U.S. patent application number 12/931776 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for three-wheeled skateboard method.
Invention is credited to Kevin L. Smith.
Application Number | 20110133420 12/931776 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42149443 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110133420 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Smith; Kevin L. |
June 9, 2011 |
Three-wheeled skateboard method
Abstract
A method for propelling a skateboard. The method includes
applying an alternating lateral force to first and second sides of
a first end of the skateboard. The skateboard first end is offset
from a second end of the skateboard, and the first and second ends
define a board plane. The skateboard includes a truck assembly and
a caster assembly. The caster assembly has a caster pin at an angle
with respect to the board plane. Other embodiments are also
disclosed.
Inventors: |
Smith; Kevin L.;
(US) |
Family ID: |
42149443 |
Appl. No.: |
12/931776 |
Filed: |
February 10, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12587652 |
Oct 10, 2009 |
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12931776 |
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12450489 |
Sep 28, 2009 |
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12587652 |
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61114308 |
Nov 13, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/87.042 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 17/226 20130101;
A63C 17/12 20130101; A63C 17/0033 20130101; A63C 17/012 20130101;
B62K 3/002 20130101; A63C 17/01 20130101; A63C 17/014 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/87.042 |
International
Class: |
A63C 17/04 20060101
A63C017/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 5, 2009 |
IB |
PCT/IB2009/005003 |
Claims
1. A method of propelling a skateboard, the method comprising:
applying a lateral force to a first side of a board, the board
further comprising a first end and a second end, the first end
offset from the second end, and the second end defining a board
plane, a truck assembly attached near the second end, the truck
assembly including a shaft substantially perpendicular with the
board, the shaft connecting to a truck axle supporting a first
wheel and a second wheel, each of the first wheel and second wheel
being freely rotatable about the truck axle, and a caster assembly
attached near the first end of the board with a caster pin defining
a fixed caster pin angle with respect to the board plane, the fixed
caster pin angle forming an acute angle with respect to the board
plane, the caster assembly including a caster fork supporting a
caster wheel freely rotatable about a caster axle, such that the
caster fork translates radially about the caster pin; transferring
a force through the caster assembly; applying the transferred force
to a surface, wherein the applied force is the product of the
transferred force and the distance between a line perpendicular to
the board plane and the caster axle; and applying a lateral force
to a second side of the board based on the application of the
lateral force to the first side of the board.
2. The method of claim 1 further comprising adjusting the fixed
caster pin angle relative to the board plane.
3. The method of claim 2 further comprising relocating an angle
pin, wherein the caster pin is adjustable via alternate settings of
the angle pin to obtain certain fixed angular positions that are
angular with respect to the board plane.
4. The method of claim 2 further comprising adjusting the fixed
caster pin angle relative to the board plane by configuring a
caster block and lock nut arrangement to provide a desired fixed
caster pin angle.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation/divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/587,652, filed Oct. 10, 2009, pending,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/450,489, filed Sep. 28, 2009, pending, which is a 371 of
PCT/IB2009/005003, filed Jan. 5, 2009, and claims benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/114,308, filed Nov. 13, 2008,
all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] The present invention relates in general to a method for
propelling a human powered vehicle. In particular, the present
invention relates to a three-wheeled skateboard.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Over the years, conventional skateboards have become
familiar to both children and adults. FIG. 1 is a perspective view
diagram showing a general embodiment of a conventional skateboard
of the prior art. Skateboard 100 includes a front truck assembly
102 and a rear truck assembly 104. As illustrated, the truck
assemblies each include an axle and two wheels.
[0006] As illustrated, the conventional skateboard is constructed
of an elongate board having a set of axially coupled wheels mounted
beneath the board at each end of the board. In the past, this
conventional design has been altered only slightly. For example,
each two wheel set always included two wheels, but the sets may
have been sized differently. In addition, the axle for each set may
have been extended, and the elongate board may have been shaped
differently to give an alternative look. Further, many aesthetic
variations of the design have been implemented over time. These
variations in aesthetic design have created a popular market that
provides lucrative rewards to manufacturers and aesthetic designers
of conventional skateboards. However, recently the conventional
design of the skateboard has been modified significantly.
