Skateboard (Brakeboard)

Skateboard (Brakeboard)

       A Skateboard (Brakeboard) is a skateboard fitted with a specialised truck assembly that includes a braking mechanism.

History

       The Brakeboard was first invented in 1999 by Ben Newman of Western Australia. From 2001 the first version was manufactured and sold worldwide. In 2010 The Australian Government provided an R&D refund which enabled the development of the latest iteration which was released in Melbourne in January 2013.

In August 2013, Brakeboard was accepted on the USA Kickstarter site for new ideas or inventions. One of the small number of Australian inventions to appear. It was very successful with over 200 backers.

Features

       The cone brakes, contained within the rear axle assembly or truck, can be attached to the rear of any skateboard deck. It is however, intended mainly for the longboard. It is activated by a foot pedal located on the surface of the board. The brake allows the rider to control his speed on a downhill run and bring the board to a safe stop.

The Brakeboard is sold as a box set containing both trucks and pedal mechanism. Existing wheels can be used with a small modification. Alternatively, a set of specially designed wheels is available. Any deck can be used (including drop-through) by drilling one hole for the pedal plunger. Brakeboard also have their own range of decks so the whole brake system, wheels and deck can be supplied completely assembled. Components are manufactured in China, with final assembly and quality control in Australia.

The brake allows for speed regulation for long periods down hill and for stopping safely when the end point is in sight.

Patents have been granted in the USA and applied for in Australia. Brakeboard’s trade name and logo are registered with Australian and US authorities.

Awards

       The original Brakeboard by Ben Newman was Western Australian winner and national finalist in the Yellow Pages Business Ideas Award in 2001 and a sector winner on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s The New Inventors program 2006 Newman was also a runner-up to the winner of the inaugural WA Inventor of the Year competition in 2006, though there was some controversy about the eligibility of award applications.