HANDLE SYSTEM FOR ROLLER BOARDS

Abstract

A handle system for a roller board includes a pivot plate disposed over a mounting baseplate, a handle pivot rotatably coupled to the pivot plate, and a handle shaft extending longitudinally from the handle pivot. The handle pivot includes a pivot assembly configured to rotate the handle pivot and the handle shaft with respect to a vertical axis and a detent assembly configured to secure the handle pivot at one of a plurality of detent lock positions around the vertical axis. The handle shaft may be secured at a position facing an inward direction or at a position facing an outward direction.

Description

BACKGROUND

A roller board includes a top horizontal surface, generally called a board or deck. Roller boards also include a pair of truck assemblies disposed on a bottom surface of the deck, where the truck assemblies connect a pair of wheels to the deck. Roller boards may be used in a variety of terrains from smooth concrete to more unconventional terrains such as sand and gravel.

DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a roller board assembly including a handle system in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is an isometric side view of the handle system of the roller board assembly shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the handle system shown in FIG. 2 attached to a truck assembly in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an isometric exploded view of a pivot plate and a base flange of the handle system shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded top view of a handle pivot of the handle system shown in FIG. 3 in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an exploded bottom view of the handle pivot shown in FIG. 5 in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7A is a top view of the handle system shown in FIG. 4 having the handle pivot at a first position along the length of an oblong orifice defined in the pivot plate in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the handle system shown in FIG. 7A having the handle pivot at a second position along the length of the oblong orifice pivot plate in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A is a top view of the handle system shown in FIG. 3 having a handle shaft oriented towards a first position with respect to a vertical axis in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8B is a top view of the handle system shown in FIG. 3 having the handle shaft oriented towards a second position with respect to the vertical axis in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8C is a top view of the handle system shown in FIG. 3 having a handle shaft oriented towards a third position with respect to the vertical axis in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8D is a top view of the handle system shown in FIG. 3 having a handle shaft oriented towards a fourth position with respect to the vertical axis in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8E is a top view of the handle system shown in FIG. 3 having a handle shaft oriented towards a fifth position, parallel with respect to the vertical axis in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9A is an isometric view of a foot plate of the handle system shown in FIG. 1, wherein the foot plate is in a first position with respect to the pivot plate in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B an isometric view of the foot plate of the handle system shown in FIG. 9A, wherein the foot plate is in a second position with respect to the pivot plate in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the handle system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or process operations, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Overview

Roller boards come in a variety of forms and sizes. Roller boards can be motorized and non-motorized. Some roller boards have directional symmetry; in other words, the profile shape and dimensions of both ends of the deck and the truck assemblies and wheels are identical and have no functioning operational bias (forward vs. backward). Some roller boards may be powered by at least one electric motor and have at least one battery (not shown). In other embodiments, the roller board may be a traditional longboard powered by a user propelling the board forward or backward by pushing off the ground with their body (e.g., their foot). Roller boards can take the form of longboards, skateboards, hoverboards, scooters, and any other motorized or non-motorized pedestrian vehicle having one or more wheels with a standing platform.

Motorized and non-motorized roller boards may have a deck aperture at each end of the deck for allowing the attachment of a truck assembly, such as, but not limited to, a drop-in double kingpin truck wheel assembly. The present disclosure provides a handle system that interfaces with and connects to existing roller board components. Such roller board components can include a drop-in double kingpin truck wheel assembly below the deck, or suspension systems to provide shock absorbing dynamics to the roller board vehicle for advanced handling characteristics and rider comfort.

The handle system described herein provides a control point apparatus secured to a top surface of one or both ends of a roller board, offering both hand and foot manipulation capabilities for additional performance functionality and utility. The handle system connects to universal baseplate fastener dimensions and pattern spacing, allowing it to couple with a typical mounting baseplate.

