U.S. patent application number 11/914403 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-14 for skate braking system.
Invention is credited to James M. Bourne.
Application Number | 20080191433 11/914403 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38006200 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080191433 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bourne; James M. |
August 14, 2008 |
Skate Braking System
Abstract
A skate braking system includes a first wheel mount for holding
wheels and a second wheel mount for holding additional wheels. A
mounting plate is pivotally attached to the first and second wheel
mounts. A first side brake mount for holding a first side brake pad
and a second side brake mount for holding a second side brake pad
are coupled to the mounting plate. The first side brake pad engages
a skating surface when the mounting plate is tilted laterally in a
first direction relative to the wheel mounts. The second side brake
pad engages the skating surface when mounting plate is tilted
laterally in a second direction opposite the first direction. The
braking system may further include a biasing device for urging the
mounting plate to have a normal orientation at which the first and
second side brake pads do not engage the skating surface.
Inventors: |
Bourne; James M.; (Culver
City, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FULWIDER PATTON LLP
HOWARD HUGHES CENTER, 6060 CENTER DRIVE, TENTH FLOOR
LOS ANGELES
CA
90045
US
|
Family ID: |
38006200 |
Appl. No.: |
11/914403 |
Filed: |
October 30, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
October 30, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US2006/042288 |
371 Date: |
November 14, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60731581 |
Oct 31, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
280/11.204 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63C 17/1436
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
280/11.204 |
International
Class: |
A63C 17/14 20060101
A63C017/14 |
Claims
1. A skate braking system comprising: a first wheel mount adapted
to rotatably hold a first wheel about a first rotational axis
extending laterally; a mounting plate pivotally attached to the
first wheel mount so as to permit the mounting plate to tilt
laterally; and a first side brake mount adapted to hold a first
side brake pad for engaging a skating surface contacting the first
wheel, the first side brake mount coupled to the mounting plate
such that the side brake pad engages the skating surface when the
mounting plate is tilted in a first lateral direction.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first side brake mount
includes an adjustment device configured to selectively secure the
first side brake mount to the mounting plate in a plurality of
orientations including a first orientation in which the first side
brake pad engages the skating surface when the mounting plate is
tilted through a first angle, and a second orientation in which the
first side brake pad engages the skating surface when the mounting
plate is tilted through a second angle less than the first
angle.
3. The system of claim 1 further comprising a second side brake
mount adapted to hold a second side brake pad for engaging the
skating surface, the second side brake mount coupled to the
mounting plate such that the second side brake pad engages the
skating surface when the mounting plate is tilted in a second
lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the mounting plate is pivotally
coupled to the first wheel mount at a tilt axis located closer to
the skating surface than the first rotational axis.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the first wheel mount is
configured to rotatably hold a first plurality of wheels including
the first wheel.
6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a second wheel mount
adapted to rotatably hold a second wheel about a second rotational
axis, the second wheel mount pivotally attached to the mounting
plate so as to permit the mounting plate to tilt laterally.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the second wheel mount is
configured to rotatable hold a second plurality of wheels including
the second wheel.
8. The system of claim 6 further comprising a forward brake mount
and a rear break mount, the forward brake mount pivotally attached
to the first wheel mount and adapted to hold a forward brake pad,
the rear break mount pivotally attached to the second wheel mount
and adapted to hold a rear brake pad.
9. The system of claim 6 further comprising: a support member
fixedly attached to the mounting plate, the support member disposed
between the first and second wheel mounts and pivotally attached to
both the first and second wheel mounts about a bore formed through
the support member; a rod including a forward portion attached to
the first wheel mount and a rear portion attached to the second
wheel mount, the rod extending through the bore formed through the
support member.
10. The system of claim 9 further comprising a tilt sensitivity
adjustment device configured to control resistance of the mounting
plate to tilting laterally.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein the tilt sensitivity adjustment
device includes a threaded member in thread engagement with the
rear portion of the rod, the threaded member configured to be
rotated so as to move axially in relation to the rod, the threaded
member further configured to push the second wheel mount toward the
first wheel mount, thereby altering compression applied by the
first and second wheel mounts to the support member.
12. The system of claim 1 wherein the mounting plate has a normal
orientation in which the first side brake pad does not engage the
skating surface; the system further comprising a biasing device
configured to urge the mounting plate to the normal orientation
when the mounting plate is tilted laterally away from the normal
orientation.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the biasing device comprises a
spring member having a first end constrained within a slot formed
in the mounting plate and a second end fixedly attached to the
first wheel mount, the first end configured to move within the
slot.
