Spaced bushing skateboard truck and truck mount

Abstract

A skateboard truck and truck mount include a spaced bushing. The spaced bushing resists skateboard tilting, Resistance to skateboard tilting allows an operator to turn a moving skateboard in a direction not in line with the skateboard prevailing direction. Rolling and non-rolling spaced bushings are disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicableNAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] Not applicableBACKGROUND

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.SUMMARY

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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).

[0010] 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.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a skateboard having spaced bushings.

[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a skateboard having spaced bushings.

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a skateboard having spaced bushings.

[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a partial cross-sectional view located in FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view located in FIG. 2.

[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a front view of a skateboard having spaced bushings tilted about the travel axis.

[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a top view of a skateboard having spaced bushings tilted about the travel axis.

[0018] FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a skateboard having spaced bushings tilted about the travel axis.

[0019] FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view located in FIG. 8.

[0020] FIG. 10 depicts a front view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings.

[0021] FIG. 11 depicts a side view of a skateboard having trucks mounts with spaced bushings.

[0022] FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings.

[0023] FIG. 13 depicts a partial cross-sectional view located in FIG. 10.

[0024] FIG. 14 depicts a front view of a truck mount having a spaced bushing.

[0025] FIG. 15 depicts a side view of a truck mount having a spaced bushing.

[0026] FIG. 16 depicts the cross-sectional view located in FIG. 14.

[0027] FIG. 17 depicts a rear view of a truck mount having a spaced bushing and tilted about a travel axis.

[0028] FIG. 18 depicts a front view of a truck mount having a spaced bushing and tilted about a travel axis.

[0029] FIG. 19 depicts a bottom view of a truck mount having a spaced bushing and tilted about a travel axis.

[0030] FIG. 20 depicts a side view of a truck mount having a spaced bushing and tilted about a travel axis.

[0031] FIG. 21 depicts an isometric view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings and trucks with spaced bushings.

[0032] FIG. 22 depicts a top view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings and trucks with spaced bushings.

[0033] FIG. 23 depicts a side view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings and trucks with spaced bushings.

[0034] FIG. 24 depicts a front view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings and trucks with spaced bushings.

[0035] FIG. 25 depicts a partial cross-sectional view located in FIG. 24.

[0036] FIG. 26 depicts a top view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings and trucks with spaced bushings tilted about a travel axis.

[0037] FIG. 27 depicts a top view of a skateboard having a non-rolling spaced bushing truck.

[0038] FIG. 28 depicts a side view of a skateboard having a non-rolling spaced bushing truck.

[0039] FIG. 29 depicts a front view of a skateboard having a non-rolling spaced bushing truck.

[0040] FIG. 30 depicts a cross-sectional view located in FIG. 28

[0041] FIG. 31 depicts a partial cross-sectional view located in FIG. 29.

[0042] FIG. 32 depicts a top view of a skateboard having a non-rolling spaced bushing truck tilted about a travel axis.

[0043] FIG. 33 depicts a side view of a skateboard having a non-rolling spaced bushing truck tilted about a travel axis.

[0044] FIG. 34 depicts the cross-sectional view located in FIG. 33.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.Definitions

[0047] The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

[0048] “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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] “AKA” means “also known as,” and may be used to indicate an alternative or corresponding term for a given element or elements.

[0051] 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.

[0052] “Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.

[0053] “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.

[0054] “Rigid” describes a material or structure configured to be stiff, non-deformable, or substantially lacking in flexibility under normal operation conditions.

[0055] “Elastic” describes a material or structure configured to spontaneously resume its former shape after being stretched or compressed.

[0056] “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.

[0057] “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.

[0058] “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.

[0059] “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.

[0060] “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.

[0061] “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.

[0062] “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.

[0063] 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.Overview

[0064] 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.EXAMPLESI) Skateboard Truck with Rolling Spaced Bushing

[0065] FIGS. 1-5 depicts a skateboard 1 in a horizontal (or not tilted) orientation which includes a board 2, a leading truck 3, a following truck 4, leading wheels 7 and 8, and following wheels 5 and 6. FIG. 2 depicts a side view of skateboard 1. During operation the skateboard 1 supports a user on the top surface 2A and the skateboard 1 is supported by wheels 5, 6, 7, and 8. Wheels 7, and 8 are attached to leading truck 3 and wheels 5, and 6 are attached to following truck 4. Leading truck 3 and following truck 4 connect to the ends of board 2 on board underside 2B. In some examples, the leading truck mount 3 and following truck 4 are identical, however in other examples, leading truck 3 and following truck 4 are not identical. Trucks 3 and 4 may include several features.

[0066] In some examples, trucks 3 and 4 may include rolling spaced bushings 11 and 11B as shown in FIG. 2. However, truck3 and 4 are not required to be identical as shown in several figures. FIG. 3 depicts the location of a cross-sectional view of leading truck 3. This cross-sectional view is shown in FIG. 4.

[0067] Referring now to FIG. 4, leading truck 3 may include a truck base 12 attached to board 2 on the underside 2B. Truck base 12 includes first bore 12A for receiving first shaft 13. First shaft 13 may be supported against rotation about first shaft axis 13C and translation along first shaft axis 13C by stop feature 13A. Stop feature 13A resides in second bore 12C (best seen in FIG. 3). The first shaft 13 supports first rolling spaced bushing 11, washer 16 and first nut 17. Additionally, bushing clearance 14 may be included and be configured to allow movement of first rolling spaced bushing 11 along first shaft 13. The first shaft 13 includes threads 13B located on its diameter such that first nut 17 can be loosened or tightened to adjust pressure on rolling spaced bushing 11. In this embodiment, the first nut 17 acts 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 11. In some embodiments, rolling spaced bushing 11 may 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.

[0068] Truck base 12 also includes a second shaft 21. In this example, the second shaft 21 is received by a second bore 12C located on truck base 12 and is supported against rotation about its long axis by hexagonal feature 21D. The second shaft 21 is supported such that second shaft axis 10 is angled with respect to first shaft axis 13C forming angle 3A. The second shaft 21 supports the second spacer 22, hanger 23, pivot bearing 24, and second nut 25. Second shaft 21 includes threads 21E on its diameter such that second nut 25 can be tightened to hold second spacer 22, hanger 23, and pivot bearing 24 along second shaft 21. Additionally, pivot bearing 24 allows hanger 23 to rotate about a second shaft axis 10. First shaft axis 13C and second shaft axis 10 forming angle 3A allows an operator to turn the skateboard 1. Additionally, since first shaft axis 13C and second shaft axis 10 are located at angle 3A, as hanger 13 rotates about second shaft axis 10 hanger ramp 23A is forced into rolling spaced bushing 11. Movement of hanger ramp 23A into rolling spaced bushing 11 creates resistance to further tilting of skateboard 1.

[0069] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section shown in FIG. 2. Spaced bushing 11 may be located such that bushing periphery 11A is in contact with hanger ramp 23A. By tilting board 2 about travel axis 9 (best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2), hanger 23 pivots about the second shaft axis 10.

[0070] FIGS. 6-9 depict skateboard 1 with base 2 tilted about travel axis 9 at first tilt angle 30 relative to ground 100. Since wheels 7, 8, 5, and 6 are supported by ground 100, hanger 23 pivots about second shaft axis 10 as board 2 is tilted. Tilting board 2 about travel axis 9 causes leading truck 3 to pivot at first turn angle 31 and following truck 4 to pivot at second turn angle 32 (best seen in FIG. 7). Pivoting leading truck 3 at first turn angle 31 and following truck 4 at second turn angle 32 causes skateboard 1 to turn along turn radius 1A.

[0071] FIG. 8 depicts a side view of skateboard 1 tilted at first tilt angle 30 relative to the ground 100. A cross-sectional view located in FIG. 8 is depicted in FIG. 9. Referring to FIG. 9, rolling spaced bushing 11 has rolled along hanger ramp 23A on bushing periphery 11A. Rolling spaced bushing 11 is able to rotate about first shaft axis 13C. Since first shaft axis 13C and second shaft axis 10 are located at an angle 3A, the rolling spaced bushing is forced against hanger 23 at hanger ramp 23A. Hanger ramp 23A is depicted as a “V” shaped feature as it increases in height from ground 100 as it extends away from hanger ramp center 23B. However, any hanger ramp 23 geometry that remains in contact with rolling spaced bushing 11 is within the scope of this disclosure. The force applied by rolling spaced bushing 11 against hanger ramp 23A may be adjusted by tightening or loosening the first nut 17. Additionally, hanger ramp 23A may be manufactured for a specific loading given a specific first tilt angle 30. For instance, in FIG. 9, rolling spaced bushing 11 rolls along hanger ramp 23A in response to board 2 tilt the spaced bushing periphery 11A is compressed against hanger ramp 23A due to the ramp geometry and the spaced shafts 13 and 21. These adjustments and manufacturing details may be used to gain specific return to horizontal orientation response to first tilt angle 30 as well as decreased turning radius 1A.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first shaft 13 and second shaft 21 are 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

[0073] FIGS. 10-20 depict various aspects of a truck mount with a spaced bushing. FIGS. 10-12 depict a skateboard 101 in a horizontal orientation having a first truck mount with a spaced bushing 140 on the leading end of board 2 and a second truck mount with a spaced bushing 150 on the following end of board 2. Additionally, a leading truck 120 is attached to first truck mount with a spaced bushing 140 and a following truck 130 is attached to second truck mount with a spaced bushing 150. Board 2 is supported on ground 100 by leading and following trucks 120 and 130 and first truck mount with spaced bushing 140 and second truck mount with spaced bushing 150. An operator (not shown) typically rides on board 2 and tilts board 2 about an axis of travel 9 causing the skateboard 101 to turn.

