Recreational and sporting device for movement over ground

Abstract

The present invention relates to a recreational and sporting device ( 10 ) comprising a foot support ( 12 ) that is mounted on a first wheel ( 26 ) such that the foot support is located below the axis of rotation of a first wheel ( 26 ). The foot cradle ( 12 ) is hingedly attached to a leg support ( 18 ) which is adapted to be attached to a user's leg. The sporting device ( 10 ) further includes a biased member ( 44 ) attached between the foot support ( 12 ) and an upper end of the leg support ( 18 ). The biasing member ( 44 ) comprising a torsional spring ( 98 ) or resiliently stretchable coiled spring ( 106 ) extending between the leg support ( 18 ) and foot support ( 12 ). The biasing member ( 44 ) being configured to urge the leg support ( 12 ) against a stop ( 92 ).

1 . A transportation device comprising;
 a first wheel attached to an axle;   a foot cradle coupled to said axle to thereby allow the first wheel to rotate;   a leg support member pivotably attached to the foot cradle, the leg support member including a leg capturing means for securing the leg support member to a leg of a user;   a biased member extending between the foot cradle and the leg support member to provide support for the user's leg and foot; and   a stop attached to, or adjacent, said foot cradle for contact with a portion of the leg support member, wherein the biased member urges the leg support member against said stop.   
     
     
         2 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the stop extends rearwardly from an upper portion of the foot cradle and is configured to contact a front portion of the leg support member. 
     
     
         3 . The device according to  claim 2  wherein the leg support member comprises an elongate plate that extends through the lower leg of the user, the elongate plate being curved about its longitudinal length to generally conform to the leg of a user. 
     
     
         4 . The device according to  claim 3  wherein a rear surface of said stop is shaped to correspond with a front portion of the elongate plate. 
     
     
         5 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the leg capturing means is adjustable. 
     
     
         6 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the biased member comprising a torsional spring attached between the foot cradle and leg support member adjacent the position at which the foot cradle is pivotably attached to the leg support member. 
     
     
         7 . The device according to  claim 6  wherein the torsional spring is mounted to a projection on the foot cradle, a first end of the torsional spring being attached to the foot cradle and a second opposing end of the torsional spring being attached to the leg support member. 
     
     
         8 . The device according to  claim 6  wherein the torsional spring is mounted to a projection on the leg support member, a first end of the torsional spring being attached to the leg support member and a second opposing end of the torsional spring being attached to the foot cradle. 
     
     
         9 . The device according to  claim 1  wherein the biased member is a resiliently stretchable coiled spring. 
     
     
         10 . The device according to  claim 9  wherein a first end of the resiliently stretchable coiled spring is attached between an outer surface of the foot cradle and a second end of the resiliently stretchable coiled spring is attached to the leg support member, whereby the coiled spring is positioned in a gap between the foot cradle and the first wheel. 
     
     
         11 . The device according to  claim 1  further including a second wheel member mounted to a rear portion of the foot cradle, the second wheel member comprising a wheel support rotatably attached to the axle of the second wheel. 
     
     
         12 . The device according to  claim 12  wherein said wheel support is rigidly attached to the foot cradle. 
     
     
         13 . The device according to  claim 12  wherein said wheel support is configured to pivot around a vertical axis in relation to the axle of the first wheel. 
     
     
         14 . The device according to  claim 12  wherein the second wheel is of a smaller diameter than the first wheel. 
     
     
         15 . The device according to  claim 1  further including a braking mechanism. 
     
     
         16 . A transportation apparatus including a first limb engaging member for attachment to a first foot of a user and a second limb engaging member for attachment to a second foot of a user, each said first and second limb engaging members having respectively a first wheel including an axle member, a foot cradle coupled to the axle member to thereby allow the first wheel to rotate, a leg support member pivotably attached to the foot cradle, the leg support member including a leg capturing means for securing the leg support member to a leg of a user, a biased member extending between the foot cradle and the leg support member to provide support for the user's leg and foot, and a stop for contact with a portion of the leg support member, wherein the biased member urges the leg support member in the direction of said stop. 
     
     
         17 . A transportation apparatus as in  claim 16  wherein the biased member is attached adjacent a position at which the foot cradle is pivotable attached to the leg support member. 
     
     
         18 . A transportation apparatus as in  claim 16  wherein the biased member is a spring or resiliently flexible material that returns to its original shape, length or size.