U.S. patent application number 11/569850 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-23 for skate shoe.
Invention is credited to Rainer Maiores.
Application Number | 20080256831 11/569850 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35094597 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080256831 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Maiores; Rainer |
October 23, 2008 |
Skate Shoe
Abstract
A shoe, such as a skate shoe, includes at least two rotatable
wheels, which are arranged on at least one axle oriented
substantially transversally to the longitudinal direction of the
shoe or transversally to the direction of displacement. At least
one axle carries at least one wheel and is either fully or
partially embedded in the sole of the shoe. The axles are present
in one-third of the sole of the shoe, which begins in the heel
region, with the arrangement of the axles and the size of the
wheels being measured so that the sole of the shoe ensures an, at
least, partially flat tread in the region which is not provided
with any axles or wheels. The wheels can be lowered into a skating
position and lifted into a walking position very rapidly by a
wearer using a rapid lifting device, so that the shoe can be used
in the walking position for either walking or running.
Inventors: |
Maiores; Rainer; (Wurzburg,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
EDWIN D. SCHINDLER
FIVE HIRSCH AVENUE, P.O. BOX 966
CORAM
NY
11727-0966
US
|
Family ID: |
35094597 |
Appl. No.: |
11/569850 |
Filed: |
June 9, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
June 9, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE2005/001029 |
371 Date: |
December 26, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
36/115 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A43B 5/1633 20130101;
A63C 17/08 20130101; A63C 17/008 20130101; A63C 17/0066 20130101;
A63C 17/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
36/115 |
International
Class: |
A43B 5/00 20060101
A43B005/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 9, 2004 |
DE |
102004027921.7 |
Claims
1-55. (canceled)
56. A shoe, comprising: a shoe sole having a heel region; at least
one axle aligned substantially transversely to a longitudinal
direction of said shoe or transversely to a running direction, and
at least partially arranged within said shoe sole and located
within a first region of only one-third of said shoe sole, said
first region defined as commencing with said heel region of said
shoe sole, and a second region not being part of said first region;
and, a plurality of rollers disposed on said at least one axle with
said at least one axle bearing on said plurality of rollers and
with an arrangement of said at least one axle and said plurality of
rollers being dimensioned so that said shoe sole has a partially
flat tread in a second region not provided with any axles.
57. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said at least one axle
includes a continuous axle positioned in said heel region of said
shoe sole with said at least one roller of said plurality of
rollers fixed at each end of said continuous axle.
58. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said at least one axle
includes two axles positioned in said heel region of said shoe sole
with at least one roller of said plurality of rollers fixed at each
end of said two axles.
59. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein a first roller and a
second roller of said plurality of rollers are fixed on both sides
in said heel region of said shoe sole and a third roller is fixed
outside of said heel region at an end of said first region of said
shoe sole.
60. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said at least one axle
is a plurality of axles and said plurality of rollers are fixed on
both sides of said plurality of axles in said heel region of said
shoe sole.
61. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein a first portion of
rollers of said plurality of rollers fixed in said heel region have
a diameter that is larger than, or project further beyond, a lower
edge of said shoe sole that a second portion of said rollers of
said plurality of rollers provided at said first region of said
shoe sole.
62. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said at least one axle
is a plurality of axles comprising means for detachably connecting
to said shoe sole.
63. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said at least one axle
is at least one continuous axle that is received by grooved
depressions, formed vertically and of variable depth, in said shoe
sole.
64. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said shoe sole includes
lateral recesses in said first region of said shoe sole that are
dimensioned so that said plurality of rollers are able to, at
least, partly located therein without being rotatably
restricted.
65. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein at least a portion of
said at least one axle bear said plurality of rollers, so that said
plurality of rollers rise outwardly relative to a plane that is
parallel to a surface of said shoe sole.
66. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said plurality of
rollers are suspended in a lateral direction for being tiltable and
are connected to an underside of said shoe sole via a tension
element or a compression element, with said plurality of rollers
being tiltable relative to a plane that is parallel to a surface of
said shoe sole that is capable of being influenced by shifting
weight.
67. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said plurality of
rollers are secured to end sections of said at least one axle via a
snap-in connection.
68. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said shoe sole has a
center portion contiguous with said heel region, and a section
comprised, at least partly, of metal or hard plastic and having a
planar or grooved surface.
69. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said plurality of
rollers are fixed on said shoe sole in said heel region via a
strappable frame.
70. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said at least one axle
comprises half axles that are rotatable backwards about a
substantially vertical fulcrum, inclined in a direction of movement
with an angle of inclination of said at least one axle being
dimensioned so that, at a front limit stop, lower edges of said
plurality of rollers are located below a lower edge of said shoe
sole with said half axles in a skating position and when said half
axles are at a rear limit stop, said lower edges of said plurality
of rollers are located above said lower edge of said shoe sole in a
running position.
71. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said plurality of
rollers is two rollers and said at least one axle is a rigid axle
with said two rollers being fixed on said rigid axle with said
rigid axle being guided through a J-shaped opening in said shoe
sole with a shorter leg of said J-shaped opening being dimensioned
so that lower edges of said two rollers are located below a lower
edge of said shoe sole in a skating position and a long leg of said
J-shaped opening being dimensioned so that said lower edges of said
two rollers are located above said lower edge of said shoe sole in
a running position.
72. The shoe according to claim 56, further comprising a heel
element in said heel region having an upper element and a lower
element adjacent one another and an interface formed by said upper
element and said lower element that rises against a direction of
movement, so that said lower element is fixable and movable in the
longitudinal direction relative to a remainder of said shoe and
fixable in two positions.
73. The shoe according to claim 56, further comprising two side
walls in said heel region with one side wall of said two side walls
being fixed on each side of two sides of said shoe, against which a
roller carrier is fixed that is tiltable forward and backward in a
direction of travel, about a horizontal fulcrum, and means for
fixing for retaining said roller carrier in either said forward or
said backward direction of travel while in a skating position with
lower edges of said plurality of rollers located beneath a lower
edge of said shoe sole or, in a running position, said lower edges
of said plurality of rollers are above said lower edge of said shoe
sole.
74. The shoe according to claim 73, wherein said means for fixing
for retaining said roller carrier is capable of retaining said
roller carrier in a plurality of skating positions.
75. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said at least one axle
includes a continuous axle with crank-shaped bends on each end of
said continuous axle adjacent to two rollers of said plurality of
rollers with lengths of said crank-shaped bends being dependent on
an angular position of said crank-shaped bends and with said two
rollers being fixed thereon in either a skating position or in a
running position.
76. The shoe according to claim 75, wherein said angular position
of said crank-shaped bends is fixed via an additional bend in a
central point of said continuous axle in two positions.
77. The shoe according to claim 75, wherein said angular position
of said crank-shaped bends is fixed via two additional bends at an
edge of said shoe sole in two positions.
78. The shoe according to claim 75, further comprising a detachable
element on said continuous axle, said detachable element being
fixable in at least two angular positions for securing said
continuous axle against rotation.
79. The shoe according to claim 56, wherein said plurality of
rollers are fixed on a demountable wheel carrier that is mountable
in, at least, two positions in a corresponding recess on an
underside of said shoe sole, said demountable wheel carrier and
said corresponding recess being formed so that said plurality of
rollers are either in a skating position or in a running position,
depending upon how said demountable wheel carrier is mounted.
80. The shoe according to claim 79, wherein said demountable wheel
carrier is vertically slidable, within said corresponding recess,
from said skating position into said running position.
81. The shoe according to claim 80, wherein said demountable wheel
carrier is fixed via pins when vertically slid into either said
skating position or said running position.
82. The shoe according to claim 80, wherein said demountable wheel
carrier is vertically slidable via at least one vertically
extending screw rotatably mounted in said shoe sole above said
corresponding recess with a corresponding internal screw thread
within said demountable wheel carrier.
83. The shoe according to claim 80, wherein said demountable wheel
carrier is vertically slidable via an air cushion within said
corresponding recess.
84. The shoe according to claim 80, wherein said demountable wheel
carrier is vertically slidable via a wedge horizontally insertable
between said demountable wheel carrier and said corresponding
recess.
85. The shoe according to claim 56, further comprising: two side
walls with one side wall located on each side of two sides of said
shoe; sliding elements; and, a guide element for each side wall of
said two side walls for said sliding elements that are movable, or
slidable, along each said guide element.
86. The shoe according to claim 85, wherein said guide element is a
rail that is open toward a lower edge of said shoe sole.
87. The shoe according to claim 85, wherein said guide element is a
groove arranged on each said side wall of said two side walls.
