspension arm assembly 220.Aperture 218 accommodates the CV joint 185 for thewheel 260. The steeringknuckles 210 on opposite sides or ends of theapparatus 300 can be mirror images of one another. For example, the structure of thesteering knuckle 210 shown inFIG. 8 may be for one side of the apparatus. Asteering knuckle 210 for an opposite side of theapparatus 100 comprises the same structure mirrored along an axis between connection points 212 and 216. - Preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to
FIGS. 1-8 . However, other embodiments are envisaged that fall within the scope of the present invention. The invention will be described more generally hereinafter with specific examples where necessary. - Generally, embodiments of the
wheeled apparatus 100 can have two ormore wheels 260. In one embodiment, thewheeled apparatus 100 has one wheel on either side of theboard 105. In this embodiment, a linkage is provided to enable a castor and/or camber and/or or toe angle of thewheels 260 to be adjusted by pivoting theboard 105. In another embodiment, theapparatus 100 comprises two wheels at one end and a single wheel at the other end. The end with two wheels can be configured as shown at one end of the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 . - In some embodiments the
board 105 pivots laterally to adjust the castor and/or camber and/or toe angle and/or the steering of the wheels. In some embodiments, theboard 105 is pivoted longitudinally. In some embodiments, theboard 105 can also be pivoted longitudinally to control the speed and/or direction of the one ormore motors 160 where theapparatus 100 is motorised. - While the
apparatus 100 comprises achassis 110 in the preferred embodiments described herein, it is envisaged that embodiments of theapparatus 100 can be implemented without a chassis. In such embodiments, support frames 120 can be coupled to theboard 105 byfirst bracket 140. - It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the
support frame 120 can be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, according to some embodiments, instead of twoside plates 130 connected by thelinkage plate 125 and the sprockets mounted to the inner faces of the side plates, a centrally located single plate can be provided with the sprockets mounted on either side. This alternative enables thelinkage plate 125 to be replaced by a smaller linkage plate, such as an “X” shaped plate with effectively just fourconnecting points 127. In another embodiment, it is envisaged that thefirst bracket 140 and thesecond bracket 145 can be redesigned into a single bracket. - Embodiments of the
wheeled apparatus 100 can comprise one ormore motors 160 to drive one or more of the plurality ofwheels 260. For example, a single motor can be configured to drive all of the wheels, a separate motor can drive each wheel, or a separate motor can drive each set of wheels, e.g. each pair of wheels. One or more brushless DC (BLDC) electric motors can be used, but other types of motor can also be used. For example, in some embodiments a hub motor can be used within one or more of thewheels 260 with each such wheel coupled to thechassis 110 by thesuspension arm assemblies 220. - Whilst
FIG. 2 shows adrive chain 172 coupling the first andsecond sprockets wheels 260, such as belts, further gearing and/or shaft drive assemblies. In another embodiment, themotors 160 can directly drive thewheels 260, removing the need for any sprockets, gears or belts. In this embodiment, suitablysized motors 160 replace thesecond sprockets 170, theconnectors 175 are attached directly to themotors 160, and thedrive shafts 180 are coupled between theconnectors 175 and thewheels 260 viaconstant velocity joints 185 to enable tomotors 160 to directly drive thewheels 260. - The
wheeled apparatus 100 can comprise a controller in communication with the one ormore motors 160 to enable a user to control the speed and direction of the one or more motors. In some embodiments, the controller is an electronic controller connected to the board, which can be implemented with a programmable circuit board. In some embodiments, the controlled is a mechanical controller. In some embodiments, the controller can be designed to be operated by the user via hand and/or foot. The controller' can also be a remote controller operating wirelessly. - Although not shown in the drawings, some embodiments of the
wheeled apparatus 100 comprise an undercarriage or casing affixed to thechassis 110 and/or theboard 105 to hold and protect various components of theapparatus 100, such as batteries, controller units, a wireless receiver and/or cabling, from water, dust, debris and from impacts with obstacles, such as rocks. -
