JP2000254270A - Serial skating suspension and adjustable spring - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a serial skating suspension capable of absorbing impact given from an uneven running plane by the individual and separate movement of wheels and of offering smooth run by making springs adjustable. SOLUTION: A serial skating suspension 12 has a tracking device 18. A plurality of wheels 20 are rotatably supported on a mounting mechanism or a pair of locker arms 35 between side plates at both side of the tracking device 18 by using shafts 22. The arms 35 are pivotally supported on the tracking device 18 via pins 37. Adjustable springs 39 are provided between the mounting mechanism 35 and the tracking device 18. It is desirable that the shafts 22 are of a short size to limit the width of the tracking device 18.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an in-line roller skate, and more particularly to an independent suspension for mounting wheels of an in-line roller skate to a skate boot, the wheels moving individually with respect to the ground and the boot. Independent suspension with adjustable and adjustable springs.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In-line roller skates have become an extremely popular recreational and sports equipment. They substantially replace conventional roller skates and are used by speed skaters and ice hockey layers for dry terrain. Many individuals and families use them for matches and exercises. In general, inline skates are used outdoors on sidewalks and other road surfaces. These surfaces are generally not flat and have bumps, ridges and holes. Uneven surfaces can cause stress on the skate wheels, boots and other structural elements and discomfort to the skater.
Often, uneven surfaces can be dangerous to drive.

[0003]

Heretofore, devices and mechanisms have been developed to assist in braking and maneuvering in-line skates. In addition, devices have been developed to improve the running of the series skates. Some of these devices include a mechanism to move the wheel relative to the boot, but they should improve the suspension of the in-line skate so that the skate absorbs the shock that occurs on the skate due to the uneven running surface. An appropriate mechanism is not necessarily obtained. In order to improve running, some prior art devices have used standard coil springs. These coil springs were bulky and were not completely effective in obtaining the desired run for an in-line skate. Further, prior art springs are generally not variable, thereby requiring replacement to adjust travel. These available springs add additional weight and bulk to the skates, thereby rendering them impractical.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome the limitations of the prior art and to develop an in-line skate suspension which improves the function and running of the skate. The present invention absorbs the shock generated on the skate by the uneven running surface, and maintains the traction effect well when the load from the foot to the heel moves forward and backward in the skate. The present invention is directed to the invention that when the wheel encounters an uneven surface or when the foot moves forward or backward, the wheels move individually and separately to overcome the movement of the weight distribution and the uneven surface, thereby running more smoothly. A mechanism is provided for moving the wheel relative to the skate boot to achieve a better gliding function. This arrangement reduces the shock and stress (pressure) on the boots, and therefore the person using the skate. The suspension mechanism can be arranged such that the wheel can move at one or more locations by combined movement.

A suspension mechanism that allows the wheel to move relative to the boot limits the movement of the wheel and absorbs shocks or other shocks when the wheel encounters uneven weight distribution from the boot and bumps. The biasing device. The biasing device may comprise a spring, flexible plastic or metal, or other type of energy absorbing device. The biasing device or spring may be configured to be adjustable. The adjustable spring allows the user of the in-line skate to adjust the resistance and flexibility of the spring to change the reliability of travel for different conditions. Aggressive in-line skate users can thereby vary the tension, resistance and flexibility of the spring so that the in-line skate performs different functions depending on the weight of the skate, the desired performance and the surface on which it is used. Can be adjusted.

The suspension can include two rotatable opposed rocker arms having an adjustable spring therebetween. Each arm is connected to a wheel. The arms each pivot about an axis. The axis about which the wheel pivots is configured to optimize the space of the wheel in the arm. Thus, each pivot is shortened and not continuous from one side of the arm to the other. This allows the wheels to be as close as possible.

