U.S. patent application number 09/728546 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-05 for in-line skate suspension system with brake.
Invention is credited to Bromley, Robert L., Green, Brian J..
Application Number | 20010006282 09/728546 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27395504 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010006282 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Green, Brian J. ; et
al. |
July 5, 2001 |
In-line skate suspension system with brake
Abstract
A series of molded nylon or hard plastic pivotable wheel
supports allow independent movement of each wheel. Resilient
elastomeric shock absorbing bumpers are positioned between the
wheel supports and the mounting plate attached to the sole of the
skate boot. In the alternate embodiment a front and a back wheel
support or truck are each attached to the sole plate by a bolt
attached between holes in front and back side flanges extending
downwardly from the sole plate, which holes may be slotted
vertically and horizontally for greater movement. A rigid truck
link interconnects the two trucks at pivot points which may
coincide with inner wheel axle holes in the trucks. Each truck
supports an outer wheel and preferably one inner wheel. A
wedge-shaped compression bumper fits in a V-shaped cradle in each
truck. Each bumper is compressed against the sole plate as each
wheel encounters a bump and is elevated to pivot the truck. A
hollow core in the bumpers adjacent to each wheel receives
changeable elastomer inserts having varying degrees of
compressibility such as various densities of foam or air filled
inserts which may have air pumps. The front and rear wheel may be
mounted higher than the other wheels to accommodate changes in the
terrain. Alternately the inner wheels may be mounted higher on a
second set of inner axle holes in each truck for a "rockering"
effect. Standard skate wheels or oversized deep treaded tires
fabricated of soft rubber or inflatable rubber are rotatably
attached to the wheel supports.
Inventors: |
Green, Brian J.; (Denver,
CO) ; Bromley, Robert L.; (Denver, CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Brian D. Smith, P.C.
Suite 1700
1200 Seventeenth Street
Denver
CO
80202
US
|
Family ID: |
27395504 |
Appl. No.: |
09/728546 |
Filed: |
December 4, 2000 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09728546 |
Dec 4, 2000 |
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09580042 |
May 26, 2000 |
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09580042 |
May 26, 2000 |
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09210464 |
Dec 12, 1998 |
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09210464 |
Dec 12, 1998 |
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08971044 |
Nov 14, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
280/11.225 ;
188/29; 280/11.211 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 17/1445 20130101;
A63C 17/062 20130101; A63C 17/0046 20130101; A63C 17/22 20130101;
A63C 2017/1481 20130101; A63C 17/1418 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/11.225 ;
280/11.211; 188/29 |
International
Class: |
A63C 017/14 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A suspension system for in-line skates comprising: a wheel
support member for rotatably supporting one or more wheels of an
in-line skate of the type wherein each skate has a boot and
plurality of wheels attached to the bottom of the boot; attaching
means for pivotally attaching said wheel support member at a pivot
point to the bottom of the skate boot and allowing said wheel
support member to move horizontally relative to the boot at the
pivot point; and shock absorbing means located between the boot
bottom and said wheel support member for cooperating with said
attaching means so that said shock absorbing means is engaged when
said wheel support member pivots at the pivot point or moves
relative thereto.
2. A suspension system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said attaching
means allows said wheel support member to move horizontally and
vertically relative to the boot at the pivot point.
3. A suspension system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said attaching
means allows said wheel support member to move at the pivot point
in any direction in the vertical plane in which the wheels
rotate.
4. An improved suspension system for in-line skates of the type
wherein each skate has a boot and plurality of wheels attached to
the bottom of the boot, wherein the improvement comprises: a wheel
support member for rotatably supporting one or more wheels of an
in-line skate; attaching means having cooperating male and female
portions for attaching said wheel support member to the bottom of
the boot, said female portion defining a hole for receiving said
male portion and allowing said male portion to move within the hole
so that said wheel support member is capable of moving horizontally
and vertically relative to the boot; and shock absorbing means
located between the boot bottom and said wheel support member for
cooperating with said attaching means so that said shock absorbing
means is engaged when said male portion moves within the hole of
said female portion.
5. An improved suspension system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said
male portion of said attaching means is rigidly affixed to the
bottom of the boot.
6. An improved suspension system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said
male portion of said attaching means is integral with the bottom of
the boot.
7. An improved suspension system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the
hole defined by said female portion is defined in said wheel
support member.
8. An improved suspension system as claimed in claim 5 wherein said
female portion is rigidly affixed to said wheel support member.
9. An improved suspension system as claimed in claim 4 wherein said
male portion of said attaching means is rigidly affixed to said
wheel support member.
10. An improved suspension system as claimed in claim 9 wherein
said male portion is integral with said wheel support member.
11. An improved suspension system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the
hole defined by said female portion is defined in the bottom of the
boot.
12. An improved suspension system as claimed in claim 9 wherein
said female portion defining said hole is rigidly affixed to the
bottom of the boot.
13. A suspension system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said bottom
of the boot includes a sole plate to which said wheel support means
is pivotally attached by said attaching means.
14. An improved suspension system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the
female portion includes a center support spine extending downwardly
boot bottom, the support spine defining a slotted hole laterally
therethrough, and wherein the top portion of the wheel support
member has a pair of dowel pins with holes therethrough extending
laterally across a portion of the wheel support member, and wherein
said male portion includes pin means pivotally interconnecting the
dowel pins to the support spine to allow pivoting of the wheel
support member around the pin and horizontal and vertical movement
of the pin within the slotted hole.
15. An improved suspension system as claimed in claim 5 wherein
said attaching means comprises a pair of flanges extending
downwardly from the boot bottom, the flanges each having a flange
hole extending laterally therethrough in mating opposition, and
wherein said female portion defines a pair of aligned slotted holes
extending laterally through a pair of spaced side walls of the top
of the wheel support member, and wherein said male portion includes
pin means pivotally interconnecting the side walls to the flanges
to allow pivoting of the wheel support member around the pin and
horizontal and vertical movement of the pin within the slotted
holes, and the top portion of the wheel support member having a
slotted hole laterally through each of the side walls in mating
opposition, and a pin means pivotally interconnecting the side
walls to the flanges to allow pivoting of the wheel support member
around the pin and movement of the pin within the slotted hole.
