Innovations in Skateboard Gripping Surfaces
10 patents in this list
Updated:
For skateboarders to reliably execute tricks, navigate different terrains, and maintain safetyᅳespecially during fast downhill ridesᅳthe board's gripping surface is crucial to maintaining traction and control.
As skateboarders need precise foot motions and dependable grip in a variety of situations, recent advances have concentrated on improving these surfaces to satisfy their needs.
To enhance rider performance and safety, this investigation of gripping technology developments for skateboards explores a range of cutting-edge designs and materials.
1. Surfboard-Inspired Skateboard Traction and Interchangeable Kick Tail System
Thomas Edward Appell, 2023
A skateboard and surfboard traction system that allows surfers to practice their moves on a skateboard that feels like a surfboard. The system involves a specially designed skateboard with an arched deck shape like a surfboard, interchangeable kicktails, and traction pad options. The kicktails slide onto a mounting plate on the skateboard and can be swapped between the skateboard and surfboard. Some kicktails have traction pad material for grip, while others use surfboard wax. This allows surfers to practice on a skateboard with the same feel as their surfboard.
2. Skateboard Deck with Integrated Traction Projections and Voids
Bear Walker Industries, LLC, 2022
A skateboard grip surface with projections and voids that improve traction and prevent slips. The voids between the projections provide grip without the need for external tapes or materials. The projections can have pyramid or trapezoidal shapes. The surface can be created by cutting the deck with a CNC router bit that has a rounded tip.
3. Skateboard Design with Secondary Wheels for Improved Crack Navigation
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2021
A skateboard design to improve riding over cracks like those in sidewalks. The skateboard has two additional secondary wheels on each truck, in addition to the primary wheels. The secondary wheels are positioned outboard of the primary wheels. When the primary wheels hit a crack, the secondary wheels span the crack, preventing the board from abruptly stopping. This allows the board to ride over cracks more smoothly and reduces shock to the rider.
4. Multi-Material Skateboard Deck Design for Enhanced 3D Surface Stability
Hasegawa Corporation, 2021
A skateboard deck design that allows the front and rear wheels to stably contact a 3D road surface while ensuring usability and operability. The deck has multiple board materials with a central wood board narrower in width than the outer wood boards. The narrower central wood board reduces torsional rigidity. Fiber-reinforced plastic boards are added above and below the wood core. The plastic boards extend fully but the wood boards narrow at the center. This reduces torsional rigidity at the center, allowing twist while maintaining overall deck width and stability. The plastic boards also fill the remaining gaps around the wood core.
5. Enhanced Grip Surfaces for Skateboards and Support Structures Without Grip Tape
Bear Walker Industries, LLC, 2021
A skateboard and other support surfaces have a unique gripping surface with raised projections and voids between them. The projections are formed by cutting the surface with a router. The projections allow improved grip without needing grip tape. The gripping surface is formed on skateboard decks, balance boards, scooter decks, stair treads, and other support surfaces.
6. Skateboard Design with Dual Wheel System for Enhanced Crack Navigation
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2020
A skateboard design that allows it to glide smoothly over sidewalk cracks. The skateboard has eight wheels, with four primary wheels positioned inboard and four secondary wheels positioned outboard. When the primary wheels hit a crack, the secondary wheels bridge over it, preventing the primary wheels from dropping in. This reduces shock, noise, and impact when riding over cracks. The secondary wheels are positioned outboard of the primary wheels to maintain stability and turning ability.
7. Wheel Bite Protection System with Low Friction Material for Skateboards
Deric Winston, 2020
A skateboard wheel bite protection system that prevents wheel bite injuries by adding a low friction material, such as UHMWPE, underneath the skateboard between the wheels and the board. When the skateboard is at risk of wheel bite, the wheels contact the low-friction material instead, reducing the bite effect and allowing the rider to stay on the board. The material can be attached, embedded, or integrated into the skateboard.
8. Engraved Pattern Skateboards for Enhanced Grip Without Grip Tape
RAYZIST PHOTOMASK, INC., 2017
Recreational sports boards like skateboards with improved grip surfaces that provide better traction without the need for separate grip tape. The boards have engraved patterns on the top surface that create recessed areas with varying depths. These recessed sections provide a textured grip that increases friction compared to the smooth surface. The depth variation allows customization of grip in different areas. The engraving process involves stenciling and sandblasting to create the pattern. The recessed sections engage the rider's feet for better traction compared to flat surfaces.
9. Skateboard Truck Design with Non-Circular Bushing for Enhanced Steering and Shock Absorption
Dorian Tolman, 2017
Skateboard trucks are designed with a non-circular bushing that provides improved steering and shock absorption compared to traditional skateboard trucks. The truck has a baseplate, hangar, kingpin, and non-circular bushing that is partially housed in both the baseplate and hangar. The non-circular bushing shape allows the truck to steer while absorbing more vibrations due to its contoured contact points. The kingpin angle and bushing shape also affect the lean-to-steer ratio and ride characteristics. The truck assembly allows customization of the bushing shape and hardness for personalized performance.
10. Arch Contact Section for Enhanced Foot Grip on Skateboards
Kuo-Chen WANG, Yung-Ta HSU, 2014
Skateboard with a curved section near the rear end of the deck that matches the shape of the arch of the human foot. This curved section called the arch contact section, provides a better fit and contact area for the rear foot on the skateboard. It allows the rider to securely grip the board and have more control over steering and maneuvers compared to a flat deck. The curved section is raised above the deck surface.
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Skateboard gripping surface innovations are pushing performance and safety limits and providing solutions tailored to the unique requirements of skateboarders. These advances, which range from multi-material deck designs to traction systems inspired by surfboards, show the continuous efforts to address the problems of traction, durability, and usability.