Land vehicles – Runner vehicle – Occupant steered
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-21
2001-08-28
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3611)
Land vehicles
Runner vehicle
Occupant steered
C280S014100, C280S016000, C280S021100, C280S022100, C280S006156
Reexamination Certificate
active
06279925
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to turning mechanisms used to steer sled or rail mechanisms which utilize two distinct runners or skis and which allow the skis to simultaneously turn in a variety of directions for improved control of the sled.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a sled that is maneuverable and stable. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sled that the operator can turn and stop using simple control inputs. It is a further object of the invention to provide a sled that is inherently stable, and that can be operated over rough terrain. It is also an object of the invention to provide a sled that can be operated by individuals with physical disabilities.
A sled constructed in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes two skis, wherein each ski can be turned in three separate directions simultaneously in response to a single control input. Specifically, the input required to control each ski consists of pushing a pedal connected to the ski's steering assembly. Alternatively, the control input may be initiated by a hand operated lever or handle as opposed to a push pedal. The operator sits in a seat suspended between each ski's steering assembly. Control inputs from the operator are made using two foot pedals, which are interconnected to the two steering assemblies. The turning motions of the skis in response to the control inputs allow the sled to be turned when one pedal is depressed, or braked if both pedals are depressed simultaneously by means of a “snow plow” configuration. The lateral stability of the sled is assured by the relatively wide spacing of the skis.
According to one aspect of the present invention, high maneuverability is assured by the unique motions made by the individual skis in response to control inputs. The turning motions of the skis are particularly effective in enabling the sled to turn sharply to either the left or the right, because these motions mimic that of a skier. Thus the downhill ski in a turn is placed on its inside edge, and the forward portion of the ski rotates inwardly in relation to the rear portion. In braking, the skis assume a “snow plow” configuration, again like a skier.
In another aspect of the present invention, the sled may be constructed from commonly found materials. Conventional alpine skis may be used as the skis, or runners, of the sled. The frame of the sled may be constructed from any suitable material, such as PVC pipe, wood, or lightweight metal.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the sled may be operated over rough terrain, such as mogul fields. The skis of the sled are widely spaced to allow the sled to stand by itself when not in motion or otherwise in use. This stability also prevents the sled from tipping over while in operation and provides stability for those with physical disabilities. The skis are interconnected via a torsion member, which allows each ski to rotate individually around a central axis positioned substantially below the seat on the sled, thus creating a smooth, more stable ride when traversing rough terrain.
In a further aspect of the invention, the sled may optionally provide for hand operated controls or other control input means. Thus, a lever or levers accessible to the hands of the operator may be used in place of foot pedals. This application is especially useful for users whose legs have been amputated, or who have other disabilities associated with the lower extremities. In another application, the control levers may be extended to allow a person skiing behind the sled to control it. Alternatively, control inputs may be provided to the steering mechanisms via remote control, in which case the steering mechanisms are operated by a servo motor, or other suitable device. In yet another aspect of the invention, the steering mechanisms may be locked, to facilitate towing the sled behind another vehicle, such as a snow mobile.
In another aspect of the invention, the sled may be operated by disabled persons. The controls may be configured in many different ways to accommodate the abilities of various operators. Additionally, the relationship between the seat, steering mechanisms and skis is highly adjustable. The stability of the sled allows it to remain upright, even when the sled is standing still; control inputs from the operator are not required to maintain the balance of the sled.
In one aspect of the invention, control inputs may be provided by a joystick or a push-button switch, which in turn control servo motors to provide the force necessary to turn the skis. This configuration would allow even persons with extreme physical limitations to control the sled.
In yet another aspect of the invention, the sled may be configured for uses other than carrying an operator across snow-covered terrain. Thus, the sled may be used to tow objects behind another vehicle, or on the undercarriage of aircraft. The sled may additionally be adapted to operate over water, using floats, or on dry land, using wheels.
These and other objects and advantages will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and from the attached drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1836623 (1931-12-01), Silvestri
patent: 3528674 (1970-09-01), Schwarz
patent: 3799564 (1974-03-01), Eisenschmid
patent: 4219207 (1980-08-01), Muir et al.
patent: 4334691 (1982-06-01), Scheib
patent: 5344167 (1994-09-01), Strouth
patent: 6068269 (2000-05-01), Bergeron
Johnson Brian L.
Sheridan & Ross P.C.
Zeender F.
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