88. The shoe according to claim 56, further comprising: a first
longitudinal wheel carrier fixed on a left-hand side of said shoe;
and, a second longitudinal wheel carrier fixed on a right-hand side
of said shoe, said first longitudinal wheel carrier and said second
longitudinal wheel carrier having, at a respective rear end on an
edge of said heel region of said shoe sole, an inwardly directed
horizontal platform on which said first region of said heel region
of said shoe sole rests with said heel region being removable from
said horizontal platform by sliding a respective said first
longitudinal wheel carrier or said second longitudinal wheel
carrier and pressable against a front edge of said horizontal
platform.
89. The shoe according to claim 88, wherein said horizontal
platform includes holding pin or hook on which a fitting
counterpart is provided on said shoe with a place for attachment on
said shoe being provided so that said plurality of rollers are in a
running position.
90. The shoe according to claim 56, further comprising a first
receptacle device and a second receptacle device for each roller of
said plurality of rollers with each said roller being detachably
affixed to said first receptacle device and said second receptacle
device and positioned in a manner that is dependent upon whether
said shoe is in a skating position or in a running position.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a shoe comprising two or more
rotatable rollers, which are disposed on one or more axles, the
axles being aligned essentially transversely to the longitudinal
direction of the shoes, or transversely to the running
direction.
[0002] The prior art discloses roller shoes that are either
detachably joinable to conventional shoes by means of a frame which
can be strapped on or are firmly joinable to the shoes by means of
a frame which bears against the underside of the shoe sole.
So-called "inline skates" can be regarded as a development of the
second version. These are shoes that are firmly or detachably
connected to a row of "in-line" rollers. A common feature of both
inline skates and roller shoes is that they can only be used for
skating.
[0003] Shoes in which two or more rollers are arranged one behind
the other in the direction of movement are particularly widespread.
The advantage of this arrangement lies in the fact that the user
learns to stand reliably on the roller shoes even without long
practice. If, seen in the direction of travel, at least two rollers
are arranged side by side and--as mentioned above--also at least
two rollers are arranged one behind the other then, stable standing
is possible.
[0004] The disadvantage of this arrangement is that only roller
movements are possible with the shoe. For acceleration as well as
to generate a forward force component, the roller shoe-user has the
possibility of adjusting the travel direction of both roller shoes
slightly away from the main direction of movement, so that the two
roller shoes are distanced from one another. During this phase, the
user must apply muscle forces, which spread his legs and thereby
exert a force on the roller shoe that is oriented obliquely to
their current direction of travel. The component of this force that
is oriented in the travel direction accelerates the roller shoe and
thereby also the user who is standing on them.
[0005] For slowing down, the same method can be used as for
acceleration with different travel directions for the left and
right shoes. If, for example, the shoes move away from one another,
the user, in order to slow down, must use muscle force to
counteract the spreading exerted on his legs by the roller
shoes.
[0006] The accelerations or retardations obtained thereby are,
however, comparatively small. This method is therefore not very
widespread in the practical use of roller shoes. On the other hand,
it is used with so-called "snake boards".
[0007] A person is rather used to shifting his weight onto only one
leg while he extends the other leg in the direction of movement.
When the desired stride distance is reached, the weight is shifted
onto the other leg and removed from the first leg, which is
extended forwards again.
[0008] A "walking" movement is only possible with restrictions, as
the rollers provided on each of the important support points of the
foot prevent a pushing of the foot against the solid base surface.
Reasonably, roller shoes or inline skates cannot therefore be worn
in buses and trains. Likewise walking on stairs with roller shoes
or inline skates should be avoided because of the risk of falling.
In department stores or pedestrian zones, too, persons wearing
roller shoes or inline skates are at risk because these sports
appliances only allow rapid and reliable stopping by very practiced
persons.
[0009] Against this background, the object of the invention is to
design a shoe that can be used both as a skating and playing
implement and as a fitness device and, besides the skating
movement, also permits a walking or running movement and rapid
retardation.
[0010] For unpracticed users and for crowded areas, it is a great
advantage if the shoe according to the invention can be converted
by inexperienced users, without a special tool, in such a manner
that, on lowering the heel region, the rollers in contact with the
ground can be lifted in such a manner that they are no longer in
contact with the ground in normal walking or running motion. In the
process, the rollers should remain on the shoe. A further
alternative is to remove the rollers or the rollers with their
axles, or a frame on which the axles and rollers are fixed, from
the shoe, and to transfer these parts to the user for transport and
for safekeeping.
[0011] To achieve this object, the invention teaches a shoe that is
characterized in that one or more axles, which in each case bear
one or more rollers, are entirely or partly inset into the shoe
sole in a vertical direction, and the axes only lie in that third
of the shoe sole that starts with the heel region of the shoe sole,
the arrangement of the axes and the size of the rollers being
dimensioned such that the shoe sole ensures a partly flat tread in
the region that is not provided with axles and rollers.
[0012] The axles that are fitted with rollers are inset into the
shoe sole in the rear third thereof, that is to say in the heel
region or in the heel-element. The "heel region of the shoe sole"
in the sense of the invention can, independently of the shoe type,
be extended from the rear, floorward end of a shoe to beyond the
first third, lying in the travel direction. In the case of plateau
shoes, which do not have a clear subdivision between the
heel-element and the front part of the shoe sole, the heel
region/heel of the sole, in the sense of the invention, can also
extend to the center of the sole.
[0013] With a correspondingly small roller diameter, it is possible
for the should to be hardly raised at all (high-heel effect). Since
the axles with the rollers mounted thereon are only mounted in the
rear part, that is to say preferably in the region of the
heel-element, the front region of the shoe sole remains available
for non-slip treading.
[0014] The gist of the invention consists in the fact that the
carrier of a left and right shoe according to the invention, which
in each case have the features described in the claims, can gain in
force by means of an initiating running movement, and that this
force can be converted into a skating movement by shifting the
weight towards the heel region.
[0015] The user can thus achieve the desired speed by walking
and/or running (exclusively on the front region of the shoe). Then
the rear region of the shoe sinks and in return lifts the front
region of the shoe. In this state, only the rollers of the shoe
according to the invention are in contact with the surface. The
kinetic energy stored in the mass of the human body now provides
the propulsion.
[0016] For slowing down of this movement, it is closest to habitual
human running and walking for the user of the shoe according to the
invention to lower the front region of the shoe back onto the
surface. As soon as the surface comes into contact with the ground,
the user must suddenly change over to a running or walking
movement, according to the speed. This transition requires a
certain training in order to keep the balance during the transition
phase. It is therefore pointed out that shoes according to the
invention, with fixed-mounted rollers, should not be used in means
of transport such as buses and trains, on stairs or in crowded
areas such as pedestrian zones or shops. This recommendation is
only intended for entirely unpractised or relatively inexperienced
users.
[0017] However, the wearer of the shoes can also initiate the force
by means of a rolling movement, such as is known from snake boards.
To stabilize the position during skating, the legs, can be offset
with respect to one another seen in the direction of travel.
(Braking is carried out by shifting the weight from the heel region
of the shoe sole towards the ball of the foot, until the free shoe
sole, in this region, that is to say that region not provided with
wheels, comes into contact with the solid ground. Alternatively to
the gradual braking, it is also possible, with a correspondingly
lower skating velocity, to change over from the skating movement
into a running movement. Rapid braking, however, is also possible
by tilting the heel-element edge of a shoe. The angle of attack
with this braking manoeuvre depends on the position of the axle,
that is to say, the further this is away from the rear heel-element
edge, the less is the necessary tilting movement of the shoe
backwards that is necessary for braking.
[0018] For shifting the weight to the heel region during skating
with the shoes according to the invention, muscles are stretched
that are not trained during normal walking or skating. That
particularly concerns muscle groups of the thigh, calf, stomach and
back. The shoe is therefore suitable, in principle, for use in
leisure sports such as aerobic exercises and for orthopaedic
gymnastics.
[0019] For the skate shoe according to the invention with the
above-described hybrid properties, almost any type of shoe are
conceivable, i.e. running shoes, leisure shoes, half-shoes, ankle
boots, cowboy boots, ladies' shoes, high-heel shoes or even bathing
sandals. The shoe soles ideally have the necessary thickness and
stability, particularly in the heel region, to receive the axles.
However, the attachment of the axles is, in principle, also
possible with thinner soles. Particularly suitable are sports and
leisure shoes with rubber soles. A particular type of these leisure
shoes that is currently worn particularly by relatively young
purchasers is characterised in that the sole does not have a
recognizable transition between the heel region (heel-element) and
the rest of the shoe sole. Where the heel region is mentioned
within this application, that part of the shoe sole is meant that
starts with the rear edge of the heel-element and extends at least
to that point on the shoe sole that is marked by the imaginary
perpendicular extension of the shin.
[0020] It lies within the scope of the invention that the axes are
designed either as continuous axles or as axle sections. While the
continuous axles span the entire width of the shoe sole in the heel
region, the axle sections are inset blind into the shoe sole by an
end section. The fastening within the shoe sole can be performed by
means of a screw thread. The outward ends of the axes have either a
screw thread or a plug facility, by means of which the roller
plugged onto the respective axle can be secured. The rollers
mounted on the projecting axle sections project laterally beyond
the shoe and widen the shoe at least by the width of the
rollers.
