TRAMPOLINE SCOOTER

Abstract

There is provided a trampoline scooter (10) includes an elongate deck (12) including an upper surface (12a), a convex lower surface (12b), and rounded lateral edges (16) provided between the upper and lower surfaces (12a, 12b) for engaging a trampoline, a head tube (20) connected to the deck (12), and a column (22) disposed through the head tube (20), an upper end of the column (22) extending beyond the head tube (20) for receiving a set of handle bars.

Claims

1. A trampoline scooter comprising an elongate deck which comprises an upper surface, a convex lower surface, and rounded lateral edges provided between the upper and lower surfaces for engaging a trampoline, a head tube connected to the elongate deck, and a column disposed through the head tube, wherein an upper end of the column extends beyond the head tube for receiving a set of handle bars, wherein at least a portion of a front end of the elongate deck is positioned underneath the head tube and the column such that said portion of the front end of the deck is vertically below the head tube and column when the trampoline scooter is upright.

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. The trampoline scooter of claim 1, wherein the head tube connection to the elongate deck is spaced or inset from the rounded lateral edge at the front end of the elongate deck.

5. The trampoline scooter of claim 1, wherein a lower end of the column is disposed or terminates above a lateral plane of the elongate deck.

6. The trampoline scooter of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the elongate deck includes an integral protrusion or integral raised member as an imitation brake.

7. (canceled)

8. The trampoline scooter of claim 1, further comprising a set of handle bars connected to the column, and wherein the set of handle bars is integrally formed as part of the column or wherein the set of handle bars is selectively connected to the column by a connection member.

9. The trampoline scooter of claim 1, wherein the rounded lateral edges form a continuous periphery around a front, rear and sides of the elongate deck.

10. The trampoline scooter of claim 1, wherein a foot is not provided on the column, and wherein the positioning of said portion of the front end of the elongate deck under the column enables use of said portion of the front end of the elongate deck as a foot.

11. The trampoline scooter of claim 1, wherein the elongate deck comprises a plate receiving area for releasably holding a plate which, when connected, forms at least part of the convex lower surface of the elongate deck.

12. The trampoline scooter of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the elongate deck includes, or is at least partly covered by, a grip layer comprising a rubberised material, a rough surface, or grip tape.

13. The trampoline scooter of claim 12, wherein the upper surface of the elongate deck includes an integral protrusion or integral raised member as an imitation brake, and wherein the grip layer covers substantially all of the upper surface of the elongate deck but not the imitation brake.

14. (canceled)

15. The trampoline scooter of claim 1, wherein the upper surface of the elongate deck is substantially concave in shape.

16. (canceled)

17. The trampoline scooter of claim 1, wherein the convex lower surface of the elongate deck is curved about a longitudinal axis of the elongate deck.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. (canceled)

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. (canceled)

28. A kit of parts for a trampoline scooter, the kit comprising: an elongate deck which comprises an upper surface, a convex lower surface, and rounded lateral edges provided between the upper and lower surfaces for engaging a trampoline; a head tube connected or connectable to the elongate deck; and a column which is adapted to fit through the head tube, wherein when in use an upper end of the column extends beyond the head tube, wherein an upper end of the column is adapted for receiving a set of handle bars; wherein either: a) at least a portion of a front end of the elongate deck is positioned underneath the head tube such that the front end of the deck is vertically below the head tube when the trampoline scooter is upright; or b) a lower end of the column includes a foot which is selectively engageable with the trampoline during use, wherein at least a portion of the foot is disposed adjacent to a front end of the elongate deck when the column is fitted through the head tube.

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. A trampoline scooter comprising: an elongate deck which comprises an upper surface, a convex lower surface, and rounded lateral edges provided between the upper and lower surfaces for engaging a trampoline; a head tube connected to the elongate deck; and a column disposed through the head tube, wherein one end of the column comprises a foot which is selectively engageable with the trampoline during use, wherein at least a portion of the foot is disposed adjacent to a front end of the elongate deck, and wherein the other end of the column extends beyond the head tube for receiving a set of handle bars.

