FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an improved braking apparatus for skateboards, scooters, and other rideable vehicles which use pivotally mounted wheeled truck assemblies. More particularly, embodiments relate to a skateboard truck with adjunct braking apparatus that a rider can operate to reduce speed or stop a vehicle. Still more particularly, embodiments relate to a modular means of brake activation: that does not interfere with steering; that applies brake force evenly to the wheels; that dissipates heat; that supports various wheelbases with base-plates having different pivot angles; and that can be triggered by a variety of interoperable and adjustable mechanisms suitable for different riding modalities.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventional skateboards utilize steering mechanisms known as trucks. Originally developed for roller skates, truck-like steering mechanisms are illustrated in US Pat. No. 322,504 entitled "Roller Skate" issued to Thompson on Jul. 21, 1885. Over subsequent decades roller skate trucks evolved from the monolithic approach described by Thompson into independent front and rear attachments as illustrated in US Pat. No. 2,763,490 entitled "Roller Skate" issued to Crone on Sep. 18, 1956.

[0003] There is no patent issued for the invention of the first skateboard; however, reports of then- existence date back to the 1940s. Skateboards most likely evolved in backyards and neighborhoods when children and adults inspired by trends in do-it-yourself magazines like Popular Mechanics attached roller skate trucks to fruit boxes, crates and boards to create various types of billy carts, crate scooters and sidewalk surfers; the precursor of todays’ skateboard. Retailers following these trends began selling roller skate trucks attached to surfboard shaped wooden decks.

[0004] Skateboards as illustrated in US Pat. No. 3,288,251 entitled "Skateboard Brake" issued to Sakwa on Nov. 29, 1966, consist of an elongated planar deck with trucks mounted underneath at the front and rear ends. Each truck includes a pair of wheels mounted on a supported axle. Trucks provide a steering mechanism whereby a rider laterally tilting the deck opposably twists the axles causing the skateboard to turn. Trucks also resist the lateral tilting of the deck by means of spring-loaded resilient linkages, commonly urethane bushings that stabilize the skateboard, returning the deck to its normal horizontal position when a turn is completed. Skateboards are free-wheeling vehicles that are generally not provided with any mechanical means of bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop.

[0005] Presently the most common methods used to slow a skateboard down involves a rider wearing rubber soled skate shoes balancing on one foot and scraping their other foot along the ground. Alternatively riders will hang their rear foot off the back kick-tail to tip the skateboard up onto its rear wheels and scrap the edge of their foot and kick-tail along the ground. Another more skillful method involves the rider biasing their weight over the front truck and twisting their hips rapidly thereby skidding the rear wheels sideways to scrub off speed. As a last resort, some riders jump off their board and attempt to roll safely so as to avoid a serious collision and injury. All these methods require a high level of skill and are therefore unsuitable for beginners learning to ride a skateboard for the first time. Given the high reported incidents of hospital visits due to skateboard related injuries, skateboarding has developed a reputation of being dangerous which discourages participation.

[0006] Many other types of ridable vehicles including bicycles and scooters have brakes, so it is perplexing that skateboard brakes remain commercially elusive despite numerous examples dating back well over fifty years. The various approaches taken by the conventional art in this field can be broadly characterized as brakes that apply friction to the ground and brakes that apply friction to the wheels. These approaches incorporate a range of different trigger mechanisms including: kick-tails, foot pedals, pliable tethers, and hand-operated levers. Common deficiencies with these approaches include: uneven braking force, loss of steering control, instability , overheating, a short operational life, excessive weight, and a higher cost of manufacture when compared to conventional skateboards.

[0007] In order to shed light on the inadequacy of conventional art in this field, consider a simple scenario where a skateboard is being ridden down a slope on a narrow path approaching a comer. The free-wheeling skateboard develops sufficient speed that the approaching comer can only be navigated safely if the speed is reduced. The rider in such a scenario will benefit from a brake that safely reduces their speed in a predictable manner and does not interfere with their ability to steer the skateboard around the comer. Unfortunately much of the conventional art in this field fails this simple use case.

[0008] One method involving friction applied to the ground utilizes a brake-pad attached to a kicktail at the rear of the skateboard deck as illustrated in and US Pat. No. 4,040,639 entitled "Skateboard" issued to Scardenzan on Aug. 9, 1977; and US Pat. No. 2018/0243639 Al entitled "Skateboard Safety Brake" issued to Noorlun et al. on Aug. 30, 2018. A deficiency with this braking method is that when the board is tipped up onto its rear wheels and the brake-pad is in contact with the ground, the rider is unable to steer the board to follow a path or avoid collisions with obstacles. With this method a rider must anticipate such a situation and brake in a straight line ahead of time which is not always possible.

[0009] Another method involving friction applied to the ground utilizes a brake-pad that is lowered by a foot pedal to make contact with the ground as illustrated in US Pat. No. 4,054,296 entitled "Skateboard Brake" issued to Sulins on Oct. 18, 1977; US Pat. No. 6,035,976 entitled "Brake For Small Land Vehicles" issued to Duhamel on Mar. 14, 2000; German Pat. No. 10 2010 021 088 Al entitled “Skateboardbremse” (Skateboard Brake) issued to Anmelder on Feb. 10, 201 1 ; and, US Pat. No. 2019/060737 Al entitled "Skate Board Brake With Replacement Friction Element" issued to Glass on Feb. 28, 2019. Another method involving friction applied to the ground is triggered by a hand-operated brake lever as illustrated in US Pat. No. 10,279,243 B2 entitled "Skateboard With Hand Brake" issued to Choi on May 7, 2019. A deficiency with these braking methods is that when the brake-pad makes contact with the ground it returns the deck to its normal horizontal position which prevents the rider from being able to steer the board while braking. Another similar method attempts to remedy this weakness by allowing the brake-pad to pivot with the deck so the rider can steer the board while braking as illustrated in US Pat. No. 4,099,734 entitled "Skateboard Brake" issued to Lowery on Jul. 11, 1978. However there is still a deficiency with this braking method because the rear wheels are lifted off the ground by the opposing force of the braking action which causes the wheels to lose traction while cornering. In all of these methods where a brake-pad is in contact with the ground uneven pavement can snag the brake-pad and potentially eject the rider from the board making these methods hazardous in less than ideal conditions.

[0010] Another method involving friction applied to the ground attempts to resolve the previously noted deficiencies by attaching a brake-pad to a hinged assembly at the rear of the board as illustrated in US Pat. No. 8,522,928 B2 entitled "Braking Apparatus For A Skateboard" issued to Orcutt on Sep. 3, 2013. In reality the method described by Orcutt does not provide sufficient braking force to stop a board on an incline. Another similarly situated method uses a pedal to press a brake member against a single wheel attached to the rear of the board so the rider can steer the board while braking as illustrated in US Pat. No. 4,088,334 entitled "Skateboard Brake" issued to Johnson on May 9, 1978. While this rather ungainly method appears to provide a rudimentary brake it lacks the necessary refinement to be a commercially viable offering.

[0011] One method involving friction applied to wheels uses a foot pedal to pivot a hinged member with attached brake-pads that press against the wheels of the rear truck as illustrated in US Pat. No. 3,385,608 entitled "Skateboard Brake" issued to Waddell on May 28, 1968; US Pat. No. 4,003,582 entitled "Skate Board Wheel Brake Assembly" issued to Maurer on Jan. 18, 1977; US Pat. No. 4,027,890 entitled "Skateboard With Brake" issued to Volkmann on Jun. 7, 1977; US Pat. No. 4,055,234 entitled "Skateboard With Brake" issued to Burton on Oct. 26, 1977; US Pat. No. 4,094,524 entitled "Skate Board Braking And Steering System" issued to Carol on Jun. 13, 1978; US Pat. No. 4,166,519 entitled "Skateboard Brake" issued to Maloney on Sep. 4, 1979; US Pat. No. 2016/0271484 Al entitled "Universal Speed Control System For A Wheeled Board Conveyance" issued to Domingo on Sep. 22, 2016; and, Korean Pat. No. 10-2020-0138611 entitled “Brake Board” issued to Jin-myung on Dec. 10, 2020. A deficiency with this braking method is that when the brake-pad makes contact with the wheels it returns the deck to its normal horizontal position which prevents the rider from being able to steer the board while braking.

