Skateboard axle block

Abstract

The invention relates to a skateboard axle block capable of absorbing shocks caused by road irregularities, eliminating the rolling effect, and facilitating changes of direction. It consists of a base (201) enclosing a polyurethane sleeve (203) that isolates the axle (204) from the wheels. Spacers allow the axle block to be adapted to the width of the skateboard. The invention replaces conventional axle blocks and allows the skateboard and wheels to be retained without modification. Figure to be published for the abstract: Figure 1B

Description

Title of the invention: Skateboard axle block technical field

[0001] The present invention is in the field of urban mobility and relates to an axle block integrating a shock absorber for skateboards, with the aim of facilitating the change of direction and reducing shocks due to road irregularities and vibrations related to rolling. Previous technique

[0002] A skateboard generally comprises a deck, a pair of axle blocks, each of whose bases is connected to the underside of the deck, and two wheels mounted on either side of each axle. Most axle blocks are made of aluminum and have an axle that pivots according to the pressure applied to the top of the skateboard to change direction.

[0003] In the current state of the art, patent WO2009124318 (Suspension skateboard axle block) is known, which uses polyurethane rubbers, allowing some of the irregularities of the terrain to be absorbed.

[0004] We find on another principle the patent WO2019085281 (Single stage shock absorber mechanism) using spring stages or the patent WO2021005516 (Suspension for skateboard) and most recently a new patent WO2024077055 (Suspension system for skateboards).

[0005] These inventions are often supplemented during use by 3.2mm or 6.4mm polyurethane cushions to dampen another portion of the vibrations. Technical problem

[0006] One of the problems with using skateboards lies in the vibrations transmitted while riding. Although a certain amount of vibration can be absorbed by the wheels, depending on their hardness, most of the vibration energy travels through the axle blocks to the board, and then to the user. The higher the speed, the greater the vibrations.

[0007] Polyurethane cushions can absorb a small part of the shocks, but they are too far from the source of the vibrations (the wheels) to reduce them sufficiently.

[0008] The main drawback of the various patents is that they maintain a rigid mechanical connection between the axle and the base of the axle block.

[0009] In the case of patent WO2009124318, even though the rubbers surrounding the axle ear do their damping role well, the pivot cap is too thin to be effective and hardly absorbs the vibrations; it continues to propagate them.

[0010] Other spring-based axle blocks effectively dampen shocks caused by significant road irregularities, but due to the rigid connection between the wheels / axle and the base, they are unable to reduce rolling vibrations. These axle blocks also have the disadvantage of the weight of the metal components, which makes the skateboard heavier and complicates performing tricks in skate parks. Technical solution

[0011] In order to remedy these drawbacks, the present invention is a new axle block which mechanically isolates the axle (204) from the base (201), i.e. from the beginning of the transmission of vibrations, according to [Fig.1B].

[0012] The invention (200) is fixed to the skateboard (300), using 4 bolts (103), through a polyurethane cushion (100) and has 2 conventional wheels (202) on either side of the invention, according to [Fig.1A].

[0013] According to one embodiment, the wheel axle (204) is a partially threaded bolt.

[0014] According to another embodiment, the wheel axle (204) is a threaded rod at both ends.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the axle (204) is surrounded by a semi-rigid polyurethane biconical sleeve (203), itself held in the base (201), according to [Fig.1B]. Thus, road vibrations transmitted to the wheels (202), and then to the axle (204), are stopped in the sleeve (203).

[0016] Since the sleeve (203) is flexible, when the user presses on one side of the skateboard, the sleeve (203) is deformed, the axle (204) lowers on the same side and pushes the wheel (202) forward and the opposite wheel backward, facilitating the change of direction, according to [Fig.3].

[0017] According to one embodiment, the sleeve (203) is breakable in its middle, each part of which fits on either side of the base (201) and is held in translation by the complete assembly of the invention.

[0018] Four flat washers (205) prevent friction on either side of the ball bearings of the wheels (202).

[0019] The sleeve (203) has a boss at each end to adapt its diameter to the outside diameter of the flat washers (205) and reduce friction, shown in [Fig.1D].

[0020] The conical shape of the sleeve (203) allows the possible inclination of the axle (204) to be increased, thus reducing the turning radius.

[0021] The length of the axle (204) and the addition of spacers make it possible to adapt the invention to the width of the skateboard (300).

[0022] The positioning of the axle (204) on the base (201) is identical to that of conventional skateboard axle blocks. The axle height of 46 mm, according to [Fig. 1C], is of the "Mid" type, but other dimensions may be used.

[0023] By reducing the dimensions of the base (201), the sleeve (203) and the axle (204), the invention can be used for roller skates, according to [Fig.2A] and [Fig.2B].

[0024] A first method of manufacturing the sleeve (203) is 3D printing using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). This material combines characteristics of hardness and flexibility. The sleeve can be 100% filled according to the chosen hardness or can include air pockets. Other materials can be used, such as neoprene or rubber.

[0025] A first method of manufacturing the base (201) is 3D printing using PA 12 nylon, or PET-G. This material is lightweight and allows the weight of the axle block to be reduced by approximately 25% compared to standard skateboard models. Description of the drawings

[0026] Other advantages, purposes and specific features will become apparent from the following non-limiting description of at least one particular embodiment of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] [Fig. 1 A] represents the perspective view of the invention in its use for a skateboard, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0028] [Fig.1B] represents the exploded view of the invention in its use for a skateboard, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0029] [Fig. IC] represents the cavalier perspective view of the base of the invention in its use for a skateboard, according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0030] [Fig. 1D] represents the cavalier perspective view of the sleeve of the invention, in its use for a skateboard, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0031] [Fig.2A] represents the perspective view of the invention in its use for roller skates, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0032] [Fig.2B] represents the exploded view of the invention in its use for roller skates, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

[0033] [Fig.3] represents the perspective view of the invention, when the user exercises a force on the left side of the skateboard, according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

Claims

Demands

1. Skateboard axle block, facilitating the change of direction, and reducing shocks due to road irregularities, consisting of: a. A base; b. A sleeve; c. An axle and a nut; d. Four flat washers.

2. Axle block according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (201) fits skateboard fixings of 63.5mm and 54.0mm in length by 41.3 in width.

3. Axle block according to claim 1, characterized in that the sleeve (203) is composed of a semi-rigid material, a first method of manufacture of which is 3D printing with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filament.

4. Axle block according to claim 3, characterized in that the sleeve (203) is biconical in shape, breakable in its middle to position it on either side of the base (201).

5. Axle block according to claim 3, characterized in that the sleeve (203) is traversed by the axle (204) isolating the base (201) and the axle (204).

6. Axle block according to claim 3, characterized in that the sleeve (203) has a boss at each end adapting its dimension to the outside diameter of the flat washers (205).

7. Axle block according to claim 3, characterized in that the mechanical characteristics of the sleeve material (203) facilitate changes of direction when the user presses on one side of the skateboard.

8. Axle block according to claim 1, characterized in that flat washers (205) are positioned on each side of the wheels (202) limiting friction with the ball bearings of the wheels.

9. Axle block according to claim 1, characterized in that the nut (206) blocks in translation the complete assembly of the different elements: first flat washer, first wheel, second flat washer, first part of the sleeve, base, second part of the sleeve, third flat washer, second wheel and fourth flat washer.

10. 5 Axle block according to claim 1, characterized in that the modification of the axle length (204), and the addition of spacers adapts the axle block to the width of the skateboard (300).

11. Axle block according to claim 1, characterized, according to another embodiment in that the lengths of the base (201), the sleeve (203) of the axle (204) being reduced, the axle block replaces the axle block of a roller skate.