Carbon Fiber Skateboard Hanger With Metal Shield

An improved hanger, such as a skateboard hanger is disclosed. More specifically, a method of manufacture and a device providing improved hanger strength, smoothness, durability, and toughness is disclosed. The improved hanger device comprises a lightweight hanger, such as a carbon fiber-based hanger coupled with a shield fashioned from one or more strong, tough, durable, impact-resistant material(s) such as aluminum. The shield functions to protect the hanger from damage upon impact with solid unyielding materials, while the lightweight hanger offers improved skateboard maneuverability, and control, particularly when the skateboard is airborne.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to skateboard hangers and more particularly to skateboard hangers designed to withstand and enhance sliding tricks.

2. Description of Related Art

Skateboards are commonly used for recreation and transportation and therefore must be both durable and allow for smooth riding. As skateboard maneuvers and “stunts” evolve to become more complex and advanced, skateboard design must evolve to deliver resilient equipment that has ability to withstand the inevitable stresses associated with common skateboard operation and “tricks.”

Skateboards, including but not limited to mini cruiser skateboards, classic skateboards, “double kick popsicle” skateboards, “the carve” skateboards, “classic longboard” skateboards, “downhill” longboard skateboards, and electric skateboards are generally constructed from three main components; a skateboard deck, two skateboard trucks, and four wheels attached to outward ends of the trucks. The skateboard deck refers to the flat board, often constructed from wood or layered laminated wood, that riders stand on when riding a skateboard. The skateboard “trucks” refer to the components mounted to the underside of the skateboard that hold the skateboard, generally a few inches, above the ground. Skateboard trucks also support the rider's weight, distributing the weight to the wheels, and facilitating the skateboard's movement. Trucks often feature mechanical elements that enable riders to navigate in different directions, execute turns, and achieve aerial maneuvers.

Trucks are generally constructed from a baseplate, a kingpin, a hanger, bushings, and axles. Baseplates are traditionally flat, solid metal plates mounted to the underside of the skateboard deck. The baseplate may provide stability and rigidity to the skateboard truck. Furthermore, the baseplate may join the hanger to the deck via a kingpin which connects both the baseplate to the skateboard deck and the hanger to the baseplate. The hanger is generally a T-shaped component that bears the brunt of the force, impact, and shock that occur during tricks such as “riding the rails,”. Additionally, the hanger holds the axel on which the skateboard wheels are mounted, allows the wheels to spin freely, contributes to the stability and control of the skateboard, plays a role in distributing the rider's weight throughout the skateboard, and couples the deck to the wheels. While hangers were traditionally constructed from steel, lighter alternatives are currently available. For example, carbon fiber hangers are advantageous due to their lightweightness and durability. A lightweight hanger allows for increased maneuverability and agility, the reduced weight positively impacts the rider's performance, allowing for an increase in control, speed, and maneuverability, particularly while airborne. The bushings are two small rubber cups that pivot when the rider leans to one side, the bushings may be located around the hanger, and enable the skateboard to turn and be steered. Finally, the axles connect the wheels to the hanger.

A common skateboard trick, often referred to as “grinding a rail”, involves sliding or “grinding” along a metal or concrete rail using the underside of the skateboard deck or the underside of the skateboard hanger, rather riding on the skateboard wheels. When grinding a rail, the friction between the hanger and rail may compromise the integrity of the hanger's structure. While steel hangers may be durable, their weight makes the heavy hangers unsuited for use in skateboards where riders expect to perform “tricks” or “stunts” such as riding rails. On the other hand, while lightweight hangers, such as carbon fiber hangers are preferable for “tricks” due to their weightlessness, carbon fiber may suffer from breaks, cracks, wear and tear, and abrasions upon impact with rails. Therefore, there is a great need for smooth and lightweight, yet durable and tough hangers where the hanger will be light enough and smooth enough for riders to easily perform tricks while being tough enough to withstand impact with metal and concrete rails. The present invention presents a carbon fiber hanger reinforced with an aluminum plating, combining the lightweight benefits of carbon fiber hangers with the durability, smoothness, and resilience required for executing tricks, grinding, and sliding.

