CA2122526A1 - Roller skate brake assembly - Google Patents
Roller skate brake assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA2122526A1 CA2122526A1 CA002122526A CA2122526A CA2122526A1 CA 2122526 A1 CA2122526 A1 CA 2122526A1 CA 002122526 A CA002122526 A CA 002122526A CA 2122526 A CA2122526 A CA 2122526A CA 2122526 A1 CA2122526 A1 CA 2122526A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- skate
- brake
- brake assembly
- sensor
- tipped
- 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.)
- Abandoned
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
- A63C17/04—Roller skates; Skate-boards with wheels arranged otherwise than in two pairs
- A63C17/06—Roller skates; Skate-boards with wheels arranged otherwise than in two pairs single-track type
-
- 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
-
- 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
- A63C17/26—Roller skates; Skate-boards with special auxiliary arrangements, e.g. illuminating, marking, or push-off devices
Landscapes
- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
A brake assembly is provided for attaching to the frame of a roller skate. The brake assembly includes a brake head that supports a brake pad and a sensor. The sensor is adapted to identify when the skate has been tipped to one side a predetermined amount. The brake head is movably connected to the frame of the skate by an attachment tab or guide housing. When the skate is tipped to one side, the sensor contacts the ground and moves the brake head with the brake pad towards the wheels. Once the skate has been tipped the predetermined amount, the brake pad is brought into frictional engagement with the wheels.
In one embodiment, the brake head moves transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the skate. In another embodiment, the brake head moves normally relative to the longitudinal axis. In a further embodiment, the sensor does not require physical contact with the skating surface, but instead uses a mercury switch to sense when the skate has been tipped to one side.
In one embodiment, the brake head moves transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the skate. In another embodiment, the brake head moves normally relative to the longitudinal axis. In a further embodiment, the sensor does not require physical contact with the skating surface, but instead uses a mercury switch to sense when the skate has been tipped to one side.
Description
BP# 7 0 65 - 00 9 -Title: ROT.T.R~ SRATE BRARE A.~.~MRT.y FIELD OF T~ INVENTION
The present invention relates to a braking system for roller skates.
RA~TCG~OuND OF THE lNv~r~lloN
Roller skates typically utilize a braking system comprising a rubber brake pad mounted at the toe or heel of the skate. The skater actuates the braking system by tipping the skate forwardly or rearwardly until the brake pad is placed into frictional contact with the skating surface.
One problem with this type of braking system is the high degree of coordination required for the skater to use the brakes. Many skaters have difficulty balancing on one skate while lifting the heel or toe of the other skate to apply the brakes. This can be especially difficult when a skater is required to make an emergency stop. Another problem with this type of braking system is the difficulty in applying the brakes while a skater is moving backwards.
Backward skating is often required when the skater is playing a sport such as hockey.
U.S. patents 5,192,099 (Riutta), 5,232,231 ~Carlsmith), 5,143,387 (Colla) and U.K. patent 1,433,268 (Wilje) describe various attempts at improving upon the conventional braking system described above.
The Riutta and Carlsmith patents are directed to braking systems that are actuated by the skater shifting his weight rearwardly in order to press downwardly on the heel of the skate. This causes a brake pad to frictionally -30 engage the skate wheels. Nhile these types of braking systems do not require the skater to actually lift a - portion of the skate, they still require the skater to adjust his centre of balance to shift his weight to the heel of the skate. As a result, the skater is still ~1 2~52~
required to have a significant degree of coordination in order to apply the brakes.
The Colla patent is directed to a brake system that is actuated by movement of the skater's toes. The skater curls his toes to move a slide bar located within the skate boot. The slide bar causes a brake pad to engage the skate wheels. While this type of braking system does not require the skater to significantly adjust his center of balance, it does require a significant degree of dexterity for the skater to move the slide bar. Also, the comfort and fit of the skate boot can be negatively affected by the addition of the slide bar within the boot.
The Wilje patent is directed to a roller skate having a frame that is adapted to slide transversely on the wheel axles so that a brake pad located on the frame may be brought into frictional contact with the sides of the wheels. The frame is normally urged away from the wheels by a spring located on the wheel axles. The skater actuates the brakes by inducing the frame to move transversely on the axles until the brake pad is brought into engagement with the wheels. One problem with this type of braking system is the lack of stability occasioned by the change of position of the frame relative to the wheels. As the frame slides transversely along the wheel axis the skater's centre of balance changes relative to the wheels. As a result a skater would require a significant amount of coordination to apply the brakes.
This problem is accentuated if the roller skates are in-line skates.
