EP4213676A1

EP4213676A1 - Roller-skates/sneakers with separable wheels

Info

Publication number: EP4213676A1
Application number: EP21814937.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vladimir Banjac
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-09-18
Filing date: 2021-09-17
Publication date: 2023-07-26
Also published as: WO2022060237A1; US20230354954A1; RS20201126A1

Abstract

This invention relates to the roller-skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels, by which the problem of their alternative adjusting for walking or roller-skating is solved, and which are at the same time safe, maneuverable, practical and simple to manufacture. The roller-skates consist of sneakers 2, which are laced with laces 3, an insole 10 and two pairs of wheels 4 separably fixed in the insole 10. The insole 10 and sole 6', which holds the front and back axle 9, 8 and forms the load-bearing construction, are built into the lower part of the sneaker 2 inside the sole 6'. The wheel 4 consists out of the middle plate 16 lined with silicone rubber 12, an interchangeable mask 11, two bearings 13 on the rims of central hollow part of the wheel 4, as well as two washers 15 made of steel with two lids 14 on the side of the wheel 4 facing the sneaker 2. Axes of the back wheels 4 are coaxial, while the axes of the front wheels 4 are moved one to the other for value a.

Description

ROLLER-SKATES / SNEAKERS WITH SEPARABLE WHEELS

Technical Field

The subject of the invention belongs, generally speaking, to the field of common life needs, i.e. the field of sports, games and recreation, more precisely to the field of skating, skiing and rollerskates. The subjection of invention, generally, can also belong to the field of footwear, more precisely to the field of sportswear of different characteristics.

According to the International Patent Classification (IPC) the subject of the invention has been marked and classified by basic classification symbols: A 63 C 17/02 which refers to rollerskates with two pairs of wheels, A 63 C 17/22 referring to the roller-skate wheels, and A 43 B 5/04 referring to the skiing footwear and thereto similar.

Technical Problem

The technical problem wished to be solved by the subject invention consists of the following: how to design roller-skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels, which would be alternatively adjustable for walking or roller-skating, practical, safe, as well as easy to maneuver and direct in space. Due to its construction, the subject of the invention would provide a comfortable solution for feet; one that is simple to manufacture, easy to put on, roller-skate with, and maintain and handle.

Background Art

In patent literature, numerous solutions of classic roller-skates have been described, under which the term roller-skates generally refers to the roller-skates with four wheels, distributed two by two in line, bom by a specially-designed carrier adjusted for fixed or separable fixing onto the footwear of a user. The primary deficiency of these solutions is the reduced safety of roller-skating, considering that the maneuvering of roller-skates requires moving on a maximally even surface, which reduces and restricts the use of these roller-skates. Apart from that, more wheels increase the frictional resistance of rolling, decreasing the motion speed, all while making it difficult to maneuver the change of direction. These deficiencies have been largely tried to be overcome in roller-skates with a distribution of two or more wheels put in line one behind another, born in the middle of the soleplate of a roller-skate known as “Inline skates” roller-skates. In accordance with the ESPACENET, the applications for roller-skates of this type can be found in the available fund of the patent documentation, among which are the patent applications EP98118750A under the name “Inline Skate” and US6152459A under the name “In-line roller skate”. Within the known solutions for roller-skates of the abovementioned type, which consist of two pairs of mutually parallel wheels in line, roller-skates that are known are the ones consisting of soleplate bearing wheels with means of fixing them onto the common footwear.

Furthermore, there are roller-skates known in which the wheels can be fixed to enable walking on them. The defect of this known solution is that fixed wheels make walking significantly difficult, which defers the users from using them for this purpose, but rather exclusively for the purpose of roller-skating. Solutions such as these lack the option of detaching the wheels from the main construction, which makes walking uncomfortable and strenuous, even when the wheels are fixed to the construction in a way that eliminates their mobility. A similar solution can be observed in the patent applications DESC088240D and FR464879DA, in which the rollers are not put into the sole, but are movable by a side mechanism on shoes so that they can be turned in front or behind the shoes. The deficiency of this known solution is that the length of the shoes is thus increased to a great extent, which makes walking difficult. Apart from that, the length of the shoes makes them aesthetically displeasing when worn by the users. As a result, the use of the shoe is limited to rollerskating, seeing how it is unsuitable and rather uncomfortable for walking.

There is another known solution of roller-skates presented in the patent application EP0304585A1 titled “Sports Device” and it regards the sports construction for rolling or skating, consisting of a base plate with two or four pairs of wheels or skates as the supporting elements. These wheels or skates are arranged by adjacent oscillatory axles, with the help of which the sports device rests on the surface it moves on. However, the deficiency of this solution is that the device is made more in the shape of a skateboard, i.e. sleigh, and less in the shape of roller-skates of any kind.

