Surfskate skateboard trucks

Abstract

A skateboard truck configured to be mounted to a skateboard deck, with a hanger with a wheel axle configured to hold skateboard truck wheels; a suspension system with a flex member configured to attach the hanger resiliently to a skateboard deck; a rolling contact bearing connecting the hanger with the flex member such that the rolling contact bearing allows rotation of the hanger with respect to the flex member by a steering angle around a steering axis extending substantially vertically to the wheel axle; and a spring mechanism attached to or integrally formed with the flex member biasing the hanger to the neutral position where the steering angle is zero.

Claims

1. A skateboard truck configured to be mounted to a skateboard deck, comprising: a hanger with a wheel axle configured to hold skateboard truck wheels; a suspension system comprising a generally U-shaped flex member having a free forward end, said generally U-shaped flex member being configured to attach the hanger resiliently to the skateboard deck; a rolling contact bearing connecting the hanger with the flex member such that the rolling contact bearing allows rotation of the hanger with respect to the flex member by a steering angle around a steering axis extending substantially vertically to the wheel axle; and a spring mechanism integrally formed at the free forward end of the generally U-shaped flex member as part thereof, the spring mechanism having voids subdividing the flex member into several parts that can to some extent flex individual from each other, said spring mechanism biasing the hanger to the neutral position where the steering angle is zero.

2. The skateboard truck according to claim 1, wherein the flex member comprises a front portion, a rear portion and a longitudinal center axis extending between the front and rear portion dividing the skateboard truck into two essentially symmetrical halves; and the several parts of the spring mechanism comprises two flexible arms that are axially symmetrical with respect with the longitudinal center axis forming the axis of symmetry.

3. The skateboard truck according to claim 2, wherein the flex member comprises the flexible arms that have an elongated curved shape curving from a first position at an outer rear portion of the flex member that is more remote from the longitudinal center axis and close to the rear portion of the flex member towards a second position at an inner front portion that is close to the longitudinal center axis and to the front portion of the flex member in comparison to the first position.

4. The skateboard truck according to claim 3, wherein the flexible arms are loop-shaped curving from said first position at the outer rear portion towards a turning point and from there to the second position closer to an inner front portion than the second position and from there back to a third position that is closer to the outer rear portion than the second position.

5. The skateboard truck according to claim 4, wherein a pivot cup is located at a front center portion of the flex member and is integrally formed with the two flexible arms.

6. The skateboard truck according to claim 4, wherein the part of the flexible arms extending from the turning point closer to an inner front portion back closer to the outer rear portion extends in a meander shape.

7. The skateboard truck according to claim 4, wherein a free end of the flexible arms terminates in a latching element configured to be latched to the hanger or any parts attached to the hanger so that when latched the flexible arms are deformed by a rotational movement between the hanger or any parts attached to the hanger.

8. The skateboard truck according to claim 4, further comprising a torsional spring having a first free end attached to the hanger or any parts attached to the hanger and a second free end connected to the flex member or any parts attached to the flex member so that a rotational movement between the hanger or any parts attached to the hanger.

9. The skateboard truck according to claim 8, wherein the first free end is movable with respect to the hanger or any parts attached to the hanger for adjusting the spring rate of the torsional spring determining the resistance against relative rotational movement between the hanger or any parts attached to the hanger and the flex member or any parts attached to the flex member.

10. The skateboard truck according to claim 9, further comprising an adjustment screw configured to move the first free end with respect to the hanger or any parts attached to the hanger.

11. The skateboard truck according to claim 3, further comprising a pivot cup bearing attached to the flexible arms, said pivot cup bearing configured to hold a protruding element that is attached to or integrally formed with the hanger allowing some rotational and tilting movement degree of freedom of the protruding element with respect to the pivot cup bearing.

12. The skateboard truck according to claim 11, further comprising at least one stop limiting a maximum moving distance of the pivot cup away from the longitudinal center line.

13. The skateboard truck according to claim 12, wherein the at least one stop engages a spring arm.

14. The skateboard truck according to claim 12, further comprising a spring element that is deformed before the stop is engaged.

15. The skateboard truck according to claim 14, wherein the spring element is a spring arm that is deformed towards the stop and urged into contact with the stop when the maximum moving distance of the pivot cup away from the longitudinal center line is reached.

16. The skateboard truck according to claim 3, wherein the pivot cup bearing comprises a pivot cup that accommodates a cup-shaped or hollow cylinder shaped resilient member accommodating a free end of the protruding element such that a deformation of the resilient member provides degrees of freedom for the rotational and the tilting movement.

