US20220266120A1

US20220266120A1 - Wheeled Recreational Device For Use With Rough Terrain

Info

Publication number: US20220266120A1
Application number: US17/182,792
Authority: US
Inventors: Kenneth Paul Cunningham
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2021-02-23
Filing date: 2021-02-23
Publication date: 2022-08-25

Abstract

A recreational device including a single wheel having a rim with a track and a tire coupled to the rim. The recreational device further includes a central hub assembly positioned within the wheel and movably coupled to the track of the rim such that the central hub assembly is rotatable in the track about an axis of rotation of the wheel. The recreational device further includes a support plate coupled to the central hub assembly and configured to support a human foot, and a guard plate coupled to the central hub assembly. The recreational device is configured such that rotational movement of the central hub assembly is independent from rotational movement of the wheel.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed generally to recreational and sporting devices and specifically to recreational and sporting devices having one or more wheels for human transportation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the area of recreational and sporting devices, a device comprising a foot support mounted to one or more wheels, where a person stands in a generally upright position and travels over a surface, is well known in the art. For example, one such type of device is a skateboard, which is constructed for use on paved or other types of smooth surfaces. Other such recreational and sporting devices include either conventional or in-line roller skates having a plurality of wheels for use on similar kinds of finished surfaces.
With respect to in-line roller skates (a.k.a. rollerblades), a known in-line roller skate customarily comprises a boot for accommodating a person's foot and a frame connected to the boot with two or more wheels in a row connected to the frame. Each wheel is provided with a bearing and secured to the frame using a removable axle. In this regard, the frame supporting the wheels is typically positioned directly under the boot of the in-line roller skate such that the user appears to be standing over the wheels. To accommodate positioning of the wheels under a user's foot, these types of in-line roller skates require the use of smaller wheels. A wheel of a common in-line roller skate includes a hard outer surface, typically made from urethane or other similar materials, with a diameter ranging from 55-110 mm. These smaller wheels make it impossible, or extremely difficult, to skate on surfaces that are not perfectly smooth, making even the slightest unevenness of the terrain troublesome. Further, the hard outer surface of these wheels is not suited for navigating obstructions on the skating surface, such as rocks or sticks, for example.
To this end, these types of in-line roller skates are not suitable for recreational use on rough or uneven surfaces such as an off-road trail, for example. A solution to this problem consists of using larger wheels, similar to bicycle tire, for example. Furthermore, the current design of in-line roller skates does not allow for the use of a single, larger wheel, and the preferred design is to use multiple smaller wheels, as discussed above.
Accordingly, there is still a need for an efficient and cost effective way to provide a recreational device, similar to an in-line roller skate, for use on rough or uneven surfaces. There is further a need to provide a solution using a single, large wheel, capable of navigating obstructions that may be present on rough or uneven surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention achieves the above-described needs by providing a recreational device with a single wheel having a rim with a track and a tire coupled to the rim. The recreational device includes a central hub assembly positioned within the wheel and movably coupled to the track of the rim such that the central hub assembly is rotatable in the track about an axis of rotation of the wheel. The recreational device further includes a support plate coupled to the central hub assembly and configured to support a human foot, and a guard plate coupled to the central hub assembly. The recreational device is configured such that rotational movement of the central hub assembly is independent from rotational movement of the wheel.
In another embodiment, the recreational device includes a plurality of smaller wheels operably coupled to the central hub assembly and movable within the track. Furthermore, only a portion of each of the plurality of smaller wheels may be positioned within the track and in contact with a base of the track. Moreover, an axis of rotation for each of the plurality of smaller wheels may be parallel with the center axis of rotation of the wheel.
In one embodiment, the central hub assembly of the recreational device includes at least one aperture configured to partially receive a portion of at least one smaller wheel therein. The central hub assembly may further includes at least one notch configured to receive a portion of at least one smaller wheel therein such that the wheel is partially recessed into the central hub assembly. In one embodiment, the central hub assembly further includes a fork configured to operably support one smaller wheel therein. The fork may be diametrically opposite from the support plate about a perimeter of the central hub assembly. The fork may include a head tube positioned within a bore in the central hub assembly, and further include a spring positioned within the bore and received within the head tube of the fork. In one embodiment, a vertical axis of the head tube of the fork is transverse to the axis of rotation of the wheel.
