초록 ▼

A powered, personal transportation apparatus for transporting an individual in a standing position, the apparatus including a platform supported by wheels, on which the user stands, the platform having a circular profile which defines substantially the entire outer periphery thereof, and some of the

A powered, personal transportation apparatus for transporting an individual in a standing position, the apparatus including a platform supported by wheels, on which the user stands, the platform having a circular profile which defines substantially the entire outer periphery thereof, and some of the wheels of the apparatus being powered for driving the apparatus in translation and turning, the apparatus being configured such that it is able to turn completely around within its own profile whereby it is easily maneuverable in confining spaces.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A personal transportation apparatus comprising:a platform adapted to be supported with respect to a floor surface;said platform having a circular profile defining substantially the entire laterally outer periphery thereof, and an upper surface adapted to accommodate a standing user

[ I claim:] [1.] A personal transportation apparatus comprising:a platform adapted to be supported with respect to a floor surface;said platform having a circular profile defining substantially the entire laterally outer periphery thereof, and an upper surface adapted to accommodate a standing user thereon;a plurality of wheels mounted on said platform for supporting said platform with respect to such a floor surface, said pluality of wheels including a pair of power driven wheels located a laterally spaced locations and a plurality of non-powered wheels;a power source for driving said power driven wheels independently of each other;an upstanding control console fixed to said platform and including control means for acuating said power source to selectively drive said power driven wheels;said power source being operable by actuation of said controls means to drive said pair of power driven wheels for moving said apparatus in translation and rotation on such on such a floor surface; andsaid power driven wheels being positioned with respect to said circular profile of said platform such that, upon driving said power driven wheels at equal speed in opposite rotary directions, said platform turns solely in rotation about the center of said circular profile, without translation of said center of said circular profile.