US3820790A

US3820790A - Vehicle for playing a ball game

Info

Publication number: US3820790A
Application number: US00292522A
Authority: US
Inventors: G Peterson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-09-27
Filing date: 1972-09-27
Publication date: 1974-06-28
Anticipated expiration: 1991-06-28

Abstract

A vehicle for enabling a player to participate in a soccer-like ball game is provided. The vehicle comprises a frame, a plurality of wheels mounted on the frame, means for driving at least one of the wheels to propel the vehicle and a ball carrier mounted on the frame for engaging and rolling a ball as the vehicle is propelled. In a preferred embodiment the ball carrier is mounted for reciprocation in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the frame, and a pedal is connected to the ball carrier to permit the player to reciprocate the ball carrier by actuating the pedal to strike the ball.

Description

United States Patent 1191 Peterson VEHICLE FOR PLAYING A BALL GAME [76] Inventor: Gerald Wallace Peterson, 21 17 Placid, Carrollton, Tex. 75006 [22] Filed: Sept. 27, 1972 21 Appl. No: 292,522

FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLlCATlONS Belgium 273/118 A June 28, 1974 3/1932 Italy 293/71 P 11/1910 Great Britain 273/37 5 7] ABSTRACT A vehicle for enabling a player to participate in a soccer-like ball game is provided. The vehicle comprises a frame, a plurality of wheels mounted on the frame, means for driving at least one of the wheels to propel the vehicle and a ball carrier mounted on the frame for engaging and rolling a ball as the vehicle is propelled. In a preferred embodiment the ball carrier is mounted for reciprocation in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the frame, and a pedal is connected to the ball carrier to permit the player to reciprocate the ball carrier by actuating the pedal to strike the ball.

17 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures Pmmmmzem samura- &

VEHICLE FOR PLAYING A BALL GAME The present invention relates to a vehicle for enabling a player to participate in a soccer-like ball game and, more particularly, to a highly maneuverable vehicle designed to enable the player to roll or strike a ball.

In the prior art, many hand-propelled and selfpowered vehicles have been developed to transport a rider. None of the prior art vehicles have been designed, however, to enable the rider to participate in games of skill using a ball. The present invention provides a highly maneuverable vehicle including a device designed to engage and roll a ball as the vehicle is propelled and to strike the ball to impart movement to the ball.

The vehicle of the present invention comprises a frame, a plurality of wheels mounted on the frame, means for driving at least one of the wheels to propel the vehicle, and a ball carrier mounted on the frame for engaging and rolling a ball as the vehicle is propelled.

In a preferred embodiment, the ball carrier comprises a device for striking the ball to impart movement to the ball. The ball carrier of the preferred embodiment is mounted for reciprocation in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the frame and actuator means connected to the ball carrier is provided to allow an operator to reciprocate the ball carrier to strike the ball.

The accompanying drawings illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation of the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation of the vehicle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of the'vehicle of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side view, partially in section, illustrating a ball carrier mounted on the vehicle in detail.

Referring to. FIG. 1, a vehicle 20, constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention, comprises a circular frame 22 of channel-shaped steel or other metal and a pair of spaced,

parallel support members

24 and 26 extending across circular frame 22 and secured at opposite ends to the frame by any conventional means, such as welding. As shown in FIG. 5, support member 26 includes a central horizontal portion located slightly above ground surface S, and it is inclined upwardly at its opposite ends for connection to circular frame 22. Support member 24 is identical in shape to support member 26.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a strut 28 extends transversely between

support members

24 and 26 and is connected to the support members by any conventional means, such as welding. A seat 30 is supported on strut 28 by a plurality of vertical support rods 32. In addition, a plurality of

parallel struts

34, 36 and 38 extends transversely between

support members

24 and 26 to provide a foot rest for an operator of the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, an inflatable tube 40 is mounted on circular frame 22 to provide a bumper at the periphery of the frame. Vehicle includes a pair of

traction wheels

42 and 44 rotatably mounted on opposite sides of circular frame 22 in axial alignment for supporting the vehicle. As shown in FIG. 5, traction wheel 44 comprises an inflatable tire 46 mounted on a rim 48. Traction wheel 42 is similar in construction to traction wheel 44.

Referring to FIG. 2, a first axle support member 50 is secured at its opposite ends to circular frame 22 by conventional means, e.g., welding. Traction wheel 42 is rotatably supported on an axle 52 secured to axle support member 50. Similarly, a second axle support member 54 is mounted on circular frame 22 in a position diametrically opposite to first axle support member 50. Second axle support member 54 can also be secured to circular frame 22 by welding. Traction wheel 44 is rotatably supported on an axle 56 secured to axle support member 54. As shown in FIG. 2,

traction wheels

42 and 44 are rotatably mounted in axial alignment along a common diameter of circular frame 22.