[0074] Truck 120 is depicted in cross-sectional view if FIG. 13. Truck 120 may include truck base 127, hanger 122, and wheels 121A and 121B. Truck base 127 is attached to leading truck mount with spaced bushing 140. Base 127 may include a pocket 127A that receives hanger pin 122A which may be attached to hanger 122. Hanger 122 is supported by hanger pin 122A by base 127 such that hanger 122 is allowed to rotate about pivot axis 127B. In turn hanger 122 includes a wheel hanger shaft 122B for supporting wheels 121A and 121B. Wheels 121A and 121B are supported such that they rotate about wheel hanger shaft 122B and so allows the skateboard 101 to travel along travel axis 9. To further support hanger 122, truck base 127 may include truck base hole 127C for receiving bushing bolt 126. Bushing bolt 126 further supports washer 124B, upper bushing 125B, lower bushing 125A, hanger 122, and washer 124A. Hanger 122 may include bushing receiving features 122C and 122D. Bushing bolt 126 may include threads 126A for receiving threads 123A located on nut 123. Additionally, bushing bolt 126 may include widened section 126C for engaging truck base pocket 127D. Truck base pocket 127D along with bushing bolt widened section 126C supports bushing bolt 126 such that it cannot rotate or translate as nut 123 is rotated. Rotating nut 123 tightens or loosens pressure on upper bushing 125B and lower bushing 125A. This in turn adjusts the grip on bushing receiving features 122C and 122D. This grip on bushing receiving features 122C and 122D determines how much tilt of board 2 about travel axis 9 causes hanger 122 to rotate about pivot axis 127B. Truck 120 is well known in the skateboard industry, however mounting this truck 120 to a truck mount with a spaced bushing 140 is novel. Additionally, a truck with spaced bushing (e.g. leading truck 3) may be used with truck mount with spaced bushing 140.

[0075] FIGS. 13-20 depict leading truck mount with spaced bushing 140 in more detail. FIGS. 14, and 15 depict a front view and a side view of the leading truck mount with spaced bushing 140. FIG. 16 depicts the cross-section view shown in FIG. 14. Truck mount base 141 attaches to board 2 on board underside 2B at base mount surface 141A. Leading truck 120 may be attached to truck mount arm 143 at truck mount surface 143A. The first shaft 147 may be attached to truck mount base 141 at first truck mount base bore 141C. The first shaft 147 may include a shaft axial support feature 147B which interfaces with truck base first pocket 141D providing axial and rotational support about first shaft axis 149. Truck mount arm 143 may be rotationally attached to truck mount base 141 by first shaft 147. Arm bearing 148 may be inserted into arm bore 143B to support truck mount arm 143 such that truck mount arm 143 is able to pivot about first shaft axis 149. Thrust bearing 148A and 148B may provide axial support along the direction of first shaft axis 149. A first nut 145A may be threaded onto first shaft 147 using first shaft threads 147A as a means of supporting truck mount arm 143.

[0076] Truck mount base 141 further rotationally supports a spaced bushing 142. Truck mount base 141 includes a second bore 141D oriented at angle 140B from first bore 141C, which receives a second shaft 144. The second shaft 144 may include a shaft axial support feature 144B which interfaces with a truck mount base second pocket 141B providing axial and rotational support about second shaft axis 144C. Spaced bushing 142 is supported by second shaft 144 at spaced bushing bore 142C. Spaced bushing clearance 140C may be included to allow movement of spaced bushing 142 along second shaft axis 144C. Washer 146 axially supports spaced bushing 142 and allows spaced bushing 142 to rotate about second shaft axis 144C. Washer 146 may be supported by a second nut 145B which may be threaded onto second shaft threads 144A. The second nut 145B supports spaced bushing 142, and washer 146 and further retains second shaft 144 against truck mount base 141.

[0077] The spaced bushing 142 interfaces with truck mount arm 143 along spaced bushing periphery 142A. In some examples, spaced bushing 142 interferes with truck arm 143 at interference volume 142B (best seen in FIG. 16). The interference volume 142B may be adjusted by a spaced bushing adjustment mechanism. In some embodiments, the second nut 145B and second shaft threads 144A may be used to increase or decrease the interference volume 142B by tightening or loosening the second nut 145B. 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 volume 142B.

[0078] FIGS. 16-20 depict truck mount with spaced bushing with truck mount arm 143 rotated about first shaft axis 149. Rotating truck mount arm 143 about first shaft axis 149 causes spaced bushing 142 to roll along arm roll surface 143C. In some examples, arm roll surface 143C may be circular with a center located coincident with first shaft axis 149 and so spaced bushing 142 would maintain a constant force against arm roll surface 143C. However, arm roll surface 143C may be any surface which remains in contact with spaced bushing periphery 142A and may provide varying force against arm roll surface 143C. Spaced bushing may be preloaded against arm roll surface 143C.

[0079] FIG. 16 shows spaced bushing periphery 142A interfering (overlapping) with arm roll surface 143C, this interference is indicated as item 142B. In some examples, preloading spaced bushing periphery 142A against arm roll surface 143C may be used to increase the force against arm roll surface 143C. Increasing or decreasing this force may be used to adjust the turning characteristics of the skateboard.

[0080] Since first shaft axis and second shaft axis are oriented at angle 140B, tilting truck mount with spaced bushing 140 causes truck mount arm 143 to rotate. As truck mount arm 143 is rotated about first shaft axis 149 the direction of truck 120 is 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 axis 149 is not perpendicular to travel axis 9, truck mount surface 143A is also tilted at mount truck angle 140A (best shown in FIGS. 17 and 18). Additionally, pivot bearing 148 allows truck mount arm 143 to rotate about a first shaft axis 149. Second shaft axis 144C and first shaft axis 149 forming angle 140B allows an operator to turn the skateboard 1. Additionally, since first shaft axis 149 and second shaft axis 144C are located at angle 140B, as truck mount arm 143 rotates about first shaft axis 149 arm roll surface 143C is forced into spaced bushing 142. Movement of arm roll surface 143C into spaced bushing 142 creates resistance to further tilting of skateboard 1. FIG. 20 depicts a side view of truck mount with spaced bushing 140 with truck mount arm 143 rotated about first shaft axis 149 for clarity.

[0081] In this embodiment, spaced bushing 140 is 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 axis 144C, however in other embodiments spaced bushing may have a different shape and may be configured not to rotate about an axis.

[0082] In this embodiment, the first shaft 147 and second shaft 144 are similar, however this is not required. Various diameters and lengths of each shaft is well within the spirit of the disclosure.III) Skateboard with Combined Spaced Bushing Truck Mount and Spaced Bushing Truck

[0083] FIGS. 21-26 depict a skateboard 201 having a combination of rolling spaced bushing trucks 3 and 4 and spaced bushing truck mounts 140 and 150. FIG. 24 depicts the cross-sectional view located in FIG. 24. Spaced bushing truck mount 140 is attached to board underside 2B at base mount surface 141A. Rolling spaced bushing truck 3 is attached to truck mount surface 143A at spaced bushing truck mounting surface 12B.

[0084] FIG. 26 depicts skateboard 201 tilted about travel axis 9. Additionally, first wheel axis 103 is shown and is an axis located through the center of rotation of wheels 7 and 8. Similarly, second wheel axis 104 is shown and is an axis located through the center of rotation of wheels 5 and 6. This tilt causes each rolling truck mount 140 and 150 and each spaced bushing trucks 3 and 4 to turn wheels to rotate first wheel axis 103 and second wheel axis 104 respectively (best shown in FIG. 26). Since both truck mount with spaced bushings 140 and 150 and rolling spaced bushing truck 3 and 4 are turned, first wheel axis 103 and second wheel axis 104 form smaller turning angles 202A and 202B respectively when compared with only a rolling spaced bushing truck. A smaller turning radius 202C is thus obtained.IV) Skateboard Truck with Non-Rolling Spaced Bushing

[0085] FIGS. 27-34 depict various orientations of a skateboard 301 with trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings. FIG. 27 depicts a top view of skateboard 301 having two skateboard trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings 303 and 304. Board 302 is supported at each end by skateboard trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings 303 and 304. Wheels 307 and 308 support skateboard truck with non-rolling spaced bushing 303 and wheels 305 and 306 support skateboard truck with non-rolling spaced bushing 304. An operator may be supported on board 302 top surface 302A. Skateboard trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings 303, and 304 may be attached to board 302 at board bottom surface 302B as shown. In this example, skateboard trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings 303 and 304 are attached to board bottom surface 302B, however, other attachment surfaces may be used. For example, skateboard trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings 303 and 304 may attach to top surface 302A, in this case the skateboard trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings 303 and 304 may protrude through board 302 such that wheels 307, 308, 305 and 306 contact ground 100.

