EP0795348B1 - In-line skate having a brake - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a roller skate in line comprising at least three casters including minus the rear caster is mounted on a chassis auxiliary articulated on a main chassis supporting a shoe around an axis parallel to the axis of castors and a brake kinematically linked to the chassis auxiliary so as to brake at least the penultimate caster when tilting backwards skate on the penultimate roulette, and means elastic opposing this tilting.

Such a skate is known from the EP patent application 0 677 310. In this skate, it is part of the chassis auxiliary which constitutes a brake shoe coming in contact with the tread of the penultimate caster when tilting the main chassis on the penultimate roulette. Additionally, the rear of the main chassis comes to rest on the last roulette to brake it. The weight of the skater works between the two rear casters. Ways opposing the tilting consist of a spring working in compression between the chassis and prestressed. A preload adjustment is immediately when necessary depending on the weight of the skater. The spring can also be fully prestressed to prevent the main chassis from tipping over relative to the auxiliary chassis, the shoe is then comprising as a sole frame skate to four casters and without brake.

From US patent 5,088,748, we also know a shoe fitted with an auxiliary wheel at the rear articulated at the end of an arm itself articulated at the rear end of the chassis, this caster does not coming into contact with the ground only when tilting of the skate on the rear caster, the support of the auxiliary caster applying a brake on the caster rear or the edge of a disc secured to the rear wheel and concentric therewith.

US Patent 5,375,859 describes a similar pad in which brake consists of two disc brakes mounted on each side of the rear caster, the braking by applying fixed discs rotating against crown-shaped discs in solidarity with roulette. The heat given off by the braking must be largely evacuated by the wheel itself and the heating of the wheel is such that it can be damaged.

In this type of brake shoe controlled by the caster auxiliary only coming into contact with the ground after tilting of the skate from a certain angle, it is besides difficult to have a progressive initial braking taking into account the total lack of balance of the skate relying on a single caster during the first tilting phase, all the more so than before tilting, the body weight acts in front of the rear wheel and therefore first bring the body weight vertical to the axis of the caster back.

The present invention aims to obtain braking more regular, easier to control and without noticeable heating of the casters.

The inline roller skate according to the invention is characterized in that the brake consists of a pair of opposite coaxial discs rotatably mounted and kept apart from each other by a means elastic, the facing faces of these discs being at less approximately frustoconical and intended for come into contact with both sides of the two casters rear for their rotational drive by the rear casters, braking being ensured for the friction of the discs on fixed parts of the pad in rotation and that the axis of these discs is located between the two rear castors, above the axes of these casters, and at equal distance from these axes, and that the mechanical connection between the discs and the chassis auxiliary is such that when tilting the pad backward, this axis descends towards the right connecting the axes of the two rear castors, so that the discs are applied to the two rear casters.

When braking, the discs are pulled down and applied to the two rear casters, which ensures regular pressure from the penultimate wheel on the disks.

The discs being rotated by the two rear castors, braking is by friction between the discs and the main chassis. Of preferably the discs are themselves made of a material used for brake linings and rub directly on one of the main chassis or on a metal disc fixed to the chassis, which avoids the heating of the rollers and promotes evacuation heat through the chassis.

The accompanying drawing shows, by way of example, four embodiments of the invention.

Figure 1 shows a skate according to a first form of execution, in rolling position no braked.

Figure 2 is a partial sectional view along II-II in Figure 2 showing the brake discs.

Figure 3 shows the same shoe in position braking.

Figure 4 shows a suspension variant elastic of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 represents a skate frame according to a second embodiment.

Figure 6 shows a third embodiment pad in unbraked rolling position.

Figure 7 shows the same shoe in position braking.

Figure 8 shows a fourth embodiment in the unbraked running position.

FIG. 9 represents this same shoe in the position of braking.

