Abstract: Improved skateboards and methods of obtaining or providing skateboards with improved trucks. Trucks have two axles or axes, two primary wheels, and two secondary wheels, and skateboards have eight wheels, four in front and four at the rear portion of the skateboard. The four primary wheels support most or all of the weight of the skateboard when the skateboard is on a flat surface, and the two secondary wheels support the weight of one portion of the skateboard (e.g., front or rear) when the primary wheels cross a crack (e.g., a sidewalk contraction joint). In various embodiments, the secondary wheels are located outboard of the primary wheels. Further, in a number of embodiments, the axis of rotation or axle of the primary wheels remains parallel to that of the secondary wheels, whether the skateboard is going straight or turning.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved wheel arrangement of an inline skate for improving turning capability. In this wheel arrangement, the front wheel and rear wheel and any middle wheels are disposed along a straight line that makes an acute angle with the rolling direction and with the wheels being arranged such that they are part of a substantially inverted V-shape seen in front or rear plan view. Subject of the invention are a frame, a wheel assembly, combinations of left and right frames and wheel assemblies, inline skates, a method for retrofitting a prior art frame and a replacement mount for use in such a method.

Abstract: A suspension for a skateboard, comprising a pair of steering knuckles on opposite sides of a chassis frame of the skateboard, a pair of upper control arms connected between the pair of steering knuckles and the chassis frame, a pair of lower control arms connected between the pair of steering knuckles and the chassis frame, and a first spring damper connected between the pair of upper control arms.

Abstract: A customizable skateboard truck assembly comprising an adjustable base plate and a hanger with both adjustable rake and ride height. Further, the skateboard truck assembly disclosed utilizes an open bushing platform that allows for unlimited shapes to be used for the bushing relative to its perimeter. The added space between the hanger and the baseplate allows the truck assembly to fit multiple bushing thicknesses while also choosing to maintain or change the hardness for the bushing. The thickness, hardness, and shape of the bushing all have an effect on the truck assembly's responsiveness and feel for the user. Additionally, the truck assemblies comprise adjustable cams for regulating rotation, or in other words, providing a maximum angle of rotation to the hanger to avoid wheel bite, thereby increasing safety an control of the skateboard by the user. The customizable skateboard truck assembly facilitates smooth and precise motion of the skateboard.

Abstract: A skateboard truck includes a metal bolt called a kingpin and a threaded fastener, called a hex nut, which when combined hold the two main components of a truck together: the baseplate, which is mounted to the bottom surface of the skateboard deck; and the turning part of the truck called the hanger, which is mounted onto the baseplate by means of the kingpin, and affixed tightly into the baseplate by means of a threaded shaft nut assembly permanently affixed within the baseplate. Two bushings placed along the shaft of the kingpin and on either side of a flange protruding from the hanger hold the hanger in place by the tightening of the kingpin into the threaded shaft nut fastener. The kingpin is oriented such that a threaded portion of the kingpin (on an end opposite a bolt head portion) is generally facing towards a bottom surface of the skateboard deck.

Abstract: Disclosed is a truck comprising a hanger having a first pivot support and a second pivot support and an axis of rotation passing through the first pivot support and the second pivot support, a base having a structure providing the first pivot support, a pivot arm attached to the base providing the second pivot support, a pivot bushing passing through an aperture of the base, a kingpin passing through the pivot bushing, the base, and the hanger, and a locknut arranged at an end of the kingpin. In at least one example embodiment the first and second pivot support structures prevent an axis of rotation of the hanger from moving as the locknut is moved along the kingpin.

Abstract: A truck having configured to couple with a deck. The truck including a base and a hanger. The hanger disposed within a hanger aperture of the base. The hanger rotatably coupled with the base by a pivot assembly. The rotation of the hanger with respect to the base controlled by a compression assembly.

Abstract: A steering axle unit (24) for chassis or skateboards, comprising a bearing block (1) and a steering axle body (98), wherein the bearing block (1) has a fastening plane (11) for fastening to a chassis or skateboard, particularly skateboard deck (52), wherein, in the assembled state, the fastening plane (11) is arranged on the chassis or skateboard particularly so as to be parallel to the designated direction of travel (25) of the chassis or skateboard, and wherein the bearing block (1) comprises a vertical axis CD (22) about which the steering axle unit (98) is arranged so as to rotate relative to the bearing block (1), an axle (8) that projects normally from the vertical median longitudinal plane of the bearing block (1) in the straight-ahead position being arranged on the steering axle body (98), wherein the vertical axis CD (22) is arranged on the median longitudinal plane of the bearing block (1) at an angle W1 (19) of less than 90° relative to the fastening plane (11) in the direction of the steering axle

Abstract: An electric skateboard comprising: a deck; a front truck and a rear truck; a pair of wheels rotatably connected to each truck, wherein one or both pairs of wheels are driven by sensored motors; a communications module configured to receive control instructions from a wireless remote control and to transmit data to one or more external devices; a controller in communication with the communication module and the motors; and a battery supplying power to the motors, communications module and controller.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods in which a truck carrying member, for coupling a conventional truck to a skateboard, comprises a pivoting plate and optionally a base plate. For example, the base and pivoting plates are rotatably coupled at a pivot comprising an elastic flexible member that biases the pivoting plate to a default position (e.g., center of the base plate). Preferably, the base plate and pivoting plate each has a mounting surface and a pivoting surface that form an obtuse angle, such that the mounting surface of the pivoting surface extends downward. Another example of a pivoting plate comprises flexible members that allow the pivoting plate to tilt relative to the skateboard.

Abstract: A system and method for a rider with an improved rider-controlled recreation vehicle. A recreational vehicle with a platform medium, for example a wide fabric strap rider platform (versus a hard surface like metal, wood or the like) supported only at the ends. Advantages may include that it provides shock absorption, more road “feel”, different performance characteristics, and more comfort than a traditional hard platform. The platform may also be adjusted for more or less tension for different riding surfaces and conditions and the strapping can easily be replaced with natural wear or to personalize the look with custom graphic designs.

Abstract: A skateboard having laterally disposed wheels along a diagonal board is disclosed. The board has a generally hour-glass shape, but may include extra clearance for either left or right foot mounting, and pushing off. The board may be equipped with a center handle for gripping in use and for carrying. The wheel trucks may include multiple trucks mounted at each end and offset one from the other at that location. The board may also include a stability and/or steering handle at one end, and caster type wheel trucks for added versatility. Owing to the lateral disposition of foot pads and wheels, a rapid natural gait dismount is made possible.

Abstract: An adjustable rear wheel hood system has a movable hood, so to be longitudinally adjusted to accommodate shrinking wheels (due to wear), or other requirements. A longitudinal slot is aligned between the rear wheel hood and the deck, and after adjusting the hood-to-rear wheel separation to a desired amount, the hood is secured to the deck via a shaped protuberance and securing mechanism, preventing lateral movement of the hood.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting a snowboard to a longboard-type skateboard. The resulting longboard combines the properties of a snowboard with those of a skateboard to provide a unique ride. The longboard-skateboard conversion kit uses a board from either a new or reclaimed source; skateboard truck assemblies; and one or more support structure(s) made of firm but flexible materials that allow strength to account for longer length; flexion, rebound, stability and vibration-damping.

Abstract: A three wheeled scooter comprises a chassis having forward and aft ends with a front wheel non-pivotally mounted to the forward end and a pair of rear wheels coaxially mounted to the aft end. The chassis defines a longitudinal axis and includes a support assembly and a handle assembly extending upwardly from the support assembly. The rear wheels are configured to be angularly yawable relative to the longitudinal axis between a neutral position and a yawed position. Steering of the scooter is thereby effectuated by angular yawing of the rear wheels relative to the longitudinal axis such as by asymmetric loading of one of opposing sides of the support assembly.

Abstract: The utility model discloses a width-adjustable skate with an interchangeable function, including a shell, a toe cap, a width adjustment screw, and a width adjustment moving part. The bottom of the shell is provided with a replaceable sliding assembly. By means of the replaceable sliding assembly, a user can mount a blade-type sliding assembly or a roller-type sliding assembly as required, thus implementing interchange. Moreover, the width of the skate is adjustable, such that the user feels more comfortable when wearing it.

Abstract: A modular skating assembly for switching between types of skating styles includes a boot that is configured to couple to a foot of a user. A first coupler is coupled to a sole of the boot. Each of a plurality of second couplers is complementary to the first coupler. Each of a plurality of skate modules is coupled to a respective second coupler. The respective second coupler is positioned to couple to the first coupler to selectively couple the skate module to the boot. The improvement is the plurality of skate modules being selectively couplable to the boot, such that a pair of the boots is selectively configurable to enable a particular style of skating, such as in-line skating and roller skating.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a retractable inline skate shoe. The retractable inline skate shoe is configured such that: a cavity is formed in the sole of a shoe body; the housing is mounted and fastened in the cavity; a slider is inserted into the housing; a push button is configured to protrude to an outside via a through hole portion formed in a heel of the shoe sole; a number of L-shaped wheel shaft insertion recesses are formed in lower portions of both left and right sides of the slider; a frame is mounted inside the slider; recessed wheel shaft fitting recesses are formed in both side wall surfaces of the frame; two fastening recesses are fastened onto the shoe sole; a guide is inserted into the frame; and the slider containing the frame is fastened into the housing by means of housing fastening plates.

Abstract: Devices and methods of transport are disclosed. Various embodiments include structural aspects related to steering and changing the direction of conveyances including features which utilize leaning or shifting of weight as part of turning.

Abstract: A charged particle spectrometer of hemispherical analyzer type for analyzing a particle emitting sample, the spectrometer comprising at least a first mechanism configured to move at least a part of the lens with respect to the axis between the sample spot and the analyzer entrance in a coordinate direction synchronously with a deflection of the particle beam.

Abstract: A skate including a tridimensional skate boot shell with a sole insert embedded in or received in the skate boot shell such that at least part of a thickness of the sole portion is defined under the sole insert, and a holder under the skate boot shell configured for retaining a ground-engaging skate element. The holder is connected to the sole insert by at least one fastener extending through the at least part of the thickness of the sole portion. A method of manufacturing a skate boot is also discussed.

Abstract: Improved skateboards and methods of obtaining or providing skateboards with improved trucks. Trucks have two axles or axes, two primary wheels, and two secondary wheels, and skateboards have eight wheels, four in front and four at the rear portion of the skateboard. The four primary wheels support most or all of the weight of the skateboard when the skateboard is on a flat surface, and the two secondary wheels support the weight of one portion of the skateboard (e.g., front or rear) when the primary wheels cross a crack (e.g., a sidewalk contraction joint). In various embodiments, the secondary wheels are located outboard of the primary wheels. Further, in a number of embodiments, the axis of rotation or axle of the primary wheels remains parallel to that of the secondary wheels, whether the skateboard is going straight or turning.

Abstract: A motorized personal transportation article is provided to transport a person by wearing a pair of power-assisted motorized shoes, used in a normal forward walking action that provides a supplementary walking speed adjusted based on a user intended walking speed, even the intended speed changes during a mid-step. The sole of each of the shoes houses a relatively stiff plate coupled with conveyor assemblies in the toe and heel sections, respectively, which are connected by a relatively flexible portion. The assembly is designed to neutralize forces acting to disrupt its operation during walking while the flexible portion assists in bending the shoe naturally to maintain the natural walking balance and movement. Further, the flexible portion may equip with ribs or hinges for easier bending than twisting. The front and rear relatively stiff plates may make of twistable and bendable materials but to a lesser extent than the flexible portion.

Abstract: A standup paddle-board skateboard apparatus for mimicking the experience of standup paddle-boarding on land. Functional elements of the apparatus may include wheel-cutouts allowing for increased articulation without experiencing wheel-bite, a modified truck angle for improved turning, central handle, and axle cutouts allow for increased board tilt without the axle impacting the board.

Abstract: A skateboard deck comprising an elongate, fiber-reinforced thermoplastic injection molded body having top and bottom surfaces and including: a pair of spaced truck attachment bases integrally formed on the bottom surface and each associated with a respective end of said body; a substantially closed-loop, integral torsion member formed on the bottom surface of the body in a space between said truck attachment bases; and a pair of longitudinal stiffening ribs each formed integrally with the body, said truck attachment bases and said torsion member, said stiffening ribs and body being positively cambered whereby the body substantially flattens out under load in use.

Abstract: A human transportation device in the form of a variable length skateboard. The variable length skateboard provides a short embodiment allowing the rider greater handling and stopping ability and a long embodiment providing the rider with increased speed ability. The long and short embodiments can quickly and easily be transitioned between at any time or place by the insertion or extraction of at least one removable center deck section. The deck sections are coupled using thumb screw type fasteners and coupler plates thereby removing a need for tools to make the conversion between embodiments. The variable length skateboard provides its owner with multiple embodiments without having to purchase multiple skateboards.

Abstract: A truck for a skateboard utilizes spherical balls mounted for rotation beneath the deck of the skateboard such that the balls are freely rotatable in a direction along the longitudinal axis and are less rotatable in a direction transverse to the axis such that the skateboard exhibits behavior expected from a snowboard in snow.

Abstract: The wheeled riding device employs a frame system mounted to the bottom of the deck, independent suspension links pivotally connect to the wheel assemblies enabling four wheel independent suspensions. A centrally mounted steering and suspension pivot, provides both steering control and suspension attachment for the shock and spring. The device is controlled by the rider using body movement, and a hand held remote when electrically driven. Whether manually or electrically propelled the invention brings improvements in both steering and ride stability while riding over adverse terrain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel skateboard truck. More particularly, the present invention pertains to skateboard truck with two independently adjustable pivot points that achieve a unique variable turning motion without affecting the skateboard's stability. Additionally, the skateboard truck includes an offset axle that swings towards the direction of the turn, thus shifting the wheels away from the side of the skateboard, eliminating wheel bite, and increasing stability.

Abstract: Multi-wheeled vehicles, such as scooters, may include a body, a rear wheel, and a steering assembly. The steering assembly may include a steering shaft, a wheel support chassis, a first front wheel, and a second front wheel. The wheel support chassis is pivotally coupled to the steering shaft for rotation about a chassis pivot axis. The first and second front wheels are rotatingly coupled to the wheel support chassis about respective rotational axes. The second front wheel is at least substantially inline with the first front wheel and located closer to the rear wheel than the first front wheel when the steering shaft is in a forward straight orientation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller ski having a suspension system incorporated into the front and rear regions of the main roller ski body. The suspension system allows roller-skiers to undertake roller-skiing on rougher pavement, asphalt or the like by reducing stress and/or discomfort to the roller-skier. In addition, the suspension system provides a skiing experience that more closely resembles skiing on snow by returning energy back to the skier in a manner similar to the effect that the camber of a snow ski provides to the skier. In addition, in one embodiment, the roller ski also includes a pressure sensitive ratchet system that simulates skiing using classical technique.

Abstract: An inline frame is disclosed for an inline skate, designed to mimic the properties of an ice hockey skate blade on ice. In at least one example embodiment, the inline frame includes at least one first connection part intended to be connected to a boot and at least two wheels positioned essentially in the inline frame's longitudinal direction. An unique thing about the inline frame of at least one embodiment is that it includes an upper chassis section and a lower chassis section which via a coupling element are arranged to be rotatable in the inline frame's longitudinal direction, and that the upper chassis section includes at least one first contact surface and that the lower chassis section includes at least one second contact surface, where at least one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface is curvilinear.

Abstract: A truck assembly having a mounting plate with a first mounting bracket with a first arm, a second arm and a ridge; a cushion with a front surface that defines a concave segment, a rear surface that defines a notch that receives and seats the ridge, and a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface; an axle assembly having a wheel shaft and a truck support with a first cushion support arm and a second cushion support arm; and a swing pin releasably joining the cushion and the axle assembly to the first mounting bracket.

Abstract: A roller skate includes a shoe having a sole, an elongate rail, a first fastening opening extending through the rail, a second fastening opening extending through the sole, and a fastening device. The fastening device includes a connecting bolt guided through the fastening openings for fastening the shoe to the rail. At least one of the fastening openings is a slot.

Abstract: A skateboard with one or more user maneuverable trucks for a user to independently maneuver the trucks and wheels relative to the carriage platform. The skateboard with one or more user maneuverable trucks includes a support assembly including one or more truck and wheels being mounted upon said the one or more truck, and also includes a rotation assembly being in communication with the support assembly with one or more truck being rotatable therewith, and further includes a platform being in communication with the rotation assembly for supporting a user.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides advantageous skateboard assemblies (e.g., advantageous skateboard mounting member assemblies). More particularly, the present disclosure provides advantageous adjustable mounting members/assemblies for skateboards and related methods of use. In exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure provides for adjustable, movable, slideable, rotatable, interchangeable and/or removable mounting members/assemblies for skateboards. The skateboard mounting member assemblies typically include a contoured or shaped top surface (e.g., ergonomically curved, shaped and/or contoured top surface), each contoured/shaped top surface configured and dimensioned to provide the user/rider an advantageous surface that a user/rider can position a foot (or feet) onto/over during use (e.g., a surface that a user/rider can utilize to place or position a foot directly onto/above, with the bottom side of the user's foot contacting the contoured top surface of the mounting member assembly).

Abstract: “INLINE SKATEBOARD WITH DIFFERENTIATED WHEELS’ that has wheels with different predetermined sizes being affixed by means of two trucks to the shape. Besides the wheels, the two trucks have a shock absorber device, a metallic base structure and a torsion system for the execution of curves with the automatic alignment of the wheel sets with the shape after turning movement completion. Thus, the movement is limited by three features combined: the size of the internal wheels, the sliding of the internal screw through the aperture of the wheels axles' fixation support and the sliding of the intermediary parts of the recesses of the torsion device mortise aperture with the wheels axles' fixation support relative to the sleeve apertures.

Abstract: The shoe has one to four wheels that, for walking, are placed horizontally in specific recesses in the sole, and that, for skating, are pivoted about longitudinal axes and blocked in a vertical position by a single latch, and project downwards relative to the sole, thereby transforming the shoe into a roller skate. This invention is of interest to manufacturers and users of shoes and of sports articles.

Abstract: A skateboard truck is provided that includes a base plate, a hanger and a kingpin. The base plate includes a kingpin clamping device, wherein the kingpin clamping device engages the kingpin and clamps around the circumference of the kingpin. The kingpin is prohibited from axial and radial movement in response to clamping the kingpin clamping device around the kingpin. The skateboard truck may also include a pivot alignment system. The pivot alignment system includes a recess in the hanger, a bearing coupled within the recess of hanger, a slot within the base plate and a pivot rod coupled to each the slot and the bearing. The pivot rod extends through the slot and engages the bearing within the recess of the hanger. The pivot rod may be moved from an engaged to a disengaged position, wherein the disengaged position, the pivot rod is slideable within the slot.

Abstract: A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation includes a shoe configured to at least partially accept a foot of a user of the wearable device, the shoe comprising a foot interface surface configured for selective contact with a bottom of the foot, a wheel assembly configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface in response to rotation of at least a portion of the wheel assembly about an axle that is substantially coincident with an axis of rotation, and a frame connected between the shoe and the wheel assembly, the frame being configured to selectively transfer forces between the shoe and the wheel assembly and the frame comprising a clearance plane vertically offset from the ground surface.

Abstract: The invention is a dry surface skiing apparatus including a leading self-steering swivel caster and trailing non self-steering swivel caster. It offers major safety improvements compared to the existing prior art. Its operation closer resembles modern carving ski and eliminates problems such as swivel caster flutter and undesirable drift effect with rotary turns. It also adds the ability to brake. Elimination of flutter is achieved by application of non self-steering trailing swivel caster which is cross connected to the leading self-steering swivel casters by a steering system. The ground friction of the wheel in the trailing swivel caster dampens the flutter. At the same time since the rear wheel turns in the opposite way to the front wheel, a carved turn is achieved in a similar manner to flexing a carving ski along its entire length. In order to facilitate braking wing like members are attached to the outer edge of each ski which allow transmitting friction of ski pole tips to the ski platform.

Abstract: A riser for mounting a skateboard truck to a skateboard undersurface has a base portion having a board mounting interface surface, an overall first height dimension, and two or more through-openings for fasteners to fasten the base portion firmly to the undersurface of the skateboard, and a cantilever portion extending away from the base portion for a first length, the cantilever portion having a thickness less than the first height dimension, leaving a clearance of a second dimension between the cantilever portion and the skateboard undersurface as mounted to the skateboard undersurface, and a pattern of holes through the cantilever portion for mounting a skateboard truck to the riser on a side of the riser away from the skateboard undersurface.

Abstract: A skateboard tensioning system has a pair of risers that are each shaped and sized to be positioned between a board body and trucks of the skateboard. Fastener holes through each of the risers are positioned to correspond with mounting holes of the trucks. Extended fasteners fit through the board body, the fastener holes in the riser, and the mounting holes of the base plate. The system also includes a cable that connects the pair of risers, and a tensioning mechanism for providing tension so that the risers are pulled towards one another, thereby adjusting the suspension of the skateboard.

Abstract: A synchronized rotating wheel assembly for a recreational device having wheels is disclosed. The assembly includes a base plate having top and bottom surfaces, the top surface of the base plate adapted to be attached to a portion of the recreational device, a gear assembly joined with the bottom surface of the base plate, and first and second wheel assemblies respectively joined with the first and second interconnected gears. The gear assembly includes first and second interconnected gears, a mechanism for rotating the first and second gears in unison and in the same direction, and a bias spring mechanism for returning the first and second interconnected gears to a default position when the gear assembly is not under stress. The mechanism may include a third gear between the first and second interconnected gears or a belt having teeth that cooperate with both the first and second interconnected gears.

Abstract: A wheel axle fixing structure of a skateboard is provided for overcoming the drawbacks of a conventional coupling structure between a mounting bracket and a wheel axle of a skateboard and includes a mounting bracket, a wheel axle, and a fixing collar. The mounting bracket has an axle receiving hole that includes two internal threading sections having threads of opposite directions (such as forward thread and backward thread). The wheel axle has an axle external threading section and is fit to the fixing collar that has a collar external threading section. The axle external threading section and a collar external threading section are respectively screwed to the two internal threading sections having threads of opposite directions. The opposite directions of the threads at the two threaded sections provides tightening effects in opposite direction so that one threaded section getting loosened help more securely tighten the other threaded section.

Abstract: A suspension for a wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation, the suspension including an axle configured to be at least partially circumferentially restrained along a length of the axle, wherein the axle is movable about a center of rotation located along a suspension axis of the suspension that is substantially coincident with an axis of rotation of a wheel assembly carried by the axle.

Abstract: Skate, either an in-line roller skate or an ice skate, comprising a frame carrying on or more sliding elements, and a skate boot provided with a sole, said boot being fastened to said frame through a fastening portion, wherein said fastening portion is located between said sole and said frame in a substantially central region in the longitudinal direction of said frame.

Abstract: A roller skate having enhanced durability and stability is disclosed. The skate includes a platform for supporting a skater's foot. The platform includes a toe plate and heel plate connected by an adjustable connecting assembly. A front truck is affixed to the underside of the toe plate, while a rear truck is affixed to the underside of the heel plate. The front truck includes simple bracket arms for affixing a single front wheel which is capable of rotating, but not capable of tilting about the platform's longitudinal axis. Meanwhile, the rear wheel truck is mounted to the underside of the heel plate so as to permit both tilting movement about an inclined longitudinal axis, and also rotation about a transverse axis relative to the roller skate's platform. Preferably, the roller skate includes three wheels rotatably mounted to the rear wheel truck.

Abstract: A spring-loaded skateboard accessory is configured to assist a rider in the performance of an ollie maneuver. The accessory includes a mounting plate for attaching the accessory to a skateboard truck, a rotatable kick plate assembly and a spring component coupled between the mounting plate and the rotatable kick plate. The spring component compresses as the kick plate assembly contacts the ground during the beginning of an ollie maneuver. As the rider forces the board off the ground, the tension in the spring is released and provides energy to provide increased lift (“air”) to a skateboard maneuver.

Abstract: A skateboard truck maintains truck geometry. The truck includes a support pin including a cylindrical end slideably engaging a cylindrical passage in a base plate, and a ball end residing in a socket in a hanger. A support pin bushing under the cylindrical end is compressible and both carries some of a rider's weight and holds the ball end in the socket providing a second pivot to the truck. The second pivot eliminates horizontal play of the hanger thereby facilitating consistent compression of the kingpin bushings and improved stability of the skateboard. Support pin travel allows off-center kingpin bushing compression for steering and improves shock absorption. Eliminating horizontal play allows lengthened kingpin bushings and use of the entire height of the kingpin bushings. The combination of kingpin bushing preload, and weight carried by the support pin, tends to equalize the compression of the top and bottom kingpin bushings improving stability.