[0086] FIG. 30 depicts a cross-sectional view located in FIG. 28. Skateboard truck with non-rolling spaced bushing 303 may include a base 310 providing support of board 302. Base 310 is mounted to board bottom surface 302B at base mounting surface 310A. Now referring to FIG. 31, base 310 may include a first shaft bore 310B which receives first shaft 311. The first shaft 311 includes first shaft axis 311C. The first shaft 311 may include a rotational and axial support 311B which engages base first pocket 310E. This engagement supports the first shaft 311 in rotation about first shaft axis 311C and translationally along first shaft axis 311C. A non-rolling spaced bushing 313 may include a bushing bore 313A and receives first shaft 311. Additionally, bushing bore 313A may coincide with first shaft axis 311C. First thrust washer 314 may support the non-rolling spaced bushing 313 along first shaft axis 311C. Additionally, bushing clearance 303B may be provided such that non-rolling spaced bushing 313 is adjustable along first shaft axis 311C. First nut 319 may be used to support first thrust washer 314 along first shaft axis 311C by engaging first shaft threads 311A. The non-rolling spaced bushing 313 may include a bushing contact surface 313B which contacts the hanger 317 at hanger contact surface 317B. By tightening and loosening first nut 319 the pressure on non-rolling spaced bushing 313 may be adjusted. This adjustment may be used to provide specific aspects of the truck with non-rolling spaced bushing 303.

[0087] Base 310 may include a second bore 310D for receiving a second shaft 312. The second shaft 312 may include a rotational and axial support 312B which engages base second pocket 310F. This engagement supports second shaft 312 in rotation about second shaft axis 312C and translationally along second shaft axis 312C. A second thrust washer 316 is positioned along second shaft 312 and supports hanger 317 axially along second shaft axis 312C. Hanger 317 is supported by second shaft 312 at hanger bore 317A. Additionally, a third thrust washer 315 supports hanger 317 axially along second shaft axis 312C. A second nut 320 supports third thrust washer 315 axially by engaging second shaft threads 312A. In this embodiment, hanger 317 can rotate about the second shaft axis 312C because hanger bore 317A does not provide a rotational stop. However, non-rolling spaced bushing 313 contacts hanger 317 at non-rolling spaced bushing interference 318.

[0088] FIG. 31 depicts a cross-sectional view located in FIG. 28. This view shows non-rolling spaced bushing 313 contacting hanger 317 at hanger contact surface 317B. As base 310 is tilted about the direction of travel axis 309, hanger 317 pivots about second shaft axis 312C. The first shaft axis 311C and second shaft axis 312C are at an angle 303A relative to each other. The non-rolling spaced bushing interference 318 pushes on hanger contact surface 317B. As base 310 is tilted about the direction of travel axis 309 hanger 317 rotates about shaft axis 312C, non-rolling spaced bushing 313 twists about first shaft axis 311C and pushes on hanger contact surface 317B. In some examples, non-rolling spaced bushing 313 interferes with hanger 317 at interference volume 318 (best seen in FIG. 31). The interference volume 318 may be adjusted by a non-rolling spaced bushing adjustment mechanism. In some embodiments, the first nut 319 and first shaft threads 311A may be used to increase or decrease the interference volume 318 by tightening or loosening the first nut 319. 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 volume 318.

[0089] FIG. 32 depicts skateboard 301 in a turning orientation. To turn skateboard 301 an operator may tilt board 302 about travel axis 309. In this example, tilting board 302 in this manner causes base 310 to rotate about the second shaft axis 312C. This base 310 rotation causes hanger 317 to redirect wheels 307 and 308 to leading angle 325. A similar result occurs at the second truck with non-rolling spaced bushing 304 causing wheels 305 and 306 to be redirected at following angle 324.

[0090] FIG. 34 depicts a cross-sectional view located in FIG. 33. Board 302 is tilted about travel axis 309 causing base 310 to rotate about the second shaft axis 312C. The non-rolling spaced bushing 313 is compressed on bushing contact surface 313B and decompressed on non-rolling spaced bushing second side 313C. These compressed and decompressed features resist tilting and return board 302 to a horizontal orientation. In some examples, bushing contact surface 313B may additionally slide along hanger contact surface 317B.

[0091] FIGS. 30-34 depict a flat hanger contact surface 317B, however this is not required. Hanger contact surface 317B may be round (either convex or concave) or “V” shaped as desired by an operator.

[0092] In this embodiment, the first shaft 311 and second shaft 312 are similar, however this is not required. Various diameters and lengths of each shaft is well within the spirit of the disclosure.V) Illustrative Combinations and Additional Examples

[0093] This section describes additional aspects and features of spaced bushing skateboard trucks and truck mounts. Presented without limitation as a series of paragraphs, some or all of which may be alphanumerically designated for clarity and efficiency. Each of these paragraphs can be combined with one or more other paragraphs, and / or with disclosure from elsewhere in this disclosure, in any suitable manner. Some of the paragraphs below may expressly refer to and further limit other paragraphs, providing with limitation examples some of the suitable combinations.

[0094] A1. A skateboard truck comprising;

[0095] a truck base having a travel axis,

[0096] a first shaft attached to the truck base,

[0097] a second shaft spaced from first shaft and attached to the truck base and configured to rotationally support a hanger configured to support a pair of wheels, and

[0098] a spaced bushing having a periphery attached to first shaft and spaced from second shaft,

[0099] the hanger further contacting the spaced bushing along the bushing periphery.

[0100] A2. The skateboard truck of paragraph A1 wherein, the hanger further includes a hanger ramp configured to contact the bushing periphery.

[0101] A3. The skateboard truck of paragraph A2 wherein, the hanger ramp is V shaped.

[0102] A4. The skateboard truck of paragraph A2 wherein, the spaced bushing is configured to roll along the hanger ramp.

[0103] A5. The skateboard truck of paragraph A1 wherein the bushing periphery compresses against hanger ramp in response to tilting the truck base about the travel axis.

[0104] A6. The skateboard truck of paragraph A1 further comprising a pivot bearing configured to rotationally support the hanger.

[0105] A7. The skateboard truck of paragraph A1 further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust pressure against the spaced bushing.

[0106] A8. The skateboard truck of paragraph A7 wherein the first shaft further includes threads and the adjustment mechanism is a nut threaded onto the threads.

[0107] A9. The skateboard truck of paragraph A1 wherein the spaced bushing is of a material selected from a group consisting of: elastomers, urethane, rubber, and metal.

[0108] B1. A skateboard truck mount comprising;

[0109] a truck mount base having a travel axis,

[0110] a first shaft attached to the truck mount base and having a first shaft axis,

[0111] a second shaft spaced from first shaft and attached to the truck mount base,

[0112] a truck mount arm configured to attach to a skateboard truck and rotationally supported by the first shaft,

[0113] a spaced bushing having a bushing periphery rotationally attached to second shaft, the bushing periphery being in contact with truck mount arm.

[0114] B2. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B1 wherein, the truck mount arm further comprises an arm roll surface configured to contact bushing periphery and cause an interference volume.

[0115] B3. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B2 wherein the arm roll surface is convex.

[0116] B4. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B2 wherein the spaced bushing is configured to roll along the arm roll surface.

[0117] B5. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B1 wherein the spaced bushing periphery compresses against arm roll surface in response to tilting the truck base arm about the travel axis.

[0118] B6. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B1 further comprising an arm bearing attached to the truck arm mount and supported by first shaft configured to allow rotation of truck arm mount about the first shaft axis.

[0119] B7. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B2 further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the interference volume.

[0120] B8. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B7 wherein the adjustment mechanism is a nut, and the shaft includes threads configured to engage the nut.

[0121] B9. The skateboard truck of paragraph B1 wherein the spaced bushing is of a material selected from a group consisting of: urethane, rubber, and metal.

