US20150238845A1 - Freestyle Board Sports Device - Google Patents
Freestyle Board Sports Device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150238845A1 US20150238845A1 US14/429,862 US201314429862A US2015238845A1 US 20150238845 A1 US20150238845 A1 US 20150238845A1 US 201314429862 A US201314429862 A US 201314429862A US 2015238845 A1 US2015238845 A1 US 2015238845A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- footplate
- assembly
- rotatable
- footplate assembly
- magnet
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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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
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/01—Skateboards
- A63C17/011—Skateboards with steering mechanisms
- A63C17/012—Skateboards with steering mechanisms with a truck, i.e. with steering mechanism comprising an inclined geometrical axis to convert lateral tilting of the board in steering of the wheel axis
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62K—CYCLES; CYCLE FRAMES; CYCLE STEERING DEVICES; RIDER-OPERATED TERMINAL CONTROLS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR CYCLES; CYCLE AXLE SUSPENSIONS; CYCLE SIDE-CARS, FORECARS, OR THE LIKE
- B62K3/00—Bicycles
- B62K3/002—Bicycles without a seat, i.e. the rider operating the vehicle in a standing position, e.g. non-motorized scooters; non-motorized scooters with skis or runners
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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
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/01—Skateboards
- A63C17/011—Skateboards with steering mechanisms
- A63C17/013—Skateboards with steering mechanisms with parallelograms, follow up wheels or direct steering action
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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
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/01—Skateboards
- A63C17/014—Wheel arrangements
- A63C17/015—Wheel arrangements 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
- A63C2203/00—Special features of skates, skis, roller-skates, snowboards and courts
- A63C2203/40—Runner or deck of boards articulated between both feet
-
- 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
- A63C2203/52—Direct actuation of steering of roller skate or skateboards, e.g. by a foot plate
Definitions
- the invention relates to a freestyle board sports device, and more particularly to a device similar to a skateboard.
- freestyle board- or deck-type sporting devices generally include devices such as skateboards and scooters as well as their water analogues such as surfboards, wakeboards, etc.
- devices such as skateboards and scooters as well as their water analogues such as surfboards, wakeboards, etc.
- a variety of shapes and sizes of these devices are manufactured to provide different experiences to the freestyle enthusiast. For example, different devices may have different steering, balancing and/or attachment systems to provide the user with different experiences.
- Conventional freestyle skateboards typically comprise three main components: a deck, two trucks and two sets of wheels.
- the deck is generally symmetrical and has a rectangular or oval platform with an upturned nose and tail and a concave shape through the middle.
- the trucks are t-shaped axles attached to the underside of the board with a set of wheels fixed to each truck aligned on a common track.
- the trucks give the boarders the ability to turn.
- the shape of the board along with the fixed wheels and trucks allows tricks to be initiated, landed and performed backwards or forwards.
- US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0327547 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,925 teach variations on truck assemblies.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,216,876 teaches a system for powering a skateboard or the like using hydraulic fluid.
- US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0042387 teaches a skateboard platform having a gripping aperture that allows a user to lift and transport the skateboard single-handedly.
- US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0148063 teaches a mobile platform assembly with increased rotational movement without the use of a truck assembly.
- U.S. Pat. No. 7,810,825 teaches a steering and braking system for a skateboard.
- a rotatable footplate system for attachment to a sport device having a steering assembly
- the rotatable footplate system comprising a footplate assembly operatively connected to the steering assembly, wherein the footplate assembly and steering assembly freely rotate together in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction from a neutral position with respect to a vertical axis of the sport device body when a turning force is applied to the footplate assembly; and an alignment assembly operatively connected to the footplate assembly that automatically returns the footplate assembly to the neutral position when no turning force is being applied to the footplate assembly.
- the rotatable footplate system further comprises a locking mechanism for preventing the footplate assembly from rotating.
- the locking mechanism is operable between a locked and an unlocked position based on a user's foot placement on the footplate assembly.
- the locking mechanism is a magnet operatively connected to the footplate assembly and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein placement of a user's shoe containing metal on the footplate assembly moves the magnet into the unlocked position and disengages the footplate assembly from the sport device body, allowing the footplate assembly to freely rotate, and wherein upon removal of the user's shoe the magnet automatically returns to the locked position.
- the locking mechanism may further comprise a spring for biasing the magnet in the locked position.
- the locking mechanism includes a compressible spring protruding from the top of the footplate assembly, wherein placement of a user's shoe in the center of the footplate assembly compresses the spring and disengages the footplate assembly from the sport device body, allowing the footplate assembly to freely rotate, and wherein removal of the user's shoe from the center of the footplate assembly allows the spring to extend, engaging the footplate assembly with the sport device body and preventing the footplate assembly from rotating.
- the alignment assembly of the rotatable footplate system comprises a rotating block operatively connected to the footplate assembly and rotatable with the footplate assembly; and a biasing means operatively connected to the sport device and biased against the rotating block, wherein the biasing means automatically returns the rotating block and footplate assembly to the neutral position when no turning force is applied to the footplate assembly.
- the biasing means moves the footplate assembly to a neutral position by the shortest path.
- the rotating block is an elliptical disk cam having two neutral positions 180 degrees apart, and wherein the biasing means is at least one spring.
- the biasing means is a spring having a first end pivotably connected to the rotating block at a pivot point and a second end operatively connected to the sport device, wherein the spring first end can fully rotate about the pivot point as the pivot point rotates with the rotating block.
- the alignment assembly comprises at least one rotatable magnet operatively connected to and rotatable with the footplate assembly; and at least one stationary magnet operatively connected to the sport device; wherein the magnetic fields of the at least one rotatable magnet and the at least one stationary magnet bias the footplate assembly into the neutral position.
- the at least one rotatable magnet and the at least one stationary magnet may include a plurality of magnets, creating a plurality of neutral positions for the footplate assembly.
- the sport device for the rotatable footplate system is a skateboard and the steering assembly is a truck and wheel assembly.
- the footplate assembly further includes a binding system for operative engagement with a user's shoe for applying the turning force to the footplate assembly through the binding system.
- the binding system may include a magnet for providing a magnetic connection to a user's shoe containing metal to aid the user in applying a turning force to the footplate assembly through the binding system.
- FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 2 is a top view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a front view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional bottom perspective views of the ends of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional top perspective views of the ends of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9A is a top view of one end of the skateboard with the footplate removed and the wheels aligned in a normal position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9B is a top view of one end of the skateboard with the footplate removed and the wheels aligned 90° to the normal position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 9C is a top view of one end of the skateboard with the footplate removed and the wheels aligned 45° to the normal position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 10 is a top view of a skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 11 a top perspective view of the skateboard with one footplate removed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 12 is a side view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 13 is an end view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional perspective views of the end of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 16 is a sketch of a magnetic locking mechanism for a rotatable footplate truck assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional bottom perspective view of one end of a skateboard showing a spring locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional bottom perspective view of one end of a skateboard showing a magnetic locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
- FIG. 19A is a sketch of a rotational block and spring alignment system for a rotatable footplate truck assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 19B is a sketch of a rotational block and spring alignment system for a rotatable footplate truck assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 20 is a sketch of a dual rotational block and spring alignment system for a rotatable footplate truck assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 21 is a sketch of a dual rotational block and spring alignment system fore rotatable footplate truck assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 22 is a sketch of a magnetic alignment system for a rotatable footplate truck assembly having one equilibrium position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 23 is a sketch of a magnetic alignment system for a rotatable footplate truck assembly having two equilibrium positions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 24 is a sketch of a magnetic alignment system for a rotatable footplate truck assembly having four equilibrium positions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 25 is a front view of a skateboard having a conventional truck and wheel assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.