FIGS. 9 and 10 show a perspective view and a side view respectively of achassis 310 of awheeled apparatus 300 for board sports, according to another embodiment of the present invention. Thechassis 310 comprises two support frames 320. The support frames 320 are pivotally coupled at each end of acarriage 315. Aboard 305 to support a rider is pivotally coupled to thechassis 310, for example, via thecarriage 315. - Each
support frame 320 comprises abody 330 onto which other components of thesupport frame 320 are mounted. For example, thebody 330 can be a unitary structure (as shown inFIG. 11 ). An inner end of thebody 330 is pivotally coupled to thecarriage 315 via afirst bracket 340, In preferred embodiments, thecarriage 315 is elongate and load bearing. For example, the carriage provides a rigid linkage between the two support frames 320. Thecarriage 315 is fixed to the underside of theboard 305. An outer end of thebody 330 is pivotally coupled to theboard 305 via asecond bracket 345. Thesecond bracket 345 is fixed to the underside of theboard 305. Theboard 305 thecarriage 315 and thesecond bracket 345 can be considered to form a board assembly which pivots relative to thechassis 310 about a pivot axis. - The
second bracket 345 extends along thebody 330 past the inner end of thebody 330.Springs 350 are coupled between thefirst bracket 340 and thesecond bracket 345 on either side of the pivot axis to resist the pivoting of theboard 305 and to return theboard 305 to a neutral position. - A
shock tower 335 is coupled to anupright 331 of thebody 330. The upright 331 extends through anaperture 347 in thesecond bracket 345 and theboard 305. In one embodiment, the lateral width of theaperture 347 limits the range of lateral movement of theboard 305 relative to theupright 331 and therefore limits the angle to which theboard 305 can pivot relative to thechassis 310. Theshock tower 335 comprisespins 337 for coupling spring and shock absorbers to theshock tower 335. - Connecting points are provided to couple a suspension system to the
body 330. In the embodiment shown, two of the connectingpoints 327 are located at a base of thebody 330 on each side of thebody 330 with one of the two connectingpoints 327 located toward the outer end of thebody 330 and the other located toward the inner end of thebody 330. The twoconnecting points 327 can be located onlinkage plates 325 that are fixed to thebody 330 or integral with thebody 330. A further connectingpoint 328 on either side of thebody 330 is located part way up thebody 330 and toward the inner end of thebody 330. The further connectingpoint 328 can be located on aconnection bracket 332 that is fixed to the body. - Coupling points 307 are provided on either side of the
second bracket 345 to couple a steering system to theboard 305. For example, in the embodiment shown, twocoupling points 307 are provided on either side of thesecond bracket 345. - The
body 330 supports a mechanism for driving thewheeled apparatus 300. The mechanism comprises amotor 360 coupled to afirst sprocket 365 on either side of thebody 330. Thefirst sprocket 365 is coupled to asecond sprocket 370 via adrive belt 372. Thesecond sprocket 370 is larger than thefirst sprocket 365 to gear down the speed of themotor 360 for transmission to a wheel on the respective side of thebody 330. Thesecond sprocket 370 is coupled to aconnector 375 to which adrive shaft 380 is coupled for connection to the wheel. Thecarriage 315 can house a power supply, for example, one or more batteries, to power themotors 360. Thecarriage 315 can also house one or more control systems to control the motors. In an alternative embodiment, a carriage housing one or more batteries and/or control systems can be fixed to an upper side of the board. - In another embodiment, the
motors 360 can directly drive thewheels 460, removing the need for any sprockets, gears or belts. This can be achieved by locating suitablysized motors 360 in place of thesecond sprockets 370. Theconnectors 375 would then be attached directly to themotors 360, and thedrive shafts 372 would be coupled between theconnectors 375 and thewheels 460 via constant velocity joints to enable tomotors 360 to directly drive thewheels 460. -
Bindings 312 are provided on theboard 305 to secure the feet of the rider. In the embodiment shown, thebindings 312 are semi-open. However the bindings can be fully closed bindings or any other suitable bindings and in one embodiment, theboard 305 has no bindings. -