[0122] C1. A skateboard comprising;

[0123] A skateboard truck mount attached to the skateboard comprising;

[0124] a truck mount base having a travel axis,

[0125] a first shaft attached to the truck mount base and having a first shaft axis,

[0126] a second shaft spaced from first shaft and attached to the truck mount base,

[0127] a truck mount arm configured to attach to a skateboard truck and rotationally supported by the first shaft,

[0128] a first spaced bushing having a first bushing periphery rotationally attached to second shaft, first bushing periphery being in contact with truck mount arm, and

[0129] the skateboard further comprising;

[0130] a truck base,

[0131] a third shaft attached to the truck base,

[0132] a fourth shaft spaced from third shaft and attached to the truck base and configured to rotationally support a hanger configured to support a pair of wheels, and

[0133] a second spaced bushing having a second bushing periphery attached to third shaft and spaced from fourth shaft,

[0134] the hanger further contacting the second spaced bushing along the second bushing periphery.

[0135] C2. The skateboard of paragraph C1 wherein, the truck mount arm further comprises an arm roll surface configured to contact first bushing periphery and cause a first interference volume.

[0136] C3. The skateboard of paragraph C2 wherein the first spaced bushing is configured to roll along the arm roll surface.

[0137] C4. The skateboard of paragraph C2 wherein, wherein the arm roll surface is convex.

[0138] C5. The skateboard of paragraph C1, further comprising an arm bearing attached to the truck arm mount and supported by first shaft configured to allow rotation of truck arm mount about the first shaft axis.

[0139] C6. The skateboard of paragraph C2 further comprising a first adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the first interference volume.

[0140] C8. The skateboard of paragraph C6 wherein the first adjustment mechanism is a nut, and the second shaft includes threads configured to engage the nut.

[0141] C9. The skateboard of paragraph C1 wherein the first spaced bushing is of a material selected from a group consisting of: elastomeric material, urethane, rubber, and metal.

[0142] C10. The skateboard of paragraph C1 wherein the hanger further includes a hanger ramp configured to contact the second spaced bushing periphery.

[0143] C11. The skateboard of paragraph C10 wherein, the hanger ramp is V shaped.

[0144] C12. The skateboard of paragraph C10 wherein the second spaced bushing is configured to roll along the hanger ramp.

[0145] C13. The skateboard of paragraph C1 wherein the second spaced bushing periphery compresses against the hanger ramp in response to tilting the truck base about the travel axis.

[0146] C14. The skateboard of paragraph C1 further comprising a pivot bearing configured to rotationally support the hanger.

[0147] C15. The skateboard of paragraph C1 further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust pressure against the spaced bushing.

[0148] C16. The skateboard of paragraph C6 wherein the adjustment mechanism is a nut, and the second shaft includes threads configured to engage the nut.

[0149] C17. The skateboard of paragraph C1 wherein the second spaced bushing is of a material selected from a group consisting of: urethane, rubber, and metal.

[0150] D1. A skateboard truck comprising;

[0151] a truck base having a travel axis,

[0152] a first shaft attached to the truck base,

[0153] a second shaft spaced from first shaft and attached to the truck base and configured to rotationally support a hanger configured to support a pair of wheels, and

[0154] a spaced non-rolling spaced bushing having a bushing contact surface attached to first shaft and spaced from second shaft, and

[0155] the hanger further configured to contact the non-rolling spaced bushing along the bushing contact surface.

[0156] D2. The skateboard truck of paragraph D1 wherein, the hanger further includes a hanger contact surface configured to contact the bushing contact surface.

[0157] D3. The skateboard truck of paragraph D2 wherein, the hanger contact surface is flat.

[0158] D4. The skateboard truck of paragraph D2 wherein, the non-rolling spaced bushing is configured to compress against the hanger contact surface.

[0159] D5. The skateboard truck of paragraph D2 wherein, the spaced non-rolling spaced bushing is configured to slide along the hanger contact surface.

[0160] D6. The skateboard truck of paragraph D1 wherein the bushing contact surface is configured to compress against hanger contact surface in response to tilting the truck base about the travel axis.

[0161] D7. The skateboard truck of paragraph D1 further comprising a pivot bearing configured to rotationally support the hanger.

[0162] D8. The skateboard truck of paragraph D1 further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust pressure against the spaced non-rolling spaced bushing.

[0163] D9. The skateboard truck of paragraph D8 wherein the first shaft further includes threads, and the adjustment mechanism is a nut threaded onto the threads.

[0164] D10. The skateboard truck of paragraph D1 wherein the spaced non-rolling bushing is of a material selected from a group consisting of: elastomeric material, urethane, rubber, and metal.Advantages, Features, and Benefits

[0165] The different examples and examples of the skateboard truck mount described herein provide several advantages over known solutions for connecting a truck to a skateboard board. For example, illustrative examples and examples described herein allow decreased turning radius. The features that allow for this decreased turning radius also allow for adjustment of tilting resistance.

[0166] Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative examples described herein allow easier assembly of the skateboard truck mount into a skateboard.

[0167] Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative examples described herein provide a means of stopping a turning skateboard from catching wheels against the skateboard truck mount or the skateboard board. This catching of the wheels can cause unpredictable and unsafe performance of the skateboard.

[0168] Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative examples described herein provide pockets for storage of stabilizers during storage.

[0169] Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative examples described herein provide vertical location of the skateboard board at approximately the same height as the turning pivot of the truck. This vertical location increases stability of the skateboard.Conclusion

[0170] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present technology has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the present technology in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present technology. Exemplary examples were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present technology for various examples with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0171] In the above description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular examples, procedures, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other examples that depart from these specific details.

[0172] Reference throughout this specification to “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the examples is included in at least one example of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one example” or “in an example” or “according to one example” (or other phrases having similar import) at various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same examples. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. Furthermore, depending on the context of discussion herein, a singular term may include its plural form and a plural term may include its singular form.

[0173] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0174] If any disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and such incorporated disclosures conflict in part and / or in whole with the present disclosure, then to the extent of conflict, and / or broader disclosure, and / or broader definition of terms, the present disclosure controls. If such incorporated disclosures conflict in part and / or in whole with one another, then to the extent of conflict, the later-dated disclosure controls.

[0175] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth herein. To the contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Examples

examples

I) Skateboard Truck with Rolling Spaced Bushing

[0065]FIGS. 1-5 depicts a skateboard 1 in a horizontal (or not tilted) orientation which includes a board 2, a leading truck 3, a following truck 4, leading wheels 7 and 8, and following wheels 5 and 6. FIG. 2 depicts a side view of skateboard 1. During operation the skateboard 1 supports a user on the top surface 2A and the skateboard 1 is supported by wheels 5, 6, 7, and 8. Wheels 7, and 8 are attached to leading truck 3 and wheels 5, and 6 are attached to following truck 4. Leading truck 3 and following truck 4 connect to the ends of board 2 on board underside 2B. In some examples, the leading truck mount 3 and following truck 4 are identical, however in other examples, leading truck 3 and following truck 4 are not identical. Trucks 3 and 4 may include several features.

[0066]In some examples, trucks 3 and 4 may include rolling spaced bushings 11 and 11B as shown in FIG. 2. However, truck3 and 4 are not required to be identical as sho...

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not applicableSTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not applicableNAMES OF PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] Not applicableBACKGROUND

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] 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.SUMMARY

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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).

[0010] 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.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a skateboard having spaced bushings.

[0012] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of a skateboard having spaced bushings.

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a front view of a skateboard having spaced bushings.

[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a partial cross-sectional view located in FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view located in FIG. 2.

[0016] FIG. 6 depicts a front view of a skateboard having spaced bushings tilted about the travel axis.

[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a top view of a skateboard having spaced bushings tilted about the travel axis.

[0018] FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a skateboard having spaced bushings tilted about the travel axis.

[0019] FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional view located in FIG. 8.

[0020] FIG. 10 depicts a front view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings.

[0021] FIG. 11 depicts a side view of a skateboard having trucks mounts with spaced bushings.

[0022] FIG. 12 depicts an isometric view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings.

[0023] FIG. 13 depicts a partial cross-sectional view located in FIG. 10.

[0024] FIG. 14 depicts a front view of a truck mount having a spaced bushing.

[0025] FIG. 15 depicts a side view of a truck mount having a spaced bushing.

[0026] FIG. 16 depicts the cross-sectional view located in FIG. 14.

[0027] FIG. 17 depicts a rear view of a truck mount having a spaced bushing and tilted about a travel axis.

[0028] FIG. 18 depicts a front view of a truck mount having a spaced bushing and tilted about a travel axis.

[0029] FIG. 19 depicts a bottom view of a truck mount having a spaced bushing and tilted about a travel axis.

[0030] FIG. 20 depicts a side view of a truck mount having a spaced bushing and tilted about a travel axis.

[0031] FIG. 21 depicts an isometric view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings and trucks with spaced bushings.

[0032] FIG. 22 depicts a top view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings and trucks with spaced bushings.

[0033] FIG. 23 depicts a side view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings and trucks with spaced bushings.

