Skateboard Mount and Spin Mount

A quick install skateboard hanging device designed to lower damage to the wall, the skateboard deck, and the graphic design on the skateboard deck. The hanger is configured to allow small adjustments to the positioning after the first installation. Hanger device includes a base, a set of pins, and a set of adhesive or hook and loop strips for attaching the base to the wall. In one embodiment, the device has a cradle and a ball adapter, wherein the ball adapter is attached to the base and the cradle is removably fastened to the ball adapter, the ball adapter is positioned between the base and the cradle, wherein clamps of the cradle are extendable to accommodate skateboard of different sizes.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the technical field of skateboards. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of skateboard accessories. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of multipurpose and functional skateboard hangers.

Skateboarders often hold a great reverence for their boards and like to display them on walls like artwork in a floating position. In this position the board is generally supported in the central area of the board around a couple of inches or so off of the wall, however due to the curvature of the board the nose or tail of the board may still touch the wall. This position highlights the graphic artwork and designs (also called the Graphic) imprinted on them. When attaching the board to the wall or a hanger the use of grooved metal rods or anchors with sharp edges can damage the Graphic.

Prior art designs for devices intended to hang and display skateboards generally involve the use of threaded bolts and nuts that attach through the holes intended for mounting the wheel assembly with screw on nuts attached to alternate sides of the board. Alternative designs for the display of skateboard decks involve the use of a shelving type system where a skateboard deck is laid on it at an angle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is in the technical field of skateboards. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of skateboard accessories. More particularly, the present invention is in the technical field of multipurpose and functional skateboard hangers.

Skateboarders often hold a great reverence for their boards and like to display them on walls like artwork in a floating position. In this position the board is generally supported in the central area of the board around a couple of inches or so off of the wall, however due to the curvature of the board the nose or tail of the board may still touch the wall. This position highlights the graphic artwork and designs (also called the Graphic) imprinted on them. When attaching the board to the wall or a hanger the use of grooved metal rods or anchors with sharp edges can damage the Graphic.

Prior art designs for devices intended to hang and display skateboards generally involve the use of threaded bolts and nuts that attach through the holes intended for mounting the wheel assembly with screw on nuts attached to alternate sides of the board. Alternative designs for the display of skateboard decks involve the use of a shelving type system where a skateboard deck is laid on it at an angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The skateboard hanger inFIG.1is one piece with a set of members called pins. The pins have a smooth surface and are sealed into the base20in a fusion joint. The bottom portion of the pins13,15is comprised of 3 triangular shaped flanges extending from the center rod with the large end of the triangle making a T-shaped footprint on the surface of the base20. Rectangular cavities14,18are placed between the 2 pins and may be used to place bubble levels to aid in the placement of the hanger.

A skateboard deck can be placed on the skateboard hanger with the pins inserted into the mounting holes and can rest against the edge of the bottom portion13,15of the pin. This edge is near the center of the pin. Rising from the center of the pin is a top portion10,12. The top portion is thin and has a rod like shape with a diameter that is smallest near the center gets larger toward the tip of the top portion of the pin near16,17. The top portion is the part that is inserted into the mounting holes of the skateboard deck. Near the tip of the top portion of the pin is a small decrease in the diameter of the rod16,17. This small groove goes all the way around the pin and is configured to stabilize the position of an O-ring.

The hanger can be constructed from plastic, metal, carbon fiber or a variety of other materials. When the hanger is constructed from plastic, a clear polycarbonate is preferred. The strength requirement of the pin materials is for the weakest point of the pin to withstand the sheering force of a typical skateboard deck without a breakage. Coatings can be used to either strengthen or smooth the surface of the pin.

Referring now to the invention shown inFIG.2the base of the hanger resembles a rounded plus shape. This is a modular embodiment of the hanger wherein, the components can be inserted into the required slots. The base of the hanger has a raised edge39that runs all the way around the base of the hanger, with a set of triangular arrows that mark the middle top31, middle bottom37, middle right30, and middle left38points of the plus. In the center of the base are 2 cavities which resembles a sideways T formation33,32wherein each insert cavity may contain a bubble level. Both of these cavities are raised from the surface of the base of the hanger. There is also an oval hole in the beneath of each bubble level holder which can be used when the bubble level holder is popped out. This oval hole can be used with screws or screw like drywall anchors to affix the skateboard hanger to the wall. The T formation33,32is aligned perpendicular to the axis31,37of the hanger base. The pins are attached to the base with a modular joint to a set of slots that resembles an upside down T34, or a right side up T36with a small bulge in the middle. The top and bottom alignment indicators31,37assists in positioning and leveling the hanger in one direction. Right and left alignment indicators30,38assists in the positioning and leveling of the hanger in the other direction. If two or more hangers are used the alignment indicators assist in the alignment of the hangers.

Further referring to the invention shown inFIG.2the raised edge39gradually rises from the outside edge to a point inside the base of the skateboard hanger. Inside the raised edge is an area where the thickness of the base of the hanger is reduced. This area of reduced thickness is suitable for a graphic insert.

Further referring to the invention shown inFIG.2, the base of the skateboard hanger has a flat back suitable for 1 or more hook and loop style adhesive strips to be applied vertically in a side by side fashion. Due to the rectangular wheel assembly mounting pattern on typical skateboard decks, the skateboard hanger is rotated depending on if a person would like to hang a skateboard deck vertical or horizontal. The adhesive strips are designed to be used in a vertical orientation on the wall (long ways in the direction of the floor and ceiling). With the “plus” shape, the adhesive strips will be placed in a vertical orientation which changes to accommodate the preference of a vertical or horizontal display of the skateboard deck. Note that one hanger is needed to hang a skateboard deck vertically and two skateboard hangers are needed to hang a skateboard deck horizontally.

Further referring to the invention shown inFIG.2, if the base is placed against the wall as shown, a bubble level in the bubble level holder33will be used to indicate if the axis between38and30is level and whether or not the tops of the pins are aligned up and down. When the invention is positioned as shown inFIG.2, a set of 2 hangers can be arranged horizontally from each other allowing the skateboard deck to be positioned horizontally. In this position the pins of each skateboard hanger pass through a set of mounting holes on either side of the skateboard deck. The pins will protrude through the mounting holes to just beyond the surface of the skateboard deck. This arrangement allows for the use of the position indicators to indicate where the user wants the skateboard deck placed and if the two hangers, are lined up. If the hanger is turned 90 degrees counterclockwise the other a bubble level in bubble level holder32can be used to indicate whether or not an axis along the triangular indicators31-37is level. This is the position to hang a skateboard deck vertically. Only one hanger is needed to hang a skateboard deck from this position.

The form of and shape of the raised edge and alignment indicators does not preclude other shapes that fulfill a similar purpose and function. For example, the width of the outside edge may be significantly larger than a point, and the alignment indicator may be comprised of ink. Also not precluded from this invention are shapes other than the shown rounded plus shape that the raised edge follows. Other acceptable shapes for the raised edge to follow include round, square, and oval, and other shapes with symmetry that does not preclude the proper alignment of the hanger elements.

Referring now to the invention shown inFIG.3a graphic insert40can be placed in a modular base or in a one piece hanger base. The holes in the insert41match up with the features in the base or as seen here, the features ofFIG.2. There may also be trademarks and logos that can be seen through the other hole42in the insert. The area in the center of the hanger base can be recessed to make room for a graphic insert40. The graphic insert can be solid color or decorated with a graphic design.

Further referring now to the invention shown inFIG.3the graphic insert40fits within the confines of the raised ridge that runs all the way around the base. The raised ridge is around one half centimeter in width however; it can be made smaller or larger depending on the aesthetic(s) desired. In the one piece embodiment the insert can be laid in a similar position. This insert will have cutouts for the pins and the bubble levels41. The size, position, and dimensions of the graphic insert are based on the features of the hanger which are wished to be accentuated or concealed.

Referring now to the invention shown inFIG.4a pin of type a is shown. The pin is configured to fit in a modular base. The bottom portion51has 3 flanges54,55,56that form a T-shaped junction similar in shape to that of the junction34,36seen inFIG.2. The T-shaped junction will fit into the T-shaped slots of the base forming the modular joint. Examples of the T-shaped slots are seen inFIG.234,36. The bottom portion of the pin has a minimum width at point50and gradually gets bigger till it hits point53at which point the width is at a maximum. The flanges54,55, and56are structural in nature helping to support the weight of the skateboard deck. Center flange56points away from the other pin when locked into the modular base, with a flexible tab that helps lock the pin into the T-shaped slot. A small ledge opposite flange56on the end of the bottom of the center rod of the pin will work together with the tab on flange56helping to lock the pin into the T-shaped slot of the modular base.

Further referring toFIG.4, the top portion of the pin57, the diameter will gradually get larger from point50toward the opposite end of the pin until it hits point52. At this point there is a small groove that goes all the way around the pin configured to stabilize the position of an O-ring. The O-ring acts as the locking extension in pin a. The top portion of pin type a57is the same as seenFIG.1, but the junction with the base is changed. The resting position of the skateboard deck will generally be either at the minimum radius point50or against the O-ring on point52.

Referring now to the invention shown inFIG.5a pin of type b. Pin type b is shown with a locking extension on the top portion of the pin. This locking extension60rises slowly from the tip of the pin on a single side forming a ledge near the middle of the top portion of the pin. The locking extension can pass all the way through the mounting holes. When the pin has been inserted into the mounting holes the skateboard deck rests on the pin and the ledge of the locking extension60blocks the skateboard from falling off the pin.

Referring now to the invention shown inFIG.6a pin of type c. Pin type c is shown with a locking extension on the top portion of the pin. This locking extension72rises slowly from the tip of the pin on two sides. There is a small gap73between the large end of the locking extension and the pin. The locking extension with a gap underneath it is designed with a flexible material in its construction. When squeezed the locking extension72can flex to occupy part of the small gap73. When the pin has been inserted into the mounting holes the locking extension wedges in the mounting holes and the pressure prevents the deck from sliding off the pin.

Referring now to the invention shown inFIG.7a pin of type d. Pin type d is shown with a locking extension shown on the tip of the pin. This locking extension has the shape of a lightly sloped conical frustum with the tip of the pin80being the small end of the conical frustum and the large end81being a small distance from the tip. The pin can easily pass through the mounting holes. When the pin has been inserted into the mounting holes the skateboard deck rests on the pin and the ledge81of the conical frustum. This extension blocks the deck from sliding off the hanger. The O-ring is not necessary for the proper functioning of this locking extension.

FIG.8shows the position of the mounting holes93in the various types of skateboards.90is a popsicle skateboard deck,91is an old school skateboard deck, and92is a longboard skateboard deck.

Referring now to the invention shown inFIG.9a modular hanger with the pins102inserted into T-shaped slots100. The hanger base ofFIG.9is similar to the hanger base inFIG.2in shape. It contains the alignment arrows103on the raised edge106of the hanger base, and the 2 slots for bubble levels104. On the bottom of the hanger are the tabs for 2 adhesive strips105that line up on the back of the hanger. These strips have the capacity to support a typical skateboard deck. For further stability a modified drywall hanging hook101can be inserted through the hanger and the drywall. The drywall hook is curved such that it can be threaded through one of the holes108positioned at either the top or sides of the hanger shown here. In the present configuration the hook would be positioned as shown. If the hanger is turned on its side, then a new hole108would be used. However, in this new position the drywall hook would still be put in the hole on the top, but the pins would be in the top/bottom positions instead of the side to side position. The drywall hook will be a piece of wire that sticks out of hole108and makes contact on the raised ridge. Without the adhesive strips the drywall hook can still be used with the functionality that is expected from a drywall hook. The graphic insert ofFIG.2should be useable for this hanger as shown here. The graphic insert107can be modified for use when features like the bubble levels have been removed.

Referring now to the invention shown inFIG.10the drywall hook is shown in full here. The drawing shows the curvature needed to hold a stabilizing position with or without a stabilizing adhesive material applied to the back of the hanger. The drywall hook110is curved such that when pushed into the intended hole on the hanger as shown inFIG.9(101) the point111will embed itself into the back of the drywall stabilizing the hook and the hanger.

The use of a drywall hook, a screw, or a screw type drywall anchor, for attaching a base to the wall, should allow for a wall attachment of heavier skateboards decks and a skateboard with wheel assembly attached. In an alternative attachment of the base to the wall, the oval hole underneath one of the bubble level holder (e.g.FIG.9104) would be used with a screw or screw in drywall anchor. The oval hole allows for small adjustments in one direction of the base to be made after an initial installation. When this attachment method is used in combination with metal pins and or pins wherein the locking extension comprises; threading and a nut, enables the use with a fully assembled skateboard. When using a threaded locking extension, the nut would go on the side of the skateboard deck facing away from the wall.

FIG.11illustrates an exploded view of another embodiment of the skateboard hanging device of the present invention in accordance with the disclosed structure. More specifically, the skateboard hanging device1100is a multipiece device and includes a plurality of interconnected and modular components that can be assembled and disassembled using hands without much effort and without requiring any tools. The device1100includes a mounting base1102which has a similar size and shape as of the base illustrated inFIG.2.

Referring toFIGS.11and12, the base1102includes two transverse bubble level holders1104,1106and a pair of two T-shaped slots1108,1110similar to the base ofFIG.2and includes holes1112a,1112bfor allowing a screw to pass through each hole independently, allowing a user to fasten the base1102to a wall. The base1102has a rounded plus shape and has a raised edge1114that runs all the way around the periphery of the base1102. As described, the base1102is designed to be secured to conventional wall such as a drywall using a fastener such as a drywall hook, a screw, or a screw type drywall anchor and can also be fastened using “damage-free”/“stretch-and-release” adhesive strips.

A ball adapter1116is designed to detachably attach to the base1102and is snapped to the base1102without using any tool. Now referring toFIGS.11,13, and18the ball adapter1116is generally capsule shaped and has a linear top edge1118and a linear bottom edge1120. The linear edges1118,1120are connected via curved sides1122,1124. A pair of tabs1126,1128are disposed along the top edge1118and a second pair of tabs1130,1132are disposed along the center of the adapter1116on either side of a central hole1134. Two T-shaped tabs1136,1138are disposed along opposite sides of the central hole1136.

Referring toFIGS.11and14, a tilt lock1140is designed to support a skateboard and prevents the skateboard from falling into a tilted position. The tilt lock1140is made of plastic and provides support and allows the skateboard to be parallel with the skateboard hanging device on which the skateboard is mounted, and the surface on which the skateboard hanging device is mounted. Or in the alternate, the tilt lock is made of a flexible metal and is wider than the holes1168&1170. Therefore, to insert it a set of fins,1164&1166are pinched together. The outward pressure of the fins on the holes1164and1166keep the tilt locked into place.

FIG.16illustrates a front view of the cradle mount1142with the spring-loaded clamps in extended position, as per an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS.11,15and16illustrate a cradle mount1142in which a front of the cradle mount is seen. The cradle mount1142has a pair of opposite spring-loaded clamps1144,1146that can be extended in opposite directions (as illustrated inFIG.16) to accommodate skateboards of different sizes. The cradle mount1142is mounted to the ball adapter1116and is secured using a collet nut1148.

Referring toFIG.17, the rear view of the cradle mount1142, the socket1152, and the collet nut1148is disclosed. This rear view ofFIG.17of the cradle mount1142includes the socket connection1152, and the collet nut1148that is fastened to ball (not shown inFIG.17)1154of the adapter1116. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the ball1154is designed to easily connect to the socket1152positioned on the back of the cradle1142. Further, the collet nut1148is tightened around the socket1152by hand for securing the ball and socket connection. The cradle1142can have a logo, trademark or indicia for branding or marketing purposes.

Referring again toFIGS.12and13, for attaching the ball adapter1116to the base1102, the tabs1126,1128are snapped into the bubble level holes1156,1158respectively. The bubble level holes1156,1158are same as used in the base ofFIG.2, thus, the base30ofFIG.2can be repurposed forFIG.11. Similarly, the tabs1130,1132are snapped into the bubble level holes1160,1162respectively. For a stable and strong connection between the ball adapter1116and the base1102, the tabs1136,1138snap into the T-shaped slots1108,1110respectively. The opening1134aligns with the hole1112aallows a person to be able to reach the wall screw with a screwdriver without having to disassemble the ball adapter1116and base1102.

FIG.18illustrates the front view of the ball adapter component1116in accordance with the disclosed structure. Referring now toFIGS.11,14and18, the arms1164,1166of the tilt lock1140are snapped into the slits1168,1170of the ball adapter1116for allowing a secure arrangement of the ball adapter1116and the tilt lock1140. The tilt lock1140does not move or slide when snapped into the slits1168,1170.

FIG.19illustrates a side perspective view of the skateboard hanging device1100in an assembled form in accordance with the disclosed structure. The base1102is detachably attached to a drywall using a fastener or adhesive strips which are attached to the rear surface of the base1102. The ball adapter1116is snapped to the base1102by snapping the tabs into the bubble level grooves and T-shaped slots as described earlier in the disclosure. It should be noted that the base1102and the adapter1116can be attached without using tools and the ball adapter1116adheres to the front surface of the base1102.

The cradle mount1142is secured to the ball adapter1116using ball and socket system with socket1152secured to the ball1154. The socket1152and the ball1154are compatible and provide a secure attachment. For providing additional support to a skateboard and keeping the skateboard parallel to the wall, the tilt lock1140supports the cradle mount1142and rests against the rear surface of the cradle mount1142.

FIG.20illustrates a rear exploded view of the multipurpose skateboard hanging device1100. The raised edge1114of the base1102abuts against a wall such as a drywall and is fastened using screws passing through the holes1112a,1112bfor fastening into the wall or attached through adhesive strips1172. The tabs1126,1128are snapped into the holes1156,1158, tab1132snaps into hole1162, and tabs1136,1138snap into the grooves1108,1110respectively. The cradle1142is secured using the socket1152fastened to the ball having the hole1134. The collet nut1148is used for further providing support and securing ball and socket connection.

The advantage of the device1100is that only one hanger is required to mount a skateboard and can be positioned at any angle using the tilt lock1140. Rotation of the skateboard can be done without unmounting the hanger device100. The skateboard deck is not mounted using fasteners and therefore, artwork skateboards without having mounting holes can also be mounted easily. The device100can be assembled and disassembled without using any tools and can be repositioned easily.

FIG.21illustrates the pins attached to the base1102for use as the first embodiment in accordance with the disclosed structure. As illustrated, the pins2102,2104are attached to the T-shaped slots1106,1110respectively for use the base1102in a device that is functionally the same as the skateboard hanging device ofFIG.9with the exception of the holes1112a,1112bseen inFIG.12, andFIG.21but not inFIG.2,FIG.9. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the base1102and the base ofFIG.2are structurally and functionally similar and can be interchanged with the only change of the additional holes1112a,1112bin the base1102.

The advantages of the present invention include, without limitation allowing a person to hang a skateboard easily using no additional tools, while not damaging the wall. Further, the hanger may include features that simplify the installation process and allow for adjustments to be made to the hanging position in any direction after the skateboard was initially hung, without damaging the wall or needing additional tools. The support pins have been designed so that they are ideal for hanging skateboard decks that are still in the wrapping plastic.

The hanger further has the advantage that it can keep the skateboard securely placed on the hanger while still allowing a person to intentionally remove and reinstall the skateboard easily and quickly, without the need for tools or having to hand loosen/tighten screw-on type locking hardware. Alignment arrows have been added to the outside edge of the base in case the hanger was to be aligned with an exact position marked on the wall at the time of the initial hang or during any adjustments. The bubble levels also assist in the placement of the hanger in either the vertical or horizontal directions. With the perpendicular placement, the bubble levels can be effectively used to hang a skateboard vertically or horizontally.

The hanger further has the advantage in that it does not significantly distract from or cover the skateboard deck graphic. In the preferred embodiment, the hanger will be manufactured as a ridged clear plastic device and the O-rings or any soft locking extensions would be manufactured in a soft clear plastic (e.g. silicone) to achieve the preferred minimal intrusive appearance. The O-ring's outer diameter was also sized accordingly, based on the typical diameter of a mounting hole for a skateboard, to provide the preferred minimal appearance and to still function as intended. Note that other hanger colors may ultimately be manufactured.

In broad embodiment, the present invention is a hanger for a skateboard that uses members with an end portion that engages the mounting holes of a skateboard. The end portion is the part of the member that can be inserted into the mounting holes of the skateboard deck. The members are mostly smooth but with an end that can make a small hole in the wrapping plastic upon insertion. Each end portion also contains one or more features that prevent the skateboard deck from sliding off the member. For example, an O-ring and or a plastic ledge may be placed on a smooth member to prevent displacement of the skateboard deck from the hanger. This locking extension on the end of the member prevents the skateboard deck from moving.

In broad embodiment, the present invention comprises a base for a hanger for a skateboard with the features, 2 or more alignment indicators, and at least two slots or holes for the members to hold the skateboard, a flat back configured to attach to a wall with the attachment means comprising: removable or permanent adhesive strips; an adhesive hook and loop combination; and liquid adhesive, drywall hook, screws, and screw type drywall anchors. The slots are designed to hold two members in a position perpendicular to the wall. The base can also be configured as a single unit with the slots being position holders for the members, with each member being fused into the base. The base is comprised of plastic, clear plastic, metal, a coated metal, or wood.