EP1222948A1 - Blattfederung für Sportgerät mit Laufrollen - Google Patents

Blattfederung für Sportgerät mit Laufrollen Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1222948A1
EP1222948A1 EP01300143A EP01300143A EP1222948A1 EP 1222948 A1 EP1222948 A1 EP 1222948A1 EP 01300143 A EP01300143 A EP 01300143A EP 01300143 A EP01300143 A EP 01300143A EP 1222948 A1 EP1222948 A1 EP 1222948A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flex
flex beam
wheel
beams
wheels
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP01300143A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP1222948B1 (de
Inventor
James D. Moses
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SportsFx LLC
Original Assignee
SportsFx LLC
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SportsFx LLC filed Critical SportsFx LLC
Priority to EP01300143A priority Critical patent/EP1222948B1/de
Priority to DE60117922T priority patent/DE60117922T2/de
Priority to AT01300143T priority patent/ATE320291T1/de
Publication of EP1222948A1 publication Critical patent/EP1222948A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1222948B1 publication Critical patent/EP1222948B1/de
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A63C17/0046—Roller skates; Skate-boards with shock absorption or suspension system

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to a suspension system for inline skates, and more specifically, to a suspension system that incorporates a flexible beam to absorb shock and thereby increase the comfort to those skating over rough terrain.
  • Inline skating has become a popular pastime, providing both a relaxing outdoor activity and exercise. Compared to earlier skates having two axles on which pairs of opposed wheels were mounted, inline skates used today are much more comfortable and safe.
  • the wheels of inline skates are designed for outdoor usage and readily roll over surfaces that are not very smooth or free of debris. Early skates either had no suspension system, or at best, a very primitive suspension system.
  • Modern inline skates employ wheels made of an elastomeric material that helps to absorb shock, but is not sufficient to absorb the shock of rough terrain, where sidewalk expansion strips, frost heaved sections, and pebbles can produce rather significant shocks to the skater's feet.
  • Prior suspension systems have included coil springs, elastomeric blocks, leaf springs, and hydraulic pistons. While such suspension systems can indeed enhance the performance of inline skates, they tend to interfere with the control exercised by the skater, don't provide sufficient shock absorption, or are too complex and expensive.
  • Prior art suspension systems that include springs primarily permit vertical deflection of the wheels and are not readily tuned to accommodate skaters of differing weight. Furthermore, it would be desirable to employ a suspension system that allows for other modes of deflection other than in the vertical plane.
  • the suspension system should improve the comfort and the control of the skater, particularly while cornering.
  • the suspension system should enable the skater to accelerate with greater force by unleashing stored energy as the skater pushes off from a mark.
  • the present invention provides a simple, yet effective suspension system that reduces the discomfort caused by inline skating over an uneven or rough surface. Additionally, the resiliency of the suspension system provides better control when cornering and aids the skater in pushing off and accelerating. As the skater exerts a downward force on the skate to move forward, the suspension system is deflected in response to the force of the skater's effort. When the skater releases the downward pressure, the suspension system returns the stored energy by providing additional thrust to move the skater forward, as the suspension system returns to its undeflected position.
  • a suspension system for an inline skate includes a bracket adapted to attach to a boot, which receives a user's foot.
  • a flex beam having a center and opposite ends extending longitudinally from the center is provided, and the center of the flex beam is connected to the bracket and supported thereby.
  • Each end of the flex beam is adapted to connect with and support a wheel on an axle, so that the wheel can rotate.
  • the ends of the flex beam deflect to absorb shock when a wheel supported by an end of the flex beam rolls over a bump.
  • the system includes another flex beam like the one defined above.
  • each end of the other flex beam is adapted to connect with and support a wheel on an axle that enables the wheel to rotate.
