LIGHTWEIGHT DECK FOR MOTORIZED SPORT BOARDS

Abstract

A device (600), having a structural portion (100) of a deck (102) formed by a molded skin (504), the skin forming a nose (200), a tail (202), two rails (204, 206) connecting the nose to the tail, each rail having a respective rail cavity, and a recess (104) in the skin formed between the respective rail cavities. The structural portion is configured to secure trucks (700, 702) to a bottom portion (118) of the structural portion opposite the recess.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/144,704 filed April 8, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to motorized sport boards and, more particularly, to a deck having a recess for components associated with propulsion of the sport board.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

Sport boards such as skateboards are popular transportation and recreational devices. It is well known in the art(s) that skateboards may be powered by one or more motors, thereby allowing riders to enjoy their utility while exerting less energy and effort. Such motors are frequently driven by electric means that often comprise batteries, wires, and other electronics. These components and others like them are often contained within various housing elements securely attached to the underside of the skateboard's deck.

Several problems arise when securing too many additional components to the outside of a skateboard. First of all, the housing for the components adds to the overall weight of the skateboard, hindering performance aspects such as maximum speed, travel range, and maneuverability, as well as making the skateboard harder to carry around and store. Additionally, mounting components to the exterior of a skateboard, particularly the underside, reduces the ground clearance of the skateboard and makes the components prone to getting caught on protrusions and, in some cases, breaking, thereby rendering the skateboard less durable in use and more expensive to maintain than non-motorized skateboards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts. These concepts are further described below in the Detailed Description section. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of this disclosure's subject matter, nor is this summary intended as an aid in determining the scope of the disclosed subject matter,

Aspects of the present disclosure provide devices and computer program products which facilitate the incorporation of at least one motor with a sport board without adding a significant amount of weight to the board or hindering the board's overall performance capabilities. Specifically, devices and computer program products are disclosed wherein a sport board, such as a skateboard, comprises a deck with a recess configured to house one or more components associated with providing motorized functionality to the board, thereby eliminating the additional weight and bulkiness that normally comes with housing such components within storage elements attached to the board's exterior.

Sport boards provided by the present disclosure may comprise a deck made up of one or more lightweight yet durable materials, such as carbon fiber and/or Kevlar® aramid fiber provided by DuPont™ of Wilmington, Del. The deck may be configured so as to comprise at least one recess while still maintaining the ability to structurally support itself, the contents of the deck, and a user's bodyweight.

Within the recess of the deck, one or more components may be contained that are used to power, control, and/or drive at least one motor that serves to propel the board. Such components may comprise wires, electronics, batteries, software controllers, wireless communications devices, and the like. In some example embodiments, the at least one recess of the deck may be accessible by a removable panel positioned on either the top or bottom portion of the deck. The at least one motor may be powered by any known energy sources, including electric power, solar power, internal combustion power, wind power, and the like.

In some example embodiments, the at least one motor may be mounted on the underside of the deck, near one or more of the trucks if the board is a skateboard.

In some additional example embodiments, the motor and/or any of the components associated therewith may be controlled by a remote control device in electronic communication with controlling electronics integrated within the deck. The remote control device may communicate with the controlling electronics via a wired connection or via wireless communication technology, such as infrared, RF, radio, or Bluetooth® technology provided by Bluetooth SIG of Kirkland, Wash.

In yet some further example embodiments, the performance of motorized sport boards in accordance with the present disclosure may be controlled by a software application in communication with electronic components and associated software elements within the deck. Such communication may occur wirelessly via Bluetooth® or over a wireless network, such as the global public Internet. Such a software application may be contained within a mobile or stationary computing device such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop computer, desktop computer, and the like.

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure, as well as the structure and operation of various aspects of the present disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description briefly stated above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an example embodiment of a structural portion and cover of a deck of a sport board;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the structural portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the structural portion of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the structural portion of FIG. 3 along line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the structural portion of FIG. 4, along line 5-5;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an example embodiment of a motorized sport board having the structural portion and cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the example embodiment of the motorized sport board having the structural portion and cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side view of an example embodiment of the motorized sport board having the structural portion and cover of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an example embodiment of a remote control apparatus used to control the sport board of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system useful for implementing an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments are described herein with reference to the attached figures wherein like reference numerals are used throughout the figures to designate similar or equivalent elements. The figures are not drawn to scale and they are provided merely to illustrate aspects disclosed herein. Several disclosed aspects are described below with reference to non-limiting example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are set forth to provide a full understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the disclosed embodiments can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods. In other instances, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring aspects disclosed herein. The embodiments are not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the embodiments.

Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope are approximations, the numerical values set forth in specific non-limiting examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of “less than 10” can include any and all sub-ranges between (and including) the minimum value of zero and the maximum value of 10, that is, any and all sub-ranges having a minimum value of equal to or greater than zero and a maximum value of equal to or less than 10, e.g., 1 to 4.

Embodiments are directed to devices and computer program products that facilitate the ability of a sport board to comprise machine powered mobility while maintaining a light weight and low profile. The embodiments provide devices and computer program products which facilitate the housing of one or more components associated with a motorized sport board within a recess formed by a deck having at least one internal cavity, thereby minimizing the amount of weight added to the board by housing for the components and maintaining a simplistic, low profile for the board. As used herein, the term cavity applies to a space within the deck, as opposed to the term recess which applies to a space recessed into an outside surface of the deck. Sport boards in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise light yet durable materials capable of supporting the components within the recess as well as a user riding the board.

The term “sport board” and/or the plural form of this term are used throughout herein to refer to transportation and/or recreational devices that are substantially planar and are capable of carrying at least one riding user. Sport boards may include skateboards, snowboards, surfboards, and the like.

FIG. 1 depicts an example embodiment of a structural portion 100 of a deck 102 of a sport board device, the structural portion 100 having at least one recess 104 and a cover 106. The recess 104 is used to contain various components associated with providing propulsion for the sport board including, but not limited to, at least one battery 108, electronics 110, and wiring 112. In some aspects, battery 108 is a rechargeable battery. By way of example and not limitation, battery 108 may be a lithium ion battery, or any other appropriate type of battery as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. In some additional example embodiments, electronics 110 may comprise one or more controlling elements and/or various wireless communications equipment. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, various other components may be contained within recess 104 instead of or in addition to the components depicted in FIG. 1. This is especially true when sport board is powered by non-electric means, such as via internal combustion, or when alternative electric means are used to sport board, such as solar power, wind power, and the like. Regardless of the means used to power the sport board, a power button may be integrated with the sport board to shut it off or turn it on.

The recess 104 may be completely enclosed and sealed by at least one cover 106 for protection from impact, weather, vibration, and other potentially damaging occurrences. The cover 106 may be permanently or removably secured over the recess 104. In example embodiments wherein the cover 106 is removable, the cover 106 may be removably secured over the recess 104 via any appropriate means as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant art(s), including being attached via one or more hinges, sliding elements, fasteners, locking mechanisms, and the like. Sliding elements may allow the cover 106 to slide and be received within a portion of the deck 102 in order to allow access to the recess 104. Fasteners useable with the cover 106 may include, without limitation, screws, nuts, bolts, pins, clips, clamps, snaps, nails, and the like. Various locking mechanisms that may be used with the cover 106 may include, without limitation, tongue and groove elements, snaps, tabs, clips, clamps, and the like. In an example embodiment, the cover 106 is secured to the board using electronic grade silicone. This protects the components by keeping dust and water, etc., out of the recess 104. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, the cover 106 may be configured on the top or bottom portion of the structural portion 100. In an example embodiment, two covers 106 are used, wherein one cover 106 is arranged on a top portion 114 of the structural portion 100 and a second cover 106 is arranged on a bottom portion 116 of the structural portion 100. Removing panel(s) 106 may allow components to be accessed, repaired, loaded, and/or removed from recess 104. In an example embodiment, the cover 106 rests on a recessed lip 118 in the structural portion 100.

The structural portion 100 may comprise one or more materials that are lightweight yet are durable enough to support and protect the components within the recess 104 as well as support at least one user riding on sport board. Materials that may be used to provide the desired lightweight and durable aspects of structural portion 100 include carbon fiber and Kevlar® aramid fiber provided by DuPont™ of Wilmington, Del. Other materials comprising similar properties and various combinations of such materials may also be used as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, including materials that may be developed in the future.

In an alternate example embodiment (not shown), the structural portion 100 may comprise a top portion and a separate bottom portion. The top portion may be securely attached to the bottom portion via one or more fasteners, such as, by way of example and not limitation, screws, nuts, bolts, pins, clips, clamps, snaps, nails, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the structural portion 100 of FIG. 1. The structural portion 100 includes a nose 200, a tail 202, rails 204 and 206 connecting the nose 200 to the tail 202, and a structural portion side wall 208. The nose 200, the tail 202, and the rails 204, 206 may form respective cavities therein. In an example embodiment, one or more of the cavities contain one or more components of the sport board therein, including, but not limited to, portions of the wiring 112, lights, a battery indicator, a charging port, switches, buttons, sensors, and similar elements as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein. Further, one or more of the cavities may include structural components. For example, stringers that run some or all of a length of the structural portion 100, or shapes that form I-beams or the like. One or more of the cavities may be partially or fully filled with material, including foam, wood etc. This filler material may add strength to the structural portion 100 and/or may provide shock absorption for any components stored in the cavities. Additionally, in an example embodiment, the nose 200, the tail 202, and the rails 204, 206 may comprise one or more shock absorbent materials thereon, such as rubber, in order to protect the sport board upon impact with a hard structure or surface.

The recess 104 is formed in a top surface 212 of the top portion 114, between the rails 204, 206, the recess 104 comprising a recess bottom 214 having a recess bottom surface 216, and a recess side wall 218 having a recess side wall surface 220. In an example embodiment, rail 204 is formed by a respective portion 230 of the structural portion side wall 208, a respective portion 232 of the recess side wall 218, a respective portion 234 of the top portion 114, and a respective portion 236 of the bottom portion 116. Likewise, rail 206 is formed by a respective portion 240 of the structural portion side wall 208, a respective portion 242 of the recess side wall 218, a respective portion 244 of the top portion 114, and a respective portion 246 of the bottom portion 116.

In an alternate example embodiment (not shown), there may be more than two rails 204, 206. For example, there may be three rails, where a third rail may be parallel to the rails 204, 206 and may split the cavity 104 into two cavities that are side-by-side. This would provide increased strength for the structural portion 100. An embodiment having elongated cavities may be beneficial if the battery 108 is selected to have a long, narrow configuration, etc. Any number of rails is possible, and in example embodiments where the device is physically relatively large, several rails may be used to provide the required strength. In addition, the rails 204, 206, and/or any additional rails may be oriented from nose 200 to tail 202, or one or more may be canted from this orientation.

In an example embodiment, additional structure may be included in the structural portion 100. For example, a cross-bar may span from one rail 204 to another rail 206, connecting the rails 204, 206. In another example embodiment, there may be multiple cross bars spanning from one rail 204 to the other, and they may crisscross each other. Some, all, or none of these additional structural members may define a respective cavity therein. Any combination of the above is considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the structural portion 100 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the structural portion 100 of FIG. 3 along line 4-4, with the bottom portion 116 oriented downward. In an embodiment, the rails 204, 206 form respective rail cavities 400, 402 therein. While not visible in this view, the nose 200 and tail 202 may likewise define respective cavities therein. In an embodiment, all of the cavities are connected to form a continuous cavity that surrounds the recess 104, essentially following the recess side wall 218.

In this cross sectional view, each rail defines a perimeter 404, 406, indicated by the respective dashed lines. Perimeter 404 is formed by the respective portion 230 of the structural portion side wall 208, the respective portion 232 of the recess side wall 218, the respective portion 234 of the top portion 114, and the respective portion 236 of the bottom portion 116. Perimeter 406 is likewise formed by the respective portion 240 of the structural portion side wall 208, the respective portion 242 of the recess side wall 218, the respective portion 244 of the top portion 114, and the respective portion 246 of the bottom portion 116. In this example embodiment, the perimeters 404, 406 are closed, meaning that they form a continuous perimeter around the respective rail cavity 400, 402. In an example embodiment, this is achieved when the recess bottom 214 and the bottom portion 116 are the same (e.g., monolithic). In an alternate example embodiment, the perimeters 404, 406 may be open. This may happen when the recess bottom 214 is distinct from the bottom portion 116, which would leave a gap therebetween (not shown). Such a monolithic construction may provide a more rigid structural portion 100. This, in turn, better protects any components in the recess 104.

The structural portion 100 may be configured to support most, if not all of the forces expected during intended use. Consequently, the cover 106 need not necessarily contribute to a structural stability of the sport board. Instead, the role of the cover 106 may be relegated to protecting the components inside the recess. This, in turn, permits the cover 106 to be built less substantially, thereby saving weight. It is expected that this less substantial construction will periodically result in deflection of the cover. To accommodate these conditions, a positive stop 420 may be installed in the recess 104 to limit deflection 422 of the cover 106 beyond a threshold amount 424. The positive stop thereby serves dual functions: it prevents further deflection of the cover 106, and it transfers load from the cover 106 to the positive stop 420 and ultimately, to the recess bottom 214, which is part of the structural portion 100 that is designed to handle the forces. There may be one or more than one positive stop 420. In an embodiment, the positive stop 420 is at least one of the battery 108 and the electronics 110. Alternately, the positive stop 420 may be a separate component.

The battery 108 is shown being disposed fully within the recess 104. En an example embodiment, all components disposed in the recess 104 fit fully within the recess 104 so that the cover 106 may rest on the lip 118 when in an undeflected condition without interference from any of the components.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the structural portion 100 of FIG. 4, along line 5-5. The nose 200 and the tail 202 form a nose cavity 500 and a tail cavity 502, respectively. In this example embodiment, the continuous cavity 426 surrounds the recess 104 continuously, meaning that the rail cavities 400, 402, the nose cavity 500, and the tail cavity 502 are all connected. Alternately, one or more of the cavities 400, 402, 500, 502 may be discrete. For example, a structural wall or walls may separate adjacent cavities 400, 402, 500, 502, or some cavities 400, 402, 500, 502 may be continuous while others are discrete. In addition, the cavities may include structural walls (not shown) therein to provide a desired amount of stiffness to the structural portion 100.

The structural portion 100 may be formed in any of a number of ways. In an example embodiment, not meant to be limiting, the structural portion 100 may be formed via a molding process. A fiber matrix may be impregnated/infused with a resin or the like to form a composite that, in turn, forms a skin 504. The skin is formed into a desired shape and then cured to form the structural portion 100. In this manner the structural portion 100 may be formed from a single skin that, once cured, forms a monolith.

FIG. 6 is a top view of an example embodiment of a motorized sport board 600 having the structural portion 100 and the cover 106 of FIG. 1 and the cover 106 (not visible) to which a protective layer 602 has been added. The protective layer 602 protects the structural portion 100 and the cover 106 as well as provides a surface having increased friction for a user. In an example embodiment, the protective layer 602 includes an adhesive tape base to which grit (e.g., silicon carbide or aluminum oxide) is bonded. In an example embodiment, the protective layer 602 is Griptape, manufactured by Jessup Griptape of McHenry, Ill.

Also visible are a front axle 604 having front wheels 606, a rear axle 608 having rear wheels 610, and a motor 612 directly connected to the rear axle 608.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the example embodiment of the motorized sport board 600 having the structural portion 100 and the cover 106 of FIG. 1. Here, it can be seen that trucks 700, 702 are secured to the bottom portion 116 of the structural portion. Particularly, the recess uniquely formed in the top portion 114 while the trucks 700, 702 are secured to the bottom portion 116, opposite the recess 104. This arrangement allows the components to rest on the recess bottom 214 and the bottom portion not protrude too far downward.

In an example embodiment, the motor 612 is an electric motor securely attached underneath the structural portion 100. In an example embodiment, the motor 612 is secured directly to the rear axle 608 and drives the rear wheels 610 a belt or gear or a combination thereof. One type of electric motor 612 may produce enough power to allow the motorized sport board 600 to reach a speed of 25 miles per hour and travel a distance of at least 16 miles on a single battery charge. In some alternative example embodiments, motor 612 may be another type of motor, such as, by way of example and not limitation, an internal combustion engine.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an example embodiment of the motorized sport board having the structural portion and cover 106 of FIG. 1. A maximum height 802 of the wheels 606, 610 with respect to a surface 804 such as the ground is shown. The compact design enables a lowest part 806 of the bottom portion 116 to be disposed above the line 800, and hence above the maximum height 802, thereby providing superior clearance 808 above the surface 804.

FIG. 9 is a side view of an example embodiment of a remote control apparatus 900 used to control the motorized sport board 600 of FIG. 5. In an example embodiment, the motor 612 and the associated components within cavity 104 may be controlled via the remote control apparatus 900. The motorized sport board 600 may be communicatively coupled to wireless communications equipment and/or electronic controlling components within the recess 104 via infrared, RF, radio, Bluetooth® (provided by Bluetooth SIG of Kirkland, Wash.) or similar wireless technology as recognized by those skilled in the relevant art(s). In some alternative example embodiments, the motorized sport board 600 may be directly connected to a controller within the recess 104 via one or more wires and/or cables.

The remote control apparatus 900 may comprise sliding tab 902 for controlling the speed of the motorized sport board 600. In some example embodiments, the sliding tab 902 may be a movable linear potentiometer that slides along a channel within the motorized sport board 600. Moving sliding tab 902 forward may increase the energy output of the motor 612 and thereby cause the motorized sport board 600 to accelerate. Similarly, moving sliding tab 902 backward may decrease the energy output of the motor 612 and/or activate a braking function that causes the motorized sport board 600 to decelerate via reduced power and/or friction instigated upon one or more wheels 606, 610 and/or one or both axles 604, 608. In some example embodiments, the braking function is a form of regenerative braking. In some example embodiments, when sliding tab 902 is released, it returns to its initial center position along the channel.

In an example embodiment the motorized sport board 600 may be incorporated with a software application which may be downloaded to a computing device, such as a srnartphone, tablet, laptop computer, desktop computer, and the like. The software application may alternatively be accessed via a network, such as the global, public Internet. Such software application may communicate with the various components of the motorized sport board 600 via software incorporated with the controlling elements of electronics 110. Such communication may occur wirelessly via network connectivity. Among other things, the software application may provide users with a virtual version of sliding tab 902. Additionally, the software application may allow users to customize various settings, including operational parameters such as what top speed may be achieved by the motorized sport board 600 (up to a certain maximum level), as well as how quickly the motorized sport board 600 accelerates. The software application may also give users the ability to electronically lock and unlock the motorized sport board 600 to prevent others from using it, as well as display a map indicating how far the motorized sport board 600 may travel on its current battery charge.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing system useful for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 10 sets forth illustrative computing functionality 1000 that may be used to implement any component of the present disclosure. In all cases, computing functionality 1000 represents one or more physical and tangible processing mechanisms.

Computing functionality 1000 may comprise volatile and non-volatile memory, such as RAM 1002 and ROM 1004, as well as one or more processing devices 1006 (e.g., one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphical processing units (GPUs), and the like). Computing functionality 1000 also optionally comprises various media devices 1008, such as a hard disk module, an optical disk module, and so forth. Computing functionality 1000 may perform various operations identified above when the processing device(s) 1006 execute(s) instructions that are maintained by memory (e.g., RAM 1002, ROM 1004, and the like).

More generally, instructions and other information may be stored on any computer readable medium 1010, including, but not limited to, static memory storage devices, magnetic storage devices, and optical storage devices. The term “computer readable medium” also encompasses plural storage devices. In all cases, computer readable medium 1010 represents some form of physical and tangible entity. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable medium 1010 may comprise “computer storage media” and “communications media.”

“Computer storage media” comprises volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information, such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media may be, for example, and not limitation, RAM 1002, ROM 1004, EEPROM, Flash memory, or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD), or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by a computer.

“Communication media” typically comprise computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Communication media may also comprise any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media comprises wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable medium.

Computing functionality 1000 may also comprise an input/output module 1012 for receiving various inputs (via input modules 1014), and for providing various outputs (via one or more output modules). One particular output module mechanism may be a presentation module 1016 and an associated GUI 1018. Computing functionality 1000 may also include one or more network interfaces 1020 for exchanging data with other devices via one or more communication conduits 1022. In some embodiments, one or more communication buses 1024 communicatively couple the above-described components together.

Communication conduit(s) 1022 may be implemented in any manner (e.g., by a local area network, a wide area network (e.g., the Internet), and the like, or any combination thereof). Communication conduit(s) 1022 may include any combination of hardwired links, wireless links, routers, gateway functionality, name servers, and the like, governed by any protocol or combination of protocols.

Alternatively, or in addition, any of the functions described herein may be performed, at least in part, by one or more hardware logic components. For example, without limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components that may be used include Field-programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application-specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Application-specific Standard Products (ASSPs), System-on-a-chip systems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), and the like.

The terms “module” and “component” as used herein generally represent software, firmware, hardware, or combinations thereof. In the case of a software implementation, the module or component represents program code that performs specified tasks when executed on a processor. The program code may be stored in one or more computer readable memory devices. The features of the present disclosure described herein are platform-independent, meaning that the techniques can be implemented on a variety of commercial computing platforms having a variety of processors (e.g., set-top box, desktop, laptop, notebook, tablet computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), mobile telephone, smart telephone, gaming console, and the like).

While various example embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above described example embodiments.

In addition, it should be understood that the figures in the attachments, which highlight the structure, methodology, functionality and advantages of the present disclosure, are presented for example purposes only. The present disclosure is sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be implemented in ways other than that shown in the accompanying figures (e.g., implementation within computing devices and environments other than those mentioned herein). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s) after reading the description herein, certain features from different example embodiments of the devices and computer program products of the present disclosure may be combined to form yet new example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the relevant art(s) who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of this technical disclosure. The Abstract is not intended to be limiting as to the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions may be made without departing from the invention herein. Accordingly, it is intended that the invention be limited only by the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device, comprising:

a structural portion of a deck formed by a molded skin, the skin forming a nose, a tail, two rails connecting the nose to the tail, each rail comprising a respective rail cavity, and a recess in the skin formed between the respective rail cavities;

wherein the structural portion is configured to secure trucks to a bottom portion of the structural portion opposite the recess.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the nose and the tail defines a cavity therein that is connected to the rail cavities.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein skin forming a side wall of the recess also forms a side of each of the two rails and is bonded to skin forming the bottom portion.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the skin comprises a monolithic, resin-infused fiber composite.

5. A device, comprising:

a structural portion of a deck, the structural portion comprising a nose, a tail, two rails between the nose and the tail, and a recess between the two rails,

wherein at least one of the nose, the tail, and the two rails comprises a skin molded to form an enclosed cavity, and

wherein the structural portion is configured to receive a pair of trucks on a bottom surface opposite the recess.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the skin comprises a resin-infused fiber composite.

7. The device of claim. 5, wherein the structural portion comprises a skin surrounding the enclosed cavity, wherein the skin forms the nose, the tail, the two rails, a top portion, and the bottom portion, and wherein the recess is formed in the top portion.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein skin forming a side wall of the recess is bonded to skin forming the bottom portion.

9. The device of claim 5, the deck further comprising a top portion configured to cover the recess.

10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a component disposed in the recess and configured as a positive stop to prevent deflection of the cover beyond a threshold amount.

11. The device of claim 10, wherein the component comprises at east one of a battery and electronics.

12. The device of claim 5, further comprising at least one of electronics and a battery configured to power the electronics, the at least one being fully disposed in the recess.

13. The device of claim 12, further comprising a motor secured directly to one truck of the pair of trucks and configured to propel the device.

14. The device of claim 13, comprising both the battery and the electronics, wherein the electronics comprise a controller configured to control operation of the motor, a wireless communication arrangement, and software configured to enable remote adjustment of operating parameters used by the controller to control the motor.

15. A device, comprising:

a structural portion of a deck, the structural portion comprising a nose, a tail, two rails between the nose and the tail, and a recess between the two rails, wherein each rail of the two rails defines a respective cavity therein;

wherein in a cross sectional view each rail comprises a perimeter that includes respective portions of: a top portion and a bottom portion of the structural portion; a side of the structural portion; and a recess wall of the recess.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the perimeter is closed.

17. The device of claim 15, wherein the recess wall is bonded to the bottom portion of the structural portion.

18. The device of claim 15, wherein the bottom portion of the structural portion is disposed entirely above wheels on a pair of trucks secured to the bottom portion.

19. The device of claim 15, further comprising a cover for the recess and a positive stop disposed in the recess and configured to transfer load from the cover to the bottom of the recess when the cover deflects beyond a threshold amount.

20. The device of claim 15, wherein the skin comprises a resin-infused fiber composite.