Another problem with the braking systems described in the above patents is their rather complicated design. These braking systems are not adapted for simple installation to existing skate designs.
What is needed is a braking system for roller skates that allows a skater to maintain his center of balance over his skates while applying the brakes. The braking system would allow the brakes to be applied in a controlled manner over a broad range of braking forces.
Also, the braking system would have a simple construction that is inexpensively manufactured and that may be installed to existing skate designs.
SUMNARY OF THE INVENTION
When observing skaters learning how to skate one sees that most skaters naturally tend to bring their knees together and lean their skates toward one another to achieve better balance over the skates. This natural balancing position acts to evenly distribute the skater's weight between the two skates. The present invention provides a braking system that allows a skater to assume this natural balancing position when applying the brakes.
One aspect of the invention provides a brake assembly for a roller skate comprising:
means for braking movement of said skate;
means for actuating said braking means when said skate is tipped a predetermined amount to one side of said skate; and means for attaching said braking means and said actuating means to said skate.
Another aspect of the invention provides a brake assembly for a roller skate having a frame and a plurality of wheels arranged along a longitudinal axis, said brake assembly comprising:
a brake head having at least one brake pad for frictionally engaging at least one of said wheels;
means for attaching said brake head to said frame, said attachment means facilitating movement of said brake pad relative to said frame; and a sensor for sensing when said skate has been tipped to one side of said longitudinal axis, said sensor communicating information to said brake head to move said brake pad into 2t2~26 engagement with said wheel when said skate has been tipped a predetermined amount.
Advantageously, the brake assembly of the present invention allows the skater to actuate the braking action without lifting a portion of the skate or otherwise shifting his center of balance. Instead, the skater is able to tip the skate to one side to actuate the brakes.
The skater's center of balance is thus maintained while the braking force is applied. Moreover, the brake assembly acts to improve the skater's balance when the brakes are being applied by providing a further point of support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which:
Fig. 1 is a side view of a brake assembly in accordance with the present invention attached to a right foot roller skate;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the brake assembly and roller skate shown in Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the brake assembly and roller skate as shown in Fig. 2 with the roller skate being shown in a tipped position;
Fig. 4 is a view of one side of a brake assembly in accordance with the present invention showing a sensor;
Fig. 5 is a view of the other side of the brake assembly shown in Fig. 4 showing a pair of brake pads;
Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the brake assembly shown in Fig. 4 taken along line 6-6;
Fig. 7 is a side view of a second embodiment of a brake assembly in accordance with the present invention attached to a right foot roller skate;
Fig. 8 is a rear view of the roller skate and brake assembly shown in Fig. 7, the roller skate being - 2122~26 shown in an upright position;
Fig. 9 is a rear view of the roller skate and brake assembly shown in Fig. 7, the roller skate being shown in a tipped position; and Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a brake assembly in accordance with the present invention.
DETATT~n DESCRIPTION OF ~ PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A roller skate having a substantially conventional body design is shown generally at 10 in the Figures. The roller skate 10 includes a boot 12, a plurality of wheels 14, and a frame 16. The wheels 14 are each rotatably connected by bearings (not shown) to respective axles 18. The frame 16 includes opposing sidewalls 20 for supporting each axle 18, and a base 22 for supporting the boot 12. A channel 24 is defined between the sidewalls 20 to provide space for the wheels 14. The wheels 14 are formed from a durable material adapted to ride smoothly over a skating surface 26.
The type of roller skate 10 depicted in the Figures is commonly known as an in-line skate where all of the wheels 14 are aligned along a single longitudinal axis 28. While the embodiments of the invention described herein are directed to use with such in-line skates, it will be understood that the invention may also be applied to other forms of roller skates. These include the older styles of roller skates having multiple pairs of wheels arranged along a longitudinal axis, as well as elongate roller skates also known as roller skiis.
A brake assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 30 in Figs. 1 to 6. The brake assembly 30 includes an attachment tab 32 and a brake head 34.
The attachment tab 32 facilitates attachment of the brake assembly 30 to the frame 16. The attachment tab 32 is connected to the frame 16 by means of fasteners 36, 2~-~6 such as bolts, pins, rivets or any other convenient fastening means known to one skilled in the art. The fasteners 36 extend through corresponding sets of apertures 38a and 38b that are defined respectively in the attachment tab 32 and the sidewall 20. The brake assembly 30 can thus be installed onto an existing set of skates 10 by drilling apertures 38b in appropriate locations in the skate frame 16. The configuration of the attachment tab 32 and the arrangement of the apertures 38a,b is dependent upon the design of the frame 16. For instance, some frame designs have two separate portions for supporting the wheels 14 forward and aft on the skate 10. In such cases, it may be necessary for the attachment tab 32 to have a pair of arms for attaching to each of the separate portions of the frame 16. It will be understood that such alternative tab 32 designs fall within the spirit of the present invention.
