US20020105152A1

US20020105152A1 - Roller skate

Info

Publication number: US20020105152A1
Application number: US09/776,848
Authority: US
Inventors: Robbie Miller
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-02-06
Filing date: 2001-02-06
Publication date: 2002-08-08
Also published as: TW537923B; US20020105153A1; CN1370611A; US6719304B2

Abstract

A roller skate has a frame formed of a short length of sturdy, generally rectangular channel material having two opposed side walls and a sole plate or floor extending therebetween. A large diameter wheel is secured to each end of each side wall, to define a widely spaced rectangular wheel array providing a stable skate platform. The high attachment of the large diameter wheels places the sole plate immediately adjacent the underlying surface when the wheels are resting on that surface, for greater stability. Instep and heel straps extend from single central attachment points along each side wall, with the present skate being essentially longitudinally and laterally symmetrical. Provision may be made for vertical and/or lateral adjustment of the wheels relative to the skate frame, if so desired.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to wheeled skates, and more particularly to a roller skate having a chassis or frame formed of a length of rectangular channel. The four relatively, large diameter wheels extend from the upper walls of the channel, thereby placing the floor or sole plate of the frame very close to the underlying surface for optimum stability.

2. Description of Related Art

The basic concept of the roller skate, with relatively small diameter wheels disposed beneath a sole plate for attachment to or carrying a shoe thereon, has been known for some time. While this basic configuration has been popular for recreation, sports, and even limited transportation, it has its deficiencies. The greatest deficiency of this conventional type of skate is the relatively high center of gravity and narrow wheel track provided by placing the wheels directly beneath the sole plate of the skate, emulating the earlier developed ice skate with its narrow blade and shoe structure atop the blade.

Accordingly, a number of variations on the conventional roller skate have been developed over the years, with many of these variations having the wheels extending to the sides of the skate body rather than beneath the body or sole plate. The primary reason for this construction by earlier patentees, was to provide relatively large diameter wheels for operation on relatively rough and unimproved surfaces, as was the norm until relatively recent times. As such, those earlier skates were constructed with various wheel configurations, but no such large wheeled earlier skates utilized a four wheel configuration, with the wheels deployed in a rectangular array at the corners of the skate body for stability. Rather, those earlier large wheeled skates teach away from the concept of stability, by providing three wheeled configurations, and/or wheels having different diameters from one another, etc., for various purposes.

Accordingly, a need will be seen for a roller skate formed of a relatively short, sturdy length of channel, having a width sufficiently wide for the skater to place his or her shoe therein. The upstanding side walls of the channel provide for the attachment of axles extending therefrom, for the placement of a wheel adjacent each corner of the generally rectangular channel section. The walls are sufficiently high to allow installation of relatively large diameter wheels, while still placing the floor of the channel relatively close to the underlying surface. Means are also provided for vertical and lateral adjustment of the wheels on the skate body.

A discussion of the related art of which the present inventor is aware, and its differences and distinctions from the present invention, is provided below.

U.S. Pat. No. 96,117 issued on Oct. 26, 1869 to N. W. Hubbard, titled “Parlor Skate,” describes a wheeled skate having a sole plate with three arms extending laterally upwardly therefrom. Each arm has an axle at its upper end, with a large diameter wheel mounted thereon. The result places the sole plate relatively close to the underlying surface. However, Hubbard provides only one wheel on the inboard side, with the opposite two wheels not being in alignment with one another due to their overlapping diameters. The point of the Hubbard skate is clearly operation over rough surfaces, as indicated in column 2, lines 9-13 of the disclosure. The result is neither as sturdy nor as stable as the present skate.