[0012] Another method involving friction applied to wheels allows the rider to steer the board while braking by using a foot pedal and a longitudinally rotatable linkage as illustrated in US Pat. No. 3,288,251 entitled "Skateboard Brake" issued to Sakwa on Nov. 29, 1966; US Pat. No. 3,945,655 entitled "Brake For Skateboard And The Like" issued to Banks and Granillo on Feb. 23, 1976; US Pat. No. 4,084,831 entitled "Skateboard With Control Unit" issued to Akonteh and Kwor on Apr. 18, 1978; US Pat. No. 2010/0314851 Al entitled "Speed Control System" issued to Palmer and Smith on Dec. 16, 2010; and, US Pat. No. 9,504,902 Bl entitled "Skateboard Braking System" issued to Johnson on Nov. 29, 2016. Yet another comparable method replaces the pedal activation with a hand-operated brake trigger attached via a flexible Bowden style cable as illustrated in US Pat. No. 4,076,266 entitled "Brake Assembly For Skateboard" issued to Krausz on Feb. 28, 1978. A deficiency with these braking methods is the absence of a mechanism to ensure that brake force is applied evenly to both wheels making one wheel more prone to skid which leads to instability. Another method mechanically applies even brake force to both wheels as illustrated in US Pat. No. 4,951,958 entitled "Swingable Skateboard Brake With Two Brake Assemblies" issued to Chao on Aug. 28, 1990. While another method uses a hydraulic piston to accomplish the same effect as illustrated in US Pat. No. 4,295,547 entitled "Brake Assembly For Small Vehicles" issued to Dungan on Oct. 20, 1981. In all of these methods where brake-pads come in direct contact with the wheels, self-generated heat can build up. Over short distances, like stopping at an intersection the heat build up may not be significant and the duration between braking may be long enough for this heat to dissipate. However continuous braking over greater distances, like descending a hill, can cause temperatures to rise rapidly and become high enough to melt urethane and rubber wheels causing them to soften and deform so that a rider's weight is no longer supported; which is unsatisfactory. [0013] Other methods attempt to resolve this overheating problem by having the brake-pads make contact with metal protuberances. For example, one method uses a hand-operated bake trigger to circumferentially tighten metal bands around drums attached to each wheel as illustrated in US Pat. No. 6,123,348 entitled "Brake System For Downhill Wheeled Board" issued to Miller on Sep. 26, 2000. Another method uses a similar hand-operated brake trigger connected to opposing cam levers that cause non-tuning rotors slidably mounted on the axle axis to press outward against brake-pads on the wheels as illustrated in US Pat. No. 6,488,296 B2 entitled "Method And Apparatus For Small Wheel Disc Brake" issued to Ireton on Dec. 3, 2002. Another similar method uses a pliable tether attached to the rear of the skateboard to activate such a brake as illustrated in US Pat. No. 10,058,767 B2 entitled "Braking System For A Recreational Riding-Board" issued to Haddleton and Ackermann on Aug. 28, 2018. While these hand operated and tethered brake triggers may be excellent for beginners, a deficiency with this trigger mechanism, and any brake method that solely relies on it, is that it interferes with a rider’s ability to propel the skateboard along by pushing it with their foot, a mode of operation where cables and tethers can obstruct and entangle the rider. One method overcomes this entanglement problem by using a retractable tether as illustrated in US Pal. No. 2006/0108753 Al entitled "Truckin Board" issued to Harnden on May 25, 2006. However the whole point of having a brake is to avoid unexpected collisions which cannot happen while the pliable tether is retracted or detached. Another method uses rotating foot straps to trigger such a brake mechanism as illustrated in US Pat. No. 2006/0220336 Al entitled "Brake Device And Wheel Assembly For Skateboards" issued to Lin on Oct. 5, 2006. A deficiency with this method is that it limits the useful scope of board riding to only traveling down hills.

[0014] Finally one method that resolves some of the aforementioned deficiencies is illustrated in US Pat. No. 9,504,903B2 entitled "Braking Apparatus For A Recreational Riding Board Apparatus" issued to Newman on Nov. 29, 2016. This brake method is triggered by a conveniently located foot pedal; it uses a mechanical linkage that does not interfere with steering; a mechanical linkage that applies brake force evenly to the wheels; and a braking means that presses metal discs against brake-pads to dissipate heat. Nevertheless, a deficiency with Newman’s method is that it is limited to a single pivot angle requiring retooling most of the parts to manufacture trucks with different pivot angles therefore limiting the supported skateboard to a single wheelbase. Another deficiency with Newman’s method is that it requires costly bespoke parts that are difficult to mass produce and assemble making the brake considerably more expensive than a traditional skateboard truck to manufacture.

[0015] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved skateboard brake that does not interfere with steering; that applies brake force evenly; that dissipates heat effectively; that supports various wheelbases with base-plates having different pivot angles; that can be triggered by a variety of interoperable and adjustable mechanisms suitable for different riding modalities and that utilizes low-cost mass-production manufacturing methods allowing a variety of both low-cost and high-performance skateboard brakes to be created by sharing a common set of interoperable parts. An improved brake would be well received in the art.

SUMMARY

[0016] In an embodiment, a skateboard brake comprises a hanger, a pivot cup, and a push -rod extending through the pivot cup, wherein a movement of the push-rod is translated into a braking action. [0017] In another embodiment, a baseplate for a skateboard comprises a bracket and a trigger, wherein the trigger is configured to displace a push-rod extending from the baseplate and toward a hanger of the skateboard.

[0018] In another embodiment, a hanger for a skateboard comprises a pivot cup and a thrust-pin, wherein the thrust-pin is configured to be moveable by a push-rod extending through the pivot cup.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Some of the embodiments will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like designations denote like members, wherein:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a skateboard brake in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 2a is a side view of the skateboard brake of FIG. 1 mounted on a rear underside of a longboard skateboard in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0022] FIG. 2b is a top view of the skateboard brake of FIG. 1 mounted on the rear underside of the longboard skateboard in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0023] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of components of the skateboard brake of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0024] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of additional components of the skateboard brake of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0025] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of additional components of the skateboard brake in FIG. 1;

[0026] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of components of the skateboard brake of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0027] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a brake stator of the skateboard brake of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0028] FIG. 8a is an elevation view of a hanger of the skateboard brake of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0029] FIG. 8b is an elevation view of a hanger and actuating means of the skateboard brake of FIG. 1 in an inactive default state in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0030] FIG. 8c is an elevation view of the hanger and actuating means of the skateboard brake of FIGS. 1 and 8b in an activated state in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0031] FIG. 9a is a perspective view of a hanger and push-rod of the skateboard brake of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0032] FIG. 9b is an exploded perspective view of a hanger and push-rod aligned to a pivot axis of the skateboard brake of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0033] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the skateboard brake of FIG. 1 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0034] FIG. 1 la is a side view of a skateboard brake with a 57° degree pivot angle in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0035] FIG. 1 lb is a side view of a skateboard brake with a 43° degree pivot angle in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] FIG. 12a is an outline of an extrusion profile for fabrication of a wheel in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0037] FIG. 12b is a perspective view of an extruded machining stock for fabrication of a wheel hub in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; in accordance with embodiments of the present invention FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 12d is a cross-sectional view of a wheel hub in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 12e is a perspective view of a wheel hub in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 12f is a perspective view of a wheel in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 13a is a perspective view of a further embodiment of a skateboard brake in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 13b is a perspective view of a hanger of the skateboard brake of FIG. 13a in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 13c is a perspective view of a brake cross-member of the skateboard brake in FIG. 13a in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0044] FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of a trigger of a skateboard brake in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a brake lever of a skateboard brake in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; [0046] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a trigger of a skateboard brake in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a rider on a skateboard implementing a trigger of a skateboard brake in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a trigger of a skateboard brake in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0049] FIG. 19 is a cropped perspective view of a rear of a skateboard implementing the trigger of the skateboard brake of FIG. 18 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a trigger of a skateboard brake in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0051] FIG. 21 is a cropped perspective view of a rear of a skateboard implementing the trigger of the skateboard brake of FIG. 20;

[0052] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a skateboard brake with motorized wheel hubs in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0053] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the motorized wheel hub of FIG. 22 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 24 is a cropped perspective view of a rear of a skateboard implementing a brake activation sensor for a skateboard brake used with motorized wheel hubs of FIGS. 22 and/or 23 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 25 is a functional diagram of the brake activation sensor and motor control circuit in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[0056] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a skateboard brake for hangers assembled on base-plates with fixed kingpins in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and

[0057] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a collar and hanger of the skateboard brake of FIG. 26 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Embodiments of the invention solve the drawbacks of the conventional art with respect to steering interference, modular interoperability, support for different baseplate pivot angles, even brake force application, and heat dissipation.