  • These two flex beams are disposed along opposite sides of the bracket, and the end of each flex beam deflects to absorb shock when a wheel supported by that end rolls over a bump.
  • the flex beam is fabricated from a metal having predefined elastomeric properties. It is also preferable to taper the flex beam, so that it is thinner at each end to achieve a specified deflection for a defined force.
  • the flex beam is also preferably removably coupled to the bracket using a fastener.
  • the ends of the flex beam deflect vertically and also may deflect laterally to absorb the shock of a wheel rolling over a bump.
  • the flex beam deflects about its longitudinal axis when absorbing shock.
  • the bracket preferably has a side that depends downwardly, so that the flex beam is attached to the side of the bracket, along a lower edge.
  • the bracket is generally shaped like an inverted "U,” with opposite sides.
  • the two flex beams are then mounted to the opposite sides of the bracket, along the lower edges.
  • Each side of the bracket includes a front edge and a rear edge that are angled towards each other along the bottom of the bracket. The angled edges provide clearance for deflection of the wheels.
  • the flex beam includes a tab at each end in which an orifice adapted to accept an axle for supporting a wheel is provided.
  • a further aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for reducing shock and vibration transmitted to a skater when a wheel of an inline skate rolls over a bump.
  • the method includes steps that are generally consistent with the elements of the system described above.
  • FIGURES 1 through 5 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the following discussion includes the terms left, right, front, rear and forward, which are consistent with the terms a person wearing the inline skate boot as in FIGURE 1 would use to describe the inline skate and its orientation.
  • “left” refers to the side to the left of the skater
  • “right” refers to the side to the right of the skater
  • “front” refers to the end of the skate leading in the direction in which the skater normally travels
  • forward (as indicated by the large arrow in the drawings)
  • rear refers to the opposite end or direction.
  • FIGURE 1 the disposition of the suspension system is shown relative to a typical inline skate boot 10.
  • a top surface 11 of a mounting bracket 12 includes orifices 13 that accept fasteners (not shown) for use in securing the mounting bracket to the sole of boot 10.
  • the type of fastener used to affix boot 10 to mounting bracket 12 is not a critical feature of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the fasteners employed will likely permanently affix boot 10 to mounting bracket 12. Rivets, adhesive, molded constructs, or other permanent fastening means may be used for this purpose. It is also envisioned that removable fasteners such as screws, threaded bolts, or pins and clips can be used to connect boot 10 to mounting bracket 12. Use of removable fasteners for connecting boot 10 and mounting bracket 12 would allow either component to be replaced if desired.
  • Mounting bracket 12 is generally elongate, and when viewed from either end, appears to have an inverted "U" shape.
  • the downwardly depending sides of the mounting bracket include a left side 15L, as shown in FIGURE 1, and a right side 15R, as shown in FIGURE 4.
  • sides 15L and 15R are not congruent, but instead, may be described as being “complementarily asymmetrical,” since each side is designed to support different pairs of wheels 16a/16c, and 16b/16d, respectively.
  • a beam bracket 25L Extending outwardly from the lower edge of side 15L is a beam bracket 25L.
  • a similar beam bracket 25R extends outwardly from the lower edge of side 15R, as shown in FIGURE 5.
  • Beam bracket 25L is connected to a flex beam 14L, as shown in FIGURES 1-3, and beam bracket 25R is similarly connected to a flex beam 14R, using threaded fasteners 26, which extend through orifices 22 (shown in FIGURES 2-3) in the beam brackets and are threaded into threaded orifices 24 formed in the flex beams.
  • threaded fasteners 26 which extend through orifices 22 (shown in FIGURES 2-3) in the beam brackets and are threaded into threaded orifices 24 formed in the flex beams.
  • other types of fasteners including removable or permanent fasteners, such as rivets (not shown), can be readily used to couple the beam brackets to the flex beams, as will be appreciated by one of ordinary
  • flex beam 14L comprises two tapered areas 18 in which the thickness of the flex beam changes (flex beam 14R includes identically tapered areas, as will be apparent in FIGURE 3).
  • Flex beam 14L is thickest in its center, where the flex beam is attached to beam bracket 25L. Moving both to the front and to the rear from the center of flex beam 14L, the thickness of flex beam 14L is gradually reduced along the length of tapered areas 18.
  • Tapered areas 18 control the resiliency or flexure of flex beams 14L and 14R.
  • the flex beams are fabricated from a heat-treated stainless steel, but it is also contemplated that they may be made of fiber reinforced plastic or other suitable materials having the required strength and elasticity.
  • the thickness of the flex beams and the degree of the taper in tapered areas 18 are selected to provide a desired amount of resiliency to the suspension system so that the flex beams deflect by a desired amount for a specific force. Tapering the thickness of the flex beams also ensures that more of the deflection of the flex beams occurs closer to the ends of the flex beams rather than at the center where the flex beams are attached to beam brackets 25L and 25R, respectively.
  • flex beams 14L and 14R include tapered areas 18 in this preferred embodiment, it is envisioned that flex beams without tapered areas can alternatively be used.
  • the suspension characteristics (the "softness” or “firmness” of the suspension) can be controlled by varying either the thickness of the flex beams or the degree and longitudinal extent of tapered areas 18.
  • the flex beams may be configured to have an arcuate shape (i.e., with a concave side of the arcuate shaped flex beams facing downwardly) to provide yet another parameter for controlling the resiliency of the suspension system.
  • inline skates will be provided with suspension systems that are appropriate for use by skaters of differing weight and skill level. A heavier skater will likely prefer a suspension system that is stiffer and deflects less for a given force than a lighter weight skater. In addition, a skater who is more experienced may also prefer a suspension system that is stiffer.
  • flex beams 14L and 14R Adjacent to the thinnest section of each tapered area 18, flex beams 14L and 14R include tabs 20, which extend downwardly from the horizontal surface of the flex beams.
  • a particularly important feature of the preferred embodiment of the invention is the manner in which tabs 20 of flex beams 14L and 14R are connected to the plurality of wheels 16a-16d of the inline skate.
  • the inline skate has four wheels 16a-16d, arranged sequentially in a line from the front to the rear of the mounting bracket, as clearly shown in FIGURES 1-4 and FIGURE 6. Each wheel is connected to one tab 20 of either flex beam 14R or flex beam 14L.
  • wheels 16a/16c are attached to tabs 20 at opposite ends of flex beam 14L and wheels 16b/16d are attached to tabs 20 at opposite ends of flex beam 14R.
  • FIGURE 2 shows the preferred embodiment of the inline skate suspension system seen from the same orientation as FIGURE 1, but with boot 10 removed and mounting bracket 12 spaced apart from the flex beams, so that both flex beam 14L and flex beam 14R can be seen. From this view, it can be clearly seen that each wheel is attached to a different tab 20 of either flex beam 14R or 14L, such that adjacent wheels are not connected to the same flex beam.
  • mounting bracket 12 and flex beams 14L and 14R may be formed as an integral unit instead of as separate pieces.
  • Such an integral unit would preferably comprise a high impact fiber reinforced polymer, formed by injection molding or other suitable process. The fiber reinforcement should ensure that the resulting integrally formed flex beams are of sufficient strength and resiliency. The use of such an integral structure is expected to reduce manufacturing costs as well as simplifying the production/assembly process.
  • FIGURE 3 clearly shows how mounting bracket 12, flex beams 14L and 14R, and wheels 16a-16d are connected to tabs 20, at the ends of flex beams 14L and 14R.
  • Axles 30 pass through tabs 20, then through ball or needle bearings 32, which are disposed within the center of wheels 16a-16d and are held in place by axle retainers 34.
  • the specific bearings 32 employed is not a critical feature of this invention, since it is contemplated that conventional high quality inline skate wheel and bearing assemblies will be used.
  • Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that a wide variety of wheel bearings and other types of axle assemblies may be connected to tabs 20.
  • axles 30 are fabricated of stainless steel.
  • Axle retainers 34 are threaded into the mating threaded orifices provided in each end of axles 30 and can be removed to facilitate maintenance or replacement of wheels 16a-16d and bearings 32. While not preferred, it is contemplated that axles 30 may be welded to tabs 20. Also, axle retainers 34 may be permanently fastened to axles 30, precluding removal of the wheels from the axles. While permanent connection of the wheel assemblies to flex beams 14L and 14R would not allow for the replacement of the above-described components, this option would likely reduce manufacturing costs.