U.S. Pat. No. 233,845 issued on Nov. 2, 1880 to Washington P. Gregg, titled “Roller Skate,” describes a skate with a rhomboid wheel pattern, with smaller diameter wheels placed beneath the forward and aft ends of the sole plate or frame and two different diameters of larger wheels extending to the sides of the frame. The larger wheels of the Gregg skate provide more even movement over rough and uneven surfaces, while the smaller wheels provide additional support. However, the smaller wheels disposed beneath the frame or sole, still result in a considerably higher sole plate than that of the present skate. Moreover, the rhomboid wheel pattern does not provide the stability of the present skate, with one wheel disposed generally at each corner of the frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 266,978 issued on Nov. 7, 1882 to Norman W. Darrow, titled “Wheel Skate,” describes a two wheeled skate, with the two wheels generally disposed diagonally to one another. The sole plate or frame is suspended between the wheels to move vertically as the skater removes and applies his or her weight to the skate. A system of gears, chains, and ratchets is provided between each wheel and the frame, for driving the wheels in a forward direction as weight is applied to the frame by the skater and the frame is driven downwardly; the arrangement ratchets to allow the wheels to rotate freely upon upward movement of the frame. The Darrow skate is more closely related to an operator propelled machine than to a skate, and in any event, the lack of wheels at each corner of the frame and the vertically movable frame relative to the wheels, both teach away from the present skate.

U.S. Pat. No. 1,751,942 issued on Mar. 25, 1930 to Robert Nanz, titled “Roller Skate,” describes a two wheeled skate having the wheels disposed generally diagonally from one another on opposite sides of the skate. Each wheel is secured to the upper end of an arm which extends laterally upwardly from the base platform or sole plate of the skate, somewhat in the manner of the skate of the Hubbard '117 U.S. Patent discussed further above. The use of separate arms for attaching the wheels and provision of only a single wheel on each side and the lack of stability provided thereby, result in a skate configuration considerably different from that of the present roller skate invention and having considerably less stability.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,476,399 issued on Nov. 4, 1969 to Lawrence A. Finn, titled “Skates,” describes two different embodiments of a two wheeled skate, with the wheels disposed laterally oppositely to one another. The second embodiment has relatively large diameter wheels installed on vertically offset axle stubs, with the center of the axle bent downwardly to pass beneath the relatively short (fore and aft) sole plate. Separate instep and heel straps are provided, but the Finn skate is rendered relatively more complex by having two separate attachment points on each side of the skate. The provision of only two wheels clearly fails to provide the stability provided by the present skate, with its four wheels disposed generally at the corners of a channel structure having a rectangular planform.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,165,708 issued on Nov. 24, 1992 to Chan I-Chuan, titled “Double-Foot Plate Pedaling Skate, describes an operator propelled device comprising essentially two joined skates with two sole plates and six wheels. Two wheels are installed between the two plates, with the two plates eccentrically linked together by the two center wheels. The other four wheels are attached to the outboard edges of the two plates on eccentrics similar to the center eccentrics, with each plate being level but 180 degrees opposed to the other relative to wheel rotation, due to the eccentric connection. The operator pumps the two plates upwardly and downwardly to produce rotary motion due to the eccentric action. The relative motion of the two sole plates is unlike the relatively constant level plates of the present skate.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,763 issued on May 23, 2000 to Raymond L. Adams Jr., titled “Roller Bouncer And Wave Board Skate,” describes a skate having a somewhat conventional wheel configuration, with four relatively small diameter wheels disposed beneath a lower plate. However, an upper shoe attachment plate is disposed above the lower wheel attachment plate, with a series of springs installed therebetween. While the Adams, Jr. skate may provide an interesting recreational ride, the height of the device with its closely adjacent lower wheels and springs separating the wheel platform from the shoe support platform, result in a relatively unstable device in comparison to the present roller skate.

British Patent Publication No. 221,445 accepted on Sep. 11, 1924, titled “Improvements In And Connected With Wheeled Skates,” describes a three wheeled skate having two relatively large laterally disposed wheels at the front and a single large diameter wheel laterally offset to the rear. As the only drawings illustrating the wheels with the skate body are plan views, it is not possible to determine the relative height of the wheel axles relative to the skate body or sole plate. However, it would appear that no effort has been made in the British Patent Publication to provide a relatively low sole plate. The combination of a relatively high sole plate or skate body or frame, with the tricycle configuration, results in considerably less stability than provided by the present roller skate invention.