16. A suspension system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said shock
absorbing means comprises compressible material.
17. A suspension system as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a
guard rigidly attached to the skate boot bottom by a connecting
means and extending downwardly therefrom around the suspension
system to cover and protect the suspension system.
18. An improved in-line skate of the type having a boot and
plurality of wheels attached to the bottom of the boot, wherein the
improvement comprises: a front and a rear suspension system, each
of which includes: a wheel support member for rotatably supporting
one or more wheels of the in-line skate; attaching means for
pivotally attaching said wheel support member at a pivot point to
the bottom of the boot and allowing said wheel support member to
move horizontally relative to the boot at the pivot point; and
shock absorbing means located between the boot bottom and said
wheel support member for cooperating with said attaching means so
that said shock absorbing means is engaged when said wheel support
member pivots at the pivot point or moves horizontally relative to
the boot at the pivot point.
19. An improved in-line skate as claimed in claim 18 wherein said
wheel support members of said front and rear suspension systems are
respectively referred to as said front and rear wheel supports and
wherein said improved skate further comprises a brake having a
brake element for contacting the rear wheel of the skate to brake
said rear wheel, said brake having first pivoting means attached to
the rearward end of the skate boot and second pivoting means
attached to said rear wheel support and wherein said first and
second pivoting means cooperate to (1) move the brake element into
contact with the rear wheel when the skater shifts his or her
weight so that more weight is placed on said rear wheel support
than on said front wheel support, and (2) allow the brake element
to move in conjunction with said rear wheel support and thereby
stay out of contact with the rear wheel when the skater's weight is
distributed equally to the front and rear wheel supports.
20. An improved in-line skate as claimed in claim 19 further
comprising brake sensitivity means for adjusting the minimum amount
of weight which the skater has to place on said rear wheel support
to move said brake element into contact with the rear wheel.
21. An improved in-line skate as claimed in claim 18 wherein said
front wheel support supports at least two in-line wheels.
22. An improved in-line skate as claimed in claim 18 wherein said
attaching means allows said wheel support members to move
horizontally and vertically at the pivot point in the plane in
which the wheels rotate.
23. An improved in-line skate as claimed in claim 18 wherein said
attaching means allows said wheel support members to move at the
pivot point in any direction in the plane in which the wheels
rotate.
24. An improved in-line skate as claimed in claim 18 further
comprising a link member pivotally connecting said front and rear
wheel supports, said link member serving to keep said wheel
supports aligned so that wheels attached thereto stay in
alignment.
25. An improved in-line skate as claimed in claim 24 wherein said
link member permits vertical and horizontal movement of said wheel
supports in the vertical plane in which the wheels rotate but
restrains lateral movement of said wheel supports so that said
wheel supports and wheels thereof stay in alignment.
26. A compound suspension system for inline skates enabling
independent shock absorption for each wheel, which compound
suspension system is attachable to a bottom of a skate boot, the
system comprising: wheel support means comprising at least one
pivotable wheel support member attached to the skate boot by a
multiple movement means comprising a receiving element provided
with at least one combined vertical and horizontal slot and a
pivotable element inserted movably within the receiving element so
that the pivotable element is capable of vertical, horizontal, and
pivotal movement within the receiving element, the pivotable wheel
support member having means to support at least two wheels
rotatably therein; and shock absorbing means attached between the
skate boot and the at least one pivotable support member in
communication therewith, so that movement of the wheel support
member caused by the wheels passing over variable terrain is
absorbed by the shock absorbing means.
27. The suspension system of claim 26 wherein the wheel support
means comprises a front and a rear pivotable wheel support member
each having a top portion attached to the sole plate by the
multiple movement means and each having a bottom portion with a
pair of wheels rotatably attached thereto and further comprising a
rigid link member attached by pivotable means between the bottom
portions so that each wheel is capable of being moved independently
to pivot the wheel support member to engage the shock absorbing
means.
28. The suspension system of claim 27 wherein each of the wheel
support members further comprises a pair of side walls spaced apart
to receive each of the skate wheels therebetween with a rotatable
interconnecting means and a horizontal element rigidly
interconnecting the two side walls, the horizontal element
configured to engage the shock absorbing means.
29. The suspension system of claim 27 further comprising a brake
having a brake element capable of contacting one of the skate
wheels to brake the wheel, the brake being attached to the rearward
end of the skate by pivotable and vertically moving means and to
the rear wheel support by pivotable means so that the brake element
is capable of (1) pivoting the brake element into contact with the
rear wheel when the skater shifts his or her weight so that more
weight is placed on said rear wheel support than on said front
wheel support, and (2) allowing the brake element to move
vertically in conjunction with said rear wheel support and thereby
stay out of contact with the rear wheel when the skater's weight is
distributed equally to the front and rear wheel supports.
30. The suspension system of claim 29 wherein the pivotable and
vertically moving means comprises a bracket rigidly attached to one
end of the skate boot, the bracket defining an elongated slot
receiving a pivotable element of said brake which allows said brake
and brake element to move vertically within the slot in response to
wheel support movement caused by changes in terrain.
31. The suspension system of claim 29 wherein brake element fits
adjustably within a housing of said brake so that the proximity of
the brake element to the surface of the wheel is adjustable.
32. The suspension system of claim 29 wherein said brake element
includes a high friction material.