In yet another embodiment, the central hub assembly further includes a plurality of bearings operably coupled to the central hub assembly and movable within the track. The plurality of bearings may be operably coupled to the central hub assembly with a bearing pin. Furthermore, the plurality of bearings may be positioned entirely within the track. In one embodiment, a spacer is coupled to the bearing pin and positioned between the bearing and the central hub assembly. In another embodiment, an axis of rotation of each of the plurality of bearings is transverse to the axis of rotation of the wheel.
In yet another embodiment, a recreational device is provided including a wheel having a hub and rim with a track positioned on one side of the rim. The wheel further includes a tire coupled to the rim. The recreational device further includes a central hub assembly movably coupled to the track such that the central hub assembly is rotatable in the track about an axis of rotation of the wheel, a support plate coupled to the central hub assembly and configured to support a human foot, and a guard plate coupled to the central hub assembly such that rotational movement of the central hub assembly is independent from rotational movement of the wheel.
In one embodiment, the wheel is only rotatable in one direction about the hub. In another embodiment, the central hub assembly further includes a plurality of smaller wheels operably coupled to the central hub assembly and movable within the track. In yet another embodiment, the central hub assembly further includes a plurality of laterally positioned bearings coupled to the central hub assembly and movably positioned within the track.
Those skilled in the art will more readily appreciate and understand the features of the present invention when considered in the context of the accompanying drawings, which are briefly described in the next section and then described in more detail in the section thereafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the recreational device in use attached to a foot of a rider;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the recreational device according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a section view of the recreational device illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 of the recreational device illustrated in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded view of the recreational device illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a partial exploded view of a central hub assembly of the recreational device illustrated in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a recreational device according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of the recreational device shown in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of the recreational device illustrated in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is of the best mode presently contemplated for the carrying out of the invention. This description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention is best determined by reference to the appended claims.
Various non-limiting embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, and use of the single wheel recreational device disclosed herein. One or more examples of these non-limiting embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that apparatus and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting embodiments. The features illustrated or described in connection with one non-limiting embodiment may be combined with the features of other non-limiting embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
With reference to FIG. 1, an exemplary pair of single wheel recreational devices 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As shown, one recreational device 10 is affixed to each foot of a rider such that the rider may use the recreational devices for the purpose of transportation, entertainment, or exercise, as will be described in further detail below. As hereinafter described, the components of the present invention may be used to construct a single wheel recreational device 10 of various configurations. As such, the illustrated recreational device 10 is merely exemplary of the type of recreational device that may be constructed utilizing the components of the present invention. Other configurations are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.
Turning now to FIG. 2, an exemplary recreational device 10 is shown. The recreational device 10 includes a wheel 12 having a rim 14 with a tire 16 coupled to the rim 14. The tire 16 may be any type of suitable material, such as a tubed or tubeless inflatable rubber or like material for transferring the load applied to the wheel 12 from the rider through the wheel 12 to the ground, and to further provide traction on the surface over which the wheel 12 travels. The tire 16 forms a hermetical seal with the rim 14 so that, when pneumatically inflated, the tire 16 retains the gas to provide a flexible cushion (i.e., a spring means) that absorbs shock as the tire 16 rolls over rough features on the ground surface. The recreational device 10 further includes a central hub assembly 18 to which a foot support 20 and leg guard 22 are attached. As will become more clear below, rotational movement of the central hub assembly 18 is independent from rotational movement of the wheel 12.