33. The trampoline scooter of claim 32, wherein the foot comprises a substantially smooth surface for engaging the trampoline, and/or wherein the foot comprises a tungsten carbide surface for engaging the trampoline.

34. The trampoline scooter of claim 32, wherein the foot comprises at least one upright member and a horizontal member integrally formed with the at least one upright member, wherein the horizontal member is disposed in substantially a same plane as the elongate deck, wherein the horizontal member comprises rounded first and second ends and rounded sides between the first and second ends for engaging the trampoline.

35. The trampoline scooter of claim 34, wherein the foot comprises at least two upright members, and the horizontal member joins distal ends of the at least two upright members together to form a fused unit.

36. The trampoline scooter of claim 32, wherein the foot curves away from an axis of the column with increasing distance from the head tube.

37. The trampoline scooter of claim 32, wherein the foot comprises a ball, wherein the ball is made of solid plastic or rubber.

38. The trampoline scooter of claim 32, wherein the convex lower surface is curved about a longitudinal axis of the elongate deck.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] FIG. 1 shows an upper perspective view of a trampoline scooter according to the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 2 shows a lower perspective view of the trampoline scooter of FIG. 1;

[0054] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the trampoline scooter of FIG. 1;

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a top view of the trampoline scooter of FIG. 1;

[0056] FIG. 5 shows a front view of the trampoline scooter of FIG. 1;

[0057] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a trampoline scooter;

[0058] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the trampoline scooter of FIG. 6; and

[0059] FIG. 8 shows an exploded perspective view of a column and head tube of the trampoline scooter of FIG. 6.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, an exemplary embodiment of a trampoline scooter is indicated generally at 10. The scooter 10 can be constructed by additive manufacturing (also known as 3D printing) or subtractive manufacturing in this embodiment. The scooter 10 is intended for use with a trampoline (not shown). Ideally the trampoline should be a few metres in diameter to practise stunts safely, lowering the risk of injury if it goes wrong.

[0061] The scooter 10 includes an elongate deck 12. The bulk of the deck 12 is mainly made of aluminium in this embodiment. An upper surface 12a of the deck 12 is covered in grip tape 14 in this embodiment to provide a high friction surface for standing on. A lower surface or underside 12b of the deck 12 is made of plastic to provide a low friction surface for engaging a trampoline. In this embodiment, the underside 12b of the deck 12 is not removable. The upper surface 12a is substantially flat in this embodiment.

[0062] The deck 12 includes a raised area (or hump) 12c as an imitation brake on the upper surface 12a. The raised area 12c is not covered in the grip tape 14 in this embodiment. The raised area 12c is provided centrally and inset from the rear end of the deck 12. The top of the raised area 12c is rounded. The raised area 12c is substantially oval-shaped when viewed from above (see FIG. 4).

[0063] The raised area 12c is an elongate bump or dome with leading and trailing slopes. The sides of the raised area 12c also slope, but at a steeper angle than the front and rear of the raised area 12c. This makes the dummy brake longer than it is wide, along the length of the deck 12. This simulates the shape of a fender and underlying rear wheel on a wheeled scooter. The raised area 12c is an integral part of the deck 12. The dummy brake is not flexible in this embodiment, but may have some flex in other embodiments.

[0064] The deck 12 is substantially symmetric about a central vertical plane A through the scooter 10. The underside 12b is convex, best seen in FIG. 5. The radius of curvature of the underside 12b is constant in this embodiment. The lower surface 12b is substantially uniform and smooth, without any protrusions.

[0065] The deck 12 has rounded lateral edges 16. The convex lower surface 12b extends into the edges 16. Both sides of the deck 12 are curved along their full lengths. The front and rear deck boxing (or ends of the deck 12) are also curved. In other words, the rounded edges 16 extend continuously all the way around the periphery of the deck 12.

[0066] The front and rear edges 16a, 16b (seen in FIG. 3) are substantially semi-circular in profile. The side edges 16c are shaped differently. Each side edge 16c has a first curvature leading out of the underside 12b. Each side edge also has a second curvature, leading out of the upper surface 12a. The first and second curvatures of the side edges 16c meet and blend into each other between the upper and lower surfaces 12a, 12b.