FIG. 11 abody 330 of thewheeled apparatus 300 that is a unitary structure according to one embodiment. Two connectingpoints 327 in the form of longitudinally oriented apertures are located on linkage plates 32 5 at the base of thebody 330 that extend laterally on each side of thebody 330. The two apertures each receive a pin to couple respective arms of a suspension arm assembly. - Two
bracket mounting holes 333 are provided to mount theconnection bracket 332 to thebody 330. Three shock tower mounting holes are provided in theupright 331 of thebody 330 to mount the shock tower to thebody 330. Three motor stands 362 extend laterally from either side of thebody 330 at the inner end of thebody 330 for mounting themotors 360. Ahole 334 is located toward the outer end of thebody 330 to receive an anti-roll bar. - A
bracket 340 is mounted to thebody 330 or formed integrally with thebody 330, Amount point 342 is provided on thebracket 340 for thespring 350. -
FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of thewheeled apparatus 300 for board sports shown inFIGS. 9 and 10 , with the wheels, suspension and steering systems attached andFIG. 13 shows an underside view of the apparatus shown inFIG. 12 . Further features of theapparatus 300 will now be described with reference toFIG. 12 andFIG. 13 . - The
wheeled apparatus 300 comprises fourwheels 460 supported by four steeringknuckles 410. The foursteering knuckles 410 are coupled to thechassis 310 viasuspension systems 400. Thesuspension systems 400 comprisesuspension arm assemblies 420, steering orlinkage arm assemblies 430, spring andshock absorbers 450 andfurther suspension arms 440. Each of thesuspension arm assemblies 420 comprises twoarms body 424 of the arms to one of the steeringknuckles 410. The arms are each coupled to one of the twoconnection points 327′ at the base of thebody 330. - The spring and
shock absorbers 450 are rotatably coupled to thebody 424 of a respectivesuspension arm assembly 420 via a fastener atcoupling point 429 and rotatably coupled to arespective shock tower 335 via thepins 337. - Each
further suspension arm 440 is pivotally coupled at one end to a respective further connectingpoint 328 and pivotally coupled at the other end to arespective steering knuckle 410. Hence, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 12 , each wheel is provided with anindependent suspension system 400. - The four
steering knuckles 410 are coupled to theboard 305 via the steering orlinkage arm assemblies 430. Eachwheel 460 has its ownsteering arm assembly 430 to enable independent steering of each wheel, and for example, independent adjustment of camber, caster and/or toe angle of eachwheel 460. - Each
steering arm assembly 430 comprises twoarms body 434 of the arms to one of the steeringknuckles 410. The arms are each coupled to one of the twocoupling points 307 on thesecond bracket 345 to enable a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of thewheels 460 to be adjusted independently by pivoting theboard 305. In this embodiment, thesteering arm assemblies 430 also enable thewheels 460 to be steered by pivoting theboard 305. - Drive
shafts 380 are coupled between theconnectors 375 and thewheels 460 viaconstant velocity joints 385 to enable themotor 360 to drive thewheels 460. - The
board 305 is shaped to enable a rider to stand, kneel, sit and/or lie on the board. For example, theboard 305 is concave to accommodate the rider in a prone position and comprises raised side edges to assist in retaining the rider on the board when pivoting the board and cornering. -
FIGS. 14 and 15 show a top view and a front view respectively of thewheeled apparatus 300 for board sports shown inFIG. 12 . InFIGS. 14 and 15 theboard 305 is pivoted to a left hand side of the neutral position. Theboard 305 has pivoted such that the upright 331 is against the edge of theaperture 347 and limits theboard 305 from pivoting further relative to thechassis 310. - Rolling of the
chassis 310 when theboard 305 is pivoted can reduce the effectiveness of thesteering arm assembly 430. Ananti-roll bar 480 is provided to mitigate a compression or extension of the spring andshock absorbers 450 when theboard 305 is pivoted and hence mitigate a rolling of thechassis 310 when theboard 305 is pivoted. Theanti-roll bar 480 is coupled between thesuspension arm assembly 420 on the left side of thebody 330 and thesuspension arm assembly 420 on the right side of thebody 330. Theanti-roll bar 480 extends through thehole 334 in the body 330 (seeFIG. 11 ). Theanti-roll bar 480 is coupled to eachsuspension arm assembly 420 via a connectingrod 482. In the embodiment shown, the connectingrod 482 comprises athread link 484 for adjusting the length of the connectingrod 482 and hence adjusting the effect of theanti-roll bar 480. - Pivoting the
