FR2730418A1 - Foot support for tilting roller skate - Google Patents

Abstract

The support plate (1) for the foot (4) is suspended from a rocker and pivots round the longitudinal axis (2) of the skate. The articulation points have rubber O-rings which are L-shaped in cross section and the upper O-ring is thicker. This is compressed to release the support plate. The rocker is centred by two springs or rubber strips which are fixed to the rocker and to the lateral parts of the skate. The rotation of the plate is limited by stops on the inner surface of the skate and the outer surface of the rocker.

Description

SWING SKATE
The present invention relates to a skate (ice, roller, etc.) respecting the physiological structures of the ankle.

 Linear contact skates (ice skates, inline skates) pose an ankle stability problem, especially for young or beginner skaters. Skates whose foot support plate is always parallel to the ground, induce risks for the ankle during lateral pushing (no skater, turn, lateral slope). Skates whose axle orientation depends on the inclination of the foot support plate are difficult to master.

The device according to the invention overcomes these drawbacks. It comprises, according to a first characteristic, a foot support plate articulated at its ends, along a longitudinal axis, to the rest of the shoe;
The axis being located above the plate. The assembly forms a swing suspended along a longitudinal axis. Thus, whatever the situation, the plate will always take a position perpendicular to the direction of the applied force, preventing the ankle from forming an angle.

According to particular embodiments:
- The structure supporting the swing can have a frame or hull shape or any derived shape.

 - the rotational movement can be braked, either at the joints or on other parts of the structure, avoiding random movements when the skate is not on the ground.

 - the swing can include a return device in the center (springs, elastics ...).

 - The amplitude of the rotational movement may be limited by stops, preventing the projection of the forces from leaving the support polygon.

 - To simplify manufacturing and maintenance, a device for rapid assembly / disassembly of the swing can be provided.

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention: - for the main device:
FIG. 1 represents the device according to the invention, rear view, right foot.

 FIG. 2 represents the device according to the invention, seen from above.

FIG. 3 represents the device according to the invention, movement of the
swing and projection of forces in the polygon of
lift, cross section, rear view, right foot.

- for secondary devices:
- Figure 4 shows a hinge system, longitudinal section
broken.

- Figure 5 shows a return system to the elastic center, section
transverse, right foot.

- Figure 6 shows a system of stops limiting the amplitude of the
rotation, cross section, right foot.

 With reference to these drawings: - the main device comprises, a swing (1) supporting the foot (4), movable around a longitudinal axis (2) and a structure forming the rest of the shoe (3). On the latter are fixed the parts in contact with the ground: blades, wheels, racket, etc. In Figure 3 appears the axis of projection of the forces (5).

- The secondary articulation device comprises a rubber washer of toric shape with L-shaped section, the vertical part of which is thin (6), located at the front of the pad. A toric shaped rubber washer with a cross section
L, the thick vertical part (7), located at the back of the skate. The assembly / disassembly is done by compressing the thick washer and by switching on / off the front joint. The vertical parts of the washers act as a brake on the rotational movement. The horizontal parts of the washers serve as a shock and vibration absorber, and allow assembly without metal / metal friction, which is essential if the device is made of light alloy.

- the secondary centering device comprises two elastic bands (rubber or springs) (8) fixed on the swing and on the lateral parts of the structure supporting the latter, allowing the swing of the swing relative to the structure in the absence of 'effort (skate in the air).

- The secondary device for limiting rotation comprises two projections on the inside of the structure (9) and a projection on the outside of the swing (10) serving as stops. The stops (9) must be positioned in such a way that the projection of the forces does not leave the support polygon; this varies according to the type of parts in contact with the ground (4 wheels, 2 blades, racket etc.).

 The device according to the invention is mainly intended to make the support of the foot on the ground more physiological during transverse efforts with inclination of the leg. Its most obvious use is the manufacture of roller skates, ice skates, snowshoes and any means of locomotion or lift likely to cause non-physiological flexion of the ankle.

Claims (4)

 1) Device for articulating a foot support plate (1) with respect to a structure serving as a skid (3) characterized in that it comprises a suspended swing (1) along a longitudinal axis (2) and on which comes attach the foot (4).  2) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the articulation points are provided with O-ring rubber washers of L-section of different dimensions (6) (7), allowing rapid assembly and disassembly by compression of the washer la thicker, and the use of light alloys for the manufacture of parts; the washers allowing shock and vibration damping, and their friction serving as a brake on the rotational movement.  3) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the swing (1) is refocused in the absence of effort by two springs or rubbers (8) fixed by one end to the swing and by the other to the left side parts and straight lines of the structure (3).  4) Device according to claim 1 characterized in that the rotational movements of the swing (1) are limited by projections on the swing (10) and on the structure (9) serving as stops.