US20130256998A1 - Truck assembly - Google Patents
Truck assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20130256998A1 US20130256998A1 US13/838,937 US201313838937A US2013256998A1 US 20130256998 A1 US20130256998 A1 US 20130256998A1 US 201313838937 A US201313838937 A US 201313838937A US 2013256998 A1 US2013256998 A1 US 2013256998A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cushion
- opening
- arm
- truck
- mounting bracket
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/0093—Mechanisms transforming leaning into steering through an inclined geometrical axis, e.g. truck
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/02—Roller skates; Skate-boards with wheels arranged in two pairs
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/14—Roller skates; Skate-boards with brakes, e.g. toe stoppers, freewheel roller clutches
- A63C17/1436—Roller skates; Skate-boards with brakes, e.g. toe stoppers, freewheel roller clutches contacting the ground
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/42—Details of chassis of ice or roller skates, of decks of skateboards
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates generally to a truck assembly, and more particularly to a truck assembly useful with roller skates and/or skate boards.
- Trucks help a user to turn their roller skates.
- the skater can turn their roller skates by leaning their weight laterally through their foot thereby causing the cushions of the truck to flex and the axle of the truck and the wheels of the roller skate to tilt to the left or to the right.
- the pressure applied on the cushion is uniform. As such, the same amount of force is necessary to tilt the axle of the truck to the left or to the right.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a truck assembly.
- the truck assembly includes a mounting plate, a cushion, an axle assembly, a swing pin and a cushion locking pin.
- the mounting plate includes a first mounting bracket with a first arm, a second arm and a ridge.
- the first arm has a first surface defining a first opening through the first arm.
- the second arm has a second surface defining a second opening in the second arm, where the first opening and the second opening share a rotation axis.
- the ridge extends parallel with the rotation axis at least partially between the first arm and the second arm.
- the cushion having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface.
- the front surface defines a concave segment.
- the rear surface defines a notch that receives and seats the ridge of the mounting bracket. Together the concave segment and at least a portion of the first arm and the second arm define a socket.
- the cushion also includes a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface, where each of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface defines an opening to receive a cushion locking pin.
- the axle assembly has a wheel shaft and a truck support.
- the wheel shaft passes through the second opening of the truck support to provide a first wheel shaft and a second wheel shaft, where the first wheel shaft extends along a central axis from the truck support and the second wheel shaft extends along the central axis from the truck support in a direction opposite the first wheel shaft, where the central axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the mounting bracket.
- the truck support includes a third surface that defines a first opening through the truck support, a fourth surface that defines a second opening through the truck support, a convex surface, a first cushion support arm and a second cushion support arm.
- the first opening through the truck support is coaxial with the rotation axis of the first mounting bracket.
- the convex surface has a convex segment that seats in the socket.
- Each of the first cushion support arm and the second cushion support arm has a threaded surface defining a cushion locking pin opening, where the first lateral surface of the cushion is adjacent the first cushion support arm and the second lateral surface of the cushion is adjacent the second cushion support arm.
- the cushion locking pin has a head and a shaft that extends from the head, where the shaft has a threaded surface portion that can releasably engage the threaded surface of the cushion locking pin opening. At least a portion of the shaft extends through the opening to receive the cushion locking pin in the cushion.
- the swing pin that passes through the first opening of the first mounting bracket, the opening through the truck support and at least partially through the second opening of the first mounting bracket, where the swing pin releasably joins the cushion and the axle assembly to the first mounting bracket.
- the truck assembly of the present disclosure can include a mounting plate having both the first mounting bracket, as discussed herein, and a second mounting bracket, where the second mounting bracket on the mounting plate has the same elements as the first mounting bracket.
- the truck assembly having the first and second mounting bracket also includes cushions, axle assemblies, swing pins, and cushion locking pins.
- the present disclosure also provides for a roller-skate that includes a boot having a sole, the mounting plate secured to the sole of the boot, where the mounting plate includes the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket, as discussed herein, and a wheel mounted on each of the first wheel shaft and the second wheel shaft, for a total of four wheels on each roller-skate.
- the present disclosure also provides for a cushion for a truck assembly, where the cushion includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a first lateral surface, and a second lateral surface, where the front surface defines a concave segment, the rear surface defines a notch that extends towards the concave segment, and where each of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface defines an opening through the elastomeric cushion.
- the cushion locking pin passes through the opening in the elastomeric cushion.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a mounting plate and a swing pin of the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3A illustrates a cushion of the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3B illustrates the cushion of the truck assembly seated in the mounting plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 4A illustrates an axle assembly of the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 4B illustrates the axle assembly positioned relative the cushion and mounting plate of the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 5 illustrates an adjustment member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6A illustrates the axle assembly, the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6B illustrates the axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the axle assembly taken along lines 6 C- 6 C in FIG. 6B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 6D illustrates a mounting plate of the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 7 illustrates an adjustment nut according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a mounting plate of the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 10 illustrates a roller skate that includes the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a truck assembly 100 according to the present disclosure.
- the truck assembly 100 includes a mounting plate 102 , a cushion 104 , an axle assembly 106 , a swing pin 108 , a first adjustment member 110 , a second adjustment member 112 , a first adjustment nut 114 , and a second adjustment nut 116 .
- the first adjustment member 110 and the second adjustment member 112 can be independently moved, relative each other, through the use of their respective first adjustment nut 114 , and second adjustment nut 116 . This allows independent adjustment of the first adjustment member 110 and the second adjustment member 112 relative the cushion 104 .
- the truck assembly 100 introduces an approach to adjusting the turning action of a truck useful for roller skates and/or skate boards that is very different than traditional approaches.
- pressure applied to the cushion 104 (through the adjustment members 110 , 112 , as discussed herein) for adjusting the turning action of the truck assembly 100 is directed either into or out of a median plane 117 that bisects the truck assembly 100 vertically through the mounting plate 102 , the cushion 104 , the axle assembly 106 and the swing pin 108 .
- the adjustment members 110 , 112 can also be used to apply pressure to the cushion 104 independently of each other.
- This feature of the truck assembly 100 allows for the option of “tuning” the steering of the truck assembly 100 in a directional format. That is to say, it allows the user to put pressure on the cushion 104 in an asymmetrical way form the right side or the left side, relative the medial plane 117 , of the truck assembly 100 . So, for example, if steering to the left (in a common pattern for a skater to skate in circles or laps around the rink in repetitive left-turn cycle), he/she can adjust the pressure on one side of the cushion 104 completely independently from the other side thus presenting a benefit to the user.
- FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the mounting plate 102 .
- the mounting plate 102 includes a first mounting bracket 118 with a first arm 120 , a second arm 122 and a ridge 124 .
- the first arm 120 and the second arm 122 extend parallel to each other from the mounting plate 102 .
- the first arm 120 has a first surface 126 defining a first opening 128 through the first arm 120 .
- the second arm 122 has a second surface 130 defining a second opening 132 in the second arm 122 .
- the first opening 128 and the second opening 132 share a rotation axis 134 .
- the rotational axis 134 is located in the approximate center of the openings 128 and 132 defined by the first surface 126 and second surface 130 , respectively.
- the rotation axis 134 forms an angle of about forty-five (45) degrees (as illustrated). It is appreciated that other angles for the rotation axis 134 relative the longitudinal axis 119 of the mounting plate 102 are also possible. These can include, but are not limited to, 10 degrees.
- the ridge 124 extends parallel with the rotation axis 134 at least partially between the first arm 120 and the second arm 122 .
- the ridge 124 can extend completely between the first arm 120 and the second arm 122 .
- the ridge 124 can extend up to approximately the first surface 126 and/or the second surface 130 .
- the ridge 124 can have different heights and/or thicknesses as desired.
- the mounting plate 102 further includes surfaces 136 that define mounting openings 138 through the mounting plate 102 .
- a fastener can pass at least partially through the mounting opening 138 to allow the mounting plate 102 to be secured to a boot of a roller skate or to a board of a skateboard.
- Such fasteners can include, but are not limited to, a screw or a threaded bolt, where a threaded nut can be used with the threaded bolt to secure the mounting plate 102 .
- FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of the cushion 104 .
- the cushion 104 includes a front surface 140 and a rear surface 142 opposite the front surface 140 .
- the cushion 104 also includes a first lateral surface 144 and a second lateral surface 146 that engage the first adjustment member 110 and the second adjustment member 112 , as discussed herein.
- the cushion 104 does not include an annular opening or a central bore (e.g., a region bounded by two concentric circles), as is found in traditional roller skate and/or skateboard trucks.
- the front surface 140 defines a concave segment 148 and the rear surface 142 defines a notch 150 that extends towards the concave segment 148 .
- the notch 150 can receive and seat the ridge 124 of the first mounting bracket 118 .
- the cushion 104 is an elastomeric polymer (e.g., can be formed of an elastomeric polymer).
- suitable elastomeric polymers include, but are not limited to natural rubber, synthetic rubber or a thermoset polymer, such as polyurethane.
- the elastomeric polymer of the cushion 104 can have a Shore A Hardness of 70 to 99, as determined by ASTM D2240 Type A Scale.
- the cushion 104 can be formed in a molding process, such as injection molding or compression molding, among others.
- the notch 150 is 0.1 inch wide and 0.806 inch long. Other sizes for the width and length of the notch 150 are possible.
