CA1179697A - Roller skate attachment - Google Patents
Roller skate attachmentInfo
- Publication number
- CA1179697A CA1179697A CA000363552A CA363552A CA1179697A CA 1179697 A CA1179697 A CA 1179697A CA 000363552 A CA000363552 A CA 000363552A CA 363552 A CA363552 A CA 363552A CA 1179697 A CA1179697 A CA 1179697A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- secured
- frame
- base
- wheels
- brake
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C17/00—Roller skates; Skate-boards
- A63C17/14—Roller skates; Skate-boards with brakes, e.g. toe stoppers, freewheel roller clutches
- A63C17/1445—Roller skates; Skate-boards with brakes, e.g. toe stoppers, freewheel roller clutches contacting the ground and one or more of the wheels
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C1/00—Skates
- A63C1/02—Skates rigidly mounted on the sole of the boot
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An improved brake system for roller skates, The system comprises an elongated frame to which is secured a brake pad in the vicinity of one end of the frame. A friction stopper is also secured to the frame at the other end of the frame. The frame is secured to the base to pivot about a transverse, horizontal axis in the vicinity of one pair of wheels. The frame is of a construction and positioned so that application of pressure to the friction stopper will cause the brake pad to bear against the roller surface of one of the wheels of that pair, achieving braking action. The brake system may be incorporated into a roller skate device designed to be attached to ordinary foot wear such as a shoe or boot. In such a device, a forward toe securing means is provided on the forward part of the base, and a heel securing means is provided at the rear of the base.
The heel securing means preferably comprises a post or similar structure upwardly extending from the surface of the base towards its rear portion, the post to be secured within a corresponding cavity in the heel portion of the sole of the shoe or boot. The shoe or boot therefore need not be noticably altered or disfigured to adapt it to connect to such a roller skate device.
An improved brake system for roller skates, The system comprises an elongated frame to which is secured a brake pad in the vicinity of one end of the frame. A friction stopper is also secured to the frame at the other end of the frame. The frame is secured to the base to pivot about a transverse, horizontal axis in the vicinity of one pair of wheels. The frame is of a construction and positioned so that application of pressure to the friction stopper will cause the brake pad to bear against the roller surface of one of the wheels of that pair, achieving braking action. The brake system may be incorporated into a roller skate device designed to be attached to ordinary foot wear such as a shoe or boot. In such a device, a forward toe securing means is provided on the forward part of the base, and a heel securing means is provided at the rear of the base.
The heel securing means preferably comprises a post or similar structure upwardly extending from the surface of the base towards its rear portion, the post to be secured within a corresponding cavity in the heel portion of the sole of the shoe or boot. The shoe or boot therefore need not be noticably altered or disfigured to adapt it to connect to such a roller skate device.
Description
~ ~9G97 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a brake system for roller skates and as well to a roller skate device, including such a brake system, which device ~ay be secured to the bottoms of ordinary shoes and boots which have been altered in a minor, almost unnoticable manner to receive such device.
A roller skate which can be secured to ordinary shoes or boots, with little or no visible alteration of such shoe or boot, and which could be used as a means of transportation, instead of strictly as an amusement or leisure time device, would be useful and find a large marketplace. Heretofore, roller skates have been regarded mainly as devices for leisure time activity because they are not readily controllable, particularly with respect to stopping action, and thus do not readily lend themselves to sidewalk situatlons and e.g. busy downtown streets. As well, roller skates as presently sold are an entire unit including wheels, base and shoe portion.
Thus, an entire change of footwear is required when one goes roller skating and when one terminates such activity.
