US20090045616A1

US20090045616A1 - Skating apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20090045616A1
Application number: US12/183,440
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Eldridge
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-08-13
Filing date: 2008-07-31
Publication date: 2009-02-19

Abstract

Disclosed is a skating apparatus for providing a skating motion with a feel similar to a feel of an ice skating motion on a contact surface other then an ice surface, to a user wearing the skating apparatus on his/her feet. The skating apparatus includes at least one guiding member, a sliding mechanism and a frame member. The guiding member includes a peripheral channel for slidably coupling the sliding mechanism on the peripheral channel. The sliding mechanism upon sliding along a portion of the peripheral channel and in a linear direction with respect to the contact surface, enables the at least one guiding member to move in an opposite linear direction with respect to the contact surface. The movement of the guiding member in the opposite linear direction provides the skating motion with similar feel as of the ice skating motion to the user in the opposite linear direction.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority under 35 United States Code, Section 119 on the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/955,518 filed on Aug. 13, 2007, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to sports equipment, and more particularly, to a skating apparatus used for the purposes of skating or simulating a skating motion on a surface other than ice.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is customary to use skating apparatuses, such as an inline skating apparatus for a purpose of simulating a skating motion similar to an ice skating motion on a surface, which is typically a smooth surface. A typical inline skating apparatus includes a frame and multiple inline-wheels attached to the frame. Further, the inline skating apparatus may include a skate boot attached at a top surface of the frame. The inline skating apparatus is adapted to skate in a forward or a backward direction on the surface to provide a skating motion to a user wearing the skate boot. While skating in the forward or the backward direction on the surface, the inline skating apparatus touches the surface at multiple points, depending upon the number of inline-wheels incorporated therein.
However, such inline skating apparatus has limitations in fully simulating a skating motion similar to the ice skating motion, and also in maneuvering the skating apparatus. Generally, the inline-wheels of the inline skating apparatus are configured in a manner such that the inline skating apparatus has multiple contact points with the surface (namely, where each of the inline-wheels touches the surface). Due to the multiple contact points made by the inline-wheels on the smooth surface, the existing inline skating apparatus is not able to simulate a skating motion similar to the ice skating motion.
Another limitation with the existing inline skating apparatus is that, the existing inline skating apparatus may not be able to produce a “feel” similar to the ice skating motion while skating on the smooth surface. The existing inline-wheel arrangement of the inline skating apparatus changes the user's skating biomechanics and kinematics when the user uses the inline skating apparatus on the smooth surface. More particularly, the structural configuration and weight of the existing inline skating apparatus differ from a typical skating apparatus used on an ice surface. When the user regularly practices with the existing inline skating apparatus on the smooth surface, the user establishes a new muscle memory associated with a new movement pattern. The experience of new movement pattern may eradicate his/her previous experience associated with the skating on the ice surface, due to the difference between the structural configuration and the weight of the existing inline skating apparatus, and the typical skating apparatus used on the ice surface. Thus, the user while skating on the ice surface may face problems in generating a proper movement pattern due to the new memory, which he/she has developed while regularly practicing on the smooth surface with the existing inline skating apparatus.
Accordingly, there exists a need of a skating apparatus, which is capable of simulating a skating motion similar to an ice skating motion, to produce a feel similar to a feel of the ice skating motion.

