Trucks And Mountings Patents (Class 280/11.27)
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Patent number: 8684370Abstract: A skateboard truck maintains truck geometry. The truck includes a support pin including a cylindrical end slideably engaging a cylindrical passage in a base plate, and a ball end residing in a socket in a hanger. A support pin bushing under the cylindrical end is compressible and both carries some of a rider's weight and holds the ball end in the socket providing a second pivot to the truck. The second pivot eliminates horizontal play of the hanger thereby facilitating consistent compression of the kingpin bushings and improved stability of the skateboard. Support pin travel allows off-center kingpin bushing compression for steering and improves shock absorption. Eliminating horizontal play allows lengthened kingpin bushings and use of the entire height of the kingpin bushings. The combination of kingpin bushing preload, and weight carried by the support pin, tends to equalize the compression of the top and bottom kingpin bushings improving stability.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2012Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Fredrick Boyd Baumann
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Publication number: 20140054869Abstract: A skate sole assembly has a boot bracket, a frame, two cushioning bearings and two axles. The frame is mounted under the boot bracket and has an arcuate plate and two outer supporting arms. The arcuate plate has two inner supporting arms corresponding to the outer supporting arms. The cushioning bearings are embedded respectively in connecting ends of the outer supporting arms and respectively receive connecting ends of the inner supporting arms. Each axle is rotatably mounted through the connecting end of one inner supporting arm, the connecting end of one outer supporting arm and one cushioning bearing. The frame is made of rigid material to stabilize the motion of a user wearing skates which are assembled from the skate sole assemblies. The cushioning bearings provide a cushioning effect.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 21, 2012Publication date: February 27, 2014Inventor: Tai-Heng Chen
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Patent number: 8657302Abstract: A skate sole assembly has a boot bracket, a frame, two cushioning bearings and two axles. The frame is mounted under the boot bracket and has an arcuate plate and two outer supporting arms. The arcuate plate has two inner supporting arms corresponding to the outer supporting arms. The cushioning bearings are embedded respectively in connecting ends of the outer supporting arms and respectively receive connecting ends of the inner supporting arms. Each axle is rotatably mounted through the connecting end of one inner supporting arm, the connecting end of one outer supporting arm and one cushioning bearing. The frame is made of rigid material to stabilize the motion of a user wearing skates which are assembled from the skate sole assemblies. The cushioning bearings provide a cushioning effect.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2012Date of Patent: February 25, 2014Assignee: Minson Enterprises Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tai-Heng Chen
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Patent number: 8641054Abstract: A wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation, the wearable device including a shoe, a plurality of wheel assemblies, each wheel assembly being configured to selectively roll relative to a ground surface about an associated axis of rotation, and a frame connected between the wheel assemblies, the frame comprising a trunk and a plurality of branches extending from the trunk, each of the branches being configured for connection to at least one of the plurality of wheel assemblies, wherein at least a portion of the shoe is located vertically higher than at least a portion of the frame when at least one of the wheel assemblies is in contact with the ground surface and the at least one of the wheel assemblies is positioned to selectively roll relative to the ground surface.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Inventor: Roger R. Adams
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Publication number: 20140027989Abstract: A skateboard truck maintains truck geometry. The truck includes a support pin including a cylindrical end slideably engaging a cylindrical passage in a base plate, and a ball end residing in a socket in a hanger. A support pin bushing under the cylindrical end is compressible and both carries some of a rider's weight and holds the ball end in the socket providing a second pivot to the truck. The second pivot eliminates horizontal play of the hanger thereby facilitating consistent compression of the kingpin bushings and improved stability of the skateboard. Support pin travel allows off-center kingpin bushing compression for steering and improves shock absorption. Eliminating horizontal play allows lengthened kingpin bushings and use of the entire height of the kingpin bushings. The combination of kingpin bushing preload, and weight carried by the support pin, tends to equalize the compression of the top and bottom kingpin bushings improving stability.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2012Publication date: January 30, 2014Inventor: Fredrick Boyd Baumann