[0067] The approximate weight of the scooter including handle bars is 3.5 kg. In terms of dimensions, the area of the upper surface 12a is 20.5″×4.75″ (approximately 52 cm×12 cm). The deck 12 has a corresponding thickness of about 2.6 cm, measured along plane A. The thickness of the deck at plane A is about double the thickness of the deck at its side edges. The thickness of the deck 12 reduces towards each of the side edges 16c. The thickness of the deck 12 at the side edges 16c is about 1.3 cm, taken between a plane of the upper surface 12a and a plane across the widest part of the deck 12. In other words, where the first and second curvatures meet on each side edge 16c is about halfway between the upper and lower surfaces 12a, 12b. A smaller version of the deck having upper surface 12a dimensions of 18.0″×4.50″ (approximately 46 cm×11.5 cm) is also contemplated.

[0068] A neck 18 extends centrally from the front end of the deck 12. The neck is connected to the upper surface 12a at the opposite end to the dummy brake. The neck 18 has substantially flat top and side surfaces 18a, 18c and a slightly concave bottom surface 18b. Edges 18d of the neck 18 are rounded. The neck 18 is integrally formed with the deck 12 in this embodiment.

[0069] A head tube 20 is connected to the neck 18. In this embodiment, the head tube 20 is integrally formed with the neck 18. The head tube 20 is substantially cylindrical in shape. The head tube 20 is oriented slightly off-vertical, with its lower end angled away from the deck 12. The angle complements the length of the column 22, so that when handle bars (not shown) are attached, the handle bars are positioned above the front end of the deck 12. The angle is in the region of 10° off-vertical in this embodiment.

[0070] A column 22 is mounted through a through aperture (not visible) in the head tube 20. The column 22 is freely rotatable within the head tube 20. The column 22 runs parallel to the head tube 20. The column 22 extends upwardly away from the deck 12 and head tube 20, but the full length of the column is not shown. An upper end of the column (not illustrated) is adapted to receive a set of handle bars. In particular, it is compatible with any make of scooter bar. The length of the column 22 is suitable for the handle bars to be situated at hand height, when a rider is standing on the deck 12.

[0071] Conventional fixing means can be used to attach the handle bar to the column. The head tube 20 and column 22 are suitable for use with a 1⅛″ size headset (approximately 2.86 cm). The headset is functions as a bearing which smooths rotation of the column 22 within the head tube.

[0072] A foot 24 is provided at a lower end of the column 22. A smooth collar 22a is provided on the column 22 to reinforce front and rear connections with the foot 24. The foot 24 is wider than the head tube 20 when viewed from the front (see FIG. 5). The side profile of the foot 24 shows that it curves outwardly from the deck 12 (see FIG. 3). The foot 24 is substantially O-shaped when viewed from the front (see FIG. 5).

[0073] However, the foot 24 does include rounded corners. An inner portion of the foot 24 has a through aperture 26. The aperture 26 has a cross-section of a rounded rectangle. An outer perimeter of the foot 24 is a rounded rectangle, when viewed from the front (FIG. 5).

[0074] The foot 24 comprises two upright members 24a and a horizontal bar 24b. The horizontal bar 24b is in the same plane as the deck 12 (see FIG. 5). The upright members 24a effectively imitate a forked section of a wheeled scooter. The bar 24b is integrally formed with the upright members 24a, forming a fused unit. The upright and horizontal members 24a, 24b are rounded on all sides. The foot 24 is also rounded where the horizontal member 24b transitions into the uprights. The foot 24 is also rounded where the uprights transition into the collar 22a.

[0075] Referring now to FIGS. 6 to 8, a second embodiment of a trampoline scooter is indicated generally at 110. The features of the scooter 110 are generally the same as the first embodiment of a scooter 10 above, with the differences described below. Where possible, like reference numerals are used for like features between embodiments.