In accordance with the invention, means is provided for driving at least one of the wheels to propel the vehicle. In the preferred embodiment, this driving means comprises a pair of handles located on the traction wheels to permit an operator to propel the vehicle in a desired direction by selectively rotating the traction wheels. As shown in FIGS. 1-4, traction wheel 42 is provided with a handle 58 extending perpendicularly inward from its rim. Similarly, traction wheel 44 is provided with a handle 60 extending perpendicularly inward from its rim. An operator seated in seat 30 can easily

grip handles

58 and 60 to selectively rotate

traction wheels

42 and 44 to control the motion of vehicle 20. Alternatively, the traction wheels of vehicle 20 can be driven by a motor (not shown) under the control of the operator.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, a caster wheel 62 is mounted on circular frame 22 at a position rearward of

traction wheels

42 and 44. A platform 64 (FIG. 2) extends radially inward from circular frame 22 behind seat 30. As shown in FIG. 3, caster wheel 62 is mounted on an axle supported by a U-shaped frame 66 pivotally connected to platform 64.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, seat 30 is located in a position behind the axis of rotation of

traction wheels

42 and 44 and in front of caster wheel 62. Thus, when an operator is seated in seat 30, his weight is supported by

traction wheels

42 and 44 and caster wheel 62.

In accordance with the invention, the vehicle also includes a ball carrier mounted on the frame for engaging and rolling a ball as the vehicle is propelled. In the preferred embodiment, the ball carrier is mounted for reciprocation in a substantially horizontal direction relative to the frame, and actuator means connected to the ball carrier is provided to allow an operator to reciprocate the ball carrier to strike the ball. The ball carrier of the preferred embodiment thus provides a device for striking the ball to enable the operator to impart movement to the ball.

Referring to FIG. 1, a ball carrier, generally 70, is mounted at the front of vehicle 20. As shown in FIG. 2, the ball carrier includes an arm 72 which projects outward from circular frame 22 and is arcuate in shape to capture a ball 74. Arm 72 is secured at one end of a shaft 76 slidably received in a sleeve 78 (FIGS. 5 and 6). Sleeve 78 is supported by a platform 80 secured to

struts

32 and 34 extending between

support members

24 and 26.

In the preferred embodiment, the actuator means is embodied as a pedal 82 secured to the end of shaft 76 opposite from arm 72. A compression spring 84 is interposed between sleeve 78 and pedal 82 for normally biasing the ball carrier into an unactuated position. In FIG. 2, arm 72 is shown in its normal, unactuated position, and its actuated position is illustrated in phantom lines.

In the operation of vehicle 20, an operator seats himself in seat 30 and grips handles 58 and 60 with his hands. The operator can propel the vehicle in any direction by selectively rotating

traction wheels

42 and 44 via

handles

58 and 60. Caster wheel 62 allows the vehicle to be easily maneuvered. if the operator desires to roll ball 74 in front of the vehicle, he maneuvers the vehicle to position arm 72 in alignment with the ball and propels the vehicle in such a manner as to keep arm 72 in engagement with the ball. If the operator desires to propel ball 74 from his vehicle, e.g., to pass the ball to another player or to shoot at a goal, he steps on pedal 82 thereby compressing spring 84 and advancing arm 72 to strike the ball. When his foot is released from pedal 82, spring 84 returns the pedal and arm to the unactuated positions illustrated in FIG. 2.

The vehicle of the present invention thus permits a player to engage in a soccer-like ball game while riding the vehicle by rolling a ball along with his vehicle and striking the ball to pass it to another player or to take a shot at a goal.

The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details shown and described, and modifications may be made in the details ofthe vehicle without departing from the principles of the present invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A vehicle, comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of ground engaging wheels mounted on said frame;

means for driving at least one of said ground engaging wheels to propel the vehicle;

a ball carrier mounted on said frame for engaging and rolling a ball on the ground as the vehicle is propelled, said ball carrier being mounted for reciprocation in a substantially horizontal direction relative to said frame;

an actuator connected to said ball carrier to allow an operator to reciprocate said ball carrier to strike the ball; and

means for normally biasing said actuator and said ball carrier into unactuated positions.

2. The vehicle of claim .1, wherein:

said ball carrier includes an arm projecting outward from said frame and shaped to capture the ball.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein:

said arm is arcuate in shape.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein:

said plurality of wheels includes a pair of traction wheels mounted on opposite sides of said frame in axial alignment for supporting the vehicle.

5. The vehicle of claim 4, which includes:

a caster wheel mounted on said frame at a position rearward of said traction wheels.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, which includes:

a seat mounted on said frame in a position adjacent to said caster wheel.

7. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein:

said driving means comprises a pair of handles located on said traction wheels to permit an operator to propel the vehicle in a desired direction by selectively rotating said traction wheels.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein:

said ball carrier is located at the front of said frame;

and

said actuator comprises a pedal connected to said ball carrier to permit an operator to reciprocate said ball carrier by actuating said pedal to strike the ball.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, which includes:

an inflatable bumper mounted at the periphery of said frame.