[0021] In an alternative embodiment, two rollers, which are fixed
at both sides of the shoe sole, are mounted on two axes, which are
offset with respect to one another in the horizontal direction of
the shoe sole. By means of the offset of the axes, the position in
the skating position is advantageously more stable.
[0022] In a further development of the invention, it is provided
that a total of three rollers are attached to each shoe. Two of the
rollers are fixed on both sides of the shoe heel-element and a
further, third, roller is fixed in the region of the shoe sole, in
which the heel region merges with the rest of the shoe sole. The
attachment of three rollers per shoe has the advantage that even
less well practiced shoe wears can skate for longer distances with
the show, because he stands in a more stable position. Because of
the possibility of shifting a part of the weight towards the ball
of the foot, that is to say the front region of the shoe sole, the
demands on the balance during skating are no longer as high as, for
example, with a continuous axle with two rollers.
[0023] In principle, more than three rollers can of course be
attached in the heel region of the shoe sole.
[0024] In a preferred embodiment, it is conceivable that the two
rollers fixed in the region of the shoe heel-element have a larger
diameter than the third or every further roller mounted in the
front third of the heel region. If the axes are connected to the
shoe sole at the same height in each case, the rollers with the
large diameter project further beyond the lower edge of the shoe
sole, so that the shoe is slightly inclined forwards.
[0025] It lies within the scope of the invention that the axes,
whether continuous axles or blind-ending, are either firmly or
detachably connected to the sole. The continuous axles can be
either fixed either in an opening extending through the shoe sole
or in a groove-like depression. The depth of the groove-like
depression in a vertical direction of the shoe sole can be
variable. The attachment of the continuous axle in a groove-like
depression furthermore has the advantage that the axle can be
removed from the shoe together with the rollers fixed thereon. If
the rollers are mounted on the blind-terminated axles, openings
corresponding to the outer shape of the axle form are provided in
the shoe sole. To fix the blind-terminating axles, the openings can
have screw threads that can be screwed into.
[0026] To change the sole as little as possible in the region of
the heel-element by the attachment of the axles, the attachment of
the axles is provided directly on the surface of the shoe sole by
means of fixing elements known to the person skilled in the
art.
[0027] In a further development of the invention, it is provided
that the shoe sole has recesses in the heel region, which serve to
receive the rollers in the manner of mudguards. By this means, it
is advantageously achieved that the rollers do not lead to widening
of the shoe sole and thereby a greater restriction of the freedom
of movement, in particular, during walking.
[0028] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, it is
provided that the rollers have a slightly tilted position as seen
from the toe of the shoe. This inclination is effected in that axle
sections serving at least to receive the rollers have an outwardly
directed inclination with respect to a plane that is parallel to
the surface of the sole. By virtue of the inclination of the axes,
the respective top halves of two mutually opposite rollers come
closer to one another, while the lower halves have a greater
distance from one another. By means of this attachment, the skating
track is made wider, which leads to an improved road holding.
Furthermore, the inclined rollers, with an appropriately rounded
outer edge, permit the use of the shoe for show inserts, with
break-dance elements, while the performer supports himself with one
hand on the ground, the skating leg on the inclined roller
describes a circular motion. With the aid of the shoe according to
the invention, however, a large number of complicated acrobatic
inserts are conceivable. In this case, the performer can cover a
larger distance, skating in an arena, between the individual
acrobatic inserts in a similar manner to ice figure skating.
[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, it is provided that the
rollers are suspended on axle sections, which are tiltable
laterally and an element that can be tension and/or compression
loaded forms a connection between each roller suspension and the
underside of the shoe sole, which makes it possible to influence
the position of the rollers by a weight shifting. For example, it
would be obvious to diagonally attach the connecting elements from
the lower edge of each roller suspension as far as the opposing
opposite edge of the shoe sole.
[0030] It lies within the scope of the invention that the axles
bear directly against the inside of the shoe sole or are indirectly
connected to the shoe sole, inserted into a sleeve.
[0031] It goes without saying that all possibilities known to the
person skilled in the art from the area of roller shoes, inline
skates and skateboards for fixing the axes and rollers can also be
used for the shoe according to the invention.
[0032] For fastening the rollers, continuous axes can have a screw
thread at their ends in each case for screwing on a locking nut.
The locking nuts here serve for fixing the axle in the opening in
the shoe sole provided for this purpose. After the rollers have
been plugged onto the end sections of the axles, they are secured
by means of two additional nuts, which can be designed as securing
nuts. Alternatively, screw threads can be inserted in the shoe
sole, which are accessible from the side. For fastening the
rollers, a screw with thread is sufficient in the simplest
case.
[0033] It goes without saying that all roller bearings or ball
bearings known to a person skilled in the art come into
consideration for bearing the rollers on the end sections of the
axles.
[0034] To increase the acrobatic application of the shoe, it is
provided that the shoe sole is fitted on the underside, in the
centre part contiguous with the heel region, with a metal plate or
a hard plastic plate. Here, the metal or plastic surface can have a
planar or grooved structure. By means of such a shoe, it is
possible to slide along hard edges or banisters. Movement on such a
subsurface is known by the term "grinding" and is known from the
skateboard scene.
[0035] The fixing of the rollers on the shoe sole by means of a
frame that can be firmly strapped to the shoe or detachably fixed
in another manner also lies within the scope of the invention. It
is conceivable here that one of the continuous axes is inset into
the shoe sole in a groove-like depression that runs transversely to
the skating direction. By introducing the axle into a groove-like
depression, the mountability of the frame is facilitated and at the
same time the torsion-resistant fixing of the axes, and therefore
of the rollers is ensured.
[0036] As another embodiment, the invention describes a shoe with
two rotatable half-axes as carriers of the rollers. In the skating
position, these half axles are oriented transversely to the
direction of movement and extend from the edge of the shoe to about
the center of the shoe.
[0037] Here, they are rotatably mounted about an almost vertical
axle. The fulcrum is inclined slightly forwards from the
perpendicular in the direction of travel. If the half axles are
pivoted backwards about this fulcrum, the slight inclination of the
fulcrum leads to the roller lifting of the roadway. By this means,
they are changed over from the skating position to the running
position. In the running position, the two rollers are visible side
by side at the back of the shoe in the region of the heel.
[0038] For reliable fixing of the skating position, it is
appropriate to provide a depression in the pivoting face of the
half axles, into which the half axes can be pressed by the weight
of the shoe user. If the half-axles are to be pivoted from the
skating position into the running position, it is necessary in this
embodiment first to move the half-axle somewhat downwards, so that
it detaches itself from the depression. Only then can the pivoting
movement be initiated backwards.
[0039] The advantage of this solution is that the half axes, seen
from above, can be made very wide and thereby offer space for a
fulcrum with a very large diameter. Seen from the side, the
fulcrums can then be dimensioned with a very low profile, so that
they only require a very shallow recess in the shoe sole. Because
of their large surface area, such half axles are pressed onto the
shoe sole in a tilt-resistant manner. The large diameter of the
fulcrum allows the latter to be made of the same material as the
shoe sole itself in one casting mould. As a safeguard against
dropping down of the unloaded half axles of the sole, it is
sufficient, with a semi-flexible sole material at the end of the
half axle, to form a bead, beyond which the half-axle is pushed
onto the fulcrum.
[0040] Of course, all other forms of securing a rotating par on an
axle are also applicable.
[0041] To change over from the driving position into the running
position, it is necessary for the user to make a separate manual
operation for each half axle. A further advantageous embodiment of
the aforementioned variants consists in the fact that the two half
axes in each case have, in the region of their fulcrums, toothing
at their outer edges, which intermesh with one another. These
toothings act as gear wheels, but only within the pivot range of
the half-axles. The advantage of this configuration is that both
half axes can be moved simultaneously with only a single manual
operation. However, care must be taken that, in this configuration,
only one of the two half-axles should have a safeguard against
unintentional pivoting.
[0042] The invention describes another configuration, in which both
rollers are arranged on a rigid axle, which extends through the
shoe sole. For passing the axle through the sole, an opening is
provided in the sole. Seen from the side, the opening has the shape
of a letter "J." A spring pulls the axle into on or other leg of
the J-shaped openings. The short leg of the "J" is dimensioned such
that the lower edge of the rollers is located below the lower edge
of the shoe sole, that is to say, in the skating position. The long
leg of the "J" is dimensioned such that the lower edges of the
rollers are below the lower edge of the shoe soles.
[0043] The advantage of this configuration is the very simple
design of the axle and the simple and robust quick-lifting
mechanism, which is very easy for the user to understand.