The apertures 38a,b are spaced vertically from each other to provide a means for adjusting the height of the brake head 34 relative to the skating surface 26. This allows a skater to adjust the point at which the brakes will be actuated as discussed further below. Alternative forms of height adjustment means may be used including the rack-and-pinion assembly shown in Figure 7 and described below with respect to a second embodiment of the invention.
It is preferred that the brake assembly 30 is attached to the sidewall 20 on the inside edge of each skate 10. In this way, the brakes can be actuated by the skater tipping both skates toward each other which is a natural balancing position for a skater.
The brake head 34 is pivotally connected to the attachment tab 32 by a hinge 40. The hinge 40 includes a return spring 42 that biases the brake head 34 away from the wheel 14. A backstop 44 is located at the lower end of the attachment tab 32 to position the brake head 34 generally parallel to the sides of the wheels 14. As will be described further below, the return spring 42 ensures that the brakes are disengaged until actuated by the skater. While the attachment tab 32, brake head 34, hinge and return spring 42 are described as separate elements, it will be understood that they could be integrally formed as a one piece unit. This is possibly due to the advances in materials technology which provide plastics having a high degree of durability and resiliency. In such cases, the hinge 40 may be formed by a score line defined between the attachment tab 32 and the brake head 34. The resiliency of the plastic material causes the hinge 40 to act as a return spring 42 as well.
A brake pad 46 is attached to one side of the brake head 34 by glue, tape, rivets, screws or any other convenient fastening means known to one skilled in the art. The brake pad 46 is made from a durable material, such as rubber or other suitable polymers, that is adapted to frictionally engage the side of the wheel 14. It is preferred that the brake pad 46 material is sufficiently smooth to avoid sudden braking of the wheel 14 and to permit braking in a controlled manner depending on the braking force applied. The brake pad 46 is shaped so that the full pad 46 surface engages the side of the wheel 14 when the brake head 34 has been pivoted a sufficient amount.
As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the brake head 34 preferably extends across the sides of at least two wheels 14 located on either side of the centre of the skate 10.
This allows the braking force to be applied in a balanced manner without causing the skate 10 to pitch forwardly or rearwardly (depending on the direction of travel). Figure 5 shows a pair of brake pads 46 for engaging the two middle wheels 14 of the skate 10. It will be appreciated that a single continuous brake pad 46 could be provided instead. Also, it will be appreciated that a longer brake head 34 could be provided for placing brake pads 46 into engagement with more than two of the wheels 14.
2i22~i26 A sensor 48 is defined on the other side of the brake head 34. The sensor 48 is adapted to contact the skating surface and move the brake head 34 and brake pads 46 toward the wheels 14. The sensor 48 is formed from a durable smooth material such as a hard plastic that can withstand frictional contact with the skating surface 26 without incurring significant wear. The sensor 48 is preferably rounded on its face to allow a skater to incrementally vary the braking force. This range of motion provided by the rounded face also allows the sensor to operate on uneven skating surfaces 26 such as may be encountered during off-road skating. It should be noted that the sensor 48 has a constant shape along the length of the brake head 34. This allows the sensor 48 to operate in the same manner when the skater is moving forwardly or rearwardly.
The angle of the skate relative to a skating surface 26 is defined herein as the attack angle ~. When the skate is upright, the attack angle O is 90. This angle ~ will become more acute as the skate is tipped to one side until a critical point C where the skate can be tipped no further without the wheel 14 losing contact with the skating surface 26.
Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, it may be seen how the brake assembly 30 operates. By tipping the skate 10 to the side of the frame 16 that supports the brake assembly 30, the attack angle ô is decreased until the sensor 48 contacts the skating surface 26. As the attack angle ~ is further decreased, the sensor 48 causes the brake head 34 to pivot on its hinge 40 toward the wheels 14. Nhen the attack angle ~ equals or exceeds an actuation point P the brake pads 46 are brought into frictional engagement with the sides of the wheels 14. The braking force can then be varied by varying the attack angle ô over a range between the actuation point P and the critical point C. The more acute the attack angle ~ of the skate 10, the stronger the g braking force. As a result, the skater can apply the braking force in a controlled and balanced manner.
A second embodiment of the brake assembly is shown at 70 in Figs. 7 to 9. The brake assembly 70 is attached to a similar type of roller skate 10 as shown in Fig. 1 and for convenience the same reference numerals are used to refer to the skate 10 elements.