SUMMARY OF THE INEVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the prior art, the general purpose of the present invention is to provide a skating apparatus that is configured to include all advantages of the prior art, and to overcome the drawbacks inherent therein.
An object of the present invention is to provide a skating apparatus that is capable of simulating a skating motion similar to an ice skating motion, to produce a feel similar to a feel of the ice skating motion.
Another object of the present invention is to provide skating apparatus having a structural configuration and weight for facilitating in simulating a skating motion similar to an ice skating motion.
To achieve the above objects, in an aspect of the present invention, a skating apparatus is provided. The skating apparatus comprises at least one guiding member, a sliding mechanism and a frame member. The at least one guiding member comprises a peripheral channel. Further, the sliding mechanism is slidably coupled with at least a portion of the peripheral channel of the at least one guiding member. Furthermore, the frame member is detachably attached to the at least one guiding member, which is capable of being engaged to a foot of a user. When the sliding mechanism slides along the portion of the peripheral channel, the sliding mechanism moves in a linear direction with respect to a contact surface. Therefore, the sliding mechanism enables the at least one guiding member to move in an opposite linear direction of the linear direction. The movement of the at least one guiding member in the opposite linear direction enables the skating apparatus to move in the opposite linear direction, thereby also moving the user in the opposite linear direction.
This together with other aspects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and form a part of this present invention. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages, and the specific object attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The advantages and the features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following details description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a skating apparatus, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the skating apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a guiding member, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3B illustrates a front view of a guiding member, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of a sliding mechanism, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a frame member according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of the frame member of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the skating apparatus, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a sliding mechanism of the skating apparatus of FIG. 6.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the description of several views of the drawings.