Prior art proposaLs for brakes for roller skates lnclude a toe friction brake, sLmilar to that which i3 widely practiced upon roller skates sold today, in U.S. Patent No. 2,356,736 of Blaes dated August 29, 1944, and a wheel-type brake mechanism described in Segal U.S. Patent No. 2,139,699 dated December 13, 1938. In this latter reference, a series of lever mechanisms, activated by sideways pressure on a lever arm, causes brake shoes to bear against the ~.~79~7 surEaces of the rear wheels of the roller skateq Other patents of general background interest describing brake mechanlsms for roller skates and the like are U.S. Patent ~o. 2,179,592 of ~oettie dated November 14, 1939; U.S. Patent No. 2,289,077 of Sanda dated July 7, 1942 and French Patent No. 1,104,~l13 of Huet dated June 15, 1953.
Proposals for shoes or boots which accept wheels or skate blades include that contained in Mansfield U.S. Patent No. 2,244,719 dated June 10, 1941, wherein visible metal clips are provided in the heel and toe portions of the sole of a boot, providing horizontal slots adapted to receive the mechanically insertable tongues of a securing mechanism located at the top of skate blades. Canadian Patent No. 1,078,886 of Wang issued June 3, 1980 describes a specially adapted sole having an elongated slot which receives an elongated, bar-like insert to which are attached roller skate or, in one embodiment, an ice skating blade. The sole of the shoe is modified to receive a special mechanical retaining pin for the bar-like insert. Both of these proposals require a specially man-ufactured shoe or boot to which the wheel or blade attachment is to be secured. Barnett et al U.S. Patent No. 2,868,555 dated January 13, 1959 descrlbes a releasable ski binding for boots comprising a cup 6ecured to a base to receive the toe portlon of the boot, a heel release bindlng mechanlsm and an ankle strap, all actlng in com-bination to secure the boot on the ski.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an original, practical brake mechanism for roller skates which will give to the skates increased manoeuvrability because of increased ability to achieve braking action. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a roller skate device which may be attached to regular shoes and boots with an minimum of alteration thereof and which, when used in conjunction with the brake mechanism of the present invention, provides a practical means of travel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
-According to the present Lnvention, a brake mechanlsm for - the wheels of roller skates is provided. The mechanism has an elongated frame to which is secured a brake pad in the vicinity of one end. A friction stopper is also secured to the frame at its other end. The frame is secured to the base to pivot between idle and active positions about a transverse, horizontal axis in the vicinity of one pair of wheels, the brake pad in idle position spaced opposite the roller surface of one of the wheels of that pair, biasing means acting on the frame to maintain it normally in idle position. The frame is of a construction and positioned so that application of pressure to the friction stopper will cause the frame to pivot against the urging of the biasing means and the brake pad to bear against the roller surface the correspondlng whee] achLeving braking action.
In ~ccordance with the present invention, this brake system may be incorporated in attachment for regular shoes and boots, which attachment comprises a forward toe securing means which is provided on the forwara part of the base, and a heel securing means provided at the rear of the base. The heel securing means preferably ~79697 comprises a post or similar structure upwardly extending from the surface of the base towards its rear portion, the post to be secured within a corresponding cavity in the heel portion of the sole of the shoe or boot. The shoe or boot there~ore need not be noticably altered or disfigured to adapt it to connect to such a roller skate device. In a preferred embodiment, the heel securing means comprises a post vertically extending through a central portion of the rearward part of the base and threadably secured to the base for upward and downward movement upon rotation of the post. A lever arm is secured to the post below the base to permit rotation of the post. A bar is secured diametrically across the upper end of the postj with the ends of the bar extending beyond the sides of the post. The bar extends into a notched, hollowed cavity in the rear sole of the boot or shoe and is pivoted into secured position within such cavity to secure the rear of the shoe or boot to the base of the roller skate.
of the base and threadably secured to the base for upward and downward movement upon rotation of the post. A lever ar~ is secured to the post below the base to permit rotation of the post. A bar is secured dlametrlcally across and to the upper end of the post, with the ends of the bar extending beyond the sides of the post. The bar extends into a notched, hollowed cavity in the rear sole of the boot or shoe and is pivoted into secured position within such cavity to secure the rear of the shoe or boot to the base of the roller skate.