14. The system of claim 12 wherein the biasing device comprises at
least one flat plate formed of a resilient material configured to
flex so as to allow the mounting plate to tilt laterally.
15. A skate braking system comprising: a first wheel mount adapted
to rotatably hold a first wheel about a rotational axis; a mounting
plate pivotally attached to the first wheel mount so as to allow
the mounting plate to tilt about a tilt axis oriented at an angle
from the rotational axis, the mounting plate having normal
orientation in relation to the first wheel mount; and a side brake
mount adapted to hold a side brake pad for engaging a skating
surface contacting the first wheel, the side brake mount coupled to
the mounting plate such that the side brake pad does not engage the
skating surface when the mounting plate is in the normal
orientation and engages the skating surface when the mounting plate
is tilted away from the normal orientation.
16. The system of claim 15 wherein the tilt axis is located at a
first distance from the slating surface, and the second rotational
axis is located at a second distance from the skating surface, the
second distance greater than or equal to the first distance.
17. The system of claim 15 wherein the mounting plate has a
longitudinal axis substantially perpendicular to the rotational
axis of the first wheel, the longitudinal axis being parallel to
the skating surface when the mounting plate is tilted away from the
normal orientation.
18. The system of claim 15 further comprising a foot platform and
the mounting plate forms part of the foot platform.
19. The system of claim 15 further comprising: a second wheel mount
adapted to rotatably hold a second wheel about a second rotational
axis, the second wheel mount pivotally attached to the mounting
plate so as to permit the mounting plate to tilt about the tilt
axis; a support member fixedly attached to the mounting plate, the
support member disposed between the first and second wheel mounts
and pivotally attached to both the first and second wheel mounts
about a bore formed through the support member; and a rod including
a forward portion attached to the first wheel mount and a rear
portion attached to the second wheel mount, the rod extending
through the bore formed through the support member.
20. The system of claim 15 further comprising a spring member
having a first end loosely attached to the mounting plate and a
second end fixedly attached to the first wheel mount, the spring
member configured to urge the mounting plate to the normal
orientation when the mounting plate is tilted away from the normal
orientation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/731,581, filed Oct. 31, 2005, the contents of
which are hereby incorporated by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates generally to wheeled skates, and in
particular, to wheeled skates with brakes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Many people find it difficult to learn how to use wheeled
skates, such as roller skates and in-line skates. Being able to
slow down and stop is critical to maintaining control in order to
avoid obstacles and prevent injury. A common technique for slowing
down and stopping, referred to as a "T-stop," requires that the
skater balance himself or herself on one skate while still moving
forward, and positioning the other skate backward to form a ninety
degree angle with the forward moving skate. In a "V-stop," the
skater uses both feet to form a V-shape so that the skates converge
onto each other, or diverge from each other, in order to slow down
and eventually stop. Both T-stops and V-stops feel awkward to a
novice skater, which makes these techniques difficult to master.
Also, these techniques may not allow a skater traveling at a high
speed to slow down and stop within a short distance.
[0004] Various types of brakes have been developed to help the
skater slow down and stop. Conventional roller skates have a
forward brake pad, known as a toe stop, which can be dragged on the
ground. To use the toe stop, the skater shifts most or his or her
weight on one skate while moving forward, and positions the other
skate backward and slants it so that the rear wheels are lifted off
the ground. Rear brake pads or heel stops have also been attached
to in-line skates or roller blades. With a heel stop, the skater
positions the "braking" skate forward and slants it so that the
forward wheels are lifted off the ground.
[0005] Braking systems have also been developed with a brake pad
that engages a wheel to effect slowing down and stopping. Such
braking systems may require special wheels or brake disks connected
to the wheels, or may require the cuff of a tall boot to be used to
engage the brake pad. These braking systems also may not allow the
skater traveling at high speed to slow down and stop quickly.
[0006] In-line skates with side-mounted brakes are also known and
may be used to effect a "hockey stop" or "side stop," a technique
analogous to that used by ice skaters to stop. With known skates
having a side-mounted brake, the skater must shift much of his or
her weight to one side or tilt the wheels of the skate at an angle
to the ground, which can feel awkward or uncomfortable.