board 305 toward the left hand side of theapparatus 300 moves the coupling points 307 on the left hand side of thesecond bracket 345 toward the left and downward and moves the coupling points 307 on the right hand side of thesecond bracket 345 toward the left and upward. Thesteering arm assemblies 430, which are coupled to the coupling points 307 and the steeringknuckles 410, therefore pull thesteering knuckle 410 on the right hand side and push thesteering knuckle 410 on the left hand side which changes the camber and/or the castor and/or the toe angle of thewheels 460. Thesuspension arm assemblies 420 and thefurther suspension arms 440 provide a pivot axis around which thesteering knuckles 410 rotate. The pivot axis is shown in more detail inFIG. 16 . -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of thesteering knuckle 410 of thewheeled apparatus 300 shown inFIG. 12 . Thesteering knuckle 410 comprises afirst connection point 412, asecond connection point 414, athird connection point 416 and anaperture 418. Thefirst connection point 412 is for pivotally coupling thesteering knuckle 410 to a pin of thelinkage arm assembly 430. Thesecond connection point 414 is for pivotally coupling thesteering knuckle 410 to thebody 424 of the suspension arm assembly. Thethird connection point 416 is for pivotally coupling thesteering knuckle 410 to thefurther suspension arm 440.Aperture 418 accommodates the CV joint 485 for thewheel 460. The steeringknuckles 410 on opposite sides or ends of theapparatus 300 can be mirror images of one another. For example, thesteering knuckle 410 may be mirrored along an axis between connection points 475 and 414 depending on the side of theapparatus 300 one which it is installed. - The coupling of the
second connection point 414 and thethird connection point 416 to thebody 330 via the suspension system creates apivot axis 470 around which theaperture 418, and hence thewheel 460, can pivot. Thewheel 460 is pivoted via the movement of thefirst connection point 412 along theline 475 when then board 305 is pivoted about thechassis 310. This pivoting of the wheel causes thewheel 460 to steer for example, to the left and tilt towards the centre of theapparatus 300 thereby reducing the contact area of the tyres with the ground and encouraging drift. - There is also a corresponding effect on the camber and/or the castor and/or the toe angle of the
wheel 460 at the rear of theapparatus 300. It will be appreciated that pivoting theboard 305 in the opposite direction will have the opposite effects. -
FIG. 17 shows a top view of thesteering arm assembly 430 of thewheeled apparatus 300 shown inFIG. 12 . Thesteering arm assembly 430 comprises a first arm orrod 432 and a second arm orrod 433 coupled to acorner bracket 434. Thefirst arm 432 comprises anaperture 436 for pivotally coupling thefirst arm 432 to one of the coupling points 307. Apin 435 is pivotally coupled to thecorner bracket 434 and the pin comprises anaperture 437 for pivotally coupling thesteering arm assembly 430 to thesteering knuckle 410. Thesecond arm 433 comprises anaperture 438 for pivotally coupling thesecond arm 433 to theother coupling point 307. -
FIG. 18 shows a top view of thedrive shaft 380. Afirst end 382 of thedrive shaft 380 is adapted to be received by the CV joint 386. An opposing side of the CV joint 386 is coupled to ashaft 388 which adapted to be received in theaperture 418 of thesteering knuckle 410. Asecond end 384 of thedrive shaft 380 is adapted to be connected to theconnector 375. -
FIG. 19 shows a top view of thesuspension arm assembly 420 of thewheeled apparatus 300 shown inFIG. 12 . The suspension arm assembly comprises twoarms body 424. Thebody 424 comprises a recess andaperture 427 to which thesteering knuckle 410 is pivotally mounted.Body 424 also comprises apin 429 to attach the spring andshock absorber 450 to thesuspension arm assembly 420 Thefirst arm 422 comprises anaperture 426 for coupling thefirst arm 422 to one of the two connectingpoints 327 at the base of thebody 330, Thesecond arm 423 comprises anaperture 428 for coupling thesecond arm 423 for coupling thesecond arm 423 to the other of the two connectingpoints 327. Asupport arm 425 connects between thefirst arm 422 and thesecond arm 423 to strengthen thesuspension arm assembly 420. Acoupling point 421 is provided for coupling the connectingrod 482 to thesuspension arm 420. In the embodiment shown, thecoupling point 421 is a plate located at a junction of thesupport arm 425 and thesecond arm 423. -
