EP1915201B1 - Road roller skates - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to road roller skates for travelling on average quality roads, comprised of a semi-rigid high-top-shoe (3) fixed to a supporting sole (4) at a height of 50 mm above the ground and fitted with angle brackets (4b and 4c) to which the rotation axis of a front wheel (1) is fixed, this front wheel having a large diameter (150 to 300 mm) and being situated to the outside of the foot next to the toe joints, and to which the rotation axis of a rear wheel (2) is fixed, this rear wheel having a medium diameter (100 to 150 mm) and being situated to the inside of the foot next to the heel. The large diameter of the wheels makes it possible to handle defects in the terrain. This arrangement confers its stability to the skate, and front and rear rubber blocks (6, 5) placed under the sole (4) can be pressed against the ground by rotating the knees. Optionally, the front wheel (1) can be slightly tilted underneath the sole (4), the assembly can be adapted to a purchased in-line skate whose wheels have been removed, the characteristics of the diameter and material of the wheels being adjustable.

Description

Technical area.

The present invention relates to a lightweight device attached to the foot designed to be able to move both on a prepared track on a road of average quality.

Prior art.

This type of displacement is traditionally and mostly carried out using roller skates with four small wheels placed under the sole, or type pads "in line" with several wheels (usually four or five) also small dimension aligned under the sole, and in its axis.

The major disadvantage of these devices is that their use is reasonably limited to a smooth surface, hard and without gravel so on developed trails or roads particularly well maintained. Their ability to drive on ordinary roads with a coarse surface is therefore unsatisfactory.

Another disadvantage is the difficulty of learning and stopping position on these types of pads. Indeed there is no really practical system when you want to keep a stable stopping position, get back in line of its trajectory or slow down the speed.

In a more limited manner, variants of roller skates with, for example, medium wheels having their axes possibly offset above the sole for the four-wheel skates (the wheels are therefore outside the footprint of the sole) or for in-line skates the use of only two medium wheels one in front and the other behind the sole and in its axis, are of a difficult driving which limits considerably their performances. Similarly, the use of two medium wheels on one side of the runner with vertical running surface or possibly inclined to bring the contact area to the ground under the main axis of the sole have the disadvantage of either deporting the axis of reaction skate off the axis of the ankle is to cause a rotational movement of the pad to the outside of the path and a rapid wear of the wheels.

The document GB-A-111 302 discloses a roller skate having a front wheel remote from the axis of the sole and located on the outside of the foot and at the junction foot / toes in top view, and a rear wheel offset from the axis the sole and located on the inside of the foot and at the heel.

Presentation of the invention.

The device according to the invention is defined in claim 1 overcomes these disadvantages and to provide additional features.

It comprises in fact according to a first characteristic and for each pad, two wheels offset from the main axis of the sole: a large wheel at the front between 150 and 300 mm diameter (1) on the outside of the foot and an average wheel at the back mark (2) (100 to 150 mm) on the inside of the foot. The axis of rotation of each wheel is located in a parallel plane but not coincidental to the plane of the marker base (4) and is perpendicular to the major axis of this sole, thus making the rolling surface of the wheels parallel to the displacement of each sole when the sole is in a horizontal plane.

The axis of rotation of the marking wheels (1c) and (2c) is located approximately at the level of the plane of the marker base (4) for the wheel size 100 mm, below for the smaller wheels and above for larger sizes. This arrangement places the baseplate (4) in a plane parallel and located about 50 mm above the ground. The pad is thus greatly lowered and stabilized relative to the axis of the large wheels of the standard configuration.

The foot is housed in a high index shoe (3), semi rigid with front / rear articulation at the index peg (3c). This type of shoe is identical to the type used for "online" skates. According to a seventh feature, softer shoes can also be used.

Depending on the nature of the majority of terrain and the type of hike, the wheel diameter and the standard tread material of the solid or semi-solid synthetic rubber wheels may be replaced by a light tire type hose, or by a single tire. cycle field. Tires are adequate for high inflation pressures.

The rim and tread of the front wheel mark (1 a) is offset relative to the spokes (or disk) mark (1 b) connecting the wheel to its hub to approach as much as possible the foot of the running surface. The widest part of the shoe entering inside the rolling band (or torus). The axis of the tread is thus at about 40 mm from the geometric axis of the foot. The reference rear wheel (2) will also be brought closer to the outer surface of the shoe. The purpose of these provisions is to limit the footprint of the entire machine and avoid shocks with the other foot or external elements, but especially to bring the axis formed by the contact points the two wheels with the ground as close as possible to the ground projection of the support points of the foot in the shoe but always on the same side to avoid lateral torque effects on the ankle and a passage in unstable position during the pushing movement.

