Skateboard Design for Enhanced Maneuverability
10 patents in this list
Updated:
Modern skateboard design requires precise control over turning radius, deck flex, and stability across varying rider weights and speeds. Field measurements show that competitive riders generate forces up to 3x body weight during tricks, while casual riders experience turning forces between 0.5-1.5g during carving maneuvers. These forces must be managed while maintaining a deck weight typically between 1.2-1.8 kg.
The fundamental challenge lies in balancing responsive turning dynamics with stability at speed, while ensuring structural integrity under repeated impact loads.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including composite deck structures with strategic fiber reinforcement, optimized truck geometry for controlled turn response, and innovative bushing designs for consistent performance. These and other approaches focus on achieving enhanced maneuverability while maintaining durability for both casual and competitive riding applications.
1. Composite Panel Structure with Parallel Ribbed Chambers and Fiber-Wrapped Foam Cores
Gearbox, Inc., 2023
A composite panel structure and method of making high strength to weight ratio products like sports equipment and walls. The panel structure has outer layers with parallel internal ribs forming elongated chambers, each filled with foam or gas. The foam-filled chambers strengthen and stiffen the outer layers. The foam cores are wrapped in fibers, joined together, then covered with surface layers to form a pre-shape. This pre-shape is molded and cured to create the final composite structure. The foam-filled ribbed chambers provide strength and stiffness while keeping weight low. The foam cores can be expandable foams or non-expanding foams, and the chambers can be filled with expanding foams or gases, non-expanding foams, or a combination thereof.
2. Laminated Skateboard Deck with Fiber-Reinforced Outer Layers and Resilient Core
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2023
A high-performance skateboard deck that is lighter in weight compared to traditional skateboard decks. The deck comprises a laminated construction of resilient layers sandwiched between stiffening layers. The outer top and bottom layers are made of fiber-reinforced material for strength. The resilient internal layers absorb stress. The layers are encased in a resin matrix. The multi-material construction and fiber-reinforced outer layers provide strength while reducing weight compared to all-wood decks.
3. Skateboard Deck with Multi-Material Resin Matrix and Fiber-Reinforced Stiffening Layers
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2023
A high-performance skateboard with a lighter-weight yet durable deck construction using multiple materials. The deck has a few resilient internal layers encased in a resin matrix, along with outer stiffening layers made of fiber-reinforced material like carbon fiber. This provides strength and flex while reducing weight versus solid wood decks. The internal layers absorb stress while the outer layers add rigidity.
4. Inclined Axle Steering System for Low Profile Skateboards
Leverage Design Ltd., 2022
A compact and simplified steering system for low profile skateboards and other conveyances that allows riders to lean and turn without traditional trucks. The steering system replaces the bulky truck with an inclined axle mounting that slides along an inclined bearing surface as the rider leans to turn. The axle pivots about the inclined surface to provide the turning function.
5. Skateboard Deck with Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Between Laminated Wood Layers
James Blackmarr Wursthorn, 2022
A high-performance skateboard with defined dimensions, weight and flex characteristics that is durable and can withstand the forces of skateboard tricks. The skateboard has a carbon fiber layer sandwiched between wood layers for strength and flex. The carbon fiber is strategically located to reinforce areas prone to breakage like the center and mounting holes. The wood layers are laminated with glue under pressure.
6. Compact Personal Vehicle with Independently Movable Sides and Support Bar-Encircling Bracket
Bowen Li, 2022
Self-balancing personal vehicle with a compact design that reduces body size and weight. The vehicle body has independently movable left and right sides. A support bar inside the body connects the left and right drive wheels. A bracket encircles the support bar and limits left-right movement.
7. Motorized Wheel Assembly with Quick-Release Mechanism and Integrated Protective Wiring Housing
Globe International Nominees Pty Ltd, 2020
Motorized wheel assembly for light electric vehicles like skateboards that allows easy wheel replacement and reduces damage to wiring and components. The assembly features a quick-release mechanism for the wheel to be mounted onto an axle with a socket. The motor and wiring are housed inside the axle, hanger, and truck channels, providing protection.
8. Skateboard Deck with Composite Layer Inlays and Protective Tipfills and Side Edges
Mark Anthony Rosolowski, Gregory David Rosolowski, 2018
Skateboard deck construction to improve durability and performance by using composite layers, protective tipfills, and side edges. The deck has composite layers like carbon fiber to reduce weight while increasing strength. The composite layers inlay into protective tipfills and side edges to prevent damage.
9. Electric Skateboard with Swiveling Front Wheel and Extendable Auxiliary Wheel
Razor USA LLC, 2018
Personal mobility vehicles like an electric skateboard with a small motor and rear wheel drive that allows for a lightweight and portable electric vehicle at a low cost. The skateboard has a swiveling front wheel, a powered rear wheel, and an optional extendable auxiliary wheel.
10. Skateboard Trucks with In-Line Pivot and Customizable Hanger Widths
George William ILIFFE, III, 2018
Highly maneuverable, controllable, lightweight skateboard trucks that enable skateboard riders to execute maneuvers and tricks that would otherwise require a much higher skill level. The trucks have features like an in-line pivot configuration, customizable hanger widths, enhanced negative rake, and improved bushing seats to provide optimal turning and stability. The inline pivot reduces interference between components for smoother turning. The customizable hanger widths allow riders to match truck width to deck width for better control. The enhanced negative rake angle further improves turning responsiveness. The improved bushing seats prevent bushing displacement and provide consistent, thrust-bearing-like pivot action.
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The pursuit of lightweight skateboard designs has led to exciting advancements in materials, construction, and even steering systems. These innovations promise a future where skateboards are lighter, more maneuverable, and capable of pushing the limits of what's possible. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner, a lightweight board can undoubtedly elevate your skating experience to new heights.