FIG. 20 shows a top view of the spring andshock absorber 450. The spring andshock absorber 450 comprises aspring 455 and adamper assembly 456. The spring andshock absorber 450 also comprises afirst aperture 452 at a first end for coupling to thepin 429 of thesuspension arm assembly 420 and asecond aperture 453 at a second end for coupling to thepin 337 of theshock tower 335. -
FIG. 21 shows a flow diagram of amethod 500 of constructing a wheeled apparatus for board sports comprising a board and a plurality of wheels supported by a plurality of steering knuckles, according to another aspect of the present invention. Themethod 500 comprisesstep 510 at which at least one linkage is coupled between the board and the steering knuckles to enable a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of thewheels 260 to be adjusted by pivoting the board. - Hence, embodiments of the present invention address or at least ameliorate the aforementioned problems of the prior art. For example, by having
independent suspension systems 200 for eachwheel 260, the wheels can individually follow the contours of the surface over which theapparatus 100 is travelling, thereby increasing grip. Thesuspension systems 200 also absorbs impacts, thereby allowing the rider to traverse rough terrain and perform bigger jumps than otherwise possible with the prior art. By incorporatingsteering links 240, the apparatus is more responsive to turning than the prior art devices. Furthermore, incorporatinglinkage arm assemblies 230 to modify the caster and/or camber and/or toe angle of the wheels, it is easier to drift whilst turning, which is often a desirable effect. - Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. It is to be appreciated by those of skill in the art that various modifications and changes can be made in the particular embodiments exemplified without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- In this specification, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising” or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system, method or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.
Claims (14)
1-17. (canceled)
18. A wheeled apparatus for board sports comprising:
a board;
a plurality of wheels supported by a plurality of steering knuckles; and
at least one linkage between the board and the steering knuckles to enable a camber and/or a caster and/or a toe angle of the wheels to be adjusted by pivoting the board, wherein the at least one linkage comprises an electronic linkage in the form of a sensor for detecting pivoting of the board, the sensor in communication with an actuator coupled to one of the steering knuckles.
19. The wheeled apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the wheeled apparatus comprises four wheels.
20. The wheeled apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the wheeled apparatus further comprises a chassis to which the board is pivotally coupled.
21. The wheeled apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the board pivots laterally about the chassis.
22. The wheeled apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the wheeled apparatus comprises one or more suspension systems coupled to the chassis and to the steering knuckles.
23. The wheeled apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the one or more suspension systems include a left suspension system and a right suspension system, and an anti-roll bar is coupled between the left suspension system and the right suspension system to mitigate a rolling of the chassis when the board is pivoted.
24. The wheeled apparatus of claim 22 , wherein the at least one linkage pivots the respective steering knuckle about a pivot axis defined by one or more of the suspension systems.
25. The wheeled apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the wheeled apparatus further comprises one or more springs coupled to the board and the chassis to resist the pivoting of the board and to return the board to a neutral position.
26. The wheeled apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the wheeled apparatus comprises one or more motors to drive one or more of the plurality of wheels.
27. The wheeled apparatus of claim 26 , wherein the wheeled apparatus comprises one or more controllers in communication with the one or more motors to enable a user to control the speed and/or direction of the one or more motors.
28. The wheeled apparatus of claim 26 , wherein the wheeled apparatus comprises a carriage fixed to the board to house one or more batteries and/or control systems to power and/or control the one or more motors.
29. The wheeled apparatus of claim 27 , wherein the one or more controllers are configured to detect the power usage of each motor, and to independently regulate power delivery to each motor to optimize power use efficiency.