17. The skateboard truck according to claim 3, further comprising a restrictor configured to shorten a flexible length of the two flexible arms, thereby increasing the resistance and consequently the biasing force biasing a pivot cup bearing towards a center position with respect to the flex member, such center position of the pivot cup bearing establishing the neutral position of the hanger where the steering angle is zero.

18. The skateboard truck according to claim 17, wherein the restrictor is movable back and forth in a direction of the rear portion of the flex member and vice versa in a direction of the front portion of the flex member, shortening the flexible length of the flexible arms when moved in the direction of the front portion and therefore increasing the resistance and therefore biasing force, and vice versa extending the flexible length of the flexible arms when moved in the direction of the rear portion and therefore decreasing the resistance and therefore biasing force.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the invention.

(2) FIG. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the invention

(3) FIG. 3 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the invention.

(4) FIG. 4 shows a side view of the first embodiment of the invention, partially as a sectional view.

(5) FIG. 5 shows essentially the same view as FIG. 4, but as a perspective view.

(6) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a partial assembly of the first embodiment of the invention essentially as a bottom view.

(7) FIG. 7 shows a detailed perspective view denoted 6A in FIG. 6.

(8) FIG. 8 shows a detail plan view of a restrictor as part the first embodiment of the invention.

(9) FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a partial assembly of the first embodiment of the invention essentially as a top view.

(10) FIG. 10 shows a detailed perspective view denoted 7A in FIG. 9.

(11) FIG. 11 shows a detail perspective view of a restrictor element as part of the first embodiment of the invention.

(12) FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the invention.

(13) FIG. 13 shows another perspective view of the second embodiment at a steering wheel position and with a housing removed.

(14) FIG. 14 shows a detail perspective view denoted AE demonstrating a adjustable soft stop according to the second embodiment of the invention.

(15) FIG. 15 shows an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the invention.

(16) FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the latching mechanism used in the second embodiment of the invention in latched and unlatched positions.

(17) FIG. 17 shows a perspective plan view of a sub assembly demonstrating defamation of flexible arms in the second embodiment of the invention.

(18) FIGS. 18-20 shows side views of the second embodiment of the invention, partially as a sectional view, demonstrating different torsional spring adjustment modes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(19) FIG. 1 shows a skateboard truck according to a first embodiment as installed at the front of a skateboard in skating direction demonstrated by arrow 2. The skateboard truck comprises a hanger 3 having a wheel axle 4 (See FIG. 2) carrying wheels 5. The hanger assembly is attached to a skateboard deck 6 by a flex member 7 comprising flexible arms 8 by a kingpin 9. The flex member may be attached to the skateboard deck 6 directly by attachment nuts 11 or optionally through some other element such as wedges or other forms of an additional base. A protruding element 12 is integrally formed with the hanger 3 and inserted into a pivot cup 13 via a cup-shaped resilient member 14. Rolling contact bearings 15, here in the form of ball bearings 15 while in the alternative also other types of bearings such as roller bearings may be used, allow rotation of the hanger 3 around the kingpin 9 functioning as a steering axle with the center axis of the kingpin 9 forming the steering axis 16 around which the hanger can swivel by a steering angle demonstrated by arrows 17. In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flexible arms 8 are formed as loops 18 having a turning point 19 at which the arms loop back from a position further apart from a longitudinal center axis 20.

(20) The flex member 7 is generally U-shaped and comprises a rear portion 22 as well as a front portion 23. The flexible arms 8 are formed by voids that may, for instance, be formed by a punching process of punching out parts of metal sheet or metal plate and the flex member 7 can be manufactured by bending it into a U-shape. In addition, mounting holes 24 can be provided for mounting the flex member to the skateboard deck 6 by screws 26 penetrating through the mounting holes 24 and the attachment nuts 11 screwed onto the screws 26.

(21) FIG. 3 shows a side view of the skateboard truck, while FIG. 4 shows the same side view, but partially as a sectional view. The steering axle 16 is also demonstrated in this side view according to FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 3, a restrictor is provided and can be moved towards the front portion 23 or vice versa towards the rear portion 22 of the flex member 7. In FIG. 3, the restrictor 27 is shown in its front most position where it limits the flexible length of the arms 8 the most and therefore creates the highest spring rate, meaning also the highest resistance against the pivot cup 13 moving away from its neutral position at the steering angle zero to a position offset from the longitudinal center line 20. Moving the restrictor towards the rear portion 22 of the flex member 7 increases the flexible length of the flexible arms 8, and therefore lowers the spring rate and consequently the resistive force against moving the pivot cup 13 away from its neutral position where it is aligned on the longitudinal center axis 20. The restrictor 27 can be provided with a latching mechanism, for instance notches 28 that may be engaged by a pin 29, holding the restrictor and 27 in place in comparison to the flex member 7 with its flexible arms 8.