[0059] Referring first to the Figures generally, an overview of embodiments is provided. Embodiments of the present invention provide a brake 10 as shown in FIG. 1. The brake 10 may be for a skateboard truck such as trucks 1 la and 1 lb of FIGS. 2a and 2b. The brake 10 includes a push-rod 12. The push-rod 12 may be aligned with a pivot axis 14 and may link a brake trigger 15, for example, on a base-plate 16, to a brake actuating means 17 on the hanger 13. At a high level, operating the brake trigger 15 translates to movement of the push-rod 12 which activates the brake actuating means 17 causing contact between braking surfaces 18 that generate friction which resists the turning of respective wheel assemblies 19 facilitating deceleration and braking. The push-rod 12 permits modularity by being configured for linking different brake triggers with different brake actuating means and also being compatible with different base-plates, for example base-plates with different pivot angles. This allows a range of skateboards 20 with various wheel bases 21 to be manufactured from a common set of interoperable parts to satisfy a diversity of customer preferences and riding styles.

[0060] Generally speaking, a skateboard is comprised of an elongated planar deck 22 with a pair of trucks 11 attached underneath as shown for example in FIGS. 2a and 2b. In an embodiment, the brake 10 is attached to a rear of the deck 22 with fastening hardware 23, while a conventional skateboard truck is fastened to a front of the deck. In alternative embodiments, the brake 10 may be attached to the front or a plurality of brakes 10 may be used, with one at the rear and the front.

[0061] Referred to broadly, the brake 10 according to embodiments of the invention comprises a hanger such as hanger 13, a pivot cup such as pivot cup 41, and a push -rod such as push-rod 12. These elements may be seen more clearly in FIGS. 3, 6, 9a, and 9b. The push-rod may extend through the pivot cup as shown for example, in FIG. 3. Still further, the brake 10 may comprise or interact with, a baseplate such as base-plate 16, a brake trigger such as brake trigger 15, a brake actuating means such as brake actually means 17, wheel assemblies such as wheel assembles 19 (for example, mounted to axles such as axles 24 which may be supported on the hanger 13). In embodiments, the push-rod 12 links the brake trigger 15 with the brake actuating means 17.

[0062] In embodiments, the base-plate 16 may include a bracket such as bracket 26 and a trigger such as the brake trigger 15 and may be seen in FIG. 3. The trigger may be configured to displace a pushrod such as push-rod 12 extending from the base-pate 16 and toward a hanger such as hanger 13. For example, the push-rod 12 may extend at least partially through the base-plate 16. In embodiments, displacement of the push-rod 12 may be translated into a movement of a thrust-pin such as thrust-pin 48. [0063] The base-plate 16 may have mounting holes 25 to affix the base-pate 16 to the deck 22. In some embodiments, the base-plate 16 may include bracket 26 with a kingpin bolt receiving hole 27; a pivot receiving hole 28, for example, configured for encircling a push-rod through-hole 29 for receiving the push-rod 12 such that the push-rod 12 may extend, at least partially, through the base-plate 16; a trigger attachment through-hole 30; and/or a trigger alignment aperture 31. Further, the base-plate 16 may comprise or may define the pivot axis 14, thus defining, for example, an angle at which the base-plate 16 attaches to the deck 22 and/or at which the base-plate 16 attaches the tnick(s) 11 to the deck 22. The angle of the pivot axis 14 can be any practical value. Typical values may range from around 57° for a surf-skate rear truck, to 50° for a longboard rear truck, down to 36° for a shortboard rear truck that is stable at high speeds.

[0064] In embodiments, the hanger 13 — thusly named because its roughly triangular shape resembles a clothes hanger — may comprise a pivot cup such as pivot cup 41 and a thrust-pin such as thrust-pin 48. The thrust-pin may be configured to be moveable by a push-rod such as push-rod 12. The push -rod 12 may extend through die pivot cup 41 of the hanger and/or may extend at least partially through the base-plate 16. The push-rod 12 may be moveable by a brake trigger such as brake trigger 15. Further, the hanger 13 may have at least one surface that opposes movement of the push-rod 12 in embodiments. For example, in embodiments a nub such as nub 54, a notch such as notch 135, or other feature may be provided for contacting a kingpin such as kingpin bolt 53 and opposes the force of the push-rod 12.

[0065] In accordance with an embodiment, the hanger 13 laterally supports a pair of the transverse axles 24 as can be seen in FIGS. 8b and 8c. Each axle 24 may have a central flange 32 separating a thicker inner shaft 33 from a thinner outer shaft 34; both shafts may have threaded ends 35. One or more brake stators 36 may be slidably mounted to the inner shaft 33 of each axle 24 and may be configured to be pressed inward away from the central flange 32 by axially mounted compression springs 37. Wheel assemblies 19 are rotatably mounted to the outer shaft 34 of each axle 24 and are seemed, for example by locking-nuts 38.

[0066] In embodiments, the hanger 13 may have threaded axle receiving holes 39 on two comers and a domed pivot 40 on the third. The axles 24 may be fixedly connected by the threaded ends 35 on the inner shaft 33 to the axle receiving holes 39 of the hanger 13 such that the axles 24 extend laterally on opposing sides of the hanger 13. In embodiments, the domed pivot 40 is configured to be sheathed within the pivot cup 41 and is configured to mate with a pivot receiving hole 28 in the base-plate 16. The hanger 13 may include a body portion 42 with a proximal oversized through-hole 43 surrounded concentrically by a bushing scat 44 for receiving a kingpin linkage 45. The hanger 13 may further include a pair of transverse fulcrum-pin receiving slots 47 adjacent to the axles 24. The hanger 13 may still further include a longitudinal thrust-pin receiving slot 49 adjacent to the domed pivot 40. According to embodiments, a push-rod receiving bore 50 may be provided concentric with the pivot axis 14 and may run through the pivot cup 41 and pivot dome 40 to intersect with the thrust-pin receiving slot 49. Movement of the push-12 may thus be translated into movement of the thrust-pin 48.

[0067] In general, the kingpin linkage 45 comprises a pair of bushings 51, a pair of washers 52, a bolt 53, and locking-nut as shown for example in FIG. 3. Opposing bushings may be situated on either side of the hanger body portion 42. The washers may be positioned against respective outer ends of the bushings 51. A kingpin bolt 53 seated inside the king pin bolt receiving hole 27 of the base-plate 16 passes through the bracket 26, a first washer 52 and bushing 51, the oversized through-hole 43 of the hanger 13, a second bushing 51 and washer 52, and is then secured by the locking-nut. The hanger 13 carried by the base-plate 16 via the kingpin linkage 45 and domed pivot 40 is rotatable relative to the base-platel 6 about the pivot axis 14. The resilient linkage of the bushings 51 pressed by the kingpin bolt 53 against the body portion 42 of the hanger 13 restricts rotational motion of the hanger 13 relative to die base-plate 16 and biases the hanger 13 towards a center position such that the supported axles 24 are horizontal to the skateboard's direction of movement. In embodiments, the oversized through-hole 43 of the hanger 13 may have a nub 54 which provides an opposing surface that abuts the kingpin bolt 53 to counter the force applied to the push-rod 12 by the brake trigger 15. Without this opposing surface the force applied by the push-rod 12 to the brake actuating means 17 may push the domed pivot 40 away from the pivot cup 41 and the pivot receiving hole 28 in the base-plate 16 as the bushings 51 of the kingpin linkage 45 flex.

[0068] In embodiments the brake actuating means 17 may comprise a pair of inter-coupled sliding levers 55 as shown in FIG. 6. The sliding levers 55 may be fastened with sliding fulcrum pins 46 to fulcrum-pin receiving slots 47 in the hanger 13 to form a ‘V’ shaped arrangement. In embodiments, the sliding levers 55 may be stamped and folded from sheet metal with the same part usable for both sides. Other production methods may also be used. The sliding levers 55 may have a generally ‘C’ shaped profile with thrust-pin receiving holes 56 at one end and a cam-yoke 57 with adjacent fulcrum-pin receiving holes 58 at the other end. Again, other designs may be used. According to embodiments, a thrust-pin 48 with a push-rod receiving hole 59 at its center may be slidably situated within the thrust-pin receiving slot 49 of the hanger. The thrust-pin 48 thusly situated may rotatably inter-couple the thrust-pin receiving holes 56 in both sliding levers 55. Thus, movement of the thrust-pin 48 may be translated into movement of one or both sliding levers 55. The fulcrum -pins 46 situated within the fulcrum -pin receiving slots 47 of the hanger 13 may also rotatably couple the respective fulcrum-pin receiving holes 58 of the sliding levers 55. The thrust-pin 48 and fulcrum-pins 46 may be fastened in place, for example, with circlips 60. The push-rod 12 extending beyond the receiving bore 50 of the hanger 13 may be fixedly connected to the push-rod receiving hole 59 of the thrust-pin 48. Lobes 61 on the cam-yoke 57 of each sliding lever 55 may align with receiving slots 62 on each brake stator 36 preventing the brake stator 36 from turning when contacted. Thus, movement of one or both of the sliding levers 55 may be translated into movement of one or both brake stators 36.

[0069] In embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 12a-12f, the wheel assembly 19 may comprise a hub 63 with over-molded urethane or rubber tire 64 and a flange 65 with a brake-pad 66 affixed. Further, a pair of bearings 67 may be press-fitted into either side of the hub 63 and may be separated by a cylindrical spacer 68. The brake-pad 66 may have an annular ring shape, may be formed out of any suitable brake compound material, and may be appropriately bonded or fastened to the flange 65. The hub 63 may be turned from a single metal extrusion 69 in embodiments. Further, in embodiments, three surfaces — two bearing seats 70 and the flange 65 — may be machined at the same time from the same work-holding position 71 to achieve high manufacturing precision and reduce defects from being machined off axis. In embodiments, hub 63 may be formed from a machining stock, for example, an extrusion with radiating fins to dissipate heat and improve bonding with the over-molded tire.

[0070] In embodiments, operation of the brake actuating means 17 is triggered by movement of the push-rod 12 with concomitant movement of the thrust-pin 48 along the thrust-pin receiving slot 49 which translates through the sliding levers 55 to outward movement of the fulcrum -pins 46 sliding along the respective fulcrum-pin receiving slots 47. This causes the sliding levers 55 to rotate about the sliding fulcrum-pins 46 and push the cam-yokes 57 outward against the brake stators 36 overcoming resistance of the compression spring 37 which would otherwise hold the brake stators 36 away from the central axle flanges 32. Further progressive movement of the push-rod 12 causes the surfaces of the brake stators 36 to make contact with the surfaces of die brake-pads 66 on the wheel assemblies 19, generating friction that resists the wheels from turning. In embodiments, the thrust-pin receiving slot 49 of the hanger 13 may be slightly oversized making provision for the thrust-pin 48 to float side-to-side and find a point-of- equilibrium where outward pressure is evenly applied to both brake-pads 66.

[0071] In accordance with additional embodiments, for example as shown in FIGS. 13a-13c, the brake actuating means 17 may comprise a hinged cross-member 72 with brake-shoes 73 on opposing distal ends which come into direct contact with the surface of the wheels 74 when activated. These embodiments may provide a simple lower cost offering intended for short duration braking that is interoperable with the various base-plates and triggers. The hinged cross-member 72 may be roughly ’T’ shaped with a hinge bolt receiving hole 75 across the distal portion of a central stem 76. A pliable cylindrical bushing 77 may be provided inside the hinge bolt receiving hole 75 to provide the hinged cross-member 72 with a compliant mounting. The central stem 76 may further include a proximal pushrod receiving cradle 78 and an adjacent pair of small compression spring receiving holes 79.

[0072] In embodiments the hanger 13 may be roughly triangular in shape and may support an axle 24 across two comers and the domed pivot 40 on the third corner. The axle 24 extends laterally having a pair of wheels 74 rotatably mounted at opposite ends thereof. The domed pivot 40 may be configured to be sheathed within the pivot cup 41 and be configured to mate with the pivot receiving hole 28 in the base-plate 16. The hanger 13 may include the body portion 42 with a proximal oversized through -hole 43 for receiving the kingpin linkage 45. Adjacent to the domed pivot 40 the hanger body portion 42 may further include a cross-member receiving aperture 80 with an opposing pair of mounting lugs 81 containing hinge bolt receiving holes 75 thereon. The hanger body portion 42 may further include a pair of small compression spring receiving brackets 82. The hinged cross-member central stem 76 situated inside the receiving aperture 80 of the hanger 13 may be pivotally mounted on a hinge bolt 53. The hinge bolt 53 may be seated at a first mounting lug 81 of the hanger 13 and may pass through a first hinge bolt receiving hole 75 thereon, then passes through the pliable cylindrical bushing ’ll inside of the hinge bolt receiving hole 75 of the cross-member central stem 76, then passes through the second hinge bolt receiving hole 75 of the opposing mounting lug 81 on the hanger 13, and is then fastened by a locking nut. A pair of small compression springs 83 situated between the compression spring receiving holes 79 of the hinged cross-member 72 and compression spring receiving brackets 82 of the hanger 13 press open the hinge, keeping the brake-shoes 73 away from the wheels 74.

[0073] In embodiments, operation of the brake actuating means 17 may be triggered by movement of the push-rod 12 which pressing against the receiving cradle 78 of the hinged cross-member central stem 76 overcomes resistance of the compression spring 83 holding the hinge open. Further progressive movement of the push -rod 12 closes the hinge bringing the surfaces of the brake-shoes 73 in contact with the surfaces of the wheels 74 generating friction that resists the wheels 74 from turning. Cooling fins 84 on the reverse side of the brake-shoes 73 dissipate the generated heat. The pliable cylindrical bushing 77 lining the inside of the hinge bolt receiving hole 74 of the cross-member stem 76 allows the brake-shoes 73 to find a point-of-equilibrium where pressure is evenly applied to both wheels 74. [0074] In accordance with embodiments, the brake trigger 15 may comprise a foot -pedal 85 adjustably affixed to a brake lever 86 which is rotatably coupled to the base-plate 16 via a bushing linkage 87 as shown in FIG. 3. These embodiments may be intended for skateboards with drop-through openings where the base-plate 16 is mounted to the top of the deck 22. The foot-pedal 85 provides a planar surface conveniently situated for rider heel activation above the base-plate. At the rear end, the underside of the foot-pedal 85 may include a finely notched curved mating surface 88 and curved slotted through-hole 89. A distal end 90 of the brake lever 86 may provide a matching mating surface and threaded hole 91 for fastening the foot pedal 85 with a cap-screw 92. The notched mating surface and accompanying slotted through-hole permit the angle of the foot-pedal 85 to be adjusted relative to the brake lever 86 in small increments when the cap-screw 92 is loosened. This angle adjustment permits different base-plates with different pivot angles to situate the foot-pedal 85 at a similar angle relative to the deck 22. The brake lever 86 may have a body portion 93 with a proximal bushing seat 94 with concentric elongated through-hole 95. The bushing linkage 87 may provide a fulcrum for the brake lever 86 and may comprise, for example, a urethane bushing, bolt, washer, and locking-nut. The bolt with washer attached passes through the through-hole 95 in the brake lever 86, through the bushing, a trigger attachment through -hole 30 of the base-plate 16 and may be fastened thereon by the captured locking-nut. The trigger alignment aperture 31 of the base-plate 16 maintains orientation with the distal portion of the brake lever 86 which includes a push-rod receiving cradle 78. The push-rod 12 extending from the domed pivot 40 of the hanger 13 passes through the push-rod through-hole 29 of the base-plate 16 to abut the receiving cradle 78 of the brake lever 86. The brake pedal 85 carried by the brake lever 86 connected to the base-plate 16 via the bushing linkage 87 and aligned by the alignment aperture 31, rotates about a horizontally lateral fulcrum axis 96 relative to the base-plate 16.

[0075] In embodiments, operation of the brake trigger 15 may be activated by the rider pressing the foot pedal 85 which concomitantly rotates the brake lever 86 about the fulcrum axis 96 of the bushing linkage 87 pressing the receiving cradle 78 against the push-rod 12. Further progressive pressing the foot pedal 85 results in movement of the push-rod 12 along the pivot axis 14 which triggers the brake actuating means 17. The resilient linkage of the bushing linkage 87 between the brake lever 86 and baseplate 16 restricts rotational movement of the brake lever 86 returning it to its disengaged position after activation.