30. The wheeled apparatus of claim 27 , wherein the one or more controllers are configured to detect the speed of each wheel and to independently regulate wheel speeds to control handling characteristics of the wheeled apparatus.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU2013903244A AU2013903244A0 (en) | 2013-08-27 | Apparatus for board sports | |
AU2013903244 | 2013-08-27 | ||
PCT/AU2014/000840 WO2015027272A1 (en) | 2013-08-27 | 2014-08-27 | Apparatus for board sports |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20160206949A1 true US20160206949A1 (en) | 2016-07-21 |
Family
ID=52585290
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/915,172 Abandoned US20160206949A1 (en) | 2013-08-27 | 2014-08-27 | Apparatus for board sports |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20160206949A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3038722B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2014311254B2 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2922553C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2015027272A1 (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9862434B2 (en) * | 2016-01-21 | 2018-01-09 | Sol Boards, Inc. | Standing electric vehicle for golf course travel |
US10040348B2 (en) * | 2016-01-21 | 2018-08-07 | Michael Jay Radenbaugh | Standing electric golfboard |
US20180243638A1 (en) * | 2015-08-26 | 2018-08-30 | Manik S. Prathamesh | Multi-Pivoting Steering Mechanism |
WO2018170528A1 (en) * | 2017-03-21 | 2018-09-27 | Evolve Skateboards Pty Ltd | Electric skateboards |
US10322332B2 (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2019-06-18 | Steen Strand | Laterally-sliding board with bifurcated trucks |
US10384116B1 (en) * | 2018-11-06 | 2019-08-20 | Jih-Wei Yeh | Steering apparatus of a skateboard |
US10926159B1 (en) * | 2017-07-25 | 2021-02-23 | Lean Steer Difference, LLC | Lean-to-steer device with motorized steering responses |
USD919026S1 (en) * | 2020-05-16 | 2021-05-11 | Saurav Kumar | Skateboard chassis system with battery for a three-wheeler electric vehicle |
US20210171132A1 (en) * | 2019-12-06 | 2021-06-10 | James Matthew Underwood | Stand up vehicle |
US20210322859A1 (en) * | 2016-11-01 | 2021-10-21 | Nimbus Robotics, Inc. | Adjustment mechanism for electric power-driven shoe |
US20220331686A1 (en) * | 2019-07-09 | 2022-10-20 | Bajaboard International Pty Ltd | Skateboard suspension |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2557377B (en) * | 2016-03-20 | 2019-01-23 | Thomas Usborne Cross Oliver | All-terrain board suspension system |
CN105854271B (en) * | 2016-04-23 | 2017-11-07 | 王义领 | Remote-controlled intelligent 4 wheel driven vibration damper for scooter |
CN108079560B (en) * | 2017-12-28 | 2019-05-24 | 鹤山市恒裕鞋业有限公司 | A kind of electric roller blades |
TW202208039A (en) * | 2020-07-30 | 2022-03-01 | 葡萄牙商阿爾坎斯葛雷玖有限公司 | Skateboard with independent suspension and steering |
Citations (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5794955A (en) * | 1995-07-27 | 1998-08-18 | Flynn; Raymond G. | Mountain board |
US5997018A (en) * | 1994-05-09 | 1999-12-07 | Mountainboard Sports, Inc. | All terrain sport board and steering mechanisms for same |
US6050357A (en) * | 1995-05-31 | 2000-04-18 | Empower Corporation | Powered skateboard |
US20050012290A1 (en) * | 2003-07-15 | 2005-01-20 | Mcclain Nathan Myles | Skateboard suspension system |
US20050280234A1 (en) * | 2004-06-21 | 2005-12-22 | Cole Jeffrey E | Truck assembly for a skateboard, wheeled platform, or vehicle |
US20060049595A1 (en) * | 2004-09-02 | 2006-03-09 | Crigler Daren W | Electric skateboard |
US20060091634A1 (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2006-05-04 | Jeffrey Cole | Braking and steering system for a truck, wheeled platform, skateboard or vehicle |
US7040638B2 (en) * | 2004-06-21 | 2006-05-09 | Jeffrey Eaton Cole | Occupant-propelled fluid powered rotary device, truck, wheeled platform, or vehicle |