Another notable solution can be found in the field of sneakers as sportswear, under the patent application GB2053657A. Its main defect is the lack of necessary elements which would allow the user to use the aforementioned for any other purpose but walking. Aside from the sports sneaker, this solution consists of a band of the elasticized fabric positioned in the central part of the sneaker, along with the patented zipper and tongue of the shoe positioned thereat.

Finally, novel patent literature recognizes another solution under WO03059474A1, known as the sports shoe with a detachable skates/roller skate seat, including a pivot connecting apparatus, a baffle plate and a locking latch apparatus. This solution combines the use of a part of the sneaker and the lower part of the roller consisting of wheels, or rather the use of a skate, all while connecting them via connecting device to make motion possible. Primary defects of this solution are in its complicated means of production, as well as complex elements that need to be connected via a special connecting device to allow for use of any sort, be it for walking, sliding or roller-skating. This leads to an increase in the production price of each of these separate pieces and the product as a whole, making it less affordable and difficult to use.

Disclosure of the invention

The subject invention relates to roller-skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels, consisting of sneakers, special insoles, two front and two back wheels separately fixed to the sneaker, as well as other supporting elements.

The novelty of this invention is in the enhanced property of the sneaker as the part of the invention, which makes it more convenient for walking in comparison to the earlier solutions. Solutions mentioned under the Background Art may have, to some extent, allowed for the user to roller-skate in them, but did not provide an option of safe and easy maneuvering for the purpose of walking. Due to the enhanced property of the sneaker, the metal framework of the sneaker is made of new material and it is of such construction which enables uninterrupted walking, considering that the process of detaching the wheels is made significantly easier for the user. This allows the users to walk safely and comfortably in them, whenever they choose. In other words, the main novelty lies in the improved and more comfortable use of the invention for the purpose of walking, which is particularly important because it fully emphasizes the range of the dual function of this invention. By enhancing the construction of the sneaker and making detachment of the wheels from thereof easier, the inventor has achieved the result of a practical, simple and safe use, not only while rollerskating but as well when using the invention for walking.

The essence of the invention is in the construction of sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels which have a dual function, in that they can be used both for walking and for roller-skating, therefore making maneuvering easier, more practical, simpler, safer and stable, as well as making the invention more financially viable with relatively low production cost.

There are numerous advantages to this invention, among which the significant improvements worth mentioning are the use of thereof for practical and safe roller-skating, as well as easy walking, manufacturing and everyday use. This invention is stable, simple to maneuver, comfortable and most of all durable, considering that its life span could be unlimited, depending on the way the user handles the product. Moreover, the invention is suitable for serial production, which makes it financially viable and favorably priced for the end customer, considering the relatively low production cost.

Brief Description of Drawings

For the purpose of easier understanding of the invention, as well as for presenting how the easiest embodiment can be achieved in practice, the applicant refers to the attached drawings in which:

• Figure 1 represents the roller-skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels, according to this invention, in axonometric view

• Figure 2 represents the roller-skate of Figure 1, in side view

• Figure 3 represents the roller-skate in the above view

• Figure 4 represents the roller-skate in the front view

® Figure 5 represents the sole of the roller-skate

® Figure 6 represents the insole of the sneaker

® Figure 7 represents the assembly elements of the insole of the sneaker represented in the Figure 6

® Figure 8 represents the side/outer view of the wheel

® Figure 9 represents the front view of the wheel

® Figure 10 represents the A- A cross-section of the wheel

Best Mode for Carrying Out of the Invention According to this invention and Figures 1 through 8, the roller-skates 1 roughly consist of sneakers 2 (for the purpose of rationality, only the right sneaker is shown, the left one is its reflection in the mirror), insole 10 and two pairs of wheels 4, which are distributed so that two wheels 4 are in the front of the sneaker 2 and two wheels 4 are in the back of the sneaker 2.

The sneaker 2, according to Figures 1 through 4, consists of the following basic parts: upper side 6 of the sneaker 2, visible from its outer view on Figure 1, made of fabric or any other relatively elastic material, tongue 7’ of the sneaker 2 on which the laces 3 rest, as well as the inner side 7 of the sneaker 2, visible from above on Figure 3. Within the sole 6’ of the sneaker 2, there is an insole 10 through which the front axle 9 and rear axle 8 is put.

The insole 10 is a construction made of composite materials, but for the purpose of the insole’s 10 manufacturing, any other suitable material could also be used. Through the lower side of sneaker 2, at the level where it extends and encloses the insole 10, there are front and back axles 9,8 on the front and rear end of the sneaker 2, which can be clearly observed in Figures 4 through 7. On the upper, outer side of the sneaker 2, in accordance with Figure 1 and 3, there are adjustable laces 3 which, when tightened and relaxed, primarily allow for the sneaker 2 to be laced, as well as to adjust the level of stability and comfort for the user.

Wheel 4 consists of the middle plate 16, made out of solid material lined with the silicon rubber 12, where the interchangeable mask 11 of circular shape, as can be observed in Figure 8 as well as the A-A cross-section in Figure 10, rests on both sides of the wheel 4. Front axle 9 passes through the central hollow part of the front wheel 4, while the rear axle 8 passes through the central hollow part of the back wheel 4. Front axle 9 and rear axle 8 are integral parts of the sneaker 2, or rather its sole 6’, to which they are fixed and as such, they allow for front and back wheels 4 to be held. Front and back wheels 4 can be fixed to and removed from sneaker 2 by the means of screws 5, which are fixed to the front axle 9 and rear axle 8 with the proper tools. Each of the wheels 4 is modular, which makes them easy to mount so the roller-skates 1 could be used for the purpose of skating, as well as easy to remove so they could be used for the purpose of walking in the sneakers 2 without the wheels 4. On the rims of the central hollow part of the wheel 4, which passes through the middle plate 16, there are two bearings 13 of circular shape, while on the side of the wheel 4 turned towards the sneaker 2 there are two washers 15 made of steel and two lids 14. The middle plate 16 is lined with the silicon rubber 12 along the entire surface of the part of the wheel 4 which comes in contact with the surface used for moving around, according to Figures 8 through 10. The axes of the front pair of wheels 4 are moved one to another for value a, due to which left and right front wheel 4 are not in the same plane. Front wheel 4 from the inner side of the sneaker 2, at the thumb’s place, is moved forward for value a according to Figure 7, as regards the front wheel 4 from the outer side of sneaker 2. Unlike the front pair of wheels 4, the axes of the back pair of wheels 4 are coaxial, i.e. at the same distance from the back end of the sneaker 2 lengthwise. Each of the sneakers 2 has one front axle 9 and one rear axle 8.

Sole 6’ of the sneaker 2 is its sturdy, stable part, set in a way that makes it a part of the sneaker 2 and cut so an insole 10 which follows the shape of the sole 6’ can fit it, including the front and rear axles 9,8 which are fixed and on which the wheels 4 can be mounted by the means of screws 5. Tongue 7’ of sneaker 2 is made out of fabric and together with the laces 3 it allows for a flexible and comfortable motion, where the tightness of the laces 3 is adjusting according to the needs of each individual user. In regards to the functioning, bearing in mind all the previously mentioned elements as well as their interrelation, there is no need for further description on how the invention is practically used. This is due to the fact that the detailed description of the invention, as well as its purpose, allow for an easy deduction of the manner in which the invention can be applied.

Industrial and Other Applicability of the Invention

Roller-skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels are an invention that can be used in the everyday activities of its users. Its applicability enhances the regular use of a sports sneaker, which is customized in a multi-purposed manner that allows for the user to maneuver through space in different ways, most of all to roller-skate, slide and walk in an essentially easy way. The subject invention can be applied in different fields of commerce and various branches of industry, where its greatest potential could be reached in the sports industry.

Claims

1. Roller skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels, characterized in that they consist of sneakers 2, which are laced by the laces 3 on the upper part of the sneaker 2, insole 10 and two front and back wheels 4, separately fixed in the insole 10, that there are front axle 9 and rear axle 8 for fixing the wheels 4 with the screws 5 firmly positioned on the lower side of the sneaker 2 in the insole 10.

2. Roller skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels of claim 1, characterized in that the insole 10, which follows the shape of the foot and makes for a construction made of composite materials, is built into lower part of the sneaker 2 inside of the sole 6’ and that front axle 9 and rear axle 8 pass through the insole 10.

3. Roller skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels of claim 1, characterized in that the axes of the front wheels 4 are moved one to another, i.e. the front wheel 4 from the inner side of the sneaker 2, as regards the back wheel 4 from the outer side of the sneaker 2, is moved forward for value a, while the axes of the back pair of wheels 4 are coaxial.

4. Roller skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels of claim 1, characterized in that there are wheels 4 fixed on the front and rear axle 9,8 by the means of screw 5 adjustable via the usage of proper tools.

5. Roller skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels of claim 1, characterized in that the wheel 4 consists of the middle plate 16 lined with silicone rubber 12, where on the both sides of the wheel 4 rests an interchangeable mask 11 of circular shape and where on the rims of central hollows part of the wheel 4, which passes through the middle plate 16, rest two bearings 13, while on the side of the wheel 4 which is facing the sneaker 2, there are two washers 15 made of steel and two lids 14, while the middle plate 16 is lined with silicone rubber 12.

6. Roller skates/sneakers with two pairs of separable wheels of claim 1, characterized in that the sneaker 2 consists of upper side 6 of the sneaker 2, tongue T of the sneaker 2 on which the laces 3 rest from the upper side, as well as the inner side 7 of the sneaker 2.