  • axles 30 and axle retainers 34 are of the type and style used in conventional inline skates, since it is likely that experienced skaters will prefer to be able to replace these components when worn, with off-the-shelf replacements.
  • axles 30 and axle retainers 34 may be beneficially employed in the present invention.
  • FIGURE 4 is a side elevation view of the right-hand side of the preferred embodiment of a roller skate in accord with the present invention. From this perspective, it can clearly be seen that wheels 16a-16b are connected to tabs 20 of flex beam 14 in such a fashion that alternating wheels are connected to different flex beams 14L or 14R. It also can clearly be seen that wheel 16b is connected to front tab 20 of right-hand side flex beam 14R. Similarly wheel 16d is connected to rear tab 20 of right-hand side flex beam 14R.
  • FIGURE 4 also illustrates additional details of mounting bracket 12. Note that an edge 12a of side 15R on mounting bracket 12 is angled away from wheel 16d sufficiently to provide substantial clearance when wheel 16d deflects under load. Similarly, an edge 12d of side 15L on mounting bracket 12 is also angled to provide sufficient clearance for wheel 16a when it is deflected under load. Angled surfaces 12b and 12c (the latter being hidden from view and shown as a dashed line) reduce the mass and weight of mounting bracket 12, and also provide clearance for the deflection of wheel 16b and 16c, respectively.
  • a web 35 (shown in dashed lines in this Figure because it is hidden from view) connects sides 15L and 15R, providing lateral support the sides and generally strengthening the mounting bracket.
  • FIGURE 5 shows web 35 more clearly.
  • FIGURE 6 illustrates how flex beams 14L and 14R allow for the vertical deflection of wheels 16a-16d to absorb shocks as the wheels roll over a surface 36.
  • wheel 16a is illustrated passing over a bump 38 on surface 36.
  • Forward tab 20 and forward tapered area 18 of flex beam 14L support wheel 16a, and are deflected upwardly a distance 40, to allow wheel 16a to roll over bump 38. Because wheels 16a-16d are independently suspended, the end of the flex beams supporting each wheel will successively deflect upwardly as that wheel rolls over bump 38.
  • the skater Because of the shock absorbing deflection that occurs as each wheel encounters bump 38, the skater is NOT subjected to the series of sharp jarring sensations experienced by a skater using conventional inline skates that do not include a suspension system. Instead, the present invention absorbs the shocks of expansion strips, uneven surfaces, pebbles, and other irregular surface features due to the deflections of the flex beams that support the wheels on each skate.
  • FIGURES 7 and 8 are to be treated as views of the present invention from a head-on perspective that illustrates another of its features. This view illustrates wheel 16a traveling first over a smooth surface (FIGURE 7), and then over an irregular surface (FIGURE 8) that causes deflection of the forward end of flex beam 14L as wheel 16a, the front wheel, rolls over bump 38.
  • FIGURE 7 wheel 16a is shown with the end of the flex beam deflected only minimally, as would be the case when the wheel is rolling over a level surface 36.
  • FIGURE 8 shows how the present invention allows for both vertical deflection of wheel 16a, as well as a deflection of wheel 16a about a longitudinal axis of flex beam 14L, when the wheel encounters bump 38.
  • This bump causes flex beam 14L and wheel 16a to deflect upwardly through a vertical distance 40 and to deflect laterally through a distance 42, as the wheel deflects around the longitudinal axis of flex beam 14L through an angle 44.
  • the lateral and angular deflections of flex beam 14L and wheel 16a are somewhat exaggerated, to better illustrate the deflections.
  • wheels 16b-16d also deflect through a similar range of motion when the flex beam to which they are attached absorbs the shock as the wheels successively roll over bump 38. It has been found that this slight lateral and angular deflection aids control by the skater for much the same reason that a slight camber of automobile wheels is desirable to facilitate steering control of an automobile.
  • the suspension system in accord with the present invention enables the skater to remain in control and to enjoy a level of comfort that has generally not been noted in conventional inline skates without a suspension system.

