U.S. patent application number 14/208751 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-23 for modifiable skateboard.
The applicant listed for this patent is Nathan Scolari. Invention is credited to Nathan Scolari.
Application Number | 20140312582 14/208751 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51728437 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140312582 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Scolari; Nathan |
October 23, 2014 |
MODIFIABLE SKATEBOARD
Abstract
This invention is directed to a modifiable skateboard
comprising: a deck; a first set of mounting slots defined in the
bottom of the deck for receiving attachments arranged orthogonally
to the long axis of the deck; a second set of mounting slots
defined in the bottom of the deck for receiving attachments
arranged parallel to the long axis of the deck; a first accessory
having a first attachment that is removably received in one of the
slots at one end of the deck; and, a second accessory having a
second attachment that is removably received in the opposite end of
the deck.
Inventors: |
Scolari; Nathan;
(Greenville, SC) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Scolari; Nathan |
Greenville |
SC |
US |
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|
Family ID: |
51728437 |
Appl. No.: |
14/208751 |
Filed: |
March 13, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13365108 |
Feb 2, 2012 |
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14208751 |
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61794919 |
Mar 15, 2013 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/7.12 ;
280/7.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 2203/14 20130101;
A63C 17/0033 20130101; A63C 17/018 20130101; A63C 17/016 20130101;
A63C 2203/42 20130101; A63C 17/265 20130101; A63C 17/01 20130101;
A63C 17/26 20130101; A63C 17/18 20130101; A63C 17/262 20130101;
A63C 17/014 20130101; A63C 17/015 20130101; A63C 17/24 20130101;
A63C 2203/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/7.12 ;
280/7.1 |
International
Class: |
A63C 17/01 20060101
A63C017/01; A63C 17/26 20060101 A63C017/26; A63C 17/18 20060101
A63C017/18 |
Claims
1. A modifiable skateboard comprising: a deck; a first set of
mounting slots defined in the bottom of the deck for receiving
attachments arranged orthogonally to the long axis of the deck; a
first accessory having a first attachment that is removably
received in one of the slots at one end of the deck; and, a second
accessory having a second attachment that is removably received in
one of the slots at the opposite end of the deck.
2. The skateboard of claim 1 including a second set of mounting
slots defined in the bottom of the deck for receiving attachments
arranged parallel to the long axis of the deck.
3. The skateboard of claim 1 including a shaft removably attached
vertically to the deck of the skateboard.
4. The skateboard of claim 3 including a handle attached to the
shaft at an end opposite the deck and orthogonal to the shaft.
5. The skateboard of claim 1 including powered lights attached to
the bottom of the deck for projecting light from underneath the
deck.
6. The skateboard of claim 5 including a reflective surface
included on the bottom of the deck for reflecting light from
underneath the deck.
7. The skateboard of claim 1 wherein the first attachment is
selected from the group consisting of: friction fit, pressure fit
and detent.
8. The skateboard of claim 1 wherein the first accessory is
selected from the group consisting of: a truck with at least one
wheel, single wheel, ice blade, pivot, stop and light.
9. The skateboard of claim 1 including an end attached to the deck
by an extendable coupling to allow for the length of the skateboard
to vary.
10. The skateboard of claim 1 including an end attached to the deck
by a spring allowing for the end to flex in relation to the
deck.
11. A modifiable skateboard comprising: a deck; a first set of
mounting slots defined in the bottom of the deck for receiving
attachments arranged orthogonally to the long axis of the deck; a
second set of mounting slots defined in the bottom of the deck for
receiving attachments arranged parallel to the long axis of the
deck; and, an accessory having an attachment that is removably
received in one of the slots.
12. The skateboard of claim 11 wherein the accessory is selected
from the group consisting of: a truck with at least one wheel,
single wheel, ice blade, pivot, stop and light.
13. The skateboard of claim 11 including: a recess defined in the
top of the deck; a tether attached to the deck at a distal end;
and, a handle attached to the tether at a proximal end that can be
received by the recess when the handle is not in use and can be
extended to the length of the tether when the rider wishes to use
the handle to lift the deck skateboard off the ground.