[0034] FIG. 24 depicts a front view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings and trucks with spaced bushings.

[0035] FIG. 25 depicts a partial cross-sectional view located in FIG. 24.

[0036] FIG. 26 depicts a top view of a skateboard having truck mounts with spaced bushings and trucks with spaced bushings tilted about a travel axis.

[0037] FIG. 27 depicts a top view of a skateboard having a non-rolling spaced bushing truck.

[0038] FIG. 28 depicts a side view of a skateboard having a non-rolling spaced bushing truck.

[0039] FIG. 29 depicts a front view of a skateboard having a non-rolling spaced bushing truck.

[0040] FIG. 30 depicts a cross-sectional view located in FIG. 28

[0041] FIG. 31 depicts a partial cross-sectional view located in FIG. 29.

[0042] FIG. 32 depicts a top view of a skateboard having a non-rolling spaced bushing truck tilted about a travel axis.

[0043] FIG. 33 depicts a side view of a skateboard having a non-rolling spaced bushing truck tilted about a travel axis.

[0044] FIG. 34 depicts the cross-sectional view located in FIG. 33.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.Definitions

[0047] The following definitions apply herein, unless otherwise indicated.

[0048] “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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] “AKA” means “also known as,” and may be used to indicate an alternative or corresponding term for a given element or elements.

[0051] 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.

[0052] “Coupled” means connected, either permanently or releasably, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components.

[0053] “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.

[0054] “Rigid” describes a material or structure configured to be stiff, non-deformable, or substantially lacking in flexibility under normal operation conditions.

[0055] “Elastic” describes a material or structure configured to spontaneously resume its former shape after being stretched or compressed.

[0056] “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.

[0057] “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.

[0058] “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.

[0059] “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.

[0060] “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.

[0061] “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.

[0062] “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.

[0063] 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.Overview

[0064] 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.EXAMPLESI) Skateboard Truck with Rolling Spaced Bushing

[0065] FIGS. 1-5 depicts a skateboard 1 in a horizontal (or not tilted) orientation which includes a board 2, a leading truck 3, a following truck 4, leading wheels 7 and 8, and following wheels 5 and 6. FIG. 2 depicts a side view of skateboard 1. During operation the skateboard 1 supports a user on the top surface 2A and the skateboard 1 is supported by wheels 5, 6, 7, and 8. Wheels 7, and 8 are attached to leading truck 3 and wheels 5, and 6 are attached to following truck 4. Leading truck 3 and following truck 4 connect to the ends of board 2 on board underside 2B. In some examples, the leading truck mount 3 and following truck 4 are identical, however in other examples, leading truck 3 and following truck 4 are not identical. Trucks 3 and 4 may include several features.

[0066] In some examples, trucks 3 and 4 may include rolling spaced bushings 11 and 11B as shown in FIG. 2. However, truck3 and 4 are not required to be identical as shown in several figures. FIG. 3 depicts the location of a cross-sectional view of leading truck 3. This cross-sectional view is shown in FIG. 4.

[0067] Referring now to FIG. 4, leading truck 3 may include a truck base 12 attached to board 2 on the underside 2B. Truck base 12 includes first bore 12A for receiving first shaft 13. First shaft 13 may be supported against rotation about first shaft axis 13C and translation along first shaft axis 13C by stop feature 13A. Stop feature 13A resides in second bore 12C (best seen in FIG. 3). The first shaft 13 supports first rolling spaced bushing 11, washer 16 and first nut 17. Additionally, bushing clearance 14 may be included and be configured to allow movement of first rolling spaced bushing 11 along first shaft 13. The first shaft 13 includes threads 13B located on its diameter such that first nut 17 can be loosened or tightened to adjust pressure on rolling spaced bushing 11. In this embodiment, the first nut 17 acts 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 11. In some embodiments, rolling spaced bushing 11 may 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.

[0068] Truck base 12 also includes a second shaft 21. In this example, the second shaft 21 is received by a second bore 12C located on truck base 12 and is supported against rotation about its long axis by hexagonal feature 21D. The second shaft 21 is supported such that second shaft axis 10 is angled with respect to first shaft axis 13C forming angle 3A. The second shaft 21 supports the second spacer 22, hanger 23, pivot bearing 24, and second nut 25. Second shaft 21 includes threads 21E on its diameter such that second nut 25 can be tightened to hold second spacer 22, hanger 23, and pivot bearing 24 along second shaft 21. Additionally, pivot bearing 24 allows hanger 23 to rotate about a second shaft axis 10. First shaft axis 13C and second shaft axis 10 forming angle 3A allows an operator to turn the skateboard 1. Additionally, since first shaft axis 13C and second shaft axis 10 are located at angle 3A, as hanger 13 rotates about second shaft axis 10 hanger ramp 23A is forced into rolling spaced bushing 11. Movement of hanger ramp 23A into rolling spaced bushing 11 creates resistance to further tilting of skateboard 1.

[0069] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-section shown in FIG. 2. Spaced bushing 11 may be located such that bushing periphery 11A is in contact with hanger ramp 23A. By tilting board 2 about travel axis 9 (best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2), hanger 23 pivots about the second shaft axis 10.

[0070] FIGS. 6-9 depict skateboard 1 with base 2 tilted about travel axis 9 at first tilt angle 30 relative to ground 100. Since wheels 7, 8, 5, and 6 are supported by ground 100, hanger 23 pivots about second shaft axis 10 as board 2 is tilted. Tilting board 2 about travel axis 9 causes leading truck 3 to pivot at first turn angle 31 and following truck 4 to pivot at second turn angle 32 (best seen in FIG. 7). Pivoting leading truck 3 at first turn angle 31 and following truck 4 at second turn angle 32 causes skateboard 1 to turn along turn radius 1A.

[0071] FIG. 8 depicts a side view of skateboard 1 tilted at first tilt angle 30 relative to the ground 100. A cross-sectional view located in FIG. 8 is depicted in FIG. 9. Referring to FIG. 9, rolling spaced bushing 11 has rolled along hanger ramp 23A on bushing periphery 11A. Rolling spaced bushing 11 is able to rotate about first shaft axis 13C. Since first shaft axis 13C and second shaft axis 10 are located at an angle 3A, the rolling spaced bushing is forced against hanger 23 at hanger ramp 23A. Hanger ramp 23A is depicted as a “V” shaped feature as it increases in height from ground 100 as it extends away from hanger ramp center 23B. However, any hanger ramp 23 geometry that remains in contact with rolling spaced bushing 11 is within the scope of this disclosure. The force applied by rolling spaced bushing 11 against hanger ramp 23A may be adjusted by tightening or loosening the first nut 17. Additionally, hanger ramp 23A may be manufactured for a specific loading given a specific first tilt angle 30. For instance, in FIG. 9, rolling spaced bushing 11 rolls along hanger ramp 23A in response to board 2 tilt the spaced bushing periphery 11A is compressed against hanger ramp 23A due to the ramp geometry and the spaced shafts 13 and 21. These adjustments and manufacturing details may be used to gain specific return to horizontal orientation response to first tilt angle 30 as well as decreased turning radius 1A.

[0072] In this embodiment, the first shaft 13 and second shaft 21 are 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

[0073] FIGS. 10-20 depict various aspects of a truck mount with a spaced bushing. FIGS. 10-12 depict a skateboard 101 in a horizontal orientation having a first truck mount with a spaced bushing 140 on the leading end of board 2 and a second truck mount with a spaced bushing 150 on the following end of board 2. Additionally, a leading truck 120 is attached to first truck mount with a spaced bushing 140 and a following truck 130 is attached to second truck mount with a spaced bushing 150. Board 2 is supported on ground 100 by leading and following trucks 120 and 130 and first truck mount with spaced bushing 140 and second truck mount with spaced bushing 150. An operator (not shown) typically rides on board 2 and tilts board 2 about an axis of travel 9 causing the skateboard 101 to turn.

[0074] Truck 120 is depicted in cross-sectional view if FIG. 13. Truck 120 may include truck base 127, hanger 122, and wheels 121A and 121B. Truck base 127 is attached to leading truck mount with spaced bushing 140. Base 127 may include a pocket 127A that receives hanger pin 122A which may be attached to hanger 122. Hanger 122 is supported by hanger pin 122A by base 127 such that hanger 122 is allowed to rotate about pivot axis 127B. In turn hanger 122 includes a wheel hanger shaft 122B for supporting wheels 121A and 121B. Wheels 121A and 121B are supported such that they rotate about wheel hanger shaft 122B and so allows the skateboard 101 to travel along travel axis 9. To further support hanger 122, truck base 127 may include truck base hole 127C for receiving bushing bolt 126. Bushing bolt 126 further supports washer 124B, upper bushing 125B, lower bushing 125A, hanger 122, and washer 124A. Hanger 122 may include bushing receiving features 122C and 122D. Bushing bolt 126 may include threads 126A for receiving threads 123A located on nut 123. Additionally, bushing bolt 126 may include widened section 126C for engaging truck base pocket 127D. Truck base pocket 127D along with bushing bolt widened section 126C supports bushing bolt 126 such that it cannot rotate or translate as nut 123 is rotated. Rotating nut 123 tightens or loosens pressure on upper bushing 125B and lower bushing 125A. This in turn adjusts the grip on bushing receiving features 122C and 122D. This grip on bushing receiving features 122C and 122D determines how much tilt of board 2 about travel axis 9 causes hanger 122 to rotate about pivot axis 127B. Truck 120 is well known in the skateboard industry, however mounting this truck 120 to a truck mount with a spaced bushing 140 is novel. Additionally, a truck with spaced bushing (e.g. leading truck 3) may be used with truck mount with spaced bushing 140.