33. The suspension system of claim 28 further comprising a sole
plate attachable to a bottom of the skate boot, wherein the
multiple movement means comprises a thick center support spine
extending downwardly from the sole plate, the support spine having
a vertically and horizontally slotted hole laterally therethrough,
and the top portion of the wheel support member having a pair of
dowel pins with holes therethrough extending laterally across a
portion of the wheel support member, and a pin means pivotally
interconnecting the dowel pins to the support spine to allow
pivoting of the wheel support member around the pin and movement of
the pin within the slotted hole.
34. The suspension system of claim 28 further comprising a sole
plate attachable to a bottom of the skate boot, wherein the
multiple movement means comprises a pair of flanges extending
downwardly from the sole plate, the flanges each having a flange
hole laterally therethrough in mating opposition, and the top
portion of the wheel support member having a slotted hole laterally
through each of the side walls in mating opposition, and a pin
means pivotally interconnecting the side walls to the flanges to
allow pivoting of the wheel support member around the pin and
movement of the pin within the slotted hole.
35. The suspension system of claim 28 wherein the shock absorbing
means comprises a wedge-shaped bumper formed of compressible
material and each of the wheel support members further comprises a
V-shaped cradle on the top portion for receiving the wedge-shaped
bumper therein, the V-shaped cradle having an upwardly angled outer
surface and an upwardly angled inner surface connected thereto, so
that as each of the wheels moves in response to changing terrain,
the wheel support member is capable of pivoting, moving vertically
and moving horizontally to compress the wedge-shaped bumper.
36. The suspension system of claim 35 wherein the wedge-shaped
bumper is provided with at least one hollow core extending
transversely across the wedge-shaped bumper and further comprising
a compressible core insert which is insertable in the hollow core
so that the core insert alters the compressibility of the
wedge-shaped bumper.
37. The suspension system of claim 35 wherein the wedge-shaped
bumper is provided with two hollow cores, each of the cores
positioned in proximity to one of the upwardly angled surfaces of
the V-shaped cradle, and further comprising a pair of core inserts
interconnected by a handle portion, the pair of core inserts
capable of being inserted in the two hollow cores.
38. The suspension system of claim 37 wherein the core insert
comprises an air-filled bladder.
39. The suspension system of claim 37 wherein the core insert
further comprises a pump in communication with the air-filled
bladder, the pump capable of pumping air into the air-filled
bladder.
40. The suspension system of claim 28 wherein the inner portion of
the wheel support portion comprises two holes in each of the side
walls, one of the holes positioned higher than the other to receive
a rotating means of attaching an inner wheel in a higher position
than an wheel for a rockering effect.
41. The suspension system of claim 28 wherein the shock absorbing
means comprises a front and rear compressible bumper attached to
the sole plate and in communication with the front and rear wheel
supports.
42. The suspension system of claim 41 further comprising an inner
compressible bumper attached to the sole plate and in communication
with the rigid link.
43. The suspension system of claim 26 wherein the support system
comprises a single pivotable wheel support member having an upper
portion attached at a central point to the sole plate by a
pivotable means and having two end portions each communicating with
a bumper/shock attached between the single pivotable wheel support
member and the sole plate.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 09/580,042 filed May 26, 2000 which in turn is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/210,464 filed
Dec. 12, 1998 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/971,044 filed Nov. 14, 1997.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to inline skates, and in
particular to inline skates having a suspension system allowing
independent up and down movement of each wheel wherein the wheels
are mounted on pivotable wheel supports which are provided with
related shock absorbing elements as well as brakes for engaging a
wheel to slow and stop the skate.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Inline skates have been in popular use for some time and
provide recreation for a large number of people. Present use of
inline skates is normally restricted to riding on smooth firm
surfaces, such as asphalt and concrete. However, many roads are not
smooth, being pebbled asphalt, non-smooth asphalt, hard packed
dirt, hard packed sand, graveled, uneven/rutty surfaces, uneven
sectioned concrete slabs and a multitude of other rough surfaces.
The small wheels and rigid suspension systems or wheel supports do
not permit riding over such rough terrain.
[0004] Adventurous skaters would enjoy going off road onto natural
rough and hilly terrain, grassy and rocky areas, for freely
exploring the off-road experience.
[0005] Prior art devices intended for off-road use don't meet the
need for a multi-reaction suspension system which would be
necessary in using the skates over all types of terrain, to absorb
shock from bumps and jumps of large and small impact.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,411,277 claims a multi-terrain in-line skate
chassis, but only provides enlarged wheels with treads, the wheels
offset from a vertical support plate. It does not provide shock
absorbing wheels and a shock absorbing wheel support system.
[0007] Several U.S. patents, including U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,085,445;
5,503,413 and 2,552,987 provide inline skates with springs
suspending the tires in different fashions, but do not provide
multiple reaction shock absorbing features or inflated heavily
treaded tires.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,156 provides inline skates with two sets
of two wheels each set on a cantilever which pivots in the center
and has a spring on the end and a sliding bumper in-between. It
does not allow for independent movement of each wheel and does not
provide treaded tires.
[0009] None of the prior art devices provide interchangeable shock
absorption systems to vary the compressibility or resiliency for
different uses, different terrains, and different users.
[0010] Skaters can build up considerable speed, especially outdoors
and going downhill. It is important to the safety of the skater and
to the safety of other people and objects in the path of the skater
that the skater have a dependable braking means for slowing and
stopping.
[0011] With inline skates the speed achieved is often greater than
with traditional roller skates and they tend to be used more often
outdoors with the many obstacles and downhill grades that increase
the danger. Balance on inline skates is also much more difficult
than with traditional roller skates. Therefore, a safe dependable
inline braking system which may be engaged with the skater facing
forward in the direction of travel would be very helpful to insure
the safety of the skater and others.
[0012] Many prior art inline skate brakes use a rubberized brake
pad extending off the back of one of the skates. Engaging the brake
pad with the ground for stopping requires an extreme tilting of the
skate backward with the toe substantially elevated. On rough
terrain the contact with the ground is uneven and undependable. The
brake may lose contact with the ground or contact a slick surface
without sufficient friction, thereby not slowing or stopping the
skater and possibly causing a disaster.
[0013] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,342,071 and 5,135,244 both provide
pivotable wheel supports on inline skates with braking surfaces
engaged by tilting the skate boot to engage the brake surface
against a skate wheel, but neither patent provides a means to avoid
accidental engagement of the brake caused by the wheel support
tilting upward on rough terrain to engage the brake accidently.
[0014] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,192,099 and 5,755,450 both provide inline
skate brakes which engage one of the skate wheels by leaning back
on the boot. These systems would not work on inline skates with
pivotable wheel supports for the same reason as the two patents
above that the brakes would be engaged accidently by traveling over
rough terrain.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,803 provides an inline skate brake with
an extra brake wheel mounted behind the other wheels and normally
elevated above the ground. By leaning back on the skate boot the
brake wheel touches the ground and engages a braking surface
against the wheel. The extra wheel protrudes far beyond the skate
boot and could cause problems banging into the other skate boot or
external objects. This system also would not work with pivotable
wheel supports because it could be accidently engaged on rough
terrain.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,326 provides an inline skate brake which
engages both the ground and a skate wheel. This would not work
smoothly on rough terrain and also could be accidently engaged on
rough terrain if used with pivotable wheel supports.
[0017] None of the prior art inline skate brakes provide a means to
accommodate the movement of the wheel supports over rough terrain
which is liable to cause accidental braking by the wheels
contacting the braking surface by mistake.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0018] A primary object of the present invention is to provide
pivotable wheel supports and integrated compressible bumpers for
inline skates which enable the wheels to bounce independently over
rough terrain to absorb the shock that would otherwise be
experienced by the skater, enabling the skates to be used for a
full range of different conditions including rough roads, ruts,
jumps, and any other usage creating jolts to the skates.
[0019] A secondary object of the present invention is to provide a
molded front and a back pivotable wheel support with two wheels on
each and a wedge-shaped compressible bumper in a V-shaped cradle on
each wheel support to enable each wedge-shaped bumper contacting
each wheel support to absorb shocks alternately from each of the
two wheels on each support as the wheel encounters uneven terrain
and elevates to pivot the support to provide a smooth ride with a
system that is inexpensive to manufacture.
[0020] A corollary object of the present invention is to provide a
pivotable connection between each wheel support and the skate boot
having a slot with both vertical and horizontal openings within
which slot a pivot pin is capable of rotating and moving both
vertically and horizontally and in any combination of movements.
The compressible wedge-shaped bumper is capable of absorbing shocks
from the wheel support as it pivots when each wheel separately
encounters uneven terrain, as it moves vertically when both wheels
encounter uneven terrain, as it moves horizontally when the forward
wheel encounters a large obstacle causing the wheel support to move
rearwardly, and all combinations of motion of the wheel support
caused by the wheels encountering uneven terrain.
[0021] A related object of the present invention is to provide an
optional hollow core in each wedge-shaped bumper adjacent to each
wheel (two cores per bumper) to receive changeable core inserts
having varying degrees of compressibility to enable adjustability
of the shock absorption of the skates for various surface
conditions, uses of the skates, and for different users.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to have shock
absorbing bumpers which extend across the width of the wheel
supports to stabilize the skate laterally and enable absorption of
the shocks caused from the wheels hitting objects at odd angles
against the sides of the wheels.
[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide two
inner wheel axle holes on each wheel support to enable the inner
wheels to be mounted higher than the outer wheels for a "rockering"
effect.
[0024] An additional object of the present invention is to provide
the option of having a front wheel and a rear wheel elevated higher
than the other wheels to enable the skate to approach and depart
from inclines and objects in the path of the skate more smoothly
and act as ramps.
[0025] One more object of the present invention is to provide a
guard extending below the skate boot around the suspension system
to protect it from damage, dust, dirt, and water. A flexible
accordion-type portion of the guard between the wheels and the boot
enables flexing of the guard with wheel movement in a guard
attached to the wheels at the axles.
[0026] Still another object of the present invention is to add a
pivotal brake to the system to provide a means for slowing and
stopping the skate without inhibiting the suspension action.
[0027] A contributory object of the present invention is to provide
a brake for the system which engages one of the wheels of the skate
and therefore does not rely on contact with the ground for stopping
to produce a smoother more controlled slowing and stopping because
the brake is engaging the smooth surface of the wheel rather than
the often rough surface of the terrain as in other brakes that
engage the ground to slow and stop.
[0028] A related object of the present invention is to provide a
brake for the system which is engaged by leaning back on the skate
elevating only the front wheel support and leaving both wheels of
the rear wheel support in contact with the ground for more
stability while braking.
[0029] Another related object of the present invention is to
provide an inline skate brake mounted above the rear wheel between
the rear wheel and the skate boot so that the brake never
encounters the ground or external objects to make the skate of the
present invention more maneuverable and less prone to accidental
slowdowns, stops or jolts than conventional inline skate brakes
that extend far behind the skate boot and are very close to the
ground.
[0030] Another corollary object of the present invention is to
provide a skate brake attached to the pivotable wheel support by a
pivotal means and to the skate boot in a sliding track to enable
the brake to move up and down in response to the movement of the
wheel support when encountering uneven terrain and preventing
accidental engagement of the brake.
[0031] An ancillary object of the present invention is to provide a
skate brake with an adjustable high friction braking surface making
it closer to or further from the engaging wheel to enable the
skater to adjust the brake according to skating conditions, the
skater's skill level, and desired sensitivity of brake response as
well as to adjust for wear.
[0032] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
skate brake with a high friction braking surface that is durable
and not subject to wearing down, such as a grindstone surface,
thereby providing a more permanent brake that does not require
constant replacement and ensuring the brake will always function
properly. Replacement of the rear wheel from brake frictional wear
is considerably easier, since wheels are readily available
everywhere skating equipment is sold.
[0033] In brief, a number of pivotable wheel supports, formed of
injection molded reinforced nylon or other hard plastic or
aluminum, are pivotally interconnected with each other and with a
boot sole mounting plate to allow individual movement of each wheel
upon encountering obstacles and variations in terrain to enable
skating in a great variety of terrains with relative comfort to the
skater. The components are inexpensively manufactured and easily
assembled and secured together by pins allowing pivoting between
components.
[0034] In the preferred embodiment, a front and a back wheel
support or truck are each pivotally attached to a mounting plate
fixed to the bottom of the sole of the skate boot. The pivot holes
in the sole plate may be slotted both vertically and horizontally
to allow the trucks a greater range of motion including pivoting,
horizontal motion, vertical motion and any combination of
motions.
[0035] As used herein, vertically or vertical movement refers to up
and down movement of the truck or wheel support member relative to
the bottom of the boot which can also be described as movement to
and from the bottom of the boot in the plane in which the skate
wheels rotate. Horizontal movement of the truck or wheel support
member refers to back and forth movement relative to the boot which
can also be described as movement towards the front or toe area of
the boot and in the opposite direction towards the rear or heel
area of the boot also in the plane in which the wheels rotate.
[0036] Continuing, each truck has side plates with axle holes to
receive two wheels pivotally attached to the truck in linear
alignment between the plates. Each truck may be provided with two
or more inner axle holes to allow the inner wheels to be positioned
at different heights off the ground than the outer wheels to
produce a "rockering" effect. The trucks are interconnected by a
rigid link member pivotally connected to each truck at the axle of
the inner wheel to provide a co-planar suspension action that
resists torsional forces thereby providing greater stability to the
suspension system and preventing the trucks and wheels from
contacting each other.
[0037] Each truck is provided with a V-shaped cradle above the two
wheels. A single wedge-shaped compression bumper fits in the
V-shaped cradle and contacts the sole plate to absorb shocks from
each of the two wheels as each wheel is bumped up and the truck
pivots. Alternately two separate bumpers could be used for each
truck with each bumper positioned between the sole plate and one
side of the V-shaped cradle.
[0038] The compression bumpers are preferably fabricated of a
resilient elastomeric material such as URETHANE.RTM. and have a
hollow core corresponding to each side of the V-shaped cradle above
each wheel. Interchangeable inserts of varying compressibility are
insertable in the cores to vary the shock absorption of the wedges
to meet the different shock absorption requirements for various
uses of the skates and for different users. The interchangeable
inserts may be fabricated of an elastomer such as URETHANE.RTM. of
varying density, or fabricated as an air-filled bladder with or
without a pump, or other type of compressible element. For the
wedge-shaped bumper, it is preferred to use a single
interchangeable core element with two core pin inserts
interconnected by a common handle.
[0039] The front and rear trucks are interconnected by a truck link
pivotally attached teach truck either at the axle hole or at a
separate pivot point on the inside of each truck. The truck link is
a rigid elongated H-shaped element fabricated of injection molded
reinforced nylon or hard plastic or cast aluminum or other rigid
material.
[0040] The wheels may be standard in-line skate wheels (profiled
for various uses) or oversized (several times the diameter and
width of conventional roller skate wheels).
[0041] Alternately, a front and back pivotable wheel support with a
pivotally connected rigid link therebetween may be used with
URETHANE.RTM. bumpers attached to the sole plate with a front and
rear bumper contacting the front and rear wheel supports and a
middle bumper contacting the rigid connecting link. A single
pivotable wheel support may be used with a front and rear
bumper.
[0042] An advantage of the present invention is that it enables an
inline skater to skate over a wide variety of different types of
terrain, including offroad skating.
[0043] Another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides a means of absorbing shock from any type of wheel and
wheel support movement including pivoting, vertical, horizontal,
lateral, and any combination of movement.
[0044] One more advantage of the present invention is that is
provides smooth adjustably controlled braking means regardless of
the terrain conditions.
[0045] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides smoother safer inline skating with no accidental
encounters of the brake with the ground and highly unlikely
encounters of the brake with other objects including the other
skate.
[0046] Still another advantage of the present invention is that it
provides an inexpensive and easy to fabricate means of producing
skates which produce a smooth, controlled, ride over wide
variations in terrain.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0047] These and other details of my invention will be described in
connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only
by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and
in which drawings:
[0048] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the invention showing the sole plate, wheel supports, and brake as
connected to the skate boot and wheels;
[0049] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1 showing the various components of the
invention aligned for assembly;
[0050] FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the preferred
embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1 resting on a level horizontal
surface;
[0051] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the preferred
embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1 showing the rear wheels
riding over uneven terrain;
[0052] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the preferred
embodiment of the invention of FIG. 1 showing the skate boot angled
back to engage the brake with the rear wheel with both wheels of
the rear wheel support resting on the horizontal surface;
[0053] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of
the invention having two pivotable wheel supports (trucks), a truck
link, and alternate wedge-shaped compressible bumpers with inner
core openings, and changeable compressible core inserts;
[0054] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the components of
the preferred embodiment of FIG. 6 aligned for assembly;
[0055] FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an alternate embodiment
of the invention having a series of pivotally interconnected wheel
support brackets and bumpers attached to a mounting plate on the
skate boot;
[0056] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the components of
the alternate embodiment of FIG. 8 aligned for assembly;
[0057] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the alternate embodiment of
the invention of FIG. 8 mounted on the skate boot;
[0058] FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of the alternate
embodiment of the invention of FIG. 8 with very large outer wheels
and very small inner wheels;
[0059] FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the alternate
embodiment of the invention of FIG. 8 with large outer wheels and
small inner wheels;
[0060] FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a variation of the
alternate embodiment of the invention with a single pivot wheel
support bracket with the bumpers angled toward the center;
[0061] FIG. 14 is a perspective viewing showing a rigid guard with
a flexible accordion pleat attached to the skate boot and extending
downwardly to shield the suspension system and a portion of the
wheels;
[0062] FIG. 15 is a front elevational view showing a wheel in a
straight upward position showing the smooth portion contacting a
level terrain and the treaded portion contacting an uneven
terrain;
[0063] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view showing a wheel in a
tilted position as in rounding a corner or pushing off with the
tread contacting the level terrain.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0064] In FIGS. 1-5 and FIGS. 6 and 7, the preferred embodiment
compound suspension system for inline skates enables independent
shock absorption for each wheel 40. The compound suspension system
is attachable to a bottom of a skate boot 50 by means of a sole
plate 39 which is riveted or otherwise permanently secured to the
sole of the skate boot.
[0065] A wheel support means comprises at least one pivotable wheel
support member or support 90, 90A and 90B which is attached to the
skate boot by an attaching means (or multiple movement means) for
pivotally attaching the wheel support member at an imaginary pivot
point (not shown) to the bottom of the boot and allowing the wheel
support member to move horizontally and vertically relative to the
boot at the imaginary pivot point. The attaching means includes a
receiving element 33 and 33A which is provided with at least one
combined vertical and horizontal slot 31 and 31A and a pivotable
element, such as a rod 34 with screws 32, inserted within the
receiving element so that the pivotable element is capable of
vertical, horizontal, and pivotal movement with the receiving
element 33 and 33A.
[0066] The pivotable wheel support member 90, 90A and 90B also
preferably has means for supporting at least two wheels rotatably
therein. The provision of two or more wheels rotatably supported on
the front wheel support member 90A is advantageous in that it
allows both front wheels thereof to stay on the ground during the
skater's push off or stride. This enables a more natural push off,
providing more power and a better workout using more muscle
groups.
[0067] Continuing and as shown in the Figures, the front pivotable
wheel support member 90 and 90A and rear pivotable wheel support
member 90 and 90B, each have a top portion with openings 98
attached to the sole plate by a pivotable means, such as a rod 34
and screws 32, and a bottom portion with side walls 97 for
retaining the wheels 40. A bottom outer portion 96 has outer axle
openings 94 with one of the outer wheels 40 rotatably attached
thereto by an axle means 42 and a bottom inner portion 95 has inner
axle openings 93 with one of the inner wheels 40 rotatably attached
thereto by an axle means 42.
[0068] A rigid link member 100 and 100A is attached by pivotable
means, preferably part of the axle assembly of the inner wheels,
between the inner bottom portions 95 of the wheel support members
to add stability and prevent contact between the inner wheels.
[0069] A shock absorbing means such as a wedge 20, 20A and 20B of
resilient compressible material, preferably URETHANE.RTM., is
attached between the sole plate 39 of the skate boot 50 and the at
least one pivotable support member 90, 90A and 90B in communication
therewith cradled in the V-shaped portion of the wheel support
member formed by angled transverse walls 92, 92A and 92B, so that
movement of the wheel support member caused by the wheels passing
over variable terrain is absorbed by the shock absorbing means.
[0070] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the shock absorbing means comprises a
wedge-shaped bumper 20 formed of resilient compressible material,
such as URETHANE.RTM., and each of the wheel support members 90
further comprises a V-shaped cradle on the top portion, formed by
an upwardly angled outer surface 92A and an upwardly angled inner
surface 92B connected thereto, for receiving the wedge-shaped
bumper 20 therein. As the outer wheel moves upwardly in response to
changing terrain, the wheel support member 90 pivots the outer
surface 92A to compress the wedge-shaped bumper 20, and as the at
least one inner wheel moves upwardly, the wheel support member 90
pivots the inner surface 92B to compress the wedge-shaped bumper
20. Accordingly, vertical and horizontal movement of the wheel
support member as well as combinations of such movement, including
pivoting, is absorbed by the wedge-shaped bumper. As such, it will
be appreciated that the shock absorbing means or bumper 20 will be
engaged (to absorb shock) when the wheel support member pivots at
the imaginary pivot point referred to earlier or moves horizontally
and/or vertically at the imaginary pivot point.
[0071] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the alternate embodiment of the
wedge-shaped bumper 20 is provided with at least one hollow core 23
extending transversely across the wedge-shaped bumper. A changeable
compressible core insert 70 with at least one core insert pin 73,
preferably of URETHANE.RTM. having any desired compressibility, is
insertable in the hollow core so that the core insert alters the
compressibility of the wedge-shaped bumper.
[0072] In the alternate embodiment, the wedge-shaped bumper is
provided with two hollow cores 23, each of the cores positioned in
proximity to one of the upwardly angled surfaces 92A and 92B of the
V-shaped cradle. A pair of core insert pins 73 are interconnected
by a handle portion 75 to form a two-pinned core insert 70, the
pair of core insert pins being capable of being inserted in the two
hollow cores and changed as desired with other core inserts having
different densities with different levels of compressibility.
[0073] The core insert may have at least one air-filled bladder 76
therein and also may have a pump 77, operable by hand, in
communication with the air-filled bladder, the pump capable of
pumping air into the air-filled bladder.
[0074] In FIGS. 6 and 7 the inner portion 95 of the wheel support
90 comprises two holes 93 and 93A in each of the side walls 97. One
of the holes 93A is positioned higher than the other of the holes
93 to receive a rotating means of attaching the inner wheel 40 in a
higher position than the outer wheel for a rockering effect.
[0075] In FIGS. 1-5, a brake 120 is provided having a brake housing
121 with a cylindrical opening therein containing a brake element
130 having a high friction contact portion 133, preferably formed
of grindstone material. When activated as described below, the high
friction contact portion of the brake will contact one of the skate
wheels 40, preferably the rear wheel, to slow and if desired
eventually stop the wheel from rotating, thereby serving as a
brake.
[0076] The brake housing 121 is attached at its upper end to one
end of the skate, preferably the rear of the skate, by a pivotable
and vertically slidable means formed by a bracket 127 which in turn
is rigidly attached to the rearward end of the skate boot,
preferably formed with the sole plate 39 or inserted therein. As
shown, bracket 127 defines a vertical slot 126 therein which
receives a pivotable element fit slidably therein, such as a rod 34
and screws 32 fit through openings 125 of parallel walls 124
extending from the brake housing 121.
[0077] In addition, the lower end of the brake housing 121 is
connected to the rear wheel supports 90B by a pivotable means. The
pivotable means, as shown, includes an arm 123 extending from the
brake housing 121 which is provided with laterally protruding snap
fit pins 19 at its distal end. As shown, pins 19 snap into openings
141 in a vertical bracket 140 provided in rear wheel support 90B
and thereby permit pivotal movement therein.
[0078] As will be appreciated from FIG. 4, when rear wheel support
90B is caused to move upwardly due to changes in the terrain, rod
34 will slide vertically or upwardly in slot 126 of bracket 127.
Since rod 34 is attached to the brake housing 121, the brake
housing will also move vertically or upwardly when this action
occurs, thereby insuring that the brake housing high friction
contact portion 133 will not contact the outer surface of the outer
rear wheel 40B to accidentally brake or slow the wheel. From the
following discussion, it will be appreciated that this movement of
the brake element in conjunction with the rear wheel support occurs
when the skater's weight is distributed equally to the front and
rear wheel supports 90A and 90B.
[0079] When, however, as shown in FIG. 5, the skater rocks
backwards on the skate to place more weight on the rear wheel
support 90B than on the front wheel support 90A, the high friction
contact portion 133 of the brake will pivot about pins 19 (see
arrow) into contact with the skate wheel 40B to slow and/or brake
the wheel. The front wheels 40A of the skate will usually be
elevated in this braking position, with the rear two wheels 40B
remaining in contact with the ground for stability. The rod 34 will
not slide upwardly or vertically when the heel is pressed
downwardly because the pivoting action about pins 19 causes the
angle of slot 126 to change slightly which, in turn, causes rod 34
to impact against the inner side surface 129 of slot 126. As such,
the inner surface 129 of the slot acts like a cam surface to
prevent upward movement of the rod in the slot, thereby insuring
that the high friction contact portion 133 pivots about pins 19 to
make contact with the rear wheel 40B to slow and/or brake the
wheel, i.e. when the skater rocks backwards on the skate (thereby
shifting his or her weight) to place more weight on the rear wheel
support 90B than on the front wheel support 90A as previously
discussed.
[0080] In addition, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the skate is
also provided with brake sensitivity means (not numbered) for
adjusting the minimum amount of weight which the skater has to
place on the rear wheel support 90B to move brake element 130 into
contact with rear wheel 40B. This is provided by adjustably fitting
brake element 130 having the high friction contact portion 133 at
one end thereof within the brake housing 121. The brake element 130
is made adjustably fittable within the housing by first threading a
threaded a non-rotating portion 131 onto a threaded portion 132 of
the brake element. The non-rotating portion is received in a
complementarily shaped hole (not numbered) provided in housing 121.
As will be appreciated, the received non-rotating portion 131
prevents the brake element from rotating which could occur if the
threaded portion 132 were to rotate when the twisting cap 128 is
rotated. The twisting cap 128 having a threaded bore (not shown)
and tabs 122 is then threaded onto the threaded end 132 of the
brake element until the tabs fit into complementarily shaped
receiving portions (not shown) defined by housing 121 which permit
the cap 128 to rotate in the housing but prevent it from being
pushed out of the housing when a braking force is applied. As will
be appreciated, by turning or twisting cap 128 threaded portion 132
of the brake element is threadably moved along its longitudinal
axis within the housing, thereby adjusting the proximity or
distance of the contact portion 133 from the surface of wheel 40B.
This allows one to adjust the sensitivity of the braking system,
i.e. the minimum amount of weight which the skater has to place on
the rear wheel support to move the brake element into contact with
the rear wheel.
[0081] FIGS. 8-13 show an alternate embodiment of the suspension
system and wheels for inline skates enabling independent movement
of each wheel, which system is attachable to a bottom of a skate
boot 50, 50A, and 50B by a sole plate 39B-39E.
[0082] In FIGS. 8-13 the alternate embodiment of the compound
suspension system comprises at least one pivotable wheel support
member 90A and 110 attached to the skate boot by a pivotable pin
means 86, such as a metal shaft, from a pair of brackets 82 or
flanges, each having a flange hole 31A laterally therethrough, on a
sole plate 39B-E attached to the sole 52 of the boot. The pivotable
pin 86 fits rotatably in an opening, such as a slotted opening,
such as the curved slot 91 in the shape of an arc, in a top portion
of the wheel support member. The curved slot 91 allows the front
and rear pivotable support members 90A to pivot around the pin and
to move within the slotted hole as the outer and inner wheels go up
and down in response to changes in the terrain.
[0083] A front and a rear shock absorber, such as a URETHANE.RTM.
bumper shock absorber 38, a hydraulic shock absorber, or a spring
attached to the sole plate 39B-E on an angled protrusion 81 and 81A
in contact with a flat shock plate 92 formed between the two sides
of each wheel support member. The brackets 82 and angled
protrusions 81 and 81A are formed integrally with the sole plate in
the plastic molding process. The sole plates 39B-E are attached to
the sole 52 of the boot by conventional means, such as
riveting.
[0084] In FIGS. 8-12 the front and rear pivotable wheel support
members 90A each have a top portion attached to the skate boot by a
pivotable means, such as the curved slot 91 and each having a
bottom end portion 96 (best seen in FIG. 9) with an end wheel 40,
40D, and 40F rotatably attached thereto on end axle pin 85 through
end opening 94 and a bottom inner portion 95 with an inner wheel
40, 40E, and 40G rotatably attached thereto on inner axle pin 87
through inner opening 93. An inner connecting member in the form of
a rigid link 100A, 100B, and 100C is attached at each end 105 by
pivotable means, such as the inner axle pin 87 through end openings
101, between the bottom inner portions 95 of the front and rear
pivotable wheel support members 90A. An inner bumper/shock 38A,
38B, and 38C is attached to the sole plate 39B, 39C, and 39D in
contact with a top flat shock plate surface 102 on the inner
connecting member to absorb shock therefrom. There may be a space
left between the shock plates and the bumper/shocks for added
flexibility of movement.
[0085] In FIG. 8, an alternate brake 60 formed by a rigid angled
arm 62 attached by a pivotable means, such as a pivot pin 63 to the
sole plate 38D. The rigid arm 62 has at one end a pivotable brake
wheel 61 attached by an axle pin means 68 for contacting the ground
upon tipping the skate boot toward the brake and the rigid arm has
at the other end a high friction surface 67, such as brake shoe
material, on a pivotable member 66 attached by a pivot pin means 65
for contacting one of the wheels for braking upon contact of the
braking wheel with an external riding surface. A spring 69 biases
the brake normally away from the wheel.
[0086] Different sizes and combinations of wheels permit optimal
performance in different skating applications such as street
hockey, racing, fitness, extreme, and now cross-country or downhill
or off-road as the possibilities are opened up with the current
invention. The alternate embodiment of FIGS. 8-10 are shown with 76
mm diameter wheels although other sizes may be employed with this
embodiment by varying the sizes of the components.
[0087] In FIG. 11 very large end wheels 40D, such as 101 mm
diameter wheels, are mounted on the end openings held by axle pins
85 and very small inner wheels 40E, such as 50 mm diameter wheels,
are mounted on the inner openings held by inner axle pins 87. In
this configuration a smaller inner connecting member 100B and
longer central URETHANE.RTM. bumper/shock absorber 38B are used to
accommodate the smaller inner wheels.
[0088] In FIG. 12 moderately large end wheels 40F, such as 89 mm
diameter wheels, are mounted on the end openings held by axle pins
85 and moderately small wheels, such as 63 mm diameter wheels, are
mounted on the inner openings held by inner axle pins 87. In this
configuration an intermediate size inner connecting member 100C and
intermediate size URETHANE.RTM. bumper/shock absorber 38C are used
to accommodate the intermediate size inner wheels.
[0089] In FIG. 13 the suspension system comprises a single
pivotable wheel support member 110 having an upper portion attached
at a central point to the skate boot by a sole plate having a
pivotable means, such as metal pin 86 through an opening (not
shown) in the wheel support member. Two end portions of the single
pivotable wheel support are each in contact on flat shock plate 92
with a bumper/shock 38 attached at an inwardly pointing angle by
protruding shock supports 81A on the sole plate 39E, so that as
each of the wheels contacts a variation in the terrain the wheel
may move up and down with the shock being absorbed. Any desired
number of wheels and any desired sizes of wheels may be used with a
single pivotable wheel support member. While the FIG. 13 shows four
wheels, two, three, five, or more wheels may be used by providing
the single pivotable wheel support member with the appropriate
number of holes to receive the pins 85 to mount the wheels.
[0090] A sheet of URETHANE.RTM. 38D may be sandwiched between the
sole plate 39B-E and the sole 52 of the skate boot for additional
shock and vibration absorption.
[0091] In FIG. 14, a rigid guard 48 is rigidly attached to the
skate boot 50 bottom by a connecting means, such as rivets 55, and
extends downwardly therefrom around the suspension system to cover
and protect the suspension system and a portion of the wheels 40.
The guard 48 may further comprise a peripheral accordion pleat 53
portion of the guard to allow the guard to flex up and down with
movement of the wheels.
[0092] A series of wheels 40 are attached by rotatable means, such
as outer and inner axle pin means 85 and 87, to the suspension
system in a linear array and extend downwardly therefrom. The
wheels 40 may be conventional skate wheels or all-terrain type
wheels structured with a smooth center peripheral strip 44 for
smooth running on smooth pavement and angled rounded side
peripheral strips 47 having transverse treads 41 for traction on
rough terrains and when pushing off with the skates, as seen in
FIGS. 15 and 16. The wheels are fabricated of rubber,
NEOPRENE.RTM., URETHANE.RTM., or other air tight, resilient, rugged
material to withstand rough terrain. The wheels may be inflatable
air-filled wheels filled through an air stem 43 as seen in FIG.
8.
[0093] The skate boot 50 and 50B may be fabricated of molded
plastic or leather with a rigid plate type skate boot bottom 52 for
attaching the suspension system and the wheels thereto. In FIGS.
11, 12, and 13 the skate boot 50 is laced together to secure the
skate boot to a foot of a wearer. In FIG. 10 the skate boot 50B has
overlapping closure flaps 55 securing the boot together by
adjustable two-piece hook and loop fasteners 56.
[0094] In operation the wheels absorb some of the shock and deform
resiliently to small rocks or other obstacles, while the shock
absorbing system absorbs larger shocks from major obstacles, grade
changes, jumps, or other disturbances which might otherwise jolt
the user. The skater can go off of smooth roads and sidewalks and
ride on rough terrain in relative comfort and safety not afforded
by skates with more rigid and smaller wheels and suspension
systems.
[0095] It is understood that the preceding description is given
merely by way of illustration and not in limitation of the
invention and that various modifications may be made thereto
without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.
* * * * *