Mobile sphere
OwnerJohn S. Seftoninventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A hollow sphere formed from a plurality of contra-spiralling members extending through 360.degree. from one end of an axis to the other to form a geodesic frame. Latitudinally extending spaced and parallel reinforcing members may be used to brace the frame. An axle may extend along the axis and may include an elastic motor for the embodiment when used as a toy, a pedal and gear assembly when used as a recreational device and a source of a power when used as a mobile powered device.
Claims20
A hollow sphere for use as a toy, a recreational device or as a transportation vehicle comprising in combination one set of resilient members extending from one end of an axis to the other and spiralling through 360.degree., another set of resilient members extending from said other end of said axis to said one end thereof and spiralling through 360.degree. in the opposite direction of said one set, each set including a plurality of resilient members secured by one end thereof to a hub at said one end of said axis and by the other ends thereof to a hub at said other end of said axis, the members of said one set being secured to the members of the other set where said members intersect thus forming a geodesic configuration, an axle extending between said hubs, and an elastic motor operatively connected to said axle, said motor including a substantially vertical member, said member being tranversely apertured intermediate the ends thereof and being freely engaged over said axle, an action weight means at the lower end of said member and an elastic band anchored by one end thereof to the other end of said member, engaging one of said hubs, and extending to said member adjacent the lower end thereof, then extending to and engaging the other of said hubs and extending to and being secured to the upper end of said member.
A hollow sphere for use as a toy, a recreational device or as a transportation vehicle comprising in combination one set of resilient members extending from one end of an axis to the other and spiralling through 360.degree., another set of resilient members extending from said other end of said axis to said one end thereof and spiralling through 360.degree. in the opposite direction of said one set, each set including a plurality of resilient members secured by one end thereof to a hub at said one end of said axis and by the other ends thereof to a hub at said other end of said axis, the members of said one set being secured to the members of the other set where said members intersect thus forming a geodesic configuration, an axle extending between said hubs, a frame bearably supported upon said axle and depending therefrom, a source of power carried by said frame, including a foot pedal assembly depending below said frame means connecting said source of power to said axle for rotating same and hence rotating said sphere, and passenger supporting means attached to said frame operatively adjacent said foot pedal assembly.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.