[0007] A need exists for a braking system that can be used with a
variety of foot platforms, such as a shoe, boot, or a board. A need
also exists for a braking system that can be used with conventional
wheels and with readily available stops or brake pads. A need also
exists for a braking system that allows the skater to slow down or
stop quickly with a natural and relaxed motion. A need also exists
for a braking system that can be easily adjusted to suit a skater's
skating style or skill level.
[0008] The features and advantages of the invention will be more
readily understood from the following detailed description which
should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Briefly and in general terms, the present invention is
directed to skate braking system that can be used with roller
skates, in-line skates, skate boards, and other types of wheeled
skates to allow the rider to slow down or stop. The braking system
comprises a first wheel, a mounting plate, and a first side brake
mount. The first wheel mount is adapted to rotatably hold a first
wheel about a first rotational axis. The mounting plate is
pivotally attached to the first wheel mount so as to permit the
mounting plate tilt. The first side brake mount is adapted to hold
a first side brake pad for engaging a skating surface contacting
the first wheel. The first side brake mount is coupled to the
mounting plate such that the side brake pad engages the skating
surface when the mounting plate is tilted.
[0010] In other aspects of the present invention, the first side
brake mount is adjustably coupled to the mounting plate. The first
side brake mount has an adjustment device configured to selectively
secure the first side brake mount to the mounting plate in a
plurality of orientations including a first orientation in which
the first side brake pad engages the skating surface when the
mounting plate is tilted through a first angle, and a second
orientation in which the first side brake pad engages the skating
surface when the mounting plate is tilted through a second angle
less than the first angle.
[0011] Other aspects of the invention may further comprise a second
side brake mount adapted to hold a second side brake pad for
engaging the skating surface. The second side brake mount is
coupled to the mounting plate such that the second side brake pad
engages the skating surface when the mounting plate is tilted in a
direction opposite the first direction.
[0012] In detailed aspects, the mounting plate may be pivotally
coupled to the first wheel mount at a tilt axis located closer to
the skating surface than the first rotational axis. The system may
further comprise a support member and a rod. The support member is
fixedly attached to the mounting plate, is disposed between the
first and second wheel mounts, and is pivotally attached to both
the first and second wheel mounts about a bore formed through the
support member. The rod includes a rod including a forward portion
attached to the first wheel mount and a rear portion attached to
the second wheel mount. The rod extends through the bore formed
through the support member.
[0013] The braking system may, in further aspects, comprise a tilt
sensitivity adjustment device that includes a threaded member in
thread engagement with the rear portion of the rod. Preferably, the
threaded member is configured to be rotated so as to move axially
in relation to the rod. The threaded member is preferably further
configured to push the second wheel mount toward the first wheel
mount, thereby altering compression applied by the first and second
wheel mounts to the support member.
[0014] In yet other aspects of the present invention, the mounting
plate has a normal orientation in which the first side brake pad
does not engage the skating surface, and the braking system further
comprises a biasing device configured to urge the mounting plate to
the normal orientation when the mounting plate is tilted laterally
away from the normal orientation. Preferably, the biasing device
comprises a spring member having a first end constrained within a
slot formed in the mounting plate and a second end fixedly attached
to the first wheel mount. The first end of the spring member is
configured to move within the slot. The biasing device may comprise
at least one flat plate formed of a resilient material configured
to flex so as to allow the mounting plate to tilt laterally.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is perspective view of a skate braking system showing
a first and second wheel mount, a mounting plate a pivotally
attached to the wheel mounts, side brake mounts adjustably coupled
to the mounting plate, a forward brake mount adjustably coupled to
the forward wheel mount, and a rear brake mount adjustably coupled
to the rear brake mount.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the skate
braking system of FIG. 1 showing forward and support members
connecting the mounting plate to the forward and rear wheel mounts,
a longitudinally extending rod about which the support members and
mounting plate may tilt relative to the wheel mounts, a biasing
device configured to urge the mounting plate to have a normal
position and comprising forward and rear spring members, a threaded
bolt for adjusting resistance to tilting.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the skate
braking system of FIG. 1 at line 3-3 showing the mounting plate in
the normal position, a tilt axis at which the mounting plate is
pivotally connected to the wheel mounts and about which the
mounting plate may tilt, pivot points about which the side brake
mounts may be pivoted to adjust the height level of the side brake
pads.