14. The skateboard of claim 11 including: a clip attached to the
top of the deck; and, an opening defined in a rider's shoe arranged
to receive the clip when the shoe slides against the clip thereby
securing the shoe to the deck.
15. The skateboard of claim 11 including: an opening defined in the
center portion of the deck; and, a center wheel carried by the deck
so that a portion of the wheel protrudes above the deck and a
portion of the wheel protrudes below the deck.
16. A modifiable skateboard comprising: a deck; a set of openings
defined in the bottom of the deck for receiving accessories; and,
an accessory removably attached to the bottom of the deck having an
attachment receiving into one opening securing the accessory to the
deck.
17. The skateboard of claim 16 wherein the attachment is a threaded
post.
18. The skateboard of claim 16 wherein the attachment is secured in
one opening by one of the following: friction fit, detent and
threads.
19. The skateboard of claim 16 including a recess defined in the
top of the deck; a tether attached to the deck at a distal end;
and, a handle attached to the tether at a proximal end that can be
received by the recess when the handle is not in use and can be
extended to the length of the tether when the rider wishes to use
the handle to lift the deck skateboard off the ground.
20. The skateboard of claim 19 including a retracting tether so
that the tether retracts into the deck when not in use.
Description
1) FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention is directed to a skateboard and more
particularly to a skateboard that is easily modifiable with
interchangeable accessories.
2) DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0002] Skateboards are well known and are believed to have been
invented in the 1950s gaining widespread popularity in the 1960s.
The components of a typical skateboard include the deck which
supports the rider and generally is the main component which other
accessories attach. Trucks, which connect to the deck, include an
axle for attaching wheels. Wheels of different types are available
based on the type of skateboarding that the rider engages in.
Bearings allow the wheels to rotate around the axles. Grip tape
which is attached to the top surface of the skateboard provides a
non-slip surface and significantly increases the friction on the
top of the deck. Risers can also be included which elevate the deck
off the ground higher than with the trucks alone. Typically, the
trucks are screwed into the deck requiring holes and prevent the
trucks, and therefore, the wheel positions from being easily
changed.
[0003] Traditionally, skateboards contain a forward and rear truck
each having an axle and two wheels connected to each truck.
Attempts have been made to alter this traditional configuration
such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,984,328 and 6,428,022 which disclose a
two-wheeled skateboard with the wheel aligned in a linear
configuration along the center axis of the deck. Further, U.S. Pat.
No. 6,270,096 discloses a skateboard with wheels arranged in a
linear fashion with each truck having multiple wheels in a linear
arrangement.
[0004] Further, attempts have been made to make the wheels
removable so that the wheels can be interchanged. United States
Patent application 2006/0131826 discloses removable wheels so that
the wheels are interchangeable. United States Patent application
2007/0035100 discloses a removable wheel hub, but uses a fixed
mount that is screwed into the deck. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No.
5,601,299 allows for two or three wheels to be attached to a
mounting rail, however, the mounting rail is affixed to the deck,
thereby preventing the position of the wheels to be easily
modified.
[0005] Since the Ollie was invented around 1978, riders have been
trying to find ways to customize skateboards and begin using these
items as articles of expression. For example. U.S. Pat. No.
4,159,121 discloses hand or foot holds that can be attached to the
deck using screws. U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,117 is directed to a tension
strap that attaches to the deck and a belt worn by the user so that
the skateboard is held to the feet of the user for performing
tricks. U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,893 discloses runners attached where
wheels would normally be, so that the skateboard is adapted to be
used on an ice surface. United States Patent Application
2010/0276912 discloses a "leash" that is an aftermarket accessory
that wraps around a skateboard and allows the rider to pull the
leash to keep the skateboard on the feet of the rider during stunts
such as jumping and Ollie's. U.S. Pat. No. 4,055,234 discloses a
brake system that can be used with a skateboard. U.S. Pat. No.