US20060125200A1 (en) * | 2004-06-21 | 2006-06-15 | Cole Jeffrey E | Truck assembly for a skateboard, wheeled platform, or vehicle |
US20090227426A1 (en) * | 2005-05-26 | 2009-09-10 | Graeme Andrew Dubar | Activity board |
US7628413B2 (en) * | 2004-06-21 | 2009-12-08 | Wayne Gallipoli | Wheeled terrain board and frame therefor |
US7635136B2 (en) * | 2005-06-21 | 2009-12-22 | Jeffrey E. Cole | Truck assembly for a skateboard, wheeled platform, or vehicle |
US8186693B2 (en) * | 2008-03-06 | 2012-05-29 | Leverage Design Ltd. | Transportation device with pivoting axle |
US8186694B2 (en) * | 2009-06-24 | 2012-05-29 | Steven David Nelson | Steering assemblies, vehicles including a steering assemblies, and methods of steering a vehicle |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4054297A (en) * | 1976-06-18 | 1977-10-18 | Ermico Enterprises | Weight biased steering mechanism |
US5893425A (en) * | 1996-07-22 | 1999-04-13 | Finkle; Louis J. | Remote control electric powered skateboard |
CA2864280A1 (en) * | 2012-02-10 | 2013-08-15 | Intuitive Motion, Inc. | Electric motorized skateboard with an actuator assembly with a footpad and force sensor |
-
2014
- 2014-08-27 AU AU2014311254A patent/AU2014311254B2/en active Active
- 2014-08-27 CA CA2922553A patent/CA2922553C/en active Active
- 2014-08-27 EP EP14840284.5A patent/EP3038722B1/en active Active
- 2014-08-27 WO PCT/AU2014/000840 patent/WO2015027272A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-08-27 US US14/915,172 patent/US20160206949A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5997018A (en) * | 1994-05-09 | 1999-12-07 | Mountainboard Sports, Inc. | All terrain sport board and steering mechanisms for same |
US6050357A (en) * | 1995-05-31 | 2000-04-18 | Empower Corporation | Powered skateboard |
US5794955A (en) * | 1995-07-27 | 1998-08-18 | Flynn; Raymond G. | Mountain board |
US20050012290A1 (en) * | 2003-07-15 | 2005-01-20 | Mcclain Nathan Myles | Skateboard suspension system |
US7121566B2 (en) * | 2003-07-15 | 2006-10-17 | Mcclain Nathan Myles | Skateboard suspension system |
US20060125200A1 (en) * | 2004-06-21 | 2006-06-15 | Cole Jeffrey E | Truck assembly for a skateboard, wheeled platform, or vehicle |
US7040638B2 (en) * | 2004-06-21 | 2006-05-09 | Jeffrey Eaton Cole | Occupant-propelled fluid powered rotary device, truck, wheeled platform, or vehicle |
US20050280234A1 (en) * | 2004-06-21 | 2005-12-22 | Cole Jeffrey E | Truck assembly for a skateboard, wheeled platform, or vehicle |
US7232139B2 (en) * | 2004-06-21 | 2007-06-19 | Cole Jeffrey E | Truck assembly for a skateboard, wheeled platform, or vehicle |
US7628413B2 (en) * | 2004-06-21 | 2009-12-08 | Wayne Gallipoli | Wheeled terrain board and frame therefor |
US20060049595A1 (en) * | 2004-09-02 | 2006-03-09 | Crigler Daren W | Electric skateboard |
US20060091634A1 (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2006-05-04 | Jeffrey Cole | Braking and steering system for a truck, wheeled platform, skateboard or vehicle |
US7159879B2 (en) * | 2004-11-02 | 2007-01-09 | Jeffrey Cole | Braking and steering system for a truck, wheeled platform, skateboard or vehicle |
US20090227426A1 (en) * | 2005-05-26 | 2009-09-10 | Graeme Andrew Dubar | Activity board |
US7635136B2 (en) * | 2005-06-21 | 2009-12-22 | Jeffrey E. Cole | Truck assembly for a skateboard, wheeled platform, or vehicle |
US8186693B2 (en) * | 2008-03-06 | 2012-05-29 | Leverage Design Ltd. | Transportation device with pivoting axle |
US8186694B2 (en) * | 2009-06-24 | 2012-05-29 | Steven David Nelson | Steering assemblies, vehicles including a steering assemblies, and methods of steering a vehicle |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20180243638A1 (en) * | 2015-08-26 | 2018-08-30 | Manik S. Prathamesh | Multi-Pivoting Steering Mechanism |
US10040348B2 (en) * | 2016-01-21 | 2018-08-07 | Michael Jay Radenbaugh | Standing electric golfboard |
US9862434B2 (en) * | 2016-01-21 | 2018-01-09 | Sol Boards, Inc. | Standing electric vehicle for golf course travel |