Referring to Fig. 7, the brake assembly 70 is attached to the frame 16 by a guide housing 72. The guide housing 72 is connected to the frame 16 by means of fasteners 73 such as glue, clips, screws, or any other convenient fastening means known to one skilled in the art. As shown, the guide housing 72 sits within the channel 24 defined between the sidewalls 20 of the frame 16.
The brake assembly 70 includes a brake head 74 that is connected to one end of a piston 76 that moves within the guide housing 72. The piston 76 is suspended from a threaded pin 90 as described further below. The brake head 74 includes a sensor 78 and a pair of brake pads 80. The brake pads 80 are adapted to engage the circumferential edges of adjacent wheels 14 according to movements of the sensor 78. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the sensor 78 protrudes to one side of the skate 10 and is adapted to contact the skating surface 26 when the skate 10 has been tipped sideways.
It will now be seen how the brake assembly 70 operates. When the attack angle H of the skate 10 equals or exceeds the actuation point P, the sensor 78 causes the brake head 74 and piston 76 to move upwardly until the brake pads 80 engage the wheels 14. As shown in Fig. 7, a float space 82 is defined at the upper end of the guide housing 72 for allowing upward movement of the piston 76.
A return spring 84 is positioned between an end wall 86 of the guide housing 72 and the free end of the piston 76.
The return spring urges the piston 76 downwardly away from the end wall 86. This ensures that the brake pads 80 are 212252~
disengaged from the wheels 14 until the attack angle reaches or exceeds the actuation point P.
A height adjustment means extends from the end wall 86 of the guide housing 72 for adjusting the height of the brake head 74 relative to the skating surface 26.
- The height adjustment means comprises a rack-and-pinion assembly having a threaded pin 90 that fits into a corresponding threaded bore 92 defined in the free end of the piston 76. By rotating the threaded pin 90 a desired amount, the height of the sensor from the skating surface 26 can be precisely varied. This in turn varies the actuation point P at which the sensor 78 will cause the brake pads 80 to contact the wheels 14.
Further embodiments of the brake assembly 30,70 are conceivable. The two embodiments described above incorporate a sensor 48,78 that requires physical contact with the skating surface 26 to actuate the brakes.
Alternatively, a sensor can be provided that identifies variances in the attack angle ~ without actually contacting the skating surface 26. Such a sensor could operate using the principles of a plumb bob, carpenter's level or mercury switch to mechanically or electronically actuate the brakes.
Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a brake assembly 100 attached to a skate 10 by an attachment means 101. The brake assembly includes a sensor 102 that does not require physical contact with the skating surface 26 to actuate the brakes.
Instead, the sensor 102 incorporates a mercury switch 104, or another suitable attack angle ~ sensor means known to one skilled in the art, to identify variances in the attack angle a. The mercury switch 104 is electrically connected by a transmitter 105 to a brake head 106. The brake head 106 moves a brake pad 108, using a motor 110 or other movement means, into contact with the wheels 14. The mercury switch 104 is capable of identifying variances in the attach angle ~ between the actuation point P and ~1225~6 critical point C, and transmits such variances to the brake head 106 to vary the braking force. The brake assembly 100 is connected to a power supply 112 to operate the motor 100.
While the brake assemblies described above are designed as after-market items that may be installed to existing skates 10, it will be understood that the brake assembly may be designed for fitting to a skate 10 at the time of manufacture. In such a case, the means for attaching the brake head (e.g. the attachment tab 32 or guide housing 72) to the frame 16 may change according to the most efficient mode of manufacture and installation.
It is to be understood that what has been described are preferred embodiments of the invention. The invention nonetheless is susceptible to certain changes and alternative embodiments fully comprehended by the spirit of the invention as described above, and the scope of the claims set out below.
The present invention relates to a braking system for roller skates.
RA~TCG~OuND OF THE lNv~r~lloN
Roller skates typically utilize a braking system comprising a rubber brake pad mounted at the toe or heel of the skate. The skater actuates the braking system by tipping the skate forwardly or rearwardly until the brake pad is placed into frictional contact with the skating surface.
One problem with this type of braking system is the high degree of coordination required for the skater to use the brakes. Many skaters have difficulty balancing on one skate while lifting the heel or toe of the other skate to apply the brakes. This can be especially difficult when a skater is required to make an emergency stop. Another problem with this type of braking system is the difficulty in applying the brakes while a skater is moving backwards.
Backward skating is often required when the skater is playing a sport such as hockey.
