Innovative Low-Cost Skateboards: Making Quality More Affordable
9 patents in this list
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Skateboarding is a beloved activity enjoyed by people of all ages, but the high cost of equipment can be a barrier for many aspiring skaters. Innovative methods to produce low-cost skateboards without compromising quality and performance are making the sport more accessible. By utilizing alternative materials, optimizing manufacturing processes, and implementing creative design principles, manufacturers are reducing costs while maintaining safety and functionality.
These groundbreaking approaches to affordable skateboard production are discussed on this page.
1. Multi-Material Skateboard Deck for Enhanced Durability and Lightweight Design
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION, 2023
Multi-material skateboard deck that is lightweight, durable, and maintains shape. The deck has a core of resilient maple wood layers surrounded by stiffening layers made of fiber-reinforced polymer. The fiber-reinforced layers absorb stress and provide strength, allowing the deck to be lighter than traditional all-wood decks. The fiber-reinforced outer layers also better retain shape compared to wood. This improves durability and reduces weight. The deck layers are laminated and molded together. The deck has a specific stacking order of resilient and stiffening layers to balance stiffness and weight savings.
2. Integrated Plastic Skate Design for Reduced Manufacturing Costs
Feng Jiang, 2022
Electric skateboard with a unique design that has a single motor driving both front and rear wheels through a differential setup. The skateboard has a deck with a battery case underneath. The motor is mounted in one wheel and connected to the other wheel through a shaft. This allows both wheels to rotate in the same direction for simple and efficient propulsion. The battery, electronics, and wheels are enclosed in the deck and frame assembly. The deck thickness is greater than the battery to protect it. The frame has an opening that aligns with the deck opening. This allows a cover plate to seal the battery compartment.
3. Differential-Driven Electric Skateboard with Integrated Battery Compartment
Acton, Inc., 2022
Electric skateboard with a unique design that has a single motor driving both front and rear wheels through a differential setup. The skateboard has a deck with a battery case underneath. The motor is mounted in one wheel and connected to the other wheel through a shaft. This allows both wheels to rotate in the same direction for simple and efficient propulsion. The battery, electronics, and wheels are enclosed in the deck and frame assembly. The deck thickness is greater than the battery to protect it. The frame has an opening that aligns with the deck opening. This allows a cover plate to seal the battery compartment.
4. Hybrid Pultruded and Extruded Deck Board Assembly System for Skateboards
Strongwell Corporation, 2021
A deck board assembly system that combines the benefits of pultruded deck boards for strength and stiffness with the aesthetic and UV resistance of extruded decking surfaces. The system involves a pultruded attachment device with recessed screw channels and snap-on decorative end caps that attaches to deck framing. This is coupled to an extruded capping piece that snaps onto the pultruded attachment. The pultruded board provides structural support and the extruded cap adds appearance and UV resistance. The pultruded attachment allows recessed screw heads and snap-on end caps to prevent interference with the extruded cap. The pultruded attachment also has vertical ribs and horizontal flanges for stiffness. The pultruded board is made by pultrusion and the extruded cap is made by extrusion.
5. Hollow Deck Board Design for Lightweight and Durable Skateboards
Westey Raymond Chapman, 2020
Reduced material deck board design that saves weight compared to solid boards without compromising strength. The deck board has hollow sections inside with concave flanges at the outer edges. This reduces material compared to solid boards. The concave flanges fit snugly with complementary anchor structures to secure the boards. The hollow interior reduces weight while the arch shape maintains strength.
6. Manufacturing Process for Compact and Lightweight Swing Roller Skates
TAICANG CHE ZHONG BAO LEISURE PRODUCTS CO., LTD., 2020
Swing roller skate with a novel manufacturing process that allows for a lighter, more compact design with improved appearance compared to traditional swing roller skates. The skate has a plastic panel with an aluminum insert that is injection molded into the plastic. The aluminum insert has rounded through holes that match the plastic panel holes. This allows the aluminum to be hidden inside the plastic, providing strength without adding bulk. The skate also has features like concave sections, arc edges, and nylon anti-wear bars to further enhance the appearance and functionality.
7. Skateboard Deck Construction with Enhanced Durability and Performance
LITHE INDUSTRIES, LLC, 2018
Skateboard deck construction method to improve strength, durability, and performance compared to standard decks. The method involves using composite layers, protective tipfills, and side edges. The composite layers are precut and inlayed into the tipfills and side edges to protect the composite. This prevents chipping and delamination. The tipfills and side edges are made of materials like plastic to further protect the inner layers. The composite layers, like carbon fiber, reduce weight while increasing strength. The composite inlay, tipfills, and side edges provide better protection and durability compared to just composite layers or just wood layers.
8. Self-Supporting, Lightweight Skateboard Ramp Design Using Expanded Polystyrene Foam
WOOD STRUCTURE, 2018
A lightweight, easy-to-install skateboard ramp that is self-supporting and can be made from expanded polystyrene foam. The ramp has a fixed skating surface connected to tenons embedded in mortises in the foam. This allows the ramp to rest directly on the ground without needing a separate frame structure. The foam blocks can be connected by mortise-and-tenon joints that expose openings for inserting the tenons. This simplifies construction compared to framed ramps with separate skating surfaces. The foam blocks are also easy to transport and can be connected in multiple pieces for larger ramps.
9. Low-Cost Electric Skateboard with Swiveling Front Wheel and Optional Auxiliary Wheel
Razor USA LLC, 2018
Personal mobility vehicle 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.
Reducing skateboard costs without sacrificing quality opens up the sport to a wider audience. Through technological advancements and innovative designs, affordable skateboards are becoming a reality. These developments not only make skateboarding more inclusive but also drive the industry forward by challenging traditional manufacturing methods. Embracing these innovations allows more enthusiasts to enjoy skateboarding without financial barriers.