10. A vehicle, comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of wheels mounted on said frame including a pair of traction wheels mounted in axial align ment on opposite sides of said frame for supporting the vehicle;

means for driving at least one of said traction wheels to propel the vehicle;

a ball carrier mounted on the front of said frame for engaging and rolling a ball as the vehicle is propelled, said ball carrier being mounted for reciprocation in a substantially horizontal direction relative to said frame;

a pedal connected to said ball carrier to permit an operator to reciprocate said ball carrier by actuating said pedal to strike the ball; and

a spring for normally biasing said pedal and said ball carrier intounactuated positions.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein:

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein:

said arm is arcuate in shape.

13. The vehicle of claim 10, which includes:

14. The vehicle of claim 13, which includes:

a seat mounted on said frame in a position adjacent to said caster wheel.

15. A vehicle, comprising:

a frame;

a plurality of wheels mounted on said frame;

means for driving at least one of said wheels to propel the vehicle;

a device mounted on said frame for striking a ball to impart movement to the ball, said striking device comprising an arm shaped to capture the ball and mounted for reciprocation in a substantially horizontal direction relative to said frame, a pedal connected to said arm to allow an operator to reciprocate said arm by actuating said pedal to strike the ball, and a spring for normally biasing said pedal and said arm into unactuated positions.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein:

17. The vehicle of claim 15, which includes:

an inflatable bumper mounted at the periphery of said frame.

v UNITED sTATEs PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Dated June 28, 1974 Patent No. 2.0, 790

Inventor(5) Gerald Wallace Peterson It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the line, Attorney, Agent, or Firm, in the Patent Heading, change "Zarabow" to --Farabow-.

Signed and sealed this 1st day of October 1974.

(SEAL) Attest: McCOY M. GIBSON JR. c. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents USCOMM'DC 6037 6-P69 U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 199 0-366-334.

: ORM PO-1050 (10-69)

Claims

1. A vehicle, comprising: a frame; a plurality of ground engaging wheels mounted on said frame; means for driving at least one of said ground engaging wheels to propel the vehicle; a ball carrier mounted on said frame for engaging and rolling a ball on the ground as the vehicle is propelled, said ball carrier being mounted for reciprocation in a substantially horizontal direction relative to said frame; an actuator connected to said ball carrier to allow an operator to reciprocate said ball carrier to strike the ball; and means for normally biasing said actuator and said ball carrier into unactuated positions.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: said ball carrier includes an arm projecting outward from said frame and shaped to capture the ball.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein: said arm is arcuate in shape.

4. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: said plurality of wheels includes a pair of traction wheels mounted on opposite sides of said frame in axial alignment for supporting the vehicle.

5. The vehicle of claim 4, which includes: a caster wheel mounted on said frame at a position rearward of said traction wheels.

6. The vehicle of claim 5, which includes: a seat mounted on said frame in a position adjacent to said caster wheel.

7. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein: said driving means comprises a pair of handles located on said traction wheels to permit an operator to propel the vehicle in a desired direction by selectively rotating said traction wheels.

8. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein: said ball carrier is located at the front of said frame; and said actuator comprises a pedal connected to said ball carrier to permit an operator to reciprocate said ball carrier by actuating said pedal to strike the ball.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, which includes: an inflatable bumper mounted at the periphery of said frame.

10. A vehicle, comprising: a frame; a plurality of wheels mounted on said frame including a pair of traction wheels mounted in axial alignment on opposite sides of said frame for supporting the vehicle; means for driving at least one of said traction wheels to propel the vehicle; a ball carrier mounted on the front of said frame for engaging and rolling a baLl as the vehicle is propelled, said ball carrier being mounted for reciprocation in a substantially horizontal direction relative to said frame; a pedal connected to said ball carrier to permit an operator to reciprocate said ball carrier by actuating said pedal to strike the ball; and a spring for normally biasing said pedal and said ball carrier into unactuated positions.

11. The vehicle of claim 10, wherein: said ball carrier includes an arm projecting outward from said frame and shaped to capture the ball.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein: said arm is arcuate in shape.

13. The vehicle of claim 10, which includes: a caster wheel mounted on said frame at a position rearward of said traction wheels.

14. The vehicle of claim 13, which includes: a seat mounted on said frame in a position adjacent to said caster wheel.

15. A vehicle, comprising: a frame; a plurality of wheels mounted on said frame; means for driving at least one of said wheels to propel the vehicle; a device mounted on said frame for striking a ball to impart movement to the ball, said striking device comprising an arm shaped to capture the ball and mounted for reciprocation in a substantially horizontal direction relative to said frame, a pedal connected to said arm to allow an operator to reciprocate said arm by actuating said pedal to strike the ball, and a spring for normally biasing said pedal and said arm into unactuated positions.

16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein: said driving means comprises a pair of handles located on said traction wheels to permit an operator to propel the vehicle in a desired direction by selectively rotating said traction wheels.

17. The vehicle of claim 15, which includes: an inflatable bumper mounted at the periphery of said frame.