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  • Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
  • Vehicle Body Suspensions (AREA)
  • Springs (AREA)
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EP01300143A 2001-01-08 2001-01-08 Blattfederung für Sportgerät mit Laufrollen Expired - Lifetime EP1222948B1 (de)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01300143A EP1222948B1 (de) 2001-01-08 2001-01-08 Blattfederung für Sportgerät mit Laufrollen
DE60117922T DE60117922T2 (de) 2001-01-08 2001-01-08 Blattfederung für Sportgerät mit Laufrollen
AT01300143T ATE320291T1 (de) 2001-01-08 2001-01-08 Blattfederung für sportgerät mit laufrollen

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP01300143A EP1222948B1 (de) 2001-01-08 2001-01-08 Blattfederung für Sportgerät mit Laufrollen

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1222948A1 true EP1222948A1 (de) 2002-07-17
EP1222948B1 EP1222948B1 (de) 2006-03-15

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EP01300143A Expired - Lifetime EP1222948B1 (de) 2001-01-08 2001-01-08 Blattfederung für Sportgerät mit Laufrollen

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EP (1) EP1222948B1 (de)
AT (1) ATE320291T1 (de)
DE (1) DE60117922T2 (de)

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US893341A (en) * 1908-03-09 1908-07-14 Johannes F H Martinsen Roller-skate.
DE439934C (de) * 1927-01-21 Hans Kleinmuenkten Rollschuh mit aus der Sohlplatte herausgebildeten Lagerarmen und Festhaltebuegeln
US4392668A (en) * 1980-12-09 1983-07-12 Mulholland Lawrence K Shock-absorbing wheel suspension assembly
US5135244A (en) * 1991-04-22 1992-08-04 Wdrm Patent Co. Suspension and braking system for a tandem wheeled skate
WO1993012846A1 (en) * 1991-12-20 1993-07-08 Nordica S.P.A. Skate with aligned wheels
WO1996026775A1 (en) * 1995-03-02 1996-09-06 Scda Technologies, Inc. An in-line skate with suspension
DE29614090U1 (de) * 1996-08-14 1997-01-09 Mohr, Werner, 65719 Hofheim Zwei-Rollen-Rollschuh mit Blattfeder zur Aufnahme der hinteren Rolle
US5904360A (en) * 1995-06-30 1999-05-18 99 Innovations, Inc. Flexible skate frame
US5951027A (en) * 1993-03-22 1999-09-14 Oyen; Gerald O. S. Shock absorbent in-line roller skate with wheel brakes-lock
DE19831652A1 (de) * 1998-07-15 2000-01-20 Bernd Brenner Sportgerät

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE439934C (de) * 1927-01-21 Hans Kleinmuenkten Rollschuh mit aus der Sohlplatte herausgebildeten Lagerarmen und Festhaltebuegeln
US893341A (en) * 1908-03-09 1908-07-14 Johannes F H Martinsen Roller-skate.
US4392668A (en) * 1980-12-09 1983-07-12 Mulholland Lawrence K Shock-absorbing wheel suspension assembly
US5135244A (en) * 1991-04-22 1992-08-04 Wdrm Patent Co. Suspension and braking system for a tandem wheeled skate
WO1993012846A1 (en) * 1991-12-20 1993-07-08 Nordica S.P.A. Skate with aligned wheels
US5951027A (en) * 1993-03-22 1999-09-14 Oyen; Gerald O. S. Shock absorbent in-line roller skate with wheel brakes-lock
WO1996026775A1 (en) * 1995-03-02 1996-09-06 Scda Technologies, Inc. An in-line skate with suspension
US5904360A (en) * 1995-06-30 1999-05-18 99 Innovations, Inc. Flexible skate frame
DE29614090U1 (de) * 1996-08-14 1997-01-09 Mohr, Werner, 65719 Hofheim Zwei-Rollen-Rollschuh mit Blattfeder zur Aufnahme der hinteren Rolle
DE19831652A1 (de) * 1998-07-15 2000-01-20 Bernd Brenner Sportgerät

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1222948B1 (de) 2006-03-15
ATE320291T1 (de) 2006-04-15
DE60117922D1 (de) 2006-05-11
DE60117922T2 (de) 2006-09-14

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