This invention relates to the "skateboard" whereby the user is able to accomplish a wide range of manoeuvres whilst travelling at speed on relatively smooth surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, etc.

As is well known, the types of skateboard currently in use consist of a board which is placed in contact with the ground by means of support elements, e.g. wheels positioned near the front and rear ends.

In order to improve the manoeuvrability of the skateboard and reduce rolling friction during movement, the originator of the present invention has added to the centre of the underside of the board, a ball which is attached to the actual board by means of a suspension axle around which it is free to rotate. The inventor has had to ensure that all the parts are properly in proportion (the traditional support elements and said ball) so that when the board is correctly manoeuvred by the user shifting his weight in accordance with techniques well-known to experienced practitioners of this sport, the skateboard can also, during movement, be made to balance solely on the above-mentioned ball i.e. on a single support element.

Since the diameter of the ball is fairly large compared to the other more traditional supporting elements, the speed of rotation is considerably diminished with a consequent reduction in friction both on the suspension axle of the ball and when moving over uneven ground.

In addition, as already mentioned, the manoeuvrability of the skateboard is considerably enhanced, enabling the user to derive greater enjoyment from the sport.

To be more specific, this invention consists of a skateboard comprising a board with rotating support elements fitted to the underside near the front and rear ends, characterized in that said board is fitted with an additional ball which also rotates about a suspension axle attached to the board, the ball, its suspension axle and the rotating support elements being specifically sized and positioned such that when the board is horizontal only the ball is in contact with the ground.

A more detailed description of the invention now follows with reference to the attached diagrams showing the following:

Fig. 1: three-dimensional view of a skateboard constructed according to the invention;

Fig. 2: three dimensional view of the same skateboard upturned to show details of the underside.

As will be seen from the diagrams, underneath the skateboard 1, in addition to the conventional support elements 2, 7, fitted at either end, there is a ball 4, which rotates about a suspensional axle 4a attached to the board itself.

As can be seen at first glance, the diameter of the ball 4, is considerable greater than that of the rotating support elements 2, 7.

Thus, when the board 1, and consequently the entire skateboard, is positioned horizontally, only the ball 4 is in contact with the ground; but if the skateboard 1 is tilted at an angle, it can rest on the front 2 or rear 7 supporting elements so that various accelerating, braking and steering manoeuvres can be accomplished.

In this preferred design, the inventor has also foreseen a hole 6 near the middle of the board 1 through which the ball 4 partially protrudes without producing and friction. Thus, the conventional support elements 2 and 7 remain unchanged even though a ball of requisite size has been added.

With reference to the above-mentioned diagrams, said support elements consists of one pair of first balls 2 which rotate about a supporting axle ^' 2a (dotted line) near the front end of the board 1 and a second ball 7 which rotates about a second supporting axle 7a, also shown as a dotted line in the diagrams.

Said second supporting axle 7a for the second ball 7 is then attached to the underside of the board 1 by means of an articulated steering joint 9 of the type traditionally fitted to skateboards and roller skates. Pressure on the rubber studs 8 causes the supporting axle 7a to tilt which serves to steer the skateboard.

Naturally, to reduce friction during movement, the various parts which rotate about an axle have one or more roller bearings located between said part and the axle.

The manufacturers of skateboards can choose from a variety of materials for the production of the different components from among those commonly used nowadays in the manufacture of similar items of equipment.

The example described and shown in the diagrams should not be considered as definitive and binding since other designs analogous to the description set out in the claims can be produced.