4,289,325 discloses a forward extension unit that is held in the
hand of the rider, connects to the front of a skateboard and allows
the rider to enhance the control of the skateboard when riding.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,827 discloses a bridle that the rider pulls
when jumping so that the skateboard can be held securely to the
rider's feet even when airborne.
[0006] Other examples of accessories for skateboards have been
attempted such as United States Patent application 2003/0075890
which includes metal plates attached to the deck so that when in
cooperation with magnets imbedded in the rider's shoes, they
enhance the ability of the rider to keep the skateboard in contact
with his or her shoes when jumping or performing other airborne
maneuvers. U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,438 discloses a skateboard with
magnets on the top of the deck and in the rider's shoes so that the
rider can more easily secure the skateboard to his shoes when
riding.
[0007] It is an object of this invention to provide a skateboard
accessory system that provides for easy modifications to the deck
of a skateboard for interchangeable trucks and wheels in many
configurations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The objectives of this invention are accomplished by
providing a system for providing a modifiable skateboard
comprising: a deck; a plurality of mounting slots defined in the
bottom of the deck for receiving attachments; a plurality of detent
indentions defined in the mounting slots operatively associated
with attachments, thereby securing accessories to the underside of
the deck; an accessory having an attachment member that can be
received in the mounting slot accessories to be attached to and
arranged in multiple configurations to the deck. The invention can
also include accessories selected from the group of trucks with
wheels, single wheels, ice blade, pivots and the like. The
invention can include an opening defined in the deck for receiving
a wheel; and, a wheel carried by the mounting rails so that a
portion of the wheel protrudes above the deck and a portion of the
wheel protrudes below the deck.
[0009] The invention can also include a recess refined in the top
of the deck; a tether attached to the deck at a point within the
recess; a handle attached to the tether that can be received by the
recess when the handle is not in use and can be extended to the
length of the tether when the rider wishes to use the handle to
perform tricks.
[0010] The invention can also include a magnetic plate carried by
the top of the deck; a shoe for being worn by a rider that includes
a ferrous metal carried by the soles of the shoes that, when in
contact with the magnetic plate, secures the shoes to the deck. The
soles of the shoes can also include ferrous material integrated
into the material of the sole integrated at the time of
manufacturing such as metal filings added to the polymer used to
manufacture the shoe. The magnet can be an electromagnet in
electronic communication with a controller and actuation button so
that when the actuation button is depressed, the electromagnet
energizes securing the shoes to the deck. In one embodiment, the
activation button is in wireless communications with the
controller.
[0011] The invention can also include a clip attached to the top of
the deck; an opening defined in a rider's shoe that is operably
arranged to receive the clip when the shoe slides against the clip
securing the shoe to the deck.
[0012] Further, the invention can include a first material having a
higher rigidity than a second area wherein the first area is
located at the joint between a flat portion of the deck and an
upward angled portion of the deck creating a flexing area.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The construction designed to carry out the invention will
hereinafter be described, together with other features thereof. The
invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the
following specification and by reference to the accompanying
drawings forming a part thereof, wherein an example of the
invention is shown and wherein:
[0014] FIGS. 1A through 1C include several views of components of
the invention;
[0015] FIGS. 2A and 2B are bottom views of aspects of the
invention;
[0016] FIGS. 2C through 2F include several views of accessories of
the invention;
[0017] FIGS. 3A through 3D include several top views and a side
view of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 3E is a side view of aspects of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the bottom of the
invention;
[0020] FIGS. 4B through 4C include several views of
accessories;
[0021] FIG. 4D is a side view of aspects of the invention;
[0022] FIGS. 5A and 5B are top views of the invention;
[0023] FIGS. 6A and 6B are a top view of the invention and the
bottom view of shoes cooperatively associated with components of
the invention;
[0024] FIG. 7A is a bottom view of aspects of the invention;
[0025] FIGS. 7B through 7D are perspective views of the
invention;
[0026] FIG. 7E is a top vide of aspects of the invention;
[0027] FIGS. 8A through 8C are perspective views of the
invention;
[0028] FIGS. 9A though 9C are cross sectional views the
invention;
[0029] FIG. 8C is a bottom view of aspects of the invention;
and,
[0030] FIG. 10 is a side view of aspects of the invention.
