AU2011101426B4 - Two Wheeled Skateboard - Google Patents

Abstract

All current skateboards, irrespective of the deck or truck design have limitations on wheel sizes due to the potential for contact of the wheel with the underside of the deck, and due to the limited wheel size have high rolling resistance whilst riding on level surfaces. This innovation of a two wheeled skate board achieves reduced rolling resistance through the provision of larger diameter wheels unhindered by deck and/or truck design and incorporates a braking system to more effectively control speed than a regular skateboard, through either a simplistic friction brake or a sophisticated calliper braking system that is operated by means of a foot pedal. The two wheeled skateboard provides the rider with a unique and challenging riding sensation, similar to surfing due to the configuration of the steering mechanism.

Description

1 DESCRIPTION Part A: Steering Assembly (Refer Figure 2) [0001] The reverse castor design as outlined in Figure 2 achieves a turning motion during forward travel by the wheel pivoting around a vertical axis as a result of the rider tilting the deck around it's longitudinal axis downward in the direction the rider wishes to travel. [0002] The steering assembly is provided with reduced friction rotation by using 2 thrust race bearings in the steering neck tube. The tube is set at an angle to the normal plane as shown in Figure 2. This steering neck tube accepts the steering axle. The steering axle has one tapered end with an extended thread to attach to the tapered female boss on the centre of the front fork. The top end of the steering axle finishes flush with the top of the steering neck tube. Threaded collars retain the thrust bearings top and bottom of the steering neck tube. The steering neck tube is either cast or welded to the main frame. Part B: Forks, Front and Rear. (Refer Figures 2 and 3) [0003] The material used for each fork as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 can be manufactured from tubular steel, aluminium, plastic or Carbon fibre reinforced polymer. Tube can be bent from square, round or rectangular section using various diameters and thickness to suit different sized models. The length of the forks and distance between the forks is governed by the type and diameter of the wheels and axles used. [0004] With reference to Figure 2, the front fork is attached to the steering axle by an internally tapered boss welded or cast to the centre of the front fork bend. Wheels are mounted to slotted plates on each side at the trailing ends of the forks. The rear fork is welded or cast at the centre of the fork bend to the rear end of the main board frame tube as shown in Figure 3. Part C: Brakes (Refer Figure 3) [0005] The use of brakes as a safety feature will vary from a simplistic foot operated friction plate contacting the rear tyre, to a calliper operation using brake blocks contacting the rim of the rear wheel. The calliper brake is operated from a rear foot pedal attached to the deck then connected via cable, linkage or hydraulic system as shown in Figure 3. [0006] With reference to Figure 3, the brake pedal has been specifically located to be actuated by the rear foot of the rider. This avoids the unwanted sudden braking occurring due to momentum forces acting upon the pedal during braking, as would occur if the pedal was placed at the rider's front foot.

2 Part D: Main Chassis (Refer Figures 1, 2 and 3) [0007] The main chassis can be manufactured from round, square or rectangular tube, of aluminium, steel, plastic or Carbon fibre reinforced polymer. As depicted in the elevations in Figures 1, 2 and 3, from the centre bend on the rear fork to the rolled tube surrounding the front wheel, the chassis is made in one piece that is attached to the steering neck by welding or casting. Part E: Riders Deck (Refer Figures 1, 2 and 3) [0008] The rider's deck can be made from plywood, aluminium, plastic, carbon or glass reinforced polymer, or laminated wood. Its shape and size will differ depending on the model however generally a level or concave cross section is provided with an outline generally resembling a surf board (Refer Figure 1). [0009] The deck can be cast in one piece incorporating the connections to the main chassis, rear fork, and front wheel support tube and steering neck. A non-slip surface is required to the top of the deck for the rider's safety. Part F: Wheels (Refer Figures 2 and 3) [0010] The wheel diameter and type will vary throughout the range of models. Tyres are pneumatic, solid silicon or rubber, and are mounted on either spoked, decorative 'mag' type, or centre line disc wheels. Wheels are of steel, alloy or plastic construction. The wheels depicted in Figures 2 and 3 are pneumatic wheels with decorative 'mag' type rims. [0011] Wheel axles will have a bearing recess each end to accept a ball or needle roller bearing assembly. The threaded ends of the axles will be of a sufficient length to mount the wheels to the front and rear forks as necessary. [0012] In un-powered models, both wheels will be provided with freewheeling axle bearings. In powered models, the rear wheel will be provided with a coasting hub and either sprocket or pulley arrangement to facilitate driving of the back wheel by either Direct Current or small capacity petrol motor.

Claims (5)

1. A two-wheeled skateboard comprising: A board having a front and rear end and of a sufficient width to facilitate placement of the rider's front and rear feet, with feet aligned with the transverse axis and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of said board; A chassis that supports said board and rider and provides a front and rear fork with mounting points for a wheel axle at a point outside the said front and rear ends of said board at a distance not less than the outside diameter of the wheel and tyre; Front and rear wheels having respective axles and positioned in line, aligned with the longitudinal axis of said board and said front wheel mounted to the front fork of said chassis and rear wheel mounted to the rear fork of said chassis at a fixed axis of rotation parallel to the longitudinal axis of said board; A front fork pivotally mounted on said front end of said chassis and having an axis of rotation aligned with the longitudinal axis of said board and at an angle to the vertical, with said front wheel mounted on said front fork at a position rear of the mounting point of said front fork to said chassis, whereby the point of contact with the ground of said front wheel is at a position between the mounting point of said front fork to said chassis and said front end of said board, whereby said front wheel is self-steering; A calliper or disk braking system mounted on said rear wheel; A brake pedal mounted to said board at a position between said rider's rear foot and said rear wheel.

2. A two-wheeled skateboard according to claim 1 further comprising means of pivoting said front fork from the clockwise extent of rotation of said fork, through the median position of said fork wherein it aligns with the longitudinal axis of said board, to the anti-clockwise extent of rotation of said fork, by pivoting said board around the longitudinal axis of said board.

3. A two-wheeled skateboard according to any one of claims 1 through 2, wherein said wheels comprise pneumatic tires wherein said board is located above the ground at a distance of less than the diameter of said front wheel and said rear wheel.

4. A two-wheeled skateboard according to any one of claims 1 through 3, wherein said calliper or disc braking system is operated when said brake pedal is depressed and said braking system activates on the rear wheel.

5. A two-wheeled skateboard according to any one of claims 1 through 4, wherein the front or rear wheel is fitted with a means of mechanical propulsion.