U.S. patents 5,192,099 (Riutta), 5,232,231 ~Carlsmith), 5,143,387 (Colla) and U.K. patent 1,433,268 (Wilje) describe various attempts at improving upon the conventional braking system described above.
The Riutta and Carlsmith patents are directed to braking systems that are actuated by the skater shifting his weight rearwardly in order to press downwardly on the heel of the skate. This causes a brake pad to frictionally -30 engage the skate wheels. Nhile these types of braking systems do not require the skater to actually lift a - portion of the skate, they still require the skater to adjust his centre of balance to shift his weight to the heel of the skate. As a result, the skater is still ~1 2~52~
required to have a significant degree of coordination in order to apply the brakes.
The Colla patent is directed to a brake system that is actuated by movement of the skater's toes. The skater curls his toes to move a slide bar located within the skate boot. The slide bar causes a brake pad to engage the skate wheels. While this type of braking system does not require the skater to significantly adjust his center of balance, it does require a significant degree of dexterity for the skater to move the slide bar. Also, the comfort and fit of the skate boot can be negatively affected by the addition of the slide bar within the boot.
The Wilje patent is directed to a roller skate having a frame that is adapted to slide transversely on the wheel axles so that a brake pad located on the frame may be brought into frictional contact with the sides of the wheels. The frame is normally urged away from the wheels by a spring located on the wheel axles. The skater actuates the brakes by inducing the frame to move transversely on the axles until the brake pad is brought into engagement with the wheels. One problem with this type of braking system is the lack of stability occasioned by the change of position of the frame relative to the wheels. As the frame slides transversely along the wheel axis the skater's centre of balance changes relative to the wheels. As a result a skater would require a significant amount of coordination to apply the brakes.
This problem is accentuated if the roller skates are in-line skates.
Another problem with the braking systems described in the above patents is their rather complicated design. These braking systems are not adapted for simple installation to existing skate designs.
What is needed is a braking system for roller skates that allows a skater to maintain his center of balance over his skates while applying the brakes. The braking system would allow the brakes to be applied in a controlled manner over a broad range of braking forces.
Also, the braking system would have a simple construction that is inexpensively manufactured and that may be installed to existing skate designs.
SUMNARY OF THE INVENTION
When observing skaters learning how to skate one sees that most skaters naturally tend to bring their knees together and lean their skates toward one another to achieve better balance over the skates. This natural balancing position acts to evenly distribute the skater's weight between the two skates. The present invention provides a braking system that allows a skater to assume this natural balancing position when applying the brakes.
One aspect of the invention provides a brake assembly for a roller skate comprising:
means for braking movement of said skate;
means for actuating said braking means when said skate is tipped a predetermined amount to one side of said skate; and means for attaching said braking means and said actuating means to said skate.
Another aspect of the invention provides a brake assembly for a roller skate having a frame and a plurality of wheels arranged along a longitudinal axis, said brake assembly comprising:
a brake head having at least one brake pad for frictionally engaging at least one of said wheels;
means for attaching said brake head to said frame, said attachment means facilitating movement of said brake pad relative to said frame; and a sensor for sensing when said skate has been tipped to one side of said longitudinal axis, said sensor communicating information to said brake head to move said brake pad into 2t2~26 engagement with said wheel when said skate has been tipped a predetermined amount.
Advantageously, the brake assembly of the present invention allows the skater to actuate the braking action without lifting a portion of the skate or otherwise shifting his center of balance. Instead, the skater is able to tip the skate to one side to actuate the brakes.
The skater's center of balance is thus maintained while the braking force is applied. Moreover, the brake assembly acts to improve the skater's balance when the brakes are being applied by providing a further point of support.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show preferred embodiments of the present invention, in which:
Fig. 1 is a side view of a brake assembly in accordance with the present invention attached to a right foot roller skate;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the brake assembly and roller skate shown in Fig. 1 taken along line 2-2;
Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the brake assembly and roller skate as shown in Fig. 2 with the roller skate being shown in a tipped position;
Fig. 4 is a view of one side of a brake assembly in accordance with the present invention showing a sensor;
Fig. 5 is a view of the other side of the brake assembly shown in Fig. 4 showing a pair of brake pads;
Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the brake assembly shown in Fig. 4 taken along line 6-6;
Fig. 7 is a side view of a second embodiment of a brake assembly in accordance with the present invention attached to a right foot roller skate;
Fig. 8 is a rear view of the roller skate and brake assembly shown in Fig. 7, the roller skate being - 2122~26 shown in an upright position;
Fig. 9 is a rear view of the roller skate and brake assembly shown in Fig. 7, the roller skate being shown in a tipped position; and Fig. 10 is a schematic view of a third embodiment of a brake assembly in accordance with the present invention.
