Apparatus For Adapting A Standard Skateboard To Add A Functional Scooter-Style Handlebar

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional scooter-style handlebar. Through the utilization of the components described herein, a user may convert any standard skateboard to a rolling-board device having a functional handlebar that is capable of receiving rotational force from the user to impact directional motion of the moving rolling-board device. In other words, a skateboard may be converted to a scooter in a manner that is simple and reversible. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus includes: a handlebar for stabilizing a user's balance and for receiving directional input from the user; a spindle for attaching to the truck of the skateboard; and a trunnion having a protruding neck forming a slot for receiving the spindle. An alternative embodiment may additional include a deck stiffener and/or a base plate, both of which may be utilized to reinforce the deck of the skateboard.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar, comprising:
 a handlebar for stabilizing a user's balance and for receiving directional input from the user;   a trunnion for attaching to a deck of the skateboard, wherein the trunnion includes a protruding neck forming a trunnion slot for receiving a spindle and a trunnion flange for receiving one or more mounting bolts; and   the spindle for passing through the trunnion and attaching to the handlebar by a handlebar clamp, wherein the spindle includes a cylindrical protrusion and a spindle flange for receiving one or more truck bolts.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a desk stiffener for reinforcing an upper surface of the deck. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a base plate for reinforcing a lower surface of the deck. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a desk stiffener for reinforcing an upper surface of the deck and a base plate for reinforcing a lower surface of the deck. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the spindle is sized to allow the spindle to rotate freely within the trunnion slot. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 5 , further comprising one or more bearings for facilitating rotational movement of the spindle within the trunnion slot. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising one or more bearings for facilitating rotational movement of the spindle within the trunnion slot. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the protruding neck of the trunnion extends beyond an end of the deck. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the protruding neck of the trunnion extends beyond an end of the deck so that the handlebar is attached at a point beyond the end of the deck. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the trunnion is formed of a material selected form the group consisting of steel and aluminum alloy. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the trunnion is manufactured by machining. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the trunnion is manufactured by casting. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 10 , wherein the spindle is manufactured by welding a tube to a plate. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the deck stiffener is formed of a material selected form the group consisting of plastic, metal, and composite. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 14 , wherein the deck stiffener is manufactured by cutting from a sheet material and drilling one or more ones. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the base plate is formed of aluminum. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus for adapting a skateboard to add a functional handlebar as recited in  claim 16 , wherein the base plate is manufactured by milling with a CNC milling system. 
     
     
         18 . An apparatus for adapting a standard skateboard to add a functional handlebar, comprising:
 a handlebar for stabilizing a user's balance and for receiving directional input from the user;   a trunnion for attaching to a deck of the standard skateboard, wherein the trunnion includes a protruding neck forming a trunnion slot for receiving a spindle, a trunnion flange for receiving one or more mounting bolts, and one or more bearing for facilitating the spindle rotating freely within the trunnion slot;   the spindle for passing through the trunnion and attaching to the handlebar by a handlebar clamp, wherein the spindle includes a cylindrical protrusion and a spindle flange for receiving one or more truck bolts;   a deck stiffener for reinforcing an upper surface of the deck of the standard skateboard; and   a base plate for reinforcing a lower surface of the deck of the standard skateboard;   wherein the protruding neck of the trunnion extends beyond an end of the deck so that the handlebar is attached at a point beyond the end of the deck.