Adjustable weight-responsive skateboard brake apparatus

Abstract

A skateboard brake apparatus for decelerating a skateboard by selectively engaging a brake includes a truck for holding a skateboard wheel, a truck mount attached to the skateboard deck, and a pivot dowel rotationally coupling the truck and mount. An adjustable brake pad is mounted to the truck mount. An adjustment bolt and a welded nut modify the brake pad's distance from the wheel. A rubber bushing biases the truck to a default position where the brake pad is spaced from the wheel. When weight is applied to the skateboard's rear, the truck pivots about the dowel, pressing the wheel against the brake pad. This design improves safety and stability during braking.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An adjustable skateboard brake apparatus, comprising:
 a truck configured to rotatably support a skateboard wheel;   a truck mount configured for attachment to a skateboard deck;   a pivot dowel pivotally coupling the truck to the truck mount;   a brake pad mounted to the truck mount; and   a resilient bushing interposed between the truck and the truck mount and configured to bias the truck toward a non-braking position;   whereby rearward weight applied by a rider on the skateboard deck causes the truck to pivot about the pivot dowel to bring the brake pad into engagement with the skateboard wheel to effect braking.   
     
     
         2 . The adjustable skateboard brake apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pivot dowel is positioned forward of a vertical center of the skateboard wheel to facilitate responsive pivoting of the truck. 
     
     
         3 . The adjustable skateboard brake apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an adjustment assembly operatively connected to the brake pad, the adjustment assembly comprising:
 an adjustable bolt extending through the skateboard deck; and   a nut housed within the truck mount and affixed to the adjustable bolt.   
     
     
         4 . The adjustable skateboard brake apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein rotation of the adjustable bolt adjusts the position of the brake pad relative to the skateboard wheel. 
     
     
         5 . The adjustable skateboard brake apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the resilient bushing comprises an elastomer selected from the group consisting of: natural rubber; synthetic rubber; and polyurethane. 
     
     
         6 . The adjustable skateboard brake apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the truck mount further comprises: one or more mounting holes configured to receive fastening hardware; and fastening hardware for securing the truck mount to the skateboard deck. 
     
     
         7 . The adjustable skateboard brake apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pivot dowel is secured within corresponding hardware apertures in the truck and the truck mount by one or more securing clips. 
     
     
         8 . The adjustable skateboard brake apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the brake apparatus is configured to engage the brake pad against the skateboard wheel upon application of rearward weight exceeding fifty percent of the rider's total body weight.