Skateboard wheel system

Abstract

A skateboard wheel system for providing a skateboard wheel rim that can be uniquely designed while permitting easy replacement of worn wheels. The skateboard wheel system includes a rim member, manufactured in a plurality of designs and appearances, with a bearing pressed into both a first end and a second end and wheel member pressed about the rim member retained by a ring member. The rim member is comprised of an aperture for mounting the skateboard wheel system to the truck of the skateboard, a flange element located towards the first end for retaining the wheel member and a first threads towards the second end for retaining the ring member. The wheel member has a rib integrated to an interior surface for retaining it to the rim member. The ring member includes a plurality of tool apertures to be utilized while assembling the ring member to the rim member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable to this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to skateboard wheels and more specifically it relates to a skateboard wheel system for providing a skateboard wheel rim that can be uniquely designed while permitting easy replacement of worn wheels.

2. Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Skateboard wheels have been in use for years. Typically, skateboard wheels are comprised of a urethane material and have enclosed bearing casings pressed within the wheels. The wheels can be made of most any color and have different artwork or color patterns impregnated within the urethane material. However, when skateboard wheels used today wear out, the entire wheel assembly including bearings is usually discarded even though the bearings are still in working order.

While these devices may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they are not as suitable for providing a skateboard wheel rim that can be uniquely designed while permitting easy replacement of worn wheels. Current skateboard wheels don't allow for designer rim usage nor do they permit for only the wheel being replaced when worn.

In these respects, the skateboard wheel system according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of providing a skateboard wheel rim that can be uniquely designed while permitting easy replacement of worn wheels.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of skateboard wheels now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new skateboard wheel system construction wherein the same can be utilized for providing a skateboard wheel rim that can be uniquely designed while permitting easy replacement of worn wheels.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new skateboard wheel system that has many of the advantages of the skateboard wheels mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new skateboard wheel system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art skateboard wheels, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention generally comprises a rim member, manufactured in a plurality of designs and appearances, with a bearing pressed into both a first end and a second end and wheel member pressed about the rim member retained by a ring member. The rim member is comprised of an aperture for mounting the skateboard wheel system to the truck of the skateboard, a flange element located towards the first end for retaining the wheel member and first threads towards the second end for retaining the ring member. The wheel member has a rib integrated to an interior surface for retaining it to the rim member. The ring member includes a plurality of tool apertures to be utilized while assembling the ring member to the rim member.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as limiting.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a skateboard wheel system that will overcome the shortcomings of the prior art devices.

A second object is to provide a skateboard wheel system for providing a skateboard wheel rim that can be uniquely designed while permitting easy replacement of worn wheels.

Another object is to provide a skateboard wheel system that allows for the quick replacement of worn wheels.

An additional object is to provide a skateboard wheel system that allows the user to interchange the rim for different designs or functions.

A further object is to provide a skateboard wheel system that permits normal usage of the skateboard as desired by the user.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects and advantages are within the scope of the present invention.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1a is an upper perspective view of the first end of the present invention.

FIG. 1b is an upper perspective view of the second end of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the present invention.

FIG. 4a is a side view of the first end of the present invention.

FIG. 4b is a side view of the second end of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an upper perspective view of the present invention assembled to a skateboard.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. Overview

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1a through 5 illustrate a skateboard wheel system 10, which comprises a rim member 20, manufactured in a plurality of designs and appearances, with a bearing 16 pressed into both a first end 21 and a second end 23 and wheel member 30 pressed about the rim member 20 retained by a ring member 40. The rim member 20 is comprised of an aperture 24 for mounting the skateboard wheel system 10 to the truck 14 of the skateboard, a flange element 22 located towards the first end 21 for retaining the wheel member 30 and first threads 28 towards the second end 23 for retaining the ring member 40. The wheel member 30 has a rib 32 integrated to an interior surface for retaining it to the rim member 20. The ring member 20 includes a plurality of tool apertures 44 to be utilized while assembling the ring member 40 to the rim member 20.