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Patent number: 8608182Abstract: Devices and methods for lowering the center of gravity of a skateboard, while maintaining the structural integrity of the deck are described herein. In some embodiments, a skateboard includes a deck, a pair of trucks, and a set of bearings and wheels. The deck can include a cutout configured to receive a portion of the truck. The trucks are configured to couple to a bottom surface of the deck and include a portion disposed within the opening of the deck.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: SkateOne Corp.Inventor: Michael T. Mete
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Patent number: 8602422Abstract: A scooter is disclosed which positions a center of gravity of a rider toward the front the scooter so that the rider can more easily perform a 180 degree turn trick. Since the rider is positioned closer to the front wheel, it becomes easier for the rider to flip over the handlebars. Fortunately, the scooter reduces a moment arm that defines a deceleration moment to reduce the likelihood that the rider will flip over the front handlebars.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: SBYKE USA LLCInventor: Stephen S. Wilson
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Publication number: 20130270781Abstract: This invention discloses a set of interchangeable bushing seat inserts which can be removably attached to the bushing seat on a hanger in any skateboard type truck to allow for different set ups and create different feelings. By having different bushing seat insert options, the rider can “tune” or adjust the feel and handling of the truck for different riding styles or courses. The interchangeable inserts may be of different geometry/shape and size and once inserted into the bushing seat area, it forms a new base and side for the bushing seat area, thus affecting the base and side of the bushing seat area. The possibilities for geometric changes to the inserts are almost limitless. This invention is also directed to a modified skateboard truck with an enlarged bushing seat which allows for the insertion (by any practical means) of specifically shaped inserts which surround the bushing.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 17, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Inventor: Paul David Kuyt
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Patent number: 8500138Abstract: A skateboard truck and hanger therefor, the skateboard truck including a base plate, a bushing support, and a hanger which is dimensioned for removable securement to the bushing support. The hanger is preferably removably secured to the bushing support by means of machine screws passing through openings in the bushing support for threaded engagement in threaded openings within the hanger.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2011Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: Surf-Rodz LLCInventors: Andrew M. Visinski, Josef F. Visinski, Wayne A. Gallipoli, Jean Louis Picouet
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Publication number: 20130175774Abstract: The present invention relates generally to skateboard and caster devices. More particularly, in a manner the invention concerns both dual wheel and single wheel axle supports of trucks and casters having a suspension mechanism for absorbing shock. The suspension mechanism is uniquely designed to progressively increase suspension resistance as forces acting on the mechanism increase by elastically deforming an independent arm in a manner to contact another arm or structure thereby transforming the independent arm into a dependent arm that results in a progressive resistance to a load until the forces are terminally engaged into a resilient abutment. A novel alignment mechanism functions to maintain the skateboard steering function.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2012Publication date: July 11, 2013Inventor: Robert Lininger, JR.
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Patent number: 8480095Abstract: A heeling apparatus includes a shoe with a unique feature in the heel that allows one to walk, run, or roll seamlessly. The appearance is that of normal footwear because of the covert wheel assembly. The stealth wheel in the heel gives one the ability to roll or slide in areas you could only walk. Heeling is a new activity that employs a unique method of rolling and requires a newly learned skill set of balance, positioning, and coordination.Type: GrantFiled: November 23, 2009Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Heeling Sports LimitedInventor: Roger R. Adams
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Patent number: 8469377Abstract: A truck assembly for a vehicle such as a skateboard or scooter may have a kingpin about which a hanger rotates. The hanger may be biased toward a caming surface having a depressed configuration by a spring, weight of the rider and also via a centrifugal force created during turning. This aids in dynamically stabilizing the truck assembly and the vehicle to which the truck assembly is mounted based on the particular rider and the maneuver being performed on the vehicle. The caming surface may have a regressive configuration such that the spring compresses at a different rate per degree of rotation of the hanger.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2012Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Sbyke USA LLCInventors: Stephen S. Wilson, Bradley E. Wernli
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Patent number: 8469376Abstract: A skateboard with two wheels (11), said skateboard having a front plate (15) and a rear plate (16) which are connected with each other by a spring element (3), which is secured to a rod (1 and 2) at both ends of the spring element (3). The two wheels (11), the front plate (15) and the rear plate (16) are secured inclined (4) to the rod (8, 11) by means of screw connections (4, 12) to form an angle relative to the upper sides of the plates (15 and 16). In this manner, the front plate (15) and the rear plate (16) are protected against breaks, as the wheels (11) are not secured directly to the front plate (15) and the rear plate (16), but to the rods (1 and 2) with the spring element (13).Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: MK Partner Holding APSInventor: Morten Kristiansen
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Publication number: 20130154211Abstract: Devices and methods for lowering the center of gravity of a skateboard, while maintaining the structural integrity of the deck are described herein. In some embodiments, a skateboard includes a deck, a pair of trucks, and a set of bearings and wheels. The deck can include a cutout configured to receive a portion of the truck. The trucks are configured to couple to a bottom surface of the deck and include a portion disposed within the opening of the deck.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2011Publication date: June 20, 2013Applicant: SKATEONE CORP.Inventor: Michael Mete
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Patent number: 8465027Abstract: A triple action roller skate steering and suspension mechanism includes upper and lower cushions clamped on either side of a skate truck, plus a third action comprising a floating cushion mechanism supporting and surrounding the pivot cup portion of a pivot joint mechanism. A pivot pin is threaded into the skate truck and can be preloaded against the pivot cup and floating cushion mechanism, thereby providing improved shock absorbing, durability and adjustability. The roller skate base plate is a unitary structure including a hollow arch for lightweight structural reinforcement.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Inventor: Jacob Burke
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Publication number: 20130147138Abstract: Devices and methods of transport are disclosed. Various embodiments include structural aspects related to steering and changing the direction of conveyances including features which utilize leaning or shifting of weight as part of turning.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2013Publication date: June 13, 2013Applicant: LEVERAGE DESIGN LTD.Inventor: Leverage Design Ltd.
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Patent number: 8454038Abstract: A bidirectional propulsion caster assembly is disclosed for enabling a rider to generate bi-directional motion from a ride-on device. A mounting bracket is attachable to the bottom of the device and defines a pivot axis extending in a generally transverse direction across the bottom of the device. A rocker bracket and caster shaft having a caster shaft axis are attached to the mounting bracket and pivot about the pivot axis along an arc between first and second positions. A wheel bracket is mounted to and rotates about the caster shaft. A wheel is mounted to the wheel bracket for rotation about a wheel axis angularly offset from the caster shaft axis. One or more changeable pivot stops may be attached to the rocker bracket or the mounting bracket and effective to further define the available arc of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2012Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Inventor: Thomas J. O'Rourke
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Patent number: 8448954Abstract: A skate truck is disclosed which provides for a wide yaw angle for a hanger, minimal friction during yawing of the hanger, and a suspension that is dynamically stabilized based on a weight of a rider and a turn radius of a vehicle to which the skate truck is mounted. Additionally, a tension of the skate truck can be adjusted by preloading a spring which accommodates a wide weight ranger of riders. The truck may have a hanger supported between two bearings, namely, a sliding bearing system and a thrust bearing. The sliding bearings slide within grooves that define a pivot axis of the hanger. The grooves can also have various customized ramp profiles to provide a different feel during turning of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2010Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: SBYKE USA LLCInventor: Stephen S. Wilson
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Patent number: 8448955Abstract: Three wheeled skateboards having direct connection between the front and back skate wheels where there is improved maneuverability and turning capability is provided. A steering plate is added to the axle of a conventional front skateboard truck and is made specifically for this application. Both ends of the single cable are fixably attached to the steering plate and are connected to the single rear wheel truck to supply the direct mechanical linkage. The single wheel truck at the rear has the wheel mounted in such a way as to allow it to be turned by the mechanical linkage that carries turn motion from the two wheel truck at the front of the skateboard. The single wheel mounted to the rear of the centerline of the truck rather than in front of or on the centerline of the truck increases the quickness of the action of the skateboard.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Inventor: Brent H. Kinnaman
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Publication number: 20130113170Abstract: A skateboard truck assembly comprising a base plate, a hanger, and at least one compressible member interposed therebetween that utilizes rotation of the hanger to at least partially and temporarily deform the compressible member, thereby creating zones of tension and/or compression within the compressible member and facilitating smooth and efficient motion of the skateboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 3, 2011Publication date: May 9, 2013Inventors: Jared Braden, Roger Braden
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Publication number: 20130106068Abstract: An item of sports equipment to be fastened to a person's foot, the sports equipment including a rolling or sliding member by which the sports equipment can be rolled or slid along a ground surface, wherein the rolling or sliding member includes a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion includes a roller or a sliding surface for the ground surface, and the rear portion includes a roller or a sliding surface for the ground surface, wherein the front portion and the rear portion are connected to a crosspiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2011Publication date: May 2, 2013Applicant: ZNS D.O.OInventors: Jurij Franko, Pavel Skofic
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Patent number: 8424882Abstract: A truck according to the present invention includes a hanger dimensioned for insertion of axles upon which wheels are attached. The truck may be configured for attachment to a skateboard. The hanger includes a cutout portion including a key cavity into which a key is positioned. Bushings and a kingpin are also installed onto the hanger. The key when positioned within the key cavity of the hanger confines the pivot of the hanger on a centerline which bisects the hanger. The key may include extending cylindrical tabs which may allow for the hanger to freely swivel about the kingpin passing therethrough without the use of bearing surfaces. The bushings are positioned on the kingpin and on opposite sides of the key and key cavity of the hanger so as to urge the hanger to its center position.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2010Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Surf-Rodz LLCInventors: Andrew M. Visinski, Josef F. Visinski
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Patent number: 8398100Abstract: A skateboard apparatus comprising a truck assembly is provided. The truck assembly comprises a suspension assembly, a pivot element, a collapsible tubular member, a compression spring, and a tension spring. The suspension assembly comprises a suspension spring for creating a rocking motion about a longitudinal axis of the board structure. The collapsible tubular member is threadedly connected to the pivot element, which is pivotally connected to the suspension assembly. The compression spring is externally and coaxially mounted around sleeve members of the collapsible tubular member. The tension spring coaxially that extends through the collapsible tubular member, in communication with the compression spring, telescopically extends and retracts the collapsible tubular member for creating an upward motion and a downward motion respectively, of the board structure.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Inventor: Hailu Teferi Tedla
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Publication number: 20130026723Abstract: Skateboard designs including a hanger with a yoke with two arms, comprising a bumper which provides an increasing force as the wheel axles are pushed away from their resting position, and wide wheels with an asymmetrical and gradually tapering profile as the wheels extend outward from the midline of the board, for improved “surfing-like” maneuverability including an enhanced ability to “carve” like a snowboard.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: January 31, 2013Applicant: Romulus Investments, LLCInventors: Toly Genov, Zlatko Sotirov, Alex Todorov, Marlowe Markov, Kalin Stefanov
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Publication number: 20130020773Abstract: A roller skate having enhanced durability and stability is disclosed. The skate includes a platform for supporting a skater's foot. The platform includes a toe plate and heel plate connected by an adjustable connecting assembly. A front truck is affixed to the underside of the toe plate, while a rear truck is affixed to the underside of the heel plate. The front truck includes simple bracket arms for affixing a single front wheel which is capable of rotating, but not capable of tilting about the platform's longitudinal axis. Meanwhile, the rear wheel truck is mounted to the underside of the heel plate so as to permit both tilting movement about an inclined longitudinal axis, and also rotation about a transverse axis relative to the roller skate's platform. Preferably, the roller skate includes three wheels rotatably mounted to the rear wheel truck.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2012Publication date: January 24, 2013Inventor: BRIAN GREEN
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Patent number: 8348299Abstract: A binding device for retaining footwear securely to a snowshoe, ski, snowboard, and other apparatuses for traversing mainly over snow and ice covered terrain. The mounting plate includes multiple direct locking features on the mounting plate surface which interact with mating interfaces on a ski device. At least one strap coupled to the mounting plate is disclosed for securing a boot to the mounting plate foot bed. A positional releasable axle pivot pin that may selectively articulate the mounting plate and selectively aid in a locked heel mode directly on the mounting plate is disclosed. A first position wherein the binding may articulate in a walking motion on the axle pivot pin when connected to a ski device and a second position wherein the axle pivot pin and secondary locking feature in the mounting plate may be engaged wherein articulation and the walking motion of the mounting plate is prevented.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventor: Lane Ekberg
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Patent number: 8348284Abstract: A roller skate having enhanced durability and stability is disclosed. Furthermore, the roller skate is particularly adapted for affixing to a person's footwear, such as sneakers, boots or the like. The skate includes a platform for supporting a skater's foot. The platform includes a toe plate and heel plate connected by an adjustable connecting assembly. A front truck is affixed to the underside of the toe plate, while a rear truck is affixed to the underside of the heel plate. The front truck includes simple bracket arms for affixing a single front wheel which is capable of rotating, but not capable of tilting about the platform's longitudinal axis. Meanwhile, the rear wheel truck is mounted to the underside of the heel plate so as to permit both tilting movement about an inclined longitudinal axis, and also rotation about a transverse axis relative to the roller skate's platform. Preferably, the roller skate includes three wheels rotatably mounted to the rear wheel truck.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2011Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Inventor: Brian J. Green
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Publication number: 20120326403Abstract: A skateboard includes a deck, a rear gear and a front gear. The rear gear is attached to the deck. The front gear includes a base plate, a friction-resistant plate, a hanger, a front wheel, a baring and a king pin. The base plate is attached to the deck, made of a plastic material, and formed with an inclined face. The friction-resistant plate is made of a friction-resistant metal material and located against the inclined face. The hanger includes a ring and two branches extending from the ring. The front wheel is attached to the branches. The bearing is located in the ring. The king pin is inserted in the bearing located in the ring, the friction-resistant plate and the base plate so that the axis of the king pin extends downward and toward the rear gear.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventor: HENKEL LIN
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Patent number: 8333391Abstract: A frame for a clap skate comprises: a lower frame part; an upper frame part with means for coupling to the sole and heel of a skate shoe; hinge which couples the two frame parts hingedly to each other and which are situated at a distance above the foremost zone of the lower frame part and define a first free degree of freedom of rotation, or a plane varying a maximum of about 30° therefrom of the runner; and resetting means for urging the upper frame part to a rest position determined by positioning means, in which rest position the frame parts have the smallest possible mutual distance. The hinge defines a second free degree of freedom of ±30° perpendicularly of the first free degree of freedom. The upper frame part performs an up and downward and lateral pivoting movement relative to the lower frame part.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2008Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Widee B.V.Inventor: Jan-Willem Meijer
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Patent number: 8328206Abstract: A skateboard truck is fabricated utilizing one, or more, elongated, generally ‘wing’ shaped, elastomeric bushings which have the ability of being controllably rotated both from within, as well as from around, the perimeters of one or more bushing seats formed into the main body of the hanger of the skateboard truck. By controllably rotating the wing shaped bushing from a parallel bushing position in relation to the sloped mounting face of the truck base plate into a perpendicular bushing position in relation to the same sloped mounting face, an enhanced range of truck tension control options are provided to the truck. Such a truck design permits the possibility of bushing tension and position adjustments to be made to the truck without the need for the rider to dismount the skateboard, and also without the use of tools. Moreover, a skateboard rider has the ability to perform such truck tension adjustments while being mounted on and in the act of riding the skateboard.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2010Date of Patent: December 11, 2012Inventor: Alfred C. Williams, Jr.
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Patent number: 8308171Abstract: A personal transport device including a transportation attachment, a foot platform situated above the transportation attachment and at least one fastener connecting the foot platform to the transportation attachment. The foot platform has two parallel extending surfaces supporting a user's foot so that the longitudinal axis of the user's foot can be positioned roughly perpendicular to the direction of travel of the transportation attachment The transportation attachment can be wheels, skates or even skis.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 13, 2012Inventor: Ryan Farrelly
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Patent number: 8292308Abstract: A roller skate having enhanced durability and stability is disclosed. Furthermore, the roller skate is particularly adapted for affixing to a person's footwear, such as sneakers, boots or the like. The skate includes a platform for supporting a skater's foot. The platform includes a toe plate and heel plate connected by an adjustable connecting assembly. A front truck is affixed to the underside of the toe plate, while a rear truck is affixed to the underside of the heel plate. The front truck includes simple bracket arms for affixing a single front wheel which is capable of rotating, but not capable of tilting about the platform's longitudinal axis. Meanwhile, the rear wheel truck is mounted to the underside of the heel plate so as to permit both tilting movement about an inclined longitudinal axis, and also rotation about a transverse axis relative to the roller skate's platform. Preferably, the roller skate includes three wheels rotatably mounted to the rear wheel truck.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2010Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Inventors: Brian Green, Marcus Kuchler
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Publication number: 20120248718Abstract: A truck assembly having a mounting plate with a first mounting bracket with a first arm, a second arm and a ridge; a cushion with a front surface that defines a concave segment, and a rear surface that defines a notch that receives and seats the ridge; an axle assembly with a truck support having a convex surface that seats in a socket defined by the concave segment and at least a portion of the first arm and the second arm; a swing pin releasably joining the cushion and the axle assembly to the first mounting bracket and adjustment members each having a first surface, a second surface, and a cushion arm. The cushion arm contacts a lateral surface of the cushion, where an adjustment nut attached to the truck support can be used to move the cushion arm of the adjustment member relative the lateral surface of the cushion.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: Riedell Shoes, Inc.Inventor: Daniel James Miller
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Publication number: 20120223492Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for a truck of a skateboard. The truck includes a joining means and a positioning means. The joining means has one end connected to a deck of the skateboard and another end movably connected to the positioning means. The hatch system includes a binding means and at least one biasing means. The binding means is removably connected to the positioning means via at least one fixing means. At least one biasing means is adapted in use to be held in compression between the joining means and the binding means. The fixing means is configured such that upon initial engagement thereof with the hanger, the biasing means is not in compression.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 10, 2011Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: Streetboardz Holdings Pty LimitedInventor: Ivor Ackerman
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Patent number: 8251377Abstract: A roller skate having enhanced steerability and stability is disclosed. The skate includes a platform for supporting a skater's foot and front and rear wheel trucks secured to the underside of the platform. A pair of front wheels is rotatably mounted in transverse axial alignment on the front wheel truck and a pair of rear wheels is rotatably mounted in transverse axial alignment on said rear wheel truck. The pairs of front and rear wheels are also in parallel axial alignment with each other and mounted on their respective wheel trucks for resiliently controlled, tilting movement about downwardly inclined longitudinal axis. In addition, a fifth wheel is rotatably mounted on the front wheel truck between the pairs of front and rear wheels and in parallel axial alignment with the wheel pairs. An additional preferred roller skate includes a single wheel rotatably mounted to the front toe plate. The front wheel is not tiltable about the skate's longitudinal axis.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Inventors: Brian J. Green, Marcus Kuchler
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Patent number: 8251383Abstract: A skateboard truck assembly providing improved speed reduction or braking response when the rider places the skateboard in a rear tilt or tail drag position without sacrificing the skateboard's turning responsiveness. The truck assembly comprises a pair of axle distal sections, the portion of the axle extending beyond the ends of the hanger, that are angled relative to the riding surface. The angled axle sections causes the wheels to move in an outward direction, relative to the forward direction of the skateboard, when the skateboard is placed in a rear tilt position, resulting in drag that slows or stops the forward movement of the skateboard. Preferably, the truck assembly utilizes tapered wheels having an outer circumference which is larger than the inner circumference to provide improved speed reduction and turning stability. In addition, the pivot axis is more closely aligned or aligned with the axle axis to increase turning stability.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Inventor: Paul C. Dickie
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Publication number: 20120146299Abstract: A skate truck is disclosed which provides for a wide yaw angle for a hanger, minimal friction during yawing of the hanger, and a suspension that is dynamically stabilized based on a weight of a rider and a turn radius of a vehicle to which the skate truck is mounted. Additionally, a tension of the skate truck can be adjusted by preloading a spring which accommodates a wide weight ranger of riders. The truck may have a hanger supported between two bearings, namely, a sliding bearing system and a thrust bearing. The sliding bearings slide within grooves that define a pivot axis of the hanger. The grooves can also have various customized ramp profiles to provide a different feel during turning of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Inventor: Stephen S. Wilson
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Publication number: 20120104706Abstract: A truck assembly for a vehicle such as a skateboard or scooter may have a kingpin about which a hanger rotates. The hanger may be biased toward a caming surface having a depressed configuration by a spring, weight of the rider and also via a centrifugal force created during turning. This aids in dynamically stabilizing the truck assembly and the vehicle to which the truck assembly is mounted based on the particular rider and the maneuver being performed on the vheicle. The caming surface may have a regressive configuration such that the spring compresses at a different rate per degree of rotation of the hanger.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2012Publication date: May 3, 2012Inventors: Stephen S. Wilson, Bradley E. Wernli
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Patent number: 8152176Abstract: A truck assembly for a vehicle such as a skateboard or scooter may have a kingpin about which a hanger rotates. The hanger may be biased toward a caming surface having a depressed configuration by a spring, weight of the rider and also via a centrifugal force created during turning. This aids in dynamically stabilizing the truck assembly and the vehicle to which the truck assembly is mounted based on the particular rider and the maneuver being performed on the vehicle. The caming surface may have a regressive configuration such that the spring compresses at a different rate per degree of rotation of the hanger.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2009Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Sbyke USA LLCInventors: Stephen S. Wilson, Bradley E. Wernli
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Publication number: 20120013087Abstract: A suspension for a wearable device configured to selectively provide roller transportation, the suspension including an axle configured to be at least partially circumferentially restrained along a length of the axle, wherein the axle is movable about a center of rotation located along a suspension axis of the suspension that is substantially coincident with an axis of rotation of a wheel assembly carried by the axle.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventor: Roger R. Adams
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Publication number: 20110316244Abstract: A steerable roller skate includes: a sole member of a roller skate having a pair of rear wheels transversely rotatably secured to a rear bottom portion of the sole member, a steering base steerably secured on a front bottom portion of the sole member, a pair of front wheels transversely rotatably secured on the steering base, a first magnet secured on a central bottom portion of the sole member, a second magnet secured on the steering base adjacent to the first magnet having opposite magnetic polarities of the first and second magnets for normally attracting the second magnet to the first magnet, and a non-magnetic spacer either formed on a bottom surface of the first magnet, or formed on an upper surface of the second magnet for spacing or separating the two magnets for smoothly steering the roller skate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventor: Kuo-Tai Tang
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Publication number: 20110316245Abstract: A triple action roller skate steering and suspension mechanism includes upper and lower cushions clamped on either side of a skate truck, plus a third action comprising a floating cushion mechanism supporting and surrounding the pivot cup portion of a pivot joint mechanism. A pivot pin is threaded into the skate truck and can be preloaded against the pivot cup and floating cushion mechanism, thereby providing improved shock absorbing, durability and adjustability. The roller skate base plate is a unitary structure including a hollow arch for lightweight structural reinforcement.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventor: Jacob E. Burke
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Patent number: 8079604Abstract: A skateboard is disclosed that includes a rear wheel system and a front wheel system. The rear wheel system includes a pair of rear wheels that are mounted on a rear axle that is coupled to a rear truck that is attached to an underside of a rear portion of a board. The rear wheel system permits each of the pair of rear wheels to alternately move toward a front portion of the board responsive to a force alternately urging each of the pair of rear wheels toward the underside of the board. The front wheel system includes a pair of front wheels that are mounted on a front axle that is rotatably attached to a mid-truck such that the front axle is movable about a first axis of rotation. The mid-truck is rotatably attached to an attachment base that is secured to an underside of the front portion of the board such that the mid-truck is rotatable about a second axis of rotation.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2009Date of Patent: December 20, 2011Assignee: SurfSkate Industries, LLCInventor: Colin O. Newton
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Patent number: 8075006Abstract: A system and method for a skateboard and for propelling the skateboard. The skateboard system includes a board including a first end and a second end, the first end offset from the second end, and the second end defining a board plane. The skateboard system also includes a truck assembly attached near the first end of the board, and a caster assembly attached near the second end of the board. The caster assembly has a caster pin at an angle with respect to the board plane. Other embodiments are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: December 13, 2011Inventor: Kevin L. Smith
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Patent number: 7997589Abstract: The present invention relates to skating shoes that are capable of walking and skating, and more particularly, to skating shoes that are possible of self-driving skating and free conversion between walking and skating without a particular operation.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2007Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Inventor: Gyeonghui Park
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Patent number: 7988159Abstract: A wheeled device having pairs of wheels positioned on opposite sides (e.g. skateboard or “quad” skate) that includes a base and at least one turnable wheel assembly. A turnable wheel assembly includes two wheels having negative camber angle, and is configured such that the axles of the wheels can pivot about an axis disposed substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel. This configuration is conducive to the use of large wheels.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Inventor: Shane Chen
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Patent number: 7984917Abstract: A shock absorbing mechanism for a suspension skateboard truck and skateboard is disclosed. A suspension skateboard truck includes a hangar. The hangar has opposing axle sleeves that extend to opposite distal ends along a lateral axis defined by an axle channel formed by each axle sleeve. The distal end of each axle sleeve includes a cavity that has a width greater than a width of the axle channel. The apparatus further includes an axle extending out from the axle channel and cavity of the distal end of each axle sleeve, and a shock absorbing mechanism occupying each cavity at least partially around the axle.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: July 26, 2011Assignee: Seal Trademarks Pty LtdInventors: Stephen Lake, Richard Wilson
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Patent number: 7980567Abstract: The present invention provides a kind of skate, including a boot and a skating device connected to the boot, wherein the skating device is arranged along the width direction of the boot. The skate further includes a skating device mount for mounting the skating device to the boot, wherein the skating device can rotate 360 degree under the boot. The transverse skating device under the boot enables the sideward sliding direction, which bring more fun to the skaters. When the skating device is rotated to an angle and locked, the skate can slide inclinedly, which bring more challenges to the skaters. The skating device can rotate 360 degree freely or rotate different angle from two boots under the boot, which can cancel the shift of the knock-knee. The skating device can also be adjusted to be in line on the longitudinal direction as a traditional roller skate or ice skate.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Trigold Manufacture Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ting Hung Yu, Chuan Hung Yu
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Publication number: 20110148055Abstract: A truck according to the present invention includes a hanger dimensioned for insertion of axles upon which wheels are attached. The truck may be configured for attachment to a skateboard. The hanger includes a cutout portion including a key cavity into which a key is positioned. Bushings and a kingpin are also installed onto the hanger. The key when positioned within the key cavity of the hanger confines the pivot of the hanger on a centerline which bisects the hanger. The key may include extending cylindrical tabs which may allow for the hanger to freely swivel about the kingpin passing therethrough without the use of bearing surfaces. The bushings are positioned on the kingpin and on opposite sides of the key and key cavity of the hanger so as to urge the hanger to its center position.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: J.V. Precision Machine Co.Inventors: Andrew M. Visinski, Josef F. Visinski
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Publication number: 20110140385Abstract: A truck assembly comprises a baseplate including a pivot arm hole, a first kingpin hole and a spring holder. A wheel axle is couplable to a wheel on each end of the wheel axle. A pivot arm is inserted into the pivot arm hole of the baseplate. An axle housing has a first end, a second end and a second kingpin hole. The first end includes the wheel axle and the second kingpin hole, and the second end includes the pivot arm. A swingable kingpin includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion swings relative to the second portion. A spring member is provided substantially parallel to the kingpin and is coupled to the spring holder of the baseplate and the first end of the axle housing.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: PLUTO TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: James J. Fraley