With continued reference to FIG. 2, the support 20 is adapted to accommodate a rider's foot and is generally plate-like in shape. The support 20 includes a mounting plate 24 that extends upwardly from the support 20 and is configured to secure to the central hub assembly 18. As shown, a body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 may have one or more bores 28 configured to receive a rod portion 29 coupled with part of the mounting plate 24. The rod portion 29 extends through the bore 28 for coupling the support 20 to the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 (best shown in FIG. 5). To this end, the support 20 may be coupled to the central hub assembly 18 using the rod portion 29 which may be in the form of a bolt, nut and bolt combination, pin, or other similar means for attachment. The support 20 may be rotatably coupled to the central hub assembly 18. In this regard, the support 20 may be rotatable about a central axis A1 which may be defined by the rod portion 29 through the bore 28 such that the support 20 and a user's foot may rotate independently from the central hub assembly 18. Alternatively, the support 20 may be fixedly coupled to the central hub assembly 18 such that the support 20 rotates together with the central hub assembly 18. In this regard, the support 20 may be fixedly coupled to the central hub assembly 18 by welding or by using an anti-rotation or anti-lock screw, for example. The support 20 is configured to receive the foot of a rider and may include a boot, straps, or other similar means for securing the rider's foot thereto, as shown in FIG. 1. The boot or other element may be fixed to the support in a number of ways and the invention is not limited to a particular attachment method. To provide for improved maneuverability of the recreational device 10, the support 20 is configured to position the rider's foot below a central axis of rotation A1 of the wheel 12.
The leg guard 22 provides support for the leg of a rider and protects the leg of a rider from interference with the wheel 12 of the recreational device 10. The leg guard 22 sits against the inside of a rider's leg between the leg and the wheel 12 and hub assembly 18. The leg guard 22 may be provided with straps or other attachment means to secure the rider's leg to the leg guard 22 for additional support. As best shown in FIG. 2, the leg guard 22 is coupled to the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 at or near a center point of the central hub assembly 18. The leg guard 22 may be secured to the central hub assembly 18 using an appropriate fastening method, like a screw, pin, or typical nut and bolt fastener arrangement. As shown, the body of the leg guard 22 may have an angled section 21 so the leg guard 22 may be angled to off-set the leg guard 22 from the center of the central hub assembly 18. This way the leg guard 22 may be better aligned with a rider's leg. For example, a recreational device 10 for use with a rider's right leg might have a section 21 to angle the leg guard 22 at an off-set to the right, whereas a recreational device 10 for use with a rider's left leg might have a section 21 to angle the leg guard 22 at an off-set to the left. The body of the leg guard 22 may further be bent or curved away from the central hub assembly 18 to accommodate for different sized wheels, for example.
With reference now to FIGS. 3 and 4, with continued reference to FIG. 2, the interaction between the central hub assembly 18 and the wheel 12 will be described in more detail. As shown, the central hub assembly 18 is positioned within the rim 14 of the wheel 12 and movably attached to the rim 14 so that the central hub assembly 18 is rotatable about the central axis of rotation A1 of the wheel 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the rim 14 may be slightly off-set from center to one side of the tire 16 to accommodate components of the central hub assembly 18. In this regard, the rim 14 of the wheel 12 further includes an annular track 30 that is internally or radially inwardly facing (i.e., facing the central axis of rotation A1 of the wheel 12). The track 30 may be generally square, or U-shaped with a base 32 and two sidewalls 34. As will be described in further detail below, the track 30 is configured to movably receive a plurality of smaller wheels 36 and bearings 38 therein. The body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 is generally semi-circular, or culvert in shape, with a Y-shaped center portion. To that end, proximate to an upper portion (i.e., diametrically opposite from the support 20 about the central axis of rotation of the wheel 12) of the body 26 there is an open space 40 between the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 and the rim 14 of the wheel 12 where a smaller wheel 36 may be positioned. The body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 further includes a first aperture 42 and second aperture 44 located below the open space 40 (i.e., proximate to the support 20). As shown, each aperture 42, 44 is relatively large compared to the overall size of the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18. One function of the apertures 42, 44 is to reduce the overall weight of the central hub assembly 18. The size of each aperture 42, 44 may occupy, for example, more than half of the total surface area of the body 26. However, other configurations of the apertures, such as shape and size, are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. Each aperture 42, 44 may further be configured to partially receive a portion of each wheel 36 therein, as will be described in additional detail below. The body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 may be formed as a unitary piece from any lightweight material such as aluminum, titanium, titanium aluminides, engineered plastics, structural ceramics, or composites with polymer, metal, and ceramics, or other similar materials.