[0018] FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view of the skate
braking system of FIG. 1 showing the mounting plate tilted in a
lateral direction away from the normal position, the forward spring
member being flexed, and the second side brake pad engaging the
skating surface when the mounting plate is tilted at an angle in
relation to the wheel mounts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring now in more detail to the exemplary drawings for
purposes of illustrating embodiments of the invention, wherein like
reference numerals designate corresponding or like elements among
the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1, a perspective view of
a skate braking system 10 comprising a mounting plate 12 having an
upper surface 14 adapted to be attached to or be part of a foot
platform. Attachment can be rigid or flexible, and may incorporate
a spring, hydraulic device, or shock absorbing device. As used
herein, a foot platform is any structure on which the foot of a
rider may be located. Examples of a foot platform include without
limitation a shoe, a boot, or a board, or foot straps. The mounting
plate 12 has a forward end 16, a rear end 18, and a longitudinal
axis 20 that extends along the length of the plate from the forward
end to the rear end. In other embodiments, the foot platform and
the mounting plate 12 are integrally formed with each other as a
unitary structure. As explained in detail below, the mounting plate
12 is configured to tilt laterally about a tilt axis 114 (FIG. 2)
that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis.
[0020] The braking system 10 includes a forward wheel mount 22
adapted to rotatably hold a forward left wheel 24 having a first
rotational axis 26 that extends laterally. The forward wheel mount
22 is also configured to hold a forward right wheel 28 along the
first rotational axis so as to be coaxial with the forward left
wheel. The braking system 10 also includes a rear wheel mount 32
adapted to rotatably hold a rear left wheel 34 having a second
rotational axis 36 that also extends laterally. The rear wheel
mount 32 is also configured to hold a rear right wheel 38 along the
second rotational axis so as to be coaxial with the rear left
wheel. The rotational axes of the wheels are substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 20 and the tilt axis 114 of
the mounting plate 12. It is to be understood that the wheels are
oriented to roll in a generally longitudinal direction 21. As
described in detail below, the forward and rear wheel mounts 22, 32
are pivotally attached to the mounting plate 12 so as to permit the
mounting plate to tilt laterally about the tilt axis 114 relative
to a skating surface 28 (FIG. 2) contacting the wheels. As used
herein, to tilt laterally includes tilting toward the left or the
right side the mounting plate 12.
[0021] Other embodiments of the present invention may have only one
wheel mount configured to rotatably hold a plurality of wheels or
may have more than two wheel mounts each configured to rotatably
hold one or more wheels. In some embodiments, the wheels are
arranged front-to-back, not side-to-side, in a manner similar or
identical to in-line skates. The wheels may, in other embodiments,
have a spherical, hemispherical, or other shape.
[0022] In FIG. 2 there is shown a cross-sectional view of the
braking system 10 along the longitudinal axis 20 of the mounting
plate 12. The mounting plate 12 is shown connected to the base of a
skate boot 120. The forward wheel mount 22 is coupled to the
forward end 16 of the mounting plate 12 by a forward spring member
40 having a top end 42 and a bottom end 44. The rear wheel mount 32
is similarly coupled to the rear end 16 of the mounting plate 12 by
a rear spring member 46 having a top end 4 and a bottom end 50. The
top ends 42, 48 of the forward and rear spring members 40, 46 are
loosely attached to the mounting plate so as to be constrained with
limited freedom of movement within slots 110, 112 formed in the
forward and rear ends 16, 28, respectively, of the mounting plate
12. The bottom ends 44, 50 are fixedly attached to the forward and
rear wheel mounts 22, 32, respectively. In use, little or no
downward column force is applied to the spring members since the
top ends 42, 48 of the spring members 40, 46 are loosely attached
to the mounting plate 12. In other embodiments, the method of
attachment may be reversed such one or both of the top ends 42, 48
is fixedly attached to the mounting plate 12 and the corresponding
bottom end is loosely attached to the wheel mount.
[0023] The forward and rear spring members 40, 46 are each
preferably formed of a flat piece of resilient material configured
to flex so as to allow the mounting plate 12 to tilt to one side or
the other while the forward and rear wheel mounts 22, 32 and the
wheels 24, 30, 34, 38 maintain their orientation relative to the
skating surface 28. Suitable examples of a resilient material
include without limitation metals, elastomers, plastics, fiber
reinforced composites, and combinations thereof. The spring members
40,46 are shown in FIG. 2 at their natural, unflexed state. The
spring members 40, 46 act as a biasing device that urges the
mounting plate 12 to return to its normally upright orientation
relative to the forward and rear wheel mounts 22, 32. In operation,
pressure applied by the foot of the rider on a selected side of the
mounting plate 12 causes the mounting plate to pivot or tilt to the
selected side of the mounting plate.
[0024] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the top ends 42, 48 of the
forward and rear spring members 40, 46 are disposed in forward and
rear slots 110, 112 formed in the mounting plate 12. The slots 110,
112 allow the forward and rear spring members 40, 46 to shift
slightly in position within the mounting plate 12 as the forward
and rear spring members flex to one side or another. As the
mounting plate 12 tilts in one lateral direction, the forward and
rear spring members 40, 46 will tend to pull slightly out of the
slots 110, 112 while simultaneously pushing the mounting plate 12
in the opposite lateral direction. The slots 110, 112 preferably
have a width selected to allow multiple layers of the resilient
material to be combined as desired by the rider to adjust the
flexibility of the forward spring member 40, the rear spring member
46, or both.
[0025] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the forward wheel
mount 22 includes a forward brake support 124. A forward brake
mount 126 is pivotally attached to the forward brake support 124
and is secured in a selected position by a spring loaded adjustment
device having a forward adjustment pin 128 that extends through the
forward brake mount and into one of a plurality of apertures 130 in
the forward brake support. The forward brake mount 126 is
configured to hold a forward brake pad 132. An adjustment knob 134
is connected to the forward adjustment pin to allow a rider to
quickly and easily change the position of the forward brake mount
126 so as to adjust the height level of the forward brake pad 132
relative to the skating surface 28.
[0026] The rear wheel mount 32 includes a rear brake support 136. A
rear brake mount 138 is pivotally attached to the rear brake
support 136 and is secured in a selected position by a spring
loaded adjustment device having a rear adjustment pin 140 that
extends through the rear brake mount and into one of a plurality of
apertures 142 in the rear brake support. The rear brake mount 138
is configured to hold a rear brake pad 144. An adjustment knob 146
is connected to the rear adjustment pin to allow a rider to quickly
and easily change the position of the rear brake mount 138 so as to
adjust the height level of the rear brake pad 144 relative to the
skating surface 28. In other embodiments, the forward and rear
brake mounts 126, 138 may be secured in selected positions by other
types of devices known in the art, such as a threaded bolt.
[0027] The forward brake pad 132 engages the skating surface 28
when the rider slants the mounting plate 12 forward, such as when
the rear wheels 34, 38 are raised above the skating surface. The
rear brake pad 144 engages the skating surface 28 when the rider
slants the mounting plate 12 backward, such as when the forward
wheels 24, 30 are raised above the skating surface. It will be
appreciated that since the forward and rear brake pads 132, 144
move with the forward and rear wheel mounts 22, 32, respectively,
the forward and rear brake pads do not necessarily engage the
skating surface when the mounting plate 12 is tilted laterally.
[0028] In FIG. 3 there is shown a cross-sectional view of the
braking system 10 along line 3-3 in FIG. 1. The mounting plate 12
is pivotally attached to the forward and rear wheel mounts 22, 32
at a tilt point located on the tilt axis 114. The mounting plate 12
is able to tilt laterally about the tilt axis 114. The tilt axis
114 is closer to the skating surface 28 than the rotational axis 26
of the forward wheels 24, 30. In other embodiments, the tilt axis
114 may be at the same height level as the rotational axis 26.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the braking system 10 further
comprises a first side brake mount 52 adapted to hold a first side
brake pad 54 for engaging the skating surface 28. The braking
system also includes a second side brake mount 56 adapted to hold a
second side brake pad 58 for engaging the skating surface 28. The
first and second side brake mounts include threaded bolts 55, 57 or
other retaining device for securing the first and second side brake
pads 54, 58. The side, forward, and rear brake pads 54, 58, 132,
144 may take the form of conventional stops or other
configurations. In other embodiments, they may have a
hemispherical, oval, conical, or other shape, and they may have
sizes and shapes different from each other.
[0030] As described in detail below, the first side brake mount 52
is coupled to the mounting plate 12 such that the attached first
side brake pad 54 engages the skating surface when the mounting
plate 12 is tilted in a first lateral direction 148. The second
side brake mount 56 is coupled to the mounting plate 12 such that
the attached second side brake pad 58 engages the skating surface
when the mounting plate 12 is tilted in a second lateral direction
149 opposite the first direction.
[0031] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, the first and second side brake
mounts 52, 56 are coupled to the mounting plate 12 by a forward
support member 60, a rear support member 62, and a spacer 64
disposed between the support members 60, 62. The forward support
member 60 has a top portion 66 fixedly attached to the mounting
plate 12 and a bottom portion 68 pivotally attached by a
cylindrical rod 70 to the forward and rear brake mounts 22, 32. The
rear support member 62 has a top portion 72 fixedly attached to the
mounting plate 12 and a bottom portion 74 pivotally attached by the
rod 70 to the forward and rear wheel mounts 22, 32. The rod 70
extends through a bore 71 formed in each of the forward wheel mount
22, the bottom portion 68 of the forward support member 60, the
spacer 64, the bottom portion 74 of the rear support member 62, and
the rear wheel mount 22, 32. Each bore 71 through the various parts
is oriented to run longitudinally in a direction parallel to the
longitudinal axis 20 of the mounting plate 12, so that the rod 70
and the tilt axis 114 are parallel to the longitudinal axis. In
other embodiments, the bore 71 may run at an angle from the
longitudinal axis 70, so that tilt axis 114 is oriented at an angle
from the longitudinal axis.
[0032] With particular reference to FIG. 2, the rod 70 has a
forward portion 76 and a rear portion 78. The forward portion 76
extends into a bore 80 formed in the forward wheel mount 22 and the
rear portion 78 extends into a bore 82 formed in the rear wheel
mount 32. The rod 70 is fixedly attached to the forward and rear
wheel mounts 22, 32 by laterally extending pins 84, 86 that prevent
the wheel mounts from rotating about the rod. Preferably, the
forward and rear support members 60, 62 and the spacer 64 are able
to rotate together about the rod 70. In other embodiments, the
forward and rear support members 60, 62 and the spacer 64 are
integrally formed as a single, unitary support member.
[0033] In other embodiments, a bearing or other friction-reducing
device is disposed around the rod 70 to facilitate rotation of the
forward and rear support members 60, 62 and the spacer 64. In use,
increased pressure applied by the rider on any one side of the
mounting plate 12 causes the forward and rear support members 60,
62 and the spacer 64 to tilt along with the mounting plate while
the forward and rear wheel mounts 22, 32 and the wheels maintain
their upright orientation relative to the skating surface 28.
[0034] Preferably, the forward and rear support members 60, 62, and
not the forward and rear spring members 40, 46, bear all or most of
the weight of the rider. That is, the forward and rear support
members communicate the weight of the rider from the mounting plate
12 to wheel mounts 22, 32 and to the wheels. Because the support
members 60, 62 bear all or most of the weight of the rider, little
or no downward force is applied to the spring members 40, 46 when
they are flexed. In this way, the spring members 40, 46 will not
buckle due to downward compression during use.
[0035] The rod 70 defines the tilt axis 114 (FIG. 2) about which
the mounting plate 12 may be tilted relative to the forward and
rear wheel mounts 22, 32. The tilt axis 114 is positioned at a
short distance from the skating surface 28, preferably though not
necessarily below the rotational axes 26, 36 of the wheels 24, 30,
34, 38. In other embodiments, the tilt axis 114 is located so as to
be level with or above the rotational axes. A short distance from
the skating surface, corresponding to relatively low location for
the rod 70 and the tilt axis 114, provides for greater stability.
"Jack knifing" or overall buckling of the braking system 10 occurs
under certain circumstances when the wheel mounts 22, 32 tilt to
one side and because the tilt axis 114 is relatively high, the
downward force due to the weight of the rider is centered away from
the wheels so as to urge the wheel mounts to tilt further to one
side until the wheel mounts have completely tilted over onto the
skating surface. Jack knifing is less likely to occur when the tilt
axis 114 is relatively low since the downward force due to the
weight of the rider is centered closer to the wheels, which would
influence the wheel mounts to return to an upright orientation.
[0036] A relatively low location for the rod 70 and thus, the tilt
axis 114, also allows for the side brake pads 54, 58 to be
positioned closer to the wheels so as to be unobtrusive. The side
brake pads 54, 58 would be obtrusive and possibly interfere with
skating if they extend too far beyond either side of the wheels. A
relatively high location for the tilt axis 114 requires that a side
brake pad be positioned further to one side of the wheels in order
for the side brake pad to engage the skating surface 28 when the
mounting plate 12 is tilted at a given angle. It will be
appreciated that a low location for the tilt axis 114 allows a side
brake pad, at a given distance from the wheels, to engage the
skating surface with less rotation of the mounting plate 12 as
compared to a relatively high location for the tilt axis.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, the first and second side brake mounts
52, 56 are adjustably coupled to the mounting plate 12. The first
side brake mount 52 has a central arm 90 that is pivotally attached
to the spacer 64 at a first pivot point 92. At another point spaced
apart from the first pivot point, the first side brake mount is
attached to the forward support member 60 by a spring loaded
adjustment device having an adjustment pin 94 that extends through
the first side brake mount and into one of a first plurality of
apertures 96 formed in the forward support member. Although not
shown in FIG. 3, the first side brake mount is also attached to the
rear support member 62 by another spring loaded adjustment device
having an adjustment pin that extends through the first side brake
mount and into one of another plurality of apertures formed in the
rear support member. In use, the adjustment pins on the first side
brake mount may be selectively pulled in and out of the apertures
in the forward and rear support members so as to allow adjustment
of the height level of the first side brake pad 54 relative to the
skating surface 28. The adjustment pin 92 is attached to a knob 99
for pushing the adjustment pin 94 out of an aperture.
[0038] Still referring to FIG. 3, the second side brake mount 56
has a first arm 98 that is pivotally attached to the forward
support member 60 at a second pivot point 100. Although not shown
in FIG. 3, the second side brake mount has a second arm that is
pivotally attached to the rear support member 62 at a third pivot
point that is longitudinally in-line or coaxial with the second
pivot point 100. At another point spaced apart from the second
pivot point, the second side brake mount is attached to the forward
support member by a spring loaded adjustment device having an
adjustment pin 102 that extends through the first side brake mount
and into one of a second plurality of apertures 104 formed in the
forward support member. Although not shown in FIG. 3, the second
side brake mount is also attached to the rear support member 62 by
another spring loaded adjustment device having a pin that extends
through the second side brake mount and into one of yet another
plurality of apertures formed in the rear support member. In use,
the adjustment pins on the second side brake mount may be
selectively pulled in and out of the apertures in the forward and
rear support members so as to adjust the height level of the second
side brake pad 58 relative to the skating surface 28. The
adjustment pin 102 is attached to a knob 106 for pulling the
adjustment pin 102 out of an aperture. In other embodiments,
threaded bolts or other retaining devices may secure the first and
second side brake mounts at an orientation selected by the
rider.
[0039] It will be appreciated that first and second side brake
mounts 52, 56 can be easily and quickly secured in a plurality of
orientations corresponding to different height levels from the
skating surface. With a relatively low height level, the side brake
pads 54, 48 on the brake mounts will engage the skating surface 28
after traveling through a relatively small angle when a rider
applies foot pressure to one or the other side of the mounting
plate 12. With a relatively high height level, the brake pads on
the brake mounts will engage the skating surface after traveling
through a relatively large angle when the rider applies foot
pressure to one or the other side of the mounting plate 12. It will
be appreciated that the height level of the first and second brake
mounts may be adjusted independently of one another to suit the
type of skating surface or to suit the skill level or skating style
of the rider. In addition, the height level may be adjusted to
compensate for a brake pad wearing out through use.
[0040] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the first pivot point 92
of the first side brake mount 52 is spaced apart from the second
pivot point 100 of the second side brake mount 56. The location of
the first and second pivot points 92, 100 are selected such a
change in the angular position of the side brake mount corresponds
to the same or a similar change in the mounting plate tilt angle
that is necessary to cause the side brake mount to engage the
skating surface. In other embodiments, the first and second pivot
points 92, 100 may coincide.
[0041] In other embodiments, spring-type devices, resilient pads,
or shock absorbing devices attach any number of the side, forward,
and rear brake pads 54, 58, 132, 144 to the side brake mounts 52,
56, 126, 138 so that, when the either brake pad contacts the
skating surface 28, a downward force applied by the brake pad on
the skating surface increases gradually as the mounting plate 12 is
tilted further by the rider. In this way, friction with the skating
surface increases gradually. In part, the shock absorbing devices
allow for gradual or smooth braking and desirably prevent an overly
sudden stop from occurring when the brake pad first contacts the
skating surface 28. In other embodiments, the side, forward, and
rear brake pads 54, 58, 132, 144 are adapted to rotate, either
freely spinning or with some resistance to spinning, so as not to
jar the skater while in a turning or stopping motion.