In a typical in-line skate, the wheels are rotatably mounted on a tracking device, which is itself mounted on the bottom of a boot. To simplify the structure of the suspension. The present invention fits within the limits of a tracking device in a conventional series skate. further,
The suspension mechanism is configured such that the dimensions of the skate, such as the distance to the ground, are not significantly changed. Further, it is preferable that the suspension mechanism and the tracking device are configured so that each part can be easily replaced.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 shows an in-line roller skate 10 with a suspension mechanism 12 made in accordance with the principles of the present invention.
Is shown. In-line skate 10 includes boots 14 configured to hold and support the wearer's feet.
The bottom 16 of the boot is fitted with a tracking device 18. The tracking device 18 is made from a suitable material,
Usually made of aluminum. Tracking device 1
8 has a set of wheels 20 rotatably mounted to form a straight line. Conventional in-line skate 10
Here, the wheel 20 is rotatably mountable to the tracking device 18 using the shaft 22. However, for the present invention, the wheel 20 is connected to the tracking device 18 using the suspension mechanism 12. Suspension mechanism 12
The wheels 20 are individually and separately movable with respect to the boots 14 so that the serial skate 10 can move smoothly on the uneven surface.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate one embodiment of a suspension mechanism 12 according to the principles of the present invention. The suspension mechanism 12 has an attachment mechanism 35. The attachment mechanism 35 is movably attached to the tracking device 18 by a pin 37 at one end. The other end of the mounting mechanism 35 has the wheel 20 rotatably mounted by the shaft 22. Mounting mechanism 3
5 is between the tracking end and the end of the wheel 20,
The suspension mechanism is angled so that the suspension mechanism pivots about the pin 37 in an arcuate path when the wheel hits an uneven surface.
This arrangement reduces the impact on the boot 14 due to the uneven surface. Each wheel 20 of the series skate 10
Similarly, it is connected to a tracking device 18. Thus, each wheel 20 is individually movable with respect to the boot and separately from the others.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, suspension 12 is provided to absorb pressure when wheel 20 encounters an uneven surface and to hold wheel in place.
A biasing device 39 is provided. As shown, the biasing device 39 can be a typical spring. of course,
Any type of biasing device can be used, such as a flexible plastic, polyurethane, metal, or other type of energy absorbing device. The biasing device 39 includes the tracking device 1.
8 and a central portion of the mounting mechanism 35. The biasing device 39 is configured such that the wheel 20
0 during normal operation of wheel 2 and wheel 2
The wheel 20 is biased to absorb the shock of the wheel 20 when it encounters an uneven surface. The biasing device 39 can also be biased to relieve pressure on the boot 14 applied to the surface during natural skating.

FIG. 5 to FIG. 7 show another embodiment of the suspension mechanism 12 of the present invention. This embodiment includes a mounting mechanism 35 having an arc shape. The mounting mechanism is connected to the tracking device 18 using pins 37 at points between both ends. One end of the mounting mechanism 35 is connected to the tracking device 1.
8 is connected to a biasing device 39 which is engaged. The tracking device 18 also has a channel 41 for positioning the mounting mechanism 35. The wheel 20 is rotatably mounted on the other end of the mounting mechanism by a shaft 22. In this arrangement, the mounting mechanism 35
When 0 encounters an uneven surface, it pivots around pin 37. The biasing device 39 is biased to absorb the impact and movement of the mounting mechanism. The channel 41 is provided with the biasing device 39.
Returns, the mounting mechanism 35 and the wheel 20 are positioned at their initial positions. The biasing device 39 can also be shaped to absorb the impact of the wheel that encounters the surface during the user's gliding movement. Of course, other types of biasing devices 39 than the illustrated spring could be used.