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the plurality of wheels 36, which may include three wheels 36, for example, are operatively coupled to the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18. The wheels 36 allow for independent rotation of the central hub assembly 18. For example, when the recreational device 10 is moving in the direction of arrow D1, the central hub assembly 18 may rotate in the direction of arrow D2 at one speed while the wheel 12 rotates in the direction of D3 at a different speed. In any event, each wheel 36 creates a point of contact between the wheel 36 and the annular track 30 of the central hub assembly 18. More specifically, each wheel 36 maintains contact with the base 32 of the track 30. In this regard, by only having three points of contact, for example, minimal friction is generated between the wheel 36 and central hub assembly 18. In one embodiment, the smaller wheels 36 may be similar to an in-line skate wheel having a hub, bearing and polyurethane wheel. For example, the wheels 36 may be 100 mm in-line skate wheels. However, other types of wheels are contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention. As best shown in FIG. 5, two wheels 36 may be positioned on the lower half of the body 26 (i.e., the portion of the body 26 proximate to the support 20 and below the central axis of rotation of the wheel 12) with one wheel 36 positioned on the upper portion of the body 26 (i.e., the portion of the body 26 above the central axis of rotation of the wheel 12). In this regard, the two wheels 36 positioned on the lower half of the body 26 may be closer together. However, the wheels 36 may be spaced equidistantly about the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18. In any event, the wheels 36 are configured to space the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 away from the rim 14 of the wheel 12 so that the central hub assembly 18 may freely rotated within the wheel 12. Stated differently, there is a gap between the body 26 and the track 30 of the rim 14 such that the track 30 is not completely enclosed by the body 26 (best shown in FIG. 2). To this end, an axis of rotation A2 of each wheel 36 is adjacent to a perimeter of the central hub assembly 18. In this regard, only a portion of the each wheel 36 is positioned within the track 30 of the rim 14. In one embodiment, the majority of each wheel 36 is positioned outside the confines of the U-shaped track 30 of the rim 14. However, that is not a requirement of the invention.
As shown, each wheel 36 is rotatably coupled to the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 and rotates about each axis of rotation A2. Each axis of rotation A2 is generally parallel to the axis of rotation A1 of the wheel 12 and transverse to the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18. With specific reference to the two wheels 36 positioned on the lower half of the body 26, each wheel 36 is positioned in a notch 46 in the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18. As best shown in FIG. 5, each notch 46 extends from a circumferential edge 48 of the body 26 and through the body 26 to each first and second aperture 42, 44. Each notch 46 is generally rectangular in cross-sectional shape and may have a length that is slightly greater than the diameter of one wheel 36 so that the wheel 36 may be positioned in each notch 46 and coupled to the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18. As shown, each of these wheels 36 are rotatably mounted on an axle 50 positioned within the notch 46. As a result, a portion of each wheel 36 is recessed into each notch 46 and positioned within each aperture 42, 44. Each aperture 42, 44 and notch 46 configuration allows for the use of larger wheels 38, for example.
Turning now to FIG. 6, with continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the wheel 36 positioned in the space 40 proximate to the upper portion of the body 26 is rotatably coupled to a fork 52 extending from the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18. The wheel 36 is positioned within the fork 52 and rotatably mounted to an axle 54 extending between arms 56 of the fork 52. The fork 52 supports the wheel 36 so that the wheel 36 is positioned in the track 30 of the rim 14. More particularly, only a portion of the wheel 36 maintains contact with the base 32 of the track 30 of the rim 14. The fork 52 further includes a fork tube 58 that extends from the fork 52 into a bore 60 proximate to the center of the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18. In this regard, a vertical axis of the fork tube 58 is transverse (and perpendicular) to the axis of rotation A1 of the