Importance

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Abstract

According to one aspect, an apparatus for reducing the speed or acceleration of motion of a skateboard and its user is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more friction elements that are removably affixed to a substantially flat resilient member at a location near the first end of the resilient member typically proximate to the rear wheel mounting truck; the resilient member is then affixed by fasteners upon its opposite and second end to the underneath face of the platform of the skateboard, typically proximate to or forward of the center of the platform. The apparatus also includes a substantially rigid linkage that penetrates the skateboard platform and is affixed to near the first end of the resilient member for the purpose of interfacing the first end of the resilient member selectively to one foot of a user of the skateboard, such that when the user desires to reduce the speed or acceleration of the skateboard the user applies to the linkage a force substantially normal to the skateboard platform and therefore the resilient member. The force applied to the resilient member causes the friction element or elements to contact the riding surface, creating by the contact of the friction element or elements with the riding surface a frictional force that is transmitted to the skateboard platform via the fixation of the second end of the resilient member to the skateboard, opposingly counteracting the velocity or acceleration of the skateboard and user, thereby slowing the motion. The frictional force is modulated by the variable force applied to the apparatus by the user.

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First Claim