FIGS. 8-9 show yet another embodiment of the suspension mechanism 12 of the present invention, in which the wheel 20 moves in a vertical pattern when encountering an uneven surface. Mounting mechanism 35
Has a channel 45 portion with its closed end secured to the tracking device. The open end of the channel has a rib 47 perpendicular to the side 49 of the channel 45. The corresponding member 51 has one end movably engaged with the channel at its upper end. The ribs 47 of the channel 45 hold the corresponding member 51 in the channel 45. The other end of the corresponding member is fixed to a U-shaped bracket 53. The wheel 20 is rotatably fixed to the bracket by a shaft 22. In the chamber 45 formed by the channel and the corresponding members, the biasing device 3
9 are installed. As can be seen from the drawing, the biasing device 3
9 can be any kind of energy absorbing device, such as a spring or a flexible material, which is within the scope of the present invention. The biasing device 39 is biased such that the wheel 20, the bracket 53 and the corresponding member 51 move vertically when the wheel 20 encounters an uneven surface.
The biasing device 39 can be shaped to absorb the shock generated when the wheel 20 engages a surface during normal skating.

FIGS. 10 to 12 show still another embodiment of the present invention, in which the wheel 20 turns in an arc-shaped pattern. The mounting mechanism 35 has a U-shaped end 55 connected to the wheel by the shaft 22. Mounting mechanism 35
Is connected to the tracking device 18 by an arm 57 extending from the side of the U-shaped end 55. Arm 5
7 comprises a set of holes 59 used to connect the mounting mechanism to the tracking device 18 by screws 61. Another hole 59 in the arm controls the flexibility of the arm 57. The pin 63 is provided above the U-shaped end 55 and is fitted in the hole 59 of the tracking device 18. Pin 63 provides stability to mounting mechanism 35. When the wheel 20 encounters an uneven surface, the arms flex so that the wheel moves in the passage while the pin 63 provides guidance and rigidity. The magnitude of the shock absorbed by the mounting mechanism 35 depends on the hole in which the screw 61 is installed.

FIGS. 13 to 16 show another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the wheels 20 move in a vertical pattern as they encounter uneven surfaces. The mounting mechanism 35 has an upper portion 70 that connects to the tracking device 18 and a lower portion 72 that connects to the wheel 20. The upper part 70 comprises a plate 74 having a number of holes 76. A side arm 78 extends vertically from the opposite end of the plate. Screws 78 (not shown) are installed through holes 76 for attaching suspension mechanism 12 to tracking device 18.

The lower portion 72 has a generally C-shaped cross section surrounding the wheel 20. Upper part 70 and lower part 7
2 are connected to each other by bars 80 and 82. Bars 80 and 82 connect one side of C-shaped lower portion 72 to arm 78 of the upper portion. Bars 80 and 82 are used on both sides of suspension mechanism 12 so that when wheel 20 encounters an uneven surface, they move in a vertical pattern. The bar 80 is connected to the lower and upper portions by pins 84 so that the bar 80 can rotate about the pins 84. One of the pins 84 acts as the axis of the wheel 20.

The embodiment shown in FIGS.
Biasing device 39 biased between plate 74 and lower portion 72
It has. The biasing device 39 is configured to absorb the shock and movement of the mounting mechanism and to move perpendicular to the upper portion 70 when the wheel 20 encounters a textured surface. The biasing device 39 can also be shaped to absorb the shock that occurs when the wheel engages a surface during normal gliding motion.

The suspension mechanism 12 shown in FIGS.
Embodiments include a stop mechanism 86 that limits the vertical movement of the lower portion 72 relative to the upper portion 70. The stop mechanism 86 is formed with an arm 78 and a lower bar 82. At the lower end of each arm 78, a part of the side surface is removed so that each arm 78 becomes L-shaped. Bar 82
Are connected together by a bridging piece 87. Bridging piece 8
7 fits into the removed portion of the arm so as to stop movement of the lower portion 72 when the bridging piece 86 encounters the end of the upper portion 78. The stop mechanism 86 and the biasing device 39 work together to limit the movement of the wheel 20 when an uneven surface is encountered. All embodiments of the present invention may include a stop mechanism similar to stop mechanism 86 shown.

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention, which includes a suspension mechanism having a combined motion effect such that the wheels 20 can move individually and separately in one or more directions. 12 are provided. Tracking device 18 includes a set of channels 92. The mounting mechanism 35 includes a live shaft 94 shown in FIG. The upper end 96 of the live shaft 94 is connected to the upper surface of the channel 92 and is supported on both sides by a first biasing device 98. The first biasing device 98 is also connected to the end wall of the channel 92. The opposite end of the live shaft 92 includes a rod 100, and a wedge 102 is provided between the rod 100 and the upper end 96.

The mounting mechanism 35 of this embodiment also includes a first arm 104 and a second arm 106.
The first and second arms 104, 106 are all connected at one end to the rod 100 such that the arms rotate about the rod 100. The wheel is connected to the other ends of the arms 104 and 106 by a shaft. The second biasing device 108 includes arms 104, 106 and wedge 1 to absorb the movement of the arms as they rotate about rod 100 as the wheels engage the uneven running surface.
02 can be formed. In this arrangement, wheel 2 connected to arms 104 and 106
0 travels around the rod 100 in clockwise and counterclockwise arcuate paths, respectively. Due to the connection between the live axle 94 and the tracking device, the wheel is moved upward so that the upper end 96 engages the first biasing device 98 to absorb shock when the wheel 20 encounters an uneven surface.
It is also possible to move in the passage for. The first and second biasing devices 98 and 108 are configured to hold the wheel in one position at steady state.

FIGS. 20 through 26 illustrate another embodiment of the present invention with a suspension 212 made in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The tracking device 218 includes the suspension mechanism 21
2 is mounted on a boot similar to that shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 21, the front plate 220 and the rear plate 2
22 is used to connect the tracking device 218 to the boot (bolts not shown) or using any other suitable method known in the art. The tracking device 218 is provided with two side panels 225, 2 extending downward from the front and rear plates 220, 222 and extending therebetween.
26. The side panels can be of any shape and structure. The wheels 228 used for the in-line skate include two panels 220, 222
It is installed between. As described above, the tracking device 2
18 can also be made from a suitably strong material such as aluminum.

Referring to FIGS. 21-23, the suspension mechanism 212 also has two pairs of rocker arms 235 that provide a limited rocker rocker arm suspension mechanism with four opposed wheels for an in-line skate. Each wheel 22
One arm 235 is provided for 8. The rocker arms have wheels on the side plates 237 of each arm 235,
The shape is somewhat triangular and C-shaped so that it can fit between 239. At the base of each side plate 237, 239, an arm 235 has holes 241 and 24 at the opposite end.
3 A notch 253 is provided between the holes 241, 242.
Are formed at the lower end of the arm 235. Wheel 22
8 rotates about an axis 244 passing through the hole 241.

FIG. 24 shows another embodiment of the swivel arm 235. In this embodiment, the pivot arm 235 includes
It remains in the somewhat triangular shape shown in FIG.
In addition, the arms 235 have a C-shaped cross-section as shown in FIG. 23 so that the wheel can fit between the sides of each arm 235. Similarly, the arm of FIG. 24 has holes 241 and 242 at the end opposite the lower end. A lip 245 protrudes from the arm 235 at the other end facing the hole 242.

As shown in FIG. 25, the arm 235 is connected to a tracking device using two truncated pivots 245. Referring to FIG. 20, the swing arm 23
For each pair of 5, a set of short axes 246 is provided so that the pivot arm rotates about the same axis. Short axis 2
46 is fitted in the hole 247 of the tracking device and the hole 243 of the turning arm 235. The minor axis 246 has a generally cylindrical, smooth outer surface and may have a threaded inner surface. In a preferred embodiment, the short axis 2
46 can be located in holes 243 and 247. A bolt 248 is fitted through the hole 243 to the threaded inner surface of the short shaft 246 to secure the arm 235 and the short shaft 246 to the tracking device. This arrangement allows the smooth outer surface to rotate within the holes 243, 246, such that the arm pivots about the short axis 246.

The purpose of the short axis 246 is to reduce the gap between the wheels. If one solid shaft extends from one side of the tracking device and the arm should pivot on the other side, the spacing between them would have to be greater than the diameter of the shaft. The short axis 246 allows the wheels to be close enough together so that there is sufficient clearance between them for accurate rotation. The use of the short axis 246 also allows the wheels to have a smaller spacing between each wheel. By reducing the spacing between the wheels, wheels of different sizes can be used, the size of the suspension can be reduced, the weight of the skate can be reduced, and the function of the skate can be improved.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a lateral bracing 249 as shown in FIG. The horizontal struts 249 are generally C-shaped and have holes 250 at each end. Hole 250 may be threaded. The short axis 246 can form a threaded outer end, which can be threaded into the cross bracing hole 250. Thereby, the horizontal streak 249 is
6 is fixed to the arm 235 and the side panels 224, 226. The horizontal struts 249 are adjacent to the adjacent wheels 2 so that the arrangement can maintain the desired small gap between the wheels.
28. Also horizontal stripe 2
49 adds additional support and rigidity to the short axis 246 and suspension mechanism 212.

The notch 253 and the lip 245 are shaped to fit a stop 252 connected to the tracking device 218. In a preferred embodiment, the stop 252 is a round projection that extends between the two side panels 224, 226 and can be a screw head cap. Therefore, the notch 253 is provided in the stopper 2
52 is generally semicircular in shape to conform to 52. The lip 245 has a semicircular shape to fit the stopper 252. As will be appreciated, the combination of notch 253 or lip 245 and stopper 252
It prevents the wheel from pivoting too much around pivot axis 246 and keeps the wheel in place. Notch 253
In contrast, the stopper 252 is connected to the side panels 224, 22
6 are arranged toward the lower end. For lip 245,
The stopper is disposed facing the upper ends of the side panels 224 and 226. The lip and the stopper are
Less force is required to stop the downward movement of 35. Further, the position of the stopper reduces stress on the stopper and the arm. Further, the location at the top of the rocker arm reduces the size of the hardware on which the wheel is installed, thereby ensuring that gaps are kept to a minimum.

A biasing device or spring 255 is provided between the arms 235 and above the pivot 246. The spring 255 biases the arm into position after the arm has been pushed into the spring. In a preferred embodiment, the spring 2
55 is made from polyurethane. The suspension mechanism 212 is adaptable to springs of various strengths.

[0028] Solid polyurethane springs are entirely rigid. Spring 25 made in accordance with the principles of the present invention
5 is shown in FIGS. 27 to 30 and is designed to eliminate the stiffness found in prior art springs. It has been found that adding a hole 257 through the polyurethane spring 255 results in a more flexible spring. 27a to 27
As shown in c, the holes 257 can be of any general shape, each shape producing a different degree of variability with respect to the spring, as described below. The holes 257 form a space in which the polyurethane material is movable in addition to the normal elasticity of the polyurethane. The shape and size of the hole 257 can affect the stiffness of the spring. As can be appreciated, the larger the surface of the hole 257, the greater the variability provided by the spring 257.

Additionally, the spring 255 can be adjustable so that the skater can change the tension or resistance of the spring to different running surfaces. To provide different degrees of accommodation, holes 257 can be of different shapes, some of which are shown in FIGS. 27a-c, such as a star or (diamond not shown). An adjustment post 259 is located in the hole to adjust the strength of the spring 255. As shown in FIG. 28, the adjustment post 259 has a variable wavy shape. Adjustment post 25 from the farthest end formed by the corrugated shape
The size of hole 2 is such that post 259 fits easily into the hole while engaging spring 255 on the side of hole 257.
It is almost equal to the size of 57. Adjustment post 259 is made of a suitably rigid material so as to contribute to the variability of the spring. The adjustment post 259 has a spring 255 with a hole 257.
Must be flexible so that the integrity of the post is maintained when flexing within the limits of and the force returns to its original shape when the force is removed from the spring.

FIGS. 29 and 30 show a spring 255 with adjustment posts 259 at two different positions, thereby changing the spring stiffness. In FIG. 29, the post 25
9 is in a vertical position, whereby the spring material is provided with the largest area to be deflected in the hole 257. In FIG. 30, post 259 is in a horizontal position. In that position, the spring material does not have the same ability to deform or deflect within the bore and exhibits greater stiffness as compared to that of FIG. In addition, the adjustment rod contributes to the stiffness of the spring 255. The adjustment post 259 is rotatable between the apexes of the holes to change the strength of the spring. As the post 299 rotates from a vertical position to a horizontal position, the strength of the spring increases. As the post is moved horizontally, the resistance in the gap increases, thereby making the spring more rigid.

The adjustable spring 255 can also be used in a suspension mechanism, and the rocker arms 284 are individually connected to the tracking device 218 as shown in FIG. The tracking device 218 has an upper surface 270 connecting the suspension mechanism to the boot, and opposed side surfaces 272, 274 extending vertically from the longitudinal ends of the upper surface. In this embodiment, the tracking device 218 includes a baffle 276 extending downward from the upper surface 270. Near the top surface 270, the tracking device is formed with a stopper 278. The tips of the sides 272, 274 can include a set of arches 283.

The suspension includes a rocker arm 284 having a C-shaped cross-section connected at its sides by a yoke 290. Each side has a somewhat triangular shape at one vertex of the rocker arm 284. The lip 294 extends along the yoke 290 between the sides.

To form the suspension mechanism, the wheels are
Attach to the rocker arm using 98. Each rocker arm is attached to the tracking device by a pivot 300. Wheel axle 298 is aligned with arch 283. Rocker arm 284 is positioned on the tracking device such that lip 294 is near upper surface 270 and between stopper 278 and baffle 276. The spring is between the yoke 290 and the baffle 276 as described above.
So that the lip is biased toward the stopper 278,
Be biased.

In operation, the wheel moves in an arcuate path about a pivot when encountering a bumpy surface. The yoke 290 is pressed against the spring 302, displacing the spring into an empty area between the spring, baffle and yoke. The spring will then bias the rocker arm towards the stop and the lip will restrict the passage of the arm.

FIGS. 32 to 34 show another embodiment. In this embodiment, the tracking device 350 is connected to the underside of the boot bottom as described above. The tracking device includes two generally V-shaped portions 352 on either side of the side panel 354. Near that vertex,
Each V-shaped section has two vertically aligned holes 356 and 3
58.

A rocker arm 360 having generally triangular sides and a C-shaped cross section is provided for connecting the wheel 362 to the tracking device. Rocker arm 360 is configured and coupled to a tracking device so that the wheel can move in an arcuate path relative to the boot when encountering a bumpy surface. As shown in FIG. 33, the open end of the rocker arm is wider than the closed end so that the rocker arm closely surrounds the wheel 362. This shape of the rocker arm 360 reduces the clearance space of the skate and further increases the range of movement of the skater as the skate moves from side to side. Near the lower end of the rocker arm 360, holes 364 and 366 are provided at opposite ends.

The wheel 362 is connected to the hole 3 by the shaft 368.
64 are connected to each rocker arm 360.
In this embodiment, hole 364 fits into the recessed hole so that shaft 368 can fit within the gap of rocker arm 360, thereby keeping the width of the rocker arm and device as small as possible. This provides greater mobility and greater range of motion for the skater as the skate is moved from side to side.

The rocker arm 360 is connected to the tracking device by a pivot 370 that fits into the upper hole 366. A snap ring 371 can be used to secure the shaft. As shown in the drawing, the pivot 37
0 connects the opposing rocker arms to one V-shaped part through a hole. A spring 372 of the type described above fits between the upper ends of the opposing rocker arms. The spring 372 preferably has a trapezoidal shape and is adjustable as described above. A stopper rod 374 is provided between the rocker arms and is located in the lower hole 356, thereby allowing the spring 3
Facing 72. In the rest position, spring 372 biases opposing rocker arm 360 against stop rod 374. When the wheel encounters an uneven surface, the wheel moves in a circular arc path about the pivot axis against the spring. The spring biases the wheel backward against the stop.

The rocker arms, pivot points, springs and stops in the above embodiment of the present invention provide a smoother and stress-free running for the skater. The arcuate passage of the rocker arm about the pivot axis is balanced by the arrangement of the spring and the stop. Thus, the vertical movement of the wheel translates into a horizontal movement countered by the spring. Other biasing devices, such as springs or rocker arm material, restrict the passage of the rocker arm and bias the rocker arm against the spring. The biased movement of the rocker arm is limited by the stop. As mentioned above, the rocker arms can be arranged face-to-face, whereby the stop is located between the faced rocker arms.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an in-line skate with boots, tracking device, wheels and one embodiment of the suspension mechanism of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cutaway view of the suspension mechanism shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the suspension mechanism taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mounting device of the wheel and the suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a cutaway view of another embodiment of a suspension mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, taken along line 6-6.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mounting device of the wheel and the suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cutaway view of yet another embodiment of a suspension mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front view of the suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a cutaway view of yet another embodiment of the suspension mechanism of the present invention.

11 is a front view of the suspension mechanism shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a mounting device of the wheel and the suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of a suspension mechanism according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the mounting mechanism shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 is a side view and a partially cutaway view of still another embodiment of the suspension mechanism of the present invention.

18 is a top view of the suspension mechanism shown in FIG.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a part of the suspension mechanism mounting device shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a side view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a detailed view of the rocker arm shown in FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is an end view of the rocker arm shown in FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of the rocker arm shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the rocker arm and the chassis taken along line 25-25 in FIG. 20;

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a transverse strut used in an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27a is a side view of one embodiment of a spring used by the present invention, b is a side view of another embodiment of the same spring, and c is a side view of yet another embodiment of the same spring.

FIG. 28 is a view of a spring adjusting mechanism.

FIG. 29 is a side view of a spring provided with a spring adjustment mechanism in one adjustment position.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the spring including the spring adjustment mechanism in the second adjustment position.

FIG. 31 is a diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view of still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is a view of the rocker arm of the embodiment shown in FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 is a view of a portion of the embodiment shown in FIG. 32.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Linear skate 12 Suspension mechanism 14 Boot 16 Bottom 18 Tracking device 20 Wheel 22 Axis 35 Mounting mechanism 37 Pin 39 Deflection device 41, 45 Channel 49 Side surface 51 Corresponding member 53 Bracket 57 Arm 63 Pin 70 Upper part 72 Lower part 74 Plate 76 Hole 78 Side arm 80, 82 Bar 84 Pin 86 Stopping mechanism 87 Bridge piece 92 Channel 94 Live shaft 96 Upper end 98 First bias device 100 Rod 102 Wedge 104 First arm 106 Second arm 108 Second bias device 212 Suspension device a 218 Tracking device 220 Front plate 222 Rear plate 224,226 Side panel 228 Wheel 235 Rocker arm 237,239 Side plate 241,242,247 Hole 245 Lip 246 Shaft 248 Bolt 2 9 Horizontal streak 250 hole 252 stopper 253 notch 255 spring 257 hole 259 adjustment post 270 top surface 272, 274 side surface 276 baffle 278 stopper 283 arc 284 arm 290 yoke 294 lip 298 axis 300 rotation axis 302 spring 350 tracking device 35-type tracking device 35 354 Side panel 356, 358 hole 360 Rocker arm 362 Wheel 366, 364 hole 368 axis 370 Revolving axis 374 hole 370 axis 371 Snap ring 372 Spring 374 Stopper rod

Claims (26)

[Claims] An in-line skate suspension comprising: a tracking device coupled to a skate boot and having two side plates; a pair of opposed rocker arms disposed between the side plates of the tracking device; A rocker arm rotatably connected to each rocker arm for limited movement, and a pair of short axes pivotally connecting a pair of opposed rocker arms together at a point remote from the wheel and connecting the rocker arm to a tracking device. A suspension device for an in-line skate having: 2. A suspension according to claim 1, wherein the short axis comprises a cylinder and a bolt for fixing the axis to the rocker arm and the tracking device. 3. The suspension according to claim 1, wherein the tracking device comprises holes, in which the short axis is located. 4. A suspension according to claim 1, wherein the opposing arms have holes, in which the short axis is located. 5. The suspension according to claim 1, further comprising a horizontal strut connected to the short axis. 6. The suspension according to claim 1, further comprising a stopper provided on the tracking device, wherein the stopper engages a notch formed in the rocker arm. 7. The suspension according to claim 1, further comprising a stopper mounted on the tracking device, wherein the stopper engages a lip formed on the rocker arm to limit a passage of the rocker arm. 8. An in-line skate suspension, comprising: a tracking device connected to a skate boot; a rocker arm pivotally connected to the tracking device at one point; and a rocker arm connected to each rocker arm at a point away from the pivot point. An in-line skate suspension having a wheel and an adjustable spring interposed between the rocker arms to bias the rocker arms away from each other. 9. The suspension according to claim 8, wherein the adjustable spring has a flexible body with a hole for adjusting the resistance of the spring. 10. The suspension according to claim 9, wherein the holes are generally star-shaped. 11. The suspension of claim 9, further comprising an adjustment post movably fitted within the bore to adjust the resistance of the spring. 12. The adjustment post of claim 1, wherein the adjustment post is corrugated.
The suspension device according to claim 1. 13. The rocker arm pivots about a short axis connecting the rocker arm to a tracking device.
The suspension device according to item 1. 14. The suspension of claim 8, wherein the rocker arm pivots about a short axis connecting the rocker arm to the tracking device. 15. The suspension according to claim 14, further comprising a horizontal bracing connected to the short axis. 16. The suspension according to claim 8, further comprising a stopper provided on the tracking device, the stopper engaging a notch formed in the rocker arm to limit a passage of the rocker arm. 17. The suspension of claim 8, further comprising a stopper located on the tracking device, the stopper engaging a lip formed on the rocker arm to define a path for the rocker arm. 18. An adjustable spring having a rubber body and a hole in the body for adjusting the resistance of the body. 19. The adjustable spring according to claim 18, wherein the aperture is generally star-shaped with multiple vertices. 20. The adjustable spring according to claim 18, further comprising an adjustment post that fits into the hole and further adjusts the resistance of the spring. 21. The adjustable spring according to claim 20, wherein the post is corrugated. 22. The adjustable spring according to claim 18, wherein the spring is made from polyurethane. 23. A tracking device for an in-line skate, comprising: a tracking device connected to a skate boot and having two side plates extending from an end of an upper plate, a baffle extending from an upper surface, and a stopper. Opposing rocker arms disposed between the side plates of the rocker arm, the arm being pivotally connected to the tracking device and the wheels being rotatably connected to each of the opposing rocker arms, and arcuate passages through the rocker arms. A spring mounted between the rocker arm and the baffle for biasing the rocker arm, the stopper and the spring having a spring defining a passage for the rocker arm. 24. The spring according to claim 2, wherein the spring is an adjustable spring.
4. The suspension device according to 3. 25. The suspension of claim 23, wherein the rocker arm includes a lip for engaging the stopper. 26. An in-line skate suspension system, comprising: a tracking device coupled to a skate boot and having two side plates; and a pair of opposed rocker arms disposed between the side plates of the tracking device, wherein the rocker arm is A wheel is rotatably connected to each rocker arm on the shaft connected through the recessed hole, thereby reducing the width of the suspension and allowing the wheel to move between the rocker arm and the tracking device. A pair of opposed rocker arms moving in an arcuate path about a pivot axis connected therebetween, a spring disposed toward the upper end between the opposing rocker arms to limit the arcuate path of the rocker arm in one direction; And a stopper rod between the side plates of the tracking device and the rocker so that the pivot axis is between the stopper rod and the spring. Beam of through holes are connected towards the orientation was lower end of the rocker arm, the series type skate suspension system comprising a stopper rod for limiting the arcuate path of the rocker arm in direction suits direction.