wheel 12. As best shown in FIG. 4, the bore 60 terminates in a base 62 proximate to the axis of rotation A1 of the wheel 12 and is sized to closely receive a portion of the fork tube 58 therein. A spring 64, such as a coil spring, for example, is provided in the fork tube 58 and extends between the base 62 of the bore 60 and a base 66 of the fork tube 58. This configuration forces the wheel 36 to engage the track 30 of the rim 14 by virtue of bias provided by the spring 64. As a result of the spring 64 being compressed between the base 62 of the bore 60 and the base 66 of the fork tube 58, the spring 64 exerts a force against the fork 52, pushing the fork 52 out of the bore 60 in a direction towards the rim 14. This force encourages engagement between the wheel 36 and the rim 14. Moreover, the spring 64 also biases the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 in a direction away from the fork 52. As a result, the spring 64 also facilitates engagement of the remaining two wheels 36 with rim 14. The spring 64 also operates as a suspension means insulating the rider from roughness of the terrain. Besides providing comfort to the rider, the spring 64 configuration improves traction and safety of the recreational device 10 by keeping the wheel 36 in contact with the ground.
As shown, the central hub assembly 18 further includes a plurality of bearings 38 around the wheel 12. Specifically, the illustrated embodiment has three bearings 38 positioned laterally about the circumferential edge 48 of the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18. In an alternative embodiment, the central hub assembly 18 may contain more or less bearings 38. The bearings 38 provide for additional points of contact between the central hub assembly 18 and the rim 14 of the wheel 12 and counteract lateral loads experienced by the central hub assembly 18 during use of the recreational device 10. Each bearing 38 may be a rolling-element bearing, such as a ball bearing, for example, that uses balls to maintain the separation between an inner bearing race 68 and an outer bearing race 70. In this regard, each bearing 38 is positioned within the track 30 of the rim 14 such that the outer race 70 of each bearing 38 maintains contact with the sidewalls 34 of the track 30. To facilitate contact in this regard, the diameter of each bearing 38 is closely sized to a width of the track 30 of the rim 14 (i.e., the width of the base 32 of the track 30).
Each bearing 38 is rotatably coupled to the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 using a bearing pin 72, bolt, or other similar means for attachment. For each bearing 38, the bearing pin 72 is positioned through the inner race 68 of the bearing 38 and into a bore 74 located on the circumferential edge 48 of the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18. Each bearing pin 72 may further include a spacer 76 configured to space the bearing 38 away from the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 so that the bearing 38 maintains its position in the track 30 of the rim 14. Alternatively, instead of using the spacer or bushing 76, a coil spring may be used in place of the spacer to maintain positioning of the bearing 38 within the track 30. In this regard, the spring may extend along the bearing pin 72 and between the bearing 38 and the circumferential edge 48 of the central hub assembly 18. The spring is configured to exert a biasing force against the bearing 38 so that the bearing 38 maintains its engagement with the end of the bearing pin 72. In any event, each bearing 38 is rotatable about the bearing pin 72 which defines an axis of rotation A3 for each bearing 38. The axis of rotation A3 for each bearing 38 is transverse (and perpendicular) to the axis of rotation A1 of the wheel 12. To this end, as the central hub assembly 18 rotates about the central axis of rotation A1 of the wheel 12, each bearing 38 rotates within the track 30 about each corresponding bearing pin 72.
With reference now to FIGS. 7-9, in which like reference numerals refer to like features in FIGS. 1-6, a recreational device 10 a in accordance with an alternative embodiment is shown. In the embodiment shown, the recreational device 10 a may be similar to the recreational device 10 of FIGS. 1-6 in many respects, but differs in the location of the track 30 a with respect to the tire 12 a. As will be described in further detail below, the track 30 a and tire 12 a are in different planes. Other differences include the wheels 36 a and bearings 38 a being co-located, and that a body section 78 provides a similar function as the leg guard 22 since the body section 78 is already offset from the wheel 12 a plane, as will become more clear below. Turning now to the Figures, as shown in FIG. 7, the recreational device 10 a includes a wheel 12 a having a rim 14 a with a tire 16 a coupled to the rim 14 a. The tire 16 a may be any type of inflatable rubber or like material for transferring the load applied to the wheel 12 a from the rider through the wheel 12 a to the ground, and to further provide traction on the surface over which the wheel 12 a travels. The wheel 12 a may be spoked such that a large portion of the area between the rim 14 a is open space. One benefit of using a spoked wheel 12 a of the type illustrated is weight reduction of the recreational device 10 a. The recreational device 10 a further includes a central hub assembly 18 a to which a foot support 20 a is attached. As will become more clear below, rotational movement of the central hub assembly 18 a is independent from rotational movement of the wheel 12 a.