The handle system includes a handle shaft that may be adjustably rotated and secured at a desired position that may be inwards towards the deck of the roller board or outwards away from the deck of the roller board. When the handle shaft is secured to a direction facing inwards towards the deck of the roller board, the handle shaft may be used as a foot holder. The user may position a foot underneath the handle shaft and lift up the deck with the top of said foot. As the handle shaft is rotated and secured to a direction facing away from the deck, the roller board may be hauled by the user holding the handle assembly when the roller board is not in use (e.g., inside buildings, vehicles, etc.)

Detailed Description of Example Embodiments

Referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 3, a roller board 100 having a handle system 110 is shown. Even though the figures depict a longboard style roller board, handle system 110 can be utilized with any type of roller board as previously described. The roller board 100 includes a deck 102 having a top surface 101 and a bottom surface 103. The roller board 100 also includes a truck assembly 108 connected to an end 105 of the deck 102. The truck assembly 108 is connected to a pair of wheels 104. In example embodiments, the roller board may be driven by an electric motor, wherein an operator remote controller input (not shown) may be included on either one of the ends 105.

The profile shape and dimensions at both ends 105 of the roller board deck 102 and truck assemblies 108 have no functioning directional operating bias (e.g., forward and backward). A roller board 100 may include two separate handle assemblies 110 at each end 105 of the deck 102. In other embodiments, a single handle assembly 110 can be utilized at either one of the ends 105 of the deck 102. The handle systems 110 can be independent from each other.

In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the truck assembly 108 is a double kingpin truck, however, the truck assembly 108 may also be a traditional truck or single pin truck, a reverse kingpin truck, or another truck assembly arrangement used with roller boards where the wheels 104 of the roller board 100 are attached. The truck assembly 108 directs steering input from a user to the roller board 100.

At respective ones of the ends 105, the deck 102 may define a deck aperture (not shown) extending through the deck, from the top surface 101 to the bottom surface 103. The roller board 100 includes a mounting baseplate 118 configured to couple the deck 102 to the truck assembly 108 of the roller board 100. The mounting baseplate 118 may engage at the top surface 101 over the deck aperture and extend to the bottom surface 103 of the roller board. In other example embodiments, for example in drop-down longboards, the roller board does not define a deck aperture and the mounting base plate 118 is coupled to the bottom surface 103 at the ends 105 of the roller board 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, the handle system 110 engages to a top surface of the mounting baseplate 118, opposite to the truck assembly 108. In the embodiment shown, the handle system 110 shares fasteners 117 that attach the mounting baseplate 118 to the deck 102. Fasteners 117 may couple the handle system 110 to the mounting baseplate 118 or to the deck 102. In embodiments where the mounting baseplate 118 engages at the bottom surface 103 of the deck 102, the handle system 110 is aligned with the mounting baseplate 118 at the top surface 105.

In other example embodiments, truck risers or spacers 106 may be placed between the handle assembly 110 and the mounting baseplate 118 or the deck 102. The handle system 110 may include one or a plurality of spacers 106 to adjust the height of the handle system 110 with respect to the deck 102. In embodiments, the fasteners 117 may be longer than the fasteners used in typical roller board assemblies in order to secure the handle assembly 110 to the mounting baseplate 118.

The handle system 110 includes a pivot plate 112, a base flange 116, a handle pivot 120, and a handle shaft 126. The base flange 116 couples the pivot plate 112 to the mounting baseplate 118. The base flange 116 includes a flat surface 113 supported by columns 115, where the columns 115 each include a through orifice 119 aligned with a respective fastener 117 of the mounting baseplate 118. The base flange 116 further includes a pivot plate orifice 111 that receives a pivot plate fastener 114. The pivot plate fastener 114 removably couples the pivot plate 112 to the flat surface 113 of the base flange 116. It should be understood that different embodiments may include more than one pivot plate fasteners 114 configured to couple the pivot plate 112 with the base flange 116. In the embodiment shown, the base flange is generally rectangular. In other embodiments (not shown), the base flange may be squared, circular, oval, among others.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the pivot plate 112 is mounted over the base flange 116, and at least partially covers the sides of the columns 115 of the base flange 116. The pivot plate 112 has the same general width of the base flange 116 but is longer than the base flange 116. In the embodiment shown, the pivot plate 112 has the shape of a generally hollow box having a top surface 122, side walls 139 around the periphery of the top surface 122, and an open bottom, into which the base flange 116 is received.

The top surface 122 of the pivot plate 112 defines an oblong slit 121, a pivot orifice 123, and a plurality of detent orifices 125 disposed around the pivot orifice 123. The oblong slit 121 receives the pivot plate fastener 114 and is longitudinally aligned with the pivot plate orifice 111 of the base flange 116. The pivot plate 112 is constrained by the base flange 116 from side-to-side movement given the generally equal width of the two components.

In example embodiments (not shown), the position of the oblong slit 121, the pivot orifice 123, and the plurality of detent orifices 125 defined in the pivot plate 112 is arranged in different positions from one another with respect to the direction of the deck 102. For example, the oblong slit 121 may be disposed inwards towards the deck 102. In other example embodiments, the oblong slit 121 may be defined along a perpendicular line with respect to the length of the pivot plate 112, or may have a curved shape, for example a semi-circular shape.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the pivot plate 112 may be adjusted and secured among a plurality of positions along a length of the base flange 116, as the pivot plate fastener 114 may be fastened at any location along the length of the oblong slit 121 of the pivot plate 112. This front-to-back movement allows the handle assembly 110 to be adjusted and secured into different forward/backward positions and adapt based on user preferences or preferred deck manufacturer dimensions.

Referring back to FIGS. 5 and 6, the handle pivot 120 is mounted over the top surface 122 of the pivot plate 112, covering the pivot orifice 123 and the plurality of detent orifices 125. The handle pivot 120 defines a pivot bore 127 passing vertically through the center of the handle pivot and defining a vertical axis 110Y. A detent bore 129 is defined vertically at one side of the pivot bore 127 and a handle orifice 131 is defined horizontally at one side of the handle pivot 120, disposed at the opposite side of the detent bore 129 in relation to the pivot bore 127.

The pivot bore 127 houses a pivot assembly 130 configured to rotatably couple the handle pivot 120 to the pivot plate 112. The pivot assembly 130 includes a pivot rod 132 and at least one bearing 134, where the at least one bearing constrains, supports, and rotates the pivot rod 132 around the vertical axis 110Y. The pivot rod 132 extends through the pivot orifice 123 in the pivot plate 112 and is secured to an inner surface of the pivot plate 112. In the example embodiment, the pivot rod 132 is a socket screw secured to the pivot plate with a lock nut 136. The handle pivot 120 may rotate in any direction in a three-hundred-and-sixty degree (360°) rotation around the vertical axis 110Y.

FIGS. 6 and 10 show a detent assembly 140 housed within the detent bore 129. The detent assembly 140 engages and disengages with the plurality of detent orifices 125 to lock the free rotation of the handle pivot 120 to a fixed location corresponding to each of the plurality of detent orifices 125 around the pivot orifice 123. The detent assembly includes a detent pin 142, a detent guide 144, a detent spring 146, and a detent knob 148.

In embodiments, the handle pivot 120 further includes a plurality of evenly spaced orifices 135 disposed around a bottom surface of the handle pivot, each of the plurality of evenly spaced orifices 135 housing a pivot stabilizer 137 configured to increase the contact area between the handle pivot 120 and the pivot plate 112 and stabilize the handle pivot's 120 rotation around the vertical axis 110Y.

The detent knob 148 is disposed over the detent bore 129 and may be actuated by the user to change the position of the handle assembly 110 with respect to the deck 102. In an actuated position, the detent knob 148 compresses the detent spring 146 coupled to the detent guide 144 and the detent pin 142, pulling the detent pin upwards towards the detent knob 148. When the detent knob is not in an actuated position, the detent spring 146 biases the detent pin 142 towards the pivot plate 112. The detent pin 142 engages with one of the plurality of detent orifices 125, fixing the pivot handle 120 in a position respective to the position of the selected detent orifice 125 of the pivot plate 112. In other example embodiments, the plurality of detent orifices 125 may be through holes, notches, protrusions, etc.

In other embodiments (not shown), the detent knob 148 may be a lever being able to be actuated between at least two different positions. The lever may have an actuated configuration wherein the detent pin 142 is free from the pivot plate 112, allowing the handle pivot 120 to rotate freely with respect to the vertical axis 110Y. The lever may also have a resting configuration, in which the detent pin 142 is pushed towards the pivot plate 112, and engages with one of the detent orifices 125, locking the rotation of the pivot handle 120 to one of the positions determined by said detent orifice 125.

The handle system 110 further includes a handle shaft 126 extending longitudinally from the handle orifice 131 of the handle pivot 120, where the handle shaft 126 is generally perpendicular to the vertical axis 110Y. As the handle pivot 120 rotates around the vertical axis 110Y, the handle shaft 126 rotates along with the handle pivot 120. When the handle pivot 120 is secured or locked at a position by any one of the plurality of detent orifices 125, the handle shaft 126 is also secured in the respective position. In example embodiments, the handle shaft 126 is generally perpendicular to the vertical axis 110Y. In other example embodiments, the handle shaft 126 may extend at an angle from the handle pivot 120. The handle shaft 126 may extend at an angle between about zero degrees (0°) to about ninety degrees (90°) from a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis 110Y. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 through 10, the handle shaft 126 extends longitudinally from the handle pivot 120 at a ten degree angle (10°).

The detent lock positions that face the handle shaft 126 towards inward/inboard directions, for example as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, allow a user to position a foot underneath the handle shaft 126, and allow them to lift up the deck 102 with the top or instep portion of said foot. This way, the handle system 110 may be used as a foot holder mechanism that allows the user to control or manipulate the movement of the roller board 100 with their feet without the need for fully constraining bindings or tethers. When locked in this inward configuration, the handle shaft 126 allows the user to have additional control of the roller board 100 and lift the front or rear ends 105 of the deck 102 independently or simultaneously.

As shown in FIGS. 8C and 8E, the handle shaft 126 may also be locked at positions facing outward/outboard from the deck 102. In these positions, the user may manually grab the roller board 100 by the handle shaft 126 to carry it when the roller board 100 is not in use. It should be understood that the locked positions shown in FIGS. 1 through 10 are shown as examples and the handle system 110 may have a detent orifice 125 anywhere around the pivot orifice 123, thereby locking the handle shaft 126 at any position with respect to the vertical axis 110Y.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the handle assembly 100 may include a foot plate 150 coupled to the side of the pivot plate 112 proximate to the deck 102. The foot plate 150 may be adjusted vertically along a height of the side wall 139 of the pivot plate 112. The foot plate 150 may further serve as a point of contact between a user's foot and the bottom of the handle shaft 126 when the handle shaft 126 is locked towards the deck 102. The surface of the foot plate 150 facing the deck 102 may have an inclined inward contact surface, allowing the user to comfortably place their foot while the board is in use. The surface of the foot plate 150 facing away from the deck 102 may have a profiled that partially surrounds or wraps around multiple sides of the pivot plate 112 side walls 139, thereby constraining the foot plate 150 from rotational or lateral sliding with respect to the pivot plate 112.

While the subject matter has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the subject matters are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the subject matter, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

Claims

1. A roller board assembly comprising: a deck having a top surface and a bottom surface;a mounting baseplate disposed at an end of the deck, the mounting baseplate mounting a truck assembly;a handle system configured to be mounted to the mounting baseplate, the handle system comprising:a pivot plate disposed over the mounting baseplate, the pivot plate including a plurality of detents orifices;a handle pivot disposed on the pivot plate, the handle pivot configured to rotate around the pivot plate with respect to a vertical axis; anda handle shaft extending outwardly from the handle pivot and from the vertical axis;wherein the handle shaft is configured to rotate among a plurality of positions around the vertical axis and each of the plurality of detents corresponds to one of the plurality of positions.

2. The roller board assembly of claim 1, further including a base flange configured to be disposed between the mounting baseplate and the pivot plate, the base flange configured to couple the pivot plate to the mounting baseplate.

3. The roller board assembly of claim 2, wherein the pivot plate is constrained from side-to-side movement with respect to the base flange.

4. The roller board assembly of claim 2, wherein the pivot plate is selectively securable among a plurality of positions along a length of the base flange.

5. The roller board assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle pivot includes a pivot bore disposed at the center of the handle pivot and a detent bore disposed opposite from the handle shaft.

6. The roller board assembly of claim 5, wherein the handle pivot includes a detent assembly housed within the detent bore and configured to engage and disengage the handle pivot from each of the plurality of detents.

7. The roller board assembly of claim 6, wherein the detent assembly includes a detent pin configured to engage with the plurality of detents, a detent guide configured to actuate the detent pin, a detent spring configured to bias the detent guide towards the pivot plate, and a detent knob configured to compress the detent spring and disengage the detent pin from one of the plurality of detents.

8. The roller board assembly of claim 5, wherein the pivot bore houses a pivot assembly, the pivot assembly includes a pivot rod colinearly aligned with the vertical axis and at least one bearing configured to rotate the pivot rod in a three-hundred-and-sixty degree (360°) rotation around the vertical axis.

9. The roller board assembly of claim 1, further comprising a foot plate coupled to the pivot plate, the foot plate configured to be adjusted vertically along a height of the pivot plate.

10. The roller board assembly of claim 1, wherein the handle pivot further includes a plurality of spaced orifices disposed around a bottom surface of the handle pivot, each of the plurality of spaced orifices housing a pivot stabilizer configured to stabilize the handle pivot's rotation.

11. A handle system for a roller board, the handle system comprising: a pivot plate configured to be mounted over a mounting baseplate, the pivot plate including a plurality of detents orifices;a handle pivot disposed on the pivot plate, the handle pivot configured to rotate around the pivot plate with respect to a vertical axis; anda handle shaft extending outwardly from the handle pivot and from the vertical axis;wherein the handle shaft is configured to rotate among a plurality of positions around the vertical axis and each of the plurality of detents corresponds to one of the plurality of positions.

12. The handle system of claim 11, further including a base flange configured to be disposed between the mounting baseplate and the pivot plate, the base flange configured to couple the pivot plate to the mounting baseplate.

13. The handle system of claim 12, wherein the pivot plate is constrained from side-to-side movement with respect to the base flange.

14. The handle system of claim 12, wherein the pivot plate is selectively securable among a plurality of positions along a length of the base flange.

15. The handle system of claim 11, wherein the handle pivot includes a pivot bore disposed at the center of the handle pivot and a detent bore disposed opposite from the handle shaft.

16. The handle system of 15, wherein the handle pivot includes a detent assembly housed within the detent bore and configured to engage and disengage the handle pivot from each of the plurality of detents.

17. The handle system of claim 16, wherein the detent assembly includes a detent pin configured to engage with the plurality of detents, a detent guide configured to actuate the detent pin, a detent spring configured to bias the detent guide towards the pivot plate, and a detent knob configured to compress the detent spring and disengage the detent pin from one of the plurality of detents.

18. The handle system of claim 15, wherein the pivot bore houses a pivot assembly, the pivot assembly includes a pivot rod colinearly aligned with the vertical axis and at least one bearing configured to rotate the pivot rod in a three-hundred-and-sixty degree (360°) rotation around the vertical axis.

19. A handle system for a roller board, the handle system comprising: a pivot plate configured to be mounted over a mounting baseplate, the pivot plate including a plurality of detents orifices;a handle pivot disposed on the pivot plate, the handle pivot having a detent assembly and configured to rotate around the pivot plate with respect to a vertical axis; anda handle shaft extending outwardly from the handle pivot and from the vertical axis;wherein the handle shaft is configured to rotate among a plurality of positions around the vertical axis and each of the plurality of detents corresponds to one of the plurality of positions, and the detent assembly is configured to engage and disengage the handle pivot from each of the plurality of detents.

20. The handle system of claim 19, wherein the handle pivot includes a pivot assembly, the pivot assembly configured to rotate the handle pivot in a three-hundred-and-sixty degree (360°) rotation around the vertical axis.