EXTRUDED ALUMINUM SKATEBOARD

Abstract

A skateboard deck has a solid body of extruded aluminum, the body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. A support member is carried by one of the top surface and bottom surface and is configured to strengthen the solid body along a length to support a skater. The support member extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the solid body and spaced apart from each of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application of US patent application Ser. No. 14/600,370, filed on Jan. 20, 2015, which is a continuation application of U.S. Pat. No. 8,936,263, filed Aug. 23, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/695,461 filed on Aug. 31, 2012, each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments relate in general to skateboards generally used for recreational purposes.

BACKGROUND

Conventional skateboards generally consist of a deck with front and rear wheel assemblies secured to the underside of the board. These wheel assemblies usually comprise a truck with an axle and two wheels. The decks are constructed of wood or a plastic material and are a finite length with a finite location of the wheel assembly. Conventional skateboards, and in particular longboards, are heavy and unwieldy to carry.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Disclosed herein are embodiments of skateboard decks, each skateboard deck having a solid body of extruded aluminum, the body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. A support member is carried by one of the top surface and bottom surface and is configured to strengthen the solid body along a length to support a skater. The support member extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the solid body and spaced apart from each of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge.

The support member can be extruded with the solid body or can be attached with attachment means. The support member can be a thickened region, one or more ridges, one or more rails, each of which can extend along only a portion of the length of the solid body or along the entire length of the body to provide the requisite support to the thin solid body to support the skater.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to those persons skilled in the art upon reading the details of the embodiments as more fully described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to-scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. Included in the drawings are the following figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skateboard deck and assembly as disclosed herein;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an embodiment of a skateboard deck as disclosed herein;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of another embodiment of a skateboard deck as disclosed herein;

FIG. 4 is a perspective bottom view of a skateboard assembly as disclosed herein;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a skateboard deck having a unitary body extruded with truck rails;

FIG. 6 is the cross sectional view of the skateboard deck of FIG. 5 with a hanger and baseplate in the track;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of another embodiment of a skateboard deck having channels;

FIG. 8 is the cross sectional view of FIG. 7 including protective strips;

FIG. 9A is a side view of another embodiment of a skateboard deck disclosed herein; and

FIG. 9B is a perspective bottom view of the skateboard deck of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a skateboard deck having a solid body and a support member as disclosed herein;

FIG. 10B is a cross sectional view of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a skateboard deck having a solid body and another aspect of a support member as disclosed herein;

FIG. 11B is a cross sectional view of FIG. 11A;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a skateboard deck having a solid body and another aspect of a support member as disclosed herein;

FIG. 12B is a cross sectional view of FIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a skateboard deck having a solid body and another aspect of a support member as disclosed herein;

FIG. 13B is a cross sectional view of FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A is a plan view of a skateboard deck having a solid body and another aspect of a support member as disclosed herein;

FIG. 14B is a cross sectional view of FIG. 14A; and

FIG. 15 is a side view of a skateboard deck having a convex bend as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a skateboard assembly 1 disclosed herein. The skateboard deck 5 is a unitary body 10 of extruded aluminum with a top surface 12, a bottom surface 14, a first longitudinal edge 16 and a second longitudinal edge 18. Aluminum, as used herein, includes aluminum alloys. By extruding aluminum to form the unitary body of the deck, the deck dimensions can be easily altered to produce custom sized and shaped skateboard decks. The extrusion provides flexible decks, providing improved riding dynamics while supporting the skater's weight. The extruded aluminum can be anodized or sublimated to provide unique colors and finishes that will not wear away with use. Other advantages of an extruded aluminum deck are discussed herein below.

The top surface 12 of the unitary body 10 is configured to support a skater. The bottom surface 14 of the unitary body 10 is configured to retain truck assemblies 20, as seen in FIG. 1. FIGS. 2 and 3 are plan views of the top surface 12 of the unitary body 10 of other embodiments. As seen in each of FIGS. 1 to 3, the extrusion process creates longitudinal edges 16, 18 that are slightly flared upward, away from ground level when the skateboard is resting on the ground. The flared edges provide a feeling of comfort and sure-footing to the skater.

The skateboard deck 5 in FIG. 2 has a unitary body 10 in which a handle portion 22 is formed proximate to one of the longitudinal edges 16, 18. The handle portion 22 can be cut or stamped, as non-limiting examples. The extruded aluminum unitary body 10 has sufficient strength that aperture or apertures forming the handle portion 22 will not weaken that portion of the deck 5 to the point of damage when supporting the weight of a skater. Conventional decks of wood or laminate do not have handle portions as weakened portions of the deck (i.e., the narrow portions between the longitudinal edge and the aperture or apertures, as well as between apertures) would not support the weight of the skater.

The handle portion 22 is configured to receive one or more fingers of the skater. The handle portion 22 can be an elongated aperture sized to receive four fingers of the skater. As another example, and shown in FIG. 2, the handle portion 22 comprises four cutout portions 24 each configured to receive a finger there through. The separate finger cutouts 24 are preferable as the bridge portion 28 between finger cutouts 24 provides additional strength to that portion of the deck 5 when compared to a larger cutout portion. A handle portion 22 can also be fitted with a grommet 26 of a polymer material such as rubber for comfort. FIG. 2 illustrates each of the four cutout portions 24 fitted with a grommet 26.

The deck 5 in FIG. 3 is similar to the deck 5 in FIG. 2 but also includes an additional handle portion 30 formed in the unitary body 10 proximate the other longitudinal edge 16, 18 opposite the first handle portion 22.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bottom surface 14 of another embodiment of a skateboard deck and assembly 100. As shown, a first truck rail 40 and a second truck rail 42 are extruded with the unitary body 10 on the bottom surface 14. The first truck rail 40 and the second truck rail 42 run along at least a portion of a length of the unitary body 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the truck rails 40, 42 are shown running along a majority of the length but with a break in the rails proximate the middle of the unitary body 10. This is provided by means of example and is not meant to be limiting. The truck rails 40, 42 can run continuously along the length of the body 10, or can be broken up in a different manner than that shown in FIG. 4. Running the continuous length of the unitary body 10 means starting at or near a front end 44 and ending at or near a rear end 46 of the unitary body 10.

By extruding the unitary body 10 with the truck rails 40, 42, the remainder of the unitary body 10 can be thinner than without the truck rails 40, 42. The truck rails 40, 42 provide support to the thinner unitary body 10 that would otherwise need to be obtained through a thicker cross-section of the body 10. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the deck 5 of FIG. 4 illustrating the truck rails 40, 42. The truck rails 40, 42 define a track 48 configured to movably receive a plurality of truck assemblies 20. The truck rails 40, 42 can be L-shaped as illustrated or can be another shape that is configured to define the track 48. The track 48 can extend the length of the unitary body 10, any section thereof, or in multiple sections. As illustrated, the truck rails 40, 42 are formed equidistantly on opposing sides of a longitudinal center axis A of the unitary body 10.

Each truck assembly 20 can include a baseplate 50 and a hanger 52, which have bushings in between. A bolt or kingpin 54 holds these together and can be tightened or loosened to adjust the turning and stability of the truck assembly 20. The hanger 52 also supports the axle on which wheels 56 are mounted.

The baseplate 50 of the truck assembly 52 is a guide portion that is movably receivable in the track 48 and selectively positionable along a length of the track 48. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the skateboard deck 10 including the hanger 52 and baseplate 50. Each truck assembly 20 is positioned on the skateboard deck 5 by moving the baseplate 50 along the track 48 until the desired position is reached. Note that two truck assemblies 20 are shown by means of example, but additional truck assemblies as desired or required can be used. The truck assemblies 20 can be slid onto the track 48 at an end 58 of the track 48, such as when the track 48 extends the length of the body 10. The truck assemblies 20 may also be slid onto the track 48 via a break 60 in the track 48, such as the break 60 shown in FIG. 4.

The truck assemblies 20 can be attached at the determined position within the track 48 by tightening fasteners 62 through fastener apertures within the baseplate 50 against the bottom surface 14 of the body 10 within the track 48. The fasteners 62 can be screws, clips, pegs, nails, or any other member capable of anchoring the baseplate 50 to the unitary body 10 of the skateboard deck 10. As a non-limiting example, the fasteners 62 are screws with a hex head (compatible with an Allen wrench kit). The fasteners 62 are inserted into apertures in the baseplate 50 and attach the truck assembly 20 to the unitary body 10 by tightening fasteners 62 against the bottom surface 14 within the track 48. The apertures and fasteners 62 can be threaded. By tightening the fastener 62 against the bottom surface 14 rather than inserting fasteners into predetermined receivers along the track, the available positions along the track 48 for the trunk assemblies 20 is not restricted.

The track 48 can be configured and sized to allow a certain standard size truck assembly to be used with the deck 10 or can require custom truck assemblies for use with the skateboard deck 10. If the truck assemblies are standard-sized, a skateboard assembly 1 can include a tap which can alter the size of the pre-drilled holes to a size that would allow use with the fasteners 62 provided with the skateboard deck 10.

Another embodiment of a skateboard deck 5 includes a first channel 70 formed adjacent the first truck rail 40 and a second channel 72 formed adjacent the second truck rail 42. Each channel 70, 72 may receive a protective strip 74, as illustrated in FIG. 8.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a skateboard deck 5 including the channels 70, 72. In this embodiment, the first channel 70 is formed between the first truck rail 40 and a first wall 76 running parallel to the first truck rail 40. The second channel 72 is formed between the second truck rail 42 and a second wall 78 running parallel to the second truck rail 42. The unitary body 10 shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is extruded with both truck rails 40, 42 and walls 76, 78 so that the truck rails 40, 42 and walls 76, 78 are integral to the body 10.

As shown in this embodiment, the truck rails 40, 42 are T-shaped to provide both the track 48 and the channels 70, 72. However, this is a non-limiting example. The truck rails 40, 42 need only provide a side support for the channel and can be any other shape that provides the side support. The walls 76, 78 are also illustrated as L-shaped. However, this is a non-limiting example and may be any other shape that provides side support to the channel 70, 72.

The channels 70, 72 may be left empty, with the walls 76, 78 adding additional support to the unitary body 10, as shown in FIG. 7. The channels 70, 72 may also be at least partially filled with a protective strip 74 as mentioned and shown in FIG. 8. The protective strip 74 can alter the board's characteristics when the skateboard deck 10 comes in contact with objects. It is common for users to perform maneuvers and tricks that require the skateboard deck to contact the other hard surfaces, such as hand rails, stairs, ramp edges, and other surfaces. One technique where the bottom surface 14 of the deck 5 contacts such surfaces is known as “grinding,” where a rider will slide along a hard surface on the bottom of the skateboard. The protective strip 74 can protect the underside of the deck 5 against wear and tear from such maneuvers. The protective strip 74 can have a higher coefficient of friction than the unitary body 10, to allow for a slower, more controlled movement. For example, the protective strip 74 may be a nylon cord which is retained in the channels 70, 72. The nylon would provide a consistent slower moving surface against certain hard or metal objects.

The protective strip 74 can be held in the channels 70, 72 with a friction fit, with adhesive, due to the shape of the walls 76, 78 and truck rails 40, 42, or any other means known to those skilled in the art.

FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate another embodiment of a skateboard deck 5 disclosed herein. The unitary body is a contoured unitary body 10′ having level surfaces with different heights with respect to ground level G. FIG. 9A illustrates an example of the contoured unitary body 10′ having first surface 80, inclined surfaces 82 and second surfaces 84. The first surface 80 is level X from ground level G and the second surfaces 84 are level Y from ground level G. Different contours and levels can be incorporated into the extruded unitary body 10′. The contours can features a drop-down design to aid in balance, stability, and energy efficiency. The contours can assist the skater's feet to fit snugly into the board for a better grip. The contours can provide gas pedals and brakes to the corners.

Because the truck rails 40, 42 and walls 76, 78 are extruded with the unitary body, the contoured unitary body 10′ can be extruded with one or both of the truck rails 40, 42 and walls 76, 78 as shown in FIG. 9B. Although both the truck rails 40, 42 and walls 76, 78 run the length of the unitary body 10′, one or both of the truck tracks 40, 42 and walls 76, 78 can run only a partial length or be broken along the length of the body 10′.

It is difficult to manufacture an extruded aluminum skateboard having the requisite length and thickness such that the board is light and provides the flex required by today's athletic users while supporting the weight of the user and withstanding forces asserted against the skateboard by the user while freeriding, cruising and sliding, for example.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate another embodiment of a skateboard deck 110 disclosed herein. The skateboard deck 110 is an extruded aluminum longboard or cruiser having an overall length of up to 60″, or more particularly, from 28″ to 48″, measured between the front end 44 and the rear end 46. The skateboard deck 110 includes a thin solid body 10 with a support member 112 positioned on one of the top surface 12 or the bottom surface 14 and extending parallel to a longitudinal axis A of the thin solid body 10. FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate the support member 112 on the bottom surface 14.

The support member 112 provides strength to the solid body 10 along its length so that the body 10 can be kept as thin and flexible as possible for the user. The support member 112 can be extruded with the body 10 or can be attached to the body by any known attachment means, including but not limited to adhesion, welding and the use of fasteners.

The support member 112 can be one or more of tracks, rails, beams, cylinders, rods, bars, ridges, channels, grooves or other similar means that provide the necessary support along the length of the body 10. The support member 112 can extend along an entire length of the body 10 or can extend along only a portion of the length. The support member 112 can also be intermittent along the length of the body 10. As a non-limiting example, the support member 112 can extend over 5% to 100% of the length of the body 10. The support member 112 will be aluminum when extruded with the solid aluminum body 10. However, the support member 112 can be any suitable material that provides the requisite support when attached to the body 10 by other means, such as another metal or fiberglass. The truck assemblies 20 can be attached to the body 10 in an area without the support member 112, the support member 112 can be modified so that the truck assemblies 20 can be attached to the body 10 where the support member 112 is, or the truck assemblies can utilize the support member 112 for attachment to the skateboard deck.

The rails 40, 42 shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9B are an example of a support member 112. The rails 40, 42 provide support along the length of the thin solid body 10 and are also configured to receive the truck assembly between the two rails. It is further contemplated that the support member 112 would only be one rail.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate a skateboard deck 110 with a support member 112 having a single thickened region extending along an entire length of the body 10. The thickened region can be reduced in length to only extend along a portion of the length of the body 10, illustrated with the skateboard deck 200 in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The support member 112 can also include more than one thickened region positioned along the width of the body 10, also illustrated with the skateboard deck 200 in FIGS. 11A and 11B. Although two thickened regions are illustrated, any number of thickened regions can be used as the support member 112. The thickened region can be any shape. The thickened region can have a thickness Y that is greater than the thickness X of the thin solid body 10, as illustrated by rails 40, 42 or in FIG. 10B. The thickness X of the thin solid body 10 can be, for example, from about ⅛ inch to about ¼inch, and in particular about ⅛ inch thick.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate a skateboard deck 210 having a body 10 on which is fastened with fasteners 114 a support member 112. The support member 112 includes two rails attached along the longitudinal axis of the body 10. The support member 112 can include more than two rails along the longitudinal axis. The support member 112 can be attached using other than fasteners 114. The rails of the support member 112 can alternatively be thickened regions.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate a skateboard deck 220 having a body 10 with which the support member 112 is extruded. The support member 112 includes a plurality of ridges 116 with channels in between ridges 116 that are extruded in the bottom surface 14 of the body 10. Although five ridges 116 are illustrated, any number of ridges 114 can be included. The ridges 116 can extend across the entire width of the body 10, or can extend across a portion of the width as illustrated. The ridges 116 can run the entire length of the body 10 or can extend along only a portion of the length as illustrated. The channels and/or ridges 116 can be of a shape different than that illustrated. For example, the channel and/or ridge 116 can have a rectangular or triangular cross section. It is also contemplated that the ridges 116 be made of another material and attached by other means described herein.

FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate a skateboard deck 230 having a body 10′ having a support member 112 on a top surface 12 of the body 10′. The support member 112 includes a plurality of ridges or grooves 118 on at least a portion of the top surface 12. The ridges 118 can extend across the entire width of the body 10′. The skateboard deck 230 shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B is a contoured skateboard such as that described with respect to FIGS. 9A and 9B. As illustrated, the ridges 118 extend along the first surface 80 between the inclined surfaces 82 of the body 10′. The contoured body 10′ is used by way of illustration and is not meant to be limiting.

The ridges 118 of the support member 112 can be close enough together so that the upper surface 120 of the support member 112 is stood on directly by the user. Alternatively, the upper surface 120 of the support member 112 can be covered with grid tape or sandpaper for traction. The ridges 120 can be of the same width and height across the width of the body 10′. Alternatively, the ridges 120 can increase in height and/or width toward the longitudinal axis of the body 10′ as illustrated in FIG. 14B. The ridges 120 can extend the entire length of the skateboard deck when a body 10 is used.

In some embodiments, the support member 112 is spaced on either side from longitudinal edges 16, 18 of the body 10, 10′ to avoid adding any thickness to the longitudinal edge portions of the body 10, 10′. Keeping the support member 112 spaced from the longitudinal edges 16, 18 provides as much clearance with the ground as possible, in turn providing the most flexibility for the user when doing tricks, sliding, etc.

The figures are provided by way of illustration and are not meant to be limiting. The skateboard decks disclosed in FIGS. 10-14 can be used with any of the embodiments herein. For example, the skateboard decks can include handle portions 22 as disclosed herein or truck rails 40, 42 as disclosed herein. The skateboard decks can be of different shapes, including those illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 9.

As discussed, the support members 112 disclosed herein enable the extrusion of a skateboard, longboard or cruiser having a length between about 28″ and 48″, while keeping the skateboard deck flexible and lightweight. For example, the weight of the skateboard decks can be 5 pounds or less. In further examples, a 48″ extruded aluminum skateboard deck can weigh less than or equal to 4.75 pounds, while a 32″ extruded aluminum skateboard deck can weigh less than or equal to 3.2 pounds.

The ability to manufacture such lightweight skateboard decks allows for increased bounce and flexibility of the deck. When the support member 112 is extruded with the body 10, 10′, the skateboard deck can feature a convex bend upward from the middle to further improve the bounce and flex of the deck. For example, the convex bend upward can be about 0.5 inches. FIG. 15 is a side view of a body 10′ illustrating the convex bend 130 upward from the middle and along the length of the body 10′. The extruded support member is not illustrated.

The above-described embodiments have been described in order to allow easy understanding of the invention and do not limit the invention. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structure as is permitted under the law.

It is appreciated that certain features of the skateboard deck and assemblies, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the skateboard deck and assemblies, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. All combinations of the embodiments are specifically embraced by the present invention and are disclosed herein just as if each and every combination was individually and explicitly disclosed, to the extent that such combinations embrace operable processes and/or devices/systems/kits. In addition, all sub-combinations listed in the embodiments describing such variables are also specifically embraced by the present skateboard decks and assemblies and are disclosed herein just as if each and every such sub-combination was individually and explicitly disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A skateboard deck comprising:

a solid body of extruded aluminum, the body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; and

a support member carried by one of the top surface and bottom surface and configured to strengthen the solid body along a length to support a skater, the support member extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the solid body and spaced apart from each of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge.

2. The skateboard deck of claim 1, wherein the support member is extruded with the solid body.

3. The skateboard deck of claim 2, wherein the support member is a thickened region on the bottom surface of the solid body, the thickened region having a thickness greater than a thickness of the solid body.

4. The skateboard deck of claim 3, wherein the thickened region comprises one or more ridges.

5. The skateboard deck of claim 2, wherein the support member comprises two or more thickened regions, each thickened region extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the solid body, each thickened region having a thickness greater than a thickness of the solid body.

6. The skateboard deck of claim 2, wherein the support member is one or more rails.

7. The skateboard deck of claim 6, wherein the one or more rails is two rails, the two rails configured to receive a truck assembly between the two rails.

8. The skateboard deck of claim 6, wherein the one or more rails extend along an entire length of the solid body.

9. The skateboard deck of claim 2, wherein the solid body has a convex bend when viewed from the top surface, the convex bend providing flex to the solid body.

10. The skateboard deck of claim 2, wherein the top surface of the solid body is planar and the support member extends from the bottom surface.

11. The skateboard deck of claim 2, wherein the solid body has at least two contours along a length and the support member extends across the at least two contours.

12. The skateboard deck of claim 11, wherein the at least two contours provide a first level body portion and a second level body portion, the first level body portion and the second level body portion having different heights with respect to ground level.

13. The skateboard deck of claim 12, wherein a one of the first level body portion and the second level body portion being lower with respect to ground level has a convex bend when viewed from a top surface, the convex bend providing flex to the solid body.

14. The skateboard deck of claim 2, wherein the support member extends from the top surface of the solid body.

15. The skateboard deck of claim 14, wherein the support member is a plurality of ridges aligned in parallel across a portion of a width of the solid body.

16. The skateboard deck of claim 15, wherein the plurality of ridges increase in height from outer ridges to a middle ridge.

17. The skateboard deck of claim 15, wherein the plurality of ridges are closely spaced such that a top of the plurality of ridges mimics a flat surface.

18. The skateboard deck of claim 1, wherein the support member is attached to the bottom surface of the solid body with attaching means.

19. A skateboard deck comprising:

a solid body of extruded aluminum, the body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge; and

at least one support rail extruded with the solid body to extend from a bottom surface of the solid body, the at least one support rail configured to strengthen the solid body along a length to support a skater, the at least one support rail extending parallel to a longitudinal axis of the solid body along at least a portion of the length and spaced apart from each of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge.

20. The skateboard deck of claim 19, wherein the at least one support rail is two support rails, the two support rails extending along an entire length of the solid body and configured to receive a truck assembly between the two support rails.

21. The skateboard deck of claim 19, wherein the solid body of extruded aluminum has a thickness ranging from ⅛ inch to ¼ inch.

22. The skateboard deck of claim 19, wherein the solid body of extruded aluminum has a thickness of about ⅛ inch.