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is to be made to the following detailed description, including the appended claims, in connection with the above-described drawings. Although the present invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
The term “top”, “bottom” and the like, herein do not denote any order, elevation or importance, but rather are used to distinguish placement of one element over another, and the terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.
The present invention provides a skating apparatus which may be worn by a user on his/her foot. The skating apparatus including at least one guiding member, a sliding mechanism and a frame member. The sliding mechanism is capable of moving on a contact surface in order to enable the user wearing the skating apparatus to skate in a forward or a backward direction. More particularly, upon wearing a pair of skating apparatuses in his/her feet, the user may skate in the forward or the backward direction by alternately moving the pair of skating apparatuses on the contact surface for simulating a skating similar to an ice skating motion.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a skating apparatus 100 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 represents a front view of the skating apparatus 100 and FIG. 2 represents an exploded view of the skating apparatus 100. The skating apparatus 100 comprises at least one guiding member, such as a guiding member 102, a sliding mechanism 104, and a frame member 106. The guiding member 102 includes a peripheral channel 108 (hereinafter referred to as ‘channel 108’). At least a portion (not shown) of the channel 108 is capable of slidably coupling with the sliding mechanism 104 thereon. The guiding member 102 is further described in detail with reference to FIG. 3A. The frame member 106 is detachably attached to the guiding member 102. The frame member 106 is further described with reference to FIGS. 5A and 5B.
The skating apparatus 100 further comprises a footwear member 110. More particularly, the footwear member 110 is disposed on the frame member 106. The user may wear the skating apparatus 100 by placing his/her foot in the footwear member 110. The sliding mechanism 104 that is slidably coupled to the channel 108 may slide along the channel 108 of guiding member 102, when user exerts backward force on the skating apparatus 100. More specifically, the sliding mechanism 104 is coupled to the channel 108 in a manner such that the sliding mechanism 104 rests in the channel 108 and an outer surface of a portion of the sliding mechanism 104 makes a contact with a contact surface ‘C’ (see FIG. 1). This arrangement of the guiding member 102 and the sliding mechanism 104 provides the skating apparatus 100 with a structural configuration substantially similar to a structural configuration of a skating apparatus suitable for skating on the ice surface. Due to the similar structural configuration, the skating apparatus 100 is capable of simulating a skating motion for a user that is similar to the ice skating motion.
The sliding mechanism 104 on sliding along the portion of the channel 108 enables the sliding mechanism 104 to move in a linear direction with respect to a contact surface ‘C’. For example, when the sliding mechanism 104 slides along the portion of the channel 108 in a clockwise direction, a movement of the sliding mechanism 104 with respect to contact surface ‘C’ is in a linear direction ‘A₁’. Further, the movement of the sliding mechanism 104 in the linear direction ‘A₁’ enables the guiding member 102 to move in an opposite linear direction ‘A₂’. The movement of the guiding member 102 in the opposite linear direction ‘A₂’ enables the skating apparatus 100 to skate in the opposite linear direction ‘A₂’. Accordingly, the user is moved in the opposite linear direction ‘A₂’ with respect to the contact surface ‘C’.
More particularly, the movement of the user in the opposite linear direction ‘A₂’ is a skating motion with a feel similar to a feel of an ice skating motion. Such skating motion may be produced by the user by engaging a pair of skating apparatuses 100 on his/her feet. Thereafter, the user may skate in the forward or the backward direction on the contact surface ‘C’ by alternately moving the pair of skating apparatuses 100 on the contact surface ‘C’. Further, it will be apparent to a person ordinary skilled in the art that the skating apparatus 100 may be used to train ice skating players to skate on an ice surface. More specifically, while skating on the contact surface ‘C’, the skating apparatus 100 provides the skating motion with the feel similar to the feel of the ice skating motion to the ice skating players, which may be a practice for the ice skating players to skate on the ice surface. It will further be apparent to the person ordinary skilled in the art that the skating apparatus 100 may also be used to train inline hockey players to skate on a finished contact surface.
Referring now to FIG. 3A, the guiding member 102 is illustrated, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and is described in conjunction with FIGS. 1 and 2. Without departing from the scope of the present invention, the guiding member 102 may be substantially thick and of an oblong shape. In one embodiment, the guiding member 102 is scraped at a peripheral edge portion 112 to configure the channel 108 thereon. However, it will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the guiding member 102 having the channel 108 may also be molded or obtained by any other process known in the art. The channel 108 is capable of slidably coupling the sliding mechanism 104 to the guiding member 102 (as shown in FIG. 1). A person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention provides the channel 108 to be substantially smooth, which facilitates the slidable coupling between the guiding member 102 and the sliding mechanism 104. Further, in one embodiment, the guiding member 102 may be cut from different portions thereof to configure a plurality of slits or openings (not shown) in order to reduce the weight of the guiding member 102 for providing the skating apparatus 100 having weight substantially similar to the weight of an ice skating apparatus.
Further, the guiding member 102 includes a plurality of through holes, such as through holes 114 (hereinafter referred to as ‘holes 114’). The guiding member 102 is detachably attached to the frame member 106 by utilizing an attaching means 116 through the holes 114. The attaching means 116 may include, but is not limited to, a nut-bolt assembly, a press-fit assembly and a riveting mechanism. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art to detachably attach the guiding member 102 and the frame member 106 by any other attaching mechanism known in the art.
Referring now to FIG. 3B, a guiding member, such as a guiding member 118 is illustrated in FIG. 3B, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The guiding member 118 includes a tension mechanism. More particularly, the guiding member 118 is cut in two parts 118 a and 118 b. The parts 118 a and 118 b are adjustably attached by the tension mechanism. More specifically, the tension mechanism comprises an attaching mechanism 120, such as a plurality of bolts or a plurality of screws. The attaching mechanism 120 of the tension mechanism may be tightened or loosened to increase or decrease tension in a sliding mechanism, such as the sliding mechanism 104. The sliding mechanism is slidably coupled with the guiding member 118 for skating the skating apparatus 100 in order to simulate a skating motion similar to an ice skating motion on the contact surface ‘C’. More particularly, the attaching mechanism 120 may be tightened to decrease spacing between the parts 118 a and 118 b in order to reduce a tension of the sliding mechanism. Further, the attaching mechanism 120 may be loosened to increase spacing between the parts 118 a and 118 b in order to increase a tension of the sliding mechanism.
Referring now to FIG. 4, wherein a sliding mechanism, such as the sliding mechanism 104 is illustrated, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Herein, references of FIGS. 1 and 2 will be made for the purpose of description of the sliding mechanism 104. The sliding mechanism 104 includes an endless sliding member 124, a plurality of rolling members 126 and a protective member 128. The endless sliding member 124 includes a plurality of linking member, such as a linking member 130 having a projection 132 extending vertically from a bottom surface 134 a of the linking member 130. The projection 132 enables the endless sliding member 124 to be securely engaged in the channel 108, and also protects the endless sliding member 124 to skid out from the channel 108 while skating. The endless sliding member 124 is configured by pivotally interlinking the plurality of linking members 130 by using pivoting members 133. The pivoting members 133 may include, but are not limited to, screws and rivets.
Further, the rolling members 126, preferably of cylindrical shape are placed between projections 132 of two adjacent linking members 130. Furthermore, the rolling members 126 along with the endless sliding member 124 are disposed in the channel 108. The rolling members 126 enables a smooth sliding contact between the endless sliding member 124 and the guiding member 102 on being disposed in the channel 108.
The linking member 130 is preferably made of metal, alloy, plastic, and combination thereof. Further, the protective member 128 is disposed onto a top surface 134b of the linking member 130. The protective member 128 protects the endless sliding member 124 from wear and tear, when the skating apparatus 100 skates on the contact surface ‘C’. Further, the protective member 128 is capable of generating required friction for turning and decelerating the skating apparatus 100. The protective member 128 may be made of a material, such as a polyurethane material, a rubber material, a plastic material, a polyethylene material, Teflon material, and the like.
The rolling members 126 of the sliding mechanism 104 roll in the channel 108, when the skating apparatus 100 skates on the contact surface ‘C’ in the linear direction. The rotation of the rolling members 126 helps in reducing friction between the guiding member 102 and the rolling member 126 for smoothly skating the skating apparatus 100 in the linear direction in order to simulate the skating motion similar to an ice skating motion on the contact surface ‘C’. Further, at the same time, if the user wants to turn the direction of the skating apparatus 100 or decelerate the skating motion of the skating apparatus 100, he/she may change the orientation of the skating apparatus 100. The change in the orientation may cause stopping of the rolling member 126 due to the cylindrical shape thereof. The stopping of the rolling member 126 may cause skidding of the sliding mechanism 104 on the contact surface ‘C’, thereby generating required frictional resistance to turn or decelerate the skating apparatus 100. The projection 132 is capable of retaining the endless sliding member 124 in the channel 108 while turning or decelerating of the skating apparatus 100.
Referring now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, wherein a perspective view and a side view of the frame member 106, respectively, are illustrated, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Herein, references of FIGS. 1 and 2 will be made for the purpose of description of the frame member 106. The frame member 106 is configured to be detachably attached to the guiding member 102. The frame member 106 includes a mounting surface 136 for mounting the footwear member 110 thereon. Further, the frame member 106 includes portions 138 a and 138 b extending vertically downward from the mounting surface 136. The portions 138 a and 138 b configure a channel section 140 therebetween. The channel section 140 is adapted to partially receive the guiding member 102 to detachably attach with the guiding member 102. Furthermore, the portions 138 a and 138 b include a plurality of through holes, such as holes 142. When the guiding member 102 is partially received within the channel section 140 of the frame member 106, the holes 114 of the guiding member 102 and the holes 142 of the frame member 106 align with each other. Furthermore, the attaching means 116 may be inserted into the matched holes 114 and 142 to rigidify the attachment between the guiding member 102 and the frame member 106.
Detachable attachment of the guiding member 102 and the frame member 106 is in a manner such that, there is a confirmed space (not shown) between a surface 140a of the channel section 140 and the sliding mechanism 104. The confirmed space enables the sliding mechanism 104 to slide freely along the channel 108 without touching the frame member 106. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the frame member 106 may be cut from different portion in order to reduce weight of the frame member 106 for providing the skating apparatus 100 having weight substantially similar to the weight of an ice skating apparatus.
For example, the frame member 106 may be cut from a central portion to form a curve portion 146 for reducing the weight of the frame member 106. However, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art to cut the frame member 106 from other portions thereof depending upon the requirement, for suitably reducing the weight of the frame member 106.
Furthermore, in one embodiment, the frame member 106 may include plurality of through holes, such as holes 147 on the mounting surface 136 for incorporating a fixing means 148 for mounting the footwear member 110.
Referring again to FIG. 2, the frame member 106 is adapted to be attached to the footwear member 110. The footwear member 110 includes a sole member 150 and a shell member 151. The sole member 150 forms a bottom portion of the footwear member 110. In one embodiment, the sole member 150 may include plurality of through holes, such as holes 152 at a peripheral portion of the sole member 150. The footwear member 110 may be attached to the frame member 106 by placing the sole member 150 onto the mounting surface 136, in a manner such that the holes 147 and 152 align with each other. Further, the fixing means 148, such as a bolt, may be inserted into the aligned holes 147 and 152 for mounting the footwear member 110 onto the frame member 106. Further, in another embodiment, the footwear member 110 may be mounted onto the frame member 106 by using adhesive, or any other attaching means known in the art.
In one embodiment, the sole member 150 includes a multiple layered vibrations damping bed 154 and a soft sole 156. The multiple layered vibrations damping bed 154 is made of an open cell shock absorbing foam material. The multiple layered vibrations damping bed 154 reduce vibrations produced during a linear skating motion. Further, when the user wears the skating apparatus 100 by placing his/her foot in the footwear member 110, the soft sole 156 comfortably supports the foot of the user. On wearing the skating apparatus 100, the shell member 151, which is extending from a peripheral side of the sole member 150, covers the foot of the user. In one embodiment, the shell member 151 may be made of a material selected at least from a lather material, thick cloth material made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers. The material of the shell member 151 as disclosed herein is for purpose of understanding only, and should not be considered as limiting.
Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of a skating apparatus, such as a skating apparatus 200, is shown, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, the skating apparatus 200 includes more than one guiding members. For example, the skating apparatus includes four guiding members 202. Further, similar to the skating apparatus 100, the skating apparatus 200 includes a sliding mechanism 204 and a frame member 206. The guiding members 202 are circular guiding members, which are detachably attached to the frame member 206. Further, each of the guiding members 202 is provided with a peripheral channel 210. The sliding mechanism 204 is slidably coupled along at least a portion, which is shown as various portions 212 of the peripheral channel 210 of the each of the guiding members 202. The peripheral channel 210 may be coated with an anti-friction material for sliding the sliding mechanism 204 therein.
The sliding mechanism 204 is represented in FIG. 7, according to the present exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and is described in conjunction with FIG. 6. The sliding mechanism 204 includes an endless sliding member 214 and a protective member 216. Similar to the endless sliding member 124, the endless sliding member 214 includes a plurality of linking members 218, pivotally interlinked to configure the endless sliding member 214. Further, each of the linking members 218 includes a projection 220 extending vertically from a bottom surface thereof. More particularly, the projection 220 extends vertically in a tapered manner from the bottom surface and rest on the portions 212 of the peripheral channel 210 (see FIG. 6). The projection 220 of the endless sliding member 214 enables the endless sliding member 214 to slide on the portions 212 of the peripheral channel 210 of the guiding members 202. The linking members 218, similar to the linking members 130 are made of material such as metal, metal-alloy, plastic and combination thereof.
Furthermore, the protective member 216, similar to the protective member 128 is coupled to a top surface (not shown) of each of the linking member 218. The protective member 216 protects the endless sliding member 214 from wear and tear, when the skating apparatus 200 skates on a contact surface ‘C’ to simulate a skating motion similar to an ice-skating motion, as shown in FIG. 6. Further, the protective members 216 are capable to generating required friction for turning and decelerating the skating apparatus 200. The protective member 216, similar to the protective member 128, is made of a material, such as a polyurethane material, a rubber material, a plastic material, a polyethylene material, a Teflon material, and the like.
Referring again to FIG. 6, the guiding members 202 are circular guiding members that are detachably attached to the frame member 206 by using an attaching means 219, such as nut-bolt assembly. More particularly, the frame member 206 is detachably attached to each of the guiding members 202 by the attaching means 219. The detachable attachment between the guiding members 202 and frame member 204 is in a manner such that each of the guiding members 204 rotates about their respective axis of the attaching means 219. The structural configuration of the frame member 206 is similar to the frame member 106. The attachment of the frame member 206 and a guiding member 202 also defines a confirmed space (not shown) similar to the confirmed space between the frame member 106 and the guiding member 102. The confirmed space enables the sliding mechanism 204 to slide smoothly along the peripheral channels 210 on rotating the guiding members 204 about their respective axis, without touching the frame member 206.
Further, the frame member 206 may be attached to the footwear member 222 similar to the footwear member 110. The footwear member 222, similar to the footwear member 110 is wearable. The user wears the skating apparatus 200 by placing his/her feet in a pair of such footwear members 222, and may skate the skating apparatus 200.
The skating apparatuses, such as the skating apparatuses 100 and 200 of the present invention provide following advantages. The skating apparatuses are capable of simulating a skating motion similar to an ice skating motion for producing a feel similar to the feel of the ice skating motion. Therefore, the skating apparatuses may be used for training purposes of an ice skating and an inline hockey on a finished contact surface. Furthermore, the skating apparatuses have structural configurations and weights substantially similar to a structural configuration and weight of an skating apparatus suitable for skating on an ice surface, such as ice skates, in order to simulate the skating motion similar to the ice skating motion.
The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A skating apparatus, comprising:

at least one guiding member having a peripheral channel;

a sliding mechanism slidably coupled with at least a portion of the peripheral channel of the at least one guiding member, the sliding mechanism on sliding along the portion of the peripheral channel enabling the sliding mechanism to move in a linear direction with respect to a contact surface; and

a frame member detachably attached to the at least one guiding member, the frame member capable of being engaged to a foot of a user,

wherein the sliding mechanism enables the at least one guiding member to move in an opposite linear direction of the linear direction for moving the skating apparatus in the opposite linear direction, thereby moving the user in the opposite linear direction.

2. The skating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises:

a plurality of linking members interlinked to configure an endless sliding member, each of the plurality of linking members having a projection extending downwardly from a bottom surface thereof;

a plurality of rolling members, each of the plurality of rolling members disposed between adjacent projections of the endless sliding member; and

a protective member disposed on a top surface of each of the plurality of linking members,

wherein the plurality of rolling members along with the endless sliding member are adapted to be at least partially accommodated in the peripheral channel.

3. The skating apparatus of claim 2, wherein the protective member is made of at least one of a polyurethane material, a polyethylene material, a rubber material, a plastic material and a Teflon material.

4. The skating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the sliding mechanism comprises:

a plurality of linking members interlinked to configure an endless sliding member, each of the plurality of linking members having a projection extending vertically from a bottom surface thereof; and

wherein the endless sliding member is adapted to be at least partially accommodated in the peripheral channel in a manner such that the protective member is in contact with the contact surface.

5. The skating apparatus of claim 4, wherein the protective member is made of at least one of a polyurethane material, a polyethylene material, a rubber material, a plastic material and a Teflon material.

6. The skating apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame member comprises:

a mounting surface; and

a pair of portions extending downwardly from the mounting surface, the pair of portions defining a channel sections therebetween, the channel sections adapted to at least partially receive the at least one guiding member.

7. The skating apparatus of claim 6, wherein the at least one guiding member is detachably attached to the frame member by an attaching means on receiving the at least one guiding member within the peripheral channel.

8. The skating apparatus of claim 7, wherein the attaching means is at least one of a nut-bolt assembly, a press-fit assembly and a riveting mechanism.

9. The skating apparatus of claim 6, further comprising a footwear member disposed on the mounting surface of the frame member to receive the foot of the user.

10. The skating apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a tension mechanism configured on the at least one guiding member for adjusting a tension in the sliding mechanism.