- the skateboard 10 includes a board deck 14 , a first and second footplate 34 , 36 , a first and second footplate truck assembly 30 , 32 located at either end of the skateboard, and two wheel sets 58 attached to each rotating footplate truck assembly.
- a user of the skateboard can freely rotate each footplate truck assembly and wheel set in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions with respect to a vertical axis of the board deck, independent of the other footplate truck assembly and wheel set.
- the body of the skateboard comprises the board deck 14 , a first and second skid plate 16 , 17 , a cover 18 , a first and second underplate 20 , 22 , and a first and second spacer 26 , 28 .
- the skateboard is generally symmetrical and can be ridden with either end facing forward.
- the board deck 14 is generally rectangular shaped with a first and second arcuate end 14 a, 14 d and is sized to allow a user to comfortably place their feet on either end of the skateboard.
- the second footplate is removed to better illustrate the parts located underneath the footplate.
- the first and second footplate truck assemblies 30 , 32 are inserted through the first and second hole.
- the holes are surrounded by the first and second skid plates 16 , 17 which are ring-shaped and attached to the top of the board deck 14 .
- the skid plates allow for smooth rotation of a first and second footplate 34 , 36 on top of the board deck.
- the board deck is preferably made of high quality plywood or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as fiberglass, reinforced injection molded plastic, aluminum extrusion or aluminum die-cast, and the like.
- the cover 18 of the skateboard is attached to the top of the board deck 12 between the first and second footplate truck assemblies 30 , 32 .
- the cover is generally concave shaped from its lateral edges 18 a to its center line 18 b to give the user leverage for controlling the board and performing tricks.
- the cover generally is made from or coated with a high friction material or substance to allow the user to better grip the cover surface during use.
- the cover may be one solid piece or it may be comprised of two or more pieces, as shown in FIG. 1 as a first cover piece 18 c and second cover piece 18 d.
- the first and second underplate 20 , 22 are located at either end 14 a, 14 d of the board deck 14 and are generally round and flat with a hole in the middle through which the truck assembly is inserted through.
- the first and second spacer 26 , 28 are attached to the underside of the board deck at each end, and the underplates are attached to the underside of the spacers.
- the spacers are made from a shock-absorbing material to create a smoother riding skateboard.
- a retainer 74 is attached to the top side of the spacer 26 , 28 with a plurality of fasteners 74 b.
- the retainer is generally a round flat disc with a whole in the center for retaining the truck assembly.
- the retainer acts as a mount for an alignment mechanism, such as a spring 70 and as a running surface for bearings, as described in greater detail below.
- the first and second rotating footplate truck assembly 30 , 32 include the moving parts of the skateboard that freely rotate as one unit in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions with respect to the vertical axis of the skateboard.
- the rotating footplate truck assemblies are located at either end 14 a, 14 d of the skateboard. Both rotating footplate truck assemblies are substantially identical and as such any description of the first rotating footplate truck assembly 30 is to be understood as applying to the second rotating footplate truck assembly 32 , unless stated otherwise.
- Each rotating footplate truck assembly generally comprises a footplate 34 , 36 , a binding 38 having a magnet 42 , an alignment mechanism having an elliptical disk cam 46 , and a wheeled truck assembly 50 having a truck baseplate 52 , a truck hanger 54 , an axle 56 and wheel set 58 .
- the entire footplate truck assembly rotates as one unit with respect to the skateboard, and each footplate truck assembly rotates independently of the other.
- the first and second footplates 34 , 36 are located at either ends of the skateboard. Both footplates are capable of freely rotating in both a clockwise or counterclockwise direction with no endpoint. The user controls the rotation of the footplates via the binding 38 , as described in further detail below.
- the footplates are substantially identical, and as such any description of the first footplate 34 is to be understood as applying to the second footplate 36 , unless stated otherwise.
- the footplates are generally asymmetrical with the outer portion 36 a of the footplate extending outward and upward from the board deck and the inner portion 36 b being angled downward and inward toward the center of the board deck. This shape provides the user with a “lip” at the front of the board to use for leverage for performing tricks on the skateboard, as well as provides the user a larger standing space in the middle of the board.
- the footplates are made of high quality plywood or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as fiberglass, reinforced injection molded plastic, aluminum extrusion or aluminum die-cast, and the like.
- the outer edge of the footplates may be a soft resilient treaded rubber or similar, and may have compressed air or rubber foam within itself, so to deform and cushion landings on hard surfaces
- the binding 38 is attached to the top of the footplate 34 , 36 and secures the footplate to the rest of the rotating truck assembly via screws 38 a or other suitable attachment mechanisms.
- the binding has a protruding bar 38 b with a magnet 42 underneath. The magnet is fastened via magnet fasteners 42 a to the alignment mechanism 46 .
- the bottom sole of the user's shoe (not shown) has a metal plate as well as a slot that fits over the protruding bar of the binding and interlocks. Being symmetrical, the binding connects to the user's shoe in either direction.
- the slot is preferably magnetic to provide a stronger connection between the metal plate in the shoe and the binding, giving the user rotational control of the whole rotating footplate truck assembly.
- the binding is preferably made from a combination of injection molded plastic or polyurethane and metal extrusion or die-cast.
- different mechanisms for interlocking the shoe with the binding are used, such as pegs on the bottom of the shoes that fit into corresponding holes on the binding.
- the binding may also comprise teeth at the sides of the protruding bar to provide friction between the binding and the user's shoe to keep the shoe from slipping.
- the binding acts as a locking device for the footplate truck assembly, allowing the footplate truck assembly to rotate when the user's shoe is engaged with the binding, and preventing the footplate truck assembly from rotating when the user's shoe is disengaged from the binding to prevent the footplate truck assembly from rotating unintentionally.
- This provides a safety feature for the user to prevent unintentional rotation of the footplate truck assemblies when the board's wheels hit a rock, crack, or other obstacle in the pavement.
- FIG. 16 A footplate assembly locking mechanism for the skateboard is shown in FIG. 16 , wherein the magnet 42 is vertically moveable and connected to a first end 44 a of a spring 44 , which has a second lower end 44 b in operative connection with the rotating truck assembly.
- the magnet When a user's shoe having a shoe 92 with a metal plate 90 is placed above the magnet, the magnet is attracted to the metal plate and moves upwards, thereby unlocking the footplate truck assembly and allowing it to freely rotate.