- the ridge 124 when the ridge 124 is seated in the notch 150 , pressure applied to one of the first lateral surface 144 or the second lateral surface 146 of the cushion 104 can be carried by the ridge 124 . In this way, the amount of pressure transferred through the cushion 104 from one of the first lateral surface 144 to the second lateral surface 146 , or visa-versa, can be minimized.
- the ridge 124 has a height, a length and a thickness that, for the given material from which it is produced, can carry this pressure and/or force as the truck assembly 100 is used.
- FIG. 3B illustrates the cushion 104 positioned between the first arm 120 and the second arm 122 of the first mounting bracket 118 with the ridge seated in the notch. As illustrated, together the concave segment 148 of the cushion 104 and at least a portion of the first arm 120 and the second arm 122 define a socket 152 .
- FIG. 4A provides an illustration of the axle assembly 106 .
- the axle assembly 106 includes a first wheel shaft 154 , a second wheel shaft 156 and a truck support 158 .
- the first wheel shaft 154 extends along a central axis 160 from the truck support 158
- the second wheel shaft 156 extends along the central axis 160 from the truck support 158 in a direction opposite the first wheel shaft 154 .
- the first wheel shaft 154 and the second wheel shaft 156 can be formed from a single elongate shaft (e.g., axle) that can be textured (e.g., knurled) and pressed through an elongate opening 161 of the axle assembly 106 for a friction fit.
- the truck support 158 also includes a third surface 162 that defines an opening 164 through the truck support 158 , a first tubular shaft 166 , a second tubular shaft 168 , a convex surface 170 , and a guide surface 172 having a predefined shape.
- the opening 164 through the truck support 158 is coaxial with the rotation axis 134 of the first mounting bracket 118 .
- the first tubular shaft 166 is coaxial with the central axis 160 and extends in a direction of the first wheel shaft 154 away from the opening 164 through the truck support 158 .
- the second tubular shaft 168 is also coaxial with the central axis 160 and extends in a direction of the second wheel shaft 156 away from the opening 164 through the truck support 158 .
- Both the first tubular shaft 166 and the second tubular shaft 168 have a threaded surface 174 that can receive the first adjustment nut and the second adjustment nut, respectively.
- the convex surface 170 has a convex segment 176 that seats in the socket 152 .
- FIG. 4B provides an illustration in which the convex segment is seated in the socket.
- FIG. 4B also provides a view of the guide surface 172 of the truck support 158 , where the guide surface 172 has a predefined shape.
- the predefined shape of the guide surface 172 has a planar surface 178 with a first shoulder 180 and a second shoulder 181 (e.g., an angled or sloping surface relative the planar surface 178 ).
- the predefined shape of the guide surface 170 allows for the first adjustment member 110 and the second adjustment member 112 to each independently travel laterally (relative the central axis 160 ) over at least a portion of the guide surface 170 without rotating relative the central axis 160 . It is appreciated that other predefined shapes for the guide surface 172 are possible (e.g., other shapes that would allow the first adjustment member 110 and the second adjustment member 112 to each independently travel laterally (relative the central axis 160 ) over at least a portion of the guide surface 170 without rotating relative the central axis 160 ).
- FIG. 4B illustrates the axle assembly 106 positioned so that the convex segment is seated in the socket (as seen in FIG. 3B ) with the rotation axis 134 passing through the geometric centers of the first opening 128 , the second opening 132 and the opening 164 through the truck support 158 (e.g., coaxial).
- the swing pin 108 passes through the first opening 128 of the first mounting bracket 118 , the opening 164 through the truck support 158 and at least partially through the second opening 132 of the first mounting bracket 118 . In this way, the swing pin 108 can releasably join the cushion 104 and the axle assembly 106 to the first mounting bracket 118 .
- FIG. 4B illustrates the axle assembly 106 positioned so that the convex segment is seated in the socket (as seen in FIG. 3B ) with the rotation axis 134 passing through the geometric centers of the first opening 128 , the second opening 132 and the opening 164 through the truck support 158 (e.g., co
- the swing pin 108 can be in the form of a threaded bolt having a shaft 180 with a head 182 having a socket (e.g., a hexagonal socket) to receive a driving tool (e.g., a hex key) at one end of the shaft 180 and a surface defining thread 184 at the other end of the shaft 180 .
- the second surface 130 defining the second opening 132 can include a thread tapped into the surface 130 that allow for thread 184 of the swing pin 108 to be releasably joined to the first mounting bracket 118 .
- FIG. 4B also illustrates an embodiment of the second adjustment member 112 positioned on the axle assembly 106 , where the first adjustment member ( 110 ) is not shown so as to illustrate the thread 174 .
- FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the adjustment member 110 , 112 where the description of the adjustment member is applicable to both the first and the second adjustment members 110 , 112 .
- the adjustment member 110 , 112 has a first surface 186 , a second surface 188 , and a cushion arm 190 .
- the first surface 186 defines an opening 192 that can be mounted at least partially over the first tubular shaft 166 or the second tubular shaft 168 of the truck support 158 .
- the second surface 188 seats against the guide surface 172 of the truck support 158 , where the predefined shape, as discussed herein, allows the adjustment member 110 , 112 to travel at least partially over the guide surface 172 of the truck support 158 and prevents the first surface 186 of the adjustment member 110 , 112 from rotating relative the central axis 160 .
- the cushion arm 190 extends away from both the first surface 186 , the second surface 188 .
- the cushion arm 190 of the adjustment member 110 , 112 also extends away from the central axis 160 of the truck support 158 and can contact the first lateral surface 144 and the second lateral surface 146 , respectively, of the cushion 104 .
- the second adjustment member 112 also has the first surface 186 , the second surface 188 , and the cushion arm 190 (the second adjustment member 112 shown in FIG. 5 , where element number 112 for the second adjustment member is shown in parentheses).
- the second adjustment member 112 includes the first surface 186 defining the opening 192 that can be mounted at least partially over the second tubular shaft 168 of the truck support 158 .
- the second surface 188 seats against the guide surface 172 of the truck support 158 , where the predefined shape, as discussed herein, allows the second adjustment member 112 to travel at least partially over the guide surface 172 of the truck support 158 and prevents the first surface 186 of the second adjustment member 112 from rotating relative the central axis 160 .
- the cushion arm 190 extends away from both the first surface 186 , the second surface 188 .
- the cushion arm 190 of the first adjustment member 110 also extends away from the central axis 160 of the truck support 158 and can contact the second lateral surface 146 of the cushion 104 .
- FIG. 6A provides an illustration of the axle assembly 106 , the first adjustment member 110 and the second adjustment member 112 , as discussed herein.
- FIG. 6A also illustrates the first adjustment nut 114 and the second adjustment nut 116 , where FIG. 7 illustrates the adjustment nut (e.g., either the first adjustment nut 114 or the second adjustment nut 116 ) by itself.
- the adjustment nut 114 , 116 has a surface 198 defining an internal thread 101 that reversibly engages the threaded surface 174 of either the first tubular shaft 166 and/or the second tubular shaft 168 of the truck support 158 .
- the cushion arm 190 of the adjustment member 110 , 112 can move relative the first lateral surface 144 and/or the second lateral surface 146 of the cushion 104 .
- the internal tread of the second adjustment nut 116 can reversibly engages the threaded surface 174 of the second tubular shaft 168 of the truck support 158 to move the cushion arm 190 of the second adjustment member 112 relative the second lateral surface 146 of the cushion 104 .
- the second adjustment nut 116 can be rotated to move the cushion arm 190 of the second adjustment member 112 relative the second lateral surface 146 of the cushion 104 independently of the cushion arm 190 of the first adjustment member 110 , and visa-versa.
- FIG. 6A also illustrates a bearing 103 seated in the opening of the truck support 158 .
- the bearing 103 When assembled (as illustrated in FIG. 1 for example), the bearing 103 is coaxial with the rotation axis 134 of the first mounting bracket 118 .
- the bearing 103 also includes an inner diameter 105 that can allow the shaft 180 of the swing pin 108 to pass through the bearing 103 .
- the bearing 103 can guide the motion of the axle assembly 106 on the swing pin 108 (having been releasably secured to the first mounting bracket 118 as illustrated in FIG. 1 ). Specifically, the bearing 103 allows the axle assembly 106 to rotate around at least a portion of the rotation axis 134 , where the interaction of the first and second adjustment members 110 , 112 and the cushion 104 constrain the amount of rotation.
- the bearing 103 can be a plain bearing or a roller element bearing.
- a plain bearing can include a journal bearing, an integral bearing, or a bushing.
- a roller element bearing can include a ball bearing, a cylindrical roller bearing or a needle bearing, among others.
- the truck assembly 100 can also include a washer 107 positioned between the truck support 158 and the first arm 120 and/or the second arm 122 of the first mounting bracket 118 .
- a suitable washer 107 includes, but is not limited to, a plain washer.
- the washer 107 can be formed from a polymer, a metal and/or a metal alloy.
- suitable polymers include, but are not limited a nylon (i.e., a polyamide) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), among others.
- suitable metals and/or metal alloys include steel, stainless steel, hardened steel aluminum and titanium, among others.
- the truck assembly 100 can be used with a variety of devices. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, roller skates and skateboards, among others.
- the truck assembly 100 can be mounted to the roller skate or skateboard with fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws) that pass through the mounting openings 138 of the mounting plate 102 .