With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the central hub assembly 18 a is movably attached to the rim 14 a of the wheel 12 a. In this regard, the rim 14 a of the wheel 12 a includes a track 30 a for movably receiving a plurality of smaller wheels 36 a and bearings 38 a therein, as described in further detail below. As shown, the track 30 a projects from one side of the rim 14 a and is annular, extending circumferentially about one side of the rim 14 a. The track 30 a is generally square, or U-shaped with a base 32 a and two sidewalls 34 a. The central hub assembly 18 a includes a generally Y-shaped body 26 a having one elongate extension 78 with two smaller extensions 80 projecting therefrom. As shown, the body 26 a of the central hub assembly 18 a is coupled to a hub 82 of the spoked wheel 12 a. In this regard, the hub 82 of the spoked wheel 12 a may be free-spinning. Alternatively, the hub 82 may have a coaster brake, for example, such that the wheel 12 a is only rotatable in one direction. This would permit the user to “push off” by relying on the coaster brake to initiate forward movement of the wheel 12 a.
As shown, the central hub assembly 18 a includes three smaller wheels 36 a and three bearings 38 a. While the terms “wheel” and “bearing” are used to describe these components of the invention, they are not to be taken in a limiting sense. These components may include any one of the following: wheels, casters, bearings, or other similar means. In the embodiment shown, each extension 78, 80 of the body 26 a of the central hub assembly 18 a includes one wheel 36 a rotatably coupled thereto. Each wheel 36 a is partially positioned with the track 30 a and in contact with the base 32 a of the track 30 a. Thus, as the central hub assembly 18 a rotates about the hub 82 of the wheel 12 a the smaller wheels 36 a move about the track 30 of the rim 14 a.
With continued reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the wheel 36 a positioned at the end of the elongate extension 78 of the body 26 of the central hub assembly 18 a is rotatably coupled to a strut assembly 84. As will become more clear below, the bias produced by the strut assembly 84 encourages constant contact between the wheels 36 a and bearings 38 a of the central hub assembly 18 a and the track 30 a. The strut assembly 84 includes a wheel support member 86 and two strut support shafts 88 each having a coil spring 64 a. However, in an alternative embodiment, the strut assembly 84 may contain more or less struts support shafts 88 and springs 64 a. Each strut support shaft 88 may be similar to a pin or bolt having a threaded end, for example. For coupling the strut assembly 84 to the body 26 a of the central hub assembly 18 a, the elongate member 78 of the body 26 a includes a projection 90 extending away from the body 26 a towards the spoked wheel 12 a. The projection 90 includes one or more bores 92 for receiving corresponding strut support shafts 88 therethrough. The bores 92 are sized to permit movement of the strut support shafts 88 therein. As shown, each strut support shaft 88 is positioned through each corresponding bore 92. Each strut support shaft 88 is threadably or otherwise fixedly coupled to the wheel support member 86. Each spring 64 a is provided on each corresponding strut support shaft 88 and positioned between the wheel support member 86 and projection 90. As a result, when the strut assembly 84 is compressed, each spring 64 a is compressed such that a portion each strut support shaft 88 slides out of each bore 92 in a direction towards a central axis of rotation B1 of the wheel 12 a. When no longer compressed, the strut support shafts 88 moves back to an uncompressed position wherein a head of each strut support shaft 88 is in an abutting relationship with the projection 90.
With reference to FIG. 9, the central hub assembly 18 a further includes three laterally positioned bearings 38 a. Each bearing 38 a is coupled to the central hub assembly 18 a via a support member 94. In this regard, one end of each support member 94 is coupled to an axle 50 a of each smaller wheel 36 a. As shown, each bearing 38 a is rotatably coupled to each support member 94 using a bearing pin or bolt 72 a. Each bearing 38 a has an axis of rotation about each bearing bolt 72 a. Furthermore, each support member 94 is configured to position each bearing 38 a entirely within the track 30 a. As shown, each bearing 38 a is in contact with the sidewalls 34 a of the track 30 a and rotatable therein.
While various embodiments have been described herein, it should be apparent that various modifications, alterations, and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to persons skilled in the art with attainment of at least some of the advantages. The disclosed embodiments are therefore intended to include all such modifications, alterations, and adaptations without departing from the scope of the embodiments as set forth herein.
In accordance with these and other possible variations and adaptations of the present invention, the scope of the invention should be determined in accordance with the following claims, only, and not solely in accordance with that embodiment within which the invention has been taught.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A recreational device, comprising:

