WO2022020736A1

WO2022020736A1 - Skateboard training devices

Info

Publication number: WO2022020736A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/043005
Authority: WO
Inventors: Clayton Wheeler; Derek ZEMEN; Oriol Vicente
Original assignee: Soft Skate, Llc
Priority date: 2020-07-23
Filing date: 2021-07-23
Publication date: 2022-01-27
Also published as: US20220023734A1

Abstract

Skateboard training devices are provided to assist all levels and ages of skateboard enthusiasts in learning tricks. The devices can comprise a deck including a core comprising a set of materials, wherein the core is partially or entirely surrounded by an outer protective material. In some aspects, the core can be made of one or more of a wood, a plastic, a metal, a composite, a fiberglass, and nylon. In some aspects, the outer protective material comprises a foam material. In some aspects, the core can comprise a foam material that is denser than an outer protective foam material.

Description

SKATEBOARD TRAINING DEVICES

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[01] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 17/383,351, filed on July 22, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/055,824, filed on July 23, 2020. All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents, cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

[02] Field of the Invention

[03] The present invention relates to skateboard training devices which can be used both indoors and outdoors to assist all levels and ages of skateboard enthusiasts and others to learn tricks and skills that can then be transferred to use on a variety of real skateboards.

[04] Description of the Related Art

[05] Skateboarding is a popular outside sport which can be performed on the streets or at skate parks all over the world. This sport is performed on hard surfaces which in most cases are concrete or cement. This year-round activity is performed on a skateboard which generally consists of a hard deck surface with two pairs of wheels connected to the hard deck surface via trucks.

[06] A skilled skateboarder is able to perform a wide variety of tricks and skills on their board which consist of ollie, frontside 180, backside 180, pop shove-it, frontside pop shove-it, kickflip, heelflip and many more. While most skateboarders aspire to gain the skills to be able to perform such tricks, it is a difficult and often dangerous learning curve to acquire these skills. Learning tricks on a skateboard comes with many falls by the rider on the hard surface upon which they are training, and getting hit in the shins or other parts of their body by the board which bounces back after a crash.

SUMMARY

[07] The skateboard training devices described herein address one or more of the above and other drawbacks of known skateboards. The skateboard training devices described herein can solve the issues associated with dangerous falls and limited space. Advantageously, the training devices can be used in a confined indoor space to allow a skateboard enthusiast or others to practice their skills, or even be used as a toy, sporting equipment, or an exercise device. Further, the devices contemplated herein can lead to reduced or eliminated damage to property, and fewer scrapes, bruises, cuts and other injuries to the user resulting from bounce back when compared to known skateboards.

[08] In some embodiments, a skateboard device comprises a deck, a set of trucks extending downward from the deck, wherein the deck comprises a first core portion made of a first set of materials, and a first outer protective material that at least partially wraps the first core portion. In some aspects, the outer protective materials described herein can be applied using an overmold process.

[09] The first truck of the set of trucks can comprise a second core portion made of a second set of materials, and a second outer protective material that at least partially wraps the second core portion. The second truck of the set of trucks can comprise a third core portion made of a third set of materials, and a third outer protective materials that at least partially wraps the third core portion. In some aspects, the first, second and third sets of materials comprise some or all of the same materials (e.g., a wood, an epoxy resin, carbon fiber, any combination thereof), and the first, second, and third outer protective materials comprise some or all of the same materials (e.g., a foam rubber). The core portion(s) can comprise several layers of one, two, three or even more types of materials that are glued or pressed together to have a desired shape and rigidity.

[10] In some aspects, each of the second and third core portions are fixedly or removably attached to a bottom surface of the first core portion, the first, second and third core portions forming a unitary core structure. In some aspects, the first, second, and third outer protective materials form a unitary outer material that wraps around at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or even at least 90%, or 100% of the unitary core structure. For example, the unitary outer material may be a dense foam that wraps around at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or 100% of the more rigid core structure. The dense foam (or other material) that wraps around the more rigid core structure can comprise a single piece, or multiple pieces.

[11] In some aspects, the first, second, and third core portions may be separately wrapped (in whole or in part) by the first, second and third outer protective material, and then assembled to form the skateboard training device. The first outer protective material may wrap around at least 80%, at least 90%, or the entirety of the first core portion to form the deck. The second outer protective material may wrap around at least 80%, at least 90%, or the entirety of the second core portion to form the first truck. The third outer protective material may wrap around at least 80%, at least 90%, or the entirety of the third core portion to form the second truck.

[12] In some aspects, it is contemplated that the trucks can be made of a dense foam or other material and does not need to include a rigid core surrounded by an outer protective material. In some aspects, the trucks can be manufactured using injection foam or an overmold process.

[13] The bottom surface of the first truck can comprise one or more rounded wheel-shaped portions (e.g., first and second rounded portions between the ground and the rest of the first truck). The bottom surface of the second truck can comprise one or more rounded wheel-shaped portions (e.g., third and fourth rounded portions between the ground and the rest of the second truck).

[14] The inventive subject matter also provides a skateboard device comprising a device core, an outer protective material that at least partially wraps the device core, and wherein the device core comprises at least one of a deck portion and first and second truck portions extending downward from the deck portion. In some aspects, the outer protective material can entirely wrap the device core. A gripping material is sometimes affixed to a portion of the outer protective material that is positioned over an upper surface of the deck portion of the device core to enhance a grip between a user’s feet or shoes and the board. The truck portions extending downward from the deck portion can each comprise two (or any suitable number of) wheel-shaped portions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[15] The details of embodiments of the present disclosure, both as to their structure and operation, can be gleaned in part by study of the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

[16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skateboard training device of a first embodiment;

[17] FIG. 2 is a top view of the skateboard training device of FIG. 1;

[18] FIG. 3 is a side view of the skateboard training device of FIG. 1;

[19] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the skateboard training device of FIG. 1;

[20] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a skateboard training device of another embodiment; and

[21] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the skateboard training device of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[22] After reading this description, it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to practice the claims in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, although various embodiments will be described herein, it is understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and illustration only, and not limitation. As such, this detailed description of various embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the appended claims.

[23] The skateboard training devices described herein may also be viewed as skateboard simulators. The devices or simulators are shaped like a skateboard with a deck, a set of trucks, and optionally simulated wheels. The devices can comprise a solid core having the deck, trucks and optional simulated wheels (e.g., wheel-shaped devices that do not spin and thus provide a more stable device, wherein the simulated wheels can compose the trucks or be fixedly or removably coupled to the trucks), and be wrapped in foam or other protective material to create a flexible, resilient, soft skateboard.

[24] The deck can be sized and shaped similarly to any skateboard deck, and include an upper surface, a lower surface, a front (or nose), a rear (or tail), and a thickness between the upper and lower surfaces. For example, contemplated decks include flat decks, popsicle (or standard) decks with a concaved nose and tail, a shaped deck with non-symmetrical front and rear halves (e.g., a wider nose and narrower tail, a narrower nose and wider tail), a cruiser deck, a longboard deck, or any other suitable decks of any suitable shapes. It is contemplated that a deck may have any suitable deck nose-to-tail length (e.g., between 20-40 inches, between 25-35 inches, between 30-35 inches, between 28-32.5 inches) and deck side-to-side width (e.g., between 5-12 inches, between 5-10 inches, between 7-9 inches, between 6-9 inches), which can include the outer protective material having any suitable thickness (e.g., between 0.01-2 inches, between 0.1-1 inch). When a user stands on the skateboard training device in a normal riding position, the user’s feet can be placed on or above the upper surface of the deck, with the trucks extending between the lower surface of the deck and the floor. A gripping material (e.g., a grip tape) may be affixed to the upper surface of the deck or protective material positioned above the deck to provide a greater grip between the user’s feet or shoes and the deck.