B. Rim Member

The rim member 20 is preferably made of rigid material that will not significantly distort when machined or while supporting the components of a skateboard, the user and dynamic loads observed during use. The rim member 20 is preferably made of a material which will withstand periods of exposure to moisture and contaminants (e.g. dirt or sand) such that it will not rust or wear. The rim member 20 may additionally be coated with a finishing material which must adhere to the rim member 20 and withstand exposure to moisture. The rim member 20 is preferably comprised of an aluminum material constructed using a machining or casting process, but it can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other materials (e.g. steel or titanium) or processes could be utilized.

The rim member 20 is somewhat of a cylindrical structure having substantially circular cross sections. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 4A and 5, the rim member 20 preferably has a spoke or face design at a first end 21. The design can vary as desired within the capabilities of the process used to manufacture the rim member 20, while maintaining the structural requirements of the rim member 20. As with automobile rims, there are a large amount of designs available to choose from.

The diameter and width of skateboard wheels vary for the function desired by the user. Accordingly, the rim member 20 of the skateboard wheel system 10 will vary to match or fit a chosen wheel member 30. Wheel members 30 will be discussed in more detail in the next section.

As best illustrated in FIG. 2, a flange element 22 extends around the rim member at the first end 21. The flange element 22 is a raised portion above the main body of the rim member 20, extending from the first end 21 towards a second end 23. The flange element 22 is used for retaining a rib 32 of the wheel member 30 that is pressed onto the rim member 20.

As shown in FIG. 2, at the second end 23 of the rim member 20 are first threads 28. The first threads 28 extend from the second end 23 towards the first end 21. The first threads 28 are configured and sized to accept second threads 42 on a ring member 40 used for attaching the ring member 40 to the rim member 20. The ring member 40 will be discussed in greater detail later.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 through 4B, an aperture 24 extends substantially straight and perpendicular to the ends 21, 23 from the first end 21 to the second end 23. The aperture 24 is sized for accepting the insertion of an axle from the truck 14 of the skateboard. Located at both ends 21, 23 and concentric with the aperture 24, is a bore 26. The bore 26 located at the first end 21 extends toward the second end 23 while the bore 26 located at the second end 23 extends toward the first end 21. The bores 26 are preferably sized for the insertion of a bearing 16, such that each bearing 16 when pressed into each bore 26 is flush at each end 21, 23. Both bearings 16 are equally sized for accepting the insertion of the axle from the truck 14 of the skateboard. The bearings 16 are also preferably a sealed design to keep contaminants (e.g. sand or grit) out of the bearing casing.

C. Wheel Member

The wheel member 30 is preferably made of a semi-rigid material that will not significantly distort when supporting the user and dynamic loads observed during use. The wheel member 30 is preferably made of a material which will withstand exposure to moisture and humidity such that it will not rust or absorb water. The wheel member 30 is also preferably made of a material which will not degrade after long exposure to sunlight. The wheel member 30 is preferably comprised of a urethane material and it can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that there are many different urethane blends and other composite blends available in many colors for skateboard wheels.

As discussed earlier, wheel members 30 are available in varying outer diameters and widths to accommodate different riding conditions or functions observed by the user. Wheel member 30 outer diameters range from approximately 52 millimeters for general usage to 60+ millimeters for more specialty riding. Wheel member 30 widths vary as desired, with wider widths providing more control of the skateboard and narrower widths used for faster applications.

The hardness or durometer of the wheel members 30 can also vary as desired by the user. A softer wheel member 30 material will provide a smoother ride and provide better grip when using a skateboard. A harder wheel member 30 material will provide a faster ride and will wear less than a softer material. A durometer around 90 A around is used for general applications while a durometer of approximately 100 A is used for more experienced users.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the wheel member 30 has a rib 32 extending around the inner diameter. The rib 32 is preferably positioned substantially centered across the width of the wheel member 30. The rib 32 extends inwardly a distance substantially matching the height of the flange element on the rim member 20. The inner diameter of the wheel member 30 should substantially match and preferably be slightly smaller than that of the outer diameter of the rim member so a press fit is obtained at assembly of the wheel member 30 to the rim member 20. The lateral distance from the outer edges of the rib 32 to the sides of the wheel member 30 should substantially match the width of the flange element on the rim member 20 and the width of a ring member 40 to be discussed in the next section.

D. Ring Member

The ring member 40 is preferably made of rigid material that will not significantly distort when machined or while supporting the user and dynamic loads observed during use. The ring member 40 is preferably made of a material which will withstand periods of exposure to moisture and contaminants (e.g. dirt or sand) such that it will not rust or wear. The ring member 40 may additionally be coated with a finishing material which must adhere to the rim member 40 and withstand exposure to moisture. The ring member 40 is preferably comprised of an aluminum material constructed using a machining process, but it can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other materials (e.g. steel or titanium) could be utilized.

The ring member 40 has second threads 42 located on the inner surface or inside diameter as best shown in FIG. 2. The second threads 42 are configured and sized to accept the first threads 28 on the rim member 20 as discussed earlier. The thickness of the ring member 40 or distance from the inside surface to the outside surface should substantially match the height of flange element 22 on the rim member 20. This thickness will allow for a slight interference fit with the wheel members 30 when assembled.

As shown in FIGS. 1B, 2, 3 and 4, two tool apertures 44 are positioned on a second surface of the ring member 40. The tool apertures 44 extend from the second surface 48 towards a first surface 46 to a preferred depth. The tool apertures 44 lie on a common bolt circle concentric with the ring member 40 substantially centered on the second surface 48. The tool apertures 44 are sized for accepting the insertion of pins located on a tool member 50. The tool member 50 as shown in FIG. 2, is a Y-shaped structure having two pins spaced apart to match the spacing of the tool apertures 44 on the ring member 40. The tool member 50 is preferably a metal structure used for tightening the ring member to the rim member 20, but it can be appreciated that other materials (e.g. plastic, composite) could also be utilized.

E. Operation of the Invention

In use, the skateboard wheel system 10 is preferably used in a set of four to support a skateboard. Each skateboard wheel system 10 can be assembled to the axle portions of the trucks 14 attached to the bottom of a deck 12 as shown in FIG. 5. The skateboard wheel system 10 provides the user the ability to change rim members 20 for a different appearance or to replace worn wheel members 30.

The initial step of using the skateboard wheel system 10 is to determine what riding conditions and/or functions the user will require. This allows the user to select a wheel member 30 with the proper sizing and hardness that will best fit the required needs of the user. After the wheel member 30 is selected, the rim member 20 can be selected to properly fit the chosen wheel member 30. As shown in FIGS. 1A through 5, a secure fit between rim member 20 and wheel member 30 is essential for proper performance of the skateboard wheel system 10. The design of the rim member 20 selected is of personal preference, providing the wheel member 30 properly fits the rim member 20.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the assembly process begins with the bearings 16 being pressed into the bores 26 of the rim member 20. With the bearings in place, the wheel member 30 is pressed or slid over the second end 23 of the rim member 30. When properly assembled, the flange element 22 on the rim member 20 is positioned adjacent to both the rib 32 and the interior surface of the wheel member 30 as best shown in FIG. 3.

The next stage of the assembly process is to attach the ring member 40 to the rim member 20 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. This is accomplished by aligning the second threads 42 on the ring member 40 with the first threads 28 on the rim member 20 and turning the ring member 40, preferably by hand, in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 2 until the threads 28, 42 have engaged one another. The tool member 50 can then be inserted into the tool apertures 44 in the ring member 40 and turned further in a clockwise manner until the first surface 46 of the ring member 40 contacts the rib 32 on the wheel member 30 and can be turned no further. This process is repeated for the desired amount skateboard wheel systems 10, preferably four, and each is assembled to the axles on the trucks 14 of the skateboard.

When a wheel member 30 is worn and needs to be replaced, the above process is reversed for disassembly. The ring member 40 is first removed from skateboard wheel system 10 by using the tool member 50, only turning in counter clock-wise direction. After the ring member 40 has been removed, the worn wheel member 30 can be removed by sliding the wheel member 30 off the second end 23 of the rim member 20. With the worn wheel member 30 removed, a replacement wheel member 30 can be assembled back onto the rim member 20 and the above process repeated for assembly.

What has been described and illustrated herein is a preferred embodiment of the invention along with some of its variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is intended to be defined by the following claims (and their equivalents) in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Claims

1. A skateboard wheel system, comprising:

a rim member having a first end and a second end, wherein said rim member attaches to an axle of a skateboard;

a wheel member positioned around said rim member; and

a ring member attached at said second end of said rim member, wherein said ring member retains said wheel member.

2. The skateboard wheel system of claim 1, wherein said rim member includes a flange element extending around said rim member at said first end and first threads extending around said rim member at said second end.

3. The skateboard wheel system of claim 1, wherein said rim member includes an aperture extending substantially straight from said first end through said second end.

4. The skateboard wheel system of claim 3, wherein said rim member includes a bore extending substantially concentric to said aperture from said first end towards said second end and a bore extending substantially concentric to said aperture from said second end towards said first end.

5. The skateboard wheel system of claim 4, wherein said rim member includes a bearing pressed within said bore located at said first end and a bearing pressed within said bore at said second end.

6. The skateboard wheel system of claim 1, wherein said wheel member includes a rib extending around an interior surface.

7. The skateboard wheel system of claim 6, wherein said rib is retained by said flange element on said rim member.

8. The skateboard wheel system of claim 1, wherein said wheel member is comprised of a urethane mixture.

9. The skateboard wheel system of claim 1, wherein said ring member includes a pair of tool apertures extending into said ring member and second threads extending through said ring member on a inside surface.

10. The skateboard wheel system of claim 1, includes a tool member that is insertable within said tool apertures, wherein said tool member is utilized for attaching said ring member to said rim member.

11. A skateboard wheel system, comprising:

a rim member having a first end and a second end, wherein said rim member attaches to a axle of a skateboard;

a wheel member positioned around said rim member;

a ring member attached at said second end of said rim member, wherein said ring member retains said wheel member; and

a tool member utilized for attaching said ring member to said rim member.

12. The skateboard wheel system of claim 11, wherein said rim member includes a flange element extending around said rim member at said first end and first threads extending around said rim member at said second end.

13. The skateboard wheel system of claim 11, wherein said rim member includes an aperture extending substantially straight from said first end through said second end.

14. The skateboard wheel system of claim 13, wherein said rim member includes a bore extending substantially concentric to said aperture from said first end towards said second end and a bore extending substantially concentric to said aperture from said second end towards said first end.

15. The skateboard wheel system of claim 14, wherein said rim member includes a bearing pressed within said bore located at said first end and a bearing pressed within said bore at said second end.

16. The skateboard wheel system of claim 11, wherein said wheel member includes a rib extending around an interior surface.

17. The skateboard wheel system of claim 16, wherein said rib is retained by said flange element on said rim member.

18. The skateboard wheel system of claim 11, wherein said wheel member is comprised of a urethane mixture.

19. The skateboard wheel system of claim 11, wherein said ring member includes a pair of tool apertures extending into said ring member and second threads extending through said ring member on a inside surface.

20. A skateboard wheel system, comprising:

a rim member having a first end and a second end, wherein a flange element is located near said first end and a first threads is located near said second end, wherein an aperture extends substantially straight from a said first end through said second end, wherein a bore extends substantially concentric to said aperture from said first end towards said second end, wherein a bore extends substantially concentric to said aperture from said second end towards said first end, and wherein a bearing is pressed within each of said bores;

a wheel member comprised of a urethane mixture has a rib extending around an interior surface, wherein said wheel member is positioned around said rim member, and wherein said rib is retained by said flange element on said rim member;

a ring member including a pair of tool apertures extending into said ring member and second threads extending through said ring member on a inside surface, wherein said ring member retains said wheel member; and

a tool member insertable into said tool apertures for attaching said ring member to said rim member.