Steered By Tiltable Platform (e.g., Skateboard) Patents (Class 280/87.042)
  • Patent number: 8684370
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Fredrick Boyd Baumann
  • Patent number: 8684376
    Abstract: Skateboard devices, and methods of riding and steering an elongated foldable skateboard with two large front wheels pivotally attached to the front of the skateboard and a single large rear centered wheel with depressible brake. The skateboard allows for the rider with one foot on the skateboard to propel the skateboard by pushing off the ground with another foot. A stabilizing assembly with angled bolt/pin/rod that inserts into an oblong eyelet opening with pliable bushing on the front axle can allow for the rider to tilt the board with their weight to turn the skateboard to the left or to the right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: James Wurst
  • Patent number: 8684377
    Abstract: An articulated steerable self-propelled vehicle has a support platform mounting a motive power source and sites at opposite sides of motive power source where an operator's feet can be placed to enable the operator to stand on platform and straddle motive power source. First suspension assembly on vehicle is pivotally mounted to platform in order to dispose and couple first ground surface contacting member spaced in first direction from platform, movable to follow the ground surface, vertically movable relative to platform to accommodate impact generated by uneven ground surface, and steerable horizontally relative to platform and the ground surface. Second support assembly on the vehicle is pivotally mounted to platform in order to dispose and couple second ground surface contacting member spaced in second direction from of platform, movable to follow the ground surface, and vertically movable relative to platform to accommodate impact generated by uneven ground surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Performance Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Keel
  • Publication number: 20140070509
    Abstract: A flexible skateboard may include a pair of direction casters mounted for steering rotation on a flexible skateboard, twistable for propulsion. One or more vertical wall supports may be provided to resist bowing. Centering spring arrangements including range or rotation limitations such as hard stops may be included. One or two dual wheel assemblies may be exchanged for the single wheel assemblies for ease or riding or learning how to ride. One piece skateboard bodies may be formed by rigidly connecting together multiple pieces of the same or similar wooden or plastic molded parts to form a bridge like connecting member having increased structural rigidity and strength for its weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Applicant: RAZOR USA, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Chen, Robert A. Hadley
  • Publication number: 20140062046
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: SBYKE USA LLC
    Inventor: STEPHEN S. WILSON
  • Publication number: 20140062045
    Abstract: Embodiments are provided of skateboard decks and skateboard assemblies each having a unitary body of extruded aluminum, the body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. Each embodiment can have a handle portion formed in the unitary body and configured to receive one or more fingers, the handle portion positioned proximate one of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge. Each of the embodiments disclosed herein can also comprise a first truck rail and a second truck rail extruded with the unitary body on the bottom surface, the first truck rail and the second truck rail running along at least a portion of a length of the unitary body and forming a track configured to movably receive a plurality of truck assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Inventor: Joel Rawlins
  • Patent number: 8628099
    Abstract: A wheel mounting assembly for removably attaching a wheel assembly, typically comprising an axle and one or more wheels, to a platform attached to or integral with a wheeled object, such as skateboards, roller skates, rollerblades, backpacks, luggage, dollies and the like. The wheel mounting assembly comprises a wheel mount connector attached to the platform and a wheel mount, which is attached to the wheel assembly, that are configured for twist-and-lock engagement. The wheel mount has a mounting cavity for receiving the wheel mount connector and an internal elongated spring member that biases an engagement member into a slot on the wheel mount connector to prevent unintended disengagement of the wheel mounting assembly from the platform. One or more securing mechanisms secure the wheel mount to the wheel mount connector. The wheel mounting assembly can securely join multiple platform sections together without tools to simplify carrying or storing the object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Portaboard, LLC
    Inventors: Brett J. Gregory, Michael W. Keever, Ted J Hauser
  • Patent number: 8613453
    Abstract: A wheel skate device having a foot platform, a frame, and a ring-shaped wheel. The user operates a pair of the wheel skate devices while standing with one foot on each foot platform. The foot platform is movable between an in-use position and a stowage position. In the in-use position. the foot platform interlocks with the frame and can be secured with a locking pin. A pair of the wheel skate devices in stowage position can be connected together as a single unit using a connecting piece, which may have an attached strap for carrying or hanging. A mechanism which limits the wheel to rolling in only one direction, and an elastic band linking two wheel skate devices together to prevent the user's feet from accidentally moving too far apart, are useful learning aids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Inventor: Shane Chen
  • Patent number: 8608185
    Abstract: A skateboard truck assembly with an integrated combination of a system of gears that resemble planetary gears that allow both wheels and a caster to remain on the ground while the skateboard is traveling in a lengthwise manner. At the same time, when the rider leans to one side or the other of the skateboard, the gear assembly causes the “downhill” wheel to rise in the air and the caster to be displaced such that the skateboarder can laterally “slide” or “drift” the skateboard as though it was a snowboard. Because the downhill wheel is raised well above the ground, there is less of a tendency for the downhill wheel to catch on any street irregularities or rocks and stop sliding at inopportune times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Reincarnate, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay Velitario Bermal
  • Patent number: 8608182
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: SkateOne Corp.
    Inventor: Michael T. Mete
  • Publication number: 20130328280
    Abstract: A wheeled system for engagement with a surfboard is provided. Wheeled mounting plates removably engageable with a bottom surface of a surfboard, allow a rider to ride on support surfaces such as the sidewalk, and to remove the wheeled mounting plates to employ the surfboard in the water. The wheeled mounting plates may be retrofitted to existing boards with an elastic or mechanical engagement, or provided in combination with a surfboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Yancey A. Meyer
  • Patent number: 8602422
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: SBYKE USA LLC
    Inventor: Stephen S. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20130307240
    Abstract: The invention relates to a scooter with a frame including a footboard and with two wheel units which lie at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the scooter and support the frame via wheel axles. The frame has a frame part which branches off forwards and/or rearwards with respect to the footboard, preferably lies in the vertical longitudinal centre plane of the scooter and supports at least one pivot shaft which lies in the longitudinal centre plane of the scooter, branches off from the frame part at a predetermined angle with respect to the standing plane of the scooter and defines a pivot axis for the particular wheel unit, and the particular wheel unit is arranged rotatably about the pivot axis such that, when the steering column and/or the footboard is tilted laterally, the wheel unit is pivoted with respect to the longitudinal centre plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Hubert Petutschnig
  • Patent number: 8579306
    Abstract: An in-line off-road skateboard includes a front wheel and a rear wheel in tandem, one foot platform mounted between the front and rear wheels and one foot platform mounted aft of the rear wheel, an articulating front wheel which is steered by tilting the board in the desired direction of travel, a steering assembly which is adjusted to control the radius of a turn and the level by which the steering assembly is able to respond when the board is leaned from side to side at various degrees, independent suspension for both wheels that can be adjusted for various lengths of wheel travel and for various types of terrains, and a rear disc brake that does not interfere with the ability of the rear suspension to respond to uneven surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Michael George Lewis
  • Patent number: 8579300
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Pluto Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: James J. Fraley
  • Patent number: 8574705
    Abstract: A laminate comprising at least one substantially continuous layer of non-uniform thickness and a method of manufacturing the same is provided. In one embodiment, a veneer sheet is placed on top of a one-sided sanding mold having a contoured upper surface and passed through a thickness sander until the desired thickness of the pattern on the veneer is achieved. Each veneer layer of the laminate may be shaped in this manner. A plurality of contoured veneers are then laminated using methods known in the art, the result of which is a strong laminate that is composed of substantially continuous veneers of non-uniform thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Roarockit Skateboard Company
    Inventor: Edward Garnet Hunter
  • Publication number: 20130277926
    Abstract: A board sport strap assembly and method of training is disclosed to help a board sport rider maintain an athletic balanced position, helping to keep their feet in better contact with the sport board, providing stability and balance, enhancing and creating maneuvers, assisting movement, and improving balance and ease of learning. The assembly is made of two straps, each with a handle and a board end, the board ends of the straps being attached to the front of the board and the back of the board, respectively. The sport board rider grasps each handle, one in each hand, to assist with balance and to maintain an athletic position. The rider is able to lift on one or the other, or both, of the straps to lift, turn or otherwise move the respective ends, or both together, enabling the rider enhanced maneuverability and stability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Thomas Rains
  • Patent number: 8562006
    Abstract: A wheel for an inline skate that may reduce rolling friction and provide a wider rolling base giving more stability. The wheel comprises a hub for receiving an axle and a wheel body defining a circumference of the wheel. The wheel body comprises a circumferential surface extending along the circumference of the wheel. The circumferential surface comprises a first contact surface and a second contact surface for being in rolling contact with a skating surface on which the inline skate moves. The wheel body also comprises a receding surface extending from the first contact surface to the second contact surface and forming a recess between the first contact surface and the second contact surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Bauer Hockey, Inc.
    Inventor: Garnet Alexander
  • Patent number: 8556275
    Abstract: A truck assembly having a mounting plate with a first mounting bracket with a first arm, a second atm and a ridge; a cushion with a front surface that defines a concave segment, a rear surface that defines a notch that receives and seats the ridge, and a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface that each include an opening to receive a cushion locking pin; an axle assembly having a wheel shaft and a truck support with a first cushion support arm and a second cushion support arm; each of the cushion support arms having a cushion locking pin opening; a cushion locking pin that can releasably engage the cushion locking pin opening; and a swing pin releasably joining the cushion and the axle assembly to the first mounting bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Riedell Shoes, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel James Miller
  • Patent number: 8550473
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Riedell Shoes, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel James Miller
  • Patent number: 8550480
    Abstract: A skateboard provides a snowboard like ride. A truck support structure is attached to the top of the deck and the trucks are mounted to the support structure spaced away from the deck to provide clearance for turning. The truck support structure is adjustable to allow individual riders to adjust the skateboard to their preference. In one embodiment, the trucks are mounted above a longboard deck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventor: Carlos Bonilla
  • Patent number: 8540284
    Abstract: A wheeled riding device has a body with an elongate front arm, a turning tail, and a joint part pivotally connecting the turning tail and front arm relative to one another. A front wheel is carried by a forward end of the front arm. Rear wheels are carried by a rear end of the turning tail. A standing platform is supported over the front arm and turning tail. The rear wheels and turning tail can pivot laterally side to side relative to the front arm. The front wheel and front arm can pivot vertically up and down relative to the standing platform. The front wheel, during a turn, is cambered inward into the turn. The device is controlled by the rider using body movements and skills required to ride a snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: No Snow Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Falanga, Andres J. Salas-Acosta
  • Publication number: 20130228990
    Abstract: A novel skateboard made of clear material that utilizes various lighting methods to illuminate the skateboard in various ways. It allows the user to set the lighting of the board by using a remote control so that the user may control the lighting while skateboarding. Further, the deck is designed with a convex shape such that it curves upward in order to account for the weight of its users. The novel skateboard comprises of lights, light controller, remote control, manual switch, and battery pack. The lights may be set to illuminate the board, change colors, or pulsate at different colors and at different rates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Thomas Baldauf, Kurt Baldauf
  • Patent number: 8523205
    Abstract: A swing skateboard includes a board body, a front roller unit and a rear roller unit. The front roller unit has a front roller fork rotatably disposed under a bottom face of the board body, and a front roller rotatably mounted on the front roller fork. The rear roller unit has a rear roller shaft mounted under the bottom face of the board body, and two rear rollers respectively rotatably disposed at two ends of the rear roller shaft. A user can wiggle his/her body to tilt the board body of the skateboard and laterally swing the front roller unit so as to control and move the skateboard forward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventors: Yung-Ta Hsu, Kuo-Chen Wang
  • Patent number: 8522928
    Abstract: A skateboard braking apparatus comprising a brake actuator having a lever extending above the skateboard and a contact portion extending below the skateboard. The brake actuator is pivotably connected to the rear end of the skateboard at a connection point on the brake actuator such that when a user applies a rearward force on a forward facing face of the lever portion of the brake actuator, the brake actuator pivots about the connection point so that the contact portion makes contact with a surface on which the skateboard travels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas Orcutt
  • Patent number: 8505935
    Abstract: Disclosed is a tricycle kick board that includes a pillar shaft rotatably mounting a front wheel to a lower portion thereof, a steering unit mounted to a upper portion of the pillar shaft, a joint unit mounted to the pillar shaft, and left and right moving frames connected at one portion thereof to the joint unit and at another portion thereof to left and right foot rest assemblies, respectively, each of the left and right foot rest assemblies having a wheel disposed thereunder. The joint unit is provided with a main body fitted to the pillar shaft so as to be pivotable about the pillar shaft, a main shaft fastened to a side of the main body; and a supplementary body pivotally mounted to the main body so as to be pivotable about the main body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: MSKI Corp.
    Inventors: Jung-Tae Kim, Seok-Jun Jung
  • Patent number: 8506140
    Abstract: A safety illumination device that is mountable to an edge of a ski or snowboard is provided. The device has a curved exterior housing with a front window panel along the convex front portion, an upper window panel along the top and a concave cutout along the rear portion. A circuit board containing control circuitry, a power source and two arrays of lights is housed within the exterior housing. When the device is turned on, light is emitted through the window panels. This assists persons uphill and downhill from the user to see the user in the dark. Selection of an illumination pattern is controlled by a magnetic wand that the user waves over the upper surface of the device. Users may thus easily operate the device and customize their lighting experience. The device is secured to a ski or snowboard via the concave cutout and a pair of screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Roland Edmisten
  • Patent number: 8500145
    Abstract: A skateboard includes a frame and a pedal. The frame has two opposing ends including a first end and a second end. The frame further has a connecting portion formed between and connected to the first end and the second end. The first end includes at least one guiding portion formed on one side thereof. The pedal is installed to the first end of the frame and includes a coupling portion. The pedal has at least one retaining portion formed on one lateral side of the coupling portion and corresponding to the guiding portion. The retaining portion is slidably disposed to the guiding portion. The frame and the first pedal are separately manufactured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventor: Wang-Chuan Chen
  • Patent number: 8500138
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Surf-Rodz LLC
    Inventors: Andrew M. Visinski, Josef F. Visinski, Wayne A. Gallipoli, Jean Louis Picouet
  • Patent number: 8500146
    Abstract: 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 wheel extends outward from the midline of the board, for improved “surfing-like” maneuverability including an enhanced ability to “carve” like a snowboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Romulus Investments, LLC
    Inventors: Toly Genov, Zlatko Sotirov, Alex Todorov, Marlowe Markov, Kalin Stefanov
  • Publication number: 20130175790
    Abstract: Skateboard devices, and methods of riding and steering an elongated foldable skateboard with two large front wheels pivotally attached to the front of the skateboard and a single large rear centered wheel with depressible brake. The skateboard allows for the rider with one foot on the skateboard to propel the skateboard by pushing off the ground with another foot. A stabilizing assembly with angled bolt/pin/rod that inserts into an oblong eyelet opening with pliable bushing on the front axle can allow for the rider to tilt the board with their weight to turn the skateboard to the left or to the right.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: James Wurst
  • Publication number: 20130175777
    Abstract: A skateboard truck assembly with an integrated combination of a system of gears that resemble planetary gears that allow both wheels and a caster to remain on the ground while the skateboard is traveling in a lengthwise manner. At the same time, when the rider leans to one side or the other of the skateboard, the gear assembly causes the “downhill” wheel to rise in the air and the caster to be displaced such that the skateboarder can laterally “slide” or “drift” the skateboard as though it was a snowboard. Because the downhill wheel is raised well above the ground, there is less of a tendency for the downhill wheel to catch on any street irregularities or rocks and stop sliding at inopportune times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: Jay Velitario Bermal
  • Publication number: 20130168936
    Abstract: Provided is a skateboard that enables propulsion to be gained efficiently by a user in a riding state without having to kick the ground with one foot and that also has excellent stability. In a skateboard 1 in which a front board 2 and a rear board 3 attached with casters 6 and 7 respectively at the bottom surface thereof are connected by a connecting member 4, the connecting member 4 includes, at least in a middle portion in the front-rear direction, a plate-shaped spring section 41 elastically deformed upon application of a force orthogonal to a broad side 41a, and is connected to the front board 2 and the rear board 3 such that the broad side 41a is in a vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Inventor: Shuei Morita
  • Patent number: 8469569
    Abstract: A clear, frosted, or colored, transparent and/or translucent, plastic, or composite skateboard, snowboard, or any sports board material, that is illuminated with replaceable, rechargeable, or self-charging battery powered light emitting diodes which are placed inside the board within an inexpensive, drop-in, modular housing, which serves as a light engine and provides light that is transmitted through the interior of the board itself in order to illuminate light altering elements which are embedded inside the board and/or etched, printed or applied to the surface of the board. This glowing light creates unique artistic light patterns, flashing sequences, and glowing designs throughout the interior and exterior of the board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Inventors: William Loftus Tunnicliffe, Richard Winston Humphreys, Steven Gary Goldstein
  • Patent number: 8469376
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: MK Partner Holding APS
    Inventor: Morten Kristiansen
  • Patent number: 8469377
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Sbyke USA LLC
    Inventors: Stephen S. Wilson, Bradley E. Wernli
  • Publication number: 20130154211
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: SKATEONE CORP.
    Inventor: Michael Mete
  • Publication number: 20130154221
    Abstract: A wheeled sport apparatus may comprise a platform and first and second sets of wheels disposed on the platform. Each set of wheels may include a center wheel between two outboard wheels and the outboard wheels may be toed outward for defining a turning radius. One or more carrier wheels may be provided between the first and second sets of wheels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2013
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: POWDR-WOODWARD PA LLC
    Inventor: POWDR-WOODWARD PA LLC
  • Patent number: 8465027
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Inventor: Jacob Burke
  • Patent number: 8465032
    Abstract: According to one disclosed embodiment, a skateboard deck comprises a carbon-fiber shell surrounding a longitudinally-extending interior space. The carbon-fiber shell has an upper inner surface and a lower inner surface opposite the upper inner surface; and a longitudinal beam disposed within the interior space. The longitudinal beam has an upper flange bonded to the upper inner surface of the shell, a lower flange bonded to the lower inner surface of the shell, and a web interconnecting the upper flange and the lower flange. The skateboard deck further comprises a generally rigid exterior portion encasing the core member. The exterior portion comprises at least one layer of wood disposed above or below the shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Chomp, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter Hill, Carlo Lunetta, Scott Jensen, Rodney Mullen
  • Publication number: 20130146379
    Abstract: An articulated steerable self-propelled vehicle has a support platform mounting a motive power source and sites at opposite sides of motive power source where an operator's feet can be placed to enable the operator to stand on platform and straddle motive power source. First suspension assembly on vehicle is pivotally mounted to platform in order to dispose and couple first ground surface contacting member spaced in first direction from platform, movable to follow the ground surface, vertically movable relative to platform to accommodate impact generated by uneven ground surface, and steerable horizontally relative to platform and the ground surface. Second support assembly on the vehicle is pivotally mounted to platform in order to dispose and couple second ground surface contacting member spaced in second direction from of platform, movable to follow the ground surface, and vertically movable relative to platform to accommodate impact generated by uneven ground surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: Performance Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew Keel
  • Patent number: 8459668
    Abstract: A skateboard is provided which includes a front board and a rear board that are connected at a predetermined distance and casters fixed to the bottoms of the boards, in which a hollow cover body is fitted in assembly holes and of housings and formed beneath the bottoms of the front board and the rear board, a first propeller shaft fitted in the assembly hole at the front board and a second propeller shaft fitted in the assembly board at the rear board are inserted in the hollow cover body in contact with each other by cam-shaped joint portions, and the first and second propeller shafts horizontally and elastically expand/contract in rolling motion of the front board and the rear board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Eem Sik Yoon
  • Patent number: 8459670
    Abstract: A long board for street skating having an offset axial joint with a lower hinge support block on a front segment and a lower hinge support block on a rear segment having a hinge which folds the board in the direction of the upper surfaces of each segment, the offset joint allowing a first set of wheels to set behind a second set of wheels depending from each segment when in a folded position for a more compact profile, each lower hinge support block providing the hinge so that each front and rear segment are parallel in a stored and folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Vincenzo Tizzone
  • Patent number: 8459669
    Abstract: A skateboard includes a deck, a rear assembly and a front assembly. The rear assembly is attached to the deck. The front assembly 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 assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Henkel Lin
  • Patent number: 8454038
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas J. O'Rourke
  • Patent number: 8448954
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: SBYKE USA LLC
    Inventor: Stephen S. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8448961
    Abstract: A sport deck is formed with at least one pattern of tow fibers forming a platform for supporting a weight of a user when riding on a sport deck. The pattern of tow fibers form at least one through opening and at least one intersection of the tow fibers in which at least some of the tow fibers overlie others of the tow fibers. The intersections may be formed with tow fibers of a plurality of materials overlying each other to form layers having a plurality of respective characteristics. The platform may comprise a plurality of patterns of tow fibers. The intersection may be selectively located to strengthen the deck. The tow fibers may form a frame with a skin at least partially covering the frame of tow fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Larry Francom
    Inventors: Larry Francom, Justin Francom
  • Patent number: 8424882
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Surf-Rodz LLC
    Inventors: Andrew M. Visinski, Josef F. Visinski
  • Publication number: 20130093151
    Abstract: A wheeled riding device has a body with an elongate front arm, a turning tail, and a joint part pivotally connecting the turning tail and front arm relative to one another. A front wheel is carried by a forward end of the front arm. Rear wheels are carried by a rear end of the turning tail. A standing platform is supported over the front arm and turning tail. The rear wheels and turning tail can pivot laterally side to side relative to the front arm. The front wheel and front arm can pivot vertically up and down relative to the standing platform. The front wheel, during a turn, is cambered inward into the turn. The device is controlled by the rider using body movements and skills required to ride a snowboard.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: No Snow Ventures, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Falanga, Andres J. Salas-Acosta
  • Patent number: 8414000
    Abstract: A flexible skateboard may include a pair of direction casters mounted for steering rotation on a twistable one piece skateboard with a multi-arm spring return assembly using pivoting stops associated with the wheel fork and non-pivoting stops mounted to the skateboard. Centering spring arrangements including range or rotation limitations such as hard stops are included. One or two dual wheel assemblies may be exchanged for the single wheel assemblies for ease or riding or learning how to ride. One piece skateboard bodies are formed by rigidly connecting together multiple pieces of the same or similar plastic molded parts to form a bridge like connecting member having increased structural strength for its weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Razor USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Chen, Robert A. Hadley