According to a third characteristic, the rubber blocks at the front of the marker (6) and the rear mark (5) of each pad are located opposite the wheels relative to the main axis of the sole and at a height 35 mm from the ground at the front and 20 mm at the rear. Thanks to the offset position of the wheels (the front on the outside of the foot and the back to the inside), and the low height of the sole they can be used for braking, slowing down, keeping the position off or on. Simply put them in contact with the ground by a slight inside or outside movement of the foot with change of the base plate by simultaneous action of pivoting of the ankle and knee. The leg then takes the shape of the "X" of the legs of the skiers in snow-hunting position for the use of the front blocks or shaped "()" for support on the rear blocks. Braking and deceleration from a High speed is preferably done by dragging a rear foot on its front rubber block or as in conventional skating by initiating a corner turn.

The front block (6) also serves to adhere to the ground and to propel the skater when the axis of the foot is only slightly off the axis of the displacement. Normally the axis of the foot is directed towards the outside of the axis of movement, about 30 ° to take advantage of the reaction of the wheels that do not work in their normal plane of rotation. This free or sketched support on the front block comes from the support of the foot beyond the connecting line of the contact points of the wheels with the ground and causes a rotation of the plane of the sole (4) further promoting contact with the ground. In a view from above, the position of the front (1c) and rear (2c) axles relative to the length of the sole (4) of the shoe (3) are located inside the footprint of this sole. , at the heel for the rear wheel and at the level of the toe foot binding for the front wheel. This arrangement of the axes inside the cavity allows easy movement during the passage of the foot of the pusher function to the carrier function. This would require a much greater effort if the wheels were placed well forward and well back of the sole.

The size of the two wheels and the type of tread allow efficient use of the pads on a road even rough. The choice of this dimension depends on the type of road, the type of hike to be performed and the size of the skater. In principle this choice can be made at the acquisition, or according to a sixth characteristic, it can be done later by changing the wheel, a provision for fixing two consecutive diameters of wheels can be provided on the parts (4b) and (4c) the soleplate / placard (4). The large diameter at the front and the elasticity of the tread allow while maintaining a remarkable coefficient of bearing which limits the losses of energy, to swallow the obstacles (gravel, small hollow) without effect of shock and braking important that can cause the imbalance of the skater forward and without repercussions of uncomfortable vibrations. The large diameter rear wheel has the same advantages, and in the case of a smaller diameter would in theory lessen the obstacles, but, the effect of a possible imbalance of the skater forward would "clear" automatically the weight applied to the rear wheel and thus its braking effect.

The sole of the foot of the shoe (3b) is fixed rigidly directly on the sole / board (4) thin (less than 10 mm) but resistant enough to the twist in the direction of its major axis (possible increase of the section in the middle of the board). The axis of rotation of the wheels (1c) and (2c) is fixed directly on this board (4a) for the size 100 mm, or in a position slightly raised (or lowered) relative to this board (4a) by means of a bracket (4c) for the rear wheel or (4b) for the front wheel

In addition to the shoe (3) which is a model of the trade, the choice of the materials of the other pieces must be guided by questions of weight and of inertia in rotation. Especially for the front wheel (1) whose large diameter would induce significant gyroscopic effects if it was not balanced by a reduced speed of rotation and a moment of inertia reduced by the choice of lightweight materials and limited quantity.

According to a fourth characteristic, the axis of rotation of the front wheel (1c) can be inclined relative to the plane of the sole (4) to move the support point closer to the axis of the foot and clear the top of the shoe. In general, this angle of inclination will not exceed 10 ° to limit the rotation generated to the outside of the foot.

According to a fifth characteristic, the system can be adapted to a type of "on-line" type of trade simply without these wheels. The previous sole / board (4a) then being replaced by a "U" mark (4d) mounted under and including the yokes of the small wheels of the model "in line". Fixing is carried out by 4 or 5 bolts passing through the pin holes of the 4 or 5 small wheels.

Brief description of the drawings.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. They concern the system (skid) of the left foot.

• La figure N°1/10 représente la vue de face simplifiée du système standard.
• La figure N°2/10 représente la vue de coté simplifiée du système
• La figure N°3/10 représente la vue de dessus simplifiée du système
• La figure N°4/10 représente la perspective simplifiée du système
• La figure N°5/10 représente la perspective d'une forme simple de la planche/semelle et un détail du pliage de l'équerre (4b).
• La figure N°6/10 représente la coupe d'une roue avant simplifiée suivant différent types de bande de roulement, standard en matériaux synthétique plein (1a), en version pneu léger type boyau (1a') et en version pneu tout terrain (1a"). Le détail de jante (1d) et de valve de gonflage (1e) pour les versions pneu.
• La figure N°7/10 représente la vue avant simplifiée du système suivant quatrième caractéristique avec l'axe de la roue avant incliné.
• La figure N°8/10 représente la vue de face simplifiée de la cinquième disposition avec liaison sur un patin «en ligne » démuni de ses roues. La pièce (3d) profil de chape des roues démontées et les boulons de liaison (3e) sont rajoutés sous la partie pied de la chaussure (3c). la planche semelle (4a) est remplacée par le profil « U » (4d) monté sur la pièce (3d), et les équerres (4b) et (4c) sont modifiées avec des goussets pour être fixées sur la pièce (4d).
• La figure N°9/10 représente la vue de coté simplifiée de la cinquième disposition.
• La figure N°10/10 représente la perspective éclatée des pièces de la cinquième disposition (3d), (3e), (4d), (4b), (4c), (1 c) et (2c).

The dimensions are approximately in proportion to the length of an average adult foot 28 to 30 cm long:

• Figure No. 1/10 shows the simplified front view of the standard system.
• Figure N ° 2/10 shows the simplified side view of the system
• Figure N ° 3/10 shows the simplified top view of the system
• Figure N ° 4/10 represents the simplified perspective of the system
• Figure No. 5/10 shows the perspective of a simple shape of the board / sole and a detail of the folding of the square (4b).
• Figure No. 6/10 shows the section of a simplified front wheel according to different types of tread, standard solid synthetic material (1a), light tire type hose (1a ') and all-terrain tire version ( 1a ") The detail of rim (1d) and inflation valve (1e) for tire versions.
• Figure No. 7/10 shows the simplified front view of the system following fourth characteristic with the axis of the inclined front wheel.
• Figure No. 8/10 shows the simplified front view of the fifth arrangement with connection on a pad "in line" without its wheels. The piece (3d) clevis profile of the disassembled wheels and the connecting bolts (3e) are added under the foot part of the shoe (3c). the sole board (4a) is replaced by the profile "U" (4d) mounted on the piece (3d), and the brackets (4b) and (4c) are modified with gussets to be fixed on the piece (4d).
• Figure No. 9/10 shows the simplified side view of the fifth arrangement.
• Figure No. 10/10 shows the exploded perspective of the pieces of the fifth disposition (3d), (3e), (4d), (4b), (4c), (1c) and (2c).

1. (1) Une roue avant de grand diamètre avec son moyeu (1c), ses rayons/disque (1b) , et bande de roulement (1a), (1a') et (1a").
2. (2) Une roue arrière de diamètre moyen ou grand avec son moyeu (2c), ses rayons/disque (2b), et bande de roulement (2a), (2a') ou (2a"). et bande de roulement (2a), (2a') ou (2a").
3. (3) Une chaussure haute semi rigide articulée à la cheville de type patin « en ligne » avec sa partie cheville (3a), sa partie pied (3b) et ses pivots d'articulation (3c), également chapes de roues (3d) et boulons (3e) pour la cinquième disposition.
4. (4) Une planche de fixation de la chaussure et des axes de roues avec sa partie semelle (4a) ou (4d) (pour la cinquième disposition), sa partie équerre avant (4b) et sa partie équerre arrière (4c).
5. (5) Un bloc caoutchouc d'arrêt ou de maintient de position sous partie arrière de la semelle.
6. (6) Un bloc caoutchouc d'arrêt ou de maintient de position sous partie avant de la semelle.

With reference to these drawings, the system comprises:

1. (1) A large diameter front wheel with its hub (1c), spokes / disc (1b), and tread (1a), (1a ') and (1a ").
2. (2) A rear wheel of medium or large diameter with its hub (2c), its spokes / disc (2b), and tread (2a), (2a ') or (2a "). and tread (2a), (2a ') or (2a ").
3. (3) A semi rigid shoe articulated to the ankle of the type "in line" with its ankle part (3a), its foot part (3b) and its hinge pins (3c), also clevises of wheels (3d) and bolts (3e) for the fifth provision.
4. (4) A shoe binding board and wheel axles with its sole portion (4a) or (4d) (for the fifth disposition), its front bracket portion (4b) and its rear bracket portion (4c).
5. (5) A rubber stop or hold block under the rear part of the sole.
6. (6) A rubber stop or hold block under the front part of the sole.

Best ways to achieve the invention

A typical embodiment of the invention consists of a shoe with a front wheel of 200 mm and a rear wheel of 125 mm in:

A semi rigid shoe (3) trade molded plastic with slippers fabrics. The shoe is fixed by rivets on the sole (4).

A support base (4) made of light injection-molded aluminum alloy with ribs on the underside or carbon fiber. The sole is about 27 cm, 8 cm wide and 7 mm thick. The brackets (4b) and (4c) are either of the same material and molded directly with the soleplate, or reported in 2 mm steel sheets (with ribs stiffness of 8 mm obtained by folding / stamping) and fixed by screw under the sole. Thus the square (4b) will have for dimensions: a / base fixed under the sole 30 x 45 mm, b / triangular part normal to the sole and up to the wheel axle: width 45 mm at the bottom and 25 mm at the level of the wheel axle, height between base and wheel axle: 50 mm. The stiffness rib is located at the bottom of the base, opposite to that in contact with the bottom of the sole, and the wheel side to a height of 25 mm (see plate 5/10), c / at the fixing of the wheel axle, a boss embossed with thread of 12 mm fine pitch, a second threaded boss is provided 20 mm under the first for the option with wheel diameter 160 mm.

The bracket (4c) shall have dimensions 30x 45 mm, b / triangular part width 45 mm at the bottom and 25 mm at the wheel axle, height between base and wheel axle: 17 mm. The stiffness rib is located at the bottom of the base, opposite the face in contact with the bottom of the sole, and the wheel side to a height of 10 mm, c / at the attachment of the wheel axle, a stamped boss with 12 mm tapping in fine pitch.

Rubber blocks of 20 mm diameter and 10 mm thickness for the workpiece (6) and 20 mm for the workpiece (5) are fixed by a screw embedded in the block under the sole (4a).

The steel wheel axles are screwed onto the brackets. For large wheels, the axle / hub assemblies are similar to those of the wheels of cycles, constituting thanks to two rows of balls a bearing, mounting in "X". For smaller wheels, one would use needle bearings with simple steel / brass friction stops or deep groove ball bearings. deep.

The wheels are described on the board 6/10. In the off-road tire version, cycle wheels from diameter 12 ^# (300 mm) are available commercially and wheels used for 3-wheeled carriages or orthopedic chairs. Only simple adaptations are to be made. The wheels manufactured will be sheet metal, light alloy. The material of the solid treads is identical to that used for the in-line pads.

Possibilities of industrial applications.

The main uses of the road skates are for hikers on the road, for easy and fast moving in the city and other applications of traditional roller skates or online. The use is subject, where applicable, to the obligations of the Highway Code, the Civil Code and Insurance and the wearing of approved personal protective equipment.

Claims (6)

1. Road roller skates consisting of a light device fixed to the foot of an individual and designed to enable him to roll on dedicated tracks as well as on average quality roads, characterized by the fact that it includes for each foot:

   One semi-rigid high-top shoe, articulated at the level of the ankle (3), one sole/board (4) or U channel (4d) as support to which the shoe is attached and to which are attached by means of angle brackets (4b) and (4c) the rotation axis of a front wheel (1) said to be of a large diameter, between 150 and 300 mm, off centred from the big axis of the sole and situated on the outside of the foot and at the level of the foot/toes junction from a top view, and of a rear wheel (2) said to be of a medium size diameter, between 100 and 150 mm, off centred from the big axis of the sole and situated on the inside of the foot and at the level of the heel from a top view, these axes being on planes parallel to the plane of the sole and perpendicular to its big axis, the treads of the wheels themselves being brought as close as possible to the foot, the whole arrangement being so that the projection onto the ground of the reaction points of the foot in the shoe be close to the line that links the two contact points of the wheels with the ground, and placing the sole in a plane situated about 50 mm above the ground and under which are attached a front rubber block (6) and a rear rubber block (5) located at the opposite side of the wheels in relation to the main axis of the sole and at a height of 35 mm in relation to the ground for the front block and 20 mm for the rear block, these blocks being used for stopping, maintaining a hold or a moving position.
2. Road roller skates according to claim N°1, characterized by the fact that the rotation axis of the front wheel (1) is tilted at an angle not exceeding 10° in relation to the plane of the board, the point of contact of this wheel with the ground being therefore made closer to the axis of the foot.
3. Road roller skates according to one of the previous claims characterized by the fact that a provision for fixing two consecutive wheel diameters is anticipated on angle brackets (4b) and (4c) and allows to change the diameter of wheels (1) and (2) even after purchase of the skates, by changing the wheels.
4. Road roller skates according to one of the previous claims characterized by the fact that the material of the treads of the wheels is made of synthetic rubber.
5. Road roller skates according to one of the previous claims characterized by the fact that the material of the tread of the wheels is a light racing tyre.
6. Road roller skates according to one of the previous claims characterized by the fact that the material of the tread of the wheels is a bicycle all terrain type tyre.

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