(22) FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a partial assembly essentially from the bottom demonstrating the maximum moving distance 30 of the pivot cup 13 from the longitudinal centerline 20 where further movement away from the longitudinal centerline is stopped by the stop 31. This position, as shown in FIG. 6, also marks the maximum steering angle. As it becomes clear from FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the maximum rotation around the steering axis 16 is determined as to how far the pivot cup 13 can be moved from its neutral position where it is aligned with the longitudinal center axis 20 to the side since this movement to the side determines how far the hanger 3 can rotate around the steering axis 16. As also best seen in FIG. 6, the flexible arms 8 are resiliently deformed for a establishing a maximum moving distance of the pivot cup 13. Prior to be finally stopped by the stopped 31, a spring arm 32 is deformed up to the point where it abuts against the stop 31. FIG. 7 shows a detailed view marked 6A in FIG. 6 while FIG. 9 shows the restrictor 27 that also accommodates the spring arm 32. This accomplishes a so-called soft stop, namely the resulting spring rate determined by the formation of the flexible arms 8 is increased by the additional deformation of the spring arm 32 while finally a relatively hard stop is provided when the spring arm 32 is deformed to the extent that it abuts against the stop 32. Some very minor additional resilience might be provided by the possibility of some additional deformation of the resilient member 14 with in the pivot cup 13, and of course by a possible very limited deformation of the hard stop 31. The spring arm 31 also provides the function of a pop back, namely a increased spring rate over a short range close to hitting the final stop. This pop back is typically perceived as positive by skateboard riders, helping to push back quicker in direction of the neutral position when the outer limit is reached.

(23) FIG. 9 shows a similar view than FIG. 6, but essentially from the top. The detail denoted 7A shown in FIG. 10 demonstrates the restrictor 27, and specifically the pin 29 engaging the notches 28 by lifting the pin 29 is integrally formed with a generally U-shaped movable restrictor element 33 that can be moved along the restrictor and 27 by lifting it up and moving it one notch 28 further, for instance towards the front, consequently either shortening or lengthening the flexible length of the flexible arms 8 held between an open space 34 in the restrictor element 33. FIG. 11 shows a detailed perspective view just of the restrictor element 33.

(24) FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of the skateboard truck according to the invention. Similar elements with the same functional significance as denoted in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals in the second embodiment. This second embodiment provides additional functionality in that the spring rate for the steering movement of the hanger 3 can be even more fine tuned and manipulated in a wider range. For instance in the configuration shown in FIG. 13, the spring arms 8 are not engaged by the released position of a latching element 35, here formed as an eye at the free end of the flexible arm 8 that is engageable by a latching mechanism 36. This latching mechanism 36 comprises a shaft 37 screwed into a 38 and biased into the latching position by a latching spring 39. When the latching element 35 is engaged by the shaft 37, this connects the hanger 3 with the latching element 35 and therefore with the flexible arms 38, so that a relative rotation between the hanger 3 and the flex member 7 resiliently deforms the flexible arms 8 so that the flexible arms 8 provide a spring force resisting such relative movement between the hangover 3 or any parts attached thereto with respect to the flex member 7. Consequently, the flexible arms 8 have the tendency to keep the hanger 3 in its neutral steering wheel position. Unlatching, meaning disengaging the shaft 36 from the latching alum and 35 can be accomplished by pulling up the 38 and rotating so that it snaps into a pulled up position by pins 14 latching into shallow notches 41. Rotating allows the pins 42 to latch into a deep notch and therefore allow the shaft 37 to be pushed down by the latching spring 39 into engagement with the latching element 35. The different cap positions are shown in FIG. 16, with the right side example showing the cap pulled up, while the left side drawing shows the 38 pushed down and with it the shaft 37, meaning the left side drawing shows the latched position.

(25) Apart from the meander shape 43 allowing an advantageous deformation pattern as for instance demonstrated in FIG. 17, demonstrating on the left side the latched position where the flexible arm 8 is deformed upon a relative rotational movement between the hanger 3 and the flex member 7, while the right side shows the un-latched position demonstrating the position of the flexible arm 8 assumes if not deflected.

(26) As shown in the exploded view according to FIG. 15, another spring mechanism in form of the torsional spring 44 is provided in the second embodiment. Also this torsional spring can be either fully engaged or disengaged, but in addition also the spring rate can be adjusted. The torsional spring 44 is in its engaged position at its one free end attached to the hanger 3 by an adjustment screw 45, and at its other free end engages the flex member or any elements that are attached thereto. In this second embodiment, the second free and of the torsional spring specifically engages the kingpin 9 through a through hole 52 through the kingpin 9, while the kingpin as described above is connected to the flex member 7. A worm screw 51, for instance designed as an Allen screw, is screwed into an internal thread, locking the second free end of the torsional spring into place within the kingpin 9 and consequently in relation to the flex member 7. This mechanism locking the second free and of the torsional spring 44 to the kingpin 9 is also shown in the sectional side views according to FIGS. 18-20.

(27) Consequently, a steering angle movement, meaning a rotation between the hanger 3 and the flex member 7, deforms the torsional spring 44 and therefore creates a torque around the steering axis 16. The adjustment mechanism including the adjustment screw 45 is demonstrated in FIGS. 18-20. While in the position shown in FIG. 18 the adjustment screw is screwed in, shortening the flexible length of the torsional spring 44, and therefore establishes a position for a high spring rate, meaning a high steering angle resistance. FIG. 19 accomplishes the opposite, namely lengthens the flexible length of the torsional spring 44 by screwing the adjustment screwed 45 to the outside. FIG. 20 shows the disengaged position, namely by screwing the adjustment screw 44 out of engagement with the torsional spring 44. Since in this position shown in FIG. 20 the torsional spring 44 is completely disengaged from the hanger 3, a relative rotational steering angle movement between the hanger 3 and the flex member 7 does not potential in the torsional spring 44 and therefore no spring force from the torsional spring 44 pushes the hanger 3 into the neutral position.

(28) This second embodiment shown in FIGS. 12-20 therefore allows more options for establishing different spring rates, namely by either engaging or disengaging the flexible arms 8 and consequently using or not using the spring force of the flexible arms 8 to resist a steering angle movement, and/or engaging or disengaging the torsional spring 44 with the same effects of either applying or not applying a resistive force against a steering angle at all. In addition, the spring rate of the torsional spring 44 can be adjusted from stronger to weaker and vice versa. Since the “surf skate” function of the skateboard truck according to the incident invention is significantly influenced by different spring rates resisting a steering wheel movement, the second embodiment provides even more options, namely from no spring force at all to a maximum spring force where all spring mechanisms are engaged and set too high.

(29) FIG. 14 shows a further detail, denoted AE in FIG. 13. Shown is a stop here in the form of two bosses 46 against one of which a spring 47 abuts shortly before reaching the final stop position when a certain steering angle close to the maximum steering angle is reached. Further steering angle movement starts deforming the spring 47 until finally the maximum steering wheel angle is demonstrated as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14, where a base member 48 abuts against the free end of the spring 47, sandwiching the spring 47 between the boss 46 and the base member 48. The maximum steering angle is denoted 49 in FIG. 13, and can be for instance 30 degrees. As described in connection with the spring 31 of the first embodiment, the spring 47 of the second embodiment likewise provides both a soft stop as well as a pop back function.

(30) A housing 50 can be provided, accommodating the torsional spring and other elements such as the soft stop created by the combination of boss 46, spring 47 and base member 48, and further accommodating the latching mechanism 36.

(31) Further embodiments are described in the following:

Embodiment

(32) A skateboard truck configured to be mounted to a skateboard deck (6), comprising:

(33) a hanger (3) with a wheel axle (4) configured to hold skateboard truck wheels (5); a suspension system comprising a flex member (7) configured to attach the hanger (3) resiliently to a skateboard deck (6);

(34) a rolling contact bearing (15) connecting the hanger (3) with the flex member (7) such that the rolling contact bearing (15) allows rotation of the hanger (3) with respect to the flex member (7) by a steering angle (17) around a steering axis (16) extending substantially vertically to the wheel axle (4); and

(35) a spring mechanism (21) attached to or integrally formed with the flex member (7) biasing the hanger (3) to the neutral position where the steering angle (17) is zero.

Embodiment 2

(36) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 1, wherein the spring mechanism (21) is integrally formed as part of the flex member (7) by voids subdividing the flex member (7) into several parts that can to some extent flex individual from each other.

Embodiment 3

(37) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 2, wherein the flex member (7) comprises a front portion (23), a rear portion (22) and a longitudinal center axis (20) extending between the front and rear portion (22) dividing the skateboard truck into two essentially symmetrical halves; and the spring mechanism comprises two flexible arms (8) that are axially symmetrical with respect with the longitudinal center axis (20) forming the axis of symmetry.

Embodiment 4

(38) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 3, wherein the flex member (7) comprises flexible arms (8) that have an elongated curved shape curving from an outer rear portion (22) of the flex member (7) that is more remote from the longitudinal center axis (20) and closer to the rear portion (22) of the flex member (7) towards an inner front portion (23) that is closer to the longitudinal center axis (20) and to the front portion (23) of the flex member (7).

Embodiment 5

(39) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 4, wherein the flexible arms (8) are loop-shaped curving from the outer rear portion (22) towards a turning point (19) closer to an inner front portion (23) and from there back closer to the outer rear portion (22).

Embodiment 6

(40) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 4 or 5, further comprising a pivot cup (13) bearing (15) attached to the flexible arms (8), said pivot cup (13) configured to hold a protruding element (12) that is attached to or integrally formed with the hanger (3) allowing some rotational and tilting movement degree of freedom of the protruding element (12) with respect to the pivot cup (13) bearing (15).

Embodiment 7

(41) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 4, wherein the pivot cup (13) bearing (15) comprises a pivot cup (13) that accommodates a cup-shaped or hollow cylinder shaped resilient member (14) accommodating a free end of the protruding element (12) such that by deformation of the resilient member (14) the degree of freedom for the rotational and the tilting movement is accomplished.

Embodiment 8

(42) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 5, wherein the pivot cup (13) is located at a front center portion of the flex member (7) and is integrally formed with the two flexible arms (8).

Embodiment 9

(43) The skateboard truck according to one of embodiments 3-8, further comprising a restrictor (27) configured to shorten the flexible length of the two flexible arms (8), thereby increasing the resistance and consequently the biasing force biasing the pivot cup (13) bearing (15) towards a center position with respect to the flex member (7), such center position of the pivot cup (13) bearing (15) establishing the neutral position of the hanger (3) where the steering angle (17) is zero.

Embodiment 10

(44) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 9, wherein the restrictor (27) is movable back and forth in direction of the rear portion (22) of the flex member (7) and vice versa in direction of the front portion (23) of the flex member (7), shortening the flexible length of the flexible arms (8) when moved in the direction of the front portion (23) and therefore increasing the resistance and therefore biasing force, and vice versa extending the flexible length of the flexible arms (8) when moved in the direction of the rear portion (22) and therefore decreasing the resistance and therefore biasing force.

Embodiment 1

(45) The skateboard truck according to one of embodiments 6-10, further comprising at least one stop (31) limiting the maximum moving distance (30) of the pivot cup (13) away from the longitudinal center line (20).

Embodiment 12

(46) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 11, wherein the at least one stop (31) engages the flexible arms (8).

Embodiment 13

(47) The skateboard truck according to one of embodiments 11 or 12, further comprising a spring element (32) that is deformed before the stop (31) is engaged.

Embodiment 14

(48) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 13, wherein the spring element (32) is a spring arm that is deformed towards the stop (31) and urged into contact with the stop (31) when the maximum moving distance (30) of the pivot cup (13) away from the longitudinal center line (20) is reached.

Embodiment 15

(49) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 5, wherein the part of the flexible arms (8) extending from the turning point (19) closer to an inner front portion (23) back closer to the outer rear portion (22) extends in a meander shape.

Embodiment 16

(50) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 5 or 15, wherein a free end of the flexible arms (8) terminates in a latching element configured to be latched to the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3), so that when latched the flexible arms (8) are deformed by a rotational movement between the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3).

Embodiment 17

(51) The skateboard truck according to one of embodiments 5, 15 or 16, further comprising a torsional spring (44) having a first free end attached to the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3) and a second free end connected to the flex member (7) or any parts attached to the flex member (7) so that a rotational movement between the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3).

Embodiment 18

(52) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 17, wherein the first free end is movable with respect to the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3) for adjusting the spring rate of the torsional spring (44) determining the resistance against relative rotational movement between the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3) and the flex member (7) or any parts attached to the flex member (7).

Embodiment 19

(53) The skateboard truck according to embodiment 18, further comprising an adjustment screw configured to move the first free end with respect to the hanger (3) or any parts attached to the hanger (3).

(54) The embodiments are described for demonstration only. It becomes apparent to the skilled artisan that modifications to these embodiments may be made.