British Patent Publication No. 403,250 accepted on Dec. 21, 1933, titled “Improvements In Roller Skates,” describes several embodiments of three and four wheeled skates. Each of the four wheeled embodiments positions the wheel axles either below or coplanar with the sole plate or frame of the skate, rather than above the plate as in the present invention. While the '250 British Patent Publication does disclose embodiments with some of the wheel axles above the sole plate, these are all three wheeled skates with a single relatively small diameter rear wheel extending rearwardly from the sole plate or frame. The lack of stability provided by a tricycle configuration has been noted further above.

Finally, British Patent Publication No. 1,318,039 published on May 23, 1973, titled “Roller Skates,” describes a skate having a relatively conventional configuration, with four relatively small diameter wheels disposed directly beneath the front and rear portions of the sole plate or frame. The primary distinction of the skate of the '039 British Patent Publication appears to be the forming of a relatively thick support structure integrally with the sole plate, and the use of rubber or plastic material for the support structure and sole plate. The lack of stability of the relatively narrow wheel configuration of the skate of the '039 British Patent Publication, has been noted further above.

None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the instant invention as claimed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises a roller skate having various novel features providing increased stability and safety over earlier developed skates of the related art. The present skate is formed essentially of a relatively short length of a sturdy, generally rectangular channel having opposed upstanding side walls and a sole plate or floor extending therebetween. A non-skid coating or sheet is disposed upon the sole plate to provide good grip for the shoe sole of the skater. A relatively large diameter wheel is placed at each end of each side wall to form a rectangular wheel array, with the wheels extending beyond the side walls and ends of the frame for optimum stability. Instep and heel straps extend from attachment points generally medially placed along the upper edge of each side wall.

The relatively deep side walls, in combination with the large diameter wheels, place the sole plate of the frame immediately adjacent the underlying surface when the wheels are resting upon the underlying surface. This provides even further stability for the present skate. The wheels may be adjustably secured to the frame side walls if desired, by providing a series of axle attachment holes at varying heights through the side walls at each wheel location. Adjustment of the lateral spacing of the wheels may be provided by installing sleeves, spacer nuts, etc. on each wheel axle between the wheels and the frame side walls, as desired. This allows the skater to place the wheels even further outwardly from the side walls, for even greater stability if so desired.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a roller skate having greater stability than wheeled skates of the related art.

It is another object of the invention to provide a roller skate having four widely spaced large diameter wheels disposed at the corners of the skate frame in a rectangular array, to provide a stable skate platform.

It is a further object of the invention to form the skate frame of a short, sturdy length of channel having a floor or sole plate with opposed upstanding walls, with the wheels extending outwardly from the walls so the sole plate is positioned immediately adjacent the underlying surface for greater stability.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a roller skate including means for adjusting the wheels both vertically and laterally relative to the skate frame.

It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes.

These and other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of a pair of the present roller skates being worn, showing their general features. [0027]
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a single roller skate according to the present invention, showing further details thereof. [0028]
FIG. 3 is an end elevation view in section of an alternate embodiment roller skate according to the present invention, showing various details thereof. [0029]
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.[0030]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention comprises a roller skate having a novel structure providing much improved stability over conventional skates of the related art. FIG. 1 provides an environmental perspective view illustrating a pair of the present skates [0031] 10 in use. The present skate 10 has a width sufficient to place the wheels 12 to the outside of the central frame 14 which cradles the skater's shoe S, thus allowing the sole plate of the frame 14 to be dropped beneath the plane of the wheel axles 16 to reside immediately adjacent to the underlying surface when the wheels 12 are resting thereon, generally as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings. The wheel axles 16 extend from the forward and rearward ends of the frame 14, thus providing a relatively long wheelbase for additional stability.
FIG. 2 provides an exploded perspective view of the skate embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, and serves to illustrate structural details providing the features noted above. The [0032] skate frame 14 comprises a laterally and longitudinally symmetrical channel having a relatively short length 18 to allow the heel H and toe T of the skater's shoe S to extend therebeyond. This allows the skater to tip his or her shoe S forwardly or rearwardly to drag either the toe T or the heel H on the underlying surface for accelerating, braking, or maneuvering as desired. As the present skate 10 places the skater's shoe S very close to the underlying surface, the tipping of the foot forwardly or rearwardly to place the toe T or heel H in contact with the surface, is easily accomplished and requires only a slight angular deflection of the foot and shoe S. The width 20 of the frame 14 is sufficient to cradle the skater's shoe S therein, generally as shown in FIG. 1.
The [0033] frame 14 has a rectangular planform, as shown clearly in FIG. 2 of the drawings. This rectangular form defines four corners 22 for the frame 14, with one of the axles 16 being immovably affixed (i.e., bolted in place so that they cannot move during operation of the skate 10) generally at each respective corner 22 to extend laterally therefrom. The four axle bolts 16 are preferably secured to the frame 14 at the same level relative to one another, to define an axle plane 24 (shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3) through the frame (frame 114, in FIG. 3). Provision may be made to reposition the axle bolts vertically in the frame, but they are still considered to be immovable during skate operation.
The four [0034] wheels 12 have relatively large diameters, and are all equal in diameter to one another. The wheels 12 may be the same as those used on two wheeled scooters of various sorts (e.g., Razor”; scooter, etc.), or similar wheels providing the required size and durability. The relatively large diameters of the wheels 12, along with the axle attachment adjacent the ends or corners 22 of the frame 14, results in the radii of the wheels 12 extending forwardly and rearwardly beyond the length 18 of the frame 14, as shown clearly in FIG. 1 of the drawings. This provides a, relatively long wheelbase for the skate 10, providing exceptional longitudinal stability for the skate 10. Laterally opposed pairs of wheels 12 define a lateral span 26 thereacross which extends beyond the width 20 of the frame 14, as shown in FIG. 1. This provides a relatively wide track for the present skate 10, for exceptional lateral stability for the skate 10.
FIG. 2 provides a clear view of the [0035] frame 14 of the present skate 10, illustrating its features. The frame 14 is preferably formed as a unitary structure of extruded aluminum channel having relatively thick walls (e.g., ¼ inch or so) for good durability and strength. The frame 14 has a generally rectangular cross section (excepting the open top), with opposed first and second side walls, respectively 28 and 30, extending upwardly from the edges of a sole plate or floor 32 which extends laterally between the lower edges of the two side walls 28 and 30 and is formed integrally therewith.
The four [0036] axle bolts 16 are inserted into corresponding threaded holes, e.g., holes 34 a, 34 b, or 34 c, formed through the vertical side walls 28 and 30 above the sole plate 32, thereby positioning the sole plate well below the axle plane 24. FIG. 3 illustrates this relationship, with the sole plate being designated as component 132 of the frame 114. The positioning of the axle bolts 16 well above the sole plate 32 (or 132, in the skate 100 of FIG. 3), results in the radii of the wheels 12 extending only slightly below the bottom of the sole plate 32 or 132, thus placing the sole plate 32 or 132 immediately adjacent the underlying surface and providing the desired very low center of gravity and resulting excellent stability for the skate 10 or 100.
The three different axle bolt holes [0037] 34 a, 34 b, and 34 c at the frame corners 22, provide vertical adjustability for the axle bolts 16 and thus the wheels 12 of the skate 10. While three such threaded bolt holes 34 a through 34 c are shown at each corner 22, it will be understood that a single bolt hole may be provided if no vertical adjustability is desired, or two or more holes may be provided for vertical adjustment. The three holes 34 a through 34 c may be diagonally offset from one another as shown in FIG. 2, to provide greater edge distance between adjacent holes. Thus, the height of the axles 16 above the sole plate 32 is easily adjusted to adjust the proximity of the sole plate to the underlying surface, by selectively securing the axle bolts 16 in any of the holes 34 a through 34 c as desired. Lock nuts 36 may be used to fix the axle bolts 16 immovably in their respective bolt holes.
The [0038] present skate 10 is secured about the skater's foot and shoe S by cooperating first and second instep straps, respectively 38 and 40, and first and second heel straps, respectively 42 and 44. The two first straps 38 and 42 are secured to and extend from a common first strap attachment hole 46 formed through the first side wall 28 of the frame 14, with the two second straps 40 and 44 secured to and extending from a common second strap attachment hole 48 formed in the second side wall 30. The two holes 46 and 48 are positioned laterally across from one another, and are preferably medially disposed along the lengths of their respective side walls 28 and 30 to provide for the desired longitudinal symmetry of the present skate 10. Strap attachment bolts 50 and nuts 52 may be used to secure the respective strap ends to the walls 28 and 30.
Each of the [0039] first straps 38 and 42 has a D-ring 54 extending from its distal end, with the two second straps 40 and 44 each having mutually mating or adhering first and second portions 56 and 58 of hook and loop fastener material (e.g., Velcro®) disposed upon the attachment surface 60 thereof. Each second strap 40 and 44 is looped through the D-ring 54 of its respective first strap 38 and 40, and folded back over itself to secure the two mating fastener surfaces 56 and 58 to one another, thereby securing the instep strap assembly 38, 40 and the heel strap assembly 42, 44 respectively over the instep and heel of the skater's foot and shoe S. A non-skid coating 62 (roughened surface, rubberized sheet, etc.) may be applied to the sole plate 32, to provide a better grip for the skater's shoe S within the skate frame or channel 14.
FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the [0040] present skate 10, designated as skate 110. Most components are identical to those of the skate 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2, with corresponding components generally designated by three digit reference numerals with corresponding second and third numbers, i.e., frame 14 for the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 and frame 114 for FIG. 3, etc. The skate 110 of FIG. 3 differs from the skate 10 of FIG. 2 primarily in that the axle bolts 116 are flat head bolts, rather than having protruding heads as in the bolts 16 of the skate 10. The axle passages 134 are correspondingly countersunk from the inner sides of the two side walls 128 and 130, thus providing a smooth and flush inner surface for each of the side walls 128 and 130 to preclude marring of the skater's shoes therein. An additional liner (not shown) may be installed along the inner surfaces of the side walls 128 and 130, in the manner of the nonskid coating 162 if so desired, to provide further shoe protection.
While only a single axle hole or [0041] passage 134 is illustrated through each side wall 128 and 130 of the skate 110 of FIG. 3, additional holes (not shown) of different heights could be provided through the two side walls 128 and 130 if so desired, in the manner of the holes or passages 34 a, 34 b, and 34 c of the skate 10 of FIGS. 1 and 2. Also, while only the axle passages 134 are illustrated through the side walls 128 and 130 in FIG. 3, it will be apparent that the strap attachment passages (not shown) may also be countersunk with flat head bolts passing through from the inside surfaces, in the manner of the axle bolts 116.
The [0042] skate 110 of FIG. 3 also provides for the lateral adjustment or spacing of the wheels 112 by means of a series of different length spacers or sleeves, e.g., 164 a, 164 b, and 164 c, which may be interchangeably installed on the corresponding axle bolt 116 between each of the wheels 112 and its adjacent side wall 128 or 130. If a relatively narrow and compact lateral track width is desired, then the shorter spacers 164 a may be installed on the axle bolts 116 between the wheels 112 and their corresponding side walls 128 and 130 of the frame 114. For an even narrower track, a relatively thin, conventional washer (not shown) may be used in place of the sleeves 164 a.
In the event that greater lateral stability is desired, [0043] intermediate length sleeves 164 b or longer sleeves 164 c may be installed on the bolts 116, as desired. Various combinations of sleeves 164 a through 164 c, and/or washers, may be used to adjust the spacing as desired, with the maximum lateral spacing of the wheels 112 being dependent only upon the length of the bolts 116 and the need to avoid contact between the two facing components of each skate 110 of a pair of skates while skating. The assembly is held in place by lock nuts 136 or equivalent, secured to the outer ends of the axle bolts 116. It will be noted that FIG. 3 is somewhat simplified, in that details of wheel bearings, seals, etc. are not shown, in order to provide clarity in the drawing Figure and to clearly illustrate the novel and inventive features of the present skate. However, such components are conventional, and may be provided during manufacture and/or assembly of the present skate.
In conclusion, the present roller skate in its various embodiments provides a novel construction which in turn provides many advantages in terms of safety and stability over skates of the related art. The placement of the sole plate or floor of the skate body or frame very close to the underlying surface when the skates are in use, provides superior stability in comparison to earlier skates having their wheels disposed beneath the sole plate. While relatively low sole plates have been developed in the past, as exemplified by the related art of record, none of those skates provided four widely spaced wheels at the corners of the skate frame to provide the stability of the present roller skate. [0044]
The vertical adjustability of the wheels of the present skate provides further advantages, in that the height of the sole plate may be raised relative to the underlying surface by moving the axle bolts to higher bolt holes or passages in the side walls of the skate frame. While this sacrifices some stability, it allows use of the present skate over relatively rough and/or uneven surfaces, where the bottom of the sole plate might otherwise drag upon various protruding irregularities extending from the underlying surface. The present skate allows the height to be adjusted as low as possible for smooth surfaces, while still allowing the skate to be used on relatively rough and uneven surfaces as well, which operation is facilitated by the relatively large wheels of the present skate. [0045]
Moreover, the lateral adjustability provided by the present skate construction provides further benefits, particularly on rough or uneven surfaces, or perhaps for the novice skater. The present skate has far greater lateral stability than earlier skates of the related art, again due to the low sole plate or floor of the frame, the widely laterally spaced wheels, the fact that four wheels are provided in a rectangular pattern at the corners of the frame, and the relatively large diameter of the wheels. Yet, an experienced skater, or a skater skating on a smooth surface, may wish to narrow the track of the skate, which adjustment is easily accomplished by means of the replaceable sleeves discussed further above. [0046]
Yet another advantage of the present skate is its lateral and longitudinal symmetry, as there is no such thing as a “left” and a “right” skate with the present roller skate. Each skate provided for each foot is identical to the other, with perhaps the only difference being the installation of the first and second attachment straps. Even this difference is easily changed by the user to position either the first or the second straps to extend from either the first or the second attachment holes to place the first strap D ring and folded second strap to the inside or outside of the shoe, as desired. Thus, the present skate will be seen to provide much needed advances in safety and utility in comparison to earlier skates, and will find widespread popularity among skaters. [0047]
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims. [0048]

Claims

I claim:

1. A roller skate, comprising:

a laterally and longitudinally symmetrical frame having a length, a width, and a rectangular planform defining four corners;

first through fourth axles each immovably affixed to and extending generally from one of said corners of said frame, and defining an axle plane;

first through fourth large diameter wheels having equal diameters to one another and each installed upon one of said axles;

each of said wheels having a radius extending beyond said length of said frame, defining a long wheelbase for stability;

each pair of laterally opposed said wheels having a lateral span extending beyond said width of said frame, defining a wide track for stability; and

said frame including a sole plate extending laterally across said frame and below said axle plane, disposed immediately adjacent an underlying structure when said wheels are resting upon the underlying structure.

2. The roller skate according to claim 1, wherein said frame comprises a sturdy channel having a generally rectangular cross section with a first side wall and a second side wall opposite said first side wall, with said sole plate extending therebetween and formed integrally therewith.

3. The roller skate according to claim 2, wherein said channel is a thick walled aluminum extrusion.

4. The roller skate according to claim 1, wherein each of said axles has a height above said sole plate, further including:

means for selectively installing each of said axles to said frame, for selectively adjusting said height of said axles above said sole plate for adjustably vertically positioning said sole plate above the underlying surface.

5. The roller skate according to claim 1, further including means for selectively adjusting said lateral span of said each pair of laterally opposed said wheels.

6. The roller skate according to claim 1, further including:

a first instep strap and a first heel strap extending from a first strap attachment point of said frame;

a second instep strap and a second heel strap extending from a second strap attachment point of said frame;

said first strap attachment point and said second strap attachment point disposed laterally opposite one another;

each said first strap having a distal end with a D-ring extending therefrom; and

each said second strap including an attachment surface with mating first and second fastener means disposed thereon for looping through a respective said D-ring and foldably securing therearound.

7. The roller skate according to claim 6, wherein said first and second fastener means comprise mating strips of hook and loop fastening material.

8. The roller skate according to claim 1, further including a non-skid coating disposed upon said sole plate of said frame, for providing a good grip for the sole of a skater's shoe placed within said frame.

9. A roller skate, comprising:

a sturdy, laterally and longitudinally symmetrical channel having a length, a width, and a generally rectangular planform defining four corners;

said channel further having a first side wall, a second side wall opposite said first side wall, and a sole plate extending therebetween and formed integrally therewith;

first through fourth axles each immovably affixed to and extending generally from one of said corners of said channel, and defining an axle plane;

each of said wheels having a radius extending beyond said length of said channel, defining a long wheelbase for stability;

each pair of laterally opposed said wheels having a lateral span extending beyond said width of said channel, defining a wide track for stability; and

said sole plate being disposed immediately adjacent an underlying structure when said wheels are resting upon the underlying structure.

10. The roller skate according to claim 9, wherein said channel is a thick walled aluminum extrusion.

11. The roller skate according to claim 9, wherein each of said axles has a height above said sole plate, further including:

means for selectively installing each of said axles to said channel, for selectively adjusting said height of said axles above said sole plate for adjustably vertically positioning said sole plate above the underlying surface.

12. The roller skate according to claim 9, further including means for selectively adjusting said lateral span of said each pair of laterally opposed said wheels.

13. The roller skate according to claim 9, further including:

a first instep strap and a first heel strap extending from a first strap attachment point of said first side wall;

a second instep strap and a second heel strap extending from a second strap attachment point of said second sidewall;

14. The roller skate according to claim 13, wherein said first and second fastener means comprises mating strips of hook and loop fastening material.

15. The roller skate according to claim 9, further including a non-skid coating disposed upon said sole plate of said frame, for providing a good grip for the sole of a skater's shoe placed within said frame.

16. A roller skate, comprising:

a frame having a length and a width, and including a sole plate;

first through fourth axles extending from said frame;

first through fourth wheels, each installed upon a respective one of said axles;

each of said axles having a height above said sole plate;

means for selectively installing each of said axles to said frame, for selectively adjusting said height of said axles above said sole plate for adjustably vertically positioning said sole plate above an underlying surface when said wheels are resting upon the underlying surface;

means for selectively adjusting said lateral span of said each pair of laterally opposed said wheels.

17. The roller skate according to claim 16, wherein said frame comprises a sturdy channel having longitudinal and lateral symmetry and a generally rectangular planform defining four corners;

said frame further having a first side wall and a second side wall opposite said first side wall, with said sole plate extending therebetween and formed integrally therewith;

each of said axles extending from said first and said second side wall, adjacent one of said corners;

each of said wheels having large diameters equal to one another and each installed upon one of said axles; and

each of said wheels having a radius extending beyond said length of said frame, defining a long wheelbase for stability.

18. The roller skate according to claim 16, wherein said channel is a thick walled aluminum extrusion.

19. The roller skate according to claim 16, further including:

20. The roller skate according to claim 16, further including a non-skid coating disposed upon said sole plate of said frame, for providing a good grip for the sole of a skater's shoe placed within said frame.