DETATT~n DESCRIPTION OF ~ PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A roller skate having a substantially conventional body design is shown generally at 10 in the Figures. The roller skate 10 includes a boot 12, a plurality of wheels 14, and a frame 16. The wheels 14 are each rotatably connected by bearings (not shown) to respective axles 18. The frame 16 includes opposing sidewalls 20 for supporting each axle 18, and a base 22 for supporting the boot 12. A channel 24 is defined between the sidewalls 20 to provide space for the wheels 14. The wheels 14 are formed from a durable material adapted to ride smoothly over a skating surface 26.
The type of roller skate 10 depicted in the Figures is commonly known as an in-line skate where all of the wheels 14 are aligned along a single longitudinal axis 28. While the embodiments of the invention described herein are directed to use with such in-line skates, it will be understood that the invention may also be applied to other forms of roller skates. These include the older styles of roller skates having multiple pairs of wheels arranged along a longitudinal axis, as well as elongate roller skates also known as roller skiis.
A brake assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is shown generally at 30 in Figs. 1 to 6. The brake assembly 30 includes an attachment tab 32 and a brake head 34.
The attachment tab 32 facilitates attachment of the brake assembly 30 to the frame 16. The attachment tab 32 is connected to the frame 16 by means of fasteners 36, 2~-~6 such as bolts, pins, rivets or any other convenient fastening means known to one skilled in the art. The fasteners 36 extend through corresponding sets of apertures 38a and 38b that are defined respectively in the attachment tab 32 and the sidewall 20. The brake assembly 30 can thus be installed onto an existing set of skates 10 by drilling apertures 38b in appropriate locations in the skate frame 16. The configuration of the attachment tab 32 and the arrangement of the apertures 38a,b is dependent upon the design of the frame 16. For instance, some frame designs have two separate portions for supporting the wheels 14 forward and aft on the skate 10. In such cases, it may be necessary for the attachment tab 32 to have a pair of arms for attaching to each of the separate portions of the frame 16. It will be understood that such alternative tab 32 designs fall within the spirit of the present invention.
The apertures 38a,b are spaced vertically from each other to provide a means for adjusting the height of the brake head 34 relative to the skating surface 26. This allows a skater to adjust the point at which the brakes will be actuated as discussed further below. Alternative forms of height adjustment means may be used including the rack-and-pinion assembly shown in Figure 7 and described below with respect to a second embodiment of the invention.
It is preferred that the brake assembly 30 is attached to the sidewall 20 on the inside edge of each skate 10. In this way, the brakes can be actuated by the skater tipping both skates toward each other which is a natural balancing position for a skater.
The brake head 34 is pivotally connected to the attachment tab 32 by a hinge 40. The hinge 40 includes a return spring 42 that biases the brake head 34 away from the wheel 14. A backstop 44 is located at the lower end of the attachment tab 32 to position the brake head 34 generally parallel to the sides of the wheels 14. As will be described further below, the return spring 42 ensures that the brakes are disengaged until actuated by the skater. While the attachment tab 32, brake head 34, hinge and return spring 42 are described as separate elements, it will be understood that they could be integrally formed as a one piece unit. This is possibly due to the advances in materials technology which provide plastics having a high degree of durability and resiliency. In such cases, the hinge 40 may be formed by a score line defined between the attachment tab 32 and the brake head 34. The resiliency of the plastic material causes the hinge 40 to act as a return spring 42 as well.
A brake pad 46 is attached to one side of the brake head 34 by glue, tape, rivets, screws or any other convenient fastening means known to one skilled in the art. The brake pad 46 is made from a durable material, such as rubber or other suitable polymers, that is adapted to frictionally engage the side of the wheel 14. It is preferred that the brake pad 46 material is sufficiently smooth to avoid sudden braking of the wheel 14 and to permit braking in a controlled manner depending on the braking force applied. The brake pad 46 is shaped so that the full pad 46 surface engages the side of the wheel 14 when the brake head 34 has been pivoted a sufficient amount.
As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the brake head 34 preferably extends across the sides of at least two wheels 14 located on either side of the centre of the skate 10.
This allows the braking force to be applied in a balanced manner without causing the skate 10 to pitch forwardly or rearwardly (depending on the direction of travel). Figure 5 shows a pair of brake pads 46 for engaging the two middle wheels 14 of the skate 10. It will be appreciated that a single continuous brake pad 46 could be provided instead. Also, it will be appreciated that a longer brake head 34 could be provided for placing brake pads 46 into engagement with more than two of the wheels 14.