[0044] To prevent, as far as possible, the penetration of foreign
objects into the J-shaped opening of the shoe sole, it is proposed
to apply an additional covering on the axle, which covers the
J-shaped opening in both positions and, by virtue of its flexible
design, presses on the side edge of the shoe sole. It should be
possible to fold this cover back for cleaning purposes.
[0045] The invention describes another configuration, which is
effective as a fast-lifting device. In this configuration, the
rollers are fixed firmly and unchangeably on the shoe sole. In the
region of the heel, the shoe sole has an outer surface that rises
towards the back. Below this outer surface, there is arranged an
element that is wedge-shaped seen from the side. The wedge-shaped
element is displaceable in the direction of movement. When the
wedge-shaped element is in its rear position, only the rollers are
in contact with the road. However, when the wedge-shaped element is
displaced into its front position, the rollers are no longer in
contact with the road but only the wedge-shaped element. The effect
of this displacement is that the shoe has a raised heel-element,
with the aid of which the user can execute is customary walking and
running movements unrestricted. In a variant of the above-described
configuration, the invention proposes that both the outer surface
of the shoe sole and the upper surface of the wedge-shaped
adjustment element is provided with a toothing or another regularly
patterned deformation transversely to the direction of movement of
the shoe. This surface formation secures the wedge-shaped
adjustment element against unintentional deformation.
[0046] In a further variant of the above-described configuration,
the wedge-shaped adjustment element is provided with an upwardly
acting spring or with a screw or dovetailed profile of a
correspondingly shaped groove in the upper element, or with a
detachable pressing device against the shoe sole.
[0047] In a further configuration, the invention proposes the
formation of two stable side walls, in the region of the rollers,
on the left and right-hand sides of the shoe. On the side wall, in
each case, a roller carrier is fixed, which is tiltable forwards or
backwards about a horizontal fulcrum. The roller carrier is
triangular. In the three corners are arranged the fulcrums for the
roller carrier, the half-axles for the rollers and the fixing
means. It is proposed to dimension the triangular roller carrier
such that, in the skating position, the fulcrum marks the highest
point of the triangle, that the fixing means is approximately at
the height of the lower edge of the shoe sole and that the
half-axle of the roller is positioned lower than the fulcrum of the
roller carrier--in each case with respect to the lower edge of the
shoe sole. When the fixing means is detached and pivoted downwards,
to the extent that it is again at the level of the lower edge of
the shoe sole, the half-axle of the roller moves upwards.
[0048] The advantages of this configuration are that the side wall
and the roller carrier, can be produced, e.g., of sheet metal in a
very low-profile design. The fast lifting device of this
configuration therefore hardly widens the shoe according to the
invention.
[0049] A further advantage is that the distance of the half axle
from the fulcrum of the roller carrier is very much smaller than
the distance of the fixing means. Forces acting on the half axle 3a
therefore generate on the fixing means forces that are lower in the
inverse ratio of the respective distance from the fulcrum.
Consequently, the fixing means can be dimensioned so as to be
correspondingly weaker.
[0050] An advantageous design is that the fixing means of the left-
and right-hand side can be connected to one another below the shoe
sole, e.g. by means of a steel wire. It is a practical design to
provide, to receive this steel wire in the shoe sole, groove-like
depressions, which are equipped in certain regions with small snap
lugs, which hold the fixing means. In a further subvariant,
additional grooves can be provided along the pivot circle of the
fixing means in order to receive the latter. By this means, it is
possible to active different skating positions of the roller. In
this way, a variable ground clearance can be of advantage, in
particular at the beginning of the training with shoes according to
this subsequent application.
[0051] Another sub-variant of the above-described configuration
with pivotable roller carriers is the connection of the side walls
not to the shoe but below the shoe sole. By this means, it is
possible for both side walls with their connection and the roller
carriers that are pivotable thereon to be removable from the shoe
as a complete assembly.
[0052] In a further variant, it is proposed that the connection is
adjustable in its distance below the shoe, for example by means of
two interlocking tongues. By this means, it is possible to adapt to
different widths of shoes.
[0053] In a further sub-variant, it is proposed that this removable
assembly can be fixed onto the shoe, via one or two eyelets, with
tensioning tapes, which run from the eyelet at one side above the
shoe to the eyelet at the other side. To connect and adjust these
tensioning tapes, all known variants, such as a buckle with holes
in the counterpart, a Velcro fastening or a clamp connection can be
used.
[0054] The advantages of this configuration are that the rollers
are raised in critical regions and that the user can then walk
normally and run, or that they can even be removed completely. By
this means, any desired shoe can be equipped.
[0055] Another configuration according to the invention provides
for a continuous, rigid axle, which bears rollers at its ends. In
this case, the shaft is bent over twice, in each case at right
angles, at the two ends. By this means, the ends of the axle are
designed as a crank. The rollers are mounted and secured on these
ends. The axle is rotatably mounted in a bore that passes
transversely through the shoe sole 4. When the crank points
upwards, the rollers are in the highest position (running
position). When the crank points downwards, the rollers are in the
lowest position (skating position). The advantage of this
configuration is that the axle can be economically produced from
round steel and nevertheless is very stable and can even withstand
peak loads. Likewise it is comparatively simple to receive the axle
in the shoe sole. For the user, the adjustment principle is very
easy to understand. If the length of the crank is dimensioned such
that it extends perpendicularly both in the skating position and in
the running position, extremely load-bearing receptacles are not
necessary for fixing the axle. For fixing, the invention proposes
one or two additional bars, which run along the side of the shoe
and are fixed at one end to the center point of the roller and are
detachably fixed to shoe at the other end. If the distance of the
fixing point from the crank arm in the skating position or in the
running position is designed such that the crank arm extends
perpendicular in both states, it is sufficient if the bar has a
single fixing point on the shoe. The advantage of this
configuration is that only a single fixing mechanism needs to be
provided. Since it must be easily detachable by the user, all known
variants, e.g. a pin with a surrounding bead that engages in a
correspondingly shaped depression in the sole material, or a
hook-shaped securing means, or another known design, can be
used.
[0056] In a further design of the aforementioned configuration, the
invention additionally proposes, in addition to the two
crank-shaped bends at the ends of the axle, a further bend in the
centre of the axle. It is imposed in the interest of optimum ease
of manufacture that this bend should have the form of a loop.
Corresponding to the shape of this additional bend, a recess is to
be provided in the centre of the sole, into which the bend fits. An
advantageous design of this configuration is that one or more
additional snap lugs made of a semi-flexible material of the sole,
which are made of a semi-flexible material and behind which the
bend engages, are formed out of the sole.
[0057] It is to be preferred that, seen from the side, the center
bend is at an angle of 90.degree. to the two crank-shaped bends at
the end of the axle. The advantage of this form of configuration is
that the center bend can fit into recesses on the underside of the
shoe sole and that the bend undergoes a pivot angle of 180.degree.
between these two recesses. A pivot angle of 180.degree. is also
advantageous for the crank-shaped designs at the ends of the axle,
since it corresponds to the path from the running position (raised
wheel with crank pointing vertically upwards) into the skating
position (roller lowered downwards with crank pointing vertically
downwards).
[0058] Another safety-relevant design is achieved in the fact
skating position of the axle is achieved when the centre bend
points backwards against the skating direction. If, during skating,
a bump or foreign body is rolled over, a force will suddenly act on
the crank-shaped bends at the axle ends. By this means, a torque
forms in the centre region of the axle. This torque is received by
the center bend and transferred by the fact that the centre bend is
pressed with an increased contact force into the rearward recess.
If--against the preference of this subsequent application--the
center bend was located in the front recess in the skating
position, then when a foreign body was rolled over with the
resulting torque on the axle, the bend might possibly be detached
from the recess and the rollers would leave their skating position.
The rear region of the shoe sole would lower onto the road. The
user would have great difficulty in intercepting the delaying force
that would suddenly occur. Therefore, the center bend should point
backwards in the skating position.
[0059] The advantages of the above-described configuration include
the fact that, with a manual operation by the user, both rollers
are changes over from the skating position into the running
position, and that the two positions can be very easily safeguarded
by means of snap lugs made of the material of the shoe sole. The
manufacture of the axle from round steel material is also
comparatively simple. The same applies to mounting by means of an
additional block in the heel region of the sole.
[0060] A further improvement of this configuration can be achieve
in that the center bend is subdivided by virtue of the design into
two bends, which are arranged on the edges of the shoe. Thus, a
continuous axle is provided, which is bent threefold at each of its
edges. The first bend fulfils the function of the limit stop for
the skating position and running position, the two other bends form
the crank, to which the rollers are fixed. For those bends that
serve as a limit stop, one fitting recess in each case is formed,
in this configuration, at the edges of the shoe sole. This recess
should also be provided with snap lugs made of the material of the
shoe sole, behind which the bends engage. As with the configuration
with a centre bend on the axle, the two bends for the stop in the
skating position should also point backwards in the skating
position.
