EP1645311B1 - Chassis for in line skate comprising two stacked channel frame sections - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an in-line roller skate frame, its manufacturing method and a corresponding pad.

In order to obtain the necessary rigidity, the in-line roller skate frames are generally manufactured by extrusion or welding, from an extrudable material, in particular aluminum. The extrusion provides an at least partially tubular profile that is machined by recovery to form the platforms and clearances for the wheels. Such a solution is for example described in the document FR2836395 , which provides a generally U-shaped frame whose side wings define a chamber, made apparent in places by cutouts. This solution makes it possible to achieve good rigidity, to reduce the overall weight thanks to the cutouts which also have an advantageous aesthetic appearance. However, the method of manufacturing such a chassis is very expensive.

To overcome this drawback, it has been proposed to manufacture frames by stamping a sheet, relatively inexpensive process to implement. Such an example is described in the document FR2843038 which discloses a frame obtained by simply stamping and bending a blank to form a downwardly open U, defining a platform which receives an injected plastic piece to form a raised rear platform with respect to the flat front form formed by the sheet. Such a chassis, however, has the disadvantage of reduced rigidity compared to previous solutions, a less attractive aesthetic and a need for the addition of an additional piece to form a platform with two levels.

The document EP-A-0 778 058 discloses an articulated skid frame having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

The object of the invention is to propose a skid frame and its manufacturing method which do not have the abovementioned disadvantages.

More specifically, a first object of the invention is to provide a skid frame that is rigid, for minimal weight and attractive aesthetics.

A second object of the invention is to provide a skate frame which has two platforms of different levels in order to fix the heel of a shoe elevated relative to the front portion of the shoe.

A third object of the invention is to provide a method of manufacturing a skid frame that is inexpensive.

The invention is based on a skid frame according to the object of claim 1.

The invention also relates to a roller skate, comprising a frame as defined above.

1. a. fabrication d'un premier profilé sensiblement en U, définissant une première plate-forme ;
2. b. fabrication d'un second profilé sensiblement en U et de hauteur supérieure à celle du premier profilé, définissant une seconde plate-forme ;
3. c. réalisation d'emplacements pour la fixation d'une chaussure sur chaque plate-forme de chaque profilé et d'emplacements pour la fixation d'au moins une roue sur chaque profilé ;
4. d. superposition des deux profilés, la seconde plate-forme se trouvant dans un plan au-dessus de la première plate-forme;
5. e. fixation des deux profilés entre eux par la fixation d'au moins une roue fixée à la fois sur les deux profilés, par un emplacement du second profilé superposé à un des premiers emplacements du premier profilé.

The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a skid frame, characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

1. at. manufacturing a first substantially U-shaped profile, defining a first platform;
2. b. manufacturing a second substantially U-shaped profile and of greater height than the first profile, defining a second platform;
3. vs. providing locations for attaching a boot to each platform of each profile and locations for attaching at least one wheel to each profile;
4. d. superposition of the two profiles, the second platform being in a plane above the first platform;
5. e. fixing the two sections together by fixing at least one wheel fixed on both profiles, by a location of the second section superimposed on one of the first locations of the first section.

The step of manufacturing a profile may consist of stamping and folding a sheet. Alternatively, the step of manufacturing a profile may consist of extrusion and machining.

The invention is more particularly defined by the claims.

• La figure 1 représente une vue de dessus d'un châssis de patin à roulettes selon un premier mode d'exécution ;
• la figure 2 représente une vue latérale d'une partie du châssis de patin à roulettes selon le premier mode d'exécution ;
• la figure 3 représente une vue latérale du châssis de patin à roulettes selon le premier mode d'exécution ;
• la figure 4 représente une vue de l'avant du châssis de patin à roulettes selon le premier mode d'exécution ;
• la figure 5a représente une vue latérale de la fixation des deux profilés selon un mode d'exécution ;
• la figure 5b représente une vue en coupe des détails de la figure 5a ;
• la figure 6 représente une vue latérale d'une variante de réalisation par rapport à la figure 5a ;
• la figure 7 représente un patin à roulettes intégrant le châssis selon le premier mode d'exécution ;
• la figure 8 représente une vue de dessus d'un châssis de patin à roulettes selon un second mode d'exécution ;
• la figure 9 représente une vue latérale d'une partie du châssis de patin à roulettes selon le second mode d'exécution ;
• la figure 10 représente une vue latérale du châssis de patin à roulettes selon le second mode d'exécution ;
• la figure 11 représente une vue de l'avant du châssis de patin à roulettes selon le second mode d'exécution ;
• la figure 12 représente une vue de dessus d'un châssis de patin à roulettes selon un troisième mode d'exécution ;
• la figure 13 représente une vue latérale d'un châssis de patin à roulettes selon le troisième mode d'exécution.

