Previous attempts to provide adjustment to restrictive force of the truck pivoting have been non-existent or require a mechanical tool and a formula is needed to determine how many turns the adjuster screw must be turned and in which direction to increase the resistive force in the resting position to create stability enough for cruising and higher speeds.
Cheng U.S. Pat. No. 6,981,710 discloses a biasing mean to apply resistive force to hanger, but is limited because the bias arms are operable in only one direction, thereby requiring two spring arms, one to resist leftward rotation of the hanger and one to resist rightward rotation of the hanger. It is limited also because the rider would need to carry tools with them to change the resistance if different terrains were encountered or different riding styles were desired.
Providing the appropriate characteristics of a spring force forcing the hanger of a skateboard truck, meaning the wheel axle into the neutral position is particularly crucial for so-called surfskate trucks that allow a significant steering angle.
It is therefore desirable to provide a functionality that allows the rider to quickly change the characteristics of the truck for more stability for higher speed transportation purposes or less stability for slow speed play. Turning dynamics should preferably be selectively changed by the rider in predetermined increments without requiring tools as in the past thereby conveniently and quickly increase or decrease stability based on riding style desired.
It is an object of the invention to provide designs that accomplish a wide steering angle for surfskate functionality allowing very tight turns on a skateboard.
It is another object to allow adjustability of a spring rate urging the skateboard truck into the neutral position where the wheel axle is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the skateboard.
It is yet another object to accomplish engaging or disengaging different spring mechanisms, and in addition adjusting these for higher or lower spring rates.
According to a further embodiment, also a suspension system allowing some general movement of the wheel axle closer to the underside of the skateboard deck or away from it for providing some cushion dampening the effects of a rough street surface or running over obstacles.
This and other objects are accomplished by a skateboard truck configured to be mounted to a skateboard deck, comprising: a hanger with a wheel axle configured to hold skateboard truck wheels; a suspension system comprising a flex member configured to attach the hanger resiliently to a skateboard deck; a rolling contact bearing connecting the hanger with the flex member such that the rolling contact bearing allows rotation of the hanger with respect to the flex member by a steering angle around a steering axis extending substantially vertically to the wheel axle; and a spring mechanism attached to or integrally formed with the flex member biasing the hanger to the neutral position where the steering angle is zero.
The invention encompasses essentially to embodiments, namely a first with biasing means is of the same member as the base and a pivot cup bearing is a connector to the biasing means, allows a union of two biasing means on a single protrusion, wherein a movable restrictor can increase the resistance of the biasing means. According to a second embodiment, another unique resistance adjustment is provided where an adjuster changes an engagement point closer or further away from the torsional spring to increase resistance without tools. Further, selectable engagement of biasing means with hanger protrusions and a biased angle adjustment stops are provided giving a pop back.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, construction is disclosed that allows the rider to quickly change the characteristics of the truck for more stability for higher speed transportation purposes or less stability for slow speed play. Turning dynamics can be selectively changed by the rider in predetermined increments without requiring tools as in the past thereby conveniently and quickly increase or decrease stability based on the riding style desired.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is disclosed showing a feature that allows the user to quickly make the skateboard more stable by increasing the amount of resistive force required for turning.
In a preferred embodiment a restrictor guide that nests into predetermined detents along the adjoining flex member surface to influences the flex member void length having an effect of shortening the void, resistance can be increased.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention it is disclosed showing a feature that allows the user to quickly make the skateboard more stable by increasing the amount of resistive force required for turning.
Yet another preferred embodiment of the invention is constructed with at least one hanger protrusion assembly. The hanger protrusion assembly consists of a protrusion housing, an actuator, a coil spring and a hanger protrusion having a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the hanger protrusion is retracted and is disengaged from a receiver defined by a void in the flex member. When in the second position, the hanger plunger is engaged into a receiver in the flex member and provides a predetermined resistance to the rotation of the hanger on the pivot axis In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a torsional spring is disclosed as the primary rotational resistive element with the plunger and flex base receiver biasing means shown as a supplemental means of changing the performance of the truck. The torsion spring having a unique threaded rod adjuster providing a variable contact point with the torsional spring.
A unique receiver bearing cup according to a preferred embodiment allows multiple receivers to be engaged by a single rotating protrusion intersecting the hangers rotating trajectory. The receiver bearing cup is fitted with an elastomer bushing to dampen vibration and allows the receiver to stay in alignment with the protrusion through the rotation cycle.
Receiver stops defined by voids are placed along the trajectory of the rotating hanger assembly limiting the angle of rotation and urging the hanger to return to the resting position.
It is to be noted that the flex member is designed to elastically deform to store energy providing resistance as forces acting on the mechanism are applied moving downward and upward as outside forces are applied until the flex member abuts into the bumper providing suspension and a smoother ride to the user.
Likewise, a receiver defined by a void in the flex member when engaged by a hanger protrusion extending from the hanger elastically deforms the flex member and stores energy when the hanger moves leftward or rightward from the resting position and use this energy as a resistive force to return the hanger to the resting position. If the void length, relative to the receiver, is lengthened, more movement is possible however, the resistive force will be less. If the void, in relationship to the receiver, is shortened, less movement is possible however, the resistive force will be greater.
At least one receiver may be provided, defined by a void in the flex member along the intersection of the hanger rotation trajectory. The voids allow the receiver to move a specified amount within the yield limits of the material and desired resistance specifications.
A means is also disclosed to close off portions of the voids with an elastic movable restrictor to increase resistance when desired in predetermined increments without needing tools.
Voids in the flex members can be configured in various profiles and volumes to achieve the amount of energy storage and resistance desired
According to a preferred embodiment, a base member is constructed having repulsive force to return the hanger to a resting position.
According to a preferred embodiment, a hanger coupler member extending from the base plate and comprising of a first surface and a second surface wherein the first surface is configured to face the baseplate and at least one hanger protrusion extending outwardly is provided.
According to a preferred embodiment, the surf skate is configured to engage at least one protrusion extending outwardly from the hanger connector wherein a base flex member attachable to the underside of a skateboard deck having at least one receiver defined by a void in the flex member intersecting the rotation trajectory of the hanger, and a hanger is pivotally attached in an inclined manner to the base flex member having at least one hanger protrusion that is configured to engage said receiver defined by a void in base flex member at least temporarily restricting rotation of the hanger on said pivot axis leftward and rightward away from the resting position. A coupling can be operatively connected to the base and the hanger and an axle affixed to hanger configured to receive wheel assemblies.
The flex member 7 is generally U-shaped and comprises a rear portion 22 as well as a front portion 23. The flexible arms 8 are formed by voids that may, for instance, be formed by a punching process of punching out parts of metal sheet or metal plate and the flex member 7 can be manufactured by bending it into a U-shape. In addition, mounting holes 24 can be provided for mounting the flex member to the skateboard deck 6 by screws 26 penetrating through the mounting holes 24 and the attachment nuts 11 screwed onto the screws 26.
Apart from the meander shape 43 allowing an advantageous deformation pattern as for instance demonstrated in
As shown in the exploded view according to
Consequently, a steering angle movement, meaning a rotation between the hanger 3 and the flex member 7, deforms the torsional spring 44 and therefore creates a torque around the steering axis 16. The adjustment mechanism including the adjustment screw 45 is demonstrated in
This second embodiment shown in
A housing 50 can be provided, accommodating the torsional spring and other elements such as the soft stop created by the combination of boss 46, spring 47 and base member 48, and further accommodating the latching mechanism 36.
Further embodiments are described in the following:
A skateboard truck configured to be mounted to a skateboard deck (6), comprising:
a hanger (3) with a wheel axle (4) configured to hold skateboard truck wheels (5); a suspension system (21) comprising a flex member (7) configured to attach the hanger (3) resiliently to a skateboard deck (6);
a rolling contact bearing (15) connecting the hanger (3) with the flex member (7) such that the rolling contact bearing (15) allows rotation of the hanger (3) with respect to the flex member (7) by a steering angle (17) around a steering axis (16) extending substantially vertically to the wheel axle (4); and
a spring mechanism (21) attached to or integrally formed with the flex member (7) biasing the hanger (3) to the neutral position where the steering angle (17) is zero.
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 1, wherein the spring mechanism (21) is integrally formed as part of the flex member (7) by voids subdividing the flex member (7) into several parts that can to some extent flex individual from each other.
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 2, wherein
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 3, wherein the flex member (7) comprises flexible arms (8) that have an elongated curved shape curving from an outer rear portion (22) of the flex member (7) that is more remote from the longitudinal center axis (20) and closer to the rear portion (22) of the flex member (7) towards an inner front portion (23) that is closer to the longitudinal center axis (20) and to the front portion (23) of the flex member (7).
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 4, wherein the flexible arms (8) are loop-shaped curving from the outer rear portion (22) towards a turning point (19) closer to an inner front portion (23) and from there back closer to the outer rear portion (22).
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 4 or 5, further comprising a pivot cup (13) bearing (15) attached to the flexible arms (8), said pivot cup (13) configured to hold a protruding element (12) that is attached to or integrally formed with the hanger (3) allowing some rotational and tilting movement degree of freedom of the protruding element (12) with respect to the pivot cup (13) bearing (15).
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 4, wherein the pivot cup (13) bearing (15) comprises a pivot cup (13) that accommodates a cup-shaped or hollow cylinder shaped resilient member (14) accommodating a free end of the protruding element (12) such that by deformation of the resilient member (14) the degree of freedom for the rotational and the tilting movement is accomplished.
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 5, wherein the pivot cup (13) is located at a front center portion of the flex member (7) and is integrally formed with the two flexible arms (8).
The skateboard truck according to one of embodiments 3-8, further comprising a restrictor (27) configured to shorten the flexible length of the two flexible arms (8), thereby increasing the resistance and consequently the biasing force biasing the pivot cup (13) bearing (15) towards a center position with respect to the flex member (7), such center position of the pivot cup (13) bearing (15) establishing the neutral position of the hanger (3) where the steering angle (17) is zero.
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 9, wherein the restrictor (27) is movable back and forth in direction of the rear portion (22) of the flex member (7) and vice versa in direction of the front portion (23) of the flex member (7), shortening the flexible length of the flexible arms (8) when moved in the direction of the front portion (23) and therefore increasing the resistance and therefore biasing force, and vice versa extending the flexible length of the flexible arms (8) when moved in the direction of the rear portion (22) and therefore decreasing the resistance and therefore biasing force.
The skateboard truck according to one of embodiments 6-10, further comprising at least one stop (31) limiting the maximum moving distance (30) of the pivot cup (13) away from the longitudinal center line (20).
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 11, wherein the at least one stop (31) engages the flexible arms (8).
The skateboard truck according to one of embodiments 11 or 12, further comprising a spring element (32) that is deformed before the stop (31) is engaged.
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 13, wherein the spring element (32) is a spring arm that is deformed towards the stop (31) and urged into contact with the stop (31) when the maximum moving distance (30) of the pivot cup (13) away from the longitudinal center line (20) is reached.
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 5, wherein the part of the flexible arms (8) extending from the turning point (19) closer to an inner front portion (23) back closer to the outer rear portion (22) extends in a meander shape.
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 5 or 15, wherein a free end of the flexible arms (8) terminates in a latching element configured to be latched to the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3), so that when latched the flexible arms (8) are deformed by a rotational movement between the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3).
The skateboard truck according to one of embodiments 5, 15 or 16, further comprising a torsional spring (44) having a first free end attached to the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3) and a second free end connected to the flex member (7) or any parts attached to the flex member (7) so that a rotational movement between the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3).
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 17, wherein the first free end is movable with respect to the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3) for adjusting the spring rate of the torsional spring (44) determining the resistance against relative rotational movement between the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3) and the flex member (7) or any parts attached to the flex member (7).
The skateboard truck according to embodiment 18, further comprising an adjustment screw configured to move the first free end with respect to the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3).
The embodiments are described for demonstration only. It becomes apparent to the skilled artisan that modifications to these embodiments may be made.