[0075] FIGS. 13-20 depict leading truck mount with spaced bushing 140 in more detail. FIGS. 14, and 15 depict a front view and a side view of the leading truck mount with spaced bushing 140. FIG. 16 depicts the cross-section view shown in FIG. 14. Truck mount base 141 attaches to board 2 on board underside 2B at base mount surface 141A. Leading truck 120 may be attached to truck mount arm 143 at truck mount surface 143A. The first shaft 147 may be attached to truck mount base 141 at first truck mount base bore 141C. The first shaft 147 may include a shaft axial support feature 147B which interfaces with truck base first pocket 141D providing axial and rotational support about first shaft axis 149. Truck mount arm 143 may be rotationally attached to truck mount base 141 by first shaft 147. Arm bearing 148 may be inserted into arm bore 143B to support truck mount arm 143 such that truck mount arm 143 is able to pivot about first shaft axis 149. Thrust bearing 148A and 148B may provide axial support along the direction of first shaft axis 149. A first nut 145A may be threaded onto first shaft 147 using first shaft threads 147A as a means of supporting truck mount arm 143.

[0076] Truck mount base 141 further rotationally supports a spaced bushing 142. Truck mount base 141 includes a second bore 141D oriented at angle 140B from first bore 141C, which receives a second shaft 144. The second shaft 144 may include a shaft axial support feature 144B which interfaces with a truck mount base second pocket 141B providing axial and rotational support about second shaft axis 144C. Spaced bushing 142 is supported by second shaft 144 at spaced bushing bore 142C. Spaced bushing clearance 140C may be included to allow movement of spaced bushing 142 along second shaft axis 144C. Washer 146 axially supports spaced bushing 142 and allows spaced bushing 142 to rotate about second shaft axis 144C. Washer 146 may be supported by a second nut 145B which may be threaded onto second shaft threads 144A. The second nut 145B supports spaced bushing 142, and washer 146 and further retains second shaft 144 against truck mount base 141.

[0077] The spaced bushing 142 interfaces with truck mount arm 143 along spaced bushing periphery 142A. In some examples, spaced bushing 142 interferes with truck arm 143 at interference volume 142B (best seen in FIG. 16). The interference volume 142B may be adjusted by a spaced bushing adjustment mechanism. In some embodiments, the second nut 145B and second shaft threads 144A may be used to increase or decrease the interference volume 142B by tightening or loosening the second nut 145B. 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 volume 142B.

[0078] FIGS. 16-20 depict truck mount with spaced bushing with truck mount arm 143 rotated about first shaft axis 149. Rotating truck mount arm 143 about first shaft axis 149 causes spaced bushing 142 to roll along arm roll surface 143C. In some examples, arm roll surface 143C may be circular with a center located coincident with first shaft axis 149 and so spaced bushing 142 would maintain a constant force against arm roll surface 143C. However, arm roll surface 143C may be any surface which remains in contact with spaced bushing periphery 142A and may provide varying force against arm roll surface 143C. Spaced bushing may be preloaded against arm roll surface 143C.

[0079] FIG. 16 shows spaced bushing periphery 142A interfering (overlapping) with arm roll surface 143C, this interference is indicated as item 142B. In some examples, preloading spaced bushing periphery 142A against arm roll surface 143C may be used to increase the force against arm roll surface 143C. Increasing or decreasing this force may be used to adjust the turning characteristics of the skateboard.

[0080] Since first shaft axis and second shaft axis are oriented at angle 140B, tilting truck mount with spaced bushing 140 causes truck mount arm 143 to rotate. As truck mount arm 143 is rotated about first shaft axis 149 the direction of truck 120 is 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 axis 149 is not perpendicular to travel axis 9, truck mount surface 143A is also tilted at mount truck angle 140A (best shown in FIGS. 17 and 18). Additionally, pivot bearing 148 allows truck mount arm 143 to rotate about a first shaft axis 149. Second shaft axis 144C and first shaft axis 149 forming angle 140B allows an operator to turn the skateboard 1. Additionally, since first shaft axis 149 and second shaft axis 144C are located at angle 140B, as truck mount arm 143 rotates about first shaft axis 149 arm roll surface 143C is forced into spaced bushing 142. Movement of arm roll surface 143C into spaced bushing 142 creates resistance to further tilting of skateboard 1. FIG. 20 depicts a side view of truck mount with spaced bushing 140 with truck mount arm 143 rotated about first shaft axis 149 for clarity.

[0081] In this embodiment, spaced bushing 140 is 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 axis 144C, however in other embodiments spaced bushing may have a different shape and may be configured not to rotate about an axis.

[0082] In this embodiment, the first shaft 147 and second shaft 144 are similar, however this is not required. Various diameters and lengths of each shaft is well within the spirit of the disclosure.III) Skateboard with Combined Spaced Bushing Truck Mount and Spaced Bushing Truck

[0083] FIGS. 21-26 depict a skateboard 201 having a combination of rolling spaced bushing trucks 3 and 4 and spaced bushing truck mounts 140 and 150. FIG. 24 depicts the cross-sectional view located in FIG. 24. Spaced bushing truck mount 140 is attached to board underside 2B at base mount surface 141A. Rolling spaced bushing truck 3 is attached to truck mount surface 143A at spaced bushing truck mounting surface 12B.

[0084] FIG. 26 depicts skateboard 201 tilted about travel axis 9. Additionally, first wheel axis 103 is shown and is an axis located through the center of rotation of wheels 7 and 8. Similarly, second wheel axis 104 is shown and is an axis located through the center of rotation of wheels 5 and 6. This tilt causes each rolling truck mount 140 and 150 and each spaced bushing trucks 3 and 4 to turn wheels to rotate first wheel axis 103 and second wheel axis 104 respectively (best shown in FIG. 26). Since both truck mount with spaced bushings 140 and 150 and rolling spaced bushing truck 3 and 4 are turned, first wheel axis 103 and second wheel axis 104 form smaller turning angles 202A and 202B respectively when compared with only a rolling spaced bushing truck. A smaller turning radius 202C is thus obtained.IV) Skateboard Truck with Non-Rolling Spaced Bushing

[0085] FIGS. 27-34 depict various orientations of a skateboard 301 with trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings. FIG. 27 depicts a top view of skateboard 301 having two skateboard trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings 303 and 304. Board 302 is supported at each end by skateboard trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings 303 and 304. Wheels 307 and 308 support skateboard truck with non-rolling spaced bushing 303 and wheels 305 and 306 support skateboard truck with non-rolling spaced bushing 304. An operator may be supported on board 302 top surface 302A. Skateboard trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings 303, and 304 may be attached to board 302 at board bottom surface 302B as shown. In this example, skateboard trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings 303 and 304 are attached to board bottom surface 302B, however, other attachment surfaces may be used. For example, skateboard trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings 303 and 304 may attach to top surface 302A, in this case the skateboard trucks with non-rolling spaced bushings 303 and 304 may protrude through board 302 such that wheels 307, 308, 305 and 306 contact ground 100.

[0086] FIG. 30 depicts a cross-sectional view located in FIG. 28. Skateboard truck with non-rolling spaced bushing 303 may include a base 310 providing support of board 302. Base 310 is mounted to board bottom surface 302B at base mounting surface 310A. Now referring to FIG. 31, base 310 may include a first shaft bore 310B which receives first shaft 311. The first shaft 311 includes first shaft axis 311C. The first shaft 311 may include a rotational and axial support 311B which engages base first pocket 310E. This engagement supports the first shaft 311 in rotation about first shaft axis 311C and translationally along first shaft axis 311C. A non-rolling spaced bushing 313 may include a bushing bore 313A and receives first shaft 311. Additionally, bushing bore 313A may coincide with first shaft axis 311C. First thrust washer 314 may support the non-rolling spaced bushing 313 along first shaft axis 311C. Additionally, bushing clearance 303B may be provided such that non-rolling spaced bushing 313 is adjustable along first shaft axis 311C. First nut 319 may be used to support first thrust washer 314 along first shaft axis 311C by engaging first shaft threads 311A. The non-rolling spaced bushing 313 may include a bushing contact surface 313B which contacts the hanger 317 at hanger contact surface 317B. By tightening and loosening first nut 319 the pressure on non-rolling spaced bushing 313 may be adjusted. This adjustment may be used to provide specific aspects of the truck with non-rolling spaced bushing 303.