[0042] Referring once again to FIG. 2, the forward portion 76 of
the rod 70 is attached to the forward wheel mount 22 by a forward
pin 84 extending through apertures formed through the forward
portion and through the forward wheel mount such that longitudinal
movement of the forward wheel mount relative to the rod is
prevented. The rear portion 78 of the rod 70 is attached to the
rear wheel mount 32 by a rear pin 86 extending through an aperture
formed through the rear portion and a slot through the rear wheel
mount such that longitudinal movement of the rear wheel mount
relative to the rod is limited but not prevented. As can be seen in
FIG. 1, the rear pin 86 extends from the rod 70 and into a slot 88
formed through the rear wheel mount 32. The slot 88 is larger than
the rear pin 86 so as to allow some longitudinal movement that is
controlled by a threaded member or bolt 108 within the rear wheel
mount 32.
[0043] The bolt 108 engages a shoulder of a counterbore formed in
the rear wheel mount 32 and engages a threaded bore in the rear
portion 78 of the rod 70. The bolt 108 is coupled to the forward
wheel mount 22 by means of the rod 70 and forward pin 84. The head
of the bolt 108 is accessible from the counterbore on the rear
wheel mount 32. The bolt 108 may be selectively tightened or
loosened to adjust the compression force between the forward and
rear wheel mounts 22, 32. When tightened, the head of the bolt 108
pushes the rear wheel mount 32 toward the forward rear mount 22,
thereby increasing the compression force. The compression force
acts on the forward and rear support members 60, 62 and the spacer
64 on which the first and second side brake mounts 52, 56 are
mounted. In part, the rod 70 and bolt 108 act as a tilt sensitivity
adjustment device for changing the sensitivity of the braking
system 10 to actions of the rider. By rotating the bolt 108 and
causing it to move axially relative to the rod 70, the rider may
control the resistance of the mounting plate 12 against lateral
tilting. With a relatively high compression force, the braking
system is less sensitive in that a rider must apply a relatively
high pressure on the mounting plate 12 in order to tilt either of
the first and second side brake mounts 52, 56 toward the skating
surface 28. With a relatively low compression force, the braking
system is more sensitive in that the rider need apply a relatively
low pressure on the mounting plate 12 in order to tilt either of
the first and second side brake mounts toward the skating
surface.
[0044] Referring next to FIG. 4, the mounting plate 12 has been
rotated about the tilt axis 114 in a lateral direction 149 away
from a normal orientation of the mounting plate 12 shown in FIGS.
1-3. The second side brake pad 58 has been secured in a selected
orientation or height level. The longitudinal axis 20 of the
mounting plate 12 remains parallel to the skating surface 28 while
the mounting plate is tilted through a first angle 150 at which the
second side brake pad 58 engages the skating surface. The forward
spring member 40 is flexed laterally and urges the mounting plate
12 to move in an opposite lateral direction 148 and return to the
normal position. The forward wheel mount 22, the forward brake pad
132, and the forward left and right wheels 24, 30 maintain their
upright orientation on the skating surface 28 while the mounting
plate 12 is tilted laterally. Although not visible in FIG. 4, the
rear wheel mount 32, rear brake pad 144, and the rear left and
right wheels 34, 38 also maintain their upright orientation on the
skating surface. It will be appreciated that when the second side
brake pad 58 is secured at a lower orientation or height level, the
second side brake pad will engage the skating surface 28 after the
mounting plate 12 is tilted through a second angle that is less
than the first angle.
[0045] While several particular forms of the invention have been
illustrated and described, it will also be apparent that various
modifications can be made. A non-limiting example of a modification
includes the use of other types of wheel mounts, such as trucks
used on skates and skateboards. Another non-limiting example of
modifications includes the use of other types of biasing devices
for urging the mounting plate to the normal orientation, such as
torsion springs and resilient pads formed of elastomeric material.
It is also contemplated that various combinations or
subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the
disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one
another in order to form varying modes of the invention.
Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be
limited, except as by the appended claims.
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