Simplified steering mechanism for skateboards and the like
OwnerPaul F. Brooks, Ken D. Lisonbeeinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A novel, simplified steering mechanism is provided which has both wheel tilting and steering capabilities. The steering mechanism comprises generally a platform, an angled plunger, top and bottom axles of equal length, and a pair of wheels. When a downward vertical force is applied to a side of the platform, the platform and plunger tilt towards that force, thereby causing tilting and directional changes in the wheels. The axles are of such a length that the platform and wheels cannot come into contact with each other, even upon exertion of a downward vertical force.
Claims13
A steering mechanism having both wheel tilting and wheel steering capabilities, said steering mechanism comprising:
- a generally planar platform having top and bottom broad faces and having first and second longitudinal sides,
- a plunger having proximate and distal ends, the proximate end thereof being rigidly affixed to the bottom broad face of the platform, and the distal end extending downwardly from the platform at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the platform,
- top and bottom axles of equal length disposed in parallel aligned relationship to each other, each axle intersecting the plunger and each axle being pivotally secured at an approximate midpoint to the plunger, and
- a pair of wheels, one end of both the top and bottom axles being pivotally secured to the first wheel and the other end of both axles being pivotally secured to the second wheel,
- such that when a downward vertical force is exerted on one of the longitudinal sides of the platform, the wheels tilt and turn simultaneously relative to the platform.
A skateboard assembly for recreational and competitive use comprising:
- a generally planar platform having top and bottom broad faces and having first and second longitudinal sides,
- a pair of identical, but oppositely disposed, steering mechanisms, each steering mechanism comprising
- a plunger having proximate and distal ends, the proximate end thereof being rigidly affixed to the bottom broad face of the platform, and the distal end extending downwardly from the platform at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis of the platform,
- top and bottom axles of equal length disposed in parallel aligned relationship to each other, each axle intersecting the plunger and each axle being pivotally secured at an approximate midpoint to the plunger, and
- a pair of wheels, one end of both the top and bottom axles being pivotally secured to the first wheel and the other end of both axles being pivotally secured to the second wheel,
- such that when a downward vertical force is exerted on one of the longitudinal sides of the platform, the wheels tilt and turn simultaneously relative to the platform.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.