The skate shown in Figure 1 includes a frame main 1 consisting of a U-shaped part and cut so as to present a platform before 2 and a rear platform 3 which support a shoe 4. The chassis 1 is provided with two castors 5 and 6. Roulette 5 is in front of the front platform 2 while the caster 6 is located under the rear platform 3, so that its axis 7 is located under the heel of shoe 4. On the chassis 1, around the axis 7 of the caster 6, is articulated a auxiliary chassis 8 which can also be formed a U-shaped piece fitting into the chassis main 1 or two braced plates. This chassis auxiliary 8 carries two casters 9 and 10, the caster 9 being located between the rollers 5 and 6 and the caster 10 behind the main chassis 1. The roulette 9 is optional.

The auxiliary chassis 8 has two lights identical 11, opposite one another, located between the two rear casters 6 and 10, equal distance from the axes of the rollers 6 and 10 and extending perpendicular to the line connecting these axes. The lights 11 are crossed by an axis 12 of diameter corresponding to the width of these lights, this axis 12 carrying a pair of discs 13 whose faces in look are tapered (Figure 2), these discs being freely mounted on the axis 12, at least axially, and being kept apart from each other, in support against the walls of the auxiliary chassis 8, by a elastic element 14. The axis 12 can therefore move vertically in the lights 11. The ends of the axes 12 are further engaged in a pair of lights 15 made in the main frame 1. The lights 15 are slightly tilted towards the penultimate roller 6. The discs 13 are, of preferably in a Ferodo type material (Brand deposited) and their flat outer faces are directly applied against the auxiliary chassis 8.

The skate is also provided with an elastic means not shown opposing the tilting of the chassis main 1 on the auxiliary chassis 8. This means elastic may be, for example, a torsion spring mounted around axis 7 or a spring working in traction between the two chassis.

When tilting main frame 1 around axis 7 of the penultimate wheel, as shown in Figure 3, the axis 12 of the discs is driven towards the bottom by the lights 15 and guided in this displacement by the lights 11.

The brake discs 13 are applied simultaneously on the two rear casters 6 and 10 and they are rotated by these rollers. The conical shape of the discs causes the spacing of discs by the casters and consequently the braking by friction of the discs against the auxiliary chassis 8.

The lights 15 could be horizontal, but their tilting increases the descent by axis 12 by the cam effect which is added to the descent lights 15.

A variant of this first form shown in Figure 4. This variant does differ from the first embodiment as by the shape of the main frame 1 'and the mounting shoe 4 on this main chassis. The sole of the shoe is integral with a frame 16 articulated to the front of the chassis 1 'around a transverse axis 17 and vertically movable at the rear where a spring 18, or other elastic element, is interposed between the chassis 16 and the rear platform of the chassis 1 '. In this area, the frame 16 therefore has two parallel wings coming from each side of the chassis 1 '. The frolic of the shoe is limited, on each side of the frame 1 ', by two nipples 19 each engaged in lights vertical 20 of the frame 16. The lights 20 are at the magnitude of the axis of the caster 6. The chassis auxiliary 8 and the brake are identical to those of the first form of execution.

In the designs described above, the pressure and the friction of axis 12 on the side of the light 15 are important and may eventually pose a problem of wear. The embodiment shown in Figure 5 aims to obviate this wear problem by replacing lowering the axis 12 of the brake discs by cam effect by an articulated type system pantograph. In this second embodiment, a auxiliary chassis 21, consisting of two plates parallel cut in the shape of a ring is hinged on a main frame 22 around an axis 23 located between the penultimate roulette 6 and the last roulette 10, slightly below the right joining the axis 24 of Roulette 6 and the axis 25 of Roulette 10 and equal distance from these axes. Auxiliary chassis plates 21 are articulated outside the main chassis 22. Axis 12, brake discs 13 is located above of axis 23, vertical to this axis (the shoe resting on a horizontal floor) and it is connected, of a share, to main frame 22 by a first pair of 26 articulated links at the rear of the main frame 22 around an axis 27 and, on the other hand, to the chassis auxiliary 21 by a pair of brake pads 28 articulated on the auxiliary chassis 21 around an axis 29 and corresponding mechanically to a second pair of rods. The lengths of all these links, measured between their axes of articulation, are identical, so that the axis 12 of the discs is at the same distance from axes 27 and 29. The distance between axes 23 and 29 is also equal to the distance between axes 23 and 27, so that the joints constitute a pantograph and that the axis 12 is always equidistant from axes 24 and 25 of casters. The brake pads 28, made of aluminum, are located inside the auxiliary chassis 21, in 30 oval cutouts in the main frame 22. The height of these cutouts 30 is sufficient to allow vertical movement of the brake pads 28. The axis 12 of the brake discs is also supported by a spring 31 resting on a stop 32 mounted on axis 23. Displacement of axis 12 upwards is limited by a stop 33 fixed to the main chassis 22. The tilting of the main chassis 22 on the penultimate roulette 6 has the effect of distorting the pantograph formed by the articulated system, such so that axis 12 descends towards axis 23. The brake discs 13 are then driven by the casters 6 and 10 and are applied against the trays brake 28.