- the spring returns the magnet to the lower position, thereby locking the footplate truck assembly and preventing it from rotating.
- no spring is used and the magnet is returned to the lower position via gravity.
- FIG. 18 illustrates this embodiment, where the magnet 42 is shown in the upward unlocked position and a locking arm 40 attached to the footplate truck assembly 50 is disengaged from the skateboard deck 14 .
- the locking arm 40 engages with the skateboard deck at location 14 a, preventing the footplate truck assembly from rotating.
- the locking and unlocking mechanism includes a compressible button 94 protruding from the top of the footplate, with a spring 96 located below the button that is in operative engagement with the rotating truck assembly.
- the user compresses the button with their shoe, compressing the spring and disengaging a locking arm 40 from a fixed portion 14 a of the board deck, thereby unlocking the rotating footplate truck assembly.
- the spring extends back to its normal position and the locking arm 40 engages with the board deck, preventing rotation of the footplate truck assembly.
- Each wheeled truck assembly comprises the truck baseplate 52 , the truck hanger 54 , the axle 56 and the wheel set 58 which comprises a first and second wheel 58 a, 58 b.
- the wheeled truck assembly is a conventional skateboard wheeled truck assembly 50 , shown in FIG. 25 , that is connected to the skateboard in such a manner that it is able to freely rotate in both directions with respect to the vertical axis of the board.
- the truck baseplate 52 is operatively connected to the alignment mechanism, which in one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , is an elliptical disk cam 46 .
- the truck hanger 54 is attached to the underside of the truck baseplate.
- the axle 56 runs through the truck hanger and the wheels 58 a, 58 b are attached to either end of the axle.
- Using a conventional wheeled truck assembly allows a user to maneuver the skateboard by leaning and steering the conventional way when the wheels are in a neutral position.
- FIGS. 9A , 9 B and 9 C show various angles the footplate truck assembly and wheels 58 a, 58 b can be positioned at.
- FIG. 9A shows a neutral or “normal” riding position.
- FIG. 9C shows a 45° position from neutral and
- FIG. 9B shows a 90° position from neutral.
- the alignment mechanism is an elliptical disk cam 46 and a pair of springs 70 .
- the disk cam is located underneath the footplate 34 , 36 and magnet 42 and secured to the wheeled truck assembly via elliptical disk cam fasteners 46 a.
- the disk cam rotates with the footplate truck assembly.
- the springs 70 are preferably leaf springs that have a free end 70 a abutting the inside edge of the board deck 14 and a fixed end 70 b attached to the inside edge of the board deck. Other suitable biasing means would be known to those skilled in the art.
- the elliptical disk cam 46 and the spring 70 cause the footplate truck assembly to automatically realign in a “neutral position”, shown in FIG. 9A , when the user's foot is not applying a force to the binding 38 or is removed from the binding. That is, as the footplate assembly is rotated from the neutral position by the action of the rider, the major axis of the elliptical disk cam is biased against the spring 70 which resists the turning force being applied to footplate assembly. If the rider disengages their foot from the footplate, the spring 70 acts against the elliptical disk cam thereby returning the entire footplate truck assembly, including the footplate, binding, elliptical disk cam and wheeled truck assembly, to the neutral position.
- the footplate assembly Due to the disk cam being elliptical in shape, the footplate assembly has two equilibrium points and will return to the neutral position via the shortest path. That is, if the truck assembly has been rotated to a position more than 180 degrees from neutral or an equilibrium point in a clockwise direction, the shortest path to the neutral position will be further rotation in the clockwise direction. However, if truck assembly has been rotated to a position less than 180 degrees from neutral or a equilibrium point in a clockwise direction, the shortest path to the neutral position will be further counter rotation in the counter-clockwise direction.
- the alignment mechanism comprises a rotating block 62 and spring 74 , wherein the rotating block is connected to and rotates with the footplate truck assembly.
- a first end 74 a of the spring is attached to the rotating block at a pivot point comprising a pin 76 , such that the spring first end pivots with the rotating block, while a second end 74 b of the spring is connected to a non-rotating part of the skateboard, such as the board deck, and remains stationary.
- FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate the spring and rotation block in an equilibrium or neutral position. As the footplate truck assembly and rotation block pivot away from equilibrium, the spring stretches. When no rotation force is being applied to the footplate truck assembly, the spring pulls the rotation block and footplate truck assembly back to the equilibrium position via the shortest path, i.e. in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
- the rotation block alignment mechanism uses two or more rotation blocks.
- a first rotation block 73 is attached to the spring 76
- a second rotation block 75 is attached to the footplate truck assembly.
- the first and second rotation blocks are positioned side by side and connected like gears in a 1:1 gear ratio, such that movement of one rotation block causes the other rotation block to simultaneously move at the same rate.
- the second rotation block 75 is positioned above the first rotation block 73 , with the pivot pin 78 connecting the two rotation blocks, to which the spring 76 is attached.
- a magnetic alignment mechanism is used for automatically aligning the footplate truck assembly.
- the alignment mechanism comprises a stationary outer magnetic ring 62 attached to the board deck 14 , and an inner magnetic ring 64 that rotates with the footplate truck assembly.
- FIG. 22 illustrates the magnetic rings in an equilibrium position with the opposing north and south poles of the inner and outer rings aligned, which is the position the magnetic rings are continually biased toward. Rotating the footplate truck assembly and inner magnetic ring causes the magnetic rings to move out of the equilibrium position, however the magnetic fields will cause the inner magnetic ring and footplate truck assembly to return to the equilibrium position when no rotating force is applied to the footplate truck assembly. Similar to the other embodiments for the alignment mechanism, the inner ring and footplate truck assembly will return to the equilibrium position via the shortest path, which may be in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
- the magnetic alignment mechanism has more than one equilibrium position.
- the number of equilibrium positions is based on the number of magnetic poles in the inner and outer magnetic rings.
- FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment having two equilibrium positions, wherein in equilibrium either of the two north poles 64 a, 64 b of the inner ring 64 align with either of the two south poles 62 a, 62 b of the outer ring 62 . This embodiment returns the footplate truck assembly to the closest equilibrium position, wherein the wheels may be forward facing or backward facing.
- FIG. 24 illustrates a magnetic alignment mechanism having four equilibrium positions, wherein the inner magnetic ring 64 and outer magnetic ring 62 each have four north poles and four south poles that can be aligned with one another in an equilibrium position.
- This embodiment aligns the wheels at one of four equilibrium positions every 90 degrees such that wheel axis is aligned parallel or perpendicular to the board axis. That is, the wheel position shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B are both considered equilibrium positions. Having the wheels axis aligned parallel to the board axis, as in FIG. 9B , allows the user to perform various tricks that would not be possible using a regular skateboard wherein the wheel axis is aligned perpendicular to the board axis.
- the skateboard comprises several bearings to allow rotation and minimize friction between the moving and non-moving parts.
