Skateboard with independent suspension and steering

Abstract

A skateboard comprising a board having an independent suspension and steering assembly connecting two wheels to the board. The suspension assembly comprises a support frame rotatably coupled to an underside of the board. The steering assembly comprises a steering crank fixed to and extending from an underside of the board. The suspension assembly further comprises for each wheel: a spindle for rotatably supporting the wheel; a knuckle for holding the spindle; an upper and a lower suspension arm pivotably coupled to the support frame at an upper and at a lower point of the support frame, respectively, and also pivotably coupled to the knuckle at an upper and at a lower point of the knuckle; and a spring for resiliently holding the knuckle against the board. The steering assembly further comprises for each wheel: a tie rod coupled by a ball joint to the steering crank and to the knuckle.

1 . A skateboard, comprising:
 a board comprising a suspension assembly and a steering assembly connecting two parallel wheels to the board with independent suspension and steering;   wherein the suspension assembly comprises a support frame rotatably coupled to an underside of the board;   wherein the steering assembly comprises a steering crank fixed to and extending from an underside of the board;   wherein the suspension assembly further comprises for each wheel:
 a spindle rotatably supporting the wheel; 
 a knuckle holding the spindle; 
 an upper and a lower suspension arm pivotably coupled to the support frame at an upper and at a lower point of the support frame, respectively, and also pivotably coupled to the knuckle at an upper and at a lower point of the knuckle, whereby the knuckle is held parallel to the support frame; 
 a spring resiliently holding the knuckle against the board; 
   wherein the steering assembly further comprises for each wheel:
 a tie rod coupled by a first ball joint to the steering crank at a predetermined distance from the board and coupled by a second ball joint to the knuckle, wherein the wheel rotates as the steering crank rotates in respect of the support frame. 
   
     
     
         2 . The skateboard according to  claim 1 , wherein the suspension assembly is a double-wishbone suspension. 
     
     
         3 . The skateboard according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper and lower suspension arms are ‘A’-shaped arms. 
     
     
         4 . The skateboard according to  claim 1 , wherein the spindle is rigidly mounted on the knuckle. 
     
     
         5 . The skateboard according to  claim 1 , wherein the spring is coupled between the lower suspension arm and the board, for resiliently holding the knuckle. 
     
     
         6 . The skateboard according to  claim 1 , wherein the spring is coupled by fastening means. 
     
     
         7 . The skateboard according to  claim 1 , wherein the knuckle comprises a knuckle shaft arranged between the pivotable coupling to the upper suspension arm and the pivotable coupling to the lower suspension arm. 
     
     
         8 . The skateboard according to  claim 7 , wherein the knuckle shaft is pivotably coupled to the upper suspension arm and to the lower suspension arm by a resilient pivotable coupling. 
     
     
         9 . The skateboard according to  claim 8 , wherein the resilient pivotable coupling comprises a resilient ring arranged around the knuckle shaft and within the respective suspension arm. 
     
     
         10 . The skateboard according to  claim 1 , wherein the tie rod of each wheel is an adjustable length rod. 
     
     
         11 . The skateboard according to  claim 10 , wherein the tie rod of each wheel comprises an inner tie rod and an outer tie rod arranged telescopically. 
     
     
         12 . The skateboard according to  claim 1 , wherein the upper suspension arm and the lower suspension arm are arranged to remain parallel as the arms pivot. 
     
     
         13 . The skateboard according to  claim 1 , further comprises a resilient body attached between the board and the support frame thereby providing resilient resistance to the turning of the board in respect of the support frame. 
     
     
         14 . The skateboard according to  claim 1 , wherein the body is made of an elastic polymer, in particular the elastic polymer is polyurethane. 
     
     
         15 . The skateboard according to  claim 1 , wherein the steering assembly and the suspension assembly are made of carbon fiber or steel or aluminium. 
     
     
         16 . The skateboard according to  claim 1 , wherein the board comprises a front part and a back part, and wherein the suspension assembly and a steering assembly are located at the front part or the back part. 
     
     
         17 . The skateboard according to  claim 16 , wherein each said front and back part comprises a suspension assembly and a steering assembly. 
     
     
         18 . The skateboard according to  claim 17 , wherein the suspension and steering assemblies of the front part and suspension and steering assemblies of the back part are independent.