Innovative Shock Absorbers for Enhancing Skateboard Performance
12 patents in this list
Updated:
Due to their stiff decks, traditional skateboards frequently fall short of providing enough cushioning for the rider, which can cause pain and even injury.
By introducing cutting-edge shock-absorbing technologies, recent improvements seek to address this problem and improve skateboarding overall as well as the quality of the ride.
These new designs aim to provide skateboards that not only protect the rider but also enhance control and maneuverability by emphasizing vibration dampening and impact resistance.
1. Adaptive Elastomeric Spring for Improved Skateboard Turning and Shock Absorption
SOLID DESIGN & MFG. CORP. , LTD, 2023
Variable-rate elastomeric steering control springs for skateboard trucks that provide improved turning control and shock damping over conventional skateboard truck springs. The spring uses multiple layers of elastomer with different durometers to have variable spring rates. This allows the spring to compress differently depending on the force applied, providing adaptive cushioning and turning characteristics. The multiple layers can have irregular shapes to prevent slipping.
2. Skateboard System with Enhanced Suspension for Improved Performance
Cruz Control Skate Company, LLC, 2023
Skateboard system that allows the skateboard to move in an unflexed state. The system includes a deck, a truck assembly coupled with the deck, and a kingpin bolt. The kingpin bolt is coupled to a first suspension member of the skateboard and has a flat planar surface.
3. Layered Elastomeric Springs for Improved Skateboard Steering and Shock Absorption
SOLID DESIGN & MFG. CORP., LTD, 2021
A variable-rate elastomeric steering control spring for skateboard trucks. The spring has at least two layers of elastomer materials with different hardness. One layer is an exterior elastomer and the other is an interior elastomer. The layers are coupled together and have a hole to fit over the truck kingpin. The elastomers have durometers between 65A and 100A. The layered elastomers provide variable stiffness and damping properties to enable better turning control and shock absorption for skateboards.
4. Vertical Suspension System for Improved One-Wheeled Electric Skateboard Comfort and Performance
Future Motion, Inc., 2019
Suspension system for one-wheeled self-balancing vehicles like electric skateboards, that allows the board to move vertically relative to the wheel in response to bumps. The suspension uses a shock absorber and linkage assembly to isolate the frame from terrain impacts. This prevents jolts and improves ride comfort compared to rigid one-wheelers. The suspension has swingarm or bell crank linkages connecting the shock absorber between the wheel axle and board.
5. Self-Balancing Electric Skateboard with Advanced Shock Absorption System
Future Motion, Inc., 2019
A self-balancing electric skateboard with a resilient suspension system to absorb shocks from uneven terrain. The skateboard has one wheel, sensors to detect board orientation, and a motor to propel it. The wheel is connected to the board through a linkage assembly and a shock absorber. The linkage allows the wheel to move vertically relative to the board. This isolates the board from bumps, providing a smoother ride while maintaining stability.
6. Multi-Layered Shock-Absorbing Bushings for Skateboards
Yuche Su, 2018
A skateboard shock-absorbing bushing with multiple layers of plastic materials with different hardness values. The flexible exterior layer provides cushioning and shock absorption while the stiffer core layer provides stability and return to center. The layers are visually distinct and can have different colors for aesthetic appeal.
7. Dual-Hardness Bushing Design for Improved Skateboard Shock Absorption
Yuche Su, 2018
Shock-absorbing skateboard bushing made of two plastic layers with different hardnesses. The inner layer has a higher value of hardness while the outer layer has a lower value. This creates a bushing with a stiff core and flexible cladding. The layers are coupled together to form a unified unitary bushing.
8. Enhanced Stability Skateboard Truck with Novel Bushing Configuration
Alfred Williams, 2014
Skateboard truck with a novel bushing design to improve the stability and safety of double kingpin trucks. The truck has an inserted bolt with three bushings stacked on it. The middle bushing is a double-hole bushing that is staggered. This bushing sits between the truck baseplate and the axle insert. It provides additional stability by compressing and contacting the axle, baseplate, and truck components as the truck turns. Adjusting the tension on the outer bushings allows fine-tuning of the stability.
9. Enhanced Stability and Turning Skateboard Truck Assembly with Compressible Members
Jared Braden, Roger Braden, 2013
A skateboard truck assembly that uses compressible members between the base plate and hanger to provide enhanced turning ability and stability compared to conventional trucks. The hanger can rotate between a resting position and a turning position. As the hanger rotates, it compresses some parts of the compressible member while tensioning others. This allows the truck to turn tighter without losing stability, reducing the risk of speed wobbles. The compressible members absorb and distribute forces during turning, improving rider control and safety.
10. Vibration Damping Mechanism for Skateboard Trucks to Enhance Rider Stability
Seal Trademarks Pty Ltd, 2011
Shock absorbing mechanism for a skateboard truck that absorbs vibrations from the wheels and riding surface to improve stability and reduce vibrations felt by the rider. The mechanism involves a shock absorber inside the truck axle sleeve cavities. The axle sleeves have wider cavities than the axle channel. The shock absorber sits inside the wider cavities around the axle. This allows the axle to move inside the wider cavities during vibrations instead of transmitting the vibrations to the deck through the narrow axle channel. The shock absorber in the wider cavities absorbs the vibrations and prevents them from being transferred to the deck.
11. Skateboard Truck with Integrated Suspension System for Shock and Vibration Reduction
Armando De Las Casas, 2011
Skateboard truck with a suspension system to reduce shocks and vibrations transmitted to the rider. The truck has a hanger with a yoke that connects to the deck. The truck plate has a sliding connection to the first yoke portion using a shock absorber. The second yoke portion connects directly to the plate. This allows the sliding connection to absorb impacts while the fixed connection maintains stability. A rotatable connecting bar links the two yoke sections.
12. Progressive Suspension System for Enhanced Skateboard Performance and Handling
Jared Siegwarth Seip, Seip Aerospace LLC, 2011
Internal chassis, external enclosure, and improved suspension for a skateboard provide better handling and performance with a smoother ride on rough surfaces and predictable turning. The chassis houses components like motors, brakes, and suspension internally instead of externally to improve aerodynamics. The suspension has a progressive design with multiple suspension points for each wheel that compress and rebound in a controlled manner. This improves the skateboard's ability to absorb bumps and irregularities in the riding surface, providing a smoother ride and more consistent turning.
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Shock absorption technology on skateboards has evolved significantly, which is a big step toward improving rider comfort and performance. Manufacturers are tackling the major issues of shock absorption and stability by incorporating cutting-edge materials and design techniques, such as variable-rate elastomeric springs and multilayer stress-absorbing bushings.