[0061] An advantage of these configurations with two edge bends for
the limit stop is that no contaminants and foreign bodies can lodge
in the recesses. For the user of the shoes, the limit-stop bends
are outwardly visible, which greatly assists the intuitively
correct operation of the quick-lifting mechanism.
[0062] A further embodiment according to the invention of the
continuous axle, which is bent in the manner of a crank at both
ends is that differently formed anti-rotation devices are arranged
in the centre of the axle, by means of which the axle can be fixed
in the skating position or in the running position. The invention
also proposes for this a pin that projects laterally from the axle
or a welded-on star, or a laterally projecting flattening of the
axle. To receive these anti-rotation devices, corresponding
counterparts must be arranged around the bore, which runs
transversely through the shoe sole, said counterparts permitting
engagement of the anti-rotation device in two different angular
positions.
[0063] In order that this anti-rotation device can be released by
the user with only one manual operation and fixed back in place
again, the invention proposes that the anti-rotation device only
extends over a very small portion of the continuous axle and is
arranged near to one of the two crank-like bends at the ends of the
axle. To release this anti-rotation device, it is proposed to
displace the axle transversely to the direction of movement until
the anti-rotation device has emerged from its corresponding
counterpart in the shoe sole. The axle can thereby be rotated and
pushed back in the opposite direction until the anti-rotation
device engages in the new angular position. For this, it is
necessary for the distance between the two cranks to be enlarged
until the anti-rotation device has adequate space to move out of
its counterpart.
[0064] For the reliable operation of this configuration, it is
necessary to provide a securing means against lateral displacement
of the axle. A suitable possibility is to arrange a slide along the
side wall of the shoe, which can be pushed in front of the
anti-rotation device such that the anti-rotation device cannot
emerge from its counterpart in the axle. An alternative is a pin
that preferably passes, in the direction of movement of the shoe,
through a bore in the anti-rotation device and thereby prevents the
anti-rotation device from displacing laterally. In dimensioning
this additional securing means, it should be observed that the user
of the shoe according to the subsequent application uses it like
the roller shoe of the prior art for acceleration by steering the
shoe in a direction that deviates somewhat from the main skating
direction and shifts his weight transversely to this direction of
movement. The resulting forces transversely to the main direction
of movement do cause, in the case of roller shoes,--as mentioned
above--a force component directed in the main direction of
movement. These forces, which act on rollers and on their
suspension must also be intercepted in a design in which a lateral
displacement possibility of the axle is provided.
[0065] The invention proposes, as a further alternative of a
quick-lifting device, a configuration in which the two rollers are
rotatably fixed to a wheel carrier that passes through the shoe
sole transversely to the direction of movement. The wheel carrier
fits into a corresponding recess on the underside of the shoe
sole.
[0066] In the simplest design of this configuration, the wheel
carrier takes the form of a cuboid. The cuboid fixture is designed
such that it can be detached from the shoe sole, twisted through
180.degree. and mounted again with the same fixture.
[0067] For guiding the wheel carrier while it is being changed, it
is advantageous to provide, in the centre of the wheel carrier, a
rod, which faces forwards or backwards towards the heel; this rod
is located in a recess on the underside of the shoe sole and, at
its end that is distant from the wheel carrier, is rotatable on the
shoe and is pivotably mounted. Seen from above, the wheel carrier,
including the guide rod, has a T-shaped configuration.
[0068] The change between the skating position and running position
is subdivided into three phases. First the wheel carrier is
detached from a recess and removed from the shoe sole, wherein it
is held by the guide rod. In the second phase, the wheel carrier is
pivoted through 180.degree. about its center point and the formerly
left-hand roller is then located on the right-hand side of the
shoe. In the third phase, the wheel carrier is brought onto the
sole again and latched into the recess on the underside of the
sole.
[0069] The advantages of this configuration are that the continuous
axle can consist of a single piece of round steel and the wheel
carrier, together with the guide rod that is allocated to it can be
formed as a large-area plastic element. It is conceivable to use
the same or a similar material as for the shoe sole, so that the
running properties of the shoe are not influenced by the
quick-lifting device.
[0070] The T-shaped design on the underside of the shoe sole is
very clearly visible for the user of the shoe according to this
subsequent application and can therefore be optically further
emphasized by means of a suitable design, and used as a
distinguishing feature in advertising campaigns.
[0071] In a further configuration according to the invention the
shoes are equipped on both sides with an additional side wall, on
which a rail, arranged in a Z-shape, extends. On the rail there
runs a sliding element, which bears the half axles for the rollers.
The rails are arranged such that the sliding element that is
displaceable thereon can be removed from the rail towards the sole.
When the sliding element is moved in the other direction, it
reaches, as a first characteristic point on the rail, the first
kink of the Z. This point is arranged such that it corresponds to
the skating position of the roller. The weight forces of the user,
which act on the roller during skating, ensure that the roller
moves automatically into this position on the rail. However, an
additional safeguard, e.g. by means of a small snap lug, is
recommended. When the user moves the sliding elements on the
Z-shaped rail, the end point of the/will mark the running position
of the rollers. When the rollers are adjusted in this position,
their lower edge is located above the lower edge of the shoe sole.
An advantage of this configuration is that, for the rollers, the
three operating states of "roller removed," "roller in skating
position," and "roller in running position" are possible.
[0072] Another configuration according to the invention provides
for one side wall in each case, on which a roller carrier is
rotatably mounted, to be arranged on the sides of the shoe. The
fulcrum for these roller carriers extends approximately in the
direction of movement. The roller carrier can be pivoted almost
through 180.degree..
[0073] When the fulcrum for the roller carrier is arranged above
the shoe sole, the relationship between the
height of the pivot axle above the shoe sole, the distance between
the roller centre point and the pivot axle and the diameter of the
wheel must be matched such that the rollers are in the skating
position when the roller carrier is in the lower position and are
in the running position when in the roller carrier is in the upper
position.
[0074] A variant of this configuration is that the additional
sidewalls can be dispensed with. Instead of this, the pivot axle of
each roller carrier is arranged on the side of the shoe soles. The
roller carrier, together with the rollers fixed thereon, can be
pivoted out of this position of the pivot axle beneath the shoe
sole. Preferably, the roller and roller carrier pivot into a
correspondingly formed recess on the underside of the shoe
sole.
[0075] When the roller is arranged on the roller carrier such that,
in the running position (roller or shoe sole pivoted) above the
roller carrier, it is possible to form the other side of the roller
carrier such that it corresponds to the tread surface of a shoe
sole.
[0076] In the skating position, the roller is located with its
entire diameter below the lower edge of the shoe sole; a
comparatively large floor clearance in the skating state is thereby
achieved.
[0077] Another variant of this configuration consists in the fact
that, in the running position, the roller carrier is arranged above
the rollers. The side surfaces of the rollers are then visible from
below. When the distance from the fulcrum to the pivot axle is
smaller than the radius of the roller, the roller projects, in the
running state, laterally beyond the shoe soles. The advantage of
this configuration is that the floor clearance of the rollers can
be fixed during the skating state independently of the diameter of
the rollers.
[0078] In a further configuration, the invention proposes the
longitudinal wheel carriers on the left and right sides of the
shoe, which are connected to one another in the region of the heel.
This creates the configuration of a U-shaped carrier, which
conforms to the outer edges of the sole. The longitudinal wheel
carrier bears one roller in each case on each side. In an
embodiment of this configuration, the longitudinal wheel carriers
are rotatably mounted in the front region of the shoe. The fulcrum
extends parallel to the shoe sole and transversely to the direction
of movement of the shoe. On its rear region, the longitudinal wheel
carrier has a platform with an approximately sickle-shaped outline.
Seen from above, this platform is shaped such that the rear region
of the heel region of the shoe sole can be placed down thereon. To
place it down, it is necessary for the longitudinal wheel carrier
to be slidable forwards in the direction of movement. This state is
the running position of the configuration. For the running position
of the wheel carrier, the wheel carrier must be pushed backwards
with respect to the rest of the shoe; the heel region of the shoe
thereby slips down from the platform at the end of the longitudinal
wheel carrier. The longitudinal wheel carrier can then be raised
and moved somewhat forwards again. Fixing spikes on the front edge
of the platform penetrate somewhat into the wall of the shoe and
ensure that, in this manner, the longitudinal wheel carrier is
fixed vertically in the heel region. So that the fixing spikes do
not slip out of the shoe, a tensioning tape is expedient, which
runs from the left-hand side of the wheel carrier above the shoe to
the right-hand wheel carrier region.
[0079] Instead of the fixing spikes, a pin or hook can be provided,
which engages in a corresponding counterpart in the shoe. The
counterpart is to be arranged on the shoe at such a height that,
when the wheel carrier is raised, the running position of the shoe
is achieved.
[0080] In a further development of this configuration, it is
proposed that the left-hand and right-hand sides of the wheel
carrier are connected together in the front shoe region beneath the
shoe by means of a metal plate. The metal plate is displaceable
forwards or backwards beneath the shoe; furthermore, it is
possible, by virtue of the large distance between the metal plate
and heel region, without impairing the running property, for the
wheel carrier to be pivoted somewhat about the metal plate as a
fulcrum.
[0081] In this configuration, a removable unit is possible, which
has a very simple quick-lifting device, which can be intuitively
understood by the user. In a further development of this
configuration, it is proposed that the left-hand and right-hand
sides of the wheel carrier are connected together at the rear
region by means of two intermediate pieces which are arranged in an
articulated manner. In the interests of optimum stability of the
unit, the pivot axles for these additional intermediate pieces
should run perpendicular to the surface of the shoe sole. The two
most important advantages of these articulated intermediate pieces
are adaptation to different shoe sizes and shoe forms and folding
up of the unit when it is not in use.
[0082] A major advantage of this configuration is that an
additional assembly is provided, which can be mounted on any shoes
and matched to their dimensions. The platform in the rear region
acts as a quick-lifting device. Furthermore, the entire unit can be
rapidly removed from the shoe. It counts as another advantage that
the unit is clearly recognizable from the outside as an additional
element. The outer surfaces are available from forming fashionable
styling. In particular, the front region of the longitudinal wheel
carrier can be given a variety of styles.
[0083] Another, highly varied group of quick-lifting devices
results from the different embodiments of the configuration of a
wheel carrier, which is located, transversely to the direction of
movement of the shoe, in a recess in the shoe sole. When the wheel
carrier is guided vertically in this recess by means of a
guide--e.g. tongue and groove--different variants are possible for
vertical adjustment.
[0084] In one embodiment, a screw, arranged perpendicular to the
surface of the shoe sole, is rotatably disposed above the wheel
carrier and within the recess. An internal thread in the wheel
carrier fits this screw. Turning the screw moves the wheel carrier
upwards and downwards. Here, it is to be noted that the screw has a
comparatively large diameter if it is to be actuatable without a
tool.
[0085] A further embodiment of this configuration is an air
cushion, which is arranged between the wheel carrier and recess.
When the air cushion is inflated, it becomes effective as a
quick-lifting device, which moves the wheel carrier downwards
towards the outer surface of the shoe sole and thereby changes over
the roller from the running position into the skating position. In
a sub-variant of this design, the invention proposes the
integration of an air pump, which can be actuated externally by
means of a pin in the heel region. An outwardly accessible outlet
valve serves four releasing the air within the air cushion.
[0086] In a further subvariant of the configuration of a wheel
carrier in a recess in the shoe sole, it is proposed that a wedge
is inserted between the wheel carrier and recess. To this end, the
wedge must move parallel to the outer surface of the sole. As a
movement mechanism for the wedge, for example, a screw with a
corresponding internal thread in the shoe sole is conceivable.
Another variant is that the wedge has snap fastenings, by analogy
with the displaceable element beneath the heel region of the shoe,
which is also presented here. By means of these snap fastenings,
the wedge can be fixed in two different positions.
[0087] Another variant consists in the fact that spacer pieces
slide between the wheel carrier and recesses and can be folded out
or rotated out of the wheel carrier.
[0088] For all the above-described configurations, the invention
proposes, as an additional option, the formation of beads before
and/or behind the rollers. These beads are designed such that their
outer surface runs in the vicinity of the rollers flush with the
outer surface of the rollers and, with increasing distance from the
roller approaches ever close to the outer surface of the shoe and
finally merges into the outer surface of the shoe. These beads
perform the function of a wheel deflector and prevent the outwardly
projecting rollers from ensnaring with the roller of the adjacent
other shoe during use. Smaller objects that are located on the
roadway are pushed aside by these beads and cannot be jammed
between the roller and shoe.
[0089] Another configuration of the shoe according to the invention
is the fixing of rollers on one of two receptacle devices, the
first receptacle device being arranged such that the roller fixed
thereon is in the skating position, that is to say that the lower
edge of the roller 2 is below the lower edge of the shoe sole
4.
[0090] The second receptacle device is arranged such that the
roller fixed thereon is in the running position; thus the lower
edge of the roller 2 is below the underside of the shoe sole.
[0091] This second receptacle device can be arranged at any desired
point on the outside of the shoe. That is to say on the side in the
vicinity of that receptacle that is used for the skating position.
Or in the front region, elsewhere on the sides or in the rear
region close to the heel. When the shoe is equipped with two
rollers, the respective receptacle devices for the running position
can, for example, both be arranged on one side, preferably on the
outside of the shoe so as not to collide with the other shoe. Or
one receptacle is positioned on the toe and the other on the heel.
Or both receptacles are arranged one above the other on the
heel.
[0092] The receptacle device can also be integrated in the
underside of the shoe sole. To this end, a corresponding recess, in
which the roller fits, must be provided in the shoe sole. The
advantage of this position is that the rollers are not outwardly
visible in the running position. In order that the recesses do not
become dirty, they can be closed with a removable cover. As
safeguard against loss, the cover should be provided with a
flexible tape on the shoe sole or fold open against spring
pressure.
[0093] When the rollers are in the skating position, the recess
must be able to withstand the forces during skating and transfer
them to the shoe. When the rollers are in the running position, the
recess must only be able to bear the inherent weight of the rollers
themselves.
[0094] The simplest form of the recess is an internal thread in the
shoe sole or in the shoe, in which a screw fits as counterpart. An
advantageous embodiment is the (loss-proof) fastening of the screw
on the roller. For rapid and tool-free exchange, the invention
prefers that the actuating elements on the head of the
screw--similar to a wing nut--have sufficiently large actuating
surfaces on a greatest possible diameter.
[0095] As an improved form of receptacle, the invention prefers a
bayonet fitting instead of the screw. The bayonet fitting acts like
a screw, but with a different pitch. When the bayonet fitting is in
the end position, the pitch is reduced to zero at first and is then
negative for a short distance.
[0096] By this means, the risk of unintentional release is
reduced.
[0097] A further alternative is a lever that is articulated to the
receptacle device and can be folded out transversely to the fulcrum
of the roller. When extended, the lever fits through the opening of
the roller. After folding out, a tensioning spring presses the
lever onto the roller and thereby keeps it in this position. The
articulation point of the tensioning spring can only be removed
from the rotation point of the lever to the extent permitted by the
size of the opening in the roller. The lever itself, however, is
longer. By this means, the actuating force for unlocking is
reduced.
[0098] Further details and features of the invention are explained
below in greater detail with reference to examples. The illustrated
examples are not intended to restrict the invention, but only to
explain it. In schematic view:
[0099] FIG. 1 shows a shoe with two rollers in the heel region
[0100] FIG. 2 shows a shoe with three rollers in the heel
region
[0101] FIG. 3 shows a shoe with inclined rollers
[0102] FIG. 4 shows a section through a shoe with inclined
half-axles that can be rotated away backwards
[0103] FIG. 5 shows a view of a shoe from below with half-axles
that can be intermeshed with one another and can be rotated away
backwards
[0104] FIG. 6 shows a section through a shoe sole with a J-shaped
opening for guiding a continuous axle
[0105] FIG. 7 shows a section through a shoe with a fixed roller
and a displaceable wedge-shaped heel-element
[0106] FIG. 8 shows an additional side wall with a triangular
roller carrier which can be fixed thereon and is pivotable in the
direction of movement
[0107] FIG. 9 shows a shoe with an additional sidewall and roller
carriers that are pivotable laterally
[0108] FIG. 10 shows a shoe sole with a bent axle and rods for
fixing thereof
[0109] FIG. 11 shows a shoe sole with an axle that is bent at both
ends and additionally in the centre
[0110] FIG. 12 shows a shoe sole with an axle that is passed
through transversely and is bent three times at both ends
[0111] FIG. 13 shows a shoe sole with axle carriers that can be
removed, rotated through 180.degree. and reinserted
[0112] FIG. 14 shows a shoe with additional side walls and a
Z-shaped groove in which a sliding element with rollers fixed
thereon can be moved
[0113] FIG. 15 shows longitudinal wheel carriers as a separate
assembly with two rollers that can be strapped beneath normal
shoes
[0114] FIG. 1 shows the shoe 1 according to the invention with the
rollers 2a and 2b, which are fixed on a continuous axle 3a in the
heel region 5 of the shoe sole 4. The special feature is that the
axle 3a is inserted through a bore in the heel region 5 of the shoe
sole 4. The heel region 5 extends approximately over the first
third of the shoe sole 4; contiguous therewith is the center region
6, which is provided with a grind plate 8. The grind plate 8 in the
center region 6 permits a skidding movement on hard edges or pipes.
Acrobatics of this kind are known from the skateboard scene.
Between the shoe sole 5 and the rollers, locking nuts 9 are screwed
onto the axle stubs 3a and 3b. The diameter of the rollers 2a and
2b in the heel region 5 of the shoe 1 is dimensioned such that the
front surface of the sole 7 has direct ground contact with the
sub-surface. The carrier of the shoe according to the invention
thus stands firmly on the ground, when it loads both the heel
region 5 as well as the front sole region 7. After a short run-up
phase, in which predominantly the front region 7 of the sole is
used, the weight is shifted onto the heel region 5. With the
lifting of the front sole region 7 from the subsurface and the
simultaneous balancing out, the running movement changes into a
skating movement.
[0115] FIG. 2 shows the shoe according to the invention in a
further embodiment from below. In addition to the two rollers 2a
and 2b mounted in the heel region, a third roller 2c is fixed on
axle 3c, on the outer edge of the heel region in the direction of
the shoe toe. The requirements on the balancing of the wearer of
the shoe according to the invention are, in this embodiment,
somewhat smaller than when the shoe only has two opposing rollers.
The support of the third roller 2c can of course also be achieved
with the mounting of only two rollers 2a and 2b, in that the two
rollers 2a and 2b are arranged offset with respect to one another.
It would of course also be conceivable for the axle 2a, which
terminates blind in the shoe sole 5, and serves for bearing the
roller 2a, to be offset in the direction of the foot toe in
comparison to axle 3b, which bears roller 2b.
[0116] FIG. 3 shows a further alternative embodiment of the roller
shoe according to the invention. In this case, the axles 3a and 3b
for bearing the two rollers 2a and 2b are inset, with an
inclination in the heel region of the shoe sole 5. In the
illustrated example, the axle sections 3a and 3b are screwed into
the screw thread provided for this purpose in the shoe sole.
Between the shoe sole 5 and the rollers, locking nuts 9 are screwed
onto the axle stubs 3a and 3b. In the illustrated example, the
rollers 2a and 2b are secured by means of a pluggable securing
means 10. By virtue of the inclination of the axles 3a and 3b, the
track becomes wider. This is advantageously associated with a
better road holding and a stable footing. Because of the rounded
form of the rollers 2a and 2b, the shoes, in the shown embodiment,
are also suitable for lateral loading. It is also conceivable to
use the shoes for acrobatic demonstrations, in which the wearer of
the shoes spins with an extended leg around a hand that is in
contact with the ground.
[0117] FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section through a shoe in the
vicinity of the center line.
[0118] It shows the half axle 3a, with the roller 2 and securing
nut 10 arranged thereon, and which can be rotated away backwards
towards the heel region.
[0119] The fulcrum 11 for the half axle 3a is shown, which is
slightly forward inclined and deviates slightly from the vertical.
The drawing makes clear that, by rotation around the slightly
forward inclined axle 11, the roller is changed over from the
skating position (not drawn here) into the running position--which
is shown here--in which the lower edge of the roller 2 is located
above the lower edge of the shoe sole 4.
[0120] FIG. 5 shows the shoe, shown in longitudinal section in FIG.
1, from below, but in distinction to FIG. 3, not with the rollers
in the running position but in the skating position. Both half axes
3a and 3b are pivoted around the fulcrums 11a and 11b on the front
limit stops 34a and 34b and are thereby in the running position. In
FIG. 5, the rear limit stops 12a and 12b in the heel region 5 can
be seen. In the variant drawn, the half axes 3a and 3b have, on the
outer edges, in the region of the fulcrums 11a and 11b, toothings
13, which intermesh with one another. The drawing makes clear that,
with a movement of one half axle, the other half axle is also
driven via the toothing, and thereby rotates further.
[0121] FIG. 6 shows a section through the shoe sole in the
direction of movement. Specifically, in the region of the J-shaped
opening 14, which extends transversely to the movement direction.
The continuous, rigid axle 3c is displaceable within the
slot-shaped opening. FIG. 6 shows, with continuous lines, the
section through the axle 3c in that position in which the shorter
leg of the "J" is present. The shorter leg of the "J" is matched to
the diameter of the roller 2 such that, when the limit stop is
reached within the short leg, the rollers 2a and 2b are in the
skating position. It is illustrated how the tension springs 15
ensure that the axle 3c is pressed against the limit stop of the
J-shaped slot. The broken line shows the running position of the
rollers 2a and 2b. In this position, the continuous axle is located
in the other leg of the "J". There, it is held fast by the
tensioning spring 15. It can be seen that, in this position of the
rollers, their lower edge is located above the lower edge of the
shoe sole 4.
[0122] FIG. 7 shows the longitudinal section through a shoe with
rollers 2 installed firmly on a rigid axle. In the region of the
heel 5, it can be seen that the heel-element consists of two
elements bearing against one another, of which the lower element 16
can be displaced in the longitudinal direction of the shoe. In FIG.
7, the lower element 16 is drawn in its front position 16. FIG. 7
makes clear that the lower element 16, by longitudinal displacement
in the travel direction, together with the inclined interface 18,
ensures that the lower edge is lowered, specifically to the lower
edge of the fixed mounted rollers 2. By this means, the roller is
deactivated and changed over from the skating position into the
running position. In position 16 (the running position of the
shoe), the lower element 16 of the heel-element is shown with a
continuous line. The lower element 16 can be seen in the position
in which it is pushed to the rear end of the shoe, completely
against the travel direction. In this position, the lower edge of
the element 16 is higher than the lower edge of the rollers. The
rollers 2 are brought into the skating position by the displacement
of the lower element 16, that is to say even without displacing the
roller itself. In FIG. 7, it is shown that the interface 18 has a
toothed surface. The toothing serves for fixing the lower element
16 against unintentional displacement. Likewise, a loop is drawn
here at the end of the element 16, with the aid of which the
element can be displaced in the travel direction.
[0123] FIG. 8 shows, in side view, an additional side wall 19,
which is screwed onto the side of the shoe. Of the shoe, only the
sole 4 is shown here. The roller carrier 20 is arranged on the side
wall 19. In FIG. 8, the triangular form of the roller carrier 20
can be seen. It is thus pivotable forward or backward about the
fulcrum 22, which runs transversely to the direction of travel. At
the other two points of the triangle, there are arranged the half
axle 3a for the roller 2a and the fixing means 21, with the aid of
which the roller carrier is fixed in a recess in the lower edge of
the sole 4. FIG. 8 shows, with a continuous line, that position of
the roller carrier 20 in which the roller 2 is located in the
running position (dotted line), that is to say its lower edge is
located above the lower edge of the shoe sole 4. When the fixing
means 21 is detached, the roller carrier 20 is pivoted about the
axle 22 and the fixing has achieved position 21', the half axle 3a,
and thereby also the roller 2a, are lowered and changed over to the
skating position 2a'.
[0124] In FIG. 8, two eyelets are drawn on the additional side wall
19, through which a tensioning tape 23 can be guided. In the
embodiment as a removable assembly, in which the side wall 19 is
not mounted firmly on the shoe 4 but is connected beneath the shoe
sole with the side wall on the other side of the shoe, the
tensioning ban serves for (detachable) fixing of the assembly below
a normal shoe.
[0125] FIG. 9 shows, in three-dimensional representation, the view
of the rear portion of a shoe, with the sole 4 and the heel region
5. On the side of this shoe, there is fixed an additional side wall
19. At the upper end of this side wall, a fulcrum 22 is arranged,
which points in the travel direction of the shoe. A roller carrier
33 is pivotable about this fulcrum. The roller carrier 33 bears the
half axle 2 and that bears the roller 2a. In the view shown in FIG.
9, the roller carrier 33 is in the lower position, that is to say
in the skating position of the roller. The view shown in FIG. 9
makes it understandable that the rollers 2 can be pivoted upwards
by folding up the roller carrier 33, and thereby changed over to
the running position of the shoe.
[0126] FIG. 10 shows the sole 4 of a shoe, specifically the heel
region 5. A continuous axle 3c is illustrated, specifically in the
variant with one crank-shaped bend 24 in each case at both ends of
the axle 3c. FIG. 10 shows the running position of the rollers 2a
and 2b. In this position, the crank-shaped bends 24 point upwards.
Also illustrated in FIG. 10 are the rods 25, which extend from the
centre point of the rollers to the heel region 5 of the shoe sole
4. There, the rods 25 are fixed with one pin in each case. FIG. 10
makes it clear that, with the axle in the skating position, that is
to say with the crank-shaped bend 24 facing downwards, the rod 25
can also be used for fixing, and that with the securing of the shoe
sole 4 at the same position as for the running position.
[0127] FIG. 11 shows the view of the underside of a shoe,
specifically the shoe in this representation is rotated through
180.degree. with respect to the normal position during use
(standing on its head). The continuous axle 3c has at both ends, in
each case one crank-shaped bend 24 and, additionally, a further
bend 26 in the center. This bend 26 fits into the trough-like
recess 27 in the center of the sole 4. In FIG. 11a, the recess 28
points forward in the direction of travel of the shoe. However, the
recess 27 additionally offers an equally sized space that points
backwards towards the heel. This space is tailored to the fact that
the bend 26 is accommodated therein when the axle 3c is pivoted
through 180.degree.. FIG. 11a illustrates the skating position;
FIG. 11b, the running position, which results by pivoting the axle
3c through 180.degree..
[0128] FIG. 12 shows, in distinction to FIG. 11, the sole 4 with
its heel region 5 such that the shoe would have to be represented
from above, that is to say in the user position. For the sake of
clarity, however, this upper portion of the shoe is missing, but
only the sole 4 is shown. Transversely through the sole, there
passes axle 3c, which is bent three times at both ends. It can be
seen that the internal bends 26 engage in each case in a recess 27
on the lower edge of the sole 4, bend 26 is followed by bends 24.
The bends 24 point upwards in the illustration. That means that the
rollers 2a are in the running position, that is to say raised from
the road to the height.
[0129] FIG. 13 shows the top view of the rear region 5 of the shoe
sole 4. Here, too, without the upper part of the shoe that is built
thereon. The illustration shows an axle carrier 3d, which extends
through the sole transversely to the direction of movement. In the
lower drawing of FIG. 13, it is illustrated that the axle carrier
3d has been removed from the shoe sole, rotated through 180.degree.
and inserted again. In this position, the rollers are in the
running position. When the axle carrier 3d is in the running
position, there is a hollow space on both sides of the shoe. This
hollow space is filled by the axle carrier 3d when it is inserted
into the shoe sole 4 in the running position.
[0130] FIG. 14 shows the general view of a shoe in
three-dimensional representation. It can be seen that additional
side walls 31 are arranged on both sides of the shoe. There is a
Z-shaped groove in these side walls. In the Z-shaped groove, there
runs a sliding element 32, which bears the half axles 3a and 3b and
the rollers 2a and 2b. In FIG. 14, it can be seen that the Z-shaped
groove is open towards the lower edge of the sole 4. The sliding
element 32 can be removed from the groove through this opening.
[0131] In FIG. 14, the sliding element 32 is drawn within the
Z-shaped groove, in the running position for roller 2a. In this
position, it is in the first kink of the Z-shaped groove. This
point is position on the shoe with respect to the diameter of
roller 2 such that the lower edge of the roller 2 is arranged above
the lower edge of the shoe sole 4. The skating position is also
drawn. In the skating position, the sliding elements 32 are at the
end of the Z-shaped slot. This end point is arranged so deep in the
shoe that the lower edge of the rollers 2 is located below the
lower edge of the sole 4.
[0132] FIG. 15 shows, in a three-dimensional view, a longitudinal
wheel carrier 35, specifically in the variant as a completely
removable assembly. A left-hand and a right-hand longitudinal wheel
carrier 35 are shown. The longitudinal wheel carrier 35 receives
the rollers 2a and 2b. The left-hand and right-hand wheel carriers
are connected together by means of the metal strip 36. Shown here
in the width-adjustable version, that is to say the metal strip 36
consists of two parts that can be slid one inside the other, with a
tongue and groove serving for fixing transversely to the sliding
direction. At the heel end, the intermediate pieces can be seen, on
which, in each case, a platform 36 is arranged horizontally on the
inside. The platform 36 serves to receive the heel-element of a
normal shoe. At the front edge of the platforms 36 are located
spikes 37. An additional tensioning tape 23, which connects the
front regions of the two longitudinal carriers to one another, is
not illustrated.
[0133] The small platform 36 has an important function for the
running position of this arrangement. When the accessory is in the
running position, the rear edge of the heel region 5 of the shoe
sole 4 is set up on the platform 36. The sole of the shoe must be
strong enough at the rear edge of the heel-element that this region
ensures correct tread. In this position, the shoe with its heel is
lifted from the running surfaces. Only the two rollers are in
contact with the running surface, e.g. pavement, road or
carriageway. In the front region of the shoe, the connecting metal
strip 36 is so low profiled that the surrounding regions of the
sole of a sports shoe can still be lowered onto the roadway.
[0134] If the longitudinal wheel carrier is no longer in the
skating position, it can either be demounted from the shoe or
remain on the shoe in a position in which the heel-side region is
somewhat raised. The fixing mandrels 37 engage in the heel-side
rear wall of the shoe. The entire arrangement of the longitudinal
wheel carrier is secured against falling down by a tensioning tape
23, which runs over the shoe at the front. It presses the fixing
spikes 37 a little way into the shoe. In this manner, the user can
leave the longitudinal wheel carrier on the shoe even in the
running position.
[0135] In FIGS. 16a to 16c, the wall of the shoe 1 is shown in each
case in cross-section. Also shown in cross-section is a roller 2
with a deep-groove ball bearing. The receptacle device 43 is shown
in three variants, always in side view.
[0136] FIG. 16a shows a screw thread 46 as receptacle device 43. In
the side view, the counterpart 45, a screw, is shown. It is shown
with very large wings as a manual actuating element and a countemut
for clamping the ball bearing.
[0137] FIG. 16b shows a bayonet 47 as a receptacle device 43. In
the boring of shoe 1, the screw-shaped guide of the bayonet 47 can
be seen, in which the guide pin of the counterpart 45 moves.
Otherwise, this variant is the same as FIG. 16a.
[0138] FIG. 16c shows the variant with a lever 48, which can be
folded down. The lever 48 is pressed by a tensioning spring on the
bearing of the roller 2. The large size of the receptacle device 43
in this variant can be seen. The receptacle device projects beyond
the face of the wall of shoe 1.
[0139] It should be noted that FIGS. 16a to 16c also apply if the
portion designed shoe 1 also represents the shoe sole 4.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0140] 1 Shoe [0141] 2a, 2b Rollers, large [0142] 2a' Roller,
lowered into skating position [0143] 2c Rollers, small [0144] 3
Axles (collective term for axles 3a-3c) [0145] 3a,3b
Blind-terminating axles or half-axles [0146] 3c Continuous, rigid
axle [0147] 3d Wheel carrier for rollers [0148] 4 Shoe sole [0149]
5' Heel region of the shoe sole [0150] 6 Center region of the shoe
sole [0151] 7 Front region of the shoe sole [0152] 8 Grind plate in
the center region of the shoe sole [0153] 9 Locking nut [0154] 10
Securing nut or securing plug connection [0155] 11 Tilted fulcrum
for half-axles 3a, b [0156] 12 Rear limit stop for half axles 3a, b
[0157] 1'3 Toothing [0158] 14 J-shaped opening transversely through
the shoe sole 4 [0159] 15: Lifting spring for continuous axle 3c
[0160] 16 Lower element of the heel element with adjustment ramp
[0161] 17 Pressure spring for adjustment heel-element 16 [0162] 18
Inclined upper surface of the adjustment heel element [0163] 19
Additional side wall in the heel region [0164] 20 Foldable roller
carrier [0165] 20' Foldable roller carrier in skating position
[0166] 21 Fixing element for foldable roller carrier [0167] 21'.
Fixing for foldable roller carrier in travel position, that is to
say lowered roller 2a [0168] 22 Fulcrum for foldable roller carrier
[0169] 23 Tensioning tape for fastening the side walls 19 in the
version as removable accessory assembly [0170] 24 Crank-shaped bend
of the axle 3c [0171] 25 Rods for fixing the angular position of
the bends 24 [0172] 26' Additional bend in the region of the axle
3c [0173] 27 Recess in the sole 4 as receptacle and as limit stop
for additional bends in the axle 3c [0174] 28 Flexible snap lug in
recess 27, matched to bend 26 [0175] 29 Anti-rotation device for
axle 3c [0176] 30 Recess in shoe sole 4, suitable for wheel carrier
3d [0177] 31 Side wall with Z-shaped rail [0178] 32 Sliding
elements, movable on the rail in the side wall 31 [0179] 33 Roller
carrier, laterally unfoldable [0180] 34a, 34b Front limit stop for
half axles 3a, 3b [0181] 35 Longitudinal wheel carrier [0182] 36
Platform at the heel end of the longitudinal wheel carrier 35
[0183] 37 Fixing spikes at the front edge of platform 36 [0184] 38
Hook on heel of shoe 1 to receive the counterpart of the
longitudinal wheel carrier 35 [0185] 39 Air cushion [0186] 40 Air
pump for air cushion 39 [0187] 41 Valve for air cushion 39 [0188]
42 Spacer pieces, folding out from wheel carrier 3d [0189] 43
Receptacle device [0190] 44 Recess on the underside of shoe sole
for roller 2 [0191] 45 Counterpart for receptacle device 43 [0192]
46 Screw thread on the receptacle device 43 [0193] 47 Bayonet
connection on the receptacle device 43 [0194] 48 Lever on the
receptacle device 43
* * * * *