Importance

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Abstract

A skateboard comprises a riding platform pivotably mounted to a substantially rigid chassis. The chassis mounts a plurality of wheels arranged in two substantially in-line rows. Embodiments have respectively four and five wheels in each row to redundantly support the weight of the rider. The advantages of the in-line roller skate are thus realized in this skateboard. The steerable wheels are mounted on bearings to individual wheel housings. The wheel housings are rotatably mounted within the chassis to allow steering. The housings are steered by a network of links within the chassis. Steering input to the linkage within the chassis originates from tilting of the riding platform from side to side. A steering arm mounted on the riding platform extends downward into the chassis engaging the steering linkage. A foot operated sliding actuator mounted on the top of the riding platform varies the angle of engagement of the steering arm with the steering linkage. This allows the rider to adjust the overall steering ratio on the fly. Changing the steering ratio for different speeds allows the rider to take full advantage of the steering capabilities of the skateboard. A skateboard results which is faster, smoother-riding, and more maneuverable than existing skateboard designs.

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First Claim