Embodiments will be described hereinafter, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

• The figure 1 represents a top view of a roller skate frame according to a first embodiment;
• the figure 2 is a side view of a portion of the roller skate frame according to the first embodiment;
• the figure 3 represents a side view of the roller skate frame according to the first embodiment;
• the figure 4 represents a view of the front of the roller skate frame according to the first embodiment;
• the figure 5a represents a side view of the attachment of the two sections according to one embodiment;
• the figure 5b represents a sectional view of the details of the figure 5a ;
• the figure 6 represents a side view of an alternative embodiment with respect to the figure 5a ;
• the figure 7 represents a roller skate incorporating the chassis according to the first embodiment;
• the figure 8 represents a top view of a roller skate frame according to a second embodiment;
• the figure 9 is a side view of a portion of the roller skate frame according to the second embodiment;
• the figure 10 represents a side view of the roller skate frame according to the second embodiment;
• the figure 11 represents a view from the front of the roller skate frame according to the second embodiment;
• the figure 12 represents a top view of a roller skate frame according to a third embodiment;
• the figure 13 is a side view of a roller skate frame according to the third embodiment.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 1 to 7 , an in-line roller skate frame is obtained by superimposing two independent sections 1 and 11, manufactured by stamping and folding of a metal sheet to obtain a substantially U-shaped shape. Each section 1; 11 defines respectively a platform 2; 12 and two lateral wings 3a, 3b; 13a, 13b. Each wing 3a, 3b; 13a, 13b respectively comprises holes 4a, 4b; 14a, 14b provided for fixing wheels and cutouts 5a, 5b; 15a, 15b to lighten the overall weight and create an aesthetic effect. Each platform 2, 12 includes respectively openings 6, 16 to promote the attachment of a shoe.

The second profile 11 has a width slightly greater than that of the first section 1 to partially overlap, its holes 14 being positioned opposite the holes 4 of the first profile 1. In this embodiment, the first profile 1 comprises four holes 4a, 4b on each wing and the second section 11 has three 14a, 14b, on each wing, superimposed on the first, second and fourth holes 4a, 4b by numbering them from the front of the frame. The subsequent fixing of the three wheels 20 via a rod 19 passing through the holes 4 and 14, shown in FIG. figure 4 , will at the same time to fix the two sections 1, 11 between them.

The second profile 11 has a platform 12 of reduced length and a height greater than that of the first section. It thus defines a raised rear platform 12, positioned on the rear of the platform 2 of the first profile, which extends substantially over the entire length of the chassis, so as not to completely cover it but to leave it a free area at the front of the chassis. Thus, this configuration allows the attachment of the front of a shoe using the fastening means 6 on the lower platform 2 of the first section 1 and the attachment of the heel of the shoe fixed on the high platform. 12 of the second section 11 by the fastening means 16. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "platform" means an upper zone of the chassis intended for the attachment of at least one shoe part.

To strengthen the attachment of the two sections 2, 12 and allow their retention even in the absence of wheels, it can have a spacer 21 between the wings of the two sections, fixing together the four wings 3a, 3b, 13a, 13b.

Alternatively, one of the holes 4 or 14 of a profile may comprise a connecting means for fixing to the corresponding hole 14 or 4 superimposed. This connecting means may consist of a chimney, that is to say a protuberance of flared material placed on a part of the circumference of a hole, which is tightened momentarily thanks to its elastic property to cross the hole. corresponding to the neighboring profile, before releasing it by letting it resume its flared shape, which allows to obtain the attachment of the two profiles. This solution is represented on the Figures 5a and 5b . Another solution consists of one or more protuberant portions in the form of lamellae, for example at the level of a hole, passing through the hole of the neighboring profile and then folded manually or naturally in order to keep the two sections connected to one another at the level of the hole. Such a variant is represented in figure 6 .

A first elastomer 22 shown in FIG. figure 4 is arranged in the space between the two platforms 2, 12 to fulfill a vibration damping effect during the race due to its viscoelastic properties. To reinforce this function, lateral elastomers (not shown) can be placed in the space between the flanges 3a, 13a and 3b, 13b of the profiles.

To lighten the assembly, cutouts 5, 15 are made in the wings of the two sections. These cuts 5, 15 are partially superimposed. This allows more to create an attractive aesthetic effect.

All combinations of cuts are possible between the two extreme cases which consist of cuts of each profile completely superimposed or never superimposed. In addition, the cutouts may also consist of cutting the ends of the wings to obtain a hollow outline and forming legs at the wheels.

The figure 7 represents a roller skate incorporating the frame described above and on which is fixed a shoe 23.

The Figures 8 to 11 represent a second embodiment of the invention, which differs from the first by the shape of the profiles, the attachment of the second profile on the first, third and fourth wheels of the roller skate, the shape of the openings 5,15. In this solution, no spacer is used. The function of fixing the two sections together is filled by the wheels.

According to a third embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13 the second section 11 always has a higher height to define a high platform. However, it has a width less than that of the first profile 1 and wings 13 pass through the platform 2 through openings 24 so as to be inside the wings 3 on the side portions of the frame.

According to a fourth embodiment not shown, the two sections are fixed at the wheels 1 and 4, the wheels 2 and 3 being only fixed to the first section.

According to a fifth embodiment similar to the figure 13 , the two sections are fixed at the wheels 2 and 3, the wheels 1 and 4 being only fixed to the first profile.

The last two embodiments allow the roller skate to have a freedom of two central wheels with respect to the two wheels of the ends, which allows the respective displacement of these two pairs of wheels in parallel transverse planes during heavy efforts undergone by the pad, especially in the case of high speed curves, commonly called by their English name "carving". This lateral offset causes a positive effect during "carving" which facilitates the realization of the curved trajectory since the wheels occupy a non-aligned position whose radius of curvature is in the same direction as the curve.

The embodiments described above can be combined without departing from the scope of the present invention.

1. a. étampage et pliage d'un premier profilé sensiblement en U ;
2. b. étampage et pliage d'un second profilé sensiblement en U et de hauteur légèrement supérieure ;
3. c. superposition du second profilé sur le premier profilé.

In addition to the preceding description, the invention also relates to the method of manufacturing a chassis according to the invention, which finally comprises the following essential steps:

1. at. stamping and folding a first substantially U-shaped profile;
2. b. stamping and folding a second substantially U-shaped profile and slightly higher height;
3. vs. superposition of the second profile on the first profile.

The method also comprises a step of producing shoe attachment means on the platforms of the two profiles.

Optionally, the method may comprise an additional step consisting in fixing the two sections together. This step can also be performed together with the mounting of the wheels or the blade to form the complete pad.

Alternatively, the two profiles can be manufactured by another process such as extrusion and machining, aluminum for example. The two profiles may consist of different materials, with complementary mechanical properties, such as two stiffness aluminum different for example, which may also have the effect of increasing the positive effect sought for the "carving" mentioned above.

This manufacturing method allows more possibilities of decoration of the skid frame, since the two profiles can be treated independently. Thus, chemical treatments such as anodizing can be used on one or other of the two sections or mechanical treatments such as sanding to obtain a matte and / or glossy effect.

An ice skate frame, not shown, which would comprise two superimposed sections defining a rear and front platform, the rear platform being raised, would be a variant not covered by the present claims.

• le châssis est rigide puisqu'il comprend deux profilés superposés ;
• le châssis est léger grâce notamment aux découpes prévues dans les ailes des profilés ;
• la superposition de deux ailes latérales possédant chacune des découpes différentes crée un effet esthétique attrayant ;
• l'utilisation de deux profilés permet de définir simplement deux plate-formes dont la disposition peut être facilement réalisée, en définissant simplement leurs dimensions et hauteur respective, ce qui permet de réaliser une plate-forme arrière surélevée pour placer le talon d'une chaussure ;
• l'utilisation de deux profilés permet aussi d'associer facilement deux matériaux différents aux propriétés physiques complémentaires et de combiner des couleurs, formes, découpes, différentes afin d'améliorer ou varier l'esthétique ;
• la superposition de deux profilés permet aussi d'insérer un dispositif d'amortissement des vibrations, ce qui est très avantageux pour les courses sportives, basées sur des grandes courbes très rapides par exemple, mettant la structure du châssis à l'épreuve ;
• le procédé de fabrication d'un tel châssis est simple et peu coûteux.

Finally, the invention has the following advantages:

• the frame is rigid since it comprises two superimposed sections;
• the chassis is light thanks in particular to the cuts provided in the wings of the profiles;
• the superposition of two lateral wings each having different cutouts creates an attractive aesthetic effect;
• the use of two profiles makes it possible to simply define two platforms whose arrangement can be easily achieved, by simply defining their respective dimensions and height, which allows for a raised rear platform to place the heel of a shoe ;
• the use of two profiles also makes it easy to combine two different materials with complementary physical properties and to combine colors, shapes, cutouts, different to improve or vary the aesthetics;
• the superposition of two profiles also makes it possible to insert a vibration damping device, which is very advantageous for sports races, based on large, very fast curves, for example, putting the structure of the chassis to the test;
• the method of manufacturing such a frame is simple and inexpensive.

Claims (17)

1. Chassis for inline roller skate, comprising a first, essentially U-shaped frame section (1) defining a first, lower platform (2) presenting at least one mounting location (6) for at least the front portion of a shoe, as well as first legs (3a, 3b), and a second, essentially U-shaped frame section (11) defining a second, upper platform (12) presenting at least one mounting location (16) for at least the rear portion of a shoe, as well as second legs (13a, 13b), the upper platform (12) being situated in a plane above the lower platform (2), the second legs (13a, 13b) overlapping at least partially the first legs (3a, 3b), characterised in that the first frame section (1) comprises first mounting locations (4) in its lower portion for receiving wheels (20), and in that the second frame section (11) comprises at least one mounting location (14) being superimposed on one of the first mounting locations (4) in order to allow the fastening of at least one wheel (20) to both frame sections, said fastening permitting also the fastening of the two frame sections (1, 11) to each other.
2. Chassis for inline roller skate according to claim 1, characterised in that the two frame sections, the upper and the lower one, are fastened to each other.
3. Chassis for inline roller skate according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the two frame sections, the upper and the lower one, are at least partially superimposed, and that the chassis comprises at least one resilient element (22) disposed between the two frame sections in order to dampen any vibrations.
4. Chassis for inline roller skate according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that it comprises at least one resilient element inserted between the legs (3a, 3b; 13a, 13b) of the two frame sections.
5. Chassis for inline roller skate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one of the frame sections comprises at least one cut-out (5, 15).
6. Chassis for inline roller skate according to claim 5, characterised in that the two frame sections (1, 11) comprise cut-outs (5, 15), and that these cut-outs are not totally superimposed.
7. Chassis for inline roller skate according to any one of the preceding claim, characterised in that it comprises a fastening means for fastening the two frame sections to each other.
8. Chassis for inline roller skate according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the legs (3a, 13a; 3b, 13b) of the two frame sections are fastened to each other by means of a distance rod (19).
9. Chassis for inline roller skate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second frame section (11) has a greater width than that of the first frame section (1) and overlaps the latter, its legs (13a, 13b) covering at least partially the legs (3a, 3b) of the first frame section (1).
10. Chassis for inline roller skate according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the second frame section (11) has a smaller width than that of the first frame section (1), its legs (13a, 13b) penetrating the platform (2) through the openings (24), these legs being at least partially covered by the legs (3a, 3b) of the first frame section (1).
11. Chassis for inline roller skate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that one of said mounting locations (4, 14) of a frame section comprises a projection entering into a superimposed hole of a mounting location (14, 4) of the other frame section in order to fasten the two frame sections to each other.
12. Chassis for inline roller skate according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first frame section (1) or the second frame section (11) comprise at lest one mounting location (4, 14) that is not covered by a mounting location of the other frame section in order to be connected to a wheel (20) only.
13. Chassis for inline roller skate according to claim 12, characterised in that the first frame section (1) comprises four mounting locations (4) for receiving four wheels, and in that the second frame section (11) comprises three mounting locations (14) for receiving three of the four wheels comprising the foremost wheel and the rearmost wheel.
14. Inline roller skate, characterised in that it comprises a chassis according any one of claims 1 through 13.
15. Process for the manufacture of an inline roller skate chassis according to any one of claims 1 through 13, characterised in that it comprises the following steps:

    a. manufacture of an essentially U-shaped first frame section (1) that defines a first platform (2);

    b. manufacture of an essentially U-shaped second frame section (11) that has a greater height than the first frame section (1) and which defines a second platform (12);

    c. realisation of mounting locations (6, 16) for fastening a shoe on each platform (2, 12) of each frame section (1, 11), and of mounting locations (4, 14) for fastening at least one wheel (20) on each frame section;

    d. superimposition of the two frame sections, the second platform (12) being located in a plane above the first platform (2);

    e. fastening of the two frame sections (1, 11) to each other through the fastening of at least one wheel (20) attached simultaneously to the two frame sections (1, 11) through a mounting location (14) of the second frame section (11) which is superimposed on one of the first mounting locations (4) of the first frame section.
16. Process for the manufacture of an inline roller skate chassis according to claim 15, characterised in that it comprises a manufacture step of a frame section by punching and plate bending.
17. Process for the manufacture of an inline roller skate chassis according to claim 15, characterised in that it comprises a manufacture step of a frame section by extrusion and cutting work.

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