The brake mechanism according to the present invention enables the combination of the toe and brake shoe type of brakes in one system, thereby providing a simple and effective means to stop ~7~
roller skates. The combined brake mechanism and roller skate attachment aceording to the present invention provides a roller skate which can be used with ordinary shoes or boots and on very busy streets and sidewalks. The shoe or boot to which the attachment is made is not disfigured or altered in any apparent or vis.-Lble way, other than a small hole in the bottom of the sole of the shoe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is partially exploded view, in perspective, of a roller skate device and brake mechanism accordlng to the present invention;
Figures 2A and 2B are side views of the shoe or boot heel attachment meehanism of the roller skate device arcording to the present invention; and Figures 3A and 3B are partial side v:Lews of the front portion of a roller skate devire according to the present invention illustrating the operation of the brake merhani.sm according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCR~PTION OF T~IE DRAWI~GS
In the drawings similar features have been given similar reference numeralsO
Turning to Figure 1, there is shown in partially exploded fashion, a roller skate attachment 2 according to the present invention having front wheel merhanism 4 and rear wheel mer.hanism 6 which are attached to base 8. The wheel mechanisms comprise wheels 10 rotating about axles 11. Each mechanism is provided with resilient shock absorbers 12 and is secured to base 8 by means of rear support mount 14 and front support mount 16 which are secured within rear inserts 18 and front inserts 20. As can be seen in Figures 1, 2A and 2B, the rear heel of the sole of a shoe or boot to be secured to base 8 is secured by means of post 22, at the top of which is secured diametrically bar 24. Post 22 is threadably engaged within base 8 for upward and downward movement therein. As can be seen in Figures 2A and 2B, a 501e cavity 28 is provided in the heel portion of the sole of shoe 29. Both the post 22 and cavity 28 may be of a significantly smaller diameter than that as illustrated, as long as the si~e of the post is sufficient to secùre the heel to the base. If the heel portion requires it for purposes of rigidity, a metal base plate 30, against which bar 24 rests when in secured position (Figure 2B) may be provided. An appropriate notch 32, wide enough to receive the ends of bar 24, is provide~l in sole cavity 28 for insertion of bar 24.
Instead of the cavity 28 being formed in the actual 'heel portion of the sole of the shoe or boot, it may be formecl Ln a plug 33 of suitable material whic,h plug is fitted into a corresponding space formed in the sole. Piece 33 for manufacturing purposes might be made 5/8" in diameter and post 22, 1/4". As such modification to the shoe sole might only require a 5/8" hole drilled in the bottom of the sole to a depth of about 1/2"~ plug 33 being glued inside. It will be understood that the regular sole of a shoe or boot may thus ~.~7~
be readily transformed to receive a roller skate a~tachment according to the present invention. The sole, thus modified, is of almost normal appearance.
As lever 36 is turned (Figure 2A to Flgure 2B), post 22 is lowered by means of threads 34 to bring bar 24 out of alignment with notch 32 inside cavity 28, into secured position bearing against the bottom, inner wall of cavity 28 (against metal base plate 30 where such is provided).
Ihe brake mechanism of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1, 3A and 3B. It comprises an elongated frame 40 secured to post 16 to pivot between the position (Figure 3A) and active position (Figure 3B) about an appropriate horizontal transverse axis 42. At the rear of frame 40 are secured brake shoes 44 normally spaced from the rolling surface of front wheels 10 in normal operation ~Figure 3A), but positioned and designed to bear against such rolling surface when in operative position (Figure 3B). At the front of frame 40 is secured a friction stopper ~l6. When braking action is desired, by pivoting the roller skate Eorward about the axle of front wheels :lO, friction stopper 46 is brought into contact with the surface on which the roller skate operates, provlding pressure to cause frame 40 to pivot about axis 42 and bringing brake pads 44 into braking contact with the roller surface of front sheels 11 .