- fasteners e.g., bolts or screws
- a nut and washer can be used to secure the truck assembly 100 to the device (e.g., roller skate and/or skateboard).
- the axle assembly 606 for use in the truck assembly 609 (illustrated in FIG. 6D ).
- the axle assembly 606 includes a wheel shaft 653 and a truck support 658 .
- the wheel shaft 653 has the first wheel shaft 654 and the second wheel shaft 656 portions that extend along the central axis 660 from the truck support 658 in opposite directions (e.g., the second wheel shaft 656 extends along the central axis 660 from the truck support 658 in a direction opposite the first wheel shaft 654 ).
- the first wheel shaft 654 receives a first wheel and the second wheel shaft 656 receives a second wheel, as illustrated in FIG. 6D .
- the cushion 604 includes a front surface 640 and a rear surface 642 opposite the front surface 640 .
- the cushion 604 also includes a first lateral surface 644 and a second lateral surface 646 .
- the front surface 640 defines a concave segment 648 and the rear surface 642 defines a notch 650 that extends towards the concave segment 648 .
- the notch 650 can receive and seat the ridge (seen in FIG. 2 ) of the first mounting bracket 618 .
- the cushion 604 further includes an opening 655 to receive a cushion locking pin 681 .
- the cushion 604 includes two of the openings 655 , where a first 659 of the opening 655 is defined by a portion of the first lateral surface 644 of the cushion 604 , and a second 661 of the opening 655 is defined by a portion of the second lateral surface 646 of the cushion 604 .
- the cushion 604 is an elastomeric polymer (e.g., can be formed of an elastomeric polymer). Examples of suitable elastomeric polymers and their Shore A Hardness include those discussed herein.
- the notch can be 0.1 inch wide and 0.806 inch long. Other dimensions for the notch are also possible.
- the truck support 658 is shown having a third surface 662 that defines a first opening 663 through the truck support 658 , a fourth surface 665 that defines a second opening 667 through the truck support 658 , and a convex surface 670 .
- the wheel shaft 653 passes through the second opening 667 of the truck support 658 to provide the first wheel shaft 654 and the second wheel shaft 656 .
- the first wheel shaft 654 extends along the central axis 660 from the truck support 658 and the second wheel shaft 656 extends along the central axis 660 from the truck support 658 in a direction opposite the first wheel shaft 654 .
- the truck support 658 also includes a first cushion support arm 673 and a second cushion support arm 675 .
- Each of the first cushion support arm 673 and the second cushion support arm 675 has a threaded surface 677 defining a cushion locking pin opening 679 .
- a cushion locking pin opening 679 passes through each of the first cushion support arm 673 and the second cushion support arm 675 , respectively.
- the cushion locking pin 681 has a head 683 and a shaft 685 that extends from the head 683 .
- the shaft 685 has a threaded surface portion 687 that can releasably engage the threaded surface 677 of the cushion locking pin opening 679 .
- At least a portion of the shaft 685 extends through the opening 655 in the cushion 604 to receive the cushion locking pin 681 in the cushion 604 .
- the head 683 of the cushion locking pin 681 has a surface defining a hexagonal opening that receives a hex-wrench (e.g. an Allen wrench).
- a hex-wrench e.g. an Allen wrench
- Other surfaces defining openings are possible that can receive tools such as a Torx bit, a Phillips-head screwdriver or a flat-head screwdriver.
- the first lateral surface 644 of the cushion 604 is adjacent the first cushion support arm 673 and the second lateral surface 646 of the cushion 604 is adjacent the second cushion support arm 675 .
- the cushion locking pin opening 679 aligns with the opening 655 in the cushion.
- the cushion locking pin 681 passes through the cushion locking pin opening 679 and the opening 655 , where the threaded surfaces 677 and 687 can releasably engage to hold and seat the cushion 604 adjacent the first cushion support arm 673 and the second cushion support arm 675 .
- the convex surface 670 of the truck support 658 also defines a pin socket 689 , where the pin socket 689 receives at least a portion of the shaft 685 of the cushion locking pin 681 .
- the truck assembly 609 that includes the mounting plate 613 having the first mounting bracket 618 with the first arm 620 , the second arm 622 and the ridge, as discussed herein.
- the first arm 620 has the first surface 626 defining the first opening 628 through the first arm 620 .
- the second arm 622 has the second surface defining the second opening in the second arm.
- the first opening 628 and the second opening share the rotation axis 634 , which is located in the approximate center of the first opening 628 and the second opening in the arms 620 and 622 , respectively.
- the ridge extends parallel with the rotation axis 634 at least partially between the first arm 620 and the second arm 622 .
- the axle assembly 606 can include bearing 603 , as discussed herein, seated in the first opening 663 of the truck support 658 .
- the bearing 603 includes an inner diameter ( 605 in FIG. 6B ) that can allow the shaft of the swing pin 608 to pass through the bearing 603 .
- the swing pin 608 passes through the first opening 628 of the first mounting bracket 618 , the opening through the truck support 658 and at least partially through the second opening of the first mounting bracket 618 , where the swing pin 608 releasably joins the cushion 604 and the axle assembly 606 to the first mounting bracket 618 .
- the first opening 663 through the truck support 658 is coaxial with the rotation axis of the first mounting bracket 618 .
- the bearing 603 can guide the motion of the axle assembly 606 on the swing pin (having been releasably secured to the first mounting bracket). Specifically, the bearing 603 allows the axle assembly 606 to rotate around at least a portion of the rotation axis 634 , where the interaction of the cushion support arms 673 and 675 and the cushion 604 constrain the amount of rotation.
- the central axis 660 is perpendicular to the rotation axis 634 of the mounting bracket 618 .
- the bearing 603 can be a plain bearing or a roller element bearing, as described herein.
- the truck assembly 609 can also include a washer, as discussed herein, positioned between the truck support 658 and the first arm and/or the second arm of the first mounting bracket.
- truck assembly 609 includes the first mounting bracket 618 - 1 and a second mounting bracket 618 - 2 on the mounting plate 602 .
- the second mounting bracket 618 - 2 includes the same structures, such as a first arm 620 - 2 , a second arm 622 - 2 and a ridge, as discussed herein. As illustrated in FIG.
- the second mounting bracket 618 - 2 includes a first surface defining a first opening 628 through the first arm 620 - 2 , and a second surface 630 - 2 defining a second opening 632 - 2 in the second arm 622 - 2 .
- the first opening 628 - 2 and the second opening 632 - 2 of the second mounting bracket 618 - 2 share a rotation axis 634 - 2 .
- the ridge extends parallel with the rotation axis 634 - 2 at least partially between the first arm 620 - 2 and the second arm 622 - 2 .
- the rotation axis 634 - 1 of the first mounting bracket 618 - 1 and the rotation axis 634 - 2 of the second mounting bracket 618 - 2 can intersect at an angle of approximately ninety degrees.
- the truck assembly 609 further includes cushions 604 - 1 and 604 - 2 , as discussed herein. As discussed, the notch of the cushions 604 - 1 and 604 - 2 can receive and seat each of the ridges of the mounting brackets 618 - 1 and 618 - 2 .
- the truck assembly 609 also includes axle assemblies 606 - 1 and 606 - 2 , as discussed herein, each having the first wheel shaft 654 - 1 , 654 - 2 , the second wheel shaft 656 - 1 and 656 - 2 and the truck support 658 - 1 , 658 - 2 . As with the truck support 658 - 1 , there is a surface defining an opening through the truck support 658 - 2 that is coaxial with the rotation axis 634 - 2 of the second mounting bracket 618 - 2 .
- the truck assembly 609 further includes swing pins 608 - 1 and 608 - 2 .
- Each of the swing pins 608 - 1 and 608 - 2 passes through their respective the first openings 628 - 1 , 628 - 2 , the opening through their respective truck support 658 - 1 , 658 - 2 and at least partially through each of their respective second opening 632 - 1 , 632 - 2 to releasably join the cushion 604 - 1 , 604 - 2 and the axle assemblies 606 - 1 and 606 - 2 to the first mounting bracket 618 - 1 and the second mounting bracket 618 - 2 , respectively.
- the truck assembly 609 further includes cushion locking pins 681 , as discussed herein.
- the truck assembly 609 also includes a socket 615 that can receive a toe stop and hold the toe stop through the use of a set bolt 621 , where the set bolt 621 reversibly clamps the toe stop to the truck assembly 609 .
- the truck assembly 609 further includes surfaces 636 - 1 and 636 - 2 that define mounting openings 638 - 1 and 638 - 2 through the mounting plate 602 . Fasteners, as discussed herein, can pass at least partially through the mounting openings 638 - 1 and 638 - 2 to allow the mounting plate 602 to be secured to a boot of a roller skate.
- the truck assembly 609 can be used with a variety of devices. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, roller skates and skateboards, among others.
- the truck assembly 609 can be mounted to the roller skate or skateboard with fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws) that pass through the mounting openings 638 of the mounting plate 602 .
- fasteners e.g., bolts or screws
- a nut and washer can be used to secure the truck assembly 609 to the device (e.g., roller skate and/or skateboard).
- the truck assembly 109 includes the first mounting bracket 118 - 1 , as discussed herein, and a second mounting bracket 118 - 2 on the mounting plate 113 .
- the second mounting bracket 118 - 2 includes the same structures, such as a first arm 120 - 2 , a second arm 122 - 2 and a ridge 124 - 2 (seen in FIG. 9 ), as discussed herein. As illustrated in FIG.
- the second mounting bracket 118 - 2 includes a first surface 126 - 2 defining a first opening 128 - 2 through the first arm 120 - 2 , and a second surface 130 - 2 defining a second opening 132 - 2 in the second arm 122 - 2 .
- the first opening 128 - 2 and the second opening 132 - 2 of the second mounting bracket 118 - 2 share a rotation axis 134 - 2 .
- the ridge 124 - 2 extends parallel with the rotation axis 134 - 2 at least partially between the first arm 120 - 2 and the second arm 122 - 2 .
- the rotation axis 134 - 1 of the first mounting bracket 118 - 1 and the rotation axis 134 - 2 of the second mounting bracket 118 - 2 can intersect at an angle of approximately ninety degrees.
- the truck assembly 109 further includes cushions 104 - 1 and 104 - 2 , as discussed herein.
- the notch of the cushions 104 - 1 and 104 - 2 can receive and seat each of the ridges 124 - 1 and 124 - 2 , respectively, of the mounting brackets 118 - 1 and 118 - 2 , and together the concave segments and at least a portion of the first arms 120 - 1 and 120 - 2 and the second arms 122 - 1 and 122 - 2 define each respective socket.
- the truck assembly 109 also includes axle assemblies 106 - 1 and 106 - 2 , as discussed herein, each having the first wheel shaft 154 - 1 , 154 - 2 , the second wheel shaft 156 - 1 and 156 - 2 and the truck support 158 - 1 , 158 - 2 .
- axle assemblies 106 - 1 and 106 - 2 as discussed herein, each having the first wheel shaft 154 - 1 , 154 - 2 , the second wheel shaft 156 - 1 and 156 - 2 and the truck support 158 - 1 , 158 - 2 .
- the truck assembly 109 further includes swing pins 108 - 1 and 108 - 2 .
- Each of the swing pins 108 - 1 and 108 - 2 passes through their respective the first openings 128 - 1 , 128 - 2 , the opening through their respective truck support 158 - 1 , 158 - 2 and at least partially through each of their respective second opening 132 - 1 , 132 - 2 to releasably join the cushion 104 - 1 , 104 - 2 and the axle assemblies 106 - 1 and 106 - 2 to the first mounting bracket 118 - 1 and the second mounting bracket, respectively.
- the truck assembly 109 further includes first adjustment members 110 - 1 , 110 - 2 , second adjustment members 112 - 1 , 112 - 2 , first adjustment nuts 114 - 1 , 114 - 2 , and second adjustment nuts 116 - 1 , 116 - 2 , as discussed herein.
- the truck assembly 109 also includes a socket 115 that can receive a toe stop 117 and hold the toe stop 117 through the use of a set bolt 121 , where the set bolt 121 reversibly clamps the toe stop 117 to the truck assembly 109 .
- the truck assembly 109 further includes surfaces 136 - 1 and 136 - 2 that define mounting openings 138 - 1 and 138 - 2 through the mounting plate 113 . Fasteners, as discussed herein, can pass at least partially through the mounting openings 138 - 1 and 138 - 2 to allow the mounting plate 113 to be secured to a boot of a roller skate.
- FIG. 10 provides an illustration of a roller-skate 151 that includes a boot 153 having a sole 155 , and the mounting plate 113 of the truck assembly 109 secured to the sole 155 of the boot 153 .
- a wheel 157 can be mounted on each of the first wheel shaft and the second wheel shaft.
- the mounting plate 613 of the truck assembly 609 can be secured to the sole 155 of the roller-skate 151 boot 153 .
- the truck assembly of the present disclosure can be formed from a number of different materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to metals, metal alloys, and combinations thereof. Examples of metals include, but are not limited to, aluminum and titanium, among others. Examples of metal alloys include, but are not limited to, steel (e.g., stainless steel), alloys of aluminum such as 7075 aluminum (among others), and alloys of titanium. Many of the components of the truck assembly of the present disclosure can be machined using a computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool, which can be controlled by computer-aided design (CAD) and/or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs.
- CNC computer numerical control
- CAD computer-aided design
- CAM computer-aided manufacturing
- an axel assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be configured in such a way that the “adjustment members” as discussed herein are non-adjustable (e.g., fixed).
- the truck support and the cushion arms of the axel assembly can be machined from a single piece of material (e.g. metal alloy). A shaft can then be inserted through an opening in the truck support/cushion arm structure to provide the wheel shafts discussed herein.
Abstract
A truck assembly having a mounting plate with a first mounting bracket with a first arm, a second arm and a ridge; a cushion with a front surface that defines a concave segment, a rear surface that defines a notch that receives and seats the ridge, and a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface that each include an opening to receive a cushion locking pin; an axle assembly having a wheel shaft and a truck support with a first cushion support arm and a second cushion support arm; each of the cushion support arms having a cushion locking pin opening; a cushion locking pin that can releasably engage the cushion locking pin opening; and a swing pin releasably joining the cushion and the axle assembly to the first mounting bracket.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/470,088 filed Mar. 31, 2011, and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/436,359 filed Mar. 30, 2012, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present disclosure relates generally to a truck assembly, and more particularly to a truck assembly useful with roller skates and/or skate boards.
- Trucks help a user to turn their roller skates. The skater can turn their roller skates by leaning their weight laterally through their foot thereby causing the cushions of the truck to flex and the axle of the truck and the wheels of the roller skate to tilt to the left or to the right. When the truck is not being used to turn the roller skate the pressure applied on the cushion is uniform. As such, the same amount of force is necessary to tilt the axle of the truck to the left or to the right.
- Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for a truck assembly. The truck assembly includes a mounting plate, a cushion, an axle assembly, a swing pin and a cushion locking pin. The mounting plate includes a first mounting bracket with a first arm, a second arm and a ridge. The first arm has a first surface defining a first opening through the first arm. The second arm has a second surface defining a second opening in the second arm, where the first opening and the second opening share a rotation axis. The ridge extends parallel with the rotation axis at least partially between the first arm and the second arm.
- The cushion having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface. The front surface defines a concave segment. The rear surface defines a notch that receives and seats the ridge of the mounting bracket. Together the concave segment and at least a portion of the first arm and the second arm define a socket. The cushion also includes a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface, where each of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface defines an opening to receive a cushion locking pin.
- The axle assembly has a wheel shaft and a truck support. The wheel shaft passes through the second opening of the truck support to provide a first wheel shaft and a second wheel shaft, where the first wheel shaft extends along a central axis from the truck support and the second wheel shaft extends along the central axis from the truck support in a direction opposite the first wheel shaft, where the central axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the mounting bracket.
- The truck support includes a third surface that defines a first opening through the truck support, a fourth surface that defines a second opening through the truck support, a convex surface, a first cushion support arm and a second cushion support arm. The first opening through the truck support is coaxial with the rotation axis of the first mounting bracket. The convex surface has a convex segment that seats in the socket.
- Each of the first cushion support arm and the second cushion support arm has a threaded surface defining a cushion locking pin opening, where the first lateral surface of the cushion is adjacent the first cushion support arm and the second lateral surface of the cushion is adjacent the second cushion support arm.
- The cushion locking pin has a head and a shaft that extends from the head, where the shaft has a threaded surface portion that can releasably engage the threaded surface of the cushion locking pin opening. At least a portion of the shaft extends through the opening to receive the cushion locking pin in the cushion.
- The swing pin that passes through the first opening of the first mounting bracket, the opening through the truck support and at least partially through the second opening of the first mounting bracket, where the swing pin releasably joins the cushion and the axle assembly to the first mounting bracket.
- In an additional embodiment, the truck assembly of the present disclosure can include a mounting plate having both the first mounting bracket, as discussed herein, and a second mounting bracket, where the second mounting bracket on the mounting plate has the same elements as the first mounting bracket. The truck assembly having the first and second mounting bracket also includes cushions, axle assemblies, swing pins, and cushion locking pins.
- The present disclosure also provides for a roller-skate that includes a boot having a sole, the mounting plate secured to the sole of the boot, where the mounting plate includes the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket, as discussed herein, and a wheel mounted on each of the first wheel shaft and the second wheel shaft, for a total of four wheels on each roller-skate.
- The present disclosure also provides for a cushion for a truck assembly, where the cushion includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a first lateral surface, and a second lateral surface, where the front surface defines a concave segment, the rear surface defines a notch that extends towards the concave segment, and where each of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface defines an opening through the elastomeric cushion. The cushion locking pin passes through the opening in the elastomeric cushion.
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a mounting plate and a swing pin of the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3A illustrates a cushion of the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3B illustrates the cushion of the truck assembly seated in the mounting plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 4A illustrates an axle assembly of the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 4B illustrates the axle assembly positioned relative the cushion and mounting plate of the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 5 illustrates an adjustment member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6A illustrates the axle assembly, the first adjustment member and the second adjustment member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6B illustrates the axle assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the axle assembly taken along lines 6C-6C inFIG. 6B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 6D illustrates a mounting plate of the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an adjustment nut according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 9 illustrates a mounting plate of the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 10 illustrates a roller skate that includes the truck assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of atruck assembly 100 according to the present disclosure. Thetruck assembly 100 includes amounting plate 102, acushion 104, anaxle assembly 106, aswing pin 108, afirst adjustment member 110, asecond adjustment member 112, afirst adjustment nut 114, and asecond adjustment nut 116. As discussed herein, thefirst adjustment member 110 and thesecond adjustment member 112 can be independently moved, relative each other, through the use of their respectivefirst adjustment nut 114, andsecond adjustment nut 116. This allows independent adjustment of thefirst adjustment member 110 and thesecond adjustment member 112 relative thecushion 104. - The
truck assembly 100 introduces an approach to adjusting the turning action of a truck useful for roller skates and/or skate boards that is very different than traditional approaches. For the present disclosure, pressure applied to the cushion 104 (through theadjustment members truck assembly 100 is directed either into or out of amedian plane 117 that bisects thetruck assembly 100 vertically through the mountingplate 102, thecushion 104, theaxle assembly 106 and theswing pin 108. - The
adjustment members cushion 104 independently of each other. This feature of thetruck assembly 100 allows for the option of “tuning” the steering of thetruck assembly 100 in a directional format. That is to say, it allows the user to put pressure on thecushion 104 in an asymmetrical way form the right side or the left side, relative themedial plane 117, of thetruck assembly 100. So, for example, if steering to the left (in a common pattern for a skater to skate in circles or laps around the rink in repetitive left-turn cycle), he/she can adjust the pressure on one side of thecushion 104 completely independently from the other side thus presenting a benefit to the user. This is unique because traditional trucks only offer a single force direction on the cushion (straight down or approximately vertical) and does not allow for compensation for a competitive or recreational user to focus on a single direction turning radius focus. -
FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the mountingplate 102. As illustrated, the mountingplate 102 includes afirst mounting bracket 118 with afirst arm 120, asecond arm 122 and aridge 124. Thefirst arm 120 and thesecond arm 122 extend parallel to each other from the mountingplate 102. Thefirst arm 120 has afirst surface 126 defining afirst opening 128 through thefirst arm 120. Thesecond arm 122 has asecond surface 130 defining asecond opening 132 in thesecond arm 122. - The
first opening 128 and thesecond opening 132 share arotation axis 134. As illustrated, therotational axis 134 is located in the approximate center of theopenings first surface 126 andsecond surface 130, respectively. Relative alongitudinal axis 119 of the mountingplate 102, therotation axis 134 forms an angle of about forty-five (45) degrees (as illustrated). It is appreciated that other angles for therotation axis 134 relative thelongitudinal axis 119 of the mountingplate 102 are also possible. These can include, but are not limited to, 10 degrees. - As illustrated, the
ridge 124 extends parallel with therotation axis 134 at least partially between thefirst arm 120 and thesecond arm 122. In one embodiment, theridge 124 can extend completely between thefirst arm 120 and thesecond arm 122. In addition, theridge 124 can extend up to approximately thefirst surface 126 and/or thesecond surface 130. For the various embodiments, theridge 124 can have different heights and/or thicknesses as desired. - The mounting
plate 102 further includessurfaces 136 that define mountingopenings 138 through the mountingplate 102. A fastener can pass at least partially through the mountingopening 138 to allow the mountingplate 102 to be secured to a boot of a roller skate or to a board of a skateboard. Such fasteners can include, but are not limited to, a screw or a threaded bolt, where a threaded nut can be used with the threaded bolt to secure the mountingplate 102. -
FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of thecushion 104. As illustrated, thecushion 104 includes afront surface 140 and arear surface 142 opposite thefront surface 140. Thecushion 104 also includes a firstlateral surface 144 and a secondlateral surface 146 that engage thefirst adjustment member 110 and thesecond adjustment member 112, as discussed herein. Thecushion 104 does not include an annular opening or a central bore (e.g., a region bounded by two concentric circles), as is found in traditional roller skate and/or skateboard trucks. As illustrated, thefront surface 140 defines aconcave segment 148 and therear surface 142 defines anotch 150 that extends towards theconcave segment 148. Thenotch 150 can receive and seat theridge 124 of thefirst mounting bracket 118. For the various embodiments, thecushion 104 is an elastomeric polymer (e.g., can be formed of an elastomeric polymer). Examples of suitable elastomeric polymers include, but are not limited to natural rubber, synthetic rubber or a thermoset polymer, such as polyurethane. The elastomeric polymer of thecushion 104 can have a Shore A Hardness of 70 to 99, as determined by ASTM D2240 Type A Scale. - For the various embodiments, the
cushion 104 can be formed in a molding process, such as injection molding or compression molding, among others. In one embodiment, thenotch 150 is 0.1 inch wide and 0.806 inch long. Other sizes for the width and length of thenotch 150 are possible. - For the embodiments, when the
ridge 124 is seated in thenotch 150, pressure applied to one of the firstlateral surface 144 or the secondlateral surface 146 of thecushion 104 can be carried by theridge 124. In this way, the amount of pressure transferred through thecushion 104 from one of the firstlateral surface 144 to the secondlateral surface 146, or visa-versa, can be minimized. As appreciated, theridge 124 has a height, a length and a thickness that, for the given material from which it is produced, can carry this pressure and/or force as thetruck assembly 100 is used. -
FIG. 3B illustrates thecushion 104 positioned between thefirst arm 120 and thesecond arm 122 of thefirst mounting bracket 118 with the ridge seated in the notch. As illustrated, together theconcave segment 148 of thecushion 104 and at least a portion of thefirst arm 120 and thesecond arm 122 define asocket 152. -
FIG. 4A provides an illustration of theaxle assembly 106. As illustrated, theaxle assembly 106 includes afirst wheel shaft 154, asecond wheel shaft 156 and atruck support 158. Thefirst wheel shaft 154 extends along acentral axis 160 from thetruck support 158, while thesecond wheel shaft 156 extends along thecentral axis 160 from thetruck support 158 in a direction opposite thefirst wheel shaft 154. Thefirst wheel shaft 154 and thesecond wheel shaft 156 can be formed from a single elongate shaft (e.g., axle) that can be textured (e.g., knurled) and pressed through an elongate opening 161 of theaxle assembly 106 for a friction fit. - The
truck support 158 also includes athird surface 162 that defines anopening 164 through thetruck support 158, a firsttubular shaft 166, a secondtubular shaft 168, aconvex surface 170, and aguide surface 172 having a predefined shape. When assembled (as illustrated inFIG. 1 for example), theopening 164 through thetruck support 158 is coaxial with therotation axis 134 of thefirst mounting bracket 118. - The first
tubular shaft 166 is coaxial with thecentral axis 160 and extends in a direction of thefirst wheel shaft 154 away from theopening 164 through thetruck support 158. The secondtubular shaft 168 is also coaxial with thecentral axis 160 and extends in a direction of thesecond wheel shaft 156 away from theopening 164 through thetruck support 158. Both the firsttubular shaft 166 and the secondtubular shaft 168 have a threadedsurface 174 that can receive the first adjustment nut and the second adjustment nut, respectively. - The
convex surface 170 has aconvex segment 176 that seats in thesocket 152.FIG. 4B provides an illustration in which the convex segment is seated in the socket.FIG. 4B also provides a view of theguide surface 172 of thetruck support 158, where theguide surface 172 has a predefined shape. As illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG. 4B , the predefined shape of theguide surface 172 has aplanar surface 178 with afirst shoulder 180 and a second shoulder 181 (e.g., an angled or sloping surface relative the planar surface 178). As discussed more fully herein, the predefined shape of theguide surface 170 allows for thefirst adjustment member 110 and thesecond adjustment member 112 to each independently travel laterally (relative the central axis 160) over at least a portion of theguide surface 170 without rotating relative thecentral axis 160. It is appreciated that other predefined shapes for theguide surface 172 are possible (e.g., other shapes that would allow thefirst adjustment member 110 and thesecond adjustment member 112 to each independently travel laterally (relative the central axis 160) over at least a portion of theguide surface 170 without rotating relative the central axis 160). -
FIG. 4B , as discussed herein, illustrates theaxle assembly 106 positioned so that the convex segment is seated in the socket (as seen inFIG. 3B ) with therotation axis 134 passing through the geometric centers of thefirst opening 128, thesecond opening 132 and theopening 164 through the truck support 158 (e.g., coaxial). As illustrated inFIGS. 1 and 2 , theswing pin 108 passes through thefirst opening 128 of thefirst mounting bracket 118, theopening 164 through thetruck support 158 and at least partially through thesecond opening 132 of thefirst mounting bracket 118. In this way, theswing pin 108 can releasably join thecushion 104 and theaxle assembly 106 to thefirst mounting bracket 118. As illustrated inFIG. 2 , theswing pin 108 can be in the form of a threaded bolt having ashaft 180 with ahead 182 having a socket (e.g., a hexagonal socket) to receive a driving tool (e.g., a hex key) at one end of theshaft 180 and asurface defining thread 184 at the other end of theshaft 180. Thesecond surface 130 defining thesecond opening 132 can include a thread tapped into thesurface 130 that allow forthread 184 of theswing pin 108 to be releasably joined to thefirst mounting bracket 118. -
FIG. 4B also illustrates an embodiment of thesecond adjustment member 112 positioned on theaxle assembly 106, where the first adjustment member (110) is not shown so as to illustrate thethread 174.FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of theadjustment member second adjustment members adjustment member first surface 186, asecond surface 188, and acushion arm 190. Thefirst surface 186 defines anopening 192 that can be mounted at least partially over the firsttubular shaft 166 or the secondtubular shaft 168 of thetruck support 158. Thesecond surface 188 seats against theguide surface 172 of thetruck support 158, where the predefined shape, as discussed herein, allows theadjustment member guide surface 172 of thetruck support 158 and prevents thefirst surface 186 of theadjustment member central axis 160. Thecushion arm 190 extends away from both thefirst surface 186, thesecond surface 188. When mounted on thetruck support 158, thecushion arm 190 of theadjustment member central axis 160 of thetruck support 158 and can contact the firstlateral surface 144 and the secondlateral surface 146, respectively, of thecushion 104. - Identical to the
first adjustment member 110, thesecond adjustment member 112 also has thefirst surface 186, thesecond surface 188, and the cushion arm 190 (thesecond adjustment member 112 shown inFIG. 5 , whereelement number 112 for the second adjustment member is shown in parentheses). Thesecond adjustment member 112 includes thefirst surface 186 defining theopening 192 that can be mounted at least partially over the secondtubular shaft 168 of thetruck support 158. Thesecond surface 188 seats against theguide surface 172 of thetruck support 158, where the predefined shape, as discussed herein, allows thesecond adjustment member 112 to travel at least partially over theguide surface 172 of thetruck support 158 and prevents thefirst surface 186 of thesecond adjustment member 112 from rotating relative thecentral axis 160. Thecushion arm 190 extends away from both thefirst surface 186, thesecond surface 188. When mounted on thetruck support 158, thecushion arm 190 of thefirst adjustment member 110 also extends away from thecentral axis 160 of thetruck support 158 and can contact the secondlateral surface 146 of thecushion 104. -
FIG. 6A provides an illustration of theaxle assembly 106, thefirst adjustment member 110 and thesecond adjustment member 112, as discussed herein.FIG. 6A also illustrates thefirst adjustment nut 114 and thesecond adjustment nut 116, whereFIG. 7 illustrates the adjustment nut (e.g., either thefirst adjustment nut 114 or the second adjustment nut 116) by itself. As seen inFIG. 7 , theadjustment nut surface 198 defining aninternal thread 101 that reversibly engages the threadedsurface 174 of either the firsttubular shaft 166 and/or the secondtubular shaft 168 of thetruck support 158. As theadjustment nut surface 174 of the firsttubular shaft 166 or the secondtubular shaft 168, thecushion arm 190 of theadjustment member lateral surface 144 and/or the secondlateral surface 146 of thecushion 104. - Independent of the
first adjustment nut 114, the internal tread of thesecond adjustment nut 116 can reversibly engages the threadedsurface 174 of the secondtubular shaft 168 of thetruck support 158 to move thecushion arm 190 of thesecond adjustment member 112 relative the secondlateral surface 146 of thecushion 104. In other words, thesecond adjustment nut 116 can be rotated to move thecushion arm 190 of thesecond adjustment member 112 relative the secondlateral surface 146 of thecushion 104 independently of thecushion arm 190 of thefirst adjustment member 110, and visa-versa. -
FIG. 6A also illustrates abearing 103 seated in the opening of thetruck support 158. When assembled (as illustrated inFIG. 1 for example), thebearing 103 is coaxial with therotation axis 134 of thefirst mounting bracket 118. The bearing 103 also includes aninner diameter 105 that can allow theshaft 180 of theswing pin 108 to pass through thebearing 103. - The bearing 103 can guide the motion of the
axle assembly 106 on the swing pin 108 (having been releasably secured to thefirst mounting bracket 118 as illustrated inFIG. 1 ). Specifically, thebearing 103 allows theaxle assembly 106 to rotate around at least a portion of therotation axis 134, where the interaction of the first andsecond adjustment members cushion 104 constrain the amount of rotation. - For the various embodiments, the bearing 103 can be a plain bearing or a roller element bearing. Examples of a plain bearing can include a journal bearing, an integral bearing, or a bushing. Examples of a roller element bearing can include a ball bearing, a cylindrical roller bearing or a needle bearing, among others.
- The
truck assembly 100 can also include awasher 107 positioned between thetruck support 158 and thefirst arm 120 and/or thesecond arm 122 of thefirst mounting bracket 118. An example of asuitable washer 107 includes, but is not limited to, a plain washer. Thewasher 107 can be formed from a polymer, a metal and/or a metal alloy. Examples of suitable polymers include, but are not limited a nylon (i.e., a polyamide) and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), among others. Examples of suitable metals and/or metal alloys include steel, stainless steel, hardened steel aluminum and titanium, among others. - The
truck assembly 100 can be used with a variety of devices. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, roller skates and skateboards, among others. Thetruck assembly 100 can be mounted to the roller skate or skateboard with fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws) that pass through the mountingopenings 138 of the mountingplate 102. When bolts (seen inFIG. 4B ) are used as the fastener, a nut and washer can be used to secure thetruck assembly 100 to the device (e.g., roller skate and/or skateboard). - Referring now to
FIGS. 6B through 6D , there is shown an additional embodiment of anaxle assembly 606 for use in the truck assembly 609 (illustrated inFIG. 6D ). As illustrated, theaxle assembly 606 includes awheel shaft 653 and atruck support 658. Thewheel shaft 653 has thefirst wheel shaft 654 and thesecond wheel shaft 656 portions that extend along thecentral axis 660 from thetruck support 658 in opposite directions (e.g., thesecond wheel shaft 656 extends along thecentral axis 660 from thetruck support 658 in a direction opposite the first wheel shaft 654). Thefirst wheel shaft 654 receives a first wheel and thesecond wheel shaft 656 receives a second wheel, as illustrated inFIG. 6D . - Referring now to
FIGS. 6B and 6C , there is shown an embodiment of thecushion 604. Thecushion 604 includes afront surface 640 and arear surface 642 opposite thefront surface 640. Thecushion 604 also includes a firstlateral surface 644 and a secondlateral surface 646. Thefront surface 640 defines aconcave segment 648 and therear surface 642 defines anotch 650 that extends towards theconcave segment 648. Thenotch 650 can receive and seat the ridge (seen inFIG. 2 ) of the first mounting bracket 618. - The
cushion 604 further includes anopening 655 to receive acushion locking pin 681. As illustrated, thecushion 604 includes two of theopenings 655, where a first 659 of theopening 655 is defined by a portion of the firstlateral surface 644 of thecushion 604, and a second 661 of theopening 655 is defined by a portion of the secondlateral surface 646 of thecushion 604. For the various embodiments, thecushion 604 is an elastomeric polymer (e.g., can be formed of an elastomeric polymer). Examples of suitable elastomeric polymers and their Shore A Hardness include those discussed herein. For the various embodiments, the notch can be 0.1 inch wide and 0.806 inch long. Other dimensions for the notch are also possible. - Referring again to
FIGS. 6B and 6C , thetruck support 658 is shown having athird surface 662 that defines afirst opening 663 through thetruck support 658, afourth surface 665 that defines asecond opening 667 through thetruck support 658, and aconvex surface 670. Thewheel shaft 653 passes through thesecond opening 667 of thetruck support 658 to provide thefirst wheel shaft 654 and thesecond wheel shaft 656. As illustrated, thefirst wheel shaft 654 extends along thecentral axis 660 from thetruck support 658 and thesecond wheel shaft 656 extends along thecentral axis 660 from thetruck support 658 in a direction opposite thefirst wheel shaft 654. - The
truck support 658 also includes a firstcushion support arm 673 and a secondcushion support arm 675. Each of the firstcushion support arm 673 and the secondcushion support arm 675 has a threadedsurface 677 defining a cushionlocking pin opening 679. A cushion locking pin opening 679 passes through each of the firstcushion support arm 673 and the secondcushion support arm 675, respectively. Thecushion locking pin 681 has ahead 683 and ashaft 685 that extends from thehead 683. Theshaft 685 has a threadedsurface portion 687 that can releasably engage the threadedsurface 677 of the cushionlocking pin opening 679. At least a portion of theshaft 685 extends through theopening 655 in thecushion 604 to receive thecushion locking pin 681 in thecushion 604. Thehead 683 of thecushion locking pin 681 has a surface defining a hexagonal opening that receives a hex-wrench (e.g. an Allen wrench). Other surfaces defining openings are possible that can receive tools such as a Torx bit, a Phillips-head screwdriver or a flat-head screwdriver. - When the
cushion 604 is seated in thetruck support 658, the firstlateral surface 644 of thecushion 604 is adjacent the firstcushion support arm 673 and the secondlateral surface 646 of thecushion 604 is adjacent the secondcushion support arm 675. When thecushion 604 is seated in thetruck support 658, the cushionlocking pin opening 679 aligns with theopening 655 in the cushion. Thecushion locking pin 681 passes through the cushionlocking pin opening 679 and theopening 655, where the threadedsurfaces cushion 604 adjacent the firstcushion support arm 673 and the secondcushion support arm 675. As illustrated, theconvex surface 670 of thetruck support 658 also defines apin socket 689, where thepin socket 689 receives at least a portion of theshaft 685 of thecushion locking pin 681. - Referring now to
FIG. 6D , there is shown an embodiment of thetruck assembly 609 that includes the mountingplate 613 having the first mounting bracket 618 with thefirst arm 620, thesecond arm 622 and the ridge, as discussed herein. Briefly, thefirst arm 620 has thefirst surface 626 defining the first opening 628 through thefirst arm 620. Thesecond arm 622 has the second surface defining the second opening in the second arm. The first opening 628 and the second opening share therotation axis 634, which is located in the approximate center of the first opening 628 and the second opening in thearms rotation axis 634 at least partially between thefirst arm 620 and thesecond arm 622. - The
axle assembly 606 can includebearing 603, as discussed herein, seated in thefirst opening 663 of thetruck support 658. Thebearing 603 includes an inner diameter (605 inFIG. 6B ) that can allow the shaft of the swing pin 608 to pass through thebearing 603. The swing pin 608 passes through the first opening 628 of the first mounting bracket 618, the opening through thetruck support 658 and at least partially through the second opening of the first mounting bracket 618, where the swing pin 608 releasably joins thecushion 604 and theaxle assembly 606 to the first mounting bracket 618. When assembled (as illustrated in FIG. 6D for example), thefirst opening 663 through thetruck support 658 is coaxial with the rotation axis of the first mounting bracket 618. - The bearing 603 can guide the motion of the
axle assembly 606 on the swing pin (having been releasably secured to the first mounting bracket). Specifically, thebearing 603 allows theaxle assembly 606 to rotate around at least a portion of therotation axis 634, where the interaction of thecushion support arms cushion 604 constrain the amount of rotation. Thecentral axis 660 is perpendicular to therotation axis 634 of the mounting bracket 618. The bearing 603 can be a plain bearing or a roller element bearing, as described herein. - The
truck assembly 609 can also include a washer, as discussed herein, positioned between thetruck support 658 and the first arm and/or the second arm of the first mounting bracket. As withtruck assembly 109,truck assembly 609 includes the first mounting bracket 618-1 and a second mounting bracket 618-2 on the mountingplate 602. As with the first mounting bracket 618-1, the second mounting bracket 618-2 includes the same structures, such as a first arm 620-2, a second arm 622-2 and a ridge, as discussed herein. As illustrated inFIG. 6D , the second mounting bracket 618-2 includes a first surface defining a first opening 628 through the first arm 620-2, and a second surface 630-2 defining a second opening 632-2 in the second arm 622-2. The first opening 628-2 and the second opening 632-2 of the second mounting bracket 618-2 share a rotation axis 634-2. The ridge extends parallel with the rotation axis 634-2 at least partially between the first arm 620-2 and the second arm 622-2. The rotation axis 634-1 of the first mounting bracket 618-1 and the rotation axis 634-2 of the second mounting bracket 618-2 can intersect at an angle of approximately ninety degrees. - The
truck assembly 609 further includes cushions 604-1 and 604-2, as discussed herein. As discussed, the notch of the cushions 604-1 and 604-2 can receive and seat each of the ridges of the mounting brackets 618-1 and 618-2. Thetruck assembly 609 also includes axle assemblies 606-1 and 606-2, as discussed herein, each having the first wheel shaft 654-1, 654-2, the second wheel shaft 656-1 and 656-2 and the truck support 658-1, 658-2. As with the truck support 658-1, there is a surface defining an opening through the truck support 658-2 that is coaxial with the rotation axis 634-2 of the second mounting bracket 618-2. - The
truck assembly 609 further includes swing pins 608-1 and 608-2. Each of the swing pins 608-1 and 608-2 passes through their respective the first openings 628-1, 628-2, the opening through their respective truck support 658-1, 658-2 and at least partially through each of their respective second opening 632-1, 632-2 to releasably join the cushion 604-1, 604-2 and the axle assemblies 606-1 and 606-2 to the first mounting bracket 618-1 and the second mounting bracket 618-2, respectively. Thetruck assembly 609 further includescushion locking pins 681, as discussed herein. - The
truck assembly 609 also includes a socket 615 that can receive a toe stop and hold the toe stop through the use of aset bolt 621, where theset bolt 621 reversibly clamps the toe stop to thetruck assembly 609. Thetruck assembly 609 further includes surfaces 636-1 and 636-2 that define mounting openings 638-1 and 638-2 through the mountingplate 602. Fasteners, as discussed herein, can pass at least partially through the mounting openings 638-1 and 638-2 to allow the mountingplate 602 to be secured to a boot of a roller skate. - The
truck assembly 609 can be used with a variety of devices. Examples of such devices include, but are not limited to, roller skates and skateboards, among others. Thetruck assembly 609 can be mounted to the roller skate or skateboard with fasteners (e.g., bolts or screws) that pass through the mounting openings 638 of the mountingplate 602. When bolts are used as the fastener, a nut and washer can be used to secure thetruck assembly 609 to the device (e.g., roller skate and/or skateboard). - Referring now to
FIG. 8 , there is illustrated an additional embodiment of atruck assembly 109 of the present disclosure. Thetruck assembly 109 includes the first mounting bracket 118-1, as discussed herein, and a second mounting bracket 118-2 on the mountingplate 113. As with the first mounting bracket 118-1, the second mounting bracket 118-2 includes the same structures, such as a first arm 120-2, a second arm 122-2 and a ridge 124-2 (seen inFIG. 9 ), as discussed herein. As illustrated inFIG. 9 , the second mounting bracket 118-2 includes a first surface 126-2 defining a first opening 128-2 through the first arm 120-2, and a second surface 130-2 defining a second opening 132-2 in the second arm 122-2. The first opening 128-2 and the second opening 132-2 of the second mounting bracket 118-2 share a rotation axis 134-2. The ridge 124-2 extends parallel with the rotation axis 134-2 at least partially between the first arm 120-2 and the second arm 122-2. The rotation axis 134-1 of the first mounting bracket 118-1 and the rotation axis 134-2 of the second mounting bracket 118-2 can intersect at an angle of approximately ninety degrees. - The
truck assembly 109 further includes cushions 104-1 and 104-2, as discussed herein. As discussed, the notch of the cushions 104-1 and 104-2 can receive and seat each of the ridges 124-1 and 124-2, respectively, of the mounting brackets 118-1 and 118-2, and together the concave segments and at least a portion of the first arms 120-1 and 120-2 and the second arms 122-1 and 122-2 define each respective socket. - The
truck assembly 109 also includes axle assemblies 106-1 and 106-2, as discussed herein, each having the first wheel shaft 154-1, 154-2, the second wheel shaft 156-1 and 156-2 and the truck support 158-1, 158-2. As with the truck support 158-1, there is a surface defining an opening through the truck support 158-2 that is coaxial with the rotation axis 134-2 of the second mounting bracket 118-2. - The
truck assembly 109 further includes swing pins 108-1 and 108-2. Each of the swing pins 108-1 and 108-2 passes through their respective the first openings 128-1, 128-2, the opening through their respective truck support 158-1, 158-2 and at least partially through each of their respective second opening 132-1, 132-2 to releasably join the cushion 104-1, 104-2 and the axle assemblies 106-1 and 106-2 to the first mounting bracket 118-1 and the second mounting bracket, respectively. Thetruck assembly 109 further includes first adjustment members 110-1, 110-2, second adjustment members 112-1, 112-2, first adjustment nuts 114-1, 114-2, and second adjustment nuts 116-1, 116-2, as discussed herein. - The
truck assembly 109 also includes asocket 115 that can receive atoe stop 117 and hold thetoe stop 117 through the use of aset bolt 121, where theset bolt 121 reversibly clamps thetoe stop 117 to thetruck assembly 109. Thetruck assembly 109 further includes surfaces 136-1 and 136-2 that define mounting openings 138-1 and 138-2 through the mountingplate 113. Fasteners, as discussed herein, can pass at least partially through the mounting openings 138-1 and 138-2 to allow the mountingplate 113 to be secured to a boot of a roller skate. -
FIG. 10 provides an illustration of a roller-skate 151 that includes aboot 153 having a sole 155, and the mountingplate 113 of thetruck assembly 109 secured to the sole 155 of theboot 153. As illustrated, awheel 157 can be mounted on each of the first wheel shaft and the second wheel shaft. In an additional embodiment, the mountingplate 613 of thetruck assembly 609 can be secured to the sole 155 of the roller-skate 151boot 153. - The truck assembly of the present disclosure can be formed from a number of different materials. Examples of such materials include, but are not limited to metals, metal alloys, and combinations thereof. Examples of metals include, but are not limited to, aluminum and titanium, among others. Examples of metal alloys include, but are not limited to, steel (e.g., stainless steel), alloys of aluminum such as 7075 aluminum (among others), and alloys of titanium. Many of the components of the truck assembly of the present disclosure can be machined using a computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool, which can be controlled by computer-aided design (CAD) and/or computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) programs.
- It is to be understood that the above description has been made in an illustrative fashion and not a restrictive one. Although specific examples for devices and methods have been illustrated and described herein, other equivalent component arrangements and/or structures conducive to the truck assembly can be substituted for the specific examples shown herein. For example, an axel assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be configured in such a way that the “adjustment members” as discussed herein are non-adjustable (e.g., fixed). In one embodiment, the truck support and the cushion arms of the axel assembly can be machined from a single piece of material (e.g. metal alloy). A shaft can then be inserted through an opening in the truck support/cushion arm structure to provide the wheel shafts discussed herein.
Claims (17)
1. A truck assembly, comprising:
a mounting plate having a first mounting bracket with a first arm, a second arm and a ridge, where
the first arm has a first surface defining a first opening through the first arm,
the second arm has a second surface defining a second opening in the second arm, where the first opening and the second opening share a rotation axis, and
the ridge extends parallel with the rotation axis at least partially between the first arm and the second arm;
a cushion having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface, where the front surface defines a concave segment, the rear surface defines a notch that extends towards the concave segment and receives and seats in the ridge of the mounting bracket, and where each of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface defines an opening to receive a cushion locking pin;
an axle assembly having a wheel shaft and a truck support, where,
the truck support includes a third surface that defines a first opening through the truck support, a fourth surface that defines a second opening through the truck support, a first cushion support arm and a second cushion support arm,
where the first opening through the truck support is coaxial with the rotation axis of the first mounting bracket,
the wheel shaft passes through the second opening of the truck support to provide a first wheel shaft and a second wheel shaft, where the first wheel shaft extends along a central axis from the truck support and the second wheel shaft extends along the central axis from the truck support in a direction opposite the first wheel shaft, where the central axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the mounting bracket,
each of the first cushion support arm and the second cushion support arm has a threaded surface defining a cushion locking pin opening, where the first lateral surface of the cushion is adjacent the first cushion support arm and the second lateral surface of the cushion is adjacent the second cushion support arm;
a cushion locking pin having a head and a shaft that extends from the head, where the shaft has a threaded surface portion that can releasably engage the threaded surface of the cushion locking pin opening and where at least a portion of the shaft extends through the opening to receive the cushion locking pin in the cushion; and
a swing pin that passes through the first opening of the first mounting bracket, the opening through the truck support and at least partially through the second opening of the first mounting bracket, where the swing pin releasably joins the cushion and the axle assembly to the first mounting bracket.
2. The truck assembly of claim 1 , where the swing pin includes a surface defining threads and the second surface of the second arm includes threads that reversibly engage the threads of the swing pin.
3. The truck assembly of claim 1 , where the ridge of the first mounting bracket extends between the first surface of the first arm and the second surface of the second arm.
4. The truck assembly of claim 1 , including a roller element bearing seated in the opening of the truck support, where the roller element bearing is coaxial with the rotation axis of the first mounting bracket.
5. The truck assembly of claim 1 , where the mounting plate includes a longitudinal axis, and where the first arm of the first mounting bracket extends away from the mounting plate at a forty-five degree angle relative the longitudinal axis.
6. The truck assembly of claim 1 , where the truck support also defines a pin socket, where the pin socket receives at least a portion of the shaft of the cushion locking pin.
7. The truck assembly of claim 1 , including a second mounting bracket on the mounting plate, where the second mounting bracket includes a first arm, a second arm and a ridge, where
the first arm has a first surface defining a first opening through the first arm,
the second arm has a second surface defining a second opening in the second arm, where the first opening and the second opening share a rotation axis, and
the ridge extends parallel with the rotation axis at least partially between the first arm and the second arm;
a cushion having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface, where the front surface defines a concave segment, the rear surface defines a notch that extends towards the concave segment and receives and seats in the ridge of the mounting bracket, and where each of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface defines an opening to receive a cushion locking pin;
an axle assembly having a wheel shaft and a truck support, where,
the truck support includes a third surface that defines a first opening through the truck support, a fourth surface that defines a second opening through the truck support, a first cushion support arm and a second cushion support aim,
where the first opening through the truck support is coaxial with the rotation axis of the second mounting bracket,
the wheel shaft passes through the second opening of the truck support to provide a first wheel shaft and a second wheel shaft, where the first wheel shaft extends along a central axis from the truck support and the second wheel shaft extends along the central axis from the truck support in a direction opposite the first wheel shaft, where the central axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the mounting bracket,
each of the first cushion support arm and the second cushion support arm has a threaded surface defining a cushion locking pin opening, where the first lateral surface of the cushion is adjacent the first cushion support arm and the second lateral surface of the cushion is adjacent the second cushion support arm;
a cushion locking pin having a head and a shaft that extends from the head, where the shaft has a threaded surface portion that can releasably engage the threaded surface of the cushion locking pin opening and where at least a portion of the shaft extends through the opening to receive the cushion locking pin in the cushion; and
a swing pin that passes through the first opening of the second mounting bracket, the opening through the truck support and at least partially through the second opening of the second mounting bracket, where the swing pin releasably joins the cushion and the axle assembly to the second mounting bracket.
8. The truck assembly of claim 7 , where the rotation axis of the first mounting bracket and the rotation axis of the second mounting bracket intersect at an angle of approximately ninety degrees.
9. The truck assembly of claim 7 , where the swing pin includes a surface defining threads and the second surface of the second arm of the second mounting bracket includes threads that reversibly engage the threads of the swing pin.
10. The truck assembly of claim 7 , where the ridge of the second mounting bracket extends between the first surface of the first arm and the second surface of the second arm.
11. The truck assembly of claim 7 , including a roller element bearing seated in the opening of the truck support of the second mounting bracket, where the roller element bearing is coaxial with the rotation axis of the second mounting bracket.
12. The truck assembly of claim 7 , where the mounting plate includes a longitudinal axis, and where the first arm of the second mounting bracket extends away from the mounting plate at a forty-five degree angle relative the longitudinal axis.
13. The truck assembly of claim 7 , where the truck support of the second mounting bracket also defines a pin socket, where the pin socket receives at least a portion of the shaft of the cushion locking pin.
14. A roller-skate, comprising:
a boot having a sole,
a mounting plate secured to the sole of the boot, where the mounting plate includes a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket, each mounting bracket having a first arm, a second arm and a ridge, where
the first arm has a first surface defining a first opening through the first arm,
the second arm has a second surface defining a second opening in the second arm, where the first opening and the second opening share a rotation axis, and
the ridge extends parallel with the rotation axis at least partially between the first arm and the second arm;
a cushion having a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface, a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface, where the front surface defines a concave segment, the rear surface defines a notch that extends towards the concave segment and receives and seats in the ridge of the mounting bracket, and where each of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface defines an opening to receive a cushion locking pin;
an axle assembly having a wheel shaft and a truck support, where,
the truck support includes a third surface that defines a first opening through the truck support, a fourth surface that defines a second opening through the truck support, a first cushion support arm and a second cushion support arm,
where the first opening through the truck support is coaxial with the rotation axis of the mounting bracket,
the wheel shaft passes through the second opening of the truck support to provide a first wheel shaft and a second wheel shaft, where the first wheel shaft extends along a central axis from the truck support and the second wheel shaft extends along the central axis from the truck support in a direction opposite the first wheel shaft, where the central axis is perpendicular to the rotation axis of the mounting bracket,
each of the first cushion support arm and the second cushion support arm has a threaded surface defining a cushion locking pin opening, where the first lateral surface of the cushion is adjacent the first cushion support arm and the second lateral surface of the cushion is adjacent the second cushion support arm;
a cushion locking pin having a head and a shaft that extends from the head, where the shaft has a threaded surface portion that can releasably engage the threaded surface of the cushion locking pin opening and where at least a portion of the shaft extends through the opening to receive the cushion locking pin in the cushion; and
a swing pin that passes through the first opening of the mounting bracket, the opening through the truck support and at least partially through the second opening of the mounting bracket, where the swing pin releasably joins the cushion and the axle assembly to the mounting bracket; and
a wheel mounted on each of the first wheel shaft and the second wheel shaft.
15. An elastomeric cushion for a truck assembly, comprising:
a front surface;
a rear surface opposite the front surface;
a first lateral surface; and
a second lateral surface, where the front surface defines a concave segment, the rear surface defines a notch that extends towards the concave segment, and where each of the first lateral surface and the second lateral surface defines an opening through the elastomeric cushion.
16. The elastomeric cushion of claim 15 , where the notch is 0.1 inch wide and 0.806 inch long.
17. The elastomeric cushion of claim 15 , where the elastomeric cushion has a Shore A Hardness of 70 to 99, as determined by ASTM D2240 Type A Scale.
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/838,937 US8556275B1 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2013-03-15 | Truck assembly |
US14/054,582 US8857824B2 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2013-10-15 | Truck assembly |
CA2841684A CA2841684C (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-02-06 | Truck assembly |
US14/512,063 US8973923B2 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2014-10-10 | Truck assembly |
US14/638,514 US9095765B2 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2015-03-04 | Truck assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US201161470088P | 2011-03-31 | 2011-03-31 | |
US13/436,359 US8550473B2 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2012-03-30 | Truck assembly |
US13/838,937 US8556275B1 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2013-03-15 | Truck assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
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US13/436,359 Continuation-In-Part US8550473B2 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2012-03-30 | Truck assembly |
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US14/054,582 Continuation-In-Part US8857824B2 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2013-10-15 | Truck assembly |
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US20130256998A1 true US20130256998A1 (en) | 2013-10-03 |
US8556275B1 US8556275B1 (en) | 2013-10-15 |
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US13/838,937 Active US8556275B1 (en) | 2011-03-31 | 2013-03-15 | Truck assembly |
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USD994813S1 (en) * | 2021-03-23 | 2023-08-08 | Titus Gadwin Watts | Truck |
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US10391384B2 (en) | 2015-11-02 | 2019-08-27 | Skate One Corp | Skateboard truck |
US10617934B2 (en) * | 2019-04-16 | 2020-04-14 | Dongguan Hongmei Sports Equipment Co., Ltd. | Bottom structure of roller skate |
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USD994813S1 (en) * | 2021-03-23 | 2023-08-08 | Titus Gadwin Watts | Truck |
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