[0031] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one
or more aspects of this invention can meet certain objectives,
while one or more other aspects can meet certain other objectives.
Each objective may not apply equally, in all its respects, to every
aspect of this invention. As such, the preceding objects can be
viewed in the alternative with respect to any one aspect of this
invention. These and other objects and features of the invention
will become more fully apparent when the following detailed
description is read in conjunction with the accompanying figures
and examples. However, it is to be understood that both the
foregoing summary of the invention and the following detailed
description are of a preferred embodiment and not restrictive of
the invention or other alternate embodiments of the invention. In
particular, while the invention is described herein with reference
to a number of specific embodiments, it will be appreciated that
the description is illustrative of the invention and is not
constructed as limiting of the invention. Various modifications and
applications may occur to those who are skilled in the art, without
departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention, as
described by the appended claims. Likewise, other objects,
features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will be
apparent from this summary and certain embodiments described below,
and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such
objects, features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from
the above in conjunction with the accompanying examples, data,
figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom, alone
or with consideration of the references incorporated herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] With reference to the drawings, the invention will now be
described in more detail. Unless defined otherwise, all technical
and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the
presently disclosed subject matter belongs. Although any methods,
devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described
herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently
disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and
materials are herein described.
[0033] This invention is directed to a skateboard that is adapted
to be easily modified into a plurality of configurations without
the need to alter the physical characteristics of the skateboard
itself.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1A through 1C, a skateboard 10 is shown
having mounting slots 12a and 12b defined along the underside of
the deck of the skateboard aligned along the long axis of the
skateboard. The mounting slots are adapted to receive attachment
14. Securing member 16 uses tension between the mounting slots and
the attachment to secure the attachment in place with the slot.
Other securing means include detent 18, clip 20, and the like.
Under these securing arrangements, an indent or similar
configuration exists in the mounting slot to engage with the detent
or clip of the like.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2A through 2F, clip indent 22 receives
the clip on the attachment so that the attachment will be secured
to one of the various indents. When a detent system is employed,
indents 24 receive the detent 18 and secure the attachment to one
of a plurality of positions.
[0036] Through using the mounting slots and attachments, a variety
of accessories can be arranged in a variety of configurations. For
example, the traditional truck 26 having wheels 28a and 28b can
have an attachment 30 connected to the truck. It should be noted
that when the attachment is received in the mounting slot, the
attachment secures the truck to the deck without having to screw or
otherwise physically modify the deck to secure the truck. The truck
can easily be added, removed or positioned along the rails to
provide for a variety of configurations. Other accessories can
include a single wheel 32 that pivots in a direction shown as 34,
an ice blade 36 for use on ice and a pivot member 38 for attachment
to the front or rear of the skateboard to allow the rider to kick
up on one end and pivot in a circular motion.
[0037] Referring to FIGS. 3A through 3E, several of the potential
configurations are illustrated. In arrangement shown as 40, single
wheel 32 is placed at one end of the board with truck 26, and its
wheels, are attached at the other end of the deck. In arrangement
42, single wheels 32 are placed on both sides of the deck. In
arrangement 44, two trucks can be attached to the ends of the deck
to resemble a more typical skateboard configuration. In arrangement
46, two trucks can be placed at the ends with a single wheel placed
in the center of the deck. With mounting rails 12a through 12c, the
number configurations can be vast. Arrangement 48 shows three
single wheels attached to the deck, however, a center single wheel
32a, has a larger diameter than that of the single wheels 32 placed
at the ends.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 4A through 4D, an example is shown as
arrangement 50 having a deck with an opening 52 approximately in
the center of the deck. A single wheel 54 having a larger diameter
than that so that when attached to the deck, the wheel extends both
above and below the deck through opening 52. Further, pivot members
38 can be attached to the mounting slots at the ends when a rider
is learning how to ride a deck with the single center wheel. Once a
certain proficiency is obtained, the pivots can be easily removed
without leaving holes where former screws would be placed for a
traditional deck's accessory attachments.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the deck can also include on
the top portion a recessed handle 56 recessed into top opening 58.