As can be seen in Figure 3A, frame 40 rests on resilient shock abosrber 12 in idle positon, and is`thereby normally maintained in that position. When frame 40 is pivoted however to achieve $ ~7~6~
braking action (Figure 3s), frame 40 is forced against the bias of shock absorber 12 into active, braking position. When the pressure on Erame 40 is released, by removing friction stopper 46 from contact with the surface, frame 40 is returned to idle position under urging from shock absorb~r 12.
While the Figures have shown this brake mechanism attached to the front wheels, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the brake mechanism might alternatively or additionally be secured to operate in conjtmction with the rear wheels of a roller skate. In such avariation, the brake frame would be reversed with the friction stopper extending rearwardly behind the skate, with a rearward pivoting of the skate required to bring the friction stopper into contact with the support surface to actuate the brake shoes. It is however the preferred embodiment that the brake mechanism operate in conjunction with the front wheels.
It will be understood that braking action is normally achieved, according to the braking device of the present invention, by the combined effects of the friction stopper and the brake shoes acting on the corresponding wheels.
~hile not illustrated, it will be understood that, Lf required, an appropriate stop mechanism may be provided for the brake mechanism to immobilize the latter in inactive position so that for example trick-skating may be carried out without the wheels being hindered by the brake mechanism.
Returning to Figure 1, the toe portion of the wearer's shoe is secured by appropriate toe strap 50 secured to base 8, the toe ~ ~79697 strap 50 having an appropriate adjustable latch means 52. In this way, the only modification to a wearer's regular shoe or boot, to adapt it to be secured to the roller skate device according to ~he present invention, is the placing of an appropriate cavity in the heel portion of the sole of that shoe or boot.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention an improved brake system for roller skates. While the invention has been described in detail in respect of preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
A serious difficulty arises in the use of roller skate brakes employing the brake pad and friction stopper technique which serves to limit efficiency. ~lhere the frame supporting the friction stopper and the brake pad i5 rigid, the roller skate wheels will tend to pivot on the friction stopper and rise from the skating surface ZO whell the skate is tilted to engage the brake. The brake pads then become inePfective. This problem can be alleviated by providlng for flexing in the supporting frame.
Furthermore, where the usual hard rubber friction stopper is utilized in the braking system, the stopper has a tendency to skid along the skating surface. Conversely, Nhere a soft friction stopper is used, there is a tendency for the stopper to grab and to bounce on , ., 36~7 the skating surface. If, however, a soft stopper is utilized in conjunction with a flexing supporting frame, the action of khe stopper on the skating surface is substantially improved.
In a drawing illustrating embodiments of the invention, Figure 4 shows a roller skate embodying a flexing friction stopper supporting frame in conjunction with a soft friction stopper.
The basic braking mechanism is similar to that described in the principal disclosure with the exception that frame member 40 is a non-rigid member. The flexing can most readily be achieved by the simple expedient of using a flexible material such as rubber.
Clearly the particular rubber can be chosen to achieve the desired flexibility.
The flexing could be achieved in any other suitable manner as, for example, by interposing an articulated biased pair of members for member 40.
In the preferred embodiment the friction stopper 46 is of a relatively soft material.
This invention relates to a brake system for roller skates and as well to a roller skate device, including such a brake system, which device ~ay be secured to the bottoms of ordinary shoes and boots which have been altered in a minor, almost unnoticable manner to receive such device.
A roller skate which can be secured to ordinary shoes or boots, with little or no visible alteration of such shoe or boot, and which could be used as a means of transportation, instead of strictly as an amusement or leisure time device, would be useful and find a large marketplace. Heretofore, roller skates have been regarded mainly as devices for leisure time activity because they are not readily controllable, particularly with respect to stopping action, and thus do not readily lend themselves to sidewalk situatlons and e.g. busy downtown streets. As well, roller skates as presently sold are an entire unit including wheels, base and shoe portion.
Thus, an entire change of footwear is required when one goes roller skating and when one terminates such activity.