2i22~i26 A sensor 48 is defined on the other side of the brake head 34. The sensor 48 is adapted to contact the skating surface and move the brake head 34 and brake pads 46 toward the wheels 14. The sensor 48 is formed from a durable smooth material such as a hard plastic that can withstand frictional contact with the skating surface 26 without incurring significant wear. The sensor 48 is preferably rounded on its face to allow a skater to incrementally vary the braking force. This range of motion provided by the rounded face also allows the sensor to operate on uneven skating surfaces 26 such as may be encountered during off-road skating. It should be noted that the sensor 48 has a constant shape along the length of the brake head 34. This allows the sensor 48 to operate in the same manner when the skater is moving forwardly or rearwardly.
The angle of the skate relative to a skating surface 26 is defined herein as the attack angle ~. When the skate is upright, the attack angle O is 90. This angle ~ will become more acute as the skate is tipped to one side until a critical point C where the skate can be tipped no further without the wheel 14 losing contact with the skating surface 26.
Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, it may be seen how the brake assembly 30 operates. By tipping the skate 10 to the side of the frame 16 that supports the brake assembly 30, the attack angle ô is decreased until the sensor 48 contacts the skating surface 26. As the attack angle ~ is further decreased, the sensor 48 causes the brake head 34 to pivot on its hinge 40 toward the wheels 14. Nhen the attack angle ~ equals or exceeds an actuation point P the brake pads 46 are brought into frictional engagement with the sides of the wheels 14. The braking force can then be varied by varying the attack angle ô over a range between the actuation point P and the critical point C. The more acute the attack angle ~ of the skate 10, the stronger the g braking force. As a result, the skater can apply the braking force in a controlled and balanced manner.
A second embodiment of the brake assembly is shown at 70 in Figs. 7 to 9. The brake assembly 70 is attached to a similar type of roller skate 10 as shown in Fig. 1 and for convenience the same reference numerals are used to refer to the skate 10 elements.
Referring to Fig. 7, the brake assembly 70 is attached to the frame 16 by a guide housing 72. The guide housing 72 is connected to the frame 16 by means of fasteners 73 such as glue, clips, screws, or any other convenient fastening means known to one skilled in the art. As shown, the guide housing 72 sits within the channel 24 defined between the sidewalls 20 of the frame 16.
The brake assembly 70 includes a brake head 74 that is connected to one end of a piston 76 that moves within the guide housing 72. The piston 76 is suspended from a threaded pin 90 as described further below. The brake head 74 includes a sensor 78 and a pair of brake pads 80. The brake pads 80 are adapted to engage the circumferential edges of adjacent wheels 14 according to movements of the sensor 78. As shown in Figs. 8 and 9, the sensor 78 protrudes to one side of the skate 10 and is adapted to contact the skating surface 26 when the skate 10 has been tipped sideways.
It will now be seen how the brake assembly 70 operates. When the attack angle H of the skate 10 equals or exceeds the actuation point P, the sensor 78 causes the brake head 74 and piston 76 to move upwardly until the brake pads 80 engage the wheels 14. As shown in Fig. 7, a float space 82 is defined at the upper end of the guide housing 72 for allowing upward movement of the piston 76.
A return spring 84 is positioned between an end wall 86 of the guide housing 72 and the free end of the piston 76.
The return spring urges the piston 76 downwardly away from the end wall 86. This ensures that the brake pads 80 are 212252~
disengaged from the wheels 14 until the attack angle reaches or exceeds the actuation point P.
A height adjustment means extends from the end wall 86 of the guide housing 72 for adjusting the height of the brake head 74 relative to the skating surface 26.
- The height adjustment means comprises a rack-and-pinion assembly having a threaded pin 90 that fits into a corresponding threaded bore 92 defined in the free end of the piston 76. By rotating the threaded pin 90 a desired amount, the height of the sensor from the skating surface 26 can be precisely varied. This in turn varies the actuation point P at which the sensor 78 will cause the brake pads 80 to contact the wheels 14.
Further embodiments of the brake assembly 30,70 are conceivable. The two embodiments described above incorporate a sensor 48,78 that requires physical contact with the skating surface 26 to actuate the brakes.
Alternatively, a sensor can be provided that identifies variances in the attack angle ~ without actually contacting the skating surface 26. Such a sensor could operate using the principles of a plumb bob, carpenter's level or mercury switch to mechanically or electronically actuate the brakes.
Fig. 10 shows a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a brake assembly 100 attached to a skate 10 by an attachment means 101. The brake assembly includes a sensor 102 that does not require physical contact with the skating surface 26 to actuate the brakes.