a wheel having a rim with a track and a tire coupled to the rim;

a central hub assembly positioned within the wheel and movably coupled to the track of the rim such that the central hub assembly is rotatable in the track about an axis of rotation of the wheel;

a support plate coupled to the central hub assembly and configured to support a human foot; and

a guard plate coupled to the central hub assembly;

wherein rotational movement of the central hub assembly is independent from rotational movement of the wheel.

2. The recreational device of claim 1, wherein the central hub assembly further comprises a plurality of smaller wheels operably coupled to the central hub assembly and movable within the track.

3. The recreational device of claim 2, wherein only a portion of each of the plurality of smaller wheels is positioned within the track and in contact with a base of the track.

4. The recreational device of claim 2, wherein the central hub assembly includes at least one aperture configured to partially receive a portion of at least one smaller wheel therein.

5. The recreational device of claim 2, wherein an axis of rotation for each of the plurality of smaller wheels is parallel with the center axis of rotation of the wheel.

6. The recreational device of claim 2, wherein the central hub assembly further includes at least one notch configured to receive a portion of at least one smaller wheel therein such that the wheel is partially recessed into the central hub assembly.

7. The recreational device of claim 2, wherein the central hub assembly further includes a fork configured to operably support one smaller wheel therein.

8. The recreational device of claim 7, wherein the fork is diametrically opposite from the support plate about a perimeter of the central hub assembly.

9. The recreational device of claim 7, wherein the fork further includes a head tube positioned within a bore in the central hub assembly.

10. The recreational device of claim 9, wherein the bore further includes a spring positioned within the bore and received within the head tube of the fork.

11. The recreational device of claim 9, wherein a vertical axis of the head tube of the fork is transverse to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

12. The recreational device of claim 1, wherein the central hub assembly further includes a plurality of bearings operably coupled to the central hub assembly and movable within the track.

13. The recreational device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of bearings are each operably coupled to the central hub assembly with a bearing pin.

14. The recreational device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of bearings are positioned entirely within the track.

15. The recreational device of claim 13, wherein a spacer is coupled to the bearing pin and positioned between the bearing and the central hub assembly.

16. The recreational device of claim 12, wherein an axis of rotation of each of the plurality of bearings is transverse to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

17. A recreational device, comprising:

a wheel having a hub and rim with a track positioned on one side of the rim, the wheel further having a tire coupled to the rim;

a central hub assembly movably coupled to the track such that the central hub assembly is rotatable in the track about an axis of rotation of the wheel;

a guard plate coupled to the central hub assembly;

18. The recreational device of claim 17, wherein the wheel is only rotatable in one direction about the hub.

19. The recreational device of claim 17, wherein the central hub assembly further includes a plurality of smaller wheels operably coupled to the central hub assembly and movable within the track.

20. The recreational device of claim 19, wherein the central hub assembly further includes a plurality of laterally positioned bearings coupled to the central hub assembly and movably positioned within the track.