[0076] The scooter 110 is made of metal in this embodiment. Conventional manufacturing techniques may be used to form the scooter. The weight and dimensions of the scooter 110 may be different to the first embodiment.

[0077] The scooter 110 includes an elongate deck 112. The deck 112 includes a wedge-like member 112c towards a rear end of the deck 112. The member 112c is similar in shape to a shark fin. The wedge-shaped member 112c has a curved or convex lead face (forward-facing) and a substantially linear trailing face (rearward-facing). The tip, where the lead face transitions into the trailing face, is rounded. Side faces of the member 112c are substantially flat or planar. Rounded edges are provided where the side faces meet the lead and trailing faces. The wedge-shaped member imitates the shape of a brake on a normal scooter. The dummy brake is not flexible in this embodiment, but may have some flex in other embodiments.

[0078] A head tube support or neck 118 is connected to the upper surface of the deck 112. The support 118 is connected near a front end of the deck 112. The connection is substantially equidistant between the sides of the deck 112. The connection is inset from the rounded edge at the front of the deck 112. In this embodiment, the neck 118 is welded to the deck 112. In other embodiments, the neck 118 may be integrally formed with the deck 112.

[0079] A head tube 120 is connected at the other end of the neck 118. The connection is made at the side of the head tube 120. The head tube 120 may be integrally formed with the neck 18. Other features of the head tube are similar to the first embodiment.

[0080] A column 122 (see FIG. 8) is mounted in the head tube 120. The column 122 is freely rotatable within the head tube 20. The column 122 extends upwardly away from the deck 112 and head tube 120. The lower end of the column 122 includes a nub or nub fork 122a. In other words, there is substantially no fork for engaging a trampoline.

[0081] Note that in FIG. 8 the deck and handle bars are hidden from view for clarity only.

[0082] Handle bars, indicated generally at 200, are attached to an upper end of the column 122. The handle bars 200 include a steering column 200a and a cross-bar 200b with grips at either end. A clamp 123 is provided around the steering column 200a where is connects to the column 122. The clamp 123 is provided next to the upper end of the head tube 120. The column 122a allows the handlebars 200 to rotate as they would for a normal scooter.

[0083] A lower end 122c of the column 122 terminates substantially at or near the bottom of the head tube 120. In other embodiments, the column may terminate in the head tube, as long as enough of the column is in the head tube for the scooter to be useable. The bottom of the column 122 is therefore disposed higher than the deck 112. In use, this means that the column does not engage a trampoline.

[0084] The front end of the deck 112 is disposed vertically below the head tube 120 and column 122. The front end of the deck 112 is disposed ahead of the neck-to-deck (or deck-to-neck) connection area. This effectively provides a substitute for a foot, since there is no foot on the column 122. The convex lower surface of the deck is the only trampoline-engaging component during normal use.

[0085] The above embodiments are exemplary only, and other embodiments are contemplated. For example, a solid ball with a suitable housing or connection means may be provided as a foot. The ball may be spherical, or at least hemispherical. The ball may be around 110 mm in diameter, and may be wider than the head tube. The ball may be made of plastic or rubber. The ball would provide even distribution of pressure in all direction when engaged with a trampoline. The deck length and/or width can each be independently selected to be any suitable size.

[0086] Furthermore, whilst the trampoline scooter may be constructed substantially as shown, it may also be constructed with another known scooter design in mind. For example, the weight and/or dimensions (including shape) of each of the deck, the neck and/or the foot are examples of parameters that may be customised to approximate the weight distribution and feel of a wheeled scooter, to make practising stunts as realistic as possible. The upper surface of the deck can be slightly concave and curve inwardly from each side towards the underside by about 3°.

[0087] The scooter parts may be provided as a kit, optionally with handle bars, for a user to assemble. A rubberised grip coating may be used on the upper surface of the deck. A tungsten carbide coating may be used on any trampoline-engaging element of the scooter. The underside may comprise a removable plate and corresponding means for connecting the plate to the deck.

[0088] The embodiments described above are provided by way of example only, and various changes and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.