Prior art proposaLs for brakes for roller skates lnclude a toe friction brake, sLmilar to that which i3 widely practiced upon roller skates sold today, in U.S. Patent No. 2,356,736 of Blaes dated August 29, 1944, and a wheel-type brake mechanism described in Segal U.S. Patent No. 2,139,699 dated December 13, 1938. In this latter reference, a series of lever mechanisms, activated by sideways pressure on a lever arm, causes brake shoes to bear against the ~.~79~7 surEaces of the rear wheels of the roller skateq Other patents of general background interest describing brake mechanlsms for roller skates and the like are U.S. Patent ~o. 2,179,592 of ~oettie dated November 14, 1939; U.S. Patent No. 2,289,077 of Sanda dated July 7, 1942 and French Patent No. 1,104,~l13 of Huet dated June 15, 1953.
Proposals for shoes or boots which accept wheels or skate blades include that contained in Mansfield U.S. Patent No. 2,244,719 dated June 10, 1941, wherein visible metal clips are provided in the heel and toe portions of the sole of a boot, providing horizontal slots adapted to receive the mechanically insertable tongues of a securing mechanism located at the top of skate blades. Canadian Patent No. 1,078,886 of Wang issued June 3, 1980 describes a specially adapted sole having an elongated slot which receives an elongated, bar-like insert to which are attached roller skate or, in one embodiment, an ice skating blade. The sole of the shoe is modified to receive a special mechanical retaining pin for the bar-like insert. Both of these proposals require a specially man-ufactured shoe or boot to which the wheel or blade attachment is to be secured. Barnett et al U.S. Patent No. 2,868,555 dated January 13, 1959 descrlbes a releasable ski binding for boots comprising a cup 6ecured to a base to receive the toe portlon of the boot, a heel release bindlng mechanlsm and an ankle strap, all actlng in com-bination to secure the boot on the ski.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an original, practical brake mechanism for roller skates which will give to the skates increased manoeuvrability because of increased ability to achieve braking action. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a roller skate device which may be attached to regular shoes and boots with an minimum of alteration thereof and which, when used in conjunction with the brake mechanism of the present invention, provides a practical means of travel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
-According to the present Lnvention, a brake mechanlsm for - the wheels of roller skates is provided. The mechanism has an elongated frame to which is secured a brake pad in the vicinity of one end. A friction stopper is also secured to the frame at its other end. The frame is secured to the base to pivot between idle and active positions about a transverse, horizontal axis in the vicinity of one pair of wheels, the brake pad in idle position spaced opposite the roller surface of one of the wheels of that pair, biasing means acting on the frame to maintain it normally in idle position. The frame is of a construction and positioned so that application of pressure to the friction stopper will cause the frame to pivot against the urging of the biasing means and the brake pad to bear against the roller surface the correspondlng whee] achLeving braking action.
In ~ccordance with the present invention, this brake system may be incorporated in attachment for regular shoes and boots, which attachment comprises a forward toe securing means which is provided on the forwara part of the base, and a heel securing means provided at the rear of the base. The heel securing means preferably ~79697 comprises a post or similar structure upwardly extending from the surface of the base towards its rear portion, the post to be secured within a corresponding cavity in the heel portion of the sole of the shoe or boot. The shoe or boot there~ore need not be noticably altered or disfigured to adapt it to connect to such a roller skate device. In a preferred embodiment, the heel securing means comprises a post vertically extending through a central portion of the rearward part of the base and threadably secured to the base for upward and downward movement upon rotation of the post. A lever arm is secured to the post below the base to permit rotation of the post. A bar is secured diametrically across the upper end of the postj with the ends of the bar extending beyond the sides of the post. The bar extends into a notched, hollowed cavity in the rear sole of the boot or shoe and is pivoted into secured position within such cavity to secure the rear of the shoe or boot to the base of the roller skate.
of the base and threadably secured to the base for upward and downward movement upon rotation of the post. A lever ar~ is secured to the post below the base to permit rotation of the post. A bar is secured dlametrlcally across and to the upper end of the post, with the ends of the bar extending beyond the sides of the post. The bar extends into a notched, hollowed cavity in the rear sole of the boot or shoe and is pivoted into secured position within such cavity to secure the rear of the shoe or boot to the base of the roller skate.
The brake mechanism according to the present invention enables the combination of the toe and brake shoe type of brakes in one system, thereby providing a simple and effective means to stop ~7~
roller skates. The combined brake mechanism and roller skate attachment aceording to the present invention provides a roller skate which can be used with ordinary shoes or boots and on very busy streets and sidewalks. The shoe or boot to which the attachment is made is not disfigured or altered in any apparent or vis.-Lble way, other than a small hole in the bottom of the sole of the shoe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by referring to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is partially exploded view, in perspective, of a roller skate device and brake mechanism accordlng to the present invention;
Figures 2A and 2B are side views of the shoe or boot heel attachment meehanism of the roller skate device arcording to the present invention; and Figures 3A and 3B are partial side v:Lews of the front portion of a roller skate devire according to the present invention illustrating the operation of the brake merhani.sm according to the present invention.
DETAILED DESCR~PTION OF T~IE DRAWI~GS
In the drawings similar features have been given similar reference numeralsO
Turning to Figure 1, there is shown in partially exploded fashion, a roller skate attachment 2 according to the present invention having front wheel merhanism 4 and rear wheel mer.hanism 6 which are attached to base 8. The wheel mechanisms comprise wheels 10 rotating about axles 11. Each mechanism is provided with resilient shock absorbers 12 and is secured to base 8 by means of rear support mount 14 and front support mount 16 which are secured within rear inserts 18 and front inserts 20. As can be seen in Figures 1, 2A and 2B, the rear heel of the sole of a shoe or boot to be secured to base 8 is secured by means of post 22, at the top of which is secured diametrically bar 24. Post 22 is threadably engaged within base 8 for upward and downward movement therein. As can be seen in Figures 2A and 2B, a 501e cavity 28 is provided in the heel portion of the sole of shoe 29. Both the post 22 and cavity 28 may be of a significantly smaller diameter than that as illustrated, as long as the si~e of the post is sufficient to secùre the heel to the base. If the heel portion requires it for purposes of rigidity, a metal base plate 30, against which bar 24 rests when in secured position (Figure 2B) may be provided. An appropriate notch 32, wide enough to receive the ends of bar 24, is provide~l in sole cavity 28 for insertion of bar 24.
Instead of the cavity 28 being formed in the actual 'heel portion of the sole of the shoe or boot, it may be formecl Ln a plug 33 of suitable material whic,h plug is fitted into a corresponding space formed in the sole. Piece 33 for manufacturing purposes might be made 5/8" in diameter and post 22, 1/4". As such modification to the shoe sole might only require a 5/8" hole drilled in the bottom of the sole to a depth of about 1/2"~ plug 33 being glued inside. It will be understood that the regular sole of a shoe or boot may thus ~.~7~
be readily transformed to receive a roller skate a~tachment according to the present invention. The sole, thus modified, is of almost normal appearance.
As lever 36 is turned (Figure 2A to Flgure 2B), post 22 is lowered by means of threads 34 to bring bar 24 out of alignment with notch 32 inside cavity 28, into secured position bearing against the bottom, inner wall of cavity 28 (against metal base plate 30 where such is provided).
Ihe brake mechanism of the present invention is illustrated in Figures 1, 3A and 3B. It comprises an elongated frame 40 secured to post 16 to pivot between the position (Figure 3A) and active position (Figure 3B) about an appropriate horizontal transverse axis 42. At the rear of frame 40 are secured brake shoes 44 normally spaced from the rolling surface of front wheels 10 in normal operation ~Figure 3A), but positioned and designed to bear against such rolling surface when in operative position (Figure 3B). At the front of frame 40 is secured a friction stopper ~l6. When braking action is desired, by pivoting the roller skate Eorward about the axle of front wheels :lO, friction stopper 46 is brought into contact with the surface on which the roller skate operates, provlding pressure to cause frame 40 to pivot about axis 42 and bringing brake pads 44 into braking contact with the roller surface of front sheels 11 .
As can be seen in Figure 3A, frame 40 rests on resilient shock abosrber 12 in idle positon, and is`thereby normally maintained in that position. When frame 40 is pivoted however to achieve $ ~7~6~
braking action (Figure 3s), frame 40 is forced against the bias of shock absorber 12 into active, braking position. When the pressure on Erame 40 is released, by removing friction stopper 46 from contact with the surface, frame 40 is returned to idle position under urging from shock absorb~r 12.
While the Figures have shown this brake mechanism attached to the front wheels, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the brake mechanism might alternatively or additionally be secured to operate in conjtmction with the rear wheels of a roller skate. In such avariation, the brake frame would be reversed with the friction stopper extending rearwardly behind the skate, with a rearward pivoting of the skate required to bring the friction stopper into contact with the support surface to actuate the brake shoes. It is however the preferred embodiment that the brake mechanism operate in conjunction with the front wheels.
It will be understood that braking action is normally achieved, according to the braking device of the present invention, by the combined effects of the friction stopper and the brake shoes acting on the corresponding wheels.
~hile not illustrated, it will be understood that, Lf required, an appropriate stop mechanism may be provided for the brake mechanism to immobilize the latter in inactive position so that for example trick-skating may be carried out without the wheels being hindered by the brake mechanism.
Returning to Figure 1, the toe portion of the wearer's shoe is secured by appropriate toe strap 50 secured to base 8, the toe ~ ~79697 strap 50 having an appropriate adjustable latch means 52. In this way, the only modification to a wearer's regular shoe or boot, to adapt it to be secured to the roller skate device according to ~he present invention, is the placing of an appropriate cavity in the heel portion of the sole of that shoe or boot.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention an improved brake system for roller skates. While the invention has been described in detail in respect of preferred embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
A serious difficulty arises in the use of roller skate brakes employing the brake pad and friction stopper technique which serves to limit efficiency. ~lhere the frame supporting the friction stopper and the brake pad i5 rigid, the roller skate wheels will tend to pivot on the friction stopper and rise from the skating surface ZO whell the skate is tilted to engage the brake. The brake pads then become inePfective. This problem can be alleviated by providlng for flexing in the supporting frame.
Furthermore, where the usual hard rubber friction stopper is utilized in the braking system, the stopper has a tendency to skid along the skating surface. Conversely, Nhere a soft friction stopper is used, there is a tendency for the stopper to grab and to bounce on , ., 36~7 the skating surface. If, however, a soft stopper is utilized in conjunction with a flexing supporting frame, the action of khe stopper on the skating surface is substantially improved.
In a drawing illustrating embodiments of the invention, Figure 4 shows a roller skate embodying a flexing friction stopper supporting frame in conjunction with a soft friction stopper.
The basic braking mechanism is similar to that described in the principal disclosure with the exception that frame member 40 is a non-rigid member. The flexing can most readily be achieved by the simple expedient of using a flexible material such as rubber.
Clearly the particular rubber can be chosen to achieve the desired flexibility.
The flexing could be achieved in any other suitable manner as, for example, by interposing an articulated biased pair of members for member 40.
In the preferred embodiment the friction stopper 46 is of a relatively soft material.
Claims (11)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. An improvement in a roller skate comprising a base and forward and rearward pairs of wheels secured thereto and resilient shock absorbers secured to the base, the improvement comprising a brake mechanism having an elongated non-rigid frame, a brake pad secured to the frame in the vicinity of one end thereof, and a friction stopper secured to the frame at the other end thereof, the frame being secured to the base to pivot between idle and active position about a transverse, horizontal axis in the vicinity of one pair of wheels, the brake pad in idle position spaced opposite the roller surface of one of the wheels of that pair, biasing means secured to the base and acting on the frame to maintain it normally in idle position; the frame being of a construction and positioned so that application of pressure to the friction stopper will cause the frame to pivot against the urging of the biasing means and the brake pad to bear against the roller surface of one of the wheels of that pair whereby a braking action is achieved.
2. A brake mechanism according to claim 1 wherein a pair of brake pads is secured to the frame, one brake pad normally spaced from and in the vicinity of each of a pair of one of set of wheels, and whereby application of pressure to the friction stopper will cause each brake pad to bear against the roller surface of its corresponding wheel.
3. A brake mechanism according to claim 2 wherein the frame is secured to the base in the vicinity of the front pair of wheels, and the friction stopper is secured to the frame such that it can be brought into contact with the support surface on which the roller skate rests or travels by rotation of the roller skate about the front axle, thereby causing the brake pad to bear against the roller surface of the front wheel to achieve braking of the roller skate.
4. A brake mechanism according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the biasing means is provided by a resilient shock absorber.
5. The improvement of claim 1 wherein the said frame is composed of a flexible material.
6. The improvement of claim 5 wherein the said flexible material is rubber.
7. The improvement of claims 1, 5 or 6 wherein the said friction stopper is of relatively soft rubber.
8. A brake mechanism according to claim 1 wherein a pair of brake pads is secured to the frame, one brake pad normally spaced from and in the vicinity of each of a pair of one of set of wheels, and whereby application of pressure to the friction stopper will cause each brake pad to bear against the roller surface of its corresponding wheel.
9. A brake mechanism according to claim 8 wherein the frame is secured to the base in the vicinity of the front pair of wheels, and the friction stopper is secured to the frame such that it can be brought into contact with the support surface on which the roller skate rests or travels by rotation of the roller skate about the front axle, thereby causing the brake pad to bear against the roller surface of the front wheel to achieve braking of the roller skate.
10. A brake mechanism according to claim 1, 8 or 9 wherein the biasing means is provided by a resilient shock absorber.
11. A roller skate to be secured to shoes or boots, comprising a base to receive the bottom of the shoe and having forward and rear-ward pairs of wheels secured to the base, further comprising a brake mechanism according to claim 1, 8 or 9, an adjustable toe securing means fixed to the forward portion of the base, and a heel securing means fixed to the rear portion of the base, the heel securing means comprising a post vertically extending through a central portion of the rearward part of the base and threadably secured to the base for upward and downward movement upon rotation of the post, a lever arm secured to the post below the base to permit rotation of the post, and a bar secured diametrically across to the upper end of the post, the ends of the bar extending beyond the sides of the post, the bar to extend into a notched, hollowed cavity in the rear sole of the boot or shoe and to be pivoted into secured position within such cavity to secure the rear of the shoe or boot to the base of the roller skate.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000363552A CA1179697A (en) | 1980-10-29 | 1980-10-29 | Roller skate attachment |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000363552A CA1179697A (en) | 1980-10-29 | 1980-10-29 | Roller skate attachment |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1179697A true CA1179697A (en) | 1984-12-18 |
Family
ID=4118293
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000363552A Expired CA1179697A (en) | 1980-10-29 | 1980-10-29 | Roller skate attachment |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1179697A (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1992015378A1 (en) * | 1991-03-01 | 1992-09-17 | Victor Manuel Pracas | Skateboard truck |
| US5630595A (en) * | 1993-04-06 | 1997-05-20 | Koflach Sport Gesellschaft M.B.H. & Co. Kg | Braking device for roller skates |
-
1980
- 1980-10-29 CA CA000363552A patent/CA1179697A/en not_active Expired
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO1992015378A1 (en) * | 1991-03-01 | 1992-09-17 | Victor Manuel Pracas | Skateboard truck |
| US5630595A (en) * | 1993-04-06 | 1997-05-20 | Koflach Sport Gesellschaft M.B.H. & Co. Kg | Braking device for roller skates |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |