Patent Description:
This claims the benefit of <CIT> and <CIT>.

Individuals have ridden and used skateboards as a convenient and entertaining form of transportation. Generally, skateboards present many favorable advantages over other self-propelled transportation alternatives, as skateboards can be easily stored, picked up, and carried. However, and quite often, when users ride skateboards over cracks including (but not an exhaustive list of) contraction joints, expansion joints, control joints, and uneven surfaces, the wheels of the skateboard descend into the crack and then pop back up when the wheels of the skateboard contacts the other side of the crack. This type of interaction results in detrimental effects including, noise, shock to the rider, and handling (or control) of the skateboard. <CIT> proposes a narrow profile truck, <CIT> proposes a skateboard comprising four independent chassis freely pivoting around an axle, each chassis has four wheels mounted on transverse spindles, and <CIT> proposes an eight wheel skateboard. There is a need in the art for a moving wheel platform that minimizes wheel interactions with noncontinuous and uneven surfaces to enhance an individual's riding experience and satisfaction.

The invention presented herein is directed to moving-wheel platforms that are capable of tempering negative (or unwanted) feedback experienced by a user when maneuvering over uneven surfaces, such as sidewalk cracks. Many of the moving-wheel platform embodiments presented herein, can be configured for use in skateboard or longboard applications (in the form of a truck). However, in alternative embodiments, the moving wheel platforms can be adapted for use in wheelbarrows, industrial carts, industrial dollies, commercial carts, commercial dollies, hand trucks, and stack trucks applications.

The skateboard or longboard can comprise a series of trucks having arms, axles and wheels arranged in such a manner that at least two wheels are in contact with the ground surface at any given moment, while another wheel of the truck is either suspended or submerged into a crack or voided space, when applicable. The truck is further configured to prevent the wheels of the truck from contacting or engaging the bottom of the skateboard or longboard when a sudden shift in the skateboard's center of mass occurs. This is at least in part accomplished by rotation inhibiting structures.

The term or phrase "connect", "connected", "connects", "connecting" used herein can be defined as joining two or more elements together, mechanically or otherwise. Connecting (whether mechanical or otherwise) can be for any length of time, e.g. permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

The term or phrase "link", "linked", "links", "linking" used herein can be defined as a relationship between two or more elements where at least one elements affects another element. Linking (whether mechanical or otherwise) can be for any length of time, e.g. permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

The term or phrase "secure", "secured", "secures", "securing" used herein can be defined as fixing or fastening (one or more elements) firmly so that it cannot be moved or become loose. Securing (whether mechanical or otherwise) can be for any length of time, e.g. permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.

The term or phrase "width" or "width of the elongated body" used herein is measured in a direction extending from a first end of the elongated body to a second end of the elongated body (or along the longitudinal axis of the elongated body), which is distal from the first end.

The term or phrase "couple", "coupled", "couples", and "coupling" used herein can be defined as connecting two or more elements, mechanically or otherwise. Coupling (whether mechanical or otherwise) can be for any length of time, e.g. permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. Mechanical coupling and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types. The absence of the word "removably," "removable," and the like near the word "coupled," and the like does not mean that the coupling, in question is or is not removable.

The term or phrase "skateboard" or "longboard" used herein can be defined by four distinct portions. A top portion of the skateboard is defined as the portion of a deck the user stands on. A bottom portion of the skateboard is defined as the portion opposite the top portion. A stance of the right footed user by convention is defined as the left foot being forward of the right foot. A front portion of the skateboard is defined as being proximal to the left foot of the user. A back portion of the skateboard is defined as being proximal with the right foot of the user. A forward direction is defined as the direction when the right foot of the user pushes backwards on a ground surface to make the skateboard move in the opposite direction.

The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

"A," "an," "the," "at least one," and "one or more" are used interchangeably to indicate that at least one of the item is present; a plurality of such items may be present unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. All numerical values of parameters (e.g., of quantities or conditions) in this specification, including the appended claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about" whether or not "about" actually appears before the numerical value. "About" indicates that the stated numerical value allows some slight imprecision (with some approach to exactness in the value; about or reasonably close to the value; nearly). In addition, disclosure of ranges includes disclosure of all values and further divided ranges within the entire range. Each value within a range and the endpoints of a range are hereby all disclosed as separate embodiment. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having," are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated items, but do not preclude the presence of other items. As used in this specification, the term "or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed items. When the terms first, second, third, etc. are used to differentiate various items from each other, these designations are merely for convenience and do not limit the items.

In many examples as used herein, the term "approximately" can be used when comparing one or more values, ranges of values, relationships (e.g., position, orientation, etc.) or parameters (e.g., velocity, acceleration, mass, temperature, spin rate, spin direction, etc.) to one or more other values, ranges of values, or parameters, respectively, and/or when describing a condition (e.g., with respect to time), such as, for example, a condition of remaining constant with respect to time. In these examples, use of the word "approximately" can mean that the value(s), range(s) of values, relationship(s), parameter(s), or condition(s) are within ±<NUM>%, ±<NUM>%, ±<NUM>%, ±<NUM>%, ±<NUM>%, and/or ±<NUM>% of the related value(s), range(s) of values, relationship(s), parameter(s), or condition(s), as applicable.

Presented herein are skateboards or longboards comprising a series of trucks (skateboard <NUM>, <NUM>). The moving wheel platforms described herein can be configured for use in skateboard or longboard applications in the form of a truck (the truck <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>). <FIG> illustrates multiple truck embodiments that enables an apparatus to glide, hoover, and/or reduce adverse interactions between the skateboard truck and ground surface when the skateboard is moving over uneven surfaces, cracks, or joints. The various trucks (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> or <NUM>) comprises: a hanger having an elongated body, a pivot saddle protruding from the elongated body, one or more axle(s) extending through or partially through the elongated body, one or more arm(s) rotatably coupled (or connected) to the elongated body, and one or more rotation inhibiting structure(s) governing the rotation of the one or more arm(s). Further, a variety of wheel arrangements and rotation inhibiting structures are presented that cooperate together to approach voids present along riding surfaces differently. The various locations, arrangements, and configurations of the wheels, arms, and rotation inhibiting structures prevent the wheels from interacting, overextending and/or engaging the bottom surface of a skateboard or longboard.

In many of the exemplary skateboard truck embodiments, the truck comprises a hanger. The hanger generally comprises an elongated body; a pivot saddle protruding from the elongated body; a void (or bore) extending longitudinally through the elongated body; one or more arms pivotably (and/or removably) engaged to the hanger; and one or more rotation-inhibiting structure(s) configured to limit over rotation of the one or more arm(s). In many embodiments, the hanger is configured to be coupled to a baseplate.

The baseplate, in return, can be affixed to the bottom surface of the skateboard or longboard. As the hanger and the baseplate are assembled to one another, a linkage is formed that enables the hanger to become a base or foundation piece that directly or indirectly connects, links, or secures many of the undermentioned components together.

Generally, in many embodiments, a portion of the hanger comprises an elongated body. The elongated body of the hanger can be cylindrical ("elongated cylindrical body") and/or tubular ("elongated tubular body"). <FIG> illustrates a portion of an elongated body having a cylindrical portion. In this embodiment, the elongated cylindrical body can have a constant radius that extends in a first end to a second end direction of the elongated cylindrical body (i.e. along the longitudinal direction of the elongated body). The constant radius can range between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch to <NUM> inch). In many embodiments, the constant radius can be <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), or <NUM> (<NUM>-inch). In other embodiments, the radius can be approximately between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), or <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch). The radius of the elongated cylindrical body can vary to alter the mass properties of the skateboard truck.

As previously mentioned, the elongated body can be tubular ("elongated tubular body"). In many embodiments, the elongated tubular body comprises an inner diameter and an outer diameter throughout the entire width of the hanger (see <FIG> illustrates an elongated tubular member defined by an inner diameter D1 and an outer diameter D2. The inner diameter of the elongated tubular body can range between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch to <NUM> inch).

In specific embodiments, the inner diameter D1 of the elongated tubular body can be <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or <NUM> (<NUM> inch). The outer diameter D2 can range between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch to <NUM> inch). Specifically, the outer diameter of the elongated tubular body can be <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the outer diameter D2 can range between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), or <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch).

The material of the elongated body can be constructed from any material used to construct a conventional skateboard truck. The elongated body of the hanger can be made from any one or combination of the following: <NUM> alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, <NUM>-<NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, brushed steel, tungsten, titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, aluminum <NUM>, aluminum <NUM>, aluminum <NUM>, aluminum <NUM>, Aluminum A356, ADC-<NUM>, or any other metal or plastic suitable for creating an elongated body. The material of the elongated body can vary based upon the intended use and/or weight of the hanger.

The elongated body of the hanger may vary in width to accommodate (or compliment) the width of the skateboard deck or a particular apparatus. In many embodiments, the width of the elongated body can range between approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In other embodiments, the width of the elongated body can be approximately between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches - <NUM> inches), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches - <NUM> inches), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches - <NUM> inches), or <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inches - <NUM> inches). In further embodiments, the width of the elongated body can approximately be <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or other suitable widths that enables a proper relationship between the width of the skateboard and the width of the hanger.

In many embodiments, in a widthwise direction, a portion of the elongated body forms a void. An exemplary embodiment of the elongated body forming a void is illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrates a void formed on each corresponding end (first end and second end) of the elongated body. Each void extends in a widthwise direction between approximately <NUM>% and approximately <NUM>% of the total width of the hanger. In other words, a portion of the elongated body surrounds a void as further illustrated by <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

Each void of the elongated body can extend along the width direction of the elongated body between approximately <NUM>% and <NUM>%. Specifically, in many embodiments, the void can extend approximately between <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, or <NUM>% - <NUM>% of the elongated body width. In alternative embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the hanger can form a bore that extends entirely through the elongated body. The void or bore enables one or more axle(s) to become rigidly attached to the elongated body.

The truck further comprises at least one axle. The one or more axles may extend either entirely through the elongated body of the hanger (if the elongated body forms a bore) or partially through the elongated body (if the elongated body forms a void). In many embodiments, if the bore extends entirely though the elongated body, then only one axle is needed. If a portion of the hanger is solid, then a void exists on the distal ends of the elongated body and two different axles extend through and out the ends of the elongated body. The void(s) can extend from each end of the elongated body into a percentage (less than approximately <NUM>%) of the elongated body width, as a solid section of the elongated body exists between voids.

The trucks further comprise at least two wheels. In many embodiments, one or more axles are configured to receive one or more wheels. Each of the one or more wheels may be characterized by a diameter (wheel diameter), a durometer (wheel durometer), and a material (wheel material). In many embodiments, the truck can have two or more wheels, three or more wheels, four or more wheels, five or more wheels, or six or more wheels. For further example, in many embodiments, the skateboard truck can have two wheels, three wheels, four wheels, five wheels, six wheels, or seven wheels.

In many embodiments, the diameter of the one or more wheel(s) ranges between <NUM> and <NUM>. In other embodiments, the wheel diameter can range between <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, <NUM> -<NUM>, <NUM> - <NUM>, or <NUM> - <NUM>. In some embodiments, the wheel diameter of the one or more wheels can be <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM>.

One or more wheel(s) may have an equivalent and/or similar diameter with respect to another wheel, two or more wheels, three or more wheels, four or more wheels, or five or more wheels. In alternative embodiments, one or more wheels may have a different wheel diameter with respect to another wheel, two or more wheels, three or more wheels, four or more wheels, or five or more wheels.

In many embodiments, the wheel durometer can vary based upon the intended use of the wheel and desired gripping ability with the ground surface. For example, if the user (or individual) requires wheels that provide enough grip to maneuver over rough surfaces, sidewalk contraction joints, cracks, pebbles, rocks, etc., then the durometer of the plurality of wheels may range between approximately 78a - 98a. In other embodiments, the wheel durometer value can be between approximately 78a - 80a, 80a - 82a, 82a - 84a, 84a - 86a, 86a - 88a, 88a - 90a, 90a - 92a, 92a - 94a, 94a - 96a, or 96a - 98a. In some embodiments, the wheel durometer value can be 78a, 79a, 80a, 81a, 82a, 83a, 84a, 85a, 86a, 87a, 88a, 89a, 90a, 91a, 92a, 93a, 94a, 95a, 96a, 97a, or 98a. To achieve a desired wheel durometer, the plurality of wheels can be formed from various plastic or plastic polyurethane materials.

Each of the plurality of wheels further includes a wheel bearing set. In many of the illustrative embodiments, a center of each of the plurality of wheels forms a cutout portion to accommodate the wheel bearing set. The wheel bearing set reduces or eliminates friction between the plurality of wheels and the axle the wheel rotates about. The cut-out portion can be substantially round or circular, however, in alternative embodiments the cut out-portion can be any geometry that permits rotation. In many exemplary embodiments, the wheel bearing set can be in the form of a steel bearing set or a ceramic bearing set.

In many embodiments, the hanger further comprises a pivot saddle that extends from the elongated body. The pivot saddle enables a user to alter the direction of the truck. For example, the pivot saddle provides the ability to pivot the truck in a left or right direction. The pivot saddle comprises a pivot tip and a pivot body. In general, and more preferably, the pivot saddle can be integrally connected to the elongated body and therefore formed as one component. In other embodiments, the pivot saddle and the elongated body can be formed from a similar or different material. The combination of the elongated body and pivot saddle generally outlines a triangular shape. The pivot saddle connects and engages to a base plate.

In many embodiments, the pivot saddle is centrally located along the elongated body relative to the first and second ends. In alternative embodiments, the pivot saddle can be asymmetrically positioned along the elongated body. In many embodiments, the pivot saddle can be located between approximately <NUM>% and approximately <NUM>% of the total width of the elongated body (measured from either the first end or the second end of the elongated body of the hanger). For example, the pivot saddle can be positioned approximately <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% away from either the first end and/or second end of the elongated body.

In many embodiments, the pivot body alone can take the form of a substantially triangular shape, as shown in some of the below exemplary embodiments. In alternative embodiments, the pivot body can be substantially square, rectangular, curvilinear, semi-circular, parabolic, or combinations thereof.

In many embodiments, the pivot body forms a through aperture (pivot body aperture). In general, the geometry of the through aperture is circular or cylindrical. However, in other embodiments, the geometry of the through aperture can be of an oval, elliptical, round, or countersunk form.

The material of the pivot body can be constructed from any material used to construct a conventional skateboard truck. The pivot body of the pivot saddle can be made from any one or combination of the following: <NUM> alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, <NUM>-<NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, brushed steel, tungsten, titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, aluminum <NUM>, aluminum <NUM>, aluminum <NUM>, aluminum <NUM>, ADC-<NUM>, Aluminum A356, or any other metal suitable for creating a pivot body. In many embodiments, the pivot body is made of aluminum <NUM> or the cast equivalent. The material of the pivot body can vary based upon the intended use and/or desired weight of the pivot saddle.

The pivot tip of the pivot saddle engages a pivot cup of the base plate. Combining the pivot tip and the pivot body together forms a pivot saddle that permits the truck to maneuver in both a left and/or right direction. The pivot tip can be integrally formed to the pivot body, thereby forming a single continuous structure.

In many embodiments, the pivot tip is widest at the surface adjacent to the pivot body and as the pivot tip becomes spaced further from the adjacent surface, the pivot tip gradually tapers (i.e. decreases in width as a function of increasing distance from the adjacent surface). At the distal most point from the adjacent surface, the pivot tip is substantially pointed and/or tipped. The arrangement and interaction of the pivot saddle and pivot cup will be described in more detail below.

The material of the pivot tip can be constructed from any material used to construct a conventional skateboard truck. The pivot tip of the pivot saddle can be made from any one or combination of the following: <NUM> alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, <NUM>-<NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, brushed steel, tungsten, titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, aluminum <NUM>, aluminum <NUM>, aluminum <NUM>, aluminum <NUM> ADC-<NUM>, Aluminum A356, or any metal suitable for creating a pivot tip. In many embodiments, the pivot tip can be made of aluminum <NUM> or the cast equivalent. The material of the pivot tip can vary based upon the intended use and/or desired weight of the pivot saddle.

The base plate, as previously described, is configured to receive a portion of the hanger and more particularly a portion of the pivot saddle. In many embodiments, the pivot tip of the pivot saddle protrudes from the elongated body of the hanger to engage a portion of the base plate. Thereby, affixing the hanger and the base plate together. The base plate can be defined as the component of the moving wheel platform (or truck) that couples, connects, attaches, and/or links the elongated body, the plurality of wheels, and the pivot saddle to a given apparatus to create a "movable apparatus".

The base plate forms a plurality of bolt receiving ports, at least one king pin receiving port, and at least one pivot cup receiving port. These receiving ports provide receiving geometries for a plurality of bolts, a king pin, and the pivot tip of the pivot saddle, respectively. Thereby, securing the moving wheel platform or the truck to a given apparatus.

In many embodiments, the plurality of bolt receiving ports (of the base plate) are proximal to the outer periphery or outer perimeter edge of the base plate. Further, in many embodiments, the plurality of bolt receiving ports are threaded ("threaded bolt receiving ports"). The geometrical characteristics of the threaded bolt receiving ports can vary (i.e. thread type, thread count, pitch, etc.) based upon the geometrical characteristics of a corresponding fastener configured to be received within the threaded bolt receiving ports.

For example, and by way of nonlimiting examples, the base plate can have two bolt receiving ports, three bolt receiving ports, four bolt receiving ports, five bolt receiving ports, six bolt receiving ports, or seven bolt receiving ports. As will be seen and further described below, the base plate can comprise at least four bolt receiving ports. This provides enough structural rigidity to affix the base plate to a given apparatus (i.e. affixing a skateboard truck to a skateboard deck).

The king pin receiving aperture (of the base plate) can be centrally located on the base plate with respect to the perimeter walls of the base plate. In many embodiments, the king pin receiving aperture may or may not be threaded. The geometrical characteristics of the king pin receiving aperture can vary (i.e. thread type, thread count, pitch, etc.) based upon the type and geometry of the king pin. As will be seen and further described in the below embodiments, the king pin receiving aperture can be located forward of the base plate's pivot cup. In many embodiments, the king pin can be a hollow screw that connects the elongated hollow body and the pivot saddle together (at the aperture of the pivot body) to the base plate. This arrangement couples the elongated hollow body and pivot saddle to the base plate.

The material of the base plate can be constructed from any material used to construct a conventional skateboard truck. The base plate can be made from any one or combination of the following: <NUM> alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, <NUM>-<NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, brushed steel, tungsten, titanium, titanium alloy, aluminum, aluminum alloy, aluminum <NUM>, aluminum <NUM>, aluminum <NUM>, aluminum <NUM> ADC-<NUM>, Aluminum A356, or any metal suitable for creating a base plate. In many embodiments, the base plate is made of aluminum <NUM>. The material of the base plate can vary based upon the intended use and/or desired weight of the base plate.

The pivot cup receiving port (of the base plate) can be centrally located on the base plate with respect to the perimeter walls (of the base plate). In many embodiments, the pivot cup receiving port can be configured to receive a pivot cup bushing. The pivot cup bushing is generally comprised of a different material then the pivot cup receiving port. For example, in many embodiments, the pivot cup bushing can be comprised of a plastic, polyurethane, or Delrin material. As will be seen in the below embodiments, the pivot cup receiving port can be located rearward of the base plate's king pin receiving aperture.

The pivot tip of the pivot saddle can be configured to be received in the pivot cup bushing, and likewise the pivot cup bushing is configured to be received within the pivot cup receiving port. The combination of the pivot tip, the pivot cup bushing, and the pivot cup receiving port enables less metal-to-metal friction and the ability to more effectively pivot, turn, and/or alter the skateboard truck in different directions.

The hanger further comprises one or more arms that are rotatably coupled to the elongated body of the hanger. In many of the illustrated embodiments, the one or more arm(s) can be on opposing sides of the pivot saddle, or alternatively the pivot saddle in combination with the one or more arm(s) can create a backstop. Thereby, establishing a mechanical lock to prevent overextension or over rotation of the one or more arm(s).

The one or more arm(s) includes a first segment and a second segment. The first segment can be considered as the leading segment and is forward of the second segment ("rear segment"). The second segment can also be considered as the trailing segment and is rearward of the first segment. In many embodiments, as illustrated by <FIG>, the first segment can be a similar or equivalent length to the second segment. In other embodiments, the first segment can be between <NUM>% and <NUM>% longer in length than the second segment. In further embodiments, the first segment can be between <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>% - <NUM>%, and <NUM>% -<NUM>% longer in length relative to the second segment. In many embodiments, the first segment can be <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% longer in length than the second segment.

The first segment and second segment of the one or more arms can form together to be substantially coplanar with one another. In other embodiments, the first segment and the second segment can be angled relative to one another between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. For example, in some embodiments, the angle between the first segment and the second segment can be approximately between <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees. In alternative embodiments, the angle between the first segment and the second segment can be <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees.

The one or more arms can further comprise a front region, which can be similar to the first segment, a rear region, which can be similar to the second segment, and a middle region which is in between the first segment and the second segment. The front region forms a first aperture (also known as a "front aperture"). The middle region forms a second aperture (also known as a "middle aperture"). The rear region forms a third aperture (also known as a "rear aperture"). The aperture can be in the form of a through aperture, a bore aperture, a cylindrical aperture, and/or a circular aperture. The diameter of the first aperture ("front aperture"), second aperture ("middle aperture"), and third aperture ("rear aperture") can be equivalent to one another or different from one another.

The diameter of the front aperture, the middle aperture, and the rear aperture can range between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch to <NUM> inches). In many embodiments, the front aperture, the middle aperture, and the rear aperture can be range between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), or <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch). In specific embodiments, the front aperture, the middle aperture, and the rear aperture can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), approximately <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), approximately <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), approximately <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), approximately <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), or approximately <NUM> (<NUM>-inch).

The front aperture of one or more arms can be configured to receive a front axle and a corresponding front wheel. The rear aperture of the one or more arms can be configured to receive a rear axle and a corresponding rear wheel. The middle aperture of the one or more arms can be configured to concentrically attach, link, and/or couple to the elongated body of the hanger. This concentrical linkage between the middle aperture of the one or more arms and the elongated body of the hanger creates a lever arm, which can also be referred to as a pivot arm. Thereby, allowing the one or more arms to rotate and/or pivot relative to the elongated body.

As mentioned above, the level arm (or "pivot arm") rotates about the elongated body. This type of rotation and/or pivot enables the front wheel and/or rear wheels to climb or glide over foreign object debris, such as sidewall contraction joints, pebbles, small rocks, uneven surfaces, or other debris that may be residing on a ground surface. Some of the benefits and advantages of the level arm will further be discussed in the benefits section.

The truck further comprises one or more rotation-inhibiting structure(s). The rotation inhibiting structure prevents the level arm (or pivot arm) from excessively rotating past a predetermined angle. The rotation inhibiting structure may be in a variety of forms. For example, in one embodiment the rotation inhibiting structure may integrally protrude or extend from a truck component (i.e. a pivot body). In another embodiment, a truck component can form a rotation inhibiting structure, which can take the form of a notch, gap, slot, or slit. The rotation inhibiting structure beneficially prevents the level arm or pivot arm from excessive rotation to the point where either the front wheel or the rear wheel contacts a bottom surface of the skateboard deck during engagement of the skateboard or longboard.

In one exemplary embodiment, when the front wheel and the rear wheel of the level arm or pivot arm resides on a ground surface, the rotation inhibiting structure prevents the front end and rear end of the pivot arm from upwardly rotating past <NUM> degrees. In other embodiments, the rotation inhibiting structure may prevent the front end and the rear end of the pivot arm from upwardly rotating past <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees. In alternative embodiments, the predetermined range of motion for the front end and rear end of the level arm (or pivot arm) can be approximately between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees.

A <NUM>-degree reference angle is defined as the position where both the front wheel and the rear wheel of the level arm or pivot arm reside on a substantially flat ground surface. As the pivot arm beings to upwardly rotate (i.e. the perpendicular distance between the front wheel or rear wheel relative to the bottom surface of the skateboard deck is shorter than the perpendicular distance between the front wheel and rear wheel at a rest position (on a substantially flat ground surface) relative to the bottom surface of the skateboard deck. The effect of the rotation inhibiting structure is present when the pivot arm or level arm reaches a predetermined rotation threshold angle.

In many exemplary embodiments, the truck preferably comprises a friction reducing element. In general, the friction reducing element is a component between the elongated body of the hanger and the one or more of the arms (also can be defined as the medium between the middle aperture of the one or more arm(s) and the elongated body). The friction reducing element reduces the magnitude of frictional forces between the elongated body of the hanger and the one or more arms. Specifically, in many embodiments, the friction reducing element prevents material galling. In alternative embodiments, the friction reducing element can be in the form of a flange. In other embodiments, the friction reducing element can be cylindrical, round, circular, or tubular to compliment the shape of the middle aperture of the one or more arms.

The friction reducing element can be made from any one or combination of the following: nylon, PVC, polythene, polypropylene, or any plastic suitable for reducing friction between two materials. In some embodiments, the friction reducing element is comprised of a nylon material.

The moving wheel platform described herein beneficially provides enhancements in self-propelled equipment or self-propelled apparatuses. In particular, by creating a moving wheel platform ("skateboard truck" or "truck") that when fully assembled ("truck assembly") comprises a rotation inhibiting structure and a pivot/lever arm, the truck assembly effectively maneuvers over foreign objects, such as, but not an exclusive list of sidewalks contraction joints, pebbles, rocks, cracks, or similar objects that creates interference between the wheels and the ground surface (when the self-propelled apparatus is in motion).

In many embodiments, the moving wheel platform (or the skateboard truck) comprises four or more wheels. These wheels can be arranged in a diamond shape configuration. The first and second wheels (two of the four wheels) can be attached to each end of the elongated body. The third and fourth wheels (other two wheels of the four wheels) can be attached to the front segment and rear segment of the one or more pivot/level arm(s). This type of wheel arrangement equally distributes forces loaded onto the truck to create a balanced truck that more effectively glides and/or climbs over sidewalk contraction joints and/or other type of surface cracks. This beneficially prevents (or reduces) the plurality of wheels of the moving wheel platform from entering (or reducing the degree of decent with) sidewalk contraction joints or cracks. Thereby preventing the wheels engaging or getting caught within the sidewalk contraction joint or surface cracks. Thus, eliminating or greatly reducing the possibility of the individual potentially losing balance and/or momentum.

Another beneficial aspect of the moving wheel platform described herein is to have one or more arms concentrically, pivotably, and/or rotatably engaged to the elongated body of the hanger. By having one or more arms rotatable or pivotable about the elongated body of the hanger enables the front segment or the trailing segment at any given moment to upwardly rotate away from the ground surface. For example, the one or more arms that are concentrically and pivotally connected to the elongated body of the hanger may rotate based upon a shift in the skateboard's center of mass (i.e. the mass of the rider being repositioned on the skateboard deck caused by a slope, turn, etc).

Another beneficial aspect of the moving wheel platform described herein is to have one or more rotation inhibiting structures. Integrating rotation inhibiting structures into the moving wheel platform or truck mechanically prevents over-rotation of the one or more pivot arms past a predetermined degree of rotation. This beneficially prevents the plurality of wheels positioned on the first segment and/or trailing segment from inadvertent contact with the bottom portion of a skateboard deck.

Another beneficial aspect of the moving wheel platform described herein is to have at least one friction reducing element. The friction reducing element can be positioned between the middle aperture of the one or more arms and the elongated body of the hanger. The friction reducing element beneficially reduces frictional forces between the cylindrical body of the hanger and the one or more arms. Additionally, the friction reducing element can prevent material galling between the one or more arms and the elongated body of the hanger.

At least some exemplary embodiments of a moving wheel platform according to this invention are described herein, including skateboard trucks and longboard trucks. Such apparatus may include all or some of the aforementioned components, features, and benefits.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of a moving wheel platform (or truck). The truck described herein comprises an elongated body having a pivot saddle protruding (or extending) therefrom. The pivot saddle <NUM> is configured to have one or more rotation inhibiting structure(s) <NUM> protruding (or extending) outwardly towards the first end <NUM> and/or second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>. The one or more rotation inhibiting structure(s) <NUM> can be adjacent and on opposing sides of the pivot saddle and spaced from the elongated body <NUM>. The spaced formed between the one or more rotation inhibiting structure(s) <NUM> can be adapted to receive a complimentary middle region geometry (with respect to the rotation inhibiting structure) of the one or more arm(s) <NUM>.

Specifically, <FIG> illustrates a moving wheel platform in the form of a skateboard truck <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a partial exploded view of the skateboard truck of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a zoomed in view of the skateboard truck of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a partial assembly of the skateboard truck of <FIG>. <FIG> each illustrate an individual truck component of a hanger and an arm, respectively. <FIG> illustrates another perspective view of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a skateboard truck to be ridden by a rider (not shown). The rider has a weight (i.e. without limitation, helmet, wrist guards, elbow pads, and knee pads, as appropriate, and anything else the rider is carrying or supporting such as a backpack).

Continuing reference to <FIG>, the truck <NUM> is attached to a bottom surface <NUM> of the skateboard deck <NUM>. The skateboard deck <NUM> includes a top surface <NUM> to support the rider (not shown). In this embodiment, the skateboard includes a front truck <NUM> and a rear truck <NUM>. The front truck and the rear truck share similar components and designs. The front truck <NUM> can be attached to the bottom surface <NUM> of the skateboard deck <NUM> at a front portion <NUM> of the skateboard deck. The rear truck <NUM> can be attached to the bottom surface <NUM> of the skateboard deck <NUM> at a rear portion of the skateboard deck <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> further illustrates an assembled arrangement of the above described components to form the front truck <NUM> and the rear truck <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment, the components of the front truck <NUM> and the rear truck <NUM> include a hanger <NUM> having an elongated body <NUM> and a pivot saddle <NUM> (which comprises a pivot body <NUM> and a pivot tip <NUM>), at least four axles <NUM>, a base plate <NUM>, at least two arms <NUM>, at least two rotation inhibiting structures <NUM>, and at least two friction reducing elements <NUM>.

The elongated body <NUM> can be sized to be approximately the width of the skateboard deck <NUM> shown in <FIG> (which is also illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>). As previously described above, the width of the elongated body <NUM> can range between approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In particular, the width of the elongated body <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In alternative embodiments, the width of the elongated body <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) - approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) - approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) - approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) - approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) - approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) - approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In this embodiment, the width of the elongated body <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The elongated body <NUM> forms a void <NUM> that extends from and partially through both the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>. As described above, the void <NUM> of the elongated body extends between <NUM>% and <NUM>% of the elongated body width on each end (i.e. the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM>) of the corresponding elongated body end. For example, the void can extend through each end of the elongated body <NUM> between <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>% of the width of the elongated body. In other embodiments, the void can extend through each end (the first end and the second end) of the elongated body <NUM> between approximately <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, <NUM>%-<NUM>%, or <NUM>%-<NUM>%. In alternative embodiments, the void can extend through each end of the elongated body at a distance less than the total width of the elongated body <NUM>. In this illustrative example, each void formed partially by the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> extends approximately <NUM>% of the width of the elongated body <NUM>.

Each void <NUM> formed by the elongated body <NUM> can further be threaded and configured to receive to receive an axle <NUM> that is partially threaded. The void <NUM> and the axle <NUM> are arranged together to form a threadable engagement. In this illustrative embodiment, the axle <NUM> is comprised of a metal material, and more particularly comprised of a steel or steel alloy. The length of the axle <NUM> will vary based upon the characteristics (i.e. dimensions, etc.) of the void <NUM>. This specific embodiment illustrates the truck comprising at least four axles. As will be further discussed below, each axle is configured to receive at least one wheel <NUM>.

<FIG> further illustrates that each axle <NUM> connected to the elongated body <NUM> of the hanger <NUM> is configured to retain at least one wheel <NUM>. In this arrangement, a wheel is positioned proximal to the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>. Therefore, terminology throughout the specification may consider that the wheel <NUM> proximal to the first end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM> is a leftward wheel. Similarly, terminology throughout the specification may consider that the wheel <NUM> proximal to the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM> is a rightward wheel.

The elongated body <NUM> of the hanger <NUM> is integrally connected to the pivot saddle <NUM> (see <FIG>). The pivot saddle <NUM> enables the wheels <NUM> to turn or alter the direction of the skateboard deck <NUM>. In this particular embodiment, the pivot saddle <NUM> is symmetrically positioned relative to the width of the elongated body <NUM>. As described above, the pivot saddle <NUM> comprises a pivot body <NUM> (which forms an aperture <NUM>) and a pivot tip <NUM>. The aperture <NUM> of the pivot body <NUM> comprises a diameter of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch). In alternative embodiments, the diameter of the pivot body aperture <NUM> can range between approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The pivot body and pivot tip combine to form a pivot body length <NUM>. The pivot body length <NUM> can range between <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In particular, the pivot body length <NUM> can be <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In the illustrative embodiment, the pivot body length <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The pivot body length <NUM> can vary based upon the intended use of the rider. For example, a shorter pivot body length <NUM> (i.e. less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches)) may be desirable if the user wants a more responsive truck with respect to movement in the left and/or right direction, or vice versa a longer pivot body length <NUM> for a less responsive truck (i.e. greater than <NUM> (<NUM> inches)). A shorter pivot body length, however, can introduce wheel bite (wheels contacting the bottom surface of the skateboard), which creates the need for rotation inhibiting structures <NUM>.

The pivot saddle <NUM> of the hanger <NUM> further comprises an integrally connected rotation inhibiting structure <NUM>. The rotation-inhibiting structure prevents one or more arms <NUM> from over rotating to the point where the wheels <NUM> engage the bottom surface <NUM> of the skateboard deck <NUM>. As illustrated by <FIG>, the rotation-inhibiting structure(s) <NUM> are adjacent, coplanar, and on opposing sides of the pivot saddle <NUM> and spaced from the elongated body <NUM>. In alternative embodiments which are not part of the invention, only one rotation-inhibiting structure <NUM> is needed to prevent the arms <NUM> from over rotating, as the arms <NUM> are coupled to one another by axles. Therefore, the arms <NUM> move, rotate, and stop in unison.

The rotation-inhibiting structure spacing distance can be defined as being measured perpendicularly from the elongated body <NUM> to the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM>. The rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance can range between <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In particular, the rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance can be between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch- <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), or <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch).

The geometry of the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> of this exemplary embodiment includes a center portion <NUM> comprising a semi-circular profile and elongated end protrusions <NUM> connected to both sides of the semi-circular profile.

As previously mentioned, the center portion <NUM> of the rotation-inhibiting structure <NUM> comprises a semi-circular profile. The semi-circular profile of the center portion <NUM> can have a diameter that ranges between <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch). For example, in some embodiments, the diameter of the semi-circular profile can be <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), or <NUM> (<NUM>-inch). In other embodiments, the diameter of the semi-circular profile can be between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch-<NUM>-inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch-<NUM>-inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM>-inch), or <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch).

As described above, the semi-circular profile of the center portion <NUM> is connected to elongated end protrusions <NUM> that protrudes from the semi-circular profile. The elongated end protrusions <NUM> can generally take any shape, length, or geometry, as long as, the elongated end protrusions are configured to limit rotation of the one or more arm(s) <NUM> to a predetermined angle. In many embodiments, the elongated end protrusions <NUM> can be non-circular or non-elliptical. In the illustrative embodiment, the length of rotation inhibiting structure is approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) (measured along the longitudinal direction of the skateboard). Rotation of the one or more arm(s) <NUM> is limited when a portion of the arm contacts a portion of the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM>, thereby forming a mechanical stop (see <FIG>).

As previously mentioned, the length of the rotation-inhibiting structure is measured in a direction extending along the longitudinal axis of the skateboard deck <NUM>. In many embodiments, the length of the rotation-inhibiting structure can range between approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). For example, the length of the rotation-inhibiting structure can be between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), or <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch).

The width of the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> can vary based upon the width of the one or more arms. In general, the width of the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> may be approximately the same width of the one or more arms <NUM> or less than the widths of the one or more arms <NUM>. Constraining the width to be approximately the same or less than the width of the one or more arms <NUM> ensures that enough surface area of the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> contacts the one or more arms <NUM> to prevent over rotation.

In this embodiment, the width of the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> is approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch). However, in other embodiments, the width of the rotation inhibiting structure can vary between <NUM> (<NUM> inch) to approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch). For example, the width of the rotation inhibiting structure can be between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), or <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM>).

As illustrated by <FIG>, the middle region <NUM> of the arm(s) <NUM> are positioned in the space (or gap) between the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> and the elongated body <NUM>. As mentioned above, the one or more arms can further comprise a front region, which can be similar to the first segment, a rear region, which can be similar to the second segment, and a middle region, which is in between the first segment and the second segment. In some embodiments, the first segment <NUM> and the second segment <NUM> of the arms <NUM> are equivalent lengths and coplanar to one another. In other embodiments, the length of the arms <NUM> can range between approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The length of the arms <NUM> can be between approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) - approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) - approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) - approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) - approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) - approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In further embodiments, the length of the arms <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

<FIG> illustrates a close-up view of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates that the one or more arms <NUM> can be divided into a front region <NUM>, a middle region <NUM>, and a rear region <NUM>. As previously described, the front region <NUM> is similar to the first segment <NUM>, the rear region <NUM> is similar to the second segment <NUM>, and the middle region <NUM> is between the front region <NUM> and the rear region <NUM>.

<FIG> further illustrates the front region <NUM> forming a front aperture <NUM>, the middle region <NUM> forming a middle aperture <NUM>, and the rear region <NUM> forming a rear aperture <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the front aperture <NUM> and the rear aperture <NUM> comprise a smaller diameter relative to the diameter of the middle aperture <NUM>. Specifically, the diameter of the front aperture <NUM> and the rear aperture <NUM> are approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and the diameter of the middle aperture <NUM> is approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

<FIG> further illustrate that the front aperture <NUM> and the rear aperture <NUM> of each arm <NUM> can be configured to receive an axle <NUM>. Each axle <NUM> is configured to retain a wheel <NUM>. In this arrangement, at least two wheels <NUM> are positioned in between (or enclosed by) the arms <NUM> (or a first arm and a second arm). In other words, at least two wheels are pinned between two arms <NUM>. Therefore, terminology throughout the specification may consider that the wheel <NUM> proximal to the front aperture <NUM> of the arm <NUM> is a leading and/or forward wheel. Similarly, terminology throughout the specification may consider that the wheel <NUM> proximal to the rear aperture <NUM> of the arm <NUM> is a trailing wheel and/or rear wheel.

Referring back to <FIG>, the embodiment of the truck <NUM>, <NUM> further includes a friction reducing element <NUM> configured to be received within the middle aperture <NUM> of the arms <NUM> (i.e. first arm and second arm). In the case of this embodiment, the friction reducing element is comprised of a nylon material and approximately the same width of the arms <NUM> and the diameter of the middle aperture <NUM>.

As previously described, the base plate <NUM> is the component of the truck that couples the elongated body <NUM>, the wheels <NUM>, and the pivot saddle <NUM> to the skateboard deck <NUM> (see <FIG>). The base plate forms a plurality of bolt receiving ports <NUM>, at least one king pin receiving aperture <NUM>, and at least one pivot cup receiving port <NUM>. These receiving ports provide receiving geometries for a plurality of bolts, a king pin, and the pivot tip of the pivot saddle, respectively. Thereby, securing the moving wheel platform or the truck to a given apparatus.

The arrangement of the aforementioned truck components described herein enables individuals riding skateboards or longboards to more efficiently maneuver over cracks in sidewalks as the configuration of the truck components enables the wheels coupled to the elongated body of the hanger to be suspended over a contraction joint (i.e. prevents the wheels from descending into the crack when the user is moving over a contraction joint). Further, the rotation-inhibiting structures prevents the wheels coupled to the rotatable arms <NUM> from contacting a bottom portion of the skateboard (i.e. preventing wheel bite).

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of a moving wheel platform (or truck). The truck described herein comprises an elongated body <NUM> having a pivot saddle <NUM> protruding (or extending) therefrom. The elongated body <NUM> and the pivot saddle <NUM> cooperate to form one or more rotation inhibiting structure(s) <NUM> in the form of a void. In many embodiments, one or more arms <NUM> can be positioned in the space formed by the void defined by the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM>.

The one or more arm(s) <NUM> further comprises a first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> and a second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> that extends outwardly away from the arms <NUM>. When the arms <NUM> are assembled to the hanger, the first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> and the second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> forms an overlapping structure that surrounds (or encompasses) a portion of the pivot body <NUM>. As the arms <NUM> begin to rotate/pivot away from the ground surface, the first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> and the second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> can contact the pivot body <NUM> providing a mechanical stop to prevent over rotation of the arms <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded view of a moving wheel platform according to some aspects of this invention. <FIG> further illustrates that the moving wheel platform (or truck) <NUM> can be mounted to a longboard or another apparatus, in accordance with some aspects of this invention. <FIG> each individually illustrate a hanger and an arm, respectively.

In the embodiments of <FIG>, the truck <NUM> comprises a plurality of components including a hanger <NUM> having an elongated body <NUM>, one axle <NUM>, a pivot saddle <NUM> having a pivot body <NUM> and a pivot tip <NUM>, a base plate <NUM>, at least two arms <NUM>, at least two rotation inhibiting structures <NUM>, and at least two friction reducing elements <NUM>.

The elongated body <NUM> of this embodiment is configured to be approximately the width of a skateboard deck <NUM> (of <FIG>). As previously described, the width of the elongated body <NUM> can range between approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) to approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In particular, the width of the elongated body <NUM> can be <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In this exemplary embodiment, the width of the elongated body <NUM> is approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The elongated body <NUM> forms a bore <NUM> that extends entirely through both the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>. In other words, the bore <NUM> extends entirely (<NUM>%) through the width of the elongated body <NUM>. In this embodiment, the elongated body is formed from Aluminum <NUM> or the cast equivalent Aluminum A356.

The bore <NUM> defined by the elongated body <NUM> is configured to rigidly receive one axle <NUM>. Specifically, when compared to the previous embodiment (<FIG>), this embodiment requires only one axle. This not only requires less components compared to the previous embodiment, but further enables the elongated body to better support the axle, as more surface area of the elongated body is engaged with the axle. In this embodiment, the axle <NUM> is comprised of a metal material, and more particularly comprised of a steel or steel alloy. The length of the axle <NUM> will vary based on the width of the elongated body <NUM>. As will be further discussed below, each axle is configured to receive one or more wheels <NUM>.

The axle <NUM> comprises four segments. The first segment of the axle is proximal to the first end of the elongated body. The second segment of the axle is proximal to the second end of the elongated body. The third segment of the axle is in between the first segment and the second segment. The fourth segment of the axle is in between the first segment and the second segment and comprises a hanger stop <NUM> that abuts a portion of the elongated body, and particularly, the first end of the elongated body.

The hanger stop <NUM> wraps circumferentially around the axle <NUM> and is the thickest portion of the axle. The first segment of the axle extends from the first end of the elongated body to create a first overhang portion. Similarly, the second segment of the axle extends from the second end of the elongated body to create a second overhang portion. The first and second overhang portions accommodate, the first and second wheels for securing the first and second wheels to the axle <NUM>, respectively.

The elongated body <NUM> further forms at least two rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> in the form of a gap, a notch, a slot, or a slit. The rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> are offset and/or spaced from the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> are symmetrically positioned along the width of the elongated body <NUM>. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> are offset approximately <NUM>% from the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the elongated body, respectively.

However, in alternative embodiments, the rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> can be offset from the first end <NUM> or the second end <NUM> of the elongated body between <NUM>% and <NUM>%. For example, in many embodiments, the offset distance between the first end and the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> or the second end and the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> can be <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>%.

The rotation-inhibiting structure <NUM> comprises at least three internal sidewalls defined by the elongated body <NUM> (i.e. a first internal sidewall <NUM>, a second internal sidewall <NUM>, and a third internal sidewall <NUM>). The first internal wall is defined as the sidewall closest to either one of the first end <NUM> or the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>. The second internal wall <NUM> is defined as the sidewall proximal to a sidewall of the other rotation inhibiting structure <NUM>. The third internal wall sidewall <NUM> shares a common edge with both the first internal wall <NUM> and the second internal wall <NUM>. The first internal sidewall <NUM>, the second internal sidewall <NUM>, and the third internal sidewall <NUM> forms a void therebetween. In many embodiments, where the one or more sidewalls meet to form an edge, a radius can be present.

The distance between a pair of rotation-inhibiting structures <NUM> can be referred to as a rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance <NUM>. The rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance <NUM> can be defined as the distance measured between the pair of rotation-inhibiting structures second internal sidewalls <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance <NUM> is approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). However, in alternative embodiments, the rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance <NUM> may range between <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In other embodiments, the rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance <NUM> can range between approximately <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), approximately <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), approximately <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), approximately <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), approximately <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), or approximately <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch). The rotation inhibiting structure can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch), approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

With continued reference to <FIG>, the one or more arms <NUM> can be divided into a front region <NUM>, a middle region <NUM>, and a rear region <NUM>. As previously described (and similar to the previously mentioned arms <NUM>), the front region <NUM> is similar to the first segment <NUM>, the rear region <NUM> is similar to the second segment <NUM>, and the middle region <NUM> is between the front region <NUM> and the rear region <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> further illustrates the front region <NUM> forms a front aperture <NUM>, the middle region <NUM> forms a middle aperture <NUM>, and the rear region <NUM> forms a rear aperture <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the front aperture <NUM> and the rear aperture <NUM> comprises a smaller diameter than the diameter of the middle aperture <NUM>.

The middle region of the one or more arms <NUM> comprises a first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> protruding from the middle region and front region <NUM> of the arm <NUM>, a second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> protruding from the middle region and rear region <NUM> of the arm <NUM>, and a middle aperture <NUM>. The first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> is closer to the front region <NUM> of the arm <NUM> than the rear region <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. The second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> is closer to the rear region <NUM> than the front region <NUM>.

An imaginary centerline axis is symmetrically positioned between the first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> and the second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> and extends through a center point of the middle aperture <NUM>. Thereby, forming a first rotation inhibiting protrusion angle between the centerline axis and the first rotation inhibiting protrusion and a second rotation inhibiting protrusion angle between the centerline axis and the second rotation inhibiting protrusion.

The first rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can range between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the first rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can range approximately between <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees. In alternative embodiments, the first rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, approximately <NUM> degrees, or approximately <NUM> degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotation inhibiting angle is approximately <NUM> degrees.

The second rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can range approximately between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the second rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can range between <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees. In alternative embodiments, the first rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can be <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the second rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> is approximately <NUM> degrees.

The middle region of the arms <NUM> can be sized, arranged, and/or configured to be received within the void <NUM> of the rotation inhibiting structures <NUM>. The axle <NUM> not only extends entirely through elongated body, but also extends through the void <NUM> and middle aperture <NUM>, thereby rigidly supporting both the elongated body of the hanger and the arm(s) while providing an axis of rotation for the arms <NUM> to rotate about. The combination of the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> and the first and second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> of the arms <NUM> forms an overlapping structure that surrounds (or encompasses) a portion of the pivot body.

When the truck <NUM> is in a zero-degree reference angle configuration, the overlapping structure will not be felt or apparent to the rider, however, as the arms <NUM> begin to rotate/pivot away from the ground surface, the first rotation inhibiting protrusion and the second rotation inhibiting protrusion can contact the pivot body <NUM> providing a mechanical stop. This mechanical stop prevents over rotation of the one or more arms to the point where the wheels <NUM> contact the bottom surface of the skateboard deck.

<FIG> further illustrate that the front aperture <NUM> and the rear aperture <NUM> of each of the arms <NUM> is configured to an axle. Each axle <NUM> is configured to retain at least one wheel <NUM>. In this arrangement, two or more wheels can be positioned in between arms <NUM>. Therefore, terminology throughout the specification may consider that the wheel <NUM> (pinned) proximal to the front aperture <NUM> of the arms <NUM> is a leading and/or forward wheel. Similarly, terminology throughout the specification may consider that the wheels <NUM> (pinned) proximal to the rear aperture <NUM> of the arm <NUM> is a trailing wheel and/or rear wheel.

With continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the embodiment of the truck <NUM> further includes a friction reducing element <NUM> configured to be received within the middle aperture <NUM> of the arms <NUM>. In the case of this embodiment, the friction reducing element is composed of a nylon material and approximately the same width of the arms <NUM> and the diameter of the middle aperture <NUM>. In many embodiments, the friction reducing element <NUM> can be press fit into the middle aperture <NUM>.

Still Referencing <FIG>, the pivot body <NUM> and the pivot tip <NUM> forms a pivot saddle <NUM> that is substantially triangular. This type of triangular arrangement extends from the first end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>. This type of arrangement acts as a structural support mechanism to the elongated body <NUM>, as the pivot saddle <NUM> is substantially engaged to the entire width of the elongated body <NUM>.

As previously mentioned, the base plate <NUM> is the component of the truck that couples the elongated body <NUM>, the wheels <NUM>, and the pivot saddle <NUM> to the skateboard deck <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> forms a plurality of bolt receiving ports <NUM>, at least one king pin receiving aperture <NUM>, and at least one pivot cup receiving port <NUM>. These receiving ports provide receiving geometries for a plurality of bolts, a king pin, and the pivot tip of the pivot saddle, respectively. Thereby, securing the moving wheel platform or the truck to a given apparatus.

The arrangement of the aforementioned truck components enables individuals riding skateboards or longboards to more efficiently maneuver over cracks in sidewalks, as the configuration of the truck components enables the wheels coupled to the elongated body of the hanger to be suspended over a contraction joint (i.e. prevents the wheels from descending into the crack when the user is moving over a contraction joint). Further, the rotation-inhibiting structures and rotation inhibiting protrusions of the arms cooperate to prevents one or more wheels from contacting a bottom portion of the skateboard (i.e. preventing wheel bite).

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrates another embodiment of a moving wheel platform according to this invention. The truck described herein comprises an elongated body <NUM> having a pivot saddle <NUM> protruding (or extending) therefrom. The elongated body <NUM> and the pivot saddle <NUM> cooperate to form one or more rotation inhibiting structure(s) <NUM> in the form of a void. In many embodiments, only one arm <NUM> is needed to occupy the space formed by the void defined by one or more rotation inhibiting structure(s) <NUM>. More particularly, <FIG> illustrates an exploded view of a truck <NUM> according to another embodiment. <FIG> illustrates an assembled view of the truck <NUM> of <FIG>.

Similarly, to the above truck embodiments, <FIG> and <FIG> illustrates a preferred arrangement of the above described components to form the truck <NUM>. In this embodiment, the components of the truck <NUM> includes a hanger <NUM> including an elongated body <NUM>, at least one axle <NUM>, a pivot saddle <NUM> having a pivot body <NUM> and a pivot tip <NUM>, a base plate <NUM>, only one arm <NUM>, at least two rotation inhibiting structures <NUM>, and at least two sets of friction reducing elements <NUM>.

The elongated body <NUM> of this embodiment is similar to the elongated body <NUM> of the previous embodiments and configured to be approximately the width of a skateboard deck <NUM> (not shown). As previously described above, the width of the elongated body <NUM> can range between <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In particular, the width of the elongated body <NUM> can be <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In this example, the width of the elongated body <NUM> is approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The elongated body <NUM> forms a bore <NUM> that extends entirely through both the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>. The bore <NUM> extends entirely (<NUM>%) through the width of the elongated body <NUM>. In this embodiment, the elongated body can be formed from Aluminum <NUM> or the cast equivalent Aluminum A356.

The bore <NUM> is configured to rigidly receive one axle <NUM>. Specifically, when compared to the previous embodiment (<FIG>) this embodiment requires only one axle. This not only requires less components compared to the previous embodiment but enables the axle <NUM> to better support the elongated body <NUM>, as more surface area of the axle <NUM> is engaged with the elongated body <NUM>.

The axle <NUM> can be comprised of a metal material, and more particularly comprised of a steel or steel alloy. The axle <NUM> further adds structural support to the elongated body <NUM>, as the young's modulus is greater than the young's modulus of the elongated body <NUM> of the hanger. The length of the axle <NUM> will vary based upon the width of the elongated body <NUM>. As will be further discussed below, each axle is configured to receive at least one wheel <NUM>.

The elongated body <NUM> and pivot body <NUM> further defines and/or comprises at least two rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> in the form of a gap, a notch, a slot, or a slit. The rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> are offset and/or spaced away from the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>. For example, in the embodiment of <FIG>, the rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> are symmetrically positioned along the width of the elongated body <NUM>. Specifically, in this embodiment, the rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> are offset approximately <NUM>% from the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the elongated body, respectively. However, in other embodiments, the rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> may be offset from the first end <NUM> or the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM> between <NUM>% and <NUM>%. For example, in many embodiments, the offset distance between the first end and the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> or the second end and the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> may be <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>%.

The rotation-inhibiting structure <NUM> comprises at least three internal sidewalls (i.e. a first internal sidewall <NUM>, a second internal sidewall <NUM>, and a third internal sidewall <NUM>). The first internal wall is defined as the sidewall closest to the either one of the first end <NUM> or the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>. The second internal wall <NUM> is defined as the sidewall proximal to a sidewall of another rotation inhibiting structure <NUM>. The third internal wall sidewall <NUM> shares a common edge with both the first internal wall <NUM> and the second internal wall <NUM>. The first internal sidewall <NUM>, the second internal sidewall <NUM>, and the third internal sidewall <NUM> forms a void therebetween.

The distance between a pair of rotation-inhibiting structures <NUM> can be referred to as a rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance <NUM>. The rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance <NUM> can be defined as the distance measured between the pair of rotation-inhibiting structures second internal sidewalls <NUM>. In this particular embodiment, the rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

However, in alternative embodiments, the rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance <NUM> may range between <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In other embodiments, the rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance <NUM> may range between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM>-inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), or <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch). The rotation inhibiting structure may be <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

<FIG> illustrates that the arm <NUM> can be divided into a front region <NUM>, a middle region <NUM>, and a rear region <NUM>. As previously described above, the front region <NUM> is similar to the first segment <NUM>, the rear region <NUM> is similar to the second segment <NUM>, and the middle region <NUM> is between the front region <NUM> and the rear region <NUM>. <FIG> further illustrates the front region <NUM> forming a front aperture <NUM>, the middle region <NUM> forming a middle aperture <NUM>, and the rear region <NUM> forming a rear aperture <NUM>. In many embodiments, the front aperture <NUM> and the rear aperture <NUM> can form a smaller diameter than the diameter of the middle aperture <NUM>.

The front region <NUM> further comprises a first region transition area <NUM>. The rear region <NUM> comprises a second region transition area <NUM>. The first region transition area <NUM> is defined as the area or portion where the front region <NUM> transitions to the middle region <NUM>. The second region transition area <NUM> is defined as the area or portion where the rear region <NUM> transitions to the middle region <NUM>. At the first region transition area <NUM>, the arm <NUM> splits from one segment into two segments. At the second transition area <NUM>, the arm <NUM> splits from one segment into two segments.

In this embodiment, the front region <NUM> can be a one segment region, the rear region <NUM> is also a one segment region, however, the middle region, which is in between the front region <NUM> and the rear region <NUM> is a two-segment region, which arranges to outline a substantially rectangular shape. Thereby, permitting only one arm <NUM> to occupy at least two rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> as the first and second rotation inhibiting protrusions are positioned on both sides of the middle region <NUM> two segment region.

In other embodiments, at the first region transition area <NUM>, the arm <NUM> may split from one segment into two segments, three segments, or four segments. At the second transition area <NUM>, the arm <NUM> may split from one segment into two segments, three segments, or four segments.

The middle region of the one or more arms <NUM> comprises a first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM>, a second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM>, and a middle aperture <NUM>. The first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> protrudes (or extends) from the middle region and is closer to the front region <NUM> than the rear region <NUM>. The second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> protrudes from the middle region and is closer to the rear region <NUM> than the front region <NUM>. Further, the first and second rotation inhibiting protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> are positioned on both sides of the middle region <NUM> two segment region.

Similarly, to the above described embodiment, a centerline axis exists between the first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> and the second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> and extends through a center point of the middle aperture <NUM>. A first rotation inhibiting protrusion angle is formed between the centerline and the first rotation inhibiting protrusion. A second rotation inhibiting protrusion angle is formed between the centerline and the second rotation inhibiting protrusion.

Similarly, to the above described embodiment, the first rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can range between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the first rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can range between <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees. In alternative embodiments, the first rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can be <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotation inhibiting angle is <NUM> degrees.

Similarly, to the above described embodiment, the second rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can range between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the second rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can range between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees. In alternative embodiments, the first rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can be <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the second rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> is <NUM> degrees.

The middle region of the arms <NUM> are configured to be received within the void <NUM> of the rotation inhibiting structures <NUM>. The axle <NUM> not only extends entirely through elongated body, but also extends through the void <NUM> and middle aperture <NUM> of the arm <NUM>, thereby rigidly supporting both the elongated body of the hanger but also provides an axis of rotation for the arm <NUM> to rotate about. The combination of the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> and the first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> of the arm <NUM> forms an overlapping structure that surrounds or encompasses a portion of the pivot body.

When the truck <NUM> is in a zero-degree reference angle configuration, the overlapping structure will not be felt or apparent to the rider, however, as the arms <NUM> begin to rotate/pivot away from the ground surface, the first rotation inhibiting protrusion and the second rotation inhibiting protrusion can contact the pivot body <NUM> providing a physical barrier. This physical barrier prevents over rotation of the one or more arms to the point where the wheels <NUM> contact the bottom surface of the skateboard deck (not shown).

<FIG> and <FIG> further illustrates that the front aperture <NUM> and the rear aperture <NUM> of each of the arm <NUM> is configured to receive an axle. Each axle <NUM> is configured to retain at least one wheel <NUM>. In this illustrated embodiment, four wheels are coupled to the arm <NUM> and positioned on each side (or opposing sides) of the arm <NUM> at the front aperture <NUM> and the rear aperture <NUM>. Therefore, terminology throughout the specification may consider that the two wheels <NUM> proximal to the front aperture <NUM> of the arm <NUM> are the leading and/or forward wheels. Similarly, terminology throughout the specification may consider that the two wheels <NUM> proximal to the rear aperture <NUM> of the arm <NUM> are the trailing wheels and/or rear wheels.

With continued reference to <FIG> & <FIG>, the truck <NUM> further includes a friction reducing element <NUM> configured to be received within each middle aperture <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. In the case of this embodiment, the friction reducing element is composed of a nylon material and approximately the same width of the arms <NUM> and the diameter of the middle aperture <NUM>.

The pivot body <NUM> and the pivot tip <NUM> forms a pivot saddle <NUM> that is substantially triangular. This type of substantially triangular arrangement extends from the first end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>, therefore additionally acting as a structural support mechanism to the elongated body <NUM>. The axle <NUM> further adds structural support to the elongated body <NUM>, as the young's modulus is greater than the young's modulus of the elongated body <NUM> of the hanger.

As previously described, the base plate <NUM> is the component of the truck that couples the elongated body <NUM>, the wheels <NUM>, and the pivot saddle <NUM> to the skateboard deck <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> forms a plurality of bolt receiving ports <NUM>, at least one king pin receiving aperture <NUM>, and at least one pivot cup receiving port (not shown). These receiving ports provides receiving geometries for a plurality of bolts, a king pin, and the pivot tip of the pivot saddle, respectively. Thereby, securing the moving wheel platform or the truck to a given apparatus.

The arrangement of the aforementioned truck components enables individuals riding skateboards or longboards to more efficiently maneuver over cracks in sidewalks as the configuration of the truck components enables the wheels coupled to the elongated body of the hanger to be suspended over a contraction joint (i.e. prevents the wheels from descending into the crack when the user is moving over a contraction joint). Further, this embodiment requires only one arm while still utilizing rotation-inhibiting structures and rotation inhibiting protrusions of the arms to prevents one or more wheels from contacting a bottom portion of the skateboard (i.e. preventing wheel bite).

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment of a moving wheel platform according to this invention. The truck described herein comprises an elongated body <NUM> having a pivot saddle <NUM> protruding (or extending) therefrom. The elongated body <NUM> and the pivot saddle <NUM> cooperate to form one or more rotation inhibiting structure(s) <NUM> in the form of a void. In many embodiments, only one arm <NUM> is needed to occupy the space formed by the void defined by one or more rotation inhibiting structure(s) <NUM>. More particularly, <FIG> illustrates a truck <NUM> that can be mounted to a longboard (or another apparatus). The illustrated truck embodiment of <FIG> is similar to the previously mentioned trucks.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the above described components to form the truck <NUM>. In this embodiment, the components of the truck <NUM> includes a hanger <NUM> including an elongated body <NUM>, at least one axle <NUM>, a pivot saddle <NUM> having a pivot body <NUM> and a pivot tip <NUM>, a base plate <NUM>, only one arm <NUM>, at least two rotation inhibiting structures <NUM>, and at least two sets of friction reducing elements <NUM>.

The elongated body <NUM> of this illustrated embodiment is similar to the elongated body <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> of the previous embodiments and configured to be approximately the width of a skateboard deck <NUM>. As previously described above, the width of the elongated body <NUM> can range between <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In particular, the width of the elongated body <NUM> can be <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In this illustrative example, the width of the elongated body <NUM> is approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The elongated body <NUM> forms a bore <NUM> that extends entirely through both the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>. The bore <NUM> extends <NUM>% entirely through the width of the elongated body <NUM>. In this particular embodiment, the elongated body is composed of Aluminum <NUM> or the cast equivalent Aluminum A356.

The bore <NUM> can be configured to rigidly receive one axle <NUM>. Specifically, when compared to Embodiment I, this embodiment requires only one axle. This not only requires less components compared to the previous embodiment, but enables the axle <NUM> to provide more support to the elongated body <NUM>, as more surface area of the axle <NUM> is engaged with the elongated body <NUM>.

In this illustrative embodiment, the axle <NUM> is comprised of a metal material, and more particularly comprised of a steel or steel alloy. The axle <NUM> further adds structural support to the elongated body <NUM>, as the young's modulus is greater than the young's modulus of the elongated body <NUM> of the hanger. The length of the axle <NUM> will vary based on the width of the elongated body <NUM>. This specific embodiment illustrates an axle width of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). As will be further discussed below, each axle is configured to receive at least one wheel <NUM>.

The elongated body <NUM> further includes at least two rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> in the form of a gap, a notch, a slot, or a slit. The rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> are offset and/or spaced away from the first end <NUM> and second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, the rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> are symmetrically positioned along the width of the elongated body <NUM>. Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment the rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> are offset approximately <NUM>% from the first end <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the elongated body, respectively. However, in other embodiments, the rotation inhibiting structures <NUM> may be offset from the first end <NUM> or the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM> between <NUM>% and <NUM>%. For example, in many embodiments, the offset distance between the first end and the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> or the second end and the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> can be <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>%.

Similarly, to <FIG> the truck <NUM> shares a similar hanger design of the hanger <NUM> of skateboard embodiment III and denoted as such. The rotation-inhibiting structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> comprises at least three internal sidewalls (i.e. a first internal sidewall (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM>, a second internal sidewall (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM>, and a third internal sidewall (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM>. The first internal wall is defined as the sidewall closest to the either one of the first end (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> or the second end (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> of the elongated body (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM>. The second internal wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> is defined as the sidewall proximal to a sidewall of the other rotation inhibiting structure (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM>. The third internal wall sidewall (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> shares a common edge with both the first internal wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> and the second internal wall (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM>. The first internal sidewall (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM>, the second internal sidewall (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM>, and the third internal sidewall (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> forms a void therebetween.

The distance between a pair of rotation-inhibiting structures (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> can be referred to as a rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM>. The rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> is defined as the distance measured between the pair of rotation-inhibiting structures second internal sidewalls (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> is approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). However, in alternative embodiments, the rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> may range between <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In other embodiments, the rotation inhibiting structure spacing distance (<NUM>, <NUM>) <NUM> may range between <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM>-inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM>-inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch), or <NUM> to <NUM> (<NUM> inch - <NUM> inch). The rotation inhibiting structure may be <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

<FIG> illustrates that arm <NUM> can be defined by a front region <NUM>, a middle region <NUM>, and a rear region <NUM>. As previously described above, the front region <NUM> is similar to the first segment <NUM>, the rear region <NUM> is similar to the second segment <NUM>, and the middle region <NUM> is between the front region <NUM> and the rear region <NUM>. <FIG> further illustrates the front region <NUM> forming a front aperture <NUM>, the middle region <NUM> forming a middle aperture <NUM>, and the rear region <NUM> forming a rear aperture <NUM>. In the illustrative embodiment, the front aperture <NUM> and the rear aperture <NUM> comprises a smaller diameter than the diameter of the middle aperture <NUM>.

The front region <NUM> further comprises a first region transition area <NUM>. The rear region <NUM> comprises a second region transition area <NUM>. The first region transition area <NUM> is defined as the area or portion where the front region <NUM> transitions to the middle region <NUM>. The second region transition area <NUM> is defined as the area or portion where the rear region <NUM> transitions to the middle region <NUM>. At the first region transition area <NUM>, the arm <NUM> maintains two segments (to house a wheel between the two segments). At the second transition area <NUM>, the arm <NUM> transitions from one segment into two segments (see <FIG>). As mentioned, the rear region of the arm is one segment and configured to have one or more wheels on opposing sides of the segment. In the illustrated embodiment, the front region <NUM> is a two-segment region, the rear region <NUM> is a one segment region, the middle region, which is in between the front region <NUM> and the rear region <NUM> is a two-segment region.

In other embodiments, at the first region transition area <NUM>, the arm <NUM> may split into three segments, four segments, or five segments segments. At the section transition area <NUM>, the arm <NUM> may split from one segment into two segments, three segments, or four segments.

Similarly to the above described arms (<NUM>, <NUM>), the middle region of the one or more arms <NUM> comprises a first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM>, a second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM>, and a middle aperture <NUM>. The first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> is closer to the front region <NUM> than the rear region <NUM>. The second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> is closer to the rear region <NUM> than the front region <NUM>. A centerline exists between the first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> and the second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> and extends through a center point of the middle aperture <NUM>.

A centerline exists between the first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> and the second rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> and extends through a center point of the middle aperture <NUM>. A first rotation inhibiting protrusion angle is formed between the centerline and the first rotation inhibiting protrusion. A second rotation inhibiting protrusion angle is formed between the centerline and the second rotation inhibiting protrusion.

The first rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can range between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the first rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can range between <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees. In alternative embodiments, the first rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can be <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotation inhibiting angle is <NUM> degrees.

The second rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can range between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the second rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can range between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees. In alternative embodiments, the first rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> can be <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the second rotation inhibiting angle <NUM> is <NUM> degrees.

The middle region of the arms <NUM> can be configured to be received within the void <NUM> of the rotation inhibiting structures <NUM>. The axle <NUM> not only extends entirely through elongated body, but also extends through the void <NUM> and middle aperture <NUM>, thereby rigidly supporting both the elongated body of the hanger but also provides an axis of rotation for the arms <NUM> to rotate about. The combination of the rotation inhibiting structure <NUM> and the first rotation inhibiting protrusion <NUM> of the arm <NUM> forms an overlapping structure. When the truck <NUM> is in a zero-degree reference angle configuration, the overlapping structure will not be felt or apparent to the rider, however, as the arms <NUM> begins to rotate/pivot away from the ground surface, the first rotation inhibiting protrusion and the second rotation inhibiting protrusion will contact the pivot body <NUM> providing a physical barrier. This physical barrier prevents over rotation of the one or more arms to the point where the wheels <NUM> contact the bottom surface of the skateboard deck (not shown).

<FIG> further illustrates that the front aperture <NUM> and the rear aperture <NUM> of each of the arm <NUM> is configured to receive at least one axles <NUM>. Each axle <NUM> is configured to retain a wheel <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, the embodiment of the truck <NUM> further includes one or more friction reducing element <NUM> configured to be received within the two middle apertures <NUM> of the arm <NUM>. In the case of this embodiment, each friction reducing element is defined by a first part and a second part. The first and second part of the friction reducing element is substantially flanged shape. The first and second part of the friction reducing element share similar elements. Referencing <FIG>, the friction reducing element comprises a shoulder portion <NUM> and a body portion <NUM>. In many embodiments, the body portion <NUM> is substantially cylindrical and comprises an inner diameter and an outer diameter. The shoulder portion extends radially outward from outer diameter at one end of the body portion. The first and second parts are mirror images of each other. The first and second friction reducing elements are press fit into opposing sides of the middle aperture <NUM>. This type of structure and arrangement permits the friction reducing element to be positioned on opposing sides of the arm <NUM> to beneficially aid in aligning the middle aperture to the arm <NUM>. This arrangement protects each side of the arm <NUM> from contacting the internal side walls of the rotation-inhibiting structures minimizing wear due to material galling or fatigue stresses.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the pivot body <NUM> and the pivot tip <NUM> forms a pivot saddle <NUM> that is substantially triangular. This type of triangular arrangement extends from the first end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM> and the second end <NUM> of the elongated body <NUM>, therefore additionally acting as a structural support mechanism to the elongated body <NUM>, as stresses imposed on the hanger are distributed across a larger region and allowed to travel over a larger area.

As previously described, the base plate <NUM> is the component of the truck that couples the elongated body <NUM>, the wheels <NUM>, and the pivot saddle <NUM> to the skateboard deck <NUM>. The base plate <NUM> forms a plurality of bolt receiving ports <NUM>, at least one king pin receiving aperture <NUM>, and at least one pivot cup receiving port <NUM>. These receiving ports provides receiving geometries for a plurality of bolts, a king pin, and the pivot tip of the pivot saddle, respectively. Thereby, securing the moving wheel platform or the truck to a given apparatus.

The arrangement of the aforementioned truck components enables individuals riding skateboards or longboards to more efficiently maneuver over cracks in sidewalks as the configuration of the truck components enables the wheels coupled to the elongated body of the hanger to be suspended over a contraction joint (i.e. prevents the wheels from descending into the crack when the user is moving over a contraction joint). Further, this embodiment requires only one arm while still utilizing rotation-inhibiting structures and rotation inhibiting protrusions of the arms to prevents one or more wheels from contacting a bottom portion of the skateboard (i.e. preventing wheel bite). However, presents an alternative wheel arrangement configuration.

A high-speed motion analysis experiment was conducted to analyze the effectiveness of the skateboard truck embodiments to maneuver over sidewalk contraction joints of approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) wide. Specifically, the embodiment of <FIG> was analyzed. The truck is configured to have two or more wheels on the riding (or ground) surface at any given moment. This is in part caused by the length of the arms and wheel arrangement. <FIG> illustrates a user riding a skateboard approaching a crack (approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) in width), at least two wheels engaged with the riding surface, and more particularly all four wheels. <FIG> illustrates the forward (or leading) wheel of the skateboard truck descending into the contraction joint and at least two wheels engaged with the riding surface, and more particularly three wheels. <FIG> illustrates the leading wheel ascending from the contraction joint onto an adjacent concrete slab, the two wheels attached to the axle that extends through the elongated body are suspended above the contraction joint, and the rear wheel (or trailing wheel) is on the opposing concreate slab. <FIG> illustrates the rear wheel (or trailing wheel) entering the contraction joint, however, as shown in all figures at least two wheels are always on the riding surface regardless of how the skateboard truck approaches the contraction joint. This either enables one or more wheels to glide over a contraction joint or minimize wheel interaction with the contraction joint.

Claim 1:
A truck (<NUM>) comprising:
a hanger (<NUM>); the hanger (<NUM>) comprising:
a cylindrical body (<NUM>); wherein the cylindrical body (<NUM>) surrounds a bore or void;
a pivot saddle (<NUM>); the pivot saddle (<NUM>) further comprises a pivot tip (<NUM>) and a pivot body (<NUM>) surrounding an aperture (<NUM>);
at least two rotation inhibiting structures (<NUM>); wherein
the at least two rotation inhibiting structures (<NUM>) are integrally connected to the pivot saddle (<NUM>) of the hanger (<NUM>);
an axle (<NUM>); wherein the axle (<NUM>) is received within the bore or the void of the cylindrical body (<NUM>) of the hanger (<NUM>);
an assembly; the assembly comprising:
a first arm (<NUM>) and a second arm (<NUM>);
a first wheel (<NUM>) and a second wheel (<NUM>) coupled to the first arm (<NUM>) and the second arm (<NUM>);
a third wheel (<NUM>) and a fourth wheel (<NUM>) coupled to the axle (<NUM>);
wherein:
the first arm (<NUM>) and the second arm (<NUM>) comprise a front region (<NUM>), a middle region (<NUM>), and a rear region (<NUM>);
the front region (<NUM>) forms a front aperture (<NUM>);
the middle region (<NUM>) forms a middle aperture (<NUM>);
the rear region (<NUM>) forms a rear aperture (<NUM>); characterised in that:
the at least two rotation inhibiting structures (<NUM>) prevent the first arm (<NUM>) and the second arm (<NUM>) from rotating past a predetermined angle;
the at least two rotation inhibiting structures (<NUM>) are on opposing sides to the pivot saddle (<NUM>) and spaced from the cylindrical body (<NUM>); and
the at least two rotation inhibiting structures (<NUM>) are coplanar to each other and wherein the middle region (<NUM>) of the first and second arms (<NUM>) are respectively located in the space between at least one of the rotation inhibiting structures (<NUM>) and the cylindrical body (<NUM>).