[25] The trucks can comprise any suitable size and shape, and act as the middle-men between the deck and the ground. Generally known skateboard trucks comprise various components such as base plates, kingpins, bottom bushings, axles where wheels and bearings are typically mounted, speed rings, axle nuts, top bushings, top washers, and kingpin nuts. It should be appreciated that “trucks” of the skateboard training devices contemplated herein do not necessarily have every component of a typical skateboard truck, but can be shaped similarly to known trucks. The trucks of the skateboard training devices can allow a user to stand on a deck of the device and tilt the board in various directions, as well as ollie and perform other tricks. The trucks may have any suitable size, shape, and dimensions. In some aspects, the trucks have a height of between 2-8 inches, between 2-5 inches, between 3-4 inches, which can include the outer protective material having any suitable thickness (e.g., between 0.01-2 inches, between 0.1-1 inch) and the optional wheel simulators or wheel-shaped portions. The largest width of a truck can be the same width as the deck portion it extends from, or be between 40-100%, between 40-90%, between 50-100%, between 50-90%, between 60- 100%, between 69-90%, between 70-100%, between 70-90%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, or at least 90% of a width of the deck portion it extends from. In some embodiments, the trucks can comprise a rigid core at least partially surrounded by a less rigid outer protective material (e.g., an overmold foam), and attachment features or mechanisms between the trucks and the deck. In some embodiments the trucks can be made entirely of a dense foam or other material(s) and attached to the deck via any suitable attachment feature or mechanism. In some embodiments, the trucks can be made entirely of a dense foam or other material and comprise a single piece with the outer protective material of the deck.

[26] Some embodiments described herein provide a skateboard training device created out of a solid core material and a dense and durable foam or other similar material. The device can have one unitary piece as the core and durable foam molded into the preferred shape, or can be made in multiple pieces and affixed together. This device can be used as a toy or a training tool for individuals who want to learn skateboard tricks and stunts, however this device can also be used as a toy for children. In some embodiments, the deck, trucks and optional simulated wheels (or wheel-shaped portions) can all be weighted proportionately to a real skateboard. For example, the deck can comprise between 50-90 % of the weight of one or more of the skateboard or core, between 65-85% of the weight of one or more of the skateboard or core or about 75% of the weight of one or more of the skateboard or core, the set of trucks can comprise between 10-50 % of the weight of one or more of the skateboard or core, between 15- 35% of the weight of one or more of the skateboard or core or about 25% of the weight of one or more of the skateboard or core. The two pairs of optional wheel simulators or wheel-shaped portions can be molded onto the trucks and not spin like those of a regular skateboard such that the device is much more stable. On a standard skateboard the user must maintain balance as the skateboard moves forward by attempting to master the additional actions needed to perform the tricks. With contemplated devices herein, the tricks (e.g., ollies) can be practiced without the need to control the forward movement at the same time.

[27] A patterned uneven surface can be provided (e.g., on a top surface of the outer protective material of a deck), which provides grip for the user’s feet or shoes (or other feet covering such as socks). The user can even skate barefoot if they desire as the deck surface can comprise a foam or other softer grip material. The device can be lightweight yet very durable. It can be flexible and allow spring so that it will rebound off the ground when it is jumped on by the skateboarder. The device can hold the weight of a wide range of sizes of individuals standing on it for hours, days, weeks, or even years without breaking (e.g., up to 50 lbs, up to 75 lbs, up to 100 lbs, up to 150 lbs, up to 200 lbs, up to 250 lbs, up to 300 lbs). This device can be used and enjoyed by users of any suitable age, including kids and adults. The present devices can allow the user to improve their balance, muscle coordination and training while practicing tricks and maneuvers. Further, the skateboard devices can allow the user to practice the natural movements that are utilized by most board users so that they can learn how to control the orientation of the board and the rate of speed once they transition onto a traditional skateboard.

[28] In some embodiments, a skateboard device comprises a deck, a set of trucks extending downward from the deck, wherein the deck comprises a first core portion made of a first set of materials, and a first outer protective material that at least partially wraps the first core portion. The first truck of the set of trucks can comprise a second core portion made of a second set of materials, and a second outer protective material that at least partially wraps the second core portion. The second truck of the set of trucks can comprise a third core portion made of a third set of materials, and a third outer protective materials that at least partially wraps the third core portion. In some aspects, the first, second and third sets of materials comprise the same materials (e.g., a wood, an epoxy resin, carbon fiber, any combination thereof), and wherein the first, second, and third outer protective materials comprise some or all of the same materials (e.g., a foam rubber). The core portion(s) can comprise several layers of one, two, three or even more types of materials that are glued or pressed together to provide the desired deck rigidity and weight. For example, the deck can be made from between 5-15 thin layers (e.g., less than ¼ inch, less than 1cm thickness, less than 0.5cm thickness) of wood or other material(s) glued and pressed to a complex form.

[29] In some aspects, each of the second and third core portions are fixedly or removably attached to a bottom surface of the first core portion, the first, second and third core portions forming a unitary core structure. In some aspects, the first, second, and third outer protective materials form a unitary outer material that wraps around at least 80%, or even at least 90%, or 100% of the unitary core structure. For example, the unitary outer material may be a dense foam that wraps around at least 80%, at least 90%, or 100% of the more rigid core structure. The dense foam (or other material) that wraps around the more rigid core structure can comprise a single piece, or multiple pieces.

[30] In some aspects, the first, second, and third core portions may be separately wrapped (in whole or in part) by the first, second and third outer protective material, and then assembled to form the skateboard training device. The first outer protective material may wrap around at least 80%, at least 90%, or the entirety of the first core portion to form the deck. The second outer protective material may wrap around at least 80%, at least 90%, or the entirety of the second core portion to form the first truck. The third outer protective material may wrap around at least 80%, at least 90%, or the entirety of the third core portion to form the second truck.

[31] The bottom surface of the first truck can comprise wheel simulators (e.g., first and second wheel simulators). The bottom surface of the second truck can comprise wheel simulators (e.g., third and fourth wheel simulators). It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, each truck may be coupled to a set of wheel simulators that are shaped as wheels but do not spin, and one or more of the wheel simulators can comprise a rigid core portion and an outer protective material portion.

[32] The inventive subject matter also provides a skateboard device comprising a device core, an outer protective material that at least partially wraps the device core, and wherein the device core comprises at least one of a deck portion, and first and second truck portions extending downward from the deck portion. In some aspects, the outer protective material can entirely wrap the device core. A gripping material is sometimes affixed to a portion of the outer protective material that is positioned over an upper surface of the deck portion of the device core to enhance a grip between a user’s feet or shoes and the board. Truck portions extending downward from the deck portion can each comprise two (or any suitable number of) wheel-shaped portions.

[33] Referring now to the Figures, FIGS. 1-4 illustrate an embodiment of a skateboard training device. Device 1 comprises a deck 12 which may be the same shape and dimensions of a conventional skateboard but is made of a core material which can be made of one or more of a plastic, a wood, a custom carbon fiber reinforced material, or any other suitable material(s), and an outer protective material. The core can be wrapped partially or entirely wrapped in the outer protective material. For example, the outer protective material can comprise between l-20mm, between 1- 10mm, between l-5mm of high-density foam and can be wrapped over the entire outer surface of the core. The deck 12 can be sturdy enough to hold a large adult yet flexible enough to allow give in the deck when tricks are performed and the user jumps on or puts pressure on the deck. The top of the deck 12 (e.g., the outer protective material over the upper surface of the deck core) can comprise or be coupled to a surface material 14 that provides grip and traction for the user’s feet. The surface material 14 can be made in multiple different patterns and grip styles, and be made of any suitable material (e.g., dense foam, grip tape).

[34] Affixed to the bottom of the deck 12, and extending downwardly therefrom can be front and rear trucks 20 and 22. The deck 12 and the trucks 20 and 22 can be made of one continuous core material which can also extend into the simulated wheels or wheel-shaped portions 15, 16, 17 and 18 creating one solid core throughout the entire skateboard. The core material can be made of plastic, a wood, a carbon fiber reinforced material, or other hard material or materials. The entire core is wrapped in a protective material such as a foam having any suitable thickness.

[35] In some contemplated aspects, the trucks 20 and 22 can be formed as a continuation of the deck 12. In some contemplated aspects, the trucks 20 and 22 can be mounted to the deck 12 by bolts or another attachment means. The trucks 20 and 22 comprise a core and are wrapped in foam or other protective material, which can provide controlled resiliency and flexes with the actions of the skateboarder. In some contemplated embodiment on portions (e.g., the underside) of the trucks 20 and 22 there can be multiple grooves 11. These grooves 11 can lighten the weight of the core and allow the foam or other outer protective material to more easily stay affixed to the entire outer surface of the core. The shape, style and pattern of these optional grooves 11 can vary. At either end of each of the trucks, there can be round protrusions 15, 16, 17 and 18 that are simulated wheels or wheel-shaped portions that provide contact surfaces (e.g., non-slip contact surfaces) to the ground. The device can act similarly to a regular skateboard and the flex from the deck 12 to the trucks 20 and 22 can create a pop or ollie to propel the user and board off the ground.

[36] As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, the surface material 14 can include a rectangular or square pattern where the rectangles are raised relative to lower channels between the rectangles. This configuration of the surface material 14 can allow a user to have an enhanced gripping surface when they place their feet on the deck of the board. Additionally or alternatively, the surface material 14 can include a pattern wherein the rectangles or other shapes are recessed.

[37] As best seen in FIG. 3, the trucks 20 and 22 extend from a bottom surface of deck 12, and are spaced apart on the underside of the deck. The deck can be, for example, between 0.3 to 1 inch thick in some embodiments. The trucks 20 and 22 can be molded as one continuous piece with the deck 12 or can be manufactured as separate pieces and attached to the deck via bolts or other attachment devices.

[38] From the side view, the top of each truck (or the connection point to the deck of each truck) can be wider and triangulate, taper or otherwise extend downward to a narrower portion right above (or connection point to) a simulated wheel (e.g., 16 and 18). The trucks 20 and 22 with including the simulated wheels can be spaced apart by, for example, between 14-18 inches. The simulated wheels 16 and 18 can be rounded or circular in shape. The deck 12 can range, for example, from 30 to 35 inches in length and 6 to 9 inches in width with the front end of the deck being slightly wider than the back end. In some aspects, the deck 12 can be 31.5 inches long and 7 ¾ inches wide. It should be appreciated that in some embodiments the deck can be slightly wider at one end and does not need to be uniform in width along the length of the deck 12. The distance from each of the left and right simulated wheels 15 and 16, and 17 and 18 can be, for example, between 3-10 inches, between 5-8 inches, or 7 7/8 inches.

[39] In some contemplated aspects, the skateboard training device can be lightweight, and weigh between 1-11 pounds. The entire outer surface of the device can comprise a less rigid material (e.g., a foam) compared to a core, which can prevent injuries to users and damage to property whether the device is used indoors or outdoors (e.g., floors, walls, furniture, appliances, homes, cars). [40] It should be appreciated that a deck of the contemplated skateboard training devices can comprise any rigid core structure partially or entirely surrounded by a protective/less rigid outer material. For example, the rigid core structure can be shaped similarly to a typical skateboard deck. As other examples, the rigid core structure can comprise, among other things, (a) bars made of metal, plastic, wood, carbon fiber, a combination thereof or other material(s), or (b) grids made of metal, plastic, wood, carbon fiber, a combination thereof or other material(s).

[41] FIGS. 5-6 illustrate another embodiment of a skateboard training device. Device 100 comprises a deck 110 having an upper surface 115, which can include at least one of an adhesive backed gripping material such as polyvinyl chloride or silicon- carbine, a surface material similar to surface material 14 having raised surfaces, and a protective foam or other material. Truck 120 extends downward from a bottom of deck 110, and comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. Lower portion comprises a raised portion extending between two side lower end portions 121 and 122. From a side view, the upper portion is wider than the lower portion (here tapering down to a rounded bottom). However, it is contemplated that the truck can have any suitable shape. From a front or rear view, the upper portion may be uniform in width to, wider than, or narrower than the lower portion. Truck 125 extends downward from a bottom of deck 110, and comprises an upper portion and a lower portion. Lower portion comprises a raised portion extending between two side lower end portions 126 and 127. From a side view, the upper portion is wider than the lower portion (here tapering down to a rounded bottom). However, it is contemplated that the truck can have any suitable shape. From a front or rear view, the upper portion may be uniform in width to, wider than, or narrower than the lower portion.

[42] As best seen in FIG. 6, deck 110 can comprise a rigid core 113 made of a first set of materials (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, or even more materials), and an outer protective material 112 that can be directly attached or otherwise coupled to some or all of the outer surface of the rigid core 113, the outer protective material being less rigid than the core made of the first set of materials. For example, the core 113 can be made of wood, carbon fiber, plastic, any combination thereof or other materials, and the outer protective material can be made of an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam.

[43] Thus, specific skateboard training devices, components thereof, and related methods have been disclosed. It should be apparent, however, to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the disclosure. Moreover, in interpreting the disclosure all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to the elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps can be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

[44] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[45] Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[46] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more.

[47] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements).

[48] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, and including the endpoints. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

[49] All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words “assembly,” “mechanism,” “element,” “device,” and the like may not be a substitute for the word “means.” As such, no claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.”

[50] Various modifications to the embodiments described herein will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims. Thus, it is understood that the scope of the claims fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the claims are accordingly not limited.

[51] Combinations, described herein, such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” “at least one of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, and any such combination may contain one or more members of its constituents A, B, and/or C. For example, a combination of A and B may comprise one A and multiple B’s, multiple A’s and one B, or multiple A’s and multiple B’s.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A skateboard device, comprising: a deck; a set of trucks extending downward from the deck; and wherein the deck comprises a first core portion made of a first set of materials, and a first outer protective material that at least partially wraps the first core portion.

2. The skateboard device of claim 1, wherein a first truck of the set of trucks comprises a second core portion made of a second set of materials, and a second outer protective material that at least partially wraps the second core portion.

3. The skateboard device of claim 2, wherein a second truck of the set of trucks comprises a third core portion made of a third set of materials, and a third outer protective materials that at least partially wraps the third core portion.

4. The skateboard device of claim 3, wherein the first, second and third sets of materials comprise the same materials, and wherein the first, second, and third outer protective materials comprise the same materials.

5. The skateboard device of claim 3, wherein each of the second and third core portions are attached to a bottom surface of the first core portion, the first, second and third core portions forming a unitary core, and wherein the first, second, and third outer protective materials form a unitary outer material that wraps around at least 80% of the unitary core.

6. The skateboard device of claim 5, wherein the unitary outer material wraps around an entirety of the unitary core.

7. The skateboard device of claim 3, wherein the first outer protective material entirely wraps the first core portion.

8. The skateboard device of claim 7, wherein the second outer protective material entirely wraps the second core portion, and wherein the third outer protective material wraps the entire third core portion.

9. The skateboard device of claim 3, wherein a bottom surface of the first truck has one or more rounded wheel-shaped portions.

10. The skateboard device of claim 9, wherein the bottom surface of the first truck has first and second rounded wheel-shaped portions.

11. The skateboard device of claim 10, wherein a bottom surface of the second truck has third and fourth rounded wheel-shaped portions.

12. The skateboard device of claim 1, further comprising a gripping material affixed to the deck.

13. The skateboard device of claim 1, wherein the first set of materials comprise at least one of a wood, an epoxy resin, and a carbon fiber.

14. The skateboard device of claim 1, wherein the first outer protective material comprises a foam rubber.

15. The skateboard device of claim 1, wherein the first core portion comprises several layers of two or more materials glued or pressed together.

16. A skateboard device, comprising: a device core; an outer protective material that entirely wraps the device core; and wherein the device core comprises at least one of a deck portion, and first and second truck portions extending downward from the deck portion.

17. The skateboard device of claim 16, wherein the first truck portion comprises first and second simulated wheel portions, and wherein the second truck portion comprises third and fourth simulated wheel portions.

18. The skateboard device of claim 16, wherein a gripping material is affixed to a portion of the outer protective material that is positioned over an upper surface of the deck portion of the device core.

19. The skateboard device of claim 16, wherein the first truck portion comprises first and second lower side portions with a first raised portion extending between the first and second lower portions, and wherein and second truck portions comprises third and fourth lower side portions with a second raise portion extending between the third and fourth lower portions.

20. The skateboard device of claim 19, wherein the first, second, third and fourth lower portions are wheel-shaped.