[0087] Base 310 may include a second bore 310D for receiving a second shaft 312. The second shaft 312 may include a rotational and axial support 312B which engages base second pocket 310F. This engagement supports second shaft 312 in rotation about second shaft axis 312C and translationally along second shaft axis 312C. A second thrust washer 316 is positioned along second shaft 312 and supports hanger 317 axially along second shaft axis 312C. Hanger 317 is supported by second shaft 312 at hanger bore 317A. Additionally, a third thrust washer 315 supports hanger 317 axially along second shaft axis 312C. A second nut 320 supports third thrust washer 315 axially by engaging second shaft threads 312A. In this embodiment, hanger 317 can rotate about the second shaft axis 312C because hanger bore 317A does not provide a rotational stop. However, non-rolling spaced bushing 313 contacts hanger 317 at non-rolling spaced bushing interference 318.

[0088] FIG. 31 depicts a cross-sectional view located in FIG. 28. This view shows non-rolling spaced bushing 313 contacting hanger 317 at hanger contact surface 317B. As base 310 is tilted about the direction of travel axis 309, hanger 317 pivots about second shaft axis 312C. The first shaft axis 311C and second shaft axis 312C are at an angle 303A relative to each other. The non-rolling spaced bushing interference 318 pushes on hanger contact surface 317B. As base 310 is tilted about the direction of travel axis 309 hanger 317 rotates about shaft axis 312C, non-rolling spaced bushing 313 twists about first shaft axis 311C and pushes on hanger contact surface 317B. In some examples, non-rolling spaced bushing 313 interferes with hanger 317 at interference volume 318 (best seen in FIG. 31). The interference volume 318 may be adjusted by a non-rolling spaced bushing adjustment mechanism. In some embodiments, the first nut 319 and first shaft threads 311A may be used to increase or decrease the interference volume 318 by tightening or loosening the first nut 319. 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 volume 318.

[0089] FIG. 32 depicts skateboard 301 in a turning orientation. To turn skateboard 301 an operator may tilt board 302 about travel axis 309. In this example, tilting board 302 in this manner causes base 310 to rotate about the second shaft axis 312C. This base 310 rotation causes hanger 317 to redirect wheels 307 and 308 to leading angle 325. A similar result occurs at the second truck with non-rolling spaced bushing 304 causing wheels 305 and 306 to be redirected at following angle 324.

[0090] FIG. 34 depicts a cross-sectional view located in FIG. 33. Board 302 is tilted about travel axis 309 causing base 310 to rotate about the second shaft axis 312C. The non-rolling spaced bushing 313 is compressed on bushing contact surface 313B and decompressed on non-rolling spaced bushing second side 313C. These compressed and decompressed features resist tilting and return board 302 to a horizontal orientation. In some examples, bushing contact surface 313B may additionally slide along hanger contact surface 317B.

[0091] FIGS. 30-34 depict a flat hanger contact surface 317B, however this is not required. Hanger contact surface 317B may be round (either convex or concave) or “V” shaped as desired by an operator.

[0092] In this embodiment, the first shaft 311 and second shaft 312 are similar, however this is not required. Various diameters and lengths of each shaft is well within the spirit of the disclosure.V) Illustrative Combinations and Additional Examples

[0093] This section describes additional aspects and features of spaced bushing skateboard trucks and truck mounts. Presented without limitation as a series of paragraphs, some or all of which may be alphanumerically designated for clarity and efficiency. Each of these paragraphs can be combined with one or more other paragraphs, and / or with disclosure from elsewhere in this disclosure, in any suitable manner. Some of the paragraphs below may expressly refer to and further limit other paragraphs, providing with limitation examples some of the suitable combinations.

[0094] A1. A skateboard truck comprising;

[0095] a truck base having a travel axis,

[0096] a first shaft attached to the truck base,

[0097] a second shaft spaced from first shaft and attached to the truck base and configured to rotationally support a hanger configured to support a pair of wheels, and

[0098] a spaced bushing having a periphery attached to first shaft and spaced from second shaft,

[0099] the hanger further contacting the spaced bushing along the bushing periphery.

[0100] A2. The skateboard truck of paragraph A1 wherein, the hanger further includes a hanger ramp configured to contact the bushing periphery.

[0101] A3. The skateboard truck of paragraph A2 wherein, the hanger ramp is V shaped.

[0102] A4. The skateboard truck of paragraph A2 wherein, the spaced bushing is configured to roll along the hanger ramp.

[0103] A5. The skateboard truck of paragraph A1 wherein the bushing periphery compresses against hanger ramp in response to tilting the truck base about the travel axis.

[0104] A6. The skateboard truck of paragraph A1 further comprising a pivot bearing configured to rotationally support the hanger.

[0105] A7. The skateboard truck of paragraph A1 further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust pressure against the spaced bushing.

[0106] A8. The skateboard truck of paragraph A7 wherein the first shaft further includes threads and the adjustment mechanism is a nut threaded onto the threads.

[0107] A9. The skateboard truck of paragraph A1 wherein the spaced bushing is of a material selected from a group consisting of: elastomers, urethane, rubber, and metal.

[0108] B1. A skateboard truck mount comprising;

[0109] a truck mount base having a travel axis,

[0110] a first shaft attached to the truck mount base and having a first shaft axis,

[0111] a second shaft spaced from first shaft and attached to the truck mount base,

[0112] a truck mount arm configured to attach to a skateboard truck and rotationally supported by the first shaft,

[0113] a spaced bushing having a bushing periphery rotationally attached to second shaft, the bushing periphery being in contact with truck mount arm.

[0114] B2. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B1 wherein, the truck mount arm further comprises an arm roll surface configured to contact bushing periphery and cause an interference volume.

[0115] B3. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B2 wherein the arm roll surface is convex.

[0116] B4. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B2 wherein the spaced bushing is configured to roll along the arm roll surface.

[0117] B5. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B1 wherein the spaced bushing periphery compresses against arm roll surface in response to tilting the truck base arm about the travel axis.

[0118] B6. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B1 further comprising an arm bearing attached to the truck arm mount and supported by first shaft configured to allow rotation of truck arm mount about the first shaft axis.

[0119] B7. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B2 further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the interference volume.

[0120] B8. The skateboard truck mount of paragraph B7 wherein the adjustment mechanism is a nut, and the shaft includes threads configured to engage the nut.

[0121] B9. The skateboard truck of paragraph B1 wherein the spaced bushing is of a material selected from a group consisting of: urethane, rubber, and metal.

[0122] C1. A skateboard comprising;

[0123] A skateboard truck mount attached to the skateboard comprising;

[0124] a truck mount base having a travel axis,

[0125] a first shaft attached to the truck mount base and having a first shaft axis,

[0126] a second shaft spaced from first shaft and attached to the truck mount base,

[0127] a truck mount arm configured to attach to a skateboard truck and rotationally supported by the first shaft,

[0128] a first spaced bushing having a first bushing periphery rotationally attached to second shaft, first bushing periphery being in contact with truck mount arm, and

[0129] the skateboard further comprising;

[0130] a truck base,

[0131] a third shaft attached to the truck base,

[0132] a fourth shaft spaced from third shaft and attached to the truck base and configured to rotationally support a hanger configured to support a pair of wheels, and

[0133] a second spaced bushing having a second bushing periphery attached to third shaft and spaced from fourth shaft,

[0134] the hanger further contacting the second spaced bushing along the second bushing periphery.

[0135] C2. The skateboard of paragraph C1 wherein, the truck mount arm further comprises an arm roll surface configured to contact first bushing periphery and cause a first interference volume.

[0136] C3. The skateboard of paragraph C2 wherein the first spaced bushing is configured to roll along the arm roll surface.

[0137] C4. The skateboard of paragraph C2 wherein, wherein the arm roll surface is convex.

[0138] C5. The skateboard of paragraph C1, further comprising an arm bearing attached to the truck arm mount and supported by first shaft configured to allow rotation of truck arm mount about the first shaft axis.

[0139] C6. The skateboard of paragraph C2 further comprising a first adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the first interference volume.

[0140] C8. The skateboard of paragraph C6 wherein the first adjustment mechanism is a nut, and the second shaft includes threads configured to engage the nut.

[0141] C9. The skateboard of paragraph C1 wherein the first spaced bushing is of a material selected from a group consisting of: elastomeric material, urethane, rubber, and metal.

[0142] C10. The skateboard of paragraph C1 wherein the hanger further includes a hanger ramp configured to contact the second spaced bushing periphery.

[0143] C11. The skateboard of paragraph C10 wherein, the hanger ramp is V shaped.

[0144] C12. The skateboard of paragraph C10 wherein the second spaced bushing is configured to roll along the hanger ramp.

[0145] C13. The skateboard of paragraph C1 wherein the second spaced bushing periphery compresses against the hanger ramp in response to tilting the truck base about the travel axis.

[0146] C14. The skateboard of paragraph C1 further comprising a pivot bearing configured to rotationally support the hanger.

[0147] C15. The skateboard of paragraph C1 further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust pressure against the spaced bushing.

[0148] C16. The skateboard of paragraph C6 wherein the adjustment mechanism is a nut, and the second shaft includes threads configured to engage the nut.

[0149] C17. The skateboard of paragraph C1 wherein the second spaced bushing is of a material selected from a group consisting of: urethane, rubber, and metal.

[0150] D1. A skateboard truck comprising;

[0151] a truck base having a travel axis,

[0152] a first shaft attached to the truck base,

[0153] a second shaft spaced from first shaft and attached to the truck base and configured to rotationally support a hanger configured to support a pair of wheels, and

[0154] a spaced non-rolling spaced bushing having a bushing contact surface attached to first shaft and spaced from second shaft, and

[0155] the hanger further configured to contact the non-rolling spaced bushing along the bushing contact surface.

[0156] D2. The skateboard truck of paragraph D1 wherein, the hanger further includes a hanger contact surface configured to contact the bushing contact surface.

[0157] D3. The skateboard truck of paragraph D2 wherein, the hanger contact surface is flat.

[0158] D4. The skateboard truck of paragraph D2 wherein, the non-rolling spaced bushing is configured to compress against the hanger contact surface.

[0159] D5. The skateboard truck of paragraph D2 wherein, the spaced non-rolling spaced bushing is configured to slide along the hanger contact surface.

[0160] D6. The skateboard truck of paragraph D1 wherein the bushing contact surface is configured to compress against hanger contact surface in response to tilting the truck base about the travel axis.

[0161] D7. The skateboard truck of paragraph D1 further comprising a pivot bearing configured to rotationally support the hanger.

[0162] D8. The skateboard truck of paragraph D1 further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust pressure against the spaced non-rolling spaced bushing.

[0163] D9. The skateboard truck of paragraph D8 wherein the first shaft further includes threads, and the adjustment mechanism is a nut threaded onto the threads.

[0164] D10. The skateboard truck of paragraph D1 wherein the spaced non-rolling bushing is of a material selected from a group consisting of: elastomeric material, urethane, rubber, and metal.Advantages, Features, and Benefits

[0165] The different examples and examples of the skateboard truck mount described herein provide several advantages over known solutions for connecting a truck to a skateboard board. For example, illustrative examples and examples described herein allow decreased turning radius. The features that allow for this decreased turning radius also allow for adjustment of tilting resistance.

[0166] Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative examples described herein allow easier assembly of the skateboard truck mount into a skateboard.

[0167] Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative examples described herein provide a means of stopping a turning skateboard from catching wheels against the skateboard truck mount or the skateboard board. This catching of the wheels can cause unpredictable and unsafe performance of the skateboard.

[0168] Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative examples described herein provide pockets for storage of stabilizers during storage.

[0169] Additionally, and among other benefits, illustrative examples described herein provide vertical location of the skateboard board at approximately the same height as the turning pivot of the truck. This vertical location increases stability of the skateboard.Conclusion

[0170] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present technology has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the present technology in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present technology. Exemplary examples were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the present technology for various examples with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

[0171] In the above description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particular examples, procedures, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other examples that depart from these specific details.

[0172] Reference throughout this specification to “one example” or “an example” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the examples is included in at least one example of the present invention. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one example” or “in an example” or “according to one example” (or other phrases having similar import) at various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same examples. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. Furthermore, depending on the context of discussion herein, a singular term may include its plural form and a plural term may include its singular form.

[0173] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0174] If any disclosures are incorporated herein by reference and such incorporated disclosures conflict in part and / or in whole with the present disclosure, then to the extent of conflict, and / or broader disclosure, and / or broader definition of terms, the present disclosure controls. If such incorporated disclosures conflict in part and / or in whole with one another, then to the extent of conflict, the later-dated disclosure controls.

[0175] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. The descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the particular forms set forth herein. To the contrary, the present descriptions are intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and otherwise appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Examples

examples

I) Skateboard Truck with Rolling Spaced Bushing

[0065]FIGS. 1-5 depicts a skateboard 1 in a horizontal (or not tilted) orientation which includes a board 2, a leading truck 3, a following truck 4, leading wheels 7 and 8, and following wheels 5 and 6. FIG. 2 depicts a side view of skateboard 1. During operation the skateboard 1 supports a user on the top surface 2A and the skateboard 1 is supported by wheels 5, 6, 7, and 8. Wheels 7, and 8 are attached to leading truck 3 and wheels 5, and 6 are attached to following truck 4. Leading truck 3 and following truck 4 connect to the ends of board 2 on board underside 2B. In some examples, the leading truck mount 3 and following truck 4 are identical, however in other examples, leading truck 3 and following truck 4 are not identical. Trucks 3 and 4 may include several features.

[0066]In some examples, trucks 3 and 4 may include rolling spaced bushings 11 and 11B as shown in FIG. 2. However, truck3 and 4 are not required to be identical as sho...

Claims

1. A skateboard truck comprising;a truck base having a travel axis,a first shaft having a first shaft axis and is attached to the truck base,a second shaft having a second shaft axis and is spaced from first shaft and attached to the truck base and configured to rotationally support a hanger configured to support a pair of wheels, anda spaced bushing having a periphery attached to first shaft and spaced from second shaft,the hanger further contacting the spaced bushing along the bushing periphery.

2. The skateboard truck of claim 1 wherein, the first shaft axis and the second shaft axis are not parallel to each other.

3. The skateboard truck of claim 1 wherein, the hanger further includes a hanger ramp configured to contact the bushing periphery.

4. The skateboard truck of claim 3 wherein, the hanger ramp is V shaped.

5. The skateboard truck of claim 3 wherein, the spaced bushing is configured to roll along the hanger ramp.

6. The skateboard truck of claim 1 wherein the spaced bushing periphery is configured to compress against hanger ramp in response to tilting the truck base about the travel axis.

7. The skateboard truck of claim 1 further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust pressure against the spaced bushing.

8. The skateboard truck of claim 1 wherein the spaced bushing is of a material selected from a group consisting of: urethane, rubber, and metal.

9. A skateboard truck mount comprising;a truck mount base having a travel axis,a first shaft attached to the truck mount base and having a first shaft axis,a second shaft spaced from first shaft and attached to the truck mount base and having a second shaft axis,a truck mount arm configured to attach to a skateboard truck and rotationally supported by the first shaft,a spaced bushing having a bushing periphery rotationally attached to second shaft, bushing periphery configured to contact with truck mount arm.

10. The skateboard truck mount of claim 9 wherein, the first shaft axis and the second shaft axis are not parallel to each other.

11. The skateboard truck mount of claim 9 wherein, the truck mount arm further comprises an arm roll surface configured to contact bushing periphery and cause an interference volume.

12. The skateboard truck mount of claim 11 wherein the arm roll surface is convex.

13. The skateboard truck mount of claim 11 wherein the spaced bushing is configured to roll along the arm roll surface.

14. The skateboard truck mount of claim 9 wherein the spaced bushing periphery is configured to compress against arm roll surface in response to tilting the truck base arm about the travel axis.

15. The skateboard truck mount of claim 9 further comprising an arm bearing attached to the truck arm mount and supported by first shaft configured to allow rotation of truck arm mount about the first shaft axis.

16. The skateboard truck mount of claim 11 further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the interference volume.

17. The skateboard truck of claim 9 wherein the spaced bushing is of a material selected from a group consisting of: elastomeric material, urethane, rubber, and metal.

18. A skateboard truck comprising;a truck base having a travel axis,a first shaft attached to the truck base,a second shaft spaced from first shaft and attached to the truck base and configured to rotationally support a hanger configured to support a pair of wheels, anda spaced non-rolling spaced bushing having a bushing contact surface attached to first shaft and spaced from second shaft, andthe hanger further configured to contact the non-rolling spaced bushing along the bushing contact surface.

19. The skateboard truck of claim 18 wherein the hanger further includes a hanger contact surface configured to contact the bushing contact surface.

20. The skateboard truck of claim 18 wherein, the spaced non-rolling spaced bushing is configured to compress against the hanger contact surface.

21. The skateboard truck of claim 19 wherein the bushing contact surface is configured to compress against hanger contact surface in response to tilting the truck base about the travel axis.

22. The skateboard truck of claim 18 further comprising an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust pressure against the spaced non-rolling spaced bushing.

Images