While there are skateboard shields known in the art, such shields are constructed to prevent wheel damage and are therefore attached to the lateral surface of the hanger. Such shields are intended to protect the axle and wheel from damage rather than protecting the hanger itself. These shields are also designed to protect the skateboard from dust and dirt accumulation. The shields do not provide a smooth riding surface for tricks, nor do the shields protect the hanger from cracking during “tricks” such as “grinding a rail”.

Others invented a multi-wheeled truck wherein the skateboard is supported by a suspension system irrespective of the angle between the board and the surface below it. Such suspension systems minimize the challenges presented when skateboard wheels interact with uneven terrain, making tricks smoother. Still, a suspension does not reduce hanger damage resulting from hanger impact with metal, concrete, etc. While hangers of mixed material may be used with the aforementioned suspension systems, a method for producing strong, tough, smooth hangers composed from a combination of metals or a combination of metal and carbon fibers has not been disclosed.

A kingpin clamping device that limits kingpin movement combined with a pivot alignment system is also known in the art. Such systems remove wheel “chatter”, improving skateboard safety and control at high speeds. While “chatter” eliminating systems are particularly helpful during tricks, chatter systems do not impact the damage caused to the hanger during tricks. Therefore, while chatter-eliminating devices may be coupled with carbon fiber-metal composite hangers, no suggestion or motivation as to how to construct such hangers is provided in the art.

Methods for integrating carbon fiber or aluminum beam stiffeners within hangers are also known. While beam stiffeners may strengthen hangers, beam stiffeners do not protect the external surface of the hanger from damage upon contact with solid, unyielding materials such as metal or concrete. Hence, considering the shortcomings of existing skateboards, there is a significant demand for a hanger that is lightweight and sleek, while simultaneously providing robustness, durability, and toughness.

It is therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a light-weight and/or reinforced hanger for a skateboard, and method for making same.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art as the description thereof proceeds.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a skateboard truck assembly. The assembly may include a kingpin, a plurality of bushings, a baseplate configured with both a pivot recess configured to support a pivot cup and with an aperture configured to accept said kingpin, a plurality of wheels. A hanger may include a first truck and a second truck mounted to an underside of a skateboard deck. The first and second trucks each may include a first and second hanger, respectively, wherein each of the first and second hangers house a first and second axle, respectively, set through, the first and second axles defining a first and second axle axis, the axes parallel one another. The first and/or second hanger preferably includes a smooth unyielding protective shield encasing or covering at least a portion of the top edge of said hanger. A pivot stem may project from the mid portion of an exterior side of a hanger. A ring-shaped hollow may be set within a rounded vertex of an interior side of the hanger, with the hollow sandwiched between two bushing and configured to accept said kingpin.

Preferably, the protective shield spans between ninety and one hundred twenty millimeters across the top edge of the hanger. The protective shield should be made of a shock resistant material, such as aluminum, and/or steel. The protective shield may have a thickness ranging from point one millimeters thick to one and a half millimeters thick, and should sit flush against the remaining portions of the hanger. The shield may be shaped into a hollow truncated cylinder with a straight top edge, a bottom edge wherein a portion of the bottom edge curves into a concave arc such that said bottom edge can partially encircle a ring-shaped hollow.

The hanger may be molded from carbon fibers and said protective shield is co-molded with said hanger. The axle may be permanently fixed within said hanger such that the axle cannot rotate within the hanger.

The present invention also includes a method for constructing a skateboard hanger made of carbon fiber with a partially encased a protective shield. Resin-impregnated carbon fiber sheets may be rolled around a set axle to form a first rod as an axle-wrapped-rod. The sheets may be further rolled into two additional rods. The first rod may be set within a hanger-shaped-mold such that the axle-wrapped-rod forms a top edge of the hanger. Two additional rods may be bent within the hanger-shaped mold to form a remaining perimeter of the hanger. Unwanted gaps may be filled in the hanger with resin-impregnated carbon fiber sheets. A protective shield may be coupled to the top edge of the hanger with shaped carbon fibers. The material in the hanger-shaped mold may be covered and cured with the carbon fibers and protective shield set therein. Afterwards, the hanger-shaped mold may be uncovered, allowing for trimming of unwanted carbon fibers from a cured product, whereby the cured product may be removed from within the mold. The cured product may be cured again within the mold after unwanted carbon fibers are trimmed away. Resin may be set between the protective shield and carbon fibers.

A method for constructing a skateboard hanger made of carbon fiber with a partially encased a protective shield may be formed via setting at least one carbon fiber sheet into a hanger-shaped mold below and around a set axle, the mold may be filled with carbon fiber, while leaving a space for a protective shield, wither on top or within a recess formed along the edge of the hanger. A protective shield can be coupled into or onto a top edge of the hanger with shaped carbon fibers. The system may then be covered and cured in the hanger-shaped mold with the carbon fibers and protective shield set therein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

General Construction of the Skateboard Truck

As seen inFIGS.1-4, skateboard truck10may be mounted to skateboard deck, such that skateboard truck10lifts deck (not shown) above the ground. Additionally, truck10is useful in providing deck with stability, enabling riders to easily turn and maneuver the skateboard. Truck also serves to absorb shocks and vibrations to promote a smooth ride, distribute rider weight evenly across the skateboard, and provide a smooth surface for grinding and sliding on solid surfaces and obstacles. Truck10may be constructed from baseplate12, kingpin13, bottom bushing15, top bushing17, hanger14, and axle16. Axle may be defined by rod42and capped with axle nut52and set by axle washers53. As seen inFIG.2, in some embodiments, skateboards may be assembled with two identical trucks, namely front truck100and back truck200. In other embodiments, front truck100is narrower and more responsive than back truck200, enabling quick turns and maneuverability. In some embodiments, front truck100may be constructed to be lightweight with a low profile, compared to back truck200. In other embodiments, front truck100and back truck200are similar in size, shape, and mass. In some embodiments, front truck.100and back truck200are dissimilar.

As seen inFIGS.1-4, in some embodiments, baseplate12may be constructed from a metal or metal alloy and is mounted directly to the underside of deck via deck plate11. Baseplate12may be etched with, or otherwise contain, mounting holes2such that baseplate12may be fastened to deck at multiple points through deck plate11. Baseplate12may be fastened to deck with bolts or other fasteners known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, baseplate12may be statically secured to the underside of deck via deck plate11via a bolt or screw inserted through each mounting hole2. Baseplate12may also contain pivot recess3that holds pivot cup4. In some embodiments, pivot recess3may be circular. In some embodiments pivot cup4may be cylindrical or barrel shaped. Pivot cup4is preferably constructed from a rubber, rubberlike, or urethane material. Pivot cup4may be designed to provide a secure connection and smooth movement between hanger14and baseplate12.

As seen inFIGS.1-4, kingpin13may protrude downward from baseplate12. In some embodiments, kingpin13may be a large bolt running through both baseplate10and hanger14that attaches baseplate10to hanger14. In some embodiments, kingpin13may be tightened or loosened to adjust the skateboard's responsiveness, maneuverability, and steering capacity.

Bottom bushing1S and top bushing17enable the skateboard to rotate, by pivoting when a rider leans left or right. Bottom bushing15may be attached below ring shaped hollow18in hanger14, preferably between ring-shaped hollow18and baseplate10. Bottom bushing15serves as a cushioning element that may absorb shocks and impacts from the ground, providing stability and enhancing smoothness. Top bushing17may be attached above bottom bushing15and is housed above ring shaped hollow18in hanger14. Top bushing17may function as a cushioning element, providing flexibility and responsiveness during turns and “tricks”. In some embodiments, both top bushing17and bottom bushing15may be conical in shape. In other embodiments, top bushing17and bottom bushing15may be cylindrical in shape.

As seen inFIG.1andFIG.2, hanger14may be tapered, having two T-shaped or curvilinear triangle-shaped faces, that connect at top edge19but angle away from each other as the faces near baseplate12. Hanger14is traditionally the heaviest and sturdiest component of skateboards. Axle16may pass through top edge19, which runs straight from first end20to second end21. A wheel or plurality of wheels may be secured at each end of axle16. Are 33, which is the rounded vertex on hanger14, may also contain a ring-shaped hollow18. Ring-shaped hollow18may be sandwiched between top bushing17and bottom bushing15. In some embodiments, upper washer6is positioned above top bushing17, and lower washer7is positioned below bottom bushing15.

Kingpin13may protrude downwards from baseplate10passing through lower washer7, bottom bushing15, ring-shaped hollow18, top bushing17, and upper washer6. Following upper washer6, kingpin nut8may be attached to kingpin13, securing hanger14, and all of the aforementioned hardware including lower washer7, bottom bushing15, ring-shaped hollow18, top bushing17, and upper washer6to baseplate10. Hanger14may also be constructed with a protrusion, pivot stem9, on which hanger14pivots. Pivot stem9may rest within pivot cup4, providing a second connection between hanger14and baseplate10.

It was often preferable that hanger14be constructed from strong durable materials, such as steel. But, while steel hangers were traditionally used in skateboard construction, lightweight hangers may be preferable over steel hangers, as lightweight hangers allow for superior skateboard maneuverability, control, speed, and agility. It is optimal that hanger14be lightweight while simultaneously durable, tough, and impact-resistant, as hanger14endures substantial impact during a skateboard ride. For example, some hangers known in the art are fashioned from aluminum, as aluminum is durable and strong, yet only a third as heavy as steel.

In a preferred embodiment, hanger14may be constructed from carbon fibers or layered carbon fiber sheets. Such carbon fiber hanger bodies can be reinforced with an embedded shield of metal, such as aluminum or steel, or hardened plastic or like material useful as a shield to protect against blunt and/or sheer forces. Such a composition is preferable over hangers constructed entirely from aluminum, as carbon fiber may be lighter and/or more flexible than aluminum, yet may provides superior strength, having a strength 3.8 times greater than that of aluminum. Although carbon fiber possesses superior strength, the fiber's extremely rigid nature, with a stiffness approximately one point seven times greater than that of aluminum, makes it prone to cracks and breakage upon impact. Therefore, it is preferable that hangers constructed from carbon fiber be embedded, or otherwise shielded with a shock-resistant shield, such as an aluminum shield, such that hanger14will not crack upon impact with solid, unyielding materials. The optimal skateboard hanger, which is lightweight, durable, and shock resistant, is achieved by coupling the strength and low weight of carbon fibers with the shock resistance of aluminum. Hangers of any shape and/or size may be constructed of the preferred lightweight materials and embedded with an impact-resistant shield.

Hanger Material and Shape

Carbon fibers are fibers consisting of at least approximately ninety percent (mass fraction) carbon, usually in the non-graphitic state. Carbon fibers may be constructed from thin strands of carbon atoms bonded to form a crystalline structure. These carbon fibers may be combined with a resin matrix, including but not limited to epoxy, improving carbon fiber's strength, durability, and chemical resistance. Carbon fibers may have a specific strength of approximately two thousand four hundred fifty-seven. In some embodiments, a single carbon fiber is twenty-five hundredths of a millimeter thick. The strength of carbon fiber is developed when multiple fibers are woven together, and in some embodiments, stacked on top of one another. In some embodiments, carbon fibers may be shaped by compression molding. In some embodiments, carbon fibers may be coated in resin or plastic. Carbon fibers may also be components in a matrix and mixed with materials including but not limited to concrete, epoxy, or plastic. Carbon fibers may also be co-molded with other materials, including but not limited to steel and aluminum. Skateboard hangers constructed from carbon fiber may be compression molded into any suitable hanger shape.

As seen inFIG.2, in some embodiments hanger14may be tapered, having two T-shaped or curvilinear triangle-shaped faces, exterior side24and interior side28that connect at top edge19, but angle away from each other as the faces near baseplate12. Exterior side24of hanger14may be a curvilinear triangle having a tube-shaped top edge19, that runs from first end20to second end21. First hanger side22may descend from first end20, curving inwards to form concave arc23. Second hanger side25may descend from second end21, curving inwards to form concave arc26. Concave are23and concave are26may converge at hanger terminal end27. Terminal end27, may form pivot stem9, which contains pivot cup4and connects hanger14to base plate12. In some embodiments, the face of exterior side24may be curved inward, rather than level.

As seen inFIG.3andFIG.4, interior side28of hanger14may also be shaped into a curvilinear triangle with a rounded vertex, having a tube-shaped top edge19. Top edge19may run straight from first end20to second end21. First end20may give rise to first back hanger side29, which curves inward forming concave arc30. Second end21may give rise to second back hanger side31, which curves inward forming concave are32. In some embodiments, concave arc30and concave are32may converge to form the rounded vertex, arc33, wherein Ring-shaped hollow18is situated. It is preferable that ring-shaped hollow18be large enough to accommodate Kingpin13. Bottom bushing15and top bushing17may sandwich ring-shaped hollow18. In some embodiments, ring-shaped hollow18is bordered by are33while also partially extending into top edge19.

As interior side24and exterior side28are tapered, and diverge away from each other, ring-shaped hollow18may pass through exterior side28, creating an aperture that runs through exterior side28, down into hanger underside70, without also passing through interior side24. Kingpin13may pass through baseplate12and into underside70, and exterior side28(through ring-shaped hollow18), without passing through interior side24.

In some embodiments, it is preferable that hollow channel36runs across the width of top edge19, such that channel36run laterally through, and parallel to top edge19. It is preferable that the diameter of channel36be constructed to correspond with the diameter of axle16such that axle16or axel rod42can be inserted through, and secured within, channel36, anchoring axle16, and therefore the wheels to hanger14. In some embodiments, carbon fiber sheets may be directly wrapped around and layered over axle16to form channel36. In such embodiments, axle16is bound within channel36, and a hollow channel36need not be constructed.

When set upon a skateboard deck it is preferable that exterior side24on front truck100face toward first board end101and exterior side24on back truck200face towards second board end201. On each truck, it is preferable that interior side28faces towards the center of deck plate11.

It is preferable that top edge19be sheathed in protective shield35, such that protective shield35encapsulates width13S of top edge19, extending slightly onto exterior side24and interior side28. In a preferred embodiment, protective shield35encapsulate top edge19asymmetrically, such that a larger area of exterior side24is encapsulated that that of interior side28. In some embodiments, protective shield35does not shield the entire length of top edge19. Rather, in the lateral direction, protective shield35need only encapsulate the portions of top edge19that come into contact with rails during “grinding” and other “tricks”. In some embodiments, protective shield35may only cover a portion of top edge19, such that protective shield35does not extend, or only partially extends to front side24. In some embodiments, protective shield35may be ninety-nine millimeters in length, and centered, in the lateral direction, on top edge19, such that the terminal portions of first end20and second end21remain uncovered by protective shield35.

Protective shield35may be constructed from aluminum, steel, or any other smooth, solid, unyielding, impact-resistant material. Due to aluminum's lightweight nature, aluminum is a preferable material for protective shield35. It is preferable that the thickness of shield35be optimized such that shield35is thick enough to be sufficiently impact resistant while thin enough to avoid adding unnecessary weight to hanger14. In some embodiments aluminum protective shields35may range from point one millimeter thick to one and a half millimeters thick. For example, in one preferred embodiment where protective shield35is constructed from aluminum, the thickness of protective shield35may be point six millimeters. In an alternative preferred aluminum embodiment, protective shield35, may but point eight millimeters thick.

In some embodiments, as seen inFIG.5,FIG.6, andFIG.7protective shield35may be a hollow cylindrical half shell, hollow truncated cylinder, or hollow cylindrical wedge. In some embodiments rounded portion136of protective shield35faces outwards from top edge19, such that protective shield35curves around top edge19. The radius of protective shield35may be but is not necessarily 9 mm. As seen inFIG.7, in some embodiments first lateral side38may be a straight edge, while second lateral side39may curve into a concave arc41at center40such that concave arc41may partially encircle ring-shaped hollow18. It is preferable that the size and curvature of the concave arc41correspond to the size of ring-shaped hollow18, such that concave arc41be flush with the perimeter of ring-shaped hollow18.

Protective shield35may be co-molded to hanger14. In some embodiments, an adhesive including but not limited to resin, glue, or epoxy may first be applied to interior side37(as seen inFIG.7) of protective shield35. Shield35may then be set upon top edge19such that all of, or the majority of top edge19is encased in protective shield35. In some embodiments, the edges of first end20and second end21may remain uncovered. In some embodiments, a recess (not shown), may be molded onto hanger14such that protective shield35may be set within said recess. In some embodiments once set within hanger14protective shield35may be flush with uncovered first end20and uncovered second end21.

Molding Process

Carbon does not possess a significant electronegativity difference between its atoms, making carbon fibers nonpolar. Still, because carbon fibers have a large number of surface atoms, the fibers may bond to one another through Van der Waals forces. Additionally, carbon fibers may be bonded to one another by mechanical interlocking of the fibers in a woven or layered arrangement. In some embodiments, carbon fibers may be covered or embedded or otherwise impregnated with a resin matrix, including but not limited to an epoxy, such that the resin acts as a binding material by filling in gaps between the carbon fibers, and forming a cohesive bond between the fibers once cured. In some embodiments chemical bonding agents including but not limited to silane coupling agents, titanate coupling agents, maleic anhydride, and acrylic coupling agents may be used to enhance the bond between carbon fibers and the resin matrix in which the layers are embedded.

Silane coupling agents may promote adhesion between carbon fibers and resin matrices. Silane coupling agents contain a silane group, which is a functional group having a general structure of (RO)3-Si—R′—X, where X is an organofunctional group, R′ is a small alkylene linkage, and RO is a hydrolyzable group such as an alkoxy group. When a silane coupling agent comes in contact with moisture, including atmospheric moisture, the silyl group undergoes hydrolysis, wherein the Si—O, silyl, bond is broken, and a Si—OH, silanol, bond is formed. The silanol groups are highly reactive, and readily bond with functional groups, including but not limited to hydroxyl groups or carboxyl groups (—OH and —COOH, respectively), present on the surface of carbon fibers. In some embodiments hydroxyl groups and carboxyl groups are present on the surface of carbon fibers due to oxidation or due to treatment with chemical agents that react with the carbon surface. In some embodiments the silanol groups may undergo condensation reactions with the functional groups present on the surface of the carbon fibers, forming covalent bonds, and thereby a strong attachment between the silane coupling agent and the carbon fiber. Examples of condensation reactions include, but are not limited to,

These covalent bonds create a strong attachment between the silane coupling agent and the carbon fiber surface.

In addition to binding to the surface of carbon fibers, silanol groups also bind to resins, including but not limited to epoxy resin by undergoing condensation reactions and forming covalent bonds with reactive groups such as epoxy groups (—O—CH2-CH2-O—) or hydroxyl groups (—OH). In some embodiments the silanol group also undergoes polymerization or crosslinking reactions with the resin matrix, forming a stable and durable interface between the carbon fiber and resin matrix.

Titanate coupling agents are organometallic interface chemicals that contain titanium. The molecular formula of titanate coupling agents is XO—Ti—(OY)3, where XO— is the alkoxy group that reacts with the inorganic substrate and —OY is the organofunctional fragment. The Y portion typically contains groups that interact with the polar and nonpolar thermoplastics, thermosets, and binder groups. In some embodiments the organofunctional fragment of the titanate coupling agent interacts with the functional groups on the surface of the carbon fibers, forming covalent bonds between the two materials. While bonding with the carbon fibers, the titanate coupling agent may also bind with reactive sites such as hydroxyl groups or epoxy groups in the resin, forming a bridge between the carbon fibers and the resin.

In some embodiments, carbon fibers are first treated with titanate coupling agents, thereby modifying the surface properties of the carbon fiber such that functional groups capable of binding with a resin form on the surface of the carbon fiber. After such treatment, the carbon fibers may be mixed with a resin, including but not limited to epoxy resin or polyester resin. Due to the titanate coupling agents, there are strong chemical bonds between the carbon fiber and resin. After admixture, the resin may be cured with heat, pressure, a combination thereof, or any other method known to those skilled in the art. During the curing process, the titanate coupling agents may further react with the resin, forming chemical bonds that establish strong interfacial adhesion between the resin and carbon fibers.

In some embodiments, maleic anhydride similarly functions to strengthen the bond between carbon fibers and resins. Maleic anhydride, having the chemical formula C2H2(CO)2, reacts with the surface functional groups on the surface of carbon fiber. After being activated by heat, ultraviolet radiation, or a catalyst, maleic anhydride, acting as an electrophile, reacts with a nucleophilic functional group on the surface of carbon fiber, forming an intermediate, and a covalent bond between the carbon fiber and maleic anhydride. Maleic anhydride is regenerated when the intermediate undergoes an elimination reaction. The reaction between maleic anhydride and carbon fibers introduces maleic anhydride functional groups (—COOH or —CO) onto the carbon fiber surface. These functional groups can then participate in subsequent reactions, such as reactions with amines or other reactive sites in the resin matrix, leading to the formation of strong chemical bonds at the fiber-resin matrix interface.

In some embodiments the carbon fibers may be treated with the acrylic coupling agents, either by dipping, spraying, or other application methods known to those skilled in the art. Once the acrylic coupling agent is absorbed onto the surface of the carbon fiber, functional groups, such as methacrylate and acrylate, present in the acrylic coupling agent react with the functional groups present on the surface of the carbon fibers, resulting in covalent bonds and cross-linking reactions. The modified carbon fibers, with the acrylic coupling agent bonded to their surface, have a higher affinity for the resin matrix, as the functional groups of the coupling agent provide sites for chemical interaction with the resin, promoting adhesion. Additionally, during the curing process, the reactive functional groups of the acrylic coupling agent on the carbon fiber surface further react with the resin matrix. Resulting in the formation of chemical bonds or strong intermolecular forces between the fibers and the resin, improving interfacial adhesion.

The following process is exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. In some embodiments, the process for molding carbon fiber hanger14coupled with protective shield35may be performed as follows

To form carbon fiber(s) into hanger14, mold60, as seen inFIG.8andFIG.9having the shape of hanger14, including but not limited to the herein disclosed shape, any other suitable shape, or any shape otherwise known in the art, may first be constructed. In some embodiments mold60may be a metal, metal composite, or any other suitable material. It is preferable that mold60have the shape and dimensions of the final hanger. In some embodiments, mold60may be, but is not necessarily, a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machined mold wherein a hanger-shaped cavity is embossed into a solid block, such as but not limited to a solid metal block.

Once mold60is prepared, carbon fiber sheets may be prepared for molding through treatment with resin. In some embodiments, the carbon fiber sheets may additionally be treated with coupling agents, as herein described. It is preferable that the sheets first be treated with (a) coupling agent(s), followed by resin(s). In some embodiments, pre-treated sheets commonly known as “prepreg” materials may be used, eliminating the need to treat the carbon fiber sheets with resin and/or coupling agents.

If necessary, in some embodiments the treated carbon fiber sheets or prepreg materials may be cut such that the sheets properly fit within mold60. The sheets may be layered within mold60, preferably layer by layer according to the desired orientation and fiber alignment. In some embodiments, adhesive films or other materials may be added between the layers of carbon fiber. In some embodiments, additional materials, including but not limited to foam or honeycomb cores, may be added between the carbon fiber layers enhancing hanger's14strength and structure.

In some embodiments, as seen inFIG.9, rather than layering the carbon fiber sheets, the sheets may be rolled, preferably into three rod-like structures that may be bent and curved to form the frame of hanger14. In such embodiments a first rod, rod42may be formed by wrapping carbon fiber sheets around axle16. In some embodiments, more preferably, the carbon fiber sheets may be tightly wrapped around axle16of solid material, such as steel, such that steel axle16is fixed within rod42. In a preferable embodiment, approximately four layers of carbon fiber sheets may be wrapped around axle16to form rod42. A second rod, rod43may be formed by first rolling a single sheet of “prepreg”, or treated carbon fiber into the form of a rod. Rod43may then be folded along the perimeter of the mold such that first end45and second end46of rod43take on the form of the perimeter of concave are23and concave arc26respectively, while the folded center of rod43, center47forms terminal end27and pivot stem9. It is preferable that rod43be positioned alongside rod42within the mold such that rod42forms hanger14's top edge19, while rod43forms the two legs of the curvilinear triangle; concave are23, and concave are26, and pivot stem9that constitute exterior side24of hanger14(as seen inFIG.2).

A third rod, rod44may be rolled from “prepreg” or treated carbon fiber. It is preferable that rod44be set within the mold, forming the perimeter of interior side28of hanger14. In some embodiments, it is preferable that mold60include circular protrusion50, such that rod44center48may be rounded around said circular protrusion, forming ring-shaped hollow18. It is preferable that first end49form hanger back side29and concave are30, while second end51form hanger back side31and concave arc32(as seen inFIG.3). It is preferable that rod44meet rod42within the mold by positioning first end49and second end51at each end of rod42.

Once the three perimeter encircling bounding rods, rod42, rod43, and rod44are set within mold60, a carbon fiber sheet or series of carbon fiber sheets may be layered to close the gap between rod42and rod43. The gap between rod42and rod44should not be filled in, as the aforementioned gap forms ring-shaped hollow18, wherein kingpin13may be secured.

In some embodiments, a protective shield35shaped and sized recess is pressed into the carbon fibers, along rod42such that once attached, protective shield35is flush with hanger14. In a preferred embodiment, protective shield35may be co-molded with hanger14, such that protective shield35is attached to hanger14during the hanger molding process, ensuring a strong durable bond between the carbon fibers and protective shield35. In an alternative embodiment, protective shield35may be attached to hanger14with countersunk rivets, or with fasteners that extend from shield35through hanger14, into skateboard deck through deck plate11. As described above, in some embodiments, protective shield35may be shaped into a hollow cylindrical half shell, hollow truncated cylinder, or hollow cylindrical wedge. In some embodiments, protective shield's35first lateral side38may be a straight edge, while second lateral side39may curve into a concave arc41at center40such that concave arc41may partially encircle ring-shaped hollow18.

In a preferred embodiment, protective shield35may be constructed from aluminum by punch-cutting an aluminum sheet into a desired shield shape, as known to those skilled in the art. The punch-cut aluminum may then be stamped into the desired curvature. It is preferable that the curvature stamped into the aluminum correspond with the curvature of top edge19, which is formed from rod42in mold60.

Once protective shield35is stamped and curved, it may be placed within mold60along top edge19, which in some embodiments may be formed by rod42. In some embodiments, protective shield35may be placed, within a pre-formed recess, located along top edge19. In some embodiments, a resin may be applied to protective shield35interior side37before protective shield35is set on the carbon fibers, strengthening the bond between the carbon fibers and aluminum. In other embodiments, the resin may be applied directly to the carbon fibers. After protective shield35is set within mold60, the mold may be closed and placed within an oven, autoclave, or other curing machine(s). In a preferred embodiment, the carbon fiber may cure under a pressure of one hundred ten kilograms per centimeter squared, at a temperature of one hundred fifty degrees Celsius. Other pressures and temperatures at which carbon fibers will cure are also suitable for forming the aluminum-shielded carbon fiber hanger.

After the curing process is complete, the mold cover may be removed. In some embodiments, excess carbon fiber may need to be removed, trimmed, machined away, and/or sanded from ring-shaped hollow18, to form an appropriately sized and shaped aperture. In some embodiments, once hollow18is properly sized and shaped, mold60may once again be covered and returned to a curing machine to further cure. After all curing and shaping are complete, hanger14may then be removed from mold60. In some embodiments, release agents or mechanical tools may be necessary to facilitate the demolding process.