This invention relates generally to skateboards, and, in particular, to skateboards having improved suspension systems and improved flexibility.
Skateboards are well known in the art, and are typically formed of a board comprising multiple layers. A pair of trucks is pivotally secured to an underside of the board. An axle with a wheel at each end is secured to each truck. The pivotable trucks allow a user to flex the board from one side to the other, thereby allowing the user to turn the board in either direction by leaning to that side.
Skateboarders often use their boards to perform various tricks, including, for example, flipping, lifting and twisting their board. In order to perform the flips, twists and other tricks carried out in competitive and recreational use of skateboards, the board must be very flexible, yet strong. Since many of the tricks performed include hard landings and riding over rough surfaces, absorption of shocks is also an important requirement for skateboard construction.
Skateboard competitions have become increasingly prevalent, and the award money and competition present at such events have naturally increased the complexity of the tricks performed by skateboard users. Accordingly, the requirement for flexibility and strength in the boards has increased as well. However, present skateboards are limited in the amount of flexibility they exhibit.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a skateboard suspension system that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments.
In accordance with a first aspect, a skateboard includes a board having a tip portion and a tail portion. A substantially U-shaped first aperture is formed in the tip portion, with an open end of the first aperture opening toward a central portion of the board. A substantially U-shaped second aperture is formed in the tail portion, with an open end of the second aperture opening toward a central portion of the board.
In accordance with another aspect, a skateboard assembly includes a board having a tip portion and a tail portion. A first truck is secured to the tip portion of the board, and has an axle and a wheel rotatably secured to each end of the axle. A second truck is secured to the tail portion of the board, and has an axle and a wheel rotatably secured to each end of the axle. A substantially U-shaped first aperture is formed in the board and substantially surrounds the first truck, with an open end of the first aperture opening toward a central portion of the board. A substantially U-shaped second aperture is formed in the board, and substantially surrounds the second truck; with an open end of the second aperture opening toward a central portion of the board.
Substantial advantage is achieved by providing a skateboard with an improved suspension system. In particular, improved flexibility of the skateboard can be realized, allowing a user to perform more tricks and enjoy a better and smoother ride.
These and additional features and advantages of the invention disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.
The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale and should be understood to present a representation of the invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the suspension system for a skateboard depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Suspension systems for skateboards as disclosed herein, would have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used.
The present invention may be embodied in various forms. A preferred embodiment of a skateboard 10 is shown in
A substantially U-shaped first aperture 28 is formed in tip portion 12, and defines a first cantilever 30 bounded by first aperture 28 and a first peripheral lip 32 surrounding first aperture 28. Cantilever 30 has a substantially U-shaped exposed outer edge. An open end of the U-shape of first aperture 28 opens toward a central portion of board 11. Front truck 16 is secured to lower surface 18 of cantilever 30 such that first aperture 28 substantially surrounds front truck 16.
A substantially U-shaped second aperture 34 is formed in tail portion 14, and defines a second cantilever 36 bounded by second aperture 34 and a second peripheral lip 38 surrounding second aperture 34. Cantilever 36 has a substantially U-shaped exposed outer edge. An open end of the U-shape of second aperture 34 opens toward a central portion of board 11. Rear truck 18 is secured to lower surface 18 of cantilever 36 such that second aperture 34 substantially surrounds rear truck 18.
Cantilevers 30, 36 act as springs for the user, since they can flex upwardly and downwardly. The spring action from cantilevers 30, 36 and first and second peripheral lips 32, 38 provides additionally flexibility for board 11, allowing a user to more easily maneuver the board to turn and perform tricks. Additionally, the increased flexibility of the board improves the shock absorption capabilities of board 11.
As is typical with skateboards, board 11 may be formed of a plurality of layers. In the embodiment illustrated in
It is to be appreciated that many different materials, and combinations of materials, may be used to make up the layers of board 11. The wood-fiberglass-foam-fiberglass-wood combination described above is just one of a myriad of combinations that is possible for the construction of board 11. It is to be appreciated that board 11 may, in certain preferred embodiments, be formed of a single layer.
In a preferred embodiment, as seen in
In the illustrated embodiment, spine 50 is an elongate member positioned between central layer 40 and second inner layer 42, and is laminated together with all of the layers of board 11. It is to be appreciated that spine 50 could be positioned elsewhere in board 11. For example, spine 50 could be positioned between central layer 40 and second inner layer 44. In another preferred embodiment, spine 50 could be formed within central layer 40. In an embodiment where central layer 40 is formed of foam, central layer 40 could be molded around spine 50.
In certain preferred embodiments, spine 50 is formed of a carbon fiber composite. Spine 50 may also be formed of spring steel, titanium, or any other suitable material that will provide strength to board 11, while still allowing adequate flex of board 11. It is to be appreciated that in certain preferred embodiments, as noted above, board 11 could be formed of a single layer. In embodiments where board 11 is a single layer, it may be formed of a carbon fiber composite, spring steel, titanium, or any other suitable material.
In another preferred embodiment, as seen in
In another preferred embodiment, a spine could be formed in board 11 by positioning a spine 70 as a central layer of board 11, as seen in
In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and description of the preferred embodiments, those skilled in this area of technology will readily understand that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such modifications and adaptations are intended to be covered by the following claims.