US20210322859A1 (en) * | 2016-11-01 | 2021-10-21 | Nimbus Robotics, Inc. | Adjustment mechanism for electric power-driven shoe |
US11707666B2 (en) * | 2016-11-01 | 2023-07-25 | Shift Robotics, Inc. | Adjustment mechanism for electric power-driven shoe |
US10322332B2 (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2019-06-18 | Steen Strand | Laterally-sliding board with bifurcated trucks |
US10661151B2 (en) * | 2016-12-30 | 2020-05-26 | Steen Strand | Laterally-sliding board with bifurcated trucks |
EP3405267A4 (en) * | 2017-03-21 | 2019-11-06 | Evolve Skateboards Pty Ltd | Electric skateboards |
US20200009446A1 (en) * | 2017-03-21 | 2020-01-09 | Evolve Skateboards Pty Ltd | Electric skateboards |
US11161031B2 (en) | 2017-03-21 | 2021-11-02 | Evolve Skateboards Pty Ltd | Electric skateboards |
WO2018170528A1 (en) * | 2017-03-21 | 2018-09-27 | Evolve Skateboards Pty Ltd | Electric skateboards |
US10926159B1 (en) * | 2017-07-25 | 2021-02-23 | Lean Steer Difference, LLC | Lean-to-steer device with motorized steering responses |
US10384116B1 (en) * | 2018-11-06 | 2019-08-20 | Jih-Wei Yeh | Steering apparatus of a skateboard |
US20220331686A1 (en) * | 2019-07-09 | 2022-10-20 | Bajaboard International Pty Ltd | Skateboard suspension |
US11904229B2 (en) * | 2019-07-09 | 2024-02-20 | Bajaboard International Pty Ltd | Skateboard suspension |
US20210171132A1 (en) * | 2019-12-06 | 2021-06-10 | James Matthew Underwood | Stand up vehicle |
USD919026S1 (en) * | 2020-05-16 | 2021-05-11 | Saurav Kumar | Skateboard chassis system with battery for a three-wheeler electric vehicle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2922553C (en) | 2021-09-21 |
AU2014311254A1 (en) | 2016-04-07 |
CA2922553A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 |
WO2015027272A1 (en) | 2015-03-05 |
AU2014311254B2 (en) | 2020-09-17 |
EP3038722A1 (en) | 2016-07-06 |
EP3038722A4 (en) | 2017-04-05 |
EP3038722B1 (en) | 2018-10-10 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
CA2922553C (en) | Apparatus for board sports | |
US9789412B2 (en) | Wheeled riding device | |
CA2591755C (en) | Endless belt drive for vehicle | |
US7708291B1 (en) | Vehicle with improved steering system | |
US7850180B2 (en) | Hub assembly for a tilting vehicle suspension | |
US5474314A (en) | Coaster board | |
ES2780901T3 (en) | Vehicle that has a chassis and a pendulum platform | |
US20070126199A1 (en) | Structure for enabling independently suspended wheels to lean with vehicle hull | |
US8645024B2 (en) | Motorized three-wheeled vehicle active suspension | |
US20160107070A1 (en) | All-terrain board vehicle | |
SE528676C2 (en) | Wheel suspension for e.g. golf cart, has link element acting as lever arm by virtue of rotation point situated at distance from imaginary straight line intersecting wheel axles and in plane transversely to extent of moment axis | |
US10226683B2 (en) | In-line wheeled board device | |
US8177241B1 (en) | Vehicle for use on the snow or other surface | |
CA2725189A1 (en) | Vehichle including extendable auxiliary wheels | |
US11787508B2 (en) | Powered boots | |
US20170088231A1 (en) | Human-Propellable Vehicle | |
US20060226620A1 (en) | Truck configuration for a skateboard, wheeled platform, or vehicle | |
US20210114654A1 (en) | System and method for a standup motorized transport utility vehicle | |
WO2021005516A1 (en) | Skateboard suspension | |
US10040348B2 (en) | Standing electric golfboard | |
JP2023540622A (en) | personal transport device | |
KR20130033792A (en) | Structure of rear suspension for three-wheeled car | |
JP2000061023A (en) | Running apparatus | |
WO2005021293A2 (en) | A suspension sysem having a stable roll center | |
SK472009U1 (en) | Device for movement on the ground |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BAJABOARD INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD, AUSTRALIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MURPHY, JAMES MICHAEL;REEL/FRAME:039118/0109 Effective date: 20160330 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |