Spaced Bushing Skateboard Truck and Truck Mount

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The present technology is directed to skateboard truck apparatus. Skateboards have evolved into several different disciplines such as trick, to vert, to high-speed downhill skating and as a form of exercise and transportation. The present apparatus may be used to permit a rider to turn more aggressively. One popular method of riding a skateboard is a method referred to as “pumping”. Pumping is accomplished by turning the skateboard back and forth as it moves along in a forward travel direction. Many have found that this pumping action causes the skateboard to travel along a forward travel direction while increasing speed. It's been found that by tighter or smaller radius turns an operator can increase the speed of the skateboard in the forward travel direction. Specifically, a property of a skateboard may include the ability to turn in a small turning radius. The skateboard truck may include enhanced turning properties. These enhanced turning properties may be the result of a new truck design and/or improved truck mount. However, there are many means of decreasing the turning radius of a skateboard.

Some skateboards exist that allow for a decreased turning radius. However, in many of these skateboards the truck or truck and mount combination is limited to relatively large turning radii. This will be discussed in more detail below.

The present technology includes features that contribute to decreased turning radius. By decreasing the skateboard turning radius the skateboard can respond to operator manipulation during use.

According to some examples, the present technology is directed to a skateboard truck that allows for a smaller turning radius, provides robust return to horizontal, and other advancements. In some examples, the spaced bushing skateboard may comprise a “standard” truck combined with a spaced bushing skateboard truck mount. In other examples, the spaced bushing skateboard may comprise a spaced bushing skateboard truck which includes a spaced bushing that allows for smaller turning radii and robust return to horizontal.

The present technology addresses these improvements, namely a skateboard truck and truck mount which allows a smaller turning radius along with robust return to horizontal during turning.

Broadly a skateboard truck and a skateboard truck mount are disclosed. The skateboard truck is a structural device which connects skateboard wheels to a skateboard “base” or board and includes features for turning a skateboard by tilting (twisting) the board across the direction of travel (prevailing direction). A skateboard truck mount may be a structural device which connects a skateboard truck to a skateboard board and includes features for turning a skateboard by tilting (twisting) the board across the direction of travel (prevailing direction).

In some examples, the truck and/or truck mount can determine the stability of the truck wheels and the skateboard response to twisting of the board. This twisting is typically used to cause the skateboard to turn. Twisting the board causes the wheels to pivot and turn the skateboard.

Various aspects and examples of a skateboard truck and skateboard truck mount, as well as related methods, are described below and illustrated in the associated drawings. Unless otherwise specified, a skateboard truck in accordance with the present teachings, and/or its various components, may contain at least one of the structures, components, functionalities, and/or variations described, illustrated, and/or incorporated herein in connections with the present teachings may be included in other similar devices and methods, include being interchangeable between disclosed examples. The following description of various examples is merely illustrative in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application, or uses. Additionally, the advantages provided by the examples and examples described below are illustrative in nature and not all examples provide the same advantages or the same degree of advantages.

This Detailed Description includes the following section, which follow immediately below: (1) Definitions; (2) Overview; (3) Examples; (4) Advantages, Features, and Benefits; and (5) Conclusion.

The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

“Comprising,” “including,” and “having” (and conjugations thereof) are used interchangeably to mean including but not necessarily limited to, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude additional unrecited elements, or method steps.

Terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” are used to distinguish or identify various members of a group, or the like, and are not intended to show serial or numerical limitations.

“AKA” means “also known as,” and may be used to indicate an alternative or corresponding term for a given element or elements.

The terms “inboard,” “outboard,” “forward,” “rearward,” and the like are intended to be understood in the context of a host vehicle on which systems described herein may be mounted or otherwise attached. For example, “outboard” may indicate a relative position that is laterally farther from the centerline of the vehicle, or a direction that is away from the vehicle centerline. Conversely, “inboard” may indicate a direction toward the centerline, or a relative position that is closer to the centerline. Similarly, “forward” means toward the front portion of the vehicle, and “rearward” means toward the rear of the vehicle. In the absence of a host vehicle, the same directional terms may be used as if the vehicle were present. For example, even when viewed in isolation, a device may have a “forward” edge, based on the fact that the device would be installed with the edge in question facing in the direction of the front portion of the host vehicle.

“Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.

“Resilient” describes a material or structure configured to respond to normal operation loads (e.g. when compressed) by deforming elastically and returning to an original shape or position when unloaded.

“Rigid” describes a material or structure configured to be stiff, non-deformable, or substantially lacking in flexibility under normal operation conditions.

“Elastic” describes a material or structure configured to spontaneously resume its former shape after being stretched or compressed.

“Providing,” in the context of a method, may include receiving, obtaining, purchasing, manufacturing, generating, processing, preprocessing, and/or the like, such that the object or material provided is in a state and configuration for other steps to be carried out.

“Operatively,” describes a connection between two devices or entities such that a function is provided from one entity to another. For example, a first entity may be operatively connected to a second entity for transferring force. In this example, a connection between first and second entity may be by gears, a belt, solder, or weld such that force (or torque) is transferred from first entity to second entity.

“Force,” and “torque,” in this disclosure includes positive and negative values. For instance, force provided to object one from object two means, object one pushes or pulls on object two and/or object two pushes or pulls on object one.

“Stress,” in this disclosure refers to force acting on any infinitesimal area located inside a load carrying member divided by the infinitesimal area. The direction of force relative to each infinitesimal area determines the type of stress. “Tensile stress” refers to the stress acting perpendicular away from the infinitesimal area. “Compressive stress” refers to the stress acting perpendicular and into the infinitesimal area. “Shear stress” refers to the stress acting parallel to the infinitesimal area. Tensile stress in a negative direction is compressive stress. “Normal stress” refers to both tensile stress and compressive stress, for example a member may carry tensile stress or compressive stress depending on external loads. In this case the member carries normal stresses.

“Rotationally supported” in this disclosure refers to supporting an object but allowing for unsupported rotation. For example, a hanger may be rotationally supported by a shaft such that the hanger may rotate around the long axis of the shaft but is unable to translate parallel or perpendicular to the long axis of the shaft. Unless otherwise specified, only one degree of rotation is allowed.

“Travel axis,” in this disclosure refers to the direction of travel of a skateboard while not in a turning orientation. Any component may share ownership of the travel axis. For example, a truck mount base and a skateboard may share the same travel axis.

“Horizontal,” in this disclosure refers to an orientation that is essentially parallel to the ground. For example, a skateboard board is in a horizontal orientation if the board major surfaces are parallel to the ground.

In this disclosure, one or more publications, patents, and/or patent application may be incorporated by reference. However, such material is only incorporated to the extent that no conflict exists between the incorporated material and the statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of any such conflict, including any conflict in terminology, the present disclosure is controlling.

Generally, the present disclosure pertains to devices and methods for a skateboard truck. A skateboard truck is used to support a skateboard board on which an operator is positioned. In some examples, a skateboard truck may include a means of converting skateboard board twisting to turning the wheels of a skateboard and thus changing its direction.

I) Skateboard Truck with Rolling Spaced Bushing

depicts a skateboardin a horizontal (or not tilted) orientation which includes a board, a leading truck, a following truck, leading wheelsand, and following wheelsand.depicts a side view of skateboard. During operation the skateboardsupports a user on the top surfaceA and the skateboardis supported by wheels,,, and. Wheels, andare attached to leading truckand wheels, andare attached to following truck. Leading truckand following truckconnect to the ends of boardon board undersideB. In some examples, the leading truck mountand following truckare identical, however in other examples, leading truckand following truckare not identical. Trucksandmay include several features.

In some examples, trucksandmay include rolling spaced bushingsandB as shown in. However, truckandare not required to be identical as shown in several figures.depicts the location of a cross-sectional view of leading truck. This cross-sectional view is shown in.

Referring now to, leading truckmay include a truck baseattached to boardon the undersideB. Truck baseincludes first boreA for receiving first shaft. First shaftmay be supported against rotation about first shaft axisC and translation along first shaft axisC by stop featureA. Stop featureA resides in second boreC (best seen in). The first shaftsupports first rolling spaced bushing, washerand first nut. Additionally, bushing clearancemay be included and be configured to allow movement of first rolling spaced bushingalong first shaft. The first shaftincludes threadsB located on its diameter such that first nutcan be loosened or tightened to adjust pressure on rolling spaced bushing. In this embodiment, the first nutacts as a pressure adjustment mechanism. Other adjustment mechanisms may include latches, cams, wedges and other mechanisms that can be manipulated to increase and decrease the pressure on rolling spaced bushing. In some embodiments, rolling spaced bushingmay consist of a resilient material. This resilient material may be plastic, elastomers, urethane, or other compliant material. In some embodiments, a wear resistant material may be used as well. This pressure will be discussed in more detail later.

Truck basealso includes a second shaft. In this example, the second shaftis received by a second boreC located on truck baseand is supported against rotation about its long axis by hexagonal featureD. The second shaftis supported such that second shaft axisis angled with respect to first shaft axisC forming angleA. The second shaftsupports the second spacer, hanger, pivot bearing, and second nut. Second shaftincludes threadsE on its diameter such that second nutcan be tightened to hold second spacer, hanger, and pivot bearingalong second shaft. Additionally, pivot bearingallows hangerto rotate about a second shaft axis. First shaft axisC and second shaft axisforming angleA allows an operator to turn the skateboard. Additionally, since first shaft axisC and second shaft axisare located at angleA, as hangerrotates about second shaft axishanger rampA is forced into rolling spaced bushing. Movement of hanger rampA into rolling spaced bushingcreates resistance to further tilting of skateboard.

depicts a cross-section shown in. Spaced bushingmay be located such that bushing peripheryA is in contact with hanger rampA. By tilting boardabout travel axis(best seen in), hangerpivots about the second shaft axis.

depict skateboardwith basetilted about travel axisat first tilt anglerelative to ground. Since wheels,,, andare supported by ground, hangerpivots about second shaft axisas boardis tilted. Tilting boardabout travel axiscauses leading truckto pivot at first turn angleand following truckto pivot at second turn angle(best seen in). Pivoting leading truckat first turn angleand following truckat second turn anglecauses skateboardto turn along turn radiusA.

depicts a side view of skateboardtilted at first tilt anglerelative to the ground. A cross-sectional view located inis depicted in. Referring to, rolling spaced bushinghas rolled along hanger rampA on bushing peripheryA. Rolling spaced bushingis able to rotate about first shaft axisC. Since first shaft axisC and second shaft axisare located at an angleA, the rolling spaced bushing is forced against hangerat hanger rampA. Hanger rampA is depicted as a “V” shaped feature as it increases in height from groundas it extends away from hanger ramp centerB. However, any hanger rampgeometry that remains in contact with rolling spaced bushingis within the scope of this disclosure. The force applied by rolling spaced bushingagainst hanger rampA may be adjusted by tightening or loosening the first nut. Additionally, hanger rampA may be manufactured for a specific loading given a specific first tilt angle. For instance, in, rolling spaced bushingrolls along hanger rampA in response to boardtilt the spaced bushing peripheryA is compressed against hanger rampA due to the ramp geometry and the spaced shaftsand. These adjustments and manufacturing details may be used to gain specific return to horizontal orientation response to first tilt angleas well as decreased turning radiusA.

In this embodiment, the first shaftand second shaftare similar, however this is not required. Various diameters and lengths of each shaft is well within the spirit of the disclosure.

II) Skateboard Truck Mount with Spaced Bushing

depict various aspects of a truck mount with a spaced bushing.depict a skateboardin a horizontal orientation having a first truck mount with a spaced bushingon the leading end of boardand a second truck mount with a spaced bushingon the following end of board. Additionally, a leading truckis attached to first truck mount with a spaced bushingand a following truckis attached to second truck mount with a spaced bushing. Boardis supported on groundby leading and following trucksandand first truck mount with spaced bushingand second truck mount with spaced bushing. An operator (not shown) typically rides on boardand tilts boardabout an axis of travelcausing the skateboardto turn.

Truckis depicted in cross-sectional view if. Truckmay include truck base, hanger, and wheelsA andB. Truck baseis attached to leading truck mount with spaced bushing. Basemay include a pocketA that receives hanger pinA which may be attached to hanger. Hangeris supported by hanger pinA by basesuch that hangeris allowed to rotate about pivot axisB. In turn hangerincludes a wheel hanger shaftB for supporting wheelsA andB. WheelsA andB are supported such that they rotate about wheel hanger shaftB and so allows the skateboardto travel along travel axis. To further support hanger, truck basemay include truck base holeC for receiving bushing bolt. Bushing boltfurther supports washerB, upper bushingB, lower bushingA, hanger, and washerA. Hangermay include bushing receiving featuresC andD. Bushing boltmay include threadsA for receiving threadsA located on nut. Additionally, bushing boltmay include widened sectionC for engaging truck base pocketD. Truck base pocketD along with bushing bolt widened sectionC supports bushing boltsuch that it cannot rotate or translate as nutis rotated. Rotating nuttightens or loosens pressure on upper bushingB and lower bushingA. This in turn adjusts the grip on bushing receiving featuresC andD. This grip on bushing receiving featuresC andD determines how much tilt of boardabout travel axiscauses hangerto rotate about pivot axisB. Truckis well known in the skateboard industry, however mounting this truckto a truck mount with a spaced bushingis novel. Additionally, a truck with spaced bushing (e.g. leading truck) may be used with truck mount with spaced bushing.

depict leading truck mount with spaced bushingin more detail.depict a front view and a side view of the leading truck mount with spaced bushing.depicts the cross-section view shown in. Truck mount baseattaches to boardon board undersideB at base mount surfaceA. Leading truckmay be attached to truck mount armat truck mount surfaceA. The first shaftmay be attached to truck mount baseat first truck mount base boreC. The first shaftmay include a shaft axial support featureB which interfaces with truck base first pocketD providing axial and rotational support about first shaft axis. Truck mount armmay be rotationally attached to truck mount baseby first shaft. Arm bearingmay be inserted into arm boreB to support truck mount armsuch that truck mount armis able to pivot about first shaft axis. Thrust bearingA andB may provide axial support along the direction of first shaft axis. A first nutA may be threaded onto first shaftusing first shaft threadsA as a means of supporting truck mount arm.

Truck mount basefurther rotationally supports a spaced bushing. Truck mount baseincludes a second boreD oriented at angleB from first boreC, which receives a second shaft. The second shaftmay include a shaft axial support featureB which interfaces with a truck mount base second pocketB providing axial and rotational support about second shaft axisC. Spaced bushingis supported by second shaftat spaced bushing boreC. Spaced bushing clearanceC may be included to allow movement of spaced bushingalong second shaft axisC. Washeraxially supports spaced bushingand allows spaced bushingto rotate about second shaft axisC. Washermay be supported by a second nutB which may be threaded onto second shaft threadsA. The second nutB supports spaced bushing, and washerand further retains second shaftagainst truck mount base.

The spaced bushinginterfaces with truck mount armalong spaced bushing peripheryA. In some examples, spaced bushinginterferes with truck armat interference volumeB (best seen in). The interference volumeB may be adjusted by a spaced bushing adjustment mechanism. In some embodiments, the second nutB and second shaft threadsA may be used to increase or decrease the interference volumeB by tightening or loosening the second nutB. In this example, a nut and threads on a shaft are used to illustrate an adjustment mechanism. Other adjustment mechanisms may include latches, cams, wedges and other mechanisms that can be manipulated to increase and decrease the interference volumeB.

depict truck mount with spaced bushing with truck mount armrotated about first shaft axis. Rotating truck mount armabout first shaft axiscauses spaced bushingto roll along arm roll surfaceC. In some examples, arm roll surfaceC may be circular with a center located coincident with first shaft axisand so spaced bushingwould maintain a constant force against arm roll surfaceC. However, arm roll surfaceC may be any surface which remains in contact with spaced bushing peripheryA and may provide varying force against arm roll surfaceC. Spaced bushing may be preloaded against arm roll surfaceC.

shows spaced bushing peripheryA interfering (overlapping) with arm roll surfaceC, this interference is indicated as itemB. In some examples, preloading spaced bushing peripheryA against arm roll surfaceC may be used to increase the force against arm roll surfaceC. Increasing or decreasing this force may be used to adjust the turning characteristics of the skateboard.

Since first shaft axis and second shaft axis are oriented at angleB, tilting truck mount with spaced bushingcauses truck mount armto rotate. As truck mount armis rotated about first shaft axisthe direction of truckis changed. As a result of this rotation the turning radius of the truck is decreased and so the skateboard can make a tighter turn. Additionally, since first shaft axisis not perpendicular to travel axis, truck mount surfaceA is also tilted at mount truck angleA (best shown in). Additionally, pivot bearingallows truck mount armto rotate about a first shaft axis. Second shaft axisC and first shaft axisforming angleB allows an operator to turn the skateboard. Additionally, since first shaft axisand second shaft axisC are located at angleB, as truck mount armrotates about first shaft axisarm roll surfaceC is forced into spaced bushing. Movement of arm roll surfaceC into spaced bushingcreates resistance to further tilting of skateboard.depicts a side view of truck mount with spaced bushingwith truck mount armrotated about first shaft axisfor clarity.

In this embodiment, spaced bushingis depicted as a cone spaced body that may rotate about an axis. This cone shape is not required. A preferred implementation is such that spaced bushing rotates about second shaft axisC, however in other embodiments spaced bushing may have a different shape and may be configured not to rotate about an axis.

In this embodiment, the first shaftand second shaftare similar, however this is not required. Various diameters and lengths of each shaft is well within the spirit of the disclosure.