Abstract: A skateboard system includes a first suspension member having first through third portions, each portion having a largest flat planar surface. The first portion includes a plurality of mount holes to mount it with a skateboard deck. The largest flat planar surface of the second portion is angled between fifteen and sixty degrees relative to the largest flat planar surface of the first portion and relative to the deck. The largest flat planar surface of the third portion is angled between fifteen and eighty degrees relative to the largest flat planar surface of the second portion. The third portion includes at least one opening to mount a truck assembly and/or a hanger with the third portion. The first suspension member flexes, such that an angle between the largest flat planar surface of the second portion and the deck decreases, in response to a first downward force on the deck.

Abstract: A skateboard system includes a first suspension member having first through third portions, each portion having a largest flat planar surface. The first portion includes a plurality of mount holes to mount it with a skateboard deck. The largest flat planar surface of the second portion is angled between fifteen and sixty degrees relative to the largest flat planar surface of the first portion and relative to the deck. The largest flat planar surface of the third portion is angled between fifteen and eighty degrees relative to the largest flat planar surface of the second portion. The third portion includes at least one opening to mount a truck assembly and/or a hanger with the third portion. The first suspension member flexes, such that an angle between the largest flat planar surface of the second portion and the deck decreases, in response to a first downward force on the deck.

Abstract: A protective casing for a vessel includes an outer shell surrounding the vessel wall. A spacer extends from adjacent the vessel wall toward the outer shell and spaces the outer shell away from the vessel wall. The spacer permits substantially uninhibited deformation of the outer shell to failure inward toward the vessel wall when a missile impact is imparted on the outer shell such that the outer shell substantially dampens the transmission of the energy of the missile impact to the exterior vessel wall. The spacer can position the outer shell to allow reinforcing fibers of the outer shell to elongate to the yield point to maximize energy absorption. Embodiments of the protective casing and a protected vessel, as well as a kit and method for forming the protective casing, are disclosed.