Instead, the sensor 102 incorporates a mercury switch 104, or another suitable attack angle ~ sensor means known to one skilled in the art, to identify variances in the attack angle a. The mercury switch 104 is electrically connected by a transmitter 105 to a brake head 106. The brake head 106 moves a brake pad 108, using a motor 110 or other movement means, into contact with the wheels 14. The mercury switch 104 is capable of identifying variances in the attach angle ~ between the actuation point P and ~1225~6 critical point C, and transmits such variances to the brake head 106 to vary the braking force. The brake assembly 100 is connected to a power supply 112 to operate the motor 100.
While the brake assemblies described above are designed as after-market items that may be installed to existing skates 10, it will be understood that the brake assembly may be designed for fitting to a skate 10 at the time of manufacture. In such a case, the means for attaching the brake head (e.g. the attachment tab 32 or guide housing 72) to the frame 16 may change according to the most efficient mode of manufacture and installation.
It is to be understood that what has been described are preferred embodiments of the invention. The invention nonetheless is susceptible to certain changes and alternative embodiments fully comprehended by the spirit of the invention as described above, and the scope of the claims set out below.
Claims (15)
1. A brake assembly for a roller skate comprising:
means for braking movement of said skate;
means for actuating said braking means when said skate is tipped a predetermined amount to one side of said skate; and means for attaching said braking means and said actuating means to said skate.
means for braking movement of said skate;
means for actuating said braking means when said skate is tipped a predetermined amount to one side of said skate; and means for attaching said braking means and said actuating means to said skate.
2. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said actuating means comprises means for sensing when said skate has been tipped said predetermined amount, and means for communicating information from said sensing means to said braking means.
3. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said sensing means comprises a sensor that is adapted to contact a skating surface, said sensor actuating said braking means when said skate has been tipped said predetermined amount.
4. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 3, wherein said braking means comprises a brake pad.
5. A brake assembly for a roller skate having a frame and a plurality of wheels arranged along a longitudinal axis, said brake assembly comprising:
a brake head having at least one brake pad for frictionally engaging at least one of said wheels;
means for attaching said brake head to said frame, said attachment means facilitating movement of said brake pad relative to said frame; and a sensor for sensing when said skate has been tipped to one side of said longitudinal axis, said sensor communicating information to said brake head to move said brake pad into engagement with said wheel when said skate has been tipped a predetermined amount.
a brake head having at least one brake pad for frictionally engaging at least one of said wheels;
means for attaching said brake head to said frame, said attachment means facilitating movement of said brake pad relative to said frame; and a sensor for sensing when said skate has been tipped to one side of said longitudinal axis, said sensor communicating information to said brake head to move said brake pad into engagement with said wheel when said skate has been tipped a predetermined amount.
6. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said brake pad is moveable transversely relative to said longitudinal axis.
7. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said brake pad is moveable normally relative to said longitudinal axis.
8. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said sensor is adapted to contact a skating surface when said skate is tipped to said side.
9. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said sensor senses when said skate has been tipped to said side without requiring contact with a skating surface.
10. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 9, wherein said sensor comprises a mercury switch.
11. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 10, wherein said brake assembly is connected to a power supply.
12. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said attachment means includes means for adjusting the height of said sensor relative to a skating surface.
13. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said sensor is operable when said skate is moving in either direction along said longitudinal axis.
14. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 5 in combination with said roller skate.
15. A brake assembly as claimed in Claim 14, wherein said brake assembly is integrally connected to said frame of said roller skate.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002122526A CA2122526A1 (en) | 1994-04-29 | 1994-04-29 | Roller skate brake assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002122526A CA2122526A1 (en) | 1994-04-29 | 1994-04-29 | Roller skate brake assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2122526A1 true CA2122526A1 (en) | 1995-10-30 |
Family
ID=4153497
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002122526A Abandoned CA2122526A1 (en) | 1994-04-29 | 1994-04-29 | Roller skate brake assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2122526A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6199668B1 (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 2001-03-13 | Benetton Group S.P.A. | Device for regenerating a brake particularly for skates |
| US9132337B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2015-09-15 | Batmann Consulting, Inc. | In-line skate braking device |
-
1994
- 1994-04-29 CA CA002122526A patent/CA2122526A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6199668B1 (en) * | 1998-01-09 | 2001-03-13 | Benetton Group S.P.A. | Device for regenerating a brake particularly for skates |
| US9132337B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2015-09-15 | Batmann Consulting, Inc. | In-line skate braking device |
| US9844720B2 (en) | 2013-03-13 | 2017-12-19 | Batmann Consulting, Inc. | In-line skate braking device |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |