GB2590805A

GB2590805A - Speed control device attachable to a wheeled article

Info

Publication number: GB2590805A
Application number: GB2020013.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ostli Morten; Stubberud Atle
Original assignee: Rollersafe AS
Current assignee: Rollersafe AS
Priority date: 2017-12-04
Filing date: 2017-12-04
Publication date: 2021-07-07
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-04
Also published as: GB2590805B; GB202020013D0

Abstract

A speed control, in particular limiting, device attachable to a wheeled article. The wheeled article comprises a body 2 and one or more wheels 4. The speed control device comprises an electric brake unit provided so as to engage one of the one or more wheels and apply a braking factor thereto; a control unit adapted to actuate the brake unit based on a received signal; wherein the electric brake unit is adapted to be attached to an outer surface of the body 2 of the wheeled article. The brake unit may include a single brake pad 18 which may be actuated via a screw and scissor jack 50. A housing 40 for the brake unit may include a mudguard.

Description

Speed Control Device Attachable to a Wheeled Article

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to the field of wheeled articles and, more specifically, speed control of wheeled articles by an attachable speed control device.

Background of the Invention

Articles designed for travel, in particular those comprising wheels, generally require means for controlling the speed that the wheeled article is travelling at. Such can include those that are powered by human interaction or via gravitational influences, such as rollerblades or in-line skates, bicycles, skateboards, baby trolleys, wheelchairs, or the like.

In recent times, the popularity of roller skiing, in particular cross-country roller skiing, has increased primarily due to the fact that such can be performed as a training exercise during times of the year when accessibility to snow is difficult. In addition, roller skiing is also popular as a stand-alone sport, and is attracting interest from people of different abilities and experiences.

A typical roller ski includes a longitudinal body comprising at least one wheel at each end thereof. A user attaches one ski to each foot and uses associated ski poles to move with the roller skis. Primarily, two types of roller skis are currently available. Roller skis designed to be used with the classic ski technique include wheels that rotate freely in the forward direction and at least one wheel that is blocked from reverse rotation. In contrast, roller skis designed to be used with the skating technique include wheels that move freely in both the forward and reverse directions. These types of skates are herein referred to as "classic" roller skis, and "skate" roller skis, respectively.

One difficultly that is associated with these systems, however, is speed regulation and/or braking of the roller ski. Many existing systems utilise primitive brake mechanisms that require the user to bend their leg in order to operate such a mechanism. This can be quite cumbersome for a user to operate, particularly for a beginner who has relatively little experience operating roller skis, during instances of emergency, or during cornering or skiing on inclined surfaces, for example.

As a result, currently available roller skis are considered to provide huge safety risks, especially for untrained or inexperienced users. For example, a skier may lose control when travelling too fast downhill, which could be dangerous not only for the skier but also for other users of road networks, i.e., pedestrians, cyclists, etc. For these reasons, restrictions on the use of roller skis on public roads exist and, combined with the safety issues, many skiers are reluctant to use roller skis.

Patent literature WO 2015/110167 Al provides a speed control system built into a wheeled article, for controlling the speed of the wheeled article, in particular the slowing of a roller ski. The system allows for a varying degree of braking by the user, with many changeable settings allowing for the braking scale to be set to suit a variety of situations, in particular offering the option wherein the braking force cannot be applied fully so as to avoid abrupt speed control.

Whilst said speed control system offers useful controlling of speed of a wheeled article, the system requires the user to purchase the entire system, including the wheeled article, such as a roller ski. As costs of roller skiing can be high, users interested in the sport may be reluctant to purchase new equipment when they already possess equipment that is functional but lacks a braking system.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an attachable speed control device that is able to regulate and/or limit the speed of a wheeled article, and more particularly, a roller ski, wherein the speed control device may be fitted to a variety of wheeled articles of different structures, particularly roller skis with a hollow/solid body. This therefore allows the user to achieve a high level of speed control, whilst keeping costs to a minimum by allowing the use of their currently owned equipment, thereby enabling a user to safely, and effectively, control the speed of the wheeled article or roller ski.

Summary of the Invention

This object is achieved by the device of claim 1.

The invention also provides a speed control, in particular limiting, device attachable to a wheeled article, wherein the wheeled article comprises a body and one or more wheels. The speed control device comprises an electric brake unit provided so as to engage one of the one or more wheels and apply a braking factor thereto, and a control unit adapted to actuate the brake unit based on a received signal, wherein the electric brake unit is adapted to be attached to an outer surface of the body of the wheeled article.

Brief description of the Drawings

Figures la-le show the lower part of the brake unit according to the first embodiment.

Figures 2a-2e show the upper part of the brake unit according to the first embodiment.

Figures 3a-3e show the brake unit according to the first embodiment.

Figures 4a-4e show the control unit according to the first embodiment, designed for the classic roller ski.

Figures 5a-5e show the control unit according to the first embodiment, attached to a classic roller ski.

Figures 6a-6e show the speed control device of the first embodiment for a classic roller ski, i.e. the control unit according to the first embodiment, attached to a classic roller ski, and the brake unit according to the first embodiment, installed inside a classic roller ski.

Figures 7a-7e show the control unit according to the first embodiment, designed for the skate roller ski.

Figures 8a-8e show the control unit according to the first embodiment, attached to a skate roller ski.

Figures 9a-9e show the speed control device of the first embodiment for a skate roller ski, i.e. the control unit according to the first embodiment, attached to a skate roller ski, and the brake unit according to the first embodiment, installed inside a skate roller ski.

Figures 10a-10e show the speed control device according to the second embodiment.

Figures ha-lid show the speed control device according to the third embodiment.

Figures 12a-12e show the speed control device and some of its internal components according to the third embodiment.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention is related primarily to a speed control device attachable to a wheeled article, specifically a roller ski, but it should be understood that the speed control device is not limited to attachment to a roller ski and may also be applied to other wheeled articles, such as skateboards, in-line roller skates, roller blades, bicycles, wheelchairs, baby trolleys or pushchairs, and the like.

It is also noted that all of the embodiments are suitable for use with either the classic roller ski, and/or the skate roller ski.

First embodiment The first embodiment relates to a speed control device attachable to a wheeled article wherein the wheeled article comprises a hollow body (2) and one or more wheels (4). The speed control device comprises an electric brake unit (10) provided so as to engage one of the one or more wheels (4) and apply a braking factor thereto. The speed control device also comprises a control unit adapted to actuate the brake unit (10) based on a received signal.

Due to the hollow nature of the wheeled article, the electric brake unit (10) is adapted to be inserted into the hollow body (2) of the wheeled article. The electric brake unit (10) therefore has the added benefit of not taking up additional space on an outer surface of the hollow body (2), as it is disposed in the wheeled article. This prevents the brake unit (10) from being positioned in a manner that may be detrimental to the use of the wheeled article by the user.

Description of figures

Figures 1, 2, and 3 depict an example of the braking unit of embodiment 1. The brake unit (10) comprises a cuboidal solid body, into which a number of components are embedded. A battery (12) as seen may also be cuboidal, and may be narrower than the solid body so as to be effectively embedded and held in place. In addition, an electric motor (14) is held in a groove cut into the solid body to similarly hold the motor (14) in place. The battery (12) and motor (14) are connected by an electrical wire. The motor (14) is connected to an axle, which comprises multiple rotatable conjoining pieces. Said pieces allow for the transfer of lo rotation from the motor (14) to the screw gear (16). The screw gear (16) is also embedded within the solid body and is connected to the rotatable conjoining pieces. The screw is threadably engaged with the brake pad piece (18) positioned at the end of, and extending beyond the perimeter of, the solid body. At least part of the screw extends into the brake pad piece (18). The brake pad piece (18) may act as the brake pad (18)or may have additional components connected to it, wherein one of these acts as the brake pad. The brake unit (10) also comprises a plurality of tabs positioned around the perimeter of the longitudinal face, and extending upwards, so as to engage with features of the roller ski and improve its grip on the inside of the roller ski when the brake unit (10) is inserted.

The brake unit (10) of figures 1, 2, and 3 function by the battery (12) providing power to the electric motor (14) causing the motor axle to rotate. Through connection between the axle and the screw gear (16), the rotational force is transferred to the screw. As the screw is secured by the solid body and the rotatable conjoining pieces, the screw is held in place laterally and longitudinally, but may rotate in place. As the brake pad piece (18) is threadably engaged with the screw, and is unable to rotate due to its size, shape and position within the hollow body (2), the rotation of the screw causes the brake pad piece (18) to either extend further out of the brake unit (10), or to retract back into the brake unit (10), depending on whether the screw has been rotated in a clockwise or anti clockwise manner. The rotation of the screw thereby causes the brake pad (18)to contact the wheel (4) and apply a braking factor thereto.

Figures 6 and 9, depict the brake unit (10) positioned within the housing (40) of a roller ski. The brake unit (10) solid body is entirely contained within the roller ski, and only the brake pad piece (18) may extend outside of the hollow body (2) of the roller ski.

The control unit as seen in figures 4, 5, 7, and 8, is threadably engaged with a friction pad of non-slip material, which provides better grip between the control unit and the roller ski, via four bolts. These bolts penetrate a surface of the control unit, the friction pad, and when attached to the roller ski, a longitudinal surface of the roller ski. The control unit can also be seen to comprise a power button for turning on or off the speed control device, and increase and decrease buttons (34). The increase and decrease buttons (34) may provide a number of different functions, including manual calibration of the device.

The control unit may also be shaped so as to comprise a surface which extends in an arch over the back wheel (4) of a roller ski when attached. This forms a mudguard and is designed to extend over at least part, more preferably the entirety, of the upper half of the wheel (4).

Figures 6 and 9 depict the brake unit (10) secured in the body (2), and the control unit secured to an outer surface of the body (2). The securing of both units (10, 30) is facilitated by the four bolts, which penetrate the control unit (30), friction pad, outer longitudinal surface of the roller ski, and the brake unit solid body (10).

As can also be seen in figures 4-9, the control unit comprises a large hexagonal feature positioned on an upper edge of the control unit. Said hexagonal feature may be an electrical connection inlet, or a cover for an electrical connection inlet. Said inlet may be used for programming of the speed control device, calibration of the speed control device, or charging of the speed control device. It can also be seen that the control unit comprises a plurality of lights (36), which may be illuminated to indicate to the user information regarding the speed control device, for instance level of braking applied, power level, and/or other useful information regarding the status of the speed control device.

Variations of first embodiment The brake unit (10) may comprise a battery (12), electric motor (14), a screw gear (16) to be turned by the motor (14), and one or more brake pad (18) acted upon, and moved by the screw gear (16). The brake pad(s) (18) may be easily removed by the user, to facilitate replacement after use.

The brake unit (10) may be of dimensions smaller than a standard hollow bodied roller ski, held in place by a securing means (20) positioned in the remaining space between the brake unit (10) and the roller ski. The securing means (20) ensures that the brake unit (10) is held in position, and does not move relative to the longitudinal surfaces of the roller ski, during regular use of the roller ski, including during use of the braking unit.

The securing means (20) may be formed of springs, bendable panels, bolts, adhesive, a deformable shell of a ridged metal structure, a deformable shell of a plastic structure, or a combination of any of these securing means (20). The skilled person would recognize that any means of securing the brake unit (10) inside the hollow body (2) of the roller ski such that it does not move would also be suitable. The securing means (20) may permanently attach the brake unit (10) inside the roller ski, or may facilitate removal of the brake unit (10) and/or the securing means (20) from the hollow body (2) of the roller ski.

When the securing means (20) is formed of springs the securing means (20) may comprise one, two, three or four, longitudinal panels each secured to the brake unit (10) by one or more springs. These longitudinal panels are held against the inner surface of the hollow body (2) of the roller ski by a spring force of the respective springs.

When the securing means (20) is formed of bendable panels, the securing means (20) may comprise one, two, three, or four, bendable panels each attached to a longitudinal surface of the brake unit (10). Similar to when the securing means (20) is formed of springs, a spring force forces the bendable panels outwards when they are compressed. The bendable panels each contact an inner surface of the hollow body (2) to keep the brake unit (10) in place.

When the securing means (20) is formed of bolts, the securing means (20) may comprise, one, two, or more bolts, which penetrate a longitudinal outer surface of the hollow body (2) and may threadably engage the brake unit (10). The bolts may further engage the opposite inner longitudinal surface of the hollow body (2) such that the bolts extend across the entire hollow portion. The bolts may also penetrate the opposite outer surface and be held in place by a plurality of nuts.

When the securing means (20) is formed of a deformable shell, the securing means (20) may be deformed upon insertion into the hollow body (2) such that it fits the gap between the longitudinal surfaces of the brake unit (10) and the inner surfaces of the hollow body (2). When the deformable shell has a ridged metal structure, the shell may comprise a plurality of ridges. These ridges may be deformed upon the insertion of the securing means (20) into the hollow shell such that they become angled. This angled structure serves to provide a barb like effect wherein the ridges grip the inner surfaces of the roller ski hollow body (2). When the deformable shell is a plastic structure, the shell may be compressed upon insertion of the brake unit (10) into the hollow body (2), allowing the plastic to be compressed into the gap between the brake unit (10) and inner surfaces of the roller ski hollow body (2).

The deformable shell may return to its original state after removal from the hollow body (2), 10 or may be permanently deformed.

The brake unit (10) may also be connected to one or more support panels. Said support panels are connected to an end of the brake unit (10) and are designed to remain outside of the hollow body (2) when the brake unit (10) is inserted. When attached to the brake unit (10) they will form a cross section, which is larger than the cross section of the opening of the hollow body (2). They may be attached to the end surface of the hollow body (2), or may simply rest against it. Through their attachment to the brake unit (10) and their positioning against the end surface of the hollow body (2), they are able to provide support during actuation of the brake unit (10). They may therefore prevent the brake unit (10) from being pressed further into the hollow body (2) of the roller ski when the brake pad(s) (18) press against the wheel (4) during speed control.

The control unit (30) may be positioned on an outer surface of the hollow body (2). This allows for better connectivity to a wireless/wired controller in communication with the control unit (30). Said control unit (30) may receive input from the controller relating to the application of a braking force, and the degree of braking force to be applied. The control unit (30) sends signals to the brake unit (10) regarding the level of actuation to be applied via either a wired or a wireless connection.

The control unit (30) and brake unit (10) may also be connected via a solid connecting piece.

Said connecting piece may extend from the brake unit (10), around the open-end surface of the hollow body (2), and connect to the underside of the control unit (30). This would form a solid "U" shaped connection. This allows the units (10, 30) to form a solid structure, which may allow the units (10, 30) to be held in place without the need for a securing means (20).

Additionally, the U-shaped structure may be adjustable such that it may fit varying sizes of roller skis. The control unit's underside may further comprise, or be attached to, a friction pad, which increases the friction between the control unit (30) and the hollow body (2) to further keep the control unit (30) in place.

The bolts securing the brake unit (10) in the inside of the hollow body (2) may also pass through at least part of the control unit (30) so as to fix the control unit (30) to the hollow body (2). This would allow the bolts to effectively keep both units (10, 30) in position.

Second embodiment The second embodiment relates to a speed control device attachable to a wheeled article wherein the wheeled article comprises a solid, or at least not entirely hollow, body (2) and one or more wheels (4). The speed control device comprises an electric brake unit (10) provided so as to engage one of the one or more wheels (4) and apply a braking factor is thereto. The speed control device also comprises a control unit (30) adapted to actuate the brake unit (10) based on a received signal.

The control unit (30) and brake unit (10) may be comprised in a single housing (40) attached to an outer surface of the hollow body (2).

The brake unit (10) and control unit (30) of the second embodiment may comprise the same internal components as the brake unit (10) and control unit (30) as seen in the first embodiment.

Description of figures

Figure 10 depicts the speed control device of the second embodiment. The brake unit (10) and control unit (30) in the second embodiment are contained within a single housing (40). The housing (40) features a slightly curved upper member, upon which power, increase, and decrease buttons (34) are embedded. In addition, a plurality of lights (36) are present. The buttons (34) and lights (36) may perform the same functions as those outlined with reference to the first embodiment. The components of the control unit (30) may be found in the upper member. The upper member comprises two small extending arms (46), between which, at the end of the arms (46), a brake pad (18) is attached.

The housing (40) also comprises a lower member (42), which has four bolt holes (48) through which bolts may be inserted.

Figure 10e depicts an underside view of the speed control device. The lower member (42) comprises the battery (12), motor (14), axle, rotatable conjoining pieces, and screw gear (16).

The upper member moves relative to the lower member (42) due to a pair of longitudinal grooves (44) in the underside of the upper member engaging with longitudinal rails of the lower member (42), upon which the grooves (44) are fit. This structure keeps the members connected to one another whilst allowing movement in the longitudinal direction, i.e. towards or away from the wheel (4).

The motor (14) of the brake unit (10) of the second embodiment drives the screw gear (16) to rotate within a section of the lower member (42). Said section is open to the upper member (not visible in figures) and as such, the screw gear (16) may engage with a threaded structure on the underside of the upper member. This causes the upper member (and the brake pad) to move relative to the lower member (42) when the lower member (42) is bolted to the roller ski, and the motor (14) is actuated.

Variations of second embodiment The housing (40) or individual control and brake units (10, 30) may be attached to the outer surface of the roller ski body (2) via an outer securing means (32). The outer securing means (32) may be formed of screws, stretchable cables, clamps, flaps with hook and loop fasteners, glue, or any other means capable of ensuring that the housing (40) or individual control and brake units (10, 30) are held in place on the outer surface of the roller ski body (2).

When the outer securing means (32) is formed of screws, one or more, preferably two or more, screws penetrate part of the housing (40), and penetrate the outer surface of the roller ski body (2) via threadable engagement.

When the outer securing means (32) is formed of stretchable cables, one or more stretchable cables connect to the housing (40) at two points per cable. Each cables connects to one side of the housing (40), is wrapped around the longitudinal outer faces of the roller ski body (2), and attached to the other side of the housing (40). When stretched around the roller ski body (2) the cables hold the housing (40) in place via tension in the cables. Furthermore, the stretchable cables may be detachable from the housing (40) to allow for easier attachment and removal of the housing (40) from the roller ski body (2).

When the outer securing means (32) is formed of clamps, one or more, preferably two, clamps hold the housing (40) against an outer surface of the roller ski body (2). Each clamp may be substantially "U" shaped, wherein one inner surface of the clamp is placed over an upper surface of the housing (40), whilst another inner surface of the clamp is place over an opposite outer longitudinal surface of the roller ski body (2). The clamps may be tightened by a tightening mechanism such as a threadable mechanism, to allow the housing (40) to be secured against a variety of sizes of roller skis.

When the outer securing mean is formed of flaps with hook and loop fasteners, one or more flaps with hook and loop fasteners secure the housing (40) to the roller ski body (2). The flaps with hook and loop fasteners may wrap around the longitudinal outer surfaces of the roller ski body (2), and either connect with another flap, or thread through a loop attached to the housing (40) and therein may be folded back upon, and secured to, itself.

The housing (40) may also comprise one or more, preferably three, outer support panels. These outer support panels may rest against end or longitudinal surfaces of the housing (40) to provide support during actuation of the brake unit (10).

Third embodiment The third embodiment relates to a speed control device attachable to a wheeled article. The speed control device comprises an electric brake unit (10) provided so as to engage one of the one or more wheels (4) and apply a braking factor thereto. The speed control device also comprises a control unit (30) adapted to actuate the brake unit (10) based on a received signal.

The control unit (30) and brake unit (10) may be comprised in a housing (40) attached to an outer surface of the roller ski body (2). The housing (40) may extend over the wheel (4), forming a mudguard. Actuation of the brake unit (10) may comprise rotation of a jackscrew (50), which moves a brake pad (18) perpendicular to the screw via a scissor jack mechanism (50).

This embodiment has the added advantage that the housing (40) forms a mudguard, and is positioned such that additional space on the roller ski is not needed. The only space on the roller ski used is a small portion wherein the housing (40) connects to the roller ski body (2). The control unit (30) may comprise the same components as the control unit (30) seen in the first and second embodiments.

Description of figures

The third embodiment may be seen in figures 11 and 12. The device may comprise a single housing (40), shaped such that it extends over a wheel (4). The housing (40) may have a surface, which is curved in a circular fashion such that it is a fixed distance from the wheel (4). The device comprises a thick portion of the housing (40), which extends up above the highest point of the wheel (4). Said thick portion may contain the control unit (30) and brake unit (10). The device also comprises a thinner segment, which extends over a further portion of the wheel (4).

The thicker segment may comprise features contained in the brake unit (10) arranged in a linear fashion. The brake unit (10) may comprise a cuboidal battery (12), and an electric motor (14) held in a groove cut into the brake unit (10) to hold the motor (14) in place. The battery (12) and motor (14) may be connected by an electrical wire. The motor (14) is connected to an axle, which comprises multiple rotatable conjoining pieces. Said pieces allow for the transfer of rotation from the motor (14) to the screw gear (16). The screw gear (16) is also embedded within the brake unit (10) and is connected to the rotatable conjoining pieces. The screw gear (16) may comprise a screw and a scissor jack (50).

The brake unit (10) functions by the battery (12) providing power to the electric motor (14) causing the motor axle to rotate. Through connection between the axle and the screw gear (16), the rotational force is transferred to the screw. When the screw is rotated, the ends of the scissor jack (50) may be brought together, therein forcing one or more conjoining members, which are attached to both ends of the scissor jack (50), to be forced outward in a direction perpendicular to the screw. A brake pad (18) may be attached to one of the one or more conjoining members. Thereby, when the brake unit (10) is actuated the brake pad (18) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the screw. The brake pad (18) may extend through an opening in the housing (40). The brake pad, when extended out of the housing (40) may thereby contact the wheel (4) of the roller ski.

The housing (40) features a slightly curved upper member, upon which power, increase, and decrease buttons (34) are embedded. In addition, a plurality of lights (36) are present. The buttons (34) and lights (36) may perform the same functions as those outlined with reference to the first embodiment.

The housing (40) may be attached to the roller ski body (2) by any of the securing means referred to in relation to embodiment 2 or any of the variations of embodiment 2.

Variations of third embodiment Although figures show the scissor jack (50) positioned close to the point where the housing (40) is attached to the roller ski body (2), the scissor jack (50) may be positioned within any part of the housing (40). The brake pad (18) may thus extend from the housing (40) towards the wheel (4) from any point of the housing (40).

Whilst the third embodiment has been described with reference to a scissor jack (50), any mechanism that converts the movement in one direction into direction in a perpendicular direction would be suitable.

For instance, two engaging gears positioned in perpendicular planes, may allow for the transfer of motion from one direction to a perpendicular direction. For instance, spur gears, helical gears, bevel gears or worm gears may be suitable.

In a different example, a fluid filled chamber may be present. The screw may be attached to a movable side of the fluid filled chamber, whilst a perpendicular movable side of the chamber may be attached to at least one of the one or more brake pad (18). Actuation of the screw may apply pressure to a movable side of the fluid filled chamber, wherein the perpendicular movable side of the chamber will be moved by this pressure being conveyed through the fluid. The fluid in the fluid filled chamber may be incompressible Possible modifications of all embodiments There are a number of features that may also be found in any of embodiments one, two or three.

The control unit (30) or housing (40) of any of the embodiments may also form a mudguard, extending over the wheel (4). As the space between a user's boot binding and wheels (4) are relatively small, the combination of the device and a mudguard allows for only a single feature to be attached, thereby saving space and cost.

The brake units (10) of any of the embodiments may comprise one or more or two or more brake pad (18) that are brought into contact with the wheel (4) during speed control. When there is a single brake pad (18) present, the brake pad (18) may contact the circumference of the wheel (4) to provide a braking force. When there are two brake pad (18) present, the brake pad (18) may each contact a side surface of the wheel (4). The two brake pad (18) may be connected to either a cantilever or caliper apparatus to transfer actuation of the screw gear (16)! brake pad piece (18) to the brake pad (18).

The brake pad(s) (18) may be removable by mating features between the brake pad(s) (18) and the brake pad piece (18) which allows the brake pad(s) (18) to be slid on/off.

Alternatively, the brake unit screw gear (16) may be an Archimedes screw surrounded by fluid. Said fluid is driven forwards by actuation of the Archimedes screw, and transfers a force for moving the brake pad or pads towards the wheel (4), through one or more fluid filled pipes. The brake unit (10) could also use an eddy-current braking means.

In the second embodiment, the brake pad (18) may be connected to the inner surface of the mudguard. The mudguard may furthermore be attached to the roller ski body (2) via an axle. The screw gear (16), when actuated, may cause the upper member to push against the mudguard, causing it to rotate on the axle and the brake pad (18) to come into contact with the circumference of the wheel (4).

The brake unit (10) and/or control unit (30) may be charged via either a wired or wireless connection to a power source.

Upon the speed control device being switched on by the user, the one or two or more brake pad (18) may be moved until contact with the wheel (4) prevents further movement. The one or more brake pad (18) may then be retracted to a specified distance. This allows the speed control device to calibrate the position of the device relative to the wheel (4), such that varying degrees of braking force may be applied accurately. Additionally, the control unit (30) may store this position in a memory such that it may be used upon additional uses without the need for repeated calibration. The control unit (30) or housing (40) may also comprise buttons (34) for actuating the brake unit (10) such that the user may select a distance between the brake pad(s) (18) and the wheel (4).

Whilst the electric brake unit (10) is generally located at the back end of the roller ski so as to interact with the back wheel (4), the skilled person will understand that the brake unit (10) could be applied to either/both ends of the roller ski to engage with either/both wheels (4).

Claims

Claims 1. A speed control, in particular limiting, device attachable to a wheeled article, wherein the wheeled article comprises a body (2) and one or more wheels (4), the speed control device comprising: An electric brake unit (10) provided so as to engage one of the one or more wheels (4) and apply a braking factor thereto; a control unit (30) adapted to actuate the brake unit (10) based on a received signal; wherein the electric brake unit (10) is adapted to be attached to an outer surface of the body (2) of the wheeled article.
2. The speed control device of claim 1, wherein the electric brake unit (10) comprises a battery (12).
3. The speed control device of claims 1 or 2, wherein the electric brake unit (10) comprises an electric motor (14).
4. The speed control device of any of claims 1-3, wherein the electric brake unit (10) comprises one or two or more brake pads (18), wherein preferably the one or more brake pads (18) are easily removable via slidable engagement.
5. The speed control device of any of claims 1-4, wherein the electric brake unit (10) comprises a screw gear (16) connected to the electric motor (14) and the one or two or more brake pads (18), for facilitating movement of the one or two or more brake pads (18).
6. The speed control device of any of claims 1-5, wherein the electric brake unit (10) and control unit (30) are comprised in a single housing (40), wherein preferably the housing (40) comprises an arched section forming a mudguard.
7. The speed control device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the screw gear (16) comprises a screw and a scissor jack (50), wherein preferably the one or two or more brake pads (18) are attached to the scissor jack (50), wherein further preferably compression of the scissor jack (50) facilitates movement of the one or two or more brake pads (18), in a direction perpendicular to the screw.
8. The speed control device of any of claims 1-6, wherein the screw gear (16) comprises a screw and two or more gears, wherein preferably the two or more gears are perpendicularly engaged, wherein further preferably at least one of the gears is connected to the screw.
9. The speed control device of claim 1-6, wherein the screw gear (16) comprises a fluid filled chamber, wherein preferably the fluid filled chamber comprises two or more movable sides, wherein further preferably at least one of the movable sides is connected to at least one of the one or two or more brake pads (18).
10. The speed control device of claim 9, wherein the fluid in the fluid filled chamber is incompressible.
11. The speed control device of any of claims 1-10, preferably claim 6, wherein the housing (40) is held to an outside surface of the body (2) via an outer securing means (32).
12. The speed control device of any of claims 1-11, preferably claim 6, wherein the outer securing means (32) comprises screws which penetrate the wheeled article body (2), or the outer securing means (32) comprises one or more stretchable cables each connected to at least two points of the housing (40), which hold the housing (40) against the wheeled article body (2) by tension.
13. The speed control device of any of claims 1-12, preferably claim 7, wherein the stretchable cables are detachable from the housing (40).
14. The speed control device of any of claims 1-13, preferably claim 6, wherein the outer securing means (32) comprises one or more clamps.
15. The speed control device of any of claims 1-14, preferably claim 8, wherein each clamp fits around an upper surface of the housing (40) and a lower surface of the body (2).
16. The speed control device of any of claims 1-15, preferably claim 8, wherein the one or more clamps may be tightened by the user via a threadable mechanism.
17. The speed control device of any of claims 1-16, preferably claim 6, wherein the outer securing means (32) comprises one or more flaps comprising hook and loop fasteners, and/or the outer securing means (32) comprises one flap of hook and loop fasteners, which may be threaded through a loop of the housing (40) and secured to itself, and/or the outer securing means (32) comprises an adhesive.
18. The speed control device of any of claims 1-17, preferably claims 6-9, wherein the housing (40) is connected to one or more, most preferably three, support panels.
19. The speed control device of any of claims 1-18, preferably claim 10, wherein the one or more support panels may be adjusted to rest against the end, or longitudinal, surfaces of the housing (40), to provide support during actuation of the brake unit (10).
20. The speed control device of any of claims 1-19, wherein upon switching on the device, the one or two or more brake pads (18) are moved until contact with the wheel (4) prevents further movement, wherein the one or two or more brake pads (18) are then retracted by a specified distance.
21. The speed control device of any of claims 1-20, wherein the control unit (30) comprises a memory, which stores the calibrated position, and/or the control unit (30) housing (40) also forms a mudguard positioned above the wheel (4).
22. The speed control device of any of claims 1-21, which further comprises a mudguard positioned above the wheel (4), and/or the brake pad (18) is connected to the inner surface of the mudguard, and/or the mudguard is connected to the control unit (30) via an axle and the brake unit screw gear (16) actuates the mudguard to cause the brake pad (18) to contact the circumference of the wheel (4).
23. The speed control device of any of claims 1-22, wherein the one or two or more brake pads (18) are a single brake pad (18) which when brought into contact with the wheel (4) contacts the circumference of the wheel (4), or the one or two or more brake pads (18) are two brake pads (18) which when brought into contact with the wheel (4) each contact a side surface of the wheel (4).
24. The speed control device of any of claims 1-23, wherein the control unit (30) and brake unit (10) can be charged via a wired connection to a power source, or the control unit (30) and brake unit (10) can be charged via a wireless connection to a power source.
25. The speed control device of any of claims 1-24, wherein the housing (40) and/or control unit (30) comprise braking lights (36) which may indicate braking, or a level of braking, and/or the housing (40) and/or control unit (30) comprise buttons (34) which when pressed alter the position of the one or two or more brake pads (18).