- each end of the skateboard comprises two axle bearings 80 , two upper thrust bearings 82 , two lower thrust bearings 84 , and two bearing seats 86 for supporting the bearings.
- Alternate bearing arrangements and types could also be used, as would be known to one skilled in the art.
- a user can stand on top the skateboard and propel and steer the skateboard in a conventional manner when the footplate truck assembly is in the locked position.
- the footplate truck assemblies unlock and the user can freely rotate the footplate truck assemblies in either direction by applying a rotational force on the footplate and/or bindings.
- the user can simultaneously independently rotate each footplate truck assembly. This rotational control increases the skateboard's maneuverability and makes it possible for the user to perform many complex slide, grind, flip and whip rotation and combination tricks that would not be possible on a conventional skateboard.
- the footplate assembly automatically returns to an equilibrium position via the alignment mechanism, and the footplate assembly then locks to prevent the footplate assembly from rotating out of the equilibrium position. As previously described, there may be one or more equilibrium positions.
- footplates 34 , 36 are symmetrical flat discs.
- the outer portions 36 a of the disc-shaped footplates extend away from the board deck in order to provide the user leverage for performing tricks.
- the footplates may not be identical and one footplate, particularly the footplate at the rear of the board, may be slightly larger than the front footplate to provide additional leverage for jumping.
- the rotatable footplate truck assembly can be used for other devices, particularly human locomotion devices, such as a scooter that can be steered with rotatable footplates. They can also be modified and used for other board sports, such as wakeboards. snowboards or surfboards where the rotatable footplates manipulate sections of the board or fins instead of wheel assemblies.
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Abstract
A freestyle board sports device is described. More specifically, a rotatable footplate system for attachment to a freestyle board sports device, such as a skateboard with wheels, is described. The rotatable footplate system comprises a footplate assembly that is attached to the wheels of the skateboard and freely rotates in both a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction from a neutral position with respect to a vertical axis of the skateboard when a turning force is applied to the footplate assembly and/or wheels. An alignment mechanism automatically returns the footplate assembly and wheels back to the neutral position via a shortest path when no turning force is applied. A locking mechanism either allows or prevents the footplate assembly from rotating.
Description
- The invention relates to a freestyle board sports device, and more particularly to a device similar to a skateboard.
- Currently, freestyle board- or deck-type sporting devices generally include devices such as skateboards and scooters as well as their water analogues such as surfboards, wakeboards, etc. A variety of shapes and sizes of these devices are manufactured to provide different experiences to the freestyle enthusiast. For example, different devices may have different steering, balancing and/or attachment systems to provide the user with different experiences.
- Conventional freestyle skateboards typically comprise three main components: a deck, two trucks and two sets of wheels. The deck is generally symmetrical and has a rectangular or oval platform with an upturned nose and tail and a concave shape through the middle. The trucks are t-shaped axles attached to the underside of the board with a set of wheels fixed to each truck aligned on a common track. In addition to allowing the wheels to spin, the trucks give the boarders the ability to turn. The shape of the board along with the fixed wheels and trucks allows tricks to be initiated, landed and performed backwards or forwards.
- Numerous modifications have been made to conventional freestyle boards. For example, US Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0327547 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,243,925 teach variations on truck assemblies. U.S. Pat. No. 7,216,876 teaches a system for powering a skateboard or the like using hydraulic fluid. US Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0042387 teaches a skateboard platform having a gripping aperture that allows a user to lift and transport the skateboard single-handedly. US Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0148063 teaches a mobile platform assembly with increased rotational movement without the use of a truck assembly. U.S. Pat. No. 7,810,825 teaches a steering and braking system for a skateboard. U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,351; GB Patent No. 2,246,076; U.S. Pat. No. 4,202,559; U.S. Pat. No. 4,955,626; U.S. Pat. No. 5,236,208 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,083,178 teach skateboards having rotatable and/or pivotable foot supports for steering the skateboard. U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,067 and US Patent Application Publication No. 2004/0104551 teach a magnetic binding and foot traction system for use in sports boards.
- While each of the foregoing systems provide the user with a specific user-experience there continues to be a need for a skateboard or other freestyle board device that has increased turning ability and maneuverability to allow a user to perform a greater number of tricks on the board, while still retaining many aspects of a conventional board.
- In accordance with the invention, there is provided a rotatable footplate system for attachment to a sport device having a steering assembly, the rotatable footplate system comprising a footplate assembly operatively connected to the steering assembly, wherein the footplate assembly and steering assembly freely rotate together in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction from a neutral position with respect to a vertical axis of the sport device body when a turning force is applied to the footplate assembly; and an alignment assembly operatively connected to the footplate assembly that automatically returns the footplate assembly to the neutral position when no turning force is being applied to the footplate assembly.
- In one embodiment, the rotatable footplate system further comprises a locking mechanism for preventing the footplate assembly from rotating. The locking mechanism is operable between a locked and an unlocked position based on a user's foot placement on the footplate assembly.
- In a further embodiment, the locking mechanism is a magnet operatively connected to the footplate assembly and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein placement of a user's shoe containing metal on the footplate assembly moves the magnet into the unlocked position and disengages the footplate assembly from the sport device body, allowing the footplate assembly to freely rotate, and wherein upon removal of the user's shoe the magnet automatically returns to the locked position. The locking mechanism may further comprise a spring for biasing the magnet in the locked position.
- In an alternate embodiment, the locking mechanism includes a compressible spring protruding from the top of the footplate assembly, wherein placement of a user's shoe in the center of the footplate assembly compresses the spring and disengages the footplate assembly from the sport device body, allowing the footplate assembly to freely rotate, and wherein removal of the user's shoe from the center of the footplate assembly allows the spring to extend, engaging the footplate assembly with the sport device body and preventing the footplate assembly from rotating.
- In a further embodiment, the alignment assembly of the rotatable footplate system comprises a rotating block operatively connected to the footplate assembly and rotatable with the footplate assembly; and a biasing means operatively connected to the sport device and biased against the rotating block, wherein the biasing means automatically returns the rotating block and footplate assembly to the neutral position when no turning force is applied to the footplate assembly. In one embodiment, there is more than one neutral position and the biasing means moves the footplate assembly to a neutral position by the shortest path. In a further embodiment, the rotating block is an elliptical disk cam having two neutral positions 180 degrees apart, and wherein the biasing means is at least one spring.
- In one embodiment, the biasing means is a spring having a first end pivotably connected to the rotating block at a pivot point and a second end operatively connected to the sport device, wherein the spring first end can fully rotate about the pivot point as the pivot point rotates with the rotating block.
- In another embodiment, the alignment assembly comprises at least one rotatable magnet operatively connected to and rotatable with the footplate assembly; and at least one stationary magnet operatively connected to the sport device; wherein the magnetic fields of the at least one rotatable magnet and the at least one stationary magnet bias the footplate assembly into the neutral position. The at least one rotatable magnet and the at least one stationary magnet may include a plurality of magnets, creating a plurality of neutral positions for the footplate assembly.
- Preferably, the sport device for the rotatable footplate system is a skateboard and the steering assembly is a truck and wheel assembly.
- In one embodiment, the footplate assembly further includes a binding system for operative engagement with a user's shoe for applying the turning force to the footplate assembly through the binding system. The binding system may include a magnet for providing a magnetic connection to a user's shoe containing metal to aid the user in applying a turning force to the footplate assembly through the binding system.
- The invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 2 is a top view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 5 is a front view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross-sectional bottom perspective views of the ends of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 7A and 7B are cross-sectional top perspective views of the ends of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 9A is a top view of one end of the skateboard with the footplate removed and the wheels aligned in a normal position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 9B is a top view of one end of the skateboard with the footplate removed and the wheels aligned 90° to the normal position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 9C is a top view of one end of the skateboard with the footplate removed and the wheels aligned 45° to the normal position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 10 is a top view of a skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 11 a top perspective view of the skateboard with one footplate removed in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 12 is a side view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 13 is an end view of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIGS. 14A and 14B are cross-sectional perspective views of the end of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the end of the skateboard in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 16 is a sketch of a magnetic locking mechanism for a rotatable footplate truck assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional bottom perspective view of one end of a skateboard showing a spring locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional bottom perspective view of one end of a skateboard showing a magnetic locking mechanism in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 19A is a sketch of a rotational block and spring alignment system for a rotatable footplate truck assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 19B is a sketch of a rotational block and spring alignment system for a rotatable footplate truck assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 20 is a sketch of a dual rotational block and spring alignment system for a rotatable footplate truck assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 21 is a sketch of a dual rotational block and spring alignment system fore rotatable footplate truck assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 22 is a sketch of a magnetic alignment system for a rotatable footplate truck assembly having one equilibrium position in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 23 is a sketch of a magnetic alignment system for a rotatable footplate truck assembly having two equilibrium positions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; -
FIG. 24 is a sketch of a magnetic alignment system for a rotatable footplate truck assembly having four equilibrium positions in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and -
FIG. 25 is a front view of a skateboard having a conventional truck and wheel assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. - With reference to the figures, a freestyle board sport device in the form of a
skateboard 10 is described. Theskateboard 10 includes aboard deck 14, a first andsecond footplate footplate truck assembly wheel sets 58 attached to each rotating footplate truck assembly. A user of the skateboard can freely rotate each footplate truck assembly and wheel set in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions with respect to a vertical axis of the board deck, independent of the other footplate truck assembly and wheel set. - The body of the skateboard comprises the
board deck 14, a first andsecond skid plate cover 18, a first andsecond underplate second spacer - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 11 , theboard deck 14 is generally rectangular shaped with a first and secondarcuate end FIG. 11 the second footplate is removed to better illustrate the parts located underneath the footplate. Near the firstarcuate end 14 a of the board deck, there is a first hole (not shown) in the board deck, and near thesecond end 14 d there is a second hole 14 c. The first and secondfootplate truck assemblies second skid plates board deck 14. The skid plates allow for smooth rotation of a first andsecond footplate - The board deck is preferably made of high quality plywood or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as fiberglass, reinforced injection molded plastic, aluminum extrusion or aluminum die-cast, and the like.
- Referring to
FIG. 1 , thecover 18 of the skateboard is attached to the top of the board deck 12 between the first and secondfootplate truck assemblies lateral edges 18 a to itscenter line 18 b to give the user leverage for controlling the board and performing tricks. The cover generally is made from or coated with a high friction material or substance to allow the user to better grip the cover surface during use. The cover may be one solid piece or it may be comprised of two or more pieces, as shown inFIG. 1 as afirst cover piece 18 c andsecond cover piece 18 d. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 6A , the first andsecond underplate board deck 14 and are generally round and flat with a hole in the middle through which the truck assembly is inserted through. The first andsecond spacer - Referring to
FIGS. 6A and 9C , aretainer 74 is attached to the top side of thespacer fasteners 74 b. The retainer is generally a round flat disc with a whole in the center for retaining the truck assembly. The retainer acts as a mount for an alignment mechanism, such as aspring 70 and as a running surface for bearings, as described in greater detail below. - The first and second rotating
footplate truck assembly - Preferably, there is no endpoint to the rotation of the footplate truck assemblies. The rotating footplate truck assemblies are located at either end 14 a, 14 d of the skateboard. Both rotating footplate truck assemblies are substantially identical and as such any description of the first rotating
footplate truck assembly 30 is to be understood as applying to the second rotatingfootplate truck assembly 32, unless stated otherwise. - Each rotating footplate truck assembly generally comprises a
footplate magnet 42, an alignment mechanism having anelliptical disk cam 46, and awheeled truck assembly 50 having atruck baseplate 52, atruck hanger 54, anaxle 56 and wheel set 58. The entire footplate truck assembly rotates as one unit with respect to the skateboard, and each footplate truck assembly rotates independently of the other. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first andsecond footplates - The footplates are substantially identical, and as such any description of the
first footplate 34 is to be understood as applying to thesecond footplate 36, unless stated otherwise. In one embodiment of the invention, as shown inFIGS. 1 to 8 , the footplates are generally asymmetrical with theouter portion 36 a of the footplate extending outward and upward from the board deck and theinner portion 36 b being angled downward and inward toward the center of the board deck. This shape provides the user with a “lip” at the front of the board to use for leverage for performing tricks on the skateboard, as well as provides the user a larger standing space in the middle of the board. - Similar to the board deck, the footplates are made of high quality plywood or any other sufficiently rigid and strong material such as fiberglass, reinforced injection molded plastic, aluminum extrusion or aluminum die-cast, and the like. The outer edge of the footplates may be a soft resilient treaded rubber or similar, and may have compressed air or rubber foam within itself, so to deform and cushion landings on hard surfaces
- The binding 38 is attached to the top of the
footplate screws 38 a or other suitable attachment mechanisms. In one embodiment, the binding has a protrudingbar 38 b with amagnet 42 underneath. The magnet is fastened viamagnet fasteners 42 a to thealignment mechanism 46. The bottom sole of the user's shoe (not shown) has a metal plate as well as a slot that fits over the protruding bar of the binding and interlocks. Being symmetrical, the binding connects to the user's shoe in either direction. The slot is preferably magnetic to provide a stronger connection between the metal plate in the shoe and the binding, giving the user rotational control of the whole rotating footplate truck assembly. The binding is preferably made from a combination of injection molded plastic or polyurethane and metal extrusion or die-cast. - In other embodiments, different mechanisms for interlocking the shoe with the binding are used, such as pegs on the bottom of the shoes that fit into corresponding holes on the binding. The binding may also comprise teeth at the sides of the protruding bar to provide friction between the binding and the user's shoe to keep the shoe from slipping.
- In another embodiment, the binding acts as a locking device for the footplate truck assembly, allowing the footplate truck assembly to rotate when the user's shoe is engaged with the binding, and preventing the footplate truck assembly from rotating when the user's shoe is disengaged from the binding to prevent the footplate truck assembly from rotating unintentionally. This provides a safety feature for the user to prevent unintentional rotation of the footplate truck assemblies when the board's wheels hit a rock, crack, or other obstacle in the pavement.
- A footplate assembly locking mechanism for the skateboard is shown in
FIG. 16 , wherein themagnet 42 is vertically moveable and connected to a first end 44 a of aspring 44, which has a secondlower end 44 b in operative connection with the rotating truck assembly. When a user's shoe having ashoe 92 with ametal plate 90 is placed above the magnet, the magnet is attracted to the metal plate and moves upwards, thereby unlocking the footplate truck assembly and allowing it to freely rotate. When the metal plate is moved away from the magnet, the spring returns the magnet to the lower position, thereby locking the footplate truck assembly and preventing it from rotating. Alternatively, no spring is used and the magnet is returned to the lower position via gravity.FIG. 18 illustrates this embodiment, where themagnet 42 is shown in the upward unlocked position and a lockingarm 40 attached to thefootplate truck assembly 50 is disengaged from theskateboard deck 14. When themagnet 42 moves downward into the locked position, the lockingarm 40 engages with the skateboard deck atlocation 14 a, preventing the footplate truck assembly from rotating. - Alternatively, referring to
FIG. 17 , the locking and unlocking mechanism includes acompressible button 94 protruding from the top of the footplate, with aspring 96 located below the button that is in operative engagement with the rotating truck assembly. The user compresses the button with their shoe, compressing the spring and disengaging a lockingarm 40 from a fixedportion 14 a of the board deck, thereby unlocking the rotating footplate truck assembly. When the shoe is removed from the button, the spring extends back to its normal position and the lockingarm 40 engages with the board deck, preventing rotation of the footplate truck assembly. - Each wheeled truck assembly comprises the
truck baseplate 52, thetruck hanger 54, theaxle 56 and the wheel set 58 which comprises a first andsecond wheel truck assembly 50, shown inFIG. 25 , that is connected to the skateboard in such a manner that it is able to freely rotate in both directions with respect to the vertical axis of the board. Thetruck baseplate 52 is operatively connected to the alignment mechanism, which in one embodiment, shown inFIGS. 6A and 6B , is anelliptical disk cam 46. Thetruck hanger 54 is attached to the underside of the truck baseplate. Theaxle 56 runs through the truck hanger and thewheels - The alignment mechanism is operatively connected to the footplate truck assembly and causes the footplate truck assembly to return to an equilibrium position when no turning force is applied to the footplate truck assembly.
FIGS. 9A , 9B and 9C show various angles the footplate truck assembly andwheels FIG. 9A shows a neutral or “normal” riding position.FIG. 9C shows a 45° position from neutral andFIG. 9B shows a 90° position from neutral. - In one embodiment, shown in
FIGS. 9A , 9B and 9C, the alignment mechanism is anelliptical disk cam 46 and a pair ofsprings 70. The disk cam is located underneath thefootplate magnet 42 and secured to the wheeled truck assembly via ellipticaldisk cam fasteners 46 a. The disk cam rotates with the footplate truck assembly. Thesprings 70 are preferably leaf springs that have afree end 70 a abutting the inside edge of theboard deck 14 and afixed end 70 b attached to the inside edge of the board deck. Other suitable biasing means would be known to those skilled in the art. - The
elliptical disk cam 46 and thespring 70 cause the footplate truck assembly to automatically realign in a “neutral position”, shown inFIG. 9A , when the user's foot is not applying a force to the binding 38 or is removed from the binding. That is, as the footplate assembly is rotated from the neutral position by the action of the rider, the major axis of the elliptical disk cam is biased against thespring 70 which resists the turning force being applied to footplate assembly. If the rider disengages their foot from the footplate, thespring 70 acts against the elliptical disk cam thereby returning the entire footplate truck assembly, including the footplate, binding, elliptical disk cam and wheeled truck assembly, to the neutral position. Due to the disk cam being elliptical in shape, the footplate assembly has two equilibrium points and will return to the neutral position via the shortest path. That is, if the truck assembly has been rotated to a position more than 180 degrees from neutral or an equilibrium point in a clockwise direction, the shortest path to the neutral position will be further rotation in the clockwise direction. However, if truck assembly has been rotated to a position less than 180 degrees from neutral or a equilibrium point in a clockwise direction, the shortest path to the neutral position will be further counter rotation in the counter-clockwise direction. - In another embodiment, shown in
FIGS. 19A and 19B , the alignment mechanism comprises arotating block 62 andspring 74, wherein the rotating block is connected to and rotates with the footplate truck assembly. A first end 74 a of the spring is attached to the rotating block at a pivot point comprising apin 76, such that the spring first end pivots with the rotating block, while asecond end 74 b of the spring is connected to a non-rotating part of the skateboard, such as the board deck, and remains stationary.FIGS. 19A and 19B illustrate the spring and rotation block in an equilibrium or neutral position. As the footplate truck assembly and rotation block pivot away from equilibrium, the spring stretches. When no rotation force is being applied to the footplate truck assembly, the spring pulls the rotation block and footplate truck assembly back to the equilibrium position via the shortest path, i.e. in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. - Alternatively, the rotation block alignment mechanism uses two or more rotation blocks. Referring to
FIG. 20 , afirst rotation block 73 is attached to thespring 76, while asecond rotation block 75 is attached to the footplate truck assembly. The first and second rotation blocks are positioned side by side and connected like gears in a 1:1 gear ratio, such that movement of one rotation block causes the other rotation block to simultaneously move at the same rate. Alternatively, referring toFIG. 21 , thesecond rotation block 75 is positioned above thefirst rotation block 73, with thepivot pin 78 connecting the two rotation blocks, to which thespring 76 is attached. - In a further embodiment, a magnetic alignment mechanism is used for automatically aligning the footplate truck assembly. Referring to
FIG. 22 , the alignment mechanism comprises a stationary outermagnetic ring 62 attached to theboard deck 14, and an innermagnetic ring 64 that rotates with the footplate truck assembly.FIG. 22 illustrates the magnetic rings in an equilibrium position with the opposing north and south poles of the inner and outer rings aligned, which is the position the magnetic rings are continually biased toward. Rotating the footplate truck assembly and inner magnetic ring causes the magnetic rings to move out of the equilibrium position, however the magnetic fields will cause the inner magnetic ring and footplate truck assembly to return to the equilibrium position when no rotating force is applied to the footplate truck assembly. Similar to the other embodiments for the alignment mechanism, the inner ring and footplate truck assembly will return to the equilibrium position via the shortest path, which may be in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. - In further embodiments, the magnetic alignment mechanism has more than one equilibrium position. The number of equilibrium positions is based on the number of magnetic poles in the inner and outer magnetic rings.
FIG. 23 illustrates an embodiment having two equilibrium positions, wherein in equilibrium either of the two north poles 64 a, 64 b of theinner ring 64 align with either of the twosouth poles 62 a, 62 b of theouter ring 62. This embodiment returns the footplate truck assembly to the closest equilibrium position, wherein the wheels may be forward facing or backward facing. Alternatively.FIG. 24 illustrates a magnetic alignment mechanism having four equilibrium positions, wherein the innermagnetic ring 64 and outermagnetic ring 62 each have four north poles and four south poles that can be aligned with one another in an equilibrium position. This embodiment aligns the wheels at one of four equilibrium positions every 90 degrees such that wheel axis is aligned parallel or perpendicular to the board axis. That is, the wheel position shown inFIGS. 9A and 9B are both considered equilibrium positions. Having the wheels axis aligned parallel to the board axis, as inFIG. 9B , allows the user to perform various tricks that would not be possible using a regular skateboard wherein the wheel axis is aligned perpendicular to the board axis. - The skateboard comprises several bearings to allow rotation and minimize friction between the moving and non-moving parts. Referring to
FIG. 7B , in the space between theelliptical disk cam 46 and thetruck baseplate 52, which are the moving parts, and thestationary underplate 20, there are several bearings. In the preferred embodiment, each end of the skateboard comprises twoaxle bearings 80, twoupper thrust bearings 82, twolower thrust bearings 84, and two bearingseats 86 for supporting the bearings. Alternate bearing arrangements and types could also be used, as would be known to one skilled in the art. - In operation, a user can stand on top the skateboard and propel and steer the skateboard in a conventional manner when the footplate truck assembly is in the locked position. When the user's feet are located in a specific area on the footplate, such as in engagement with the bindings, the footplate truck assemblies unlock and the user can freely rotate the footplate truck assemblies in either direction by applying a rotational force on the footplate and/or bindings. The user can simultaneously independently rotate each footplate truck assembly. This rotational control increases the skateboard's maneuverability and makes it possible for the user to perform many complex slide, grind, flip and whip rotation and combination tricks that would not be possible on a conventional skateboard. When the user removes their foot from the bindings, the footplate assembly automatically returns to an equilibrium position via the alignment mechanism, and the footplate assembly then locks to prevent the footplate assembly from rotating out of the equilibrium position. As previously described, there may be one or more equilibrium positions.
- In further embodiments, other sizes and shapes of footplates may be used. Specifically, in a second embodiment of the invention, as shown in
FIGS. 10 to 15 , thefootplates outer portions 36 a of the disc-shaped footplates extend away from the board deck in order to provide the user leverage for performing tricks. - In other embodiments, the footplates may not be identical and one footplate, particularly the footplate at the rear of the board, may be slightly larger than the front footplate to provide additional leverage for jumping.
- The rotatable footplate truck assembly can be used for other devices, particularly human locomotion devices, such as a scooter that can be steered with rotatable footplates. They can also be modified and used for other board sports, such as wakeboards. snowboards or surfboards where the rotatable footplates manipulate sections of the board or fins instead of wheel assemblies.
- Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with respect to preferred embodiments and preferred uses thereof, it is not to be so limited since modifications and changes can be made therein which are within the full, intended scope of the invention as understood by those skilled in the art.
Claims (19)
1. A rotatable footplate system for attachment to a sport device having a steering assembly, the rotatable footplate system comprising:
a footplate assembly operatively connected to the steering assembly, wherein the footplate assembly and steering assembly freely rotate together in a clockwise and a counterclockwise direction from a neutral position with respect to a vertical axis of the sport device body when a turning force is applied to the footplate assembly; and
an alignment assembly operatively connected to the footplate assembly that automatically returns the footplate assembly to the neutral position when no turning force is being applied to the footplate assembly.
2. The rotatable footplate system of claim 1 further comprising a locking mechanism for preventing the footplate assembly from rotating.
3. The rotatable footplate system of claim 2 wherein the locking mechanism is operable between a locked and an unlocked position based on a user's foot placement on the footplate assembly.
4. The rotatable footplate system of claim 2 wherein the locking mechanism includes a magnet operatively connected to the footplate assembly and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein placement of a user's shoe containing metal on the footplate assembly moves the magnet into the unlocked position and disengages the footplate assembly from the sport device body, allowing the footplate assembly to freely rotate, and wherein upon removal of the user's shoe the magnet automatically returns to the locked position.
5. The rotatable footplate system of claim 4 wherein the locking mechanism further comprises a spring for biasing the magnet in the locked position.
6. The rotatable footplate system of claim 2 wherein the locking mechanism includes a compressible spring protruding from the top of the footplate assembly, wherein placement of a user's shoe in the center of the footplate assembly compresses the spring and disengages the footplate assembly from the sport device body, allowing the footplate assembly to freely rotate, and wherein removal of the user's shoe from the center of the footplate assembly allows the spring to extend, engaging the footplate assembly with the sport device body and preventing the footplate assembly from rotating.
7. The rotatable footplate system of claim 1 wherein the alignment assembly comprises:
a rotating block operatively connected to the footplate assembly and rotatable with the footplate assembly; and
a biasing means operatively connected to the sport device and biased against the rotating block, wherein the biasing means automatically returns the rotating block and footplate assembly to the neutral position when no turning force is applied to the footplate assembly.
8. The rotatable footplate system of claim 7 wherein there is more than one neutral position and the biasing means moves the footplate assembly to a neutral position by the shortest path.
9. The rotatable footplate system of claim 7 wherein the rotating block is an elliptical disk cam having two neutral positions 180 degrees apart, and wherein the biasing means is at least one spring.
10. The rotatable footplate system of claim 7 wherein the biasing means is a spring having a first end pivotably connected to the rotating block at a pivot point and a second end operatively connected to the sport device, wherein the spring first end can fully rotate about the pivot point as the pivot point rotates with the rotating block.
11. The rotatable footplate system of claim 1 wherein the alignment assembly comprises at least one rotatable magnet operatively connected to and rotatable with the footplate assembly; and at least one stationary magnet operatively connected to the sport device; wherein the magnetic fields of the at least one rotatable magnet and the at least one stationary magnet bias the footplate assembly into the neutral position.
12. The rotatable footplate system of claim 11 wherein the at least one rotatable magnet and the at least one stationary magnet include a plurality of magnets, creating a plurality of neutral positions for the footplate assembly.
13. The rotatable footplate system of claim 1 wherein the sport device is a skateboard and the steering assembly is a truck and wheel assembly.
14. The rotatable footplate system of claim 1 wherein the footplate assembly further includes a binding system for operative engagement with a user's shoe for applying the turning force to the footplate assembly through the binding system.
15. The rotatable footplate system of claim 14 wherein the binding system includes a magnet for providing a magnetic connection to a user's shoe containing metal to aid the user in applying a turning force to the footplate assembly through the binding system.
16. The rotatable footplate system of claim 1 further comprising:
a locking mechanism including a magnet operatively connected to the footplate assembly and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein placement of a user's shoe containing metal on the footplate assembly moves the magnet into the unlocked position and disengages the footplate assembly from the sport device body, allowing the footplate assembly to freely rotate, and wherein upon removal of the user's shoe the magnet automatically returns to the locked position; and
wherein the alignment assembly comprises:
a rotating block operatively connected to the footplate assembly and rotatable with the footplate assembly; and
a biasing means operatively connected to the sport device and biased against the rotating block, wherein the biasing means automatically returns the rotating block and footplate assembly to the neutral position when no turning force is applied to the footplate assembly.
17. The rotatable footplate system of claim 1 further comprising:
a locking mechanism including a magnet operatively connected to the footplate assembly and movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, wherein placement of a user's shoe containing metal on the footplate assembly moves the magnet into the unlocked position and disengages the footplate assembly from the sport device body, allowing the footplate assembly to freely rotate, and wherein upon removal of the user's shoe the magnet automatically returns to the locked position; and
wherein the alignment assembly comprises at least one rotatable magnet operatively connected to and rotatable with the footplate assembly; and at least one stationary magnet operatively connected to the sport device; wherein the magnetic fields of the at least one rotatable magnet and the at least one stationary magnet bias the footplate assembly into the neutral position.
18. The rotatable footplate system of claim 1 further comprising:
a locking mechanism including a compressible spring protruding from the top of the footplate assembly, wherein placement of a user's shoe in the center of the footplate assembly compresses the spring and disengages the footplate assembly from the sport device body, allowing the footplate assembly to freely rotate, and wherein removal of the user's shoe from the center of the footplate assembly allows the spring to extend, engaging the footplate assembly with the sport device body and preventing the footplate assembly from rotating; and
wherein the alignment assembly comprises:
a rotating block operatively connected to the footplate assembly and rotatable with the footplate assembly; and
a biasing means operatively connected to the sport device and biased against the rotating block, wherein the biasing means automatically returns the rotating block and footplate assembly to the neutral position when no turning force is applied to the footplate assembly.
19. The rotatable footplate system of claim 1 further comprising:
a locking mechanism including a compressible spring protruding from the top of the footplate assembly, wherein placement of a user's shoe in the center of the footplate assembly compresses the spring and disengages the footplate assembly from the sport device body, allowing the footplate assembly to freely rotate, and wherein removal of the user's shoe from the center of the footplate assembly allows the spring to extend, engaging the footplate assembly with the sport device body and preventing the footplate assembly from rotating; and
wherein the alignment assembly comprises at least one rotatable magnet operatively connected to and rotatable with the footplate assembly; and at least one stationary magnet operatively connected to the sport device; wherein the magnetic fields of the at least one rotatable magnet and the at least one stationary magnet bias the footplate assembly into the neutral position.
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PCT/CA2013/000843 WO2014047732A1 (en) | 2012-09-29 | 2013-09-27 | Freestyle board sports device |
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JP6299793B2 (en) * | 2016-03-24 | 2018-03-28 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Standing type mobile device |
JP6471716B2 (en) * | 2016-03-25 | 2019-02-20 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Standing type mobile device |
KR102288888B1 (en) * | 2017-06-09 | 2021-08-12 | 현대자동차주식회사 | Driving mode changeable small mobility |
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WO2012067456A2 (en) * | 2010-11-17 | 2012-05-24 | Ko Young Seung | Skateboard |
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- 2013-09-27 US US14/429,862 patent/US20150238845A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2013-09-27 WO PCT/CA2013/000843 patent/WO2014047732A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-09-27 EP EP13841970.0A patent/EP2900343A4/en not_active Withdrawn
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US20070257459A1 (en) * | 2002-05-01 | 2007-11-08 | Gang Singi | Skateboard with direction-caster |
US20100025967A1 (en) * | 2005-03-07 | 2010-02-04 | Flaig Theodore J | Magnetic method and apparatus for increasing foot traction on sports boards |
US20090200764A1 (en) * | 2006-04-12 | 2009-08-13 | Trisports Co., Ltd. | Board where the voluntary advance is possible |
US20090166993A1 (en) * | 2007-12-30 | 2009-07-02 | Flexibility Concepts, Ltd. | Momentum steering system for a vehicle or carriers |
US20100117316A1 (en) * | 2008-11-13 | 2010-05-13 | Jasun Weiner | Scooter with inclined caster |
Cited By (17)
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US9555316B2 (en) * | 2013-07-01 | 2017-01-31 | Original Skateboards, Llc | Adjustable mounting members for skateboards and related methods of use |
US20150001817A1 (en) * | 2013-07-01 | 2015-01-01 | Original Skateboards, Llc | Adjustable Mounting Members for Skateboards and Related Methods of Use |
US9919762B2 (en) * | 2014-01-27 | 2018-03-20 | Robo3 Co., Ltd. | Backpack type self balancing scooter having foot-driven steering apparatus mounted thereon |
US20160318581A1 (en) * | 2014-01-27 | 2016-11-03 | Robo3 Co., Ltd. | Backpack type self balancing scooter having foot-driven steering apparatus mounted thereon |
US9375632B1 (en) * | 2014-05-09 | 2016-06-28 | Michael Kish | Skateboard |
US9415296B1 (en) * | 2014-10-31 | 2016-08-16 | Cornell Miller | Skateboard accessory |
US9457260B2 (en) * | 2014-11-07 | 2016-10-04 | Custom Trucks, LLC | Skateboard truck system and method |
DE102016109608B4 (en) | 2016-01-14 | 2021-08-19 | Robo3 Co., Ltd. | Hands-free balancing scooter that can be rotated with feet |
US9604692B1 (en) * | 2016-01-14 | 2017-03-28 | Robo3 Co., Ltd. | Hands-free balancing scooter steered twistedly with feet |
CN106627893A (en) * | 2016-12-07 | 2017-05-10 | 广东技术师范学院 | Balance scooter and wheeled vehicle |
US9987546B1 (en) * | 2017-02-15 | 2018-06-05 | Roll, Inc. | Roller board with one or more user-maneuverable trucks and north-seeking return mechanism |
US10238952B2 (en) * | 2017-02-15 | 2019-03-26 | Roll, Inc. | Roller board with one or more user-maneuverable trucks and north-seeking return mechanism |
US10858060B2 (en) * | 2017-02-15 | 2020-12-08 | Roll, Inc. | Roller board with one or more user-maneuverable trucks and north-seeking return mechanism |
WO2018152355A1 (en) * | 2017-02-15 | 2018-08-23 | Roll, Inc. | Roller board with one or more user-maneuverable trucks and north-seeking return mechanism |
US11266901B2 (en) * | 2018-10-19 | 2022-03-08 | Mga Entertainment, Inc. | Motorized skateboard with pressure-activated direct reverse steering |
US11554327B1 (en) | 2022-01-24 | 2023-01-17 | Mattel, Inc. | Toy finger board with removably attachable finger shoes and method of manufacturing the same |
US11883735B1 (en) * | 2022-09-20 | 2024-01-30 | Spartak Xeneli | Skateboard device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2900343A4 (en) | 2016-06-15 |
EP2900343A1 (en) | 2015-08-05 |
WO2014047732A1 (en) | 2014-04-03 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |