Device of Human Conveyance

Abstract

A device for human conveyance includes a frame and a resilient member that has two ends. Upon exerting a flattening force on the resilient member, increase in distance between the two ends and the increase in distance is converted into movement of the platform by, for example a ratchet system interfaced to a wheel.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for human conveyance comprising:
 a frame member;   a resilient member having a first edge and a second edge, the first edge spaced from the second edge by a first distance, the first edge of the resilient member interfaced to the frame member, whereas flattening force on the resilient member results in a second distance between the forward edge of the resilient member and the second edge of the resilient member, the second distance being greater than the first distance, and upon abatement of the downward force, the resilient member restores such that distance between the forward edge of the resilient member and the second edge of the resilient member is substantially the first distance; and   means for converting the difference between the first distance and the second distance into movement of the frame.   
     
     
         2 . The device for human conveyance of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient member comprises an arc-shaped spring. 
     
     
         3 . The device for human conveyance of  claim 1 , wherein the means for converting comprises a sprocket system interfaced to the second edge and interfaced to a ratchet system, the ratchet system interfaced to a wheel. 
     
     
         4 . The device for human conveyance of  claim 3 , wherein the sprocket system has multiple, selectable sprockets, providing variable torque to the wheel. 
     
     
         5 . The device for human conveyance of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient member comprises a first plate hingedly coupled to a second plate and a spring urging the first plate at an angle of less than 90 degrees to the second plate, whereas the flattening force counteracts the urging of the spring, thereby increasing the angle and increasing the distance to the second distance. 
     
     
         6 . The device for human conveyance of  claim 5 , wherein the means for converting comprises a sprocket system interfaced to the second edge and to a ratchet system, the ratchet system interfaced to a wheel. 
     
     
         7 . The device for human conveyance of  claim 6 , wherein the sprocket system has multiple, selectable sprocket gears. 
     
     
         8 . A device for human conveyance comprising:
 a frame;   an arc-shaped spring having a first end and a second end distal from the first end, and a first distance between the first end and the second end when the spring is relaxed, the first end of the arc-shaped spring affixed to the frame, whereas a flattening force on the arc-shaped spring deforms the arc-shaped spring causing a second distance between the first end and the second end, the second distance being greater than the first distance; and   means for converting the difference between the first distance and the second distance into movement of the frame.   
     
     
         9 . The device for human conveyance of  claim 8 , further comprising wheels, a first wheel of the wheels freely interfaced to the frame and a second wheel of the wheels interfaced to the means for converting. 
     
     
         10 . The device for human conveyance of  claim 9 , further comprising a handle system interfaced with the first wheel for steering the device for human conveyance. 
     
     
         11 . The device for human conveyance of  claim 9 , further comprising a foot rest interfaced with the handle system. 
     
     
         12 . The device for human conveyance of  claim 8 , wherein the frame is semi-rigid. 
     
     
         13 . The device for human conveyance of  claim 9 , wherein the means for converting comprises a sprocket system interfaced to the second end of the arc-shaped spring and the sprocket system is interfaced to a ratchet system, the ratchet system interfaced to the second wheel thereby resulting in one direction of motion of the frame during application of the flattening force. 
     
     
         14 . A method of human conveyance, the method comprising:
 (a) providing a device for human conveyance, the device for human conveyance comprising:
 a frame for supporting a user, the frame interfaced to means for moving on a surface; 
 an arc-shaped spring having a front end and a second end distal from the front end and having a first distance between the front end and the rear end in a relaxed mode, the front end of the arc-shaped spring affixed to the frame; 
   (b) pushing down on the arc-shaped spring, thereby causing the arc-shaped spring to flatten whereas the front end moves further away from the second end, thereby resulting in a second distance between the front end and the rear end, the second distance being greater than the first distance;   (c) converting the difference between the first distance and the second distance into a movement of the frame.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the device for human conveyance is a scooter. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising a handle system interfaced with a front wheel for steering the device for human conveyance. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein wheels are interfaced to the frame and the step of converting includes rotating at least one of the wheels in a first direction responsive to the pushing down on the arc-shaped spring. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein the step of converting includes allowing the at least one of the wheels to continue to rotate in the first direction after releasing the arc-shaped spring while restoring the arc-shaped spring to an original shape.