Tether 60 attached to the handle and the deck so that when the
handle is pulled upwards away from the deck, the rider can use the
handle and tether to hold the deck to the feet of the rider to
facilitate moves with the skateboard such as jumping. The tether
can be elastic with a predetermined extension length. The tether
can also spool around a retractor which will allow the tether to
deploy when pulled and retract back into the recess when the rider
releases the handle.
[0040] Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, an embodiment allowing the
rider to stay secured to the deck is shown. Shoes 62 include a
metal plate attached to or imbedded in the soles of the shoes. The
deck includes magnetic plates 64 attached to the top or embedded in
the deck. In one embodiment, the magnets are electromagnets having
a controller 66 and actuating button 68. When button 68 is pressed,
the electromagnets energize through the controller will hold the
rider's shoes to the deck. In one embodiment, the actuating button
is in wireless communications with the controller and an activation
signal is transmitted from the activating button assembly 70 to
antenna 72 resulting in the electromagnets energizing.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 7A through 7E, another embodiment for
securing a rider to the deck of the skateboard is shown. This
embodiment includes the cooperation between a particular rider's
shoes and attachments to the deck of a skateboard. Shoe 72 includes
an opening 74 adapted to receive a deck clip 76 that can be
attached to the top of the deck. When in use, the rider can slide
the edge of the shoe toward the clip, engage the clip and secure
the shoe to the deck. This allows the rider to perform jumps and
other actions with the deck with the shoe attached to the deck.
When the shoe slides away from the clip, the shoes are released
from the skateboard.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 8A, another embodiment of the invention is
shown. In this a first flexible portion 80 is shown generally in
the center portion of the deck having a specific rigidity. A second
portion of the deck 82 is attached to the first portion of the deck
having a rigidity that is more flexible than that of portion 80,
allowing the ends of the deck to flex. A third portion 84 is
connected to the second portion having a rigidity greater than that
of the center portion to provide additional strength to the ends of
the deck. Referring to FIG. 8B, one embodiment of the invention is
shown with a the end 84a attached to the board through spring 90.
This provides for the ends of the board to spring. Referring to
FIG. 8C, end portion 84a is connected to the board through coupling
92a and 92b. The coupling can be rigid or flexible. Further, the
end portions can be slidably attached to the board allowing for the
length of the board to be modified by extending and retracting the
end portions.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 9A, a cross section layer is shown at the
slot level of the board. The slots can be orthogonal to the long
axis of the board allowing the attachments to "slide in sideways".
Slots can also be orientated length wise and width wise forming an
intersecting pattern as shown in FIG. 9B. The attachments can
include pegs that can be received in opening 95 defined in the
bottom of the board as shown in FIG. 9C. The attachments can be
attached through friction fit, pressure fit, a detent or other
securing assembly. The opening can be threaded to match threads
included on the attachments securing the attachment to the board.
In one embodiment, Pegs or posts are attached to the underside of
the board and are received in openings defined in the
attachments.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 10, a shaft 96 with a handle 98 can be
attached to the board to form a "scooter". Lights 94 can be mounted
to the board either directly on the board or through the various
attachment methods discussed herein. In one embodiment, the bottom
surface of the board includes a reflective material enhancing the
effect of the lights. One embodiment, the wheels attached to the
board are of a caster type wheel.
[0045] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from its spirit or essential
characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in
all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of
the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims
rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come
within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be
embraced within their scope.
[0046] While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been
described using specific terms, such description is for
illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes
and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *