Patent Application
20240409269
The present invention relates generally to a case for a miniature skateboard. More particularly, the present invention provides a low-profile case for a miniature skateboard and a plurality of miniature skateboard accessories.
Miniature skateboards, commonly referred to as fingerboards or tech decks (referred to herein as fingerboards), are small-scale models of traditional skateboards that are maneuvered using fingers. Despite their reduced size, fingerboards retain the fundamental components of full-sized skateboards, including decks, wheels, and trucks. These fingerboards are often used for performing tricks and stunts similar to those executed with standard skateboards.
Accessories such as additional wheels, tools for adjusting the trucks and wheels, and side grinding bricks are essential for enthusiasts who regularly engage in finger boarding activities. The components of fingerboards are small, difficult to handle, and often changed to stylize the fingerboard. There are few existing solutions for carrying and securing fingerboards. Thus, a comprehensive storage solution is needed for the various accessories that accompany fingerboards.
The present invention addresses the need for fingerboard storage system that can provide a storage solution for accessories with a low-profile, fingerboards case that has specialized compartmentalization and can easily fit in a pocket. The case is operable to secure the fingerboard and provide dedicated storage for essential accessories. This invention ensures that all components, including wheels and tools are securely stored and easily accessible, thus enhancing the overall user experience. The invention also offers side grinding bricks operable to improve engagement with the fingerboards case.
The present invention provides a fingerboards case operable to receive and secure a fingerboards and related fingerboards accessories. More particularly, the present invention provides a fingerboard case having a top body and a bottom body, each having an internal surface with specialized geometry for accommodating a fingerboard and accessories.
In some embodiments, the top body of the skateboard case may have an internal surface operable to receive a fingerboard, and the bottom body may also have an internal surface having a storage case for fingerboard accessories. The top body and bottom body may be operably coupled to form an internal hollow geometry operable to receive and secure the fingerboard and accessories. The top and bottom bodies are completely separable to allow a fingerboard, fingerboard accessories (e.g., wheels), and an assembly tool to be inserted into the top and bottom bodies without any obstruction or need to hold the storage case open.
The top and bottom bodies may have interfacing surfaces that come together when the top and bottom surfaces are joined. The interfacing surfaces may include a plurality of magnets positioned along the perimeter of interfacing surface. The plurality of magnets may be operable to couple the top and bottom bodies together to form the complete low-profile case containing a fingerboard and accessories, thereby securing the fingerboard and storage case within the skateboard case.
In some embodiments, the storage case of the present invention may include an accessory storage area positioned at or near the center of the internal surface of the bottom body. The accessory storage area may include multiple compartments operable to hold fingerboard accessories in a secure manner. The accessory storage area may include first and second wheel storage compartments. The first and second wheel storage compartments may be positioned adjacent to and around an assembly tool compartment with a center magnet. The assembly tool compartment may be positioned at or near the center of the internal surface of the bottom body.
First and second storage compartments may be designed as relatively rectangular, and each compartment may include a magnetic strip. The magnetic strip may be operable to magnetically engage a plurality of fingerboard wheels. For example, each magnetic strip within the first and second compartments may be operable to magnetically secure between 1 to 6 wheels. For example, each of the first and second storage compartments may have an internal geometry that is complementary to a 2×3 arrangement of fingerboard wheels.
The assembly tool compartment may be positioned in between the first and second component storage compartments and may be operable to receive a fingerboard assembly tool. The assembly tool compartment may include a centralized magnet positioned on the bottom surface of the bottom body operable to magnetically secure the assembly tool. The assembly tool compartment may have a complementary shape to the assembly tool, providing a secure enclosure for the assembly tool storage. The top and bottom bodies may have an interlocking lip and groove that guide alignment of the top and bottom bodies and ensure the two halves do not slip apart during storage or performing tricks.
Adjacent to the accessory storage area, the bottom body may include truck and wheel spaces to accommodate the trucks and wheels of a fingerboard stored in the storage case with the fingerboard accessories. The trucks and wheels protrude from the upper body and nest in the truck and wheel spaces of the bottom body to minimize the depth of the case required to accommodate the fingerboard. The bottom body may have a depth that is in a range of about 0.4 inches to about 1 inch (e.g., about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches). The interior truck and wheel spaces may have a depth of about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches, providing sufficient depth to accommodate the trucks and wheels of a fingerboard stored therein without excess depth. The accessory storage compartments in the bottom body sit between the truck and wheel spaces, such that they overlap and sit between the trucks and wheels when the top and bottom body bodies are joined to form the complete low-profile case. Each of the accessory storage compartments and the truck and wheel spaces may include embedded magnets that allow for the insertion and storage of any ferrous or other material that may be held in place by a magnet. This provides the bottom body with flexibility in expanding storage capabilities.
The top body may include a fingerboard compartment that is operable to receive a fingerboard and store a fingerboard. The fingerboard compartment may be operable to pressure fit the fingerboard to hold it securely in place. The fingerboard compartment may have a complementary shape to the perimeter of the fingerboard. In some embodiments, the sidewalls of the fingerboard compartment may be made of a compressible material that facilitates a pressure fit of the fingerboard in the fingerboard compartment. For example, the sidewall of the fingerboard compartment may comprise foam rubber (e.g., Neoprene, EVA foam, etc.), silicone rubber, high-density foam, polyurethane foam, cork, microfiber fabric, or a combination of one or more of these materials. In some embodiments, the floor of the top and/or bottom bodies are lined with compressible material in addition to or instead of the interior sidewalls.
The fingerboard compartment may be centered in the top body such that the trucks and wheels of a fingerboard positioned in the fingerboard compartment are aligned with the truck and wheel spaces of the bottom body such that the top and bottom bodies can be joined together without obstruction by the trucks and wheels of the fingerboard. The top body may have a depth that is in a range of about 0.4 inches to about 1 inch (e.g., about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches). The interior fingerboard compartment may have a depth of about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches (e.g., about 0.4 inches to about 0.75 inches), providing sufficient depth to accommodate the trucks and wheels of a fingerboard stored therein without excess depth. The interior fingerboard compartment may include embedded magnets that allow for the insertion and storage of any ferrous or other material that may be held in place by a magnet, such as additional tools. This provides the top body with flexibility in expanding storage capabilities.
The top body and a bottom body may be operably coupled together to form the assembled low-profile storage case with the fingerboard, fingerboard accessories, and assembly tool secured therein. The assembled low-profile storage case may have a total depth of about 0.8 inches to about 1.5 inches. This provides a low-profile storage case structure that can comfortably fit within most pockets for comfortable transport. It will be understood by those of skill in the relevant art that the accessory storage area and truck and wheel spaces may alternatively be positioned in the top body of the fingerboard case, and the fingerboard compartment may be positioned in the bottom body.
In some embodiments, the assembled low-profile storage case may include activity or play features that can be used with the fingerboard during play. The activity/play features may include a plurality of ledges positioned on an exterior side wall and a second side wall of the top body that simulate the friction of a brick surface or other textured surface that are typically ridden on with a full-sized skateboard. The plurality of ledges may be designed with grooves, protrusions, and other elements operable to simulate frictional contact between the fingerboard and the ledges. Additionally, the assembled low-profile storage case simulates a platform on which the fingerboard can be ridden and on which skateboard tricks can be performed and simulated.
The fingerboard may include a deck and at least two trucks operably positioned at opposite ends of the fingerboard. Users of the fingerboard may be operable to control the fingerboard using the deck.
To simulate the tactile experience of friction and sound during the execution of a trick on a full-sized skateboard (e.g., grinding or board sliding), users of the fingerboard may angle the upper deck to allow the truck to contact the ledges. Therefore, when at least one truck contacts a plurality of ledges, the fingerboard experiences resistance, thereby simulating friction. In some exemplary embodiments, the underside of the deck and/or a wheel may contact a plurality of ledges, thereby simulating frictional contact.
In some exemplary embodiments, the fingerboard case includes a tuning jar operable to secure a plurality of fastening elements, such as washers, screws, and other assembly and fastening elements. The fastening elements may be operable to repair and maintain the fingerboard, improving lifespan and performance. In some embodiments, the tuning jar may have a shape that is complementary to the first or second component storage compartment to allow the tuning jar to be securely stored in the first or second component storage compartments. In some embodiments, the tuning jar may include a magnetic or ferromagnetic element operable to magnetically engage with the magnetic element embedded in either the first and second component storage compartments.
It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a low-profile miniature skateboard case comprising a top body and a bottom body, each having internal surfaces with specialized geometries. The top body includes an internal volume designed to receive and secure a miniature skateboard, while the bottom body has an internal surface that incorporates a storage area for miniature skateboard accessories. The top and bottom bodies are operably coupled to form an internal hollow geometry that securely holds the miniature skateboard and accessories. The top and bottom bodies are completely separable to facilitate unobstructed insertion of the miniature skateboard and accessories, with a plurality of magnets positioned at each corner to align and secure the two bodies. The storage area in the bottom body includes first and second accessory storage compartments capable of holding a plurality of replacement wheels, and an accessory tool compartment positioned between these compartments to receive and secure a miniature skateboard accessory tool. Additionally, the first and second accessory storage compartments each include a magnet on their bottom surfaces to magnetically secure each wheel of the replacement wheels. The top body further includes a first side wall and a second wall, both of which have a plurality of ledges that simulate a rough skating surface, enhancing the functionality and realism of the case.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a method of securing a miniature skateboard and a plurality of skateboard accessories within a low-profile miniature skateboard case involves placing the miniature skateboard in the internal volume of a top body and placing the accessories in at least one accessory storage compartment of a bottom body. The top and bottom bodies are coupled together by positioning a plurality of magnets at each corner of the interfacing surfaces of the top and bottom bodies, ensuring a secure closure. The method further includes placing a plurality of replacement wheels within the accessory storage compartment and placing an accessory tool within an accessory tool compartment in the bottom body. The accessory storage compartment may include a magnetic strip to magnetically secure the replacement wheels, and the accessory tool compartment may include a magnet to secure the accessory tool. Additionally, the top body may feature a plurality of ledges that simulate the friction of a rough skating surface, and the miniature skateboard case may include at least two accessory storage compartments in the bottom body, with the accessory tool compartment positioned between them.
It is a further aspect of the present invention to provide a device is designed to secure a miniature skateboard and a plurality of skateboard accessories, comprising a low-profile miniature skateboard case with a first body and a second body. The first body includes an interfacing surface with a plurality of magnets positioned at each corner, an internal volume to receive a miniature skateboard with a deck and at least two trucks, and a plurality of protrusions on its external surface. The second body features a storage area within its internal volume, which includes at least two accessory storage compartments to secure a plurality of replacement wheels, and an accessory tool compartment positioned between these compartments. The protrusions on the external surface of the first body provide resistance when a user contacts a portion of the miniature skateboard with the protrusions and moves it along them, simulating the frictional forces and sounds experienced when riding a full-sized skateboard. The accessory storage compartments each include a magnetic strip to secure the replacement wheels, and the accessory tool compartment includes a magnet to secure the accessory tool. The top and bottom bodies are detachably coupled to allow access to the miniature skateboard and accessories, and the accessory tool compartment is shaped complementarily to the accessory tool, ensuring a precise fit.
Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those having skill in the art from the description and disclosure provided herein.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fingerboard case operable to house a fingerboard.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fingerboard case operable to store a plurality of fingerboard accessories.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a fingerboard case having a plurality of ledges operable to simulate the friction of a brick or other frictional surface.
The above-described objects, advantages, and features of the invention, together with the organization and manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals throughout the several drawings described herein. Further benefits and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in reference to these embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention. To the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that are included within the spirit and scope of the invention. In the following disclosure, specific details are given to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without all of the specific details provided.
Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and referring particularly to
The present invention concerns a fingerboard case 100 operable to store a fingerboard 80 and a storage case 30 housing a plurality of fingerboard accessories. As shown in
Both top and bottom bodies 50 and 40 may each include an interfacing surface 57 and 47 operably joining the top body 50 and bottom body 40. The internal volumes 55 and 45 may be internal cavities extend to at or near the perimeter of top body 50 and bottom body 40 respectively, each including a bottom surface 54 and 44.
In some embodiments, as shown in
In some embodiments, when the top body 50 and bottom body 40 are secured together, an internal hollow geometry may be formed through the combined space of the internal volumes 55 and 45. The internal hollow geometry may receive a fingerboard 80. The fingerboard 80 may be first inserted within a fingerboard compartment 58 of the top body 50 by placing the deck 81 within the fingerboard compartment 58. The trucks 84a and 84b may protrude from the internal volume 55.
The fingerboard compartment 58 may be operable to pressure fit the finger board to hold it securely in place. The fingerboard compartment 58 may have a complementary shape to the perimeter of the fingerboard 80. In some embodiments, the sidewalls of the fingerboard compartment 58 may be made of a compressible material that facilitates a pressure fit of the fingerboard 80 in the fingerboard compartment 58. For example, the sidewall of the fingerboard compartment 58 may comprise foam rubber (e.g., Neoprene, EVA foam, etc.), silicone rubber, high-density foam, polyurethane foam, cork, microfiber fabric, or a combination of one or more of these materials.
As shown in
The accessory tool compartment 38 may be positioned at the center of the internal volume 44 of the bottom body 40 and may include a magnet 39. The accessory tool compartment 38 may be designed to receive an accessory tool 65. The magnet 39 may be operable to magnetically secure the accessory tool 65. The accessory tool 65 may be operable to repair, assemble, and adjust components on the fingerboard 80. Examples of fingerboard tools may include miniature screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, miniature socket wrenches, grip tape files, tuning kits, and the like. The truck and wheel spaces may also include embedded magnets 44a-44d to allow for the insertion and storage of any ferrous or other material that may be held in place by a magnet.
The storage compartments 34a and 34b may be positioned around the accessory tool compartment 38, each having a rectangular geometry with a magnetic strip (36a, 36b) positioned therein. Each storage compartment 34a and 34b may be operable to receive a plurality of replacement wheels 60. The magnetic strips 36a and 36b may be operable to magnetically secure the plurality of replacement wheels 60. The replacement wheels 60 may be used to replace wheels 85 on the fingerboard 80. The magnetic strips 36 used within the storage compartments 34a and 34b may be similar to plurality of magnets 46 or 56. In other embodiments, there may be a different type of magnet 36 used within the two storage compartments 34. For example, neodymium magnets may be used for magnets 46 and 56 for a secure connections between the upper and lower bodies, and magnetic strips 36a and 36b may be alnico magnets, ceramic magnets, ferrite magnets, or other permanent magnet.
In some embodiments, there may be at least four replacement wheels 60 may be positioned in each storage compartments 34a and 34b. In other embodiments, there may be at least six wheels 60 operably stored within each storage compartment 34a and 34b. In some exemplary embodiments, the storage compartment 34 may be operable to store other materials relevant to the fingerboard 80. Adjacent to the accessory storage area, the bottom body 50 may include truck and wheel spaces 44 to accommodate the trucks and wheels of a fingerboard 80 stored in the storage case 100 with the fingerboard accessories. The bottom body 40 may have a depth that is in a range of about 0.4 inches to about 0.75 inches. The interior truck and wheel spaces 44a and 44b may have a depth of about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches, providing sufficient depth to accommodate the trucks 84 and wheels 85 of a fingerboard 80 stored therein without excess depth.
The fingerboard 80, the replacement wheels 60, and the accessory tool 65 may be stored within the fingerboard case 100 as shown in
A magnetic strip 36 may be positioned within each storage compartment 34, and a magnet 39 may be inserted within the tooling compartment 38. A plurality of replacement wheels 60 may be magnetically secured to each magnetic strip (36a-36b), and an assembly tool 65 may be magnetically secured to magnet 39.
The top body 50 and a bottom body 40 may be operably coupled together to form the assembled low-profile storage case 100 with the fingerboard 80, fingerboard accessories, and assembly tool 65 secured therein. The assembled low-profile storage case 100 may have a total depth of about 0.8 inches to about 1.5 inches. This provides a low-profile storage case structure that can comfortably fit within most pockets for comfortable transport. The fingerboard compartment 58 may be centered in the top body such that the trucks and wheels of a fingerboard positioned in the fingerboard compartment are aligned with the truck and wheel spaces 44a and 44b of the bottom body 40 such that the top and bottom bodies can be joined together without obstruction by the trucks 84a and 84b and wheels of the fingerboard 80.
In some embodiments, the top body 50 of the case 100 may include a pair of side walls 52 and 53, each wall including a plurality of ledges 52a and 53a operable to simulate the friction of a brick surface or other rough surface, as shown in
In some embodiments, the number of ledges 52a or 53a on each side wall 52 and 53 may range between two to ten. In other embodiments, there may be a plurality of ledges 52a-53a on each side wall 52 and 53.
In such embodiments, as shown in
It is to be understood that variations, modifications, and permutations of embodiments of the present invention, and uses thereof, may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is not limited by the specific embodiments, descriptions, or illustrations or combinations of either components or steps disclosed herein. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although reference has been made to the accompanying figures, it is to be appreciated that these figures are exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