[0076] In accordance with embodiments, for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the brake trigger 15 comprises a foot-plate 97 with adjustable elbow levers 98 intended for skateboards where the trucks 11 are mounted to the underside of tire deck 22. The foot-plate may be any appropriate shape and may be fastened flush with countersunk screws 99 to the elbow levers 98. The elbow levers 98 project downward from the foot-plate through holes 100 in the deck 22 situated on either side of the base-plate 16. The elbow levers 98 then extend rearward where the opposing ends which include curved notched mating surfaces and slotted through-holes adjustably mate with the brake lever 86. In embodiments, operation of this brake trigger may be activated by the rider pressing the foot-plate 97 which concomitantly rotates the connected brake lever 86 causing the push-rod 12 to move along the pivot axis 14 which triggers the brake actuating means 17.

[0077] In accordance with further embodiments, the brake trigger 15 may comprise a pliable tether 101 attached to an adjustable lever arm 102, for example, as shown in FIG. 17. The pliable tether 101, which may for example include a handle 103 for grasping, passes through a hole 104 in the deck 22 and may be fastened to one end of the lever arm 102. The opposing ends of the lever arm 102 include curved notched mating surfaces and slotted through-holes for adjustably mating with the brake lever 86. In embodiments, operation of this brake trigger may be activated by the rider pulling the handle 103 of the tether 101 which concomitantly rotates the brake lever 86 pushing the push-rod 12 along the pivot axis 14 which triggers the brake actuating means 17.

[0078] In accordance with further embodiments the wheel assemblies 19 may be motorized, for example, as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23. In these embodiments the hanger 13 may have opposing axle receiving holes supported by an adjacent gusset 105 that runs across an edge of the hanger 13. The axle holes may be tangentially capped by retaining plates 106, for example affixed with a plurality of cap screws 92 such that motor axles are held in place by the clamping force of the fastened retaining plates 106. The motorized wheel assembly may comprise a hub motor 107, for example with urethane or rubber tire, a flange with annular brake-pad affixed and a hollow axle 108 containing the motor power and signal cable 109. A cable passageway 110 may extend from the base of the axle receiving holes to the outside edge of the gusset 105. A brake activation sensor 125 may be mounted at the rear of the deck 22 abutting the brake lever 86 and may allow a motor control circuit 126 to detect when the brake lever 86 is activated. In embodiments, operation of the brake trigger may be activated by the rider, causing the brake actuating means 17 to press the surfaces of the brake stators 36 outward and make contact with the surfaces of the brake-pads 66 on the motorized wheel assemblies 19 generating friction that resists the wheels from turning. This brake activation is detected by the brake activation sensor 125, for example, simultaneously and/or in real time, causing the motor controller to react appropriately.

[0079] Many contemporary skateboard base-plates utilize fixed kingpins press fitted or otherwise affixed to the receiving hole of the base-plate 16. In order to fit a hanger 13 to a base-plate 16 with a fixed kingpin, a small notch 135 may be required in the oversized through-hole 43 to facilitate assembly, for example, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. This notch 135 may be incompatible with the nub 54 described earlier. In accordance with embodiments, support for assembly of the brake 10 where the base-plate 16 has a fixed kingpin is provided by a collar 136. Situated inside the oversized through-hole 43 of the hanger 13 and surrounding the kingpin bolt 53, the collar 136 may be located between the bushings within the kingpin linkage 45. In embodiments, during operation the collar 136 thusly situated abuts a perimeter of the oversized through-hole 43 providing an opposing surface to counter the force applied to the push-rod 12 by the brake trigger 15, preventing the hanger 13 from shifting off the kingpin linkage axis under braking loads due to bushing flex. [0080] It will be understood that the foregoing discussion covered embodiments at a high level. Further, features from different embodiments may be applied to other embodiments and/or embodiments may be combined.

[0081] Having discussed various embodiments at a high level to give an overview, the embodiments depicted in the Figures will now be discussed in greater detail. Again, features from different embodiments may be applied to other embodiments and/or embodiments may be combined.

[0082] Beginning with FIG. 1 , the figure depicts the brake 10 according to embodiments of the invention. The brake 10 may include the push-rod 12 aligned with the pivot axis 14 of tire hanger 13 which links the brake trigger 15 with the brake actuating means 17. As shown in FIG. 1, the brake 10 may comprise or interact with the base-plate 16, the hanger 13, the pivot cup, the brake trigger 15, the brake actuating means 17, and/or the wheel assembly 19. The base-plate 16, hanger 13, brake trigger 15, brake actuating means 17, and/or wheel assembly 19 can be of any suitable construction and made of any suitable material. As examples, in embodiments, the base-plate 16, hanger 13, brake trigger 15, footpedal 85, and/or brake lever 86 may be cast in A356 aircraft grade aluminum and heat treated to T6; the brake actuating means 17 may include sliding levers 55 stamped and folded from 6061 -T6 aluminum plate with fulcrum pins 46, 48, and push-rod 12 turned from stainless steel; and/or the wheel assembly hub 64 may be turned from 6061-T6 extruded aluminum. In alternative embodiments, the base-plate 16, hanger 13, brake trigger 15, brake actuating means 17, and wheel assembly 19 may be cast or forged of any formable high strengdr metal or plastic.

[0083] The brake 10 according to embodiments of the present invention applied to a conventional longboard skateboard 20 may be seen contextually to best advantage depicted from the side in FIG. 2a and from above in FIG. 2b. These figures depict a conventional truck I la mounted at the front of the deck 22 and a truck 11b with adjunct brake 10 mounted at the rear. The trucks 1 la, 1 lb are broadly comprised of lateral transverse axles 24 with arrangements for wheel 19 assemblies, including wheels 74 to be attached at opposite ends thereof supported by the hanger 13 adapted to be pivotally attached to the base-plate 16 which is affixed to the deck 22 with fastening hardware 23. The wheelbase 21 of the skateboard 20 is determined by the distance between the front and rear supported axles 24. The trucks 1 la, 1 lb provide a steering whereby lateral tilting of the deck 22 opposably twists the supported axles 24 causing the skateboard 20 to turn when propelled forward by a rider. Pressing the foot pedal 85 activates the brake trigger 15 engaging the brake actuating means 17 and making contact between braking surfaces 18 which generate friction and resist the turning of respective wheel assemblies 19 to facilitate deceleration and braking.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 3, in embodiments the hanger 13 may comprise the body portion 42 with proximal oversized through hole 43 surrounded concentrically by a bushing seat 44 for receiving the kingpin linkage 45. The hanger 13 may include the pair of opposing transverse threaded axle receiving holes 39 with adjacent fulcrum-pin receiving slots 47. The hanger 13 may further include the longitudinal thrust-pin receiving slot 49 adjacent to the domed pivot 40. The push-rod receiving bore 50 concentric with the pivot axis 14 may run through the pivot cup 41 and pivot dome 40 to intersect with the thrust-pin receiving slot 49. The push-rod 12 positioned inside the receiving bore 50 may be fixedly connected to the push-rod receiving hole 59 of the thrust-pin 48 situated inside receiving slot 49 of the hanger 13 and fastened with the circlip 60.

[0085] Referring still to FIG. 3, in embodiments the base-plate 16 may comprise a plate. The plate may be substantially rectangular and may have a finite thickness, for example about 6 millimeters in an embodiment, with a plurality of holes 25 suitably configured for mounting the base-plate 16 to the deck 22. A bracket 26 may project outwards, for example from a center-line of the base-plate 16, and may include the kingpin bolt receiving hole 27 surrounded concentrically by the bushing seat 44 for receiving the kingpin linkage 45. The kingpin linkage 45 may comprise the kingpin bolt 53 which may be seated inside the receiving hole 26 of the base-plate 16. The kingpin bolt 53 may pass through the bracket 26, the first washer 52 and bushing 51, the oversized through-hole 43 of the hanger 13, and the second bushing 51 and washer 52, and may be secured by a locking-nut 38. The preceding description of the kingpin linkage 45, which is a conventional skateboard part is provided by way of information. As would be recognized by one skilled in the art, the construction of a kingpin linkage 45 can be modified as desired. At an opposing end, the base-plate 16 bracket 26 may further include an outward projection providing a pivot receiving surface 120 perpendicular to the bushing seat 44 with pivot receiving hole 28 and brake trigger 15 attachment through -hole 30 therein. The push-rod through-hole 29 encircled within the pivot receiving hole 28 passes through to the other side of the bracket 26 where the alignment aperture 31 orientates the brake trigger 15.

[0086] With reference still to FIG. 3, the brake trigger 15 may comprise a foot-pedal 85 adjustably affixed to a brake lever 86 which may be rotatably coupled to the base-plate 16 via the bushing linkage 87. The distal end 90 of the brake lever 86 provides a notched curved mating surface 88a and threaded hole 91 for fastening the foot-pedal 85 with the cap-screw 92. A matching notched curved mating surface 88b and accompanying curved slotted through-hole 89 permit the angle of the foot-pedal 85 to be adjusted relative to the brake lever 86 in small increments when the cap-screw 92 is loosened. The brake lever 86 body portion 93 has a proximal bushing seat 94 with concentric elongated through-hole 95. The bushing linkage 87 provides the fulcrum axis 96 for the brake lever 86 and comprises bolt 53 with washer 52 attached that passes through the hole 95 in the brake lever 86, through the bushing 51, the trigger attachment through-hole 30 of the base-plate 16 and is fastened thereon by captured locking-nut 38.

[0087] Referring now to FIG. 4, in embodiments the supporting axle 24 may comprise a turned round bar, for example of hardened metal, forming the thicker inner shaft 33 for slidably mounting the brake stator 36 and compression spring 37 and the thinner outer shaft 34 for rotatably mounting the wheel assembly 19. The two shafts 33, 34 may be separated by the central flange 32 and may be threaded at opposing ends 35. The wheel assembly 19 may comprise the hub 63. Further, the wheel assembly 19 may comprise over-molded tire 64 with the pair of bearings 67 press-fitted onto bearing seats 70 on either side of the hub 63 separated by the cylindrical spacer 68 and fastened to the outer shaft 34 of the axle 24 with the washer 52 and locking-nut 38. Referring to FIG. 5, the hub 63 may also comprise a flange 65 with mounting holes 111 whereon an annular brake-pad 66 may be affixed, for example, with rivets 112.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 6, in embodiments the brake actuating means 17 may comprise the intercoupled sliding levers 55 fastened with sliding pins 46, 48 to the slots 47, 49 in the hanger 13, forming a ‘V’ shaped arrangement. Each sliding lever 55 may comprise sheet metal in embodiments, for example may be made of 3 millimeter aluminum plate, punched and folded to form a generally ‘C’ shaped profile with thrust-pin receiving holes 56 at one end and the cam-yoke 57 with adjacent fulcrum-pin receiving holes 58 at the other end. In embodiments, the thrust-pin receiving holes 56 may be offset by one half the plate thickness, for example 1.5 millimeters, or by some other distance, in order for the same or substantially the same, sliding lever 55 part to be used on both sides of the hanger 13. The thrust-pin 48 with threaded push-rod receiving hole 59 at its center may be slidably situated within the thrust-pin receiving slot 49 of the hanger 13. The thrust-pin 48 thusly situated may rotatably inter-couple the thrustpin receiving holes 56 of the paired sliding levers 55. Fulcrum-pins 46 situated within the fulcrum -pin receiving slots 47 of the hanger 13 may also rotatably couple the respective fulcrum-pin receiving holes 58 of the paired sliding levers 55. The thrust-pin 48 and fulcrum-pins 46 may be fastened in place, for example with circlips 60. The push-rod 12 positioned inside the receiving bore 50 of the hanger 13 may be fixedly connected to the push-rod receiving hole 59 of the thrust-pin 48. Lobes 61 on the cam-yoke 57 of each sliding lever 55 may align with receiving slots 62 (as shown in FIG. 7) on each brake stator 36 preventing the brake stators 36 from turning.

[0089] Referring again to FIG. 7, in embodiments the brake stator 36 may comprise a turned round bar, for example of hardened metal forming a disc shape with a concentric axle receiving boss 113, axial ventilation holes 114 for dissipating heat generated by friction, and an outer lip with cam -lobe receiving slots 62 therein. Situated on either side of the axle receiving boss 113 may be cam -yoke receiving notches 121 which ensure even pressure is applied by the cam -yoke 57 (as shown in FIG. 6) of the sliding lever 55 to the brake stator 36 so the braking surface 18 remains perpendicular with the supporting axle 24 ensuring the brake stator 36 slides without binding.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 8a, now consider how inward movement (shown by arrow 115) for example, of the push-rod 12 relative to the hanger 13 guided by the push-rod receiving bore 50 and thrustpin receiving slot 49 is translated into outward movement (shown by arrows 116) for example, of the sliding levers 55 (as shown in FIG. 8b) and thus of brake stators 36, in embodiments. The opposing force to the inward movement 1 15 may be provided by the kingpin bolt 53 situated inside the oversized through-hole 43 proximal to the hanger 13 body portion 42. However, in embodiments the kingpin linkage 45 (as shown in more detail in FIGS. 1 and 3) may require the opposing surface of the pivot nub 54 inside the through-hole 43 which abuts the kingpin bolt 53 to prevent the hanger 13 from shifting off its lateral axis 122 under braking due to the compliance by the resilient bushings 51 of the kingpin linkage 45 or may require the opposing surface of the notch 135 as discussed in more detail below.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 8b more specifically, the brake actuating means 17 is shown in a default and/or disengaged state according to embodiments. The brake stator 36 axle receiving boss 113 slidably mounted on the inner shaft 33 of the supporting axle 24 may be pressed inwards, away from the axle central flange 32 by the compression spring 37. The brake stator 36 thusly situated is aligned by the camlobes 61 of the sliding levers 55 positioned inside their respective receiving slots 62. The cam-yoke 57 may be pressed inward at the receiving notch 121 of the brake stator 36 boss 113 and may concomitantly hold the sliding fulcrum pins 46 inward inside the slots 47. Translated by the sliding levers 55, the inward pressure from the compression springs 37 may hold the sliding thrust-pin 48 and affixed push-rod 12 outward in the respective slot 49 and bore 50.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 8c, in embodiments, when the brake 10 is activated the push-rod 12 may move along the pivot axis 14 (again, as shown by arrow 115) concomitantly moving the affixed thrust-pin 48 inward. Translated by the sliding levers 55, this inward movement 115 may shift the sliding fulcrumpins 46 inside the slots 47 pressing the cam-yoke 57 against the brake stator 36 sliding the brake stator 36 outward (again as shown by arrow 116) along the supporting axle 24.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, embodiments of the brake 10 and hanger 13 are shown in more detail. As discussed above, in embodiments, the brake 10 includes the hanger 13 with the pivot cup 41 and the push-rod 12. Further, as discussed above, in embodiments, the hanger 13 includes the pivot dome 40. The hanger 13 may be configured to receive the pivot cup 41 and/or may include the pivot cup 41 with the pivot dome. Likewise, the hanger 13 may be configured to receive the thrust-pin 48 and/or may be include the thrust-pin 48. In embodiments, the hanger 13 is able to rotate about the pivot axis 14 without interfering with movement of the push-rod 12 along the pivot axis 14, for example, movement of the push-rod 12 inside the hanger receiving bore 50.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 10, in operation according to embodiments, the push-rod 12 links the brake trigger 15 on the base-plate 16 to the brake actuating means 17 on the hanger 13. In embodiments, the brake trigger 15 may be activated by the rider pressing the foot pedal 85 which concomitantly rotates the brake lever 86 about the fulcrum axis 96 of the bushing linkage 87 pressing the receiving cradle 78 against the exposed end of the push-rod 12. Further progressive pressing of the foot pedal 85 may result in movement of the push-rod 12 along the hanger pivot axis 14. The resilient linkage of the bushing 51 between the brake lever 86 and base-plate 16 supporting bracket 26 may restrict rotational movement of the brake lever 86 returning it to its disengaged position after activation. During activation, movement of the push-rod 12 inside the receiving bore 50 of the hanger 13 may result in the inward movement of the affixed thrust-pin 48 inside its receiving slot 49. The interlinked sliding levers 55 may translate inward movement of the thrust-pin 48 to outward movement of the fulcrum-pins 46 which may slide inside their respective slots 47. This may cause the sliding levers to rotate about the fulcrum-pins 46 and push the cam-yokes 57 outward against the brake stators 36 overcoming the resistance of the compression spring 37 holding them away from the axle central flanges 32. Lobes 61 on the cam -yoke 57 of each sliding lever 55 may align with receiving slots 62 on each brake stator 36 preventing them from turning. Further progressive movement of the push-rod 12 may cause the surfaces

18 of the brake stators 36 to make contact with the surfaces of the brake-pads 66 on the wheel assemblies

19 generating friction that resists the wheels from turning. The thrust-pin 49 receiving slot of the hanger 13 may be slightly oversized making provision for the thrust-pin 48 to float side-to-side and find a point- of-equilibrium where outward pressure is evenly applied to both brake-pads 66.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. I la and 1 lb, a benefit of the push-rod 12 according to embodiments is that the same brake actuating means 17 on the hanger 13, with supported axle 24, and wheel assembly 19, can be mounted on different base-plates 16, for example different base-plates 16 with different pivot angles 14. This may be advantageous because skateboards with longer wheelbases typically have baseplates with larger pivot angles, for example 57 degrees as shown in FIG. 1 la, while skateboards with shorter wheelbases typically have base-plates with smaller pivot angles, for example 43 degrees as shown in FIG. 1 lb, in order to achieve a similar turning radius and ride characteristics. It will be understood that other pivot angles could be used and embodiments of the invention would be capable of providing improved braking on devices using these other pivot angles.

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 12a and 12b, in embodiments the wheel hub 63 may comprise a single workpiece turned on a lathe from machining stock 69. An extrusion profile 117 may have radiating ribs and a hollow core. Referring to FIG. 12b, a circular blank may be extruded through a die with this profile shape 117 using a large hydraulic press to form the machining stock 69. Referring to FIGS. 12c, 12d, and 12e, the machining stock 69 may then be faced, grooved, and stepped in subsequent turning operations to create a work holding position 71. In a final step, the hub 63 work piece may be clamped using this work holding position 71 and surfaces, such as the flange 65 and opposing bearing scats 70 arc faced and bored at the same time to ensure these surfaces achieve high manufacturing precision and to reduce defects from being machined off axis. Radial holes 111 may also be added to the flange 65 for fastening the annular brake-pad 66 (See FIG. 5). Referring to FIG. 12f once machining of the hub 63 is completed a urethane tire 64 may be over-molded.

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 13a, 13b and 13c, in embodiments of the invention the brake actuating means 17 may comprise a hinged crossmember 72 with brake-shoes 73 on opposing ends that come into direct contact with the surface of the wheels 74 when activated. The lateral transverse axle 24 with arrangements for wheels 74 to be rotatably attached at opposite ends thereof may be supported by the hanger 13 adapted to be pivotally attached with kingpin linkage 45 and domed pivot 40 sheathed inside the pivot cup 41 operatively connecting it to the bracket 26 of the base-plate 16. Adjacent to the domed pivot 40 the hanger body portion 42 may include a cross-member receiving aperture 80 with an opposing pair of mounting lugs 81 containing hinge bolt receiving holes 75 thereon. The hanger body portion 42 may further include a pair of small compression spring receiving brackets 82.

[0098] In embodiments the hinged cross-member 72 may be roughly ’T’ shaped with a hinge bolt receiving hole 75 across a distal portion of central stem 76. The pliable cylindrical bushing 77 may line the inside of the hinge bolt receiving hole 75 providing the hinge bolt 53 with a compliant mounting. The central stem 76 may further include the push-rod receiving cradle 78 and the adjacent pair of small compression spring receiving holes 79. The hinged cross-member stem 76 situated inside the receiving aperture 80 of the hanger 13 may be pivotally mounted on the hinge bolt 53 and fastened by the locking nut 38. The pair of small compression springs 83 situated between the compression spring receiving holes 79 and compression spring receiving brackets 82 may press open the hinge keeping the brake-shoes 73 away from the wheels 74.

[0099] In embodiments, during operation, when the brake actuating means 17 is triggered, inward movement of the push-rod 12 presses against the receiving cradle 78 of the hinged cross-member stem 76 overcoming resistance of the compression spring 83 holding the hinge open. Further progressive movement of the push-rod 12 may close the hinge bringing the surfaces of the brake-shoes 73 in contact with the surfaces of the wheels 74 generating friction that resists the wheels from turning. Cooling fins 84 on the reverse side of the brake-shoes may dissipate the heat generated. The pliable cylindrical bushing 77 may allow the brake-shoes 73 to find a point-of-equilibrium where pressure is evenly applied to both wheels 74. The pivot nub 54 inside the through-hole 43 abuts the kingpin linkage bolt 53 providing an opposing surface to prevent the hanger 13 from shifting under braking loads.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 14, in embodiments the brake trigger 15 may comprise the foot-pedal 85 adjustably affixed to the brake lever 86. The distal end 90 of the brake lever 86 provides the notched curved mating surface 8a8 and threaded hole 91 for fastening the foot-pedal 85 with the cap-screw 92. A matching notched curved mating surface 88b (as shown in FIG. 10) and accompanying curved slotted through-hole 89 may permit the angle of the foot-pedal 85 to be adjusted relative to the brake lever 86 in small increments when the cap-screw 92 is loosened. The brake lever 86 body portion 93 may have a proximal bushing scat 94 with concentric elongated through-hole 95 and the push-rod receiving cradle 78. The trigger alignment aperture 31 (as shown in FIG. 3) of the base-plate 16 maintains orientation with the distal end 90 of the brake lever 86 as it rotates about its horizontally lateral fulcrum axis 96.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 15, in embodiments the brake lever 86 supports various other embodiments of the brake trigger 15. The roughly ’T’ shaped brake lever 86 may have notched curved mating surfaces 88 with threaded attachment holes 91 at opposing ends 123 thereon and a body portion 93 with proximal bushing seat 94 and concentric elongated through-hole 95 with the push-rod receiving cradle 78 at the distal end 90 of the central stem which also aligns the brake lever 86 with the trigger alignment aperture 31 (as shown in FIG. 3) of the base-plate 16.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 16, in embodiments the brake trigger 15 may comprise a pair of bifurcated lever arms 102 adjustably affixed to the ’T’ shaped brake lever 86. The opposing ends 123 of the brake lever 86 may provide notched curved mating surfaces 88 and threaded holes 91 for fastening the lever arms 102 with cap-screws 92. The matching notched curved mating surface 88 and accompanying curved slotted through -hole 89 may permit the angle of the lever arms 102 to be adjusted relative to the brake lever 86 in small increments when the cap-screws 92 are loosened. The brake lever 86 body portion 93 may have a proximal elongated through -hole 95 for operatively coupling this trigger 15 to the base-plate 16 (as shown in FIG. 10).

[0103] Referring to FIG. 17, in embodiments a rider 118 operating the skateboard 20 implementing the lever arm 102 of the brake trigger 15 as depicted in FIG. 16 may hold onto the handle 103 of the pliable tether 104 that passes through a hole 104 in the deck 22 and attaches to the lever am 102. The rider 118 may activate the brake trigger 15 by pulling the tether 104 handle 103. Under braking the tether 104 may provide a third point of contact bracing the rider 118 from losing their balance and falling forward from the skateboard 20.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 20. in embodiments the brake trigger 15 may comprise a pair of elbow levers 98 adjustably affixed to the ’T’ shaped brake lever 86. The opposing ends 123 of the brake lever 86 may provide notched curved mating surfaces 88 and threaded holes 91 for fastening the elbow levers 98 with cap-screws 92. The matching notched curved mating surface 88 and accompanying curved slotted through-hole 89 may permit the angle of the elbow levers 98 to be adjusted relative to the brake lever 86 in small increments when the cap-screws 92 are loosened. The brake lever 86 body portion 93 with proximal bushing seat 94 and concentric elongated through-hole 95 with a push-rod receiving cradle 78 at the distal end 90 of the central stem may also align the brake lever 86 with the trigger alignment aperture 31 (as shown in FIG. 3) of the base-plate 16. A foot-plate 97 may be respectively fastened flush with a pair of countersunk screws 99 to the opposing ends of the elbow levers 98. Referring to FIG. 18, the foot-plate 97 is configured to be activated by the rider pressing it with their heel. Referring to FIG. 20, the foot-plate 97 is configured to be activated by the rider pressing it with the side of their foot. It will be understood that any appropriately shaped footplate may be used.

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 19 and 21, the rear of skateboard 20 is depicted along with elbow lever 98 brake trigger 15. The foot-plate 97 fastened flush with countersunk screws 99 to the elbow levers 98 which project downward through holes 100 in the skateboard deck 22 arc situated on either side of the truck base-plate 16. The elbow levers 98 may then extend rearward and mate with the ’T’ shaped brake lever 86. In operation the brake trigger 15 may be activated by the rider pressing their foot against the foot-plate 97 which concomitantly rotates the connected brake lever 86 pushing the push-rod 12 (as shown in FIG. 10) along the pivot axis 14 which triggers the brake actuating means 17 making contact between braking surfaces 18 that generate friction that resists the attached wheels assemblies 19 from turning. Referring to FIG. 19, the foot-plate 97 is configured for the rider's foot to be situated on the deck 22 in front of the brake truck 10 and is to be activated by a heel press. Referring to FIG. 21, the foot-plate 97 is configured for the rider's foot to be situated on the kick-tail 119 behind of the brake truck 10 and is to be activated by pressing with the side of the foot.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 22, in embodiments the wheel assemblies 19 may be motorized. In these embodiments the hanger 13 may have opposing axle receiving holes 39 (as shown in FIG. 3) supported by gusset 105 that runs laterally across the edge of the hanger 13. The axle receiving holes 39 may be tangentially capped by retaining plates 1 6 affixed with a plurality of cap screws 92 such that the motor axles 108 (as shown in FIG. 23) may be held in place by the clamping force of the fastened plates 106. The motorized wheel assembly 19 may comprise a hub motor 107 with urethane or rubber tire 64, the flange 65 with annular brake-pad 66 affixed and the cable passageway 110 extending from the base of the axle receiving holes 39 to the outside edge of the supporting gusset 105 for routing the power and signal cable 109 of the hub motor 107.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 23, the motorized wheel assembly 19 comprises a hub motor 107 with urethane or rubber tire 64, and a hollow keyed axle 108 for routing the motor power and signal cable 109. Similar to the non-motorized wheel assembly 19 (as shown for example in FIG. 5) the hub motor 107 flange 65 includes mounting holes 111 whereon an annular brake-pad 66 is affixed with rivets 112. [0108] Referring to FIG. 24, the rear of skateboard 20 is depicted along with the motorized hub 107 wheel assemblies 19. Here a brake activation sensor 125 may be mounted at the rear of the skateboard deck 22 behind the base-plate 16 abutting the brake lever 86 and may allow the motor control circuit 126 (See FIG. 25) to detect when the brake 10 is activated. The brake activation sensor 125 can be any appropriate sensing device that can convert the brake lever 86 activation into an electrical signal with a generally on and off state, including for example, a mechanical switch, an optical switch, an inductive proximity sensor, a hall effect switch, or the like.

[0109] In embodiments, during operation the brake trigger 15 may be activated by the rider pressing the foot pedal 85 which concomitantly rotates the brake lever 86 about the fulcrum axis 96 of the bushing linkage 87, movement which is simultaneously detected by the brake activation sensor 125 causing the functionally connected 109 motor control circuit 126 (as shown in FIG. 25) inside a battery and controller housing 124 to react appropriately, for example — depending on the current velocity of the electric skateboard — by reducing the speed, by applying regenerative braking, and/or by disabling power to the motor. Further progressive pressing of the foot pedal 85 may result in activation of the brake actuating means 17 causing the surfaces 18 of the brake stators 36 to make contact with the surfaces of the brakepads 66 on the motorized wheel assemblies 19 generating friction that resists the wheels from turning.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 25 more specifically, in embodiments an electric skateboard motor control circuit 126 may comprise a microprocessor control unit 127 (MCU), for example with output to a driver circuit 128, which is wired to three phase stator windings of a brushless direct current (BLDC) motor 129. The microprocessor 127 may receive input from a position detection circuit 131, for example three hall effect sensors, and input from a current protection circuit 130 to regulate the speed of the motor 129 using a Field Oriented Control (FOC) or Direct Torque Control (DTC) program. The speed setting and mode may be input via an interface circuit 132 and wirelessly linked 133 from a remote control 134 composed of a user interface, for example a throttle, mode selection button, and/or display. In embodiments the control circuit 126 may further include the brake activation sensor 125 input to the microprocessor 127 with accommodations for the motor speed control program to respond appropriately when brake activation is detected. It will be understood that various embodiments of electric skateboards and motorized skateboards are contemplated and that various control systems may be used.

[0111] Referring now to FIGS. 26 and 27, it is common for contemporary truck base-plates 16 to have a fixed kingpin bolt 53 that cannot be removed. In this scenario the notch 135 may be required in bushing seat 44 of the hanger 13 to accommodate assembly according to embodiments. In embodiments the collar 136 may be provided that surrounds the kingpin bolt 53 and abuts the perimeter of the oversized through-hole 43 to provide an opposing surface that prevents the hanger 13 from shifting under braking loads due to bushing 51 flex.

[0112] Embodiments may further include methods of creating and/or modifying a skateboard, such as skateboard 20, to include a brake, such as brake 10. Additionally, embodiments may further include methods of braking or stopping a skateboard, such as skateboard 20, using a brake, such as brake 10, a hanger, such as hanger 13, and/or a base-plate, such as base-plate 13.

[0113] Still further, embodiments may further include kits for use with a skateboard such as skateboard 20, a deck such as deck 22, and the like. For example, a brake kit may include a hanger such as hanger 13, a pivot cup such as pivot cup 41, and/or a push-rod such as push-rod 12. Still further, the brake kit may include a brake trigger such as brake trigger 15, a brake activation sensor such as brake activation sensor 126, a base-plate such as base-plate 16, a thrust-pin such as thrust-pin 48 and/or a brake actuating means, such as brake actuating means 17. Still further, other components, such as those discussed above, may be included. For example, wheel assemblies, such as wheel assemblies 19, may be included and/or a deck, such as deck 22, may be included. The brake kit may be configured for creating a skateboard having a brake according to embodiments of the invention and/or for modifying a skateboard to include a brake according to embodiments of the invention.

[0114] In further embodiments, kits may include a base-plate kit for use with a skateboard such as skateboard 20, a deck such as deck 22, and the like. For example, a base-plate kit may include a bracket such as bracket 26 and a brake trigger such as brake trigger 15. Still further, the base-plate kit may include a hanger such as hanger 13, a pivot cup such as pivot cup 41, and/or a push-rod such as push -rod

12. Still further, the base-plate kit may include a brake activation sensor such as brake activation sensor 126, a thrust-pin such as thrust-pin 48 and/or a brake actuating means, such as brake actuating means 17. Still further, other components, such as those discussed above, may be included. For example, wheel assemblies, such as wheel assemblies 19, may be included and/or a deck, such as deck 22, may be included. The base-pate kit may be configured for creating a skateboard having a base-plate according to embodiments of the invention and/or for modifying a skateboard to include a base-plate according to embodiments of the invention.

[0115] In further embodiments, kits may include a hanger kit for use with a skateboard such as skateboard 20, a deck such as deck 22, and the like. For example, a hanger kit may include a pivot cup such as pivot cup 41 and a thrust-pin such as thrust-pin 48. Still further, the hanger kit may include a bracket such as bracket 26, a brake trigger such as brake trigger 15, may include a hanger such as hanger

13, a push-rod such as push-rod 12, a brake activation sensor such as brake activation sensor 126, and/or a brake actuating means, such as brake actuating means 17. Still further, other components, such as those discussed above, may be included. For example, wheel assemblies, such as wheel assemblies 19, may be included and/or a deck, such as deck 22, may be included. The hanger kit may be configured for creating a skateboard having a hanger according to embodiments of the invention and/or for modifying a skateboard to include a hanger according to embodiments of the invention.

[0116] It will be understood that embodiments and features described with respect to the brake 10, the hanger 13, the base-plate 16, other components, and embodiments thereof may also apply or be applied to the kits and embodiments thereof, and vice versa.

[0117] Elements of the embodiments have been introduced with either the articles “a” or ‘’an.” The articles are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “including” and “having” and their derivatives are intended to be inclusive such that there may be additional elements other than the elements listed. The conjunction “or” when used with a list of at least two terms is intended to mean any term or combination of terms. The terms “first” and “second” are used to distinguish elements and are not used to denote a particular order.

[0118] While the invention has been described in detail in connection with only a limited number of embodiments, it should be readily understood that the invention is not limited to such disclosed embodiments. Rather, the invention can be modified to incorporate any number of variations, alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretofore described, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of the invention. Additionally, while various embodiments of the invention have been described, it is to be understood that aspects of the invention may include only some of the described embodiments. Accordingly, the invention is not to be seen as limited by the foregoing description, but is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.