The plates 28 descending with the discs 13, they do not not oppose this descent, unlike the first embodiment in which the discs 13 must slide on the auxiliary chassis.

According to the third embodiment, shown in Figures 6 and 7, the shoe 4 is articulated on a main frame 34 around an axis 35 and a means elastic not shown offers resistance to rotation of the shoe 4 around this axis 35. The shoe 4 could however be rigidly mounted on the chassis 34. This chassis 34 consists of a U-shaped part, the wings of which are directed towards the top. The bottom of this profile is cut out for the passage of the casters 5, 9 and 6. The rear caster 10 is mounted at the rear end of a chassis auxiliary 36 consisting of two parallel plates articulated around an axis 37 on a shaped part 38 yoke whose bottom is located below axis 37. This yoke 38 is, on the other hand, articulated on the main frame 34 around an axis 39 located at the same level as the axis 37 and, like him, parallel to the axes casters. Axes 37 and 39 are located just above from the bottom of the yoke 38, this bottom being cut out for the passage of rollers 6 and 10. Inside the yoke 38 are rotatably mounted the discs of brake 13 around an axis 40. As can be seen in the figure 7, the yoke covers the ends of the chassis 34 and 36. On each side of the yoke 38 is mounted a spring 41 consisting of a bar working in flexion leaning on one side on a stud 42 of the chassis main 34 and, on the other side, on a stud 43 presenting several facets allowing to adjust the pretension of the spring 41. In its median zone, the spring rests on the ends of axes 37 and 39 with an adjustable preload by means of stud 43. This setting eliminates the constraint to have the body weight on or in front of the axis of the penultimate wheel by balancing it by the reaction of a calibrated spring according to the weight of the user.

At rest, the springs 41 therefore repel the yoke 38 upward, this movement being limited by the coming in abutment of the ends of the chassis 34 and 36 against the bottom of screed 38.

When tilting the main frame 34 around wheel 6, yoke 38 is pulled down by the axis 39 by bending the springs 41 and the discs brake 13 are applied to wheels 6 and 10 and against yoke 38 which constitutes the fixed part of the disc brake. Building on the penultimate wheel 6, the discs 13 drive the axis 37 in descent and pressure of the discs 13 on the casters 6 and 10 balance themselves.

In an alternative embodiment in which the shoe is rigidly fixed to the main chassis 34, the springs 41 could be replaced by a tension spring between the shoe and the axis 40 of brake discs.

The fourth embodiment, shown in the figures 8 and 9, is derived from the previous embodiment. Shoe 4 is mounted on a main chassis 44 consisting of a U-shaped profile in which are articulated the casters 5, 9, 6. The rear caster 10 is mounted at the rear end of an auxiliary chassis 45 formed of two parallel plates arranged on each side of main frame 44 and hinged on it main chassis around an axis 46. In this axis 46 is screwed from below a vertical bar 47 extending in the median plane of the chassis and of which the upper end is screwed in an axis transverse 48 at each end of which is fixed perpendicularly a circular plate 49 whose diameter corresponds to the diameter of the brake discs 13 freely mounted in rotation on the axis 48 between the trays 49. Trays 49 are located between the auxiliary chassis plates 45, in the same plane as the wings of the main chassis 44 which have at this effect a clearance 51. We find the springs 41 and the pins 42, the rear end of the springs 41 based on pins 50 of the auxiliary chassis 45. The springs 41 also cross the axis 46.

When tilting the main chassis 44 around the caster 6, as shown in FIG. 9, the axis 46 is driven towards the ground and the discs of brake 13 bears against the casters 6 and 10 and are applied against the fixed discs 49.

By its part screwed in the axis 48, the bar 47 allows further adjust the position of the brake discs by depending on the diameter of the rollers used.

Claims (9)

1. In-line roller skate comprising at least three rollers (5, 6, 9, 10), of which at least the rear roller (10) is mounted on an auxiliary chassis (8 ; 21 ; 36 ; 45) which is articulated, about an axle (7 ; 23 ; 39 ; 46) parallel to the axle of the rollers, onto a main chassis (1 ; 22 ; 34 ; 44) supporting a boot (4), and a brake (13) kinematically linked to the auxiliary chassis so as to brake at least the penultimate roller when the skate tilts rearward on the penultimate roller (6), and elastic means (31 ; 41) which counteract this tilting, characterized in that the brake consists of a pair of opposite coaxial discs (13), mounted so as to rotate and kept separated from each other by an elastic means (14), the opposing faces of these discs being at least approximately frustoconical and intended to come into contact with the two sides of the two rear rollers (6, 10) in order to be rotated by these rollers, braking being ensured by the friction of the discs on rotationally fixed parts of the skate, and in that the axle (12 ; 40 ; 48) of these discs is located between the two rear rollers, above the axles of these rollers and equidistant from these axles, and in that the mechanical linkage between the axle of the discs and the auxiliary chassis is such that, when the skate tilts rearward, this axle descends toward the straight line joining the axles of the two rear rollers, so that the discs are applied onto the two rear rollers.
2. Skate as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary chassis (8) is articulated about the axle (7) of the penultimate roller, and in that the mechanical linkage between the axle (12) and the auxiliary chassis consists of slots (11) in the auxiliary chassis, which slots are directed perpendicularly to the straight line joining the axles of the two rear rollers, the axle of the discs being also engaged in slots (15) of the main chassis, which are transverse to the slots of the auxiliary chassis, the discs (13) being applied against the auxiliary chassis during braking.
3. Skate as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that the main chassis (1') is articulated at the front to the boot, and in that an elastic means (18) is arranged between the heel of the boot and the main chassis, above the axle of the penultimate roller.
4. Skate as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary chassis (21) is articulated onto the main chassis (22) about an axle (23) located between the two rear rollers, equidistant between these axles, and in that the axle (12) of the discs is located at the upper end of an articulated system, of the pantograph type, formed by the two chassis (21, 22) and by two pairs of levers (26, 28), one (26) of which is articulated onto the main chassis and the other (28) of which is articulated onto the auxiliary chassis, the latter pair of levers (28) being in the form of plates against which the discs (13) are applied during braking.
5. Skate as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the discs (13) are supported by a fork (38) joining the main chassis (34) to the auxiliary chassis (36) by means of two articulations (37, 39), braking taking place by friction of the discs against the fork.
6. Skate as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the elastic means which counteract the tilting of the main chassis (34) consist of two flexural springs (41) which bear, on the one hand, on the two chassis and, on the other hand, on the fork so as to push the fork upward.
7. Skate as claimed in claim 6, in which the boot is fixed rigidly to the main chassis, characterized in that the elastic means which counteract the tilting of the main chassis consist of a tension spring joining the axle (40) of the discs to the boot.
8. Skate as claimed in one of the claims 5, 6 or 7, characterized in that the movement of the fork (38) upward is limited by the articulated ends of the two chassis coming to abut against the bottom of the fork.
9. Skate as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary chassis (45) is articulated onto the rear end of the main chassis (44) about an axle (46) to which the axle (48) of the brake discs is joined by a vertical bar (47), in that the ends of this axle (48) are rigidly fixed to two discs (49) arranged on either side of the brake discs (13), and in that the elastic means which counteract the tilting of the main chassis consist of two flexural springs (41) bearing (42, 50) on the two chassis and, on the other hand, on the axle (46) of the articulation of the two chassis.

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