[0007] The conventional design of the skateboard has been modified
such that each set of axially mounted wheels has been removed. FIG.
2 is a perspective view diagram showing a general embodiment of a
contemporary skateboard 200 of the prior art. Contemporary
skateboard 200 is illustrated to show an example of the skateboard
including a front footboard and caster assembly 202 and a rear
footboard and caster assembly 204. These two footboard/caster
assemblies are mechanically coupled by means of a connecting
element 206 which is often constructed of resilient and/or flexible
material.
[0008] In contemporary skateboard designs, the conventional two
wheel set at each end of the elongate board has been replaced with
a single caster on each of two footboards. This single caster
design has greatly enhanced a rider's enjoyment on a skateboard.
This latest innovation in fundamental skateboard design has been
well received throughout the world. As a result of the acceptance
of the contemporary skateboard design, various manufacturers have
begun competing for customers. At this point, businesses compete
for consumers of the contemporary skateboard, again, mostly through
altering aesthetics of the contemporary two caster skateboard
design.
[0009] Aside from aesthetics, consumers appear to be drawn to the
contemporary skateboard, at least in part, for the unusual riding
techniques that are required to operate the contemporary
skateboard. Unfortunately, as users seem to ignore, these unusual
riding techniques that are required to operate the contemporary
style of skateboard can be detrimental to skills that are learned
in analogous winter or even water sports. For example, a sport such
as snow boarding appears to be similar, but does not work the same
muscle sets of a rider of the contemporary skateboard. Of note,
when snow is unavailable, riders sometimes ill advisedly use the
contemporary skateboard as a substitute for teaching/learning snow
boarding skills. Riders seem to be unaware of the detrimental
effects of the contemporary skateboards and, even if aware, seem to
simply ignore the problem.
[0010] Further, riders/consumers may be confused by the similar
look of the contemporary skateboard to a snow board. Still further,
consumers may believe that they may improve their snow boarding
skills by non-snow surface training with the contemporary
skateboard. However, due to the unusual riding technique required
by the contemporary skateboard, when an athlete uses the
contemporary skateboard for snow board training, the athlete could
actually reduce their snow board performance. In addition, the
athlete simply seeking the feel of a snow board through the use of
the contemporary skateboard when off the snow surface may be
disappointed when discovering such deficiencies after purchasing
the contemporary style skateboard.
[0011] Unfortunately, riders/consumers have mostly ignored these
problems because of the new and exciting challenge associated with
the contemporary skateboard. In fact, consumers that may not be
familiar with snow board or surf board techniques have turned the
contemporary skateboard market into a lucrative business, thereby
discouraging manufacturers from changing the fundamental design of
the contemporary skateboard. In addition, experienced snow
board/surf board consumers do not look to the contemporary
skateboard to meet their cross-training needs, but look to the
contemporary skateboard for entertainment value. Therefore,
manufacturers have not seen a need to change the fundamental
skateboard design and have focused mostly on altering skateboard
aesthetics to capture market share.
[0012] From the foregoing discussion, what is unapparently needed,
therefore, is a system and method for a skateboard that provides a
user with a feel that is similar to a snow or surf board.
Ironically, because contemporary skateboards are often considered
unsafe for stability reasons, thrill seeking consumers often seek
the contemporary skateboard exactly for these instability reasons
and do not seek a more stable skateboard.
[0013] Recent advancements/alternatives in skateboard technology do
not address this cross training aspect. In fact, the recent
advancements even teach away from addressing cross training
aspects. For example, some skateboard advancements fail to even
slightly appear like a snow or surf board. Further, recent
advancements often lead to a decrease in skateboard stability.
[0014] For example, "Caster Skate Apparatus" US 2007/0284835 A1
(Choi) addresses problems such as an inconvenient turning radius.
Choi's solution to the inconvenient turning radius leads directly
to creating more instability and absolutely no cross training
benefits. Still further, cross training is ignored in "Two-wheeled
Skateboard" U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,328 (Tipton) where the need for
in-line skateboard skating is addressed. Of note, the in-line
wheels preferred in Tipton also clearly teach away from increasing
stability in a conventional skateboard.
[0015] In addition, "Skateboard With Direction Castor" U.S. Pat.
No. 7,195,259 (Gang) addresses the steering aspect of skateboards
by disclosing techniques to improve steering of a conventional
skateboard. Among other things, Gang alters the wheel arrangement
of conventional skateboards by including two or even three
direction casters in place of the conventional two wheel set
arrangements. Of note, even with the three wheel arrangement of
Gang, the wheels are constructed such that less stability is
offered with the three wheel arrangement.
[0016] Among all the different types of advancements in
conventional skateboard technology, aside from the failure to
address cross training appeal in a skateboard, stability appears to
be an advancement that has actually been avoided. Apparently,
stability has been intentionally avoided due to consumer
choice.
[0017] Of note, neither conventional nor contemporary skateboard
designs have addressed performance adaptations by means of
providing subtle adjustments to truck, hanger (axle), or wheel
position dimensions. Thus, skateboard adjustments to accommodate
for both environmental conditions and the sometimes significant
differences between experienced and inexperienced skateboard users
have been ignored.
[0018] For example, skateboard changes such as the use of a reverse
kingpin truck having a reverse kingpin have been reserved for more
advanced skateboard designs such as high speed long-boards. As a
result, inexperienced skateboard users are unable to perform minor
adjustments to these more advanced skateboards that would make the
more advanced skateboard conducive to use by the inexperienced
skateboard user.
[0019] In addition, key spacing in both "wheelbase," which is
defined as the space between front and rear axles, and "clearance,"
which is defined as the space between wheel axles and deck has not
been made readily adjustable in skateboards of the past. Moreover,
these adjustments differ on a traditional skateboard where front
and rear wheels and trucks are essentially the same dimensions.
Whereas, according to principles of the three-wheeled skateboard of
the present invention, as will be understood by those of ordinary
skill in the art upon viewing the following disclosure, the
predominantly one-directional design of the past makes these
adjustments far more significant.
[0020] Also of note, as will be appreciated by those of ordinary
skill in the art upon review of the instant application, a caster
pin may also be referred to herein as a "caster kingpin" and
vice-versa.
[0021] In view of the prior art, the effort to improve the
conventional skateboard appears to have skateboard manufacturers
focused on creating a more challenging and/or aesthetically
pleasing skateboard. Apparently, the practical nature of stability
and/or cross training has been completely and intentionally ignored
in the prior art.
SUMMARY
[0022] It has been discovered that the aforementioned shortcomings
are resolved using a system for a skateboard and method for
propelling the skateboard.
[0023] In one embodiment, the skateboard system includes a board
including a first end and a second end. The first end is offset
from the second end, and the second end defines a board plane. The
skateboard system includes a truck assembly attached near the
second end. The truck assembly includes a shaft substantially
perpendicular with the board. The shaft connects to an axle that
supports a first wheel and a second wheel. Each of the first wheel
and second wheel are freely rotatable about the axle.
[0024] In addition, the skateboard system includes a caster
assembly attached near the first end of the board. The caster
assembly includes a caster pin that defines a predetermined angle
with respect to the board plane. The predetermined caster pin angle
is securely fixed with respect to the board plane. Thus, the caster
pin is securely coupled relative to the board plane such that the
predetermined caster pin angle is securely fixed to form an acute
angle with respect to the board plane.
[0025] The caster assembly also includes a caster fork supporting a
caster wheel that is freely rotatable about a caster axle. The
caster fork translates radially about the caster pin regardless of
a predetermined caster pin angle.
[0026] In addition, the skateboard system may include a caster
assembly that is removably coupled to the board. As will be
appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art when viewing the
present disclosure, the removably coupled caster assembly may be
removable by means such as a simple bolt and nut arrangement, a pin
assembly coupling the caster assembly to the board, or other such
apparatus to create a removable coupling that avoids welding or
breaking the caster assembly.
[0027] Further, the skateboard may provide an adjustably coupled
caster pin that is adjustable to set certain fixed angular
positions according to a mating selection of matching teeth within
caster assembly to secure the caster pin.
[0028] Still further, the caster pin may also be adjustable via an
angle pin. The angle pin can be positioned to obtain a certain
fixed angular position according to an angle pin location. The
angle pin location is selected within caster assembly. In either of
the caster pin embodiments, in operation, the caster pin has a
fixed angular position that is angular with respect to the board
plane.
[0029] In another embodiment, the skateboard system may include a
handlebar assembly that is coupled to the board. The handlebar
assembly creates a scooter embodiment that includes a skateboard
that is constructed according to principles of the present
invention.
[0030] In yet another embodiment, a method of propelling a
skateboard constructed according to principles of the present
invention includes the following steps, not necessarily in the
following order.
[0031] The method includes the step of applying a lateral force to
a first side of a board. The board includes a first end and a
second end. The first end is offset from the second end, and the
second end defines a board plane. A truck assembly is attached near
the second end, with the truck assembly including a shaft
substantially perpendicular with the board. The shaft connects to a
truck axle supporting a first wheel and a second wheel.
[0032] Each of the first wheel and second wheel is freely rotatable
about the truck axle, and a caster assembly is attached near the
first end of the board with a caster pin defining a fixed caster
pin angle with respect to the board plane. The fixed caster pin
angle forms a first acute angle with respect to the board plane,
and the caster assembly includes a caster fork that supports a
caster wheel freely rotatable about a caster axle. The caster fork
translates radially about the caster pin.
[0033] Another step of the method of propelling a skateboard
constructed according to principles of the present invention
includes transferring a force through the caster assembly. In
addition, the method includes applying the transferred force to a
surface, wherein the applied force is the product of the
transferred force and the distance between the line perpendicular
to the board plane and the caster axle. In yet another step, the
method includes applying a lateral force to a second side of the
board based on the application of the lateral force to the first
side of the board.
[0034] The method may also include adjusting the fixed caster pin
angle relative to the board plane. The fixed caster pin angle may
be adjusted by relocating an angle pin. Thus, the securely coupled
caster pin is adjustable via alternate settings of the angle pin to
obtain certain fixed angular positions.
[0035] Another skateboard embodiment includes a board as in the
previously described skateboard system. However, the instant
skateboard embodiment also includes a caster assembly attached near
the first end with a caster pin defining a predetermined caster pin
angle with respect to the board plane wherein the caster pin is
securely coupled relative to the board plane such that the caster
pin angle is securely fixed to form an acute angle with respect to
the board plane. The caster pin has a caster block and lock nut
arranged to secure a caster lock plate to hold caster pin at the
predetermined caster pin angle.
[0036] As in the previous skateboard system embodiment, the caster
assembly of the instant embodiment includes a caster fork
supporting a caster wheel freely rotatable about a caster axle,
wherein the caster fork translates radially about the caster pin
regardless of the predetermined caster pin angle.
[0037] The instant skateboard may also include the caster block and
lock nut being configured to engage caster lock plate within caster
assembly by means of mechanically threading caster lock nut onto
caster lock plate in a nut and bolt arrangement such that caster
lock nut may be tightened using threads of caster lock plate by
rotating caster lock nut upon corresponding threads of caster lock
plate.
[0038] In this embodiment, caster block provides spacing beside
caster lock nut within caster assembly in a washer ring style with
a teeth arrangement of caster assembly being operative to secure
caster lock plate when caster lock nut is tightened. When
tightened, caster lock nut and caster block secure movement of
caster pin. In other words, when caster lock nut is tightened, the
predetermined caster pin angle remains unchanged.
[0039] Upon viewing the present disclosure, one of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate that variations to the above disclosed
system and method could be contemplated. For example, in one
embodiment, the system may include a caster assembly further
including at least one shim positioned to alter the predetermined
caster angle. In addition, other examples of the method may include
applying a shim to the caster assembly, the shim positioned to
alter the securely fixed and predetermined caster angle.
[0040] The foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity,
simplifications, generalizations, and omissions of detail;
consequently, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way
limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the
present invention, as defined solely by the claims, will become
apparent in the non-limiting detailed description set forth
below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] The present invention may be better understood, and its
numerous objects, features, and advantages made apparent to those
skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings.
[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagram showing a general
embodiment of a conventional skateboard of the prior art;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a perspective view diagram showing a general
embodiment of a contemporary skateboard of the prior art;
[0044] FIG. 3A is a perspective view diagram showing a general
embodiment of a skateboard constructed according to principles of
the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 3B is a perspective view diagram showing another
embodiment of a skateboard constructed according to principles of
the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 3C is a perspective view diagram showing a scooter
embodiment having a three-wheel arrangement constructed according
to principles of the present invention;
[0047] FIGS. 4A-C are perspective view diagrams showing the caster
assembly of FIG. 3A moving through different positions when the
skateboard of FIG. 3A operates according to principles of the
present invention;
[0048] FIG. 5 is a perspective view diagram showing a removable
caster assembly that operates according to principles of the
present invention;
[0049] FIG. 6A is a perspective view diagram showing an adjustable
caster assembly embodiment that operates according to principles of
the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 6B is a profile view diagram showing the adjustable
caster assembly embodiment of FIG. 6A when moved through different
angled positions;
[0051] FIG. 6C is a perspective view diagram showing the adjustable
caster assembly embodiment disclosed in FIG. 6A wherein the
adjustable caster assembly is combined with the removable caster
assembly disclosed in FIG. 5; and
[0052] FIGS. 7A-C are perspective, profile, and cross-sectional
view diagrams illustrating an alternative adjustable caster
assembly embodiment when the caster assembly, operates according to
the embodiment disclosed in FIG. 3A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] The following is intended to provide a detailed description
of examples of the invention and should not be taken to be limiting
of the invention itself. Rather, any number of variations may fall
within the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims
following the description.
[0054] FIG. 3A is a perspective view diagram showing a general
embodiment of a skateboard 300 constructed according to principles
of the present invention. Skateboard 300 includes a board 301
having a front caster assembly 302 mounted on a first end 303 of
the board 301, and a rear truck assembly 304 mounted on a second
end 305 of board 301, both assemblies being mounted on the
underside of board 301 which is an elongate board or single deck
that defines a board plane.
[0055] Front caster assembly 302 includes caster fork 314, caster
wheel 316, and caster axle 318, while rear truck assembly 304
includes truck mount 306, truck axle 308, first wheel 310, and
second wheel 312. Advantageously, a rider of skateboard 300 does
not have to leave skateboard 300 to propel the board.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment, skateboard 300 is designed such
that drive is created with somewhat of a falling forward sensation
that a rider may experience upon operating skateboard 300. As
illustrated, and as will be described in greater detail herein,
front caster assembly 302 includes a caster with a caster pin at an
angle with respect to the first end 303 of elongate board 301. The
caster pin allows the front caster assembly 302 to freely pivot on
skateboard 300. Further, unlike prior art skateboards, the
combination of front caster assembly 302, adjacent to first end 303
of board 301, and rear truck assembly 304, adjacent to second end
305 of board 301, provides an unexpectedly stable skateboard with
an unexpected snow board/surf board feel.
[0057] FIG. 3B is a perspective view diagram showing another
general skateboard embodiment, skateboard 350, constructed
according to principles of the present invention. Unlike skateboard
300, skateboard 350 includes a truck assembly (front truck
assembly) 352 and a caster assembly (rear caster assembly) 354,
both assemblies being mounted on the underside of an elongate
board. As illustrated and as will be described in greater detail
herein, rear caster assembly 354 includes a caster at an angle that
is free to pivot on skateboard 350.
[0058] Regardless of which skateboard 300, 350 is constructed, the
skateboard includes a caster assembly that is mounted at an angle.
Specifically, the caster mounting bolt (aka, caster pin, see FIG. 7
for a detailed descriptive embodiment) is mounted at an angle and
is not perpendicular or even required to be substantially
perpendicular to the skateboard deck.
[0059] FIG. 3C is a perspective view diagram showing a scooter
embodiment having a three-wheel arrangement constructed according
to principles of the present invention. FIG. 3C illustrates
skateboard 300 constructed according to principles of the present
invention, however, skateboard 300 includes a handlebar 370 to
create a scooter embodiment.
[0060] As understood by those of ordinary skill in the art when
viewing FIG. 3C, the illustrated scooter embodiment may be
constructed with many variations. For example, as discussed with
regard to FIG. 3A, skateboard 300 could simply include a front
caster assembly 302 and a rear truck assembly 304, both assemblies
being mounted on the underside of an elongate board or single deck.
Handlebar 370 allows a rider greater stability upon operation of
skateboard 300.
[0061] FIGS. 4A-C are perspective view diagrams showing a caster
assembly embodiment that moves through different positions when the
caster assembly operates according to embodiments disclosed in
FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C. Illustrated in FIGS. 4A-C is front caster
assembly 302 shown in three different pivot positions. FIG. 4A
illustrates caster frame and fork 404 supporting caster wheel 402
freely rotatable about a caster axle.
[0062] As illustrated in the following FIGS. 4B-4C, caster fork 404
translates radially about a caster pin, the caster pin being
mounted at an angle with a board plane. Further, caster fork 404
defines a caster angle, the caster angle defining an acute angle
with respect to board plane. The caster angle may further define an
acute angle with respect to the caster pin.
[0063] FIG. 5 is a perspective view diagram showing a removable
caster assembly 500 that operates according to principles of the
present invention. Removable caster assembly 500 includes, similar
to front caster assembly 302, a caster wheel 502 freely rotatable
about a caster axle. In addition, removable caster assembly 500
includes a caster frame and fork 504 that allows caster wheel 502
to translate radially about a caster pin. Caster fork 504 defines a
caster angle, the caster angle defining an acute angle with respect
to a board plane. The caster angle may further define an acute
angle with respect to the caster pin. As illustrated, the caster
pin is at an angle with respect to the board plane.
[0064] In addition, caster frame and fork 504 includes a base
arrangement 506 for easily removing or attaching removable caster
assembly 500. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, removable
caster assembly 500 is shown having apertures 508 spaced about base
arrangement 506. Apertures 508 are intended to receive bolts 510
which can be adapted to securely affix removable caster assembly
500 to the board plane by means of fastening nuts 512.
[0065] Upon viewing FIG. 5, it will be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments of removable
caster assembly 500 such as a pin arrangement could be produced
when skateboards of the invention such as skateboard 300 are
studied.
[0066] FIG. 6A is a perspective view diagram showing an adjustable
caster assembly 602 that operates according to principles of the
present invention. Like the front caster assembly 302 of FIG. 3A,
adjustable caster assembly 602 includes a caster wheel with caster
frame and fork. A caster angle pin 604 when engaged with a base
arrangement 606 is a preferred arrangement for securing the caster
frame and fork into a particular angled position. As illustrated,
angle pin 604 can be inserted at aperture 608 of base arrangement
606 in order to securely select a particular caster angle position.
As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art upon
viewing FIG. 6A, the different apertures of base arrangement 606
allow the caster wheel to be positioned at different angles with
respect to the board plane.
[0067] FIG. 6B is a profile view diagram showing adjustable caster
assembly 602 when moved through different positions. Adjustable
caster assembly operates according to the embodiment disclosed in
FIG. 6A. Three separate positions for the caster wheel/fork are
illustrated in FIG. 6B. Each position is illustrated with a
separate profile image in the drawing. Of course, upon viewing the
present disclosure, other angled embodiments may be illustrated as
appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0068] FIG. 6C is a perspective view diagram showing adjustable
caster assembly 602 as disclosed in FIG. 6A; however, adjustable
caster assembly 602 is combined with removable caster 500 disclosed
in FIG. 5. Specifically, base arrangement 606 is configured to
allow the presence of apertures 508 spaced about base arrangement
606 for receiving bolts 510 which can be adapted to securely affix
a now easily removable adjustable caster assembly 602. Removable
and adjustable caster assembly 602 is affixed to the board plane by
means of fastening nuts 512. It will be appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art upon viewing FIG. 6C that other
embodiments of a removable adjustable caster assembly 602 could be
produced within the scope of the present invention while yet
including other aspects according to principles of the presently
disclosed invention.
[0069] FIGS. 7A-C are perspective, profile, and cross-sectional
view diagrams illustrating different views of an adjustable caster
assembly 700 when the caster assembly operates according to
embodiments disclosed in FIG. 3A. Adjustable caster assembly 700
includes a caster fork supporting a caster wheel 702, a caster
plate 704, and a caster base arrangement 706. Caster base
arrangement 706 is illustrated having apertures 708 which enable
removable caster functionality. Caster base arrangement 706 is also
shown having teeth 710 which enable the angle of caster assembly
700 to be securely adjustable when engaging caster lock plate 712
with caster assembly teeth 710.
[0070] In operation, as illustrated by the two-way arrows of FIG.
7A, caster plate 704 enables the caster fork with caster wheel 702
to freely pivot on an axis. In addition, engaging caster assembly
teeth 710 with caster lock plate 712 enables caster wheel 702 to be
securely and seamlessly adjusted relative to the board plane such
that a preferred caster angle may be selected by a rider of a
skateboard incorporating adjustable caster assembly 700.
[0071] FIG. 7B illustrates a profile view of adjustable caster
assembly 700. The profile view shows two positions that a rider may
set caster wheel 702. These two positions are shown in different
line formats. One position is shown with solid lines, while a
second position is shown with dashed lines; dashed lines are used
in order to illustrate the second position that a rider of
skateboard 300 may select for a skateboard constructed according to
principles of the disclosed invention.
[0072] FIG. 7C illustrates a profile and cross-sectional view of an
embodiment of an adjustability mechanism for adjustable caster
assembly 700. For clarification purposes, caster base arrangement
706 is illustrated showing multiple views and hence multiple label
numbering. For example, in the profile portion of the drawing,
caster base arrangement 706 is illustrated and in the
cross-sectional view, caster assembly teeth 710 are illustrated on
caster base arrangement 706. Caster assembly teeth 710 are shown
engaging with teeth of caster lock plate 712.
[0073] Also shown in FIG. 7C is a detailed cross-sectional view of
caster plate 704 and related hardware for implementing an
embodiment of adjustable caster assembly 700. Caster plate 704 is
coupled to caster lock plate 712 by the tension of caster plate
retaining bolt (aka, caster mounting bolt or caster pin) 722
threaded into said caster lock plate 712. Caster plate 704 rotates
freely due to caster retaining bolt 722 engaging caster radial
bearing 718 on the inner race. Outer race of caster radial bearing
718 engages the caster plate 704. Caster thrust bearing 720
suspends caster plate 704 above caster lock plate 712.
[0074] As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
when viewing caster assembly 700, caster block 714 may be secured
with caster lock nut 716 to secure a caster pin angle when caster
assembly 700 is configured to allow selection of a caster pin angle
by a rider of skateboard 300. Further, the caster fork may attach
to caster plate 704 via simple welding, manufacturing caster plate
704 having forks included as a single part, or other similar
attachment method.
[0075] The included functional descriptive material is information
that imparts functionality to a machine. This functional
descriptive material includes, but is not limited to, mechanical
gearing of an apparatus such as adjustable caster assembly 700.
[0076] While particular embodiments of the present invention have
been shown and described, based upon the teachings herein, it will
be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and
modifications may be made without departing from the principles of
this invention and its broader aspects. Therefore, the appended
claims are to encompass within their scope all such changes and
modifications as are within the true spirit and scope of this
invention. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention
is defined by the appended claims. It will be understood by those
with skill in the art that if a specific number of an introduced
claim element is intended, such intent will be explicitly recited
in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such
limitation is present. For non-limiting example, as an aid to
understanding, the following appended claims contain usage of the
introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce
claim elements. However, the use of such phrases should not be
construed to imply that the introduction of a claim element by the
indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim
containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing
only one such element, even when the same claim includes the
introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite
articles such as "a" or "an"; the same holds true for the use in
the claims of definite articles.
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