US255460A

US255460A - Roller-skate

Info

Publication number: US255460A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1882-03-28
Anticipated expiration: 1899-03-28

Description

V (NOModelQ) I 2 Sheets-Sheet 1. J. K. ROSS.

ROLLER SKATE.

Patented Mar. 28,1882

E Lilh gnpbsn Washington, D. C.

(N0 Model.) 2 Shets-Sheet 2.

I J. K. ROSS.

. ROLLER SKATE. No. 255,460. Patented Mar. 2811882.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES K. ROSS, OF SPRINGFIELD, OHIO.

ROLLER-SKATE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 255,460, dated March 28, 1882.

Application filed November 10, 1881.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMES K. Ross, of the town ofSpringfield, in Clarke county and State of Ohio, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Roller-Skates, of which the following is a specification.

My invention in general consists of several features: first, in novel means connecting the roller-gear and foot-plate and supporting the latter, rendering the foot-plate resilient under the pressure of the wearer of the skate, enabling the foot-plate to be rocked upon the roller and the roller-gear to be turned at will to a small extent to the right or left-that is to say, so turned that the vertical longitudinal plane of the roller, instead of being paralfor one roller.

lel to the vertical longitudinal plane of the foot-plate, shall cross said latter plane at an acute angle, and when the ska'ter lifts said skate the roller or rollers shall resume their usual position-viz., wherein the vertical plane of the rollers is parallel to the longitudinal vertical plane of the foot-plate; secondly, in means whereby the skate may be made reversible-that is, may be quickly changed from a four-roller skate into one having three or two rollers; thirdly, in a novel formation of the foot-plate of a skate having a metallic footplateyfourthly, in a novel construction of a roller for rollerskates and trucks and small vehicles and casters; fifthly, in subordinate features of invention which will become apparent from the subjoined description.

The advantages resulting from the respective employment of the various features of my invention will be fully set forth as those features are severally described.

In the accompanying drawings, making part of this description, and to which reference is hereby made, Figure 1 represents a side view of a roller-skate embodying my invention.

Fig.2 is a transverse section of the same,taken at the lineX X of Fig. 1 and looking rearward. Fig. 3 is a'transversc section of a part of same, taken at the line Y Y of Fig. 1, the two rollers shown in Fig. 2 being exchanged Fig. 4 is a view in perspective of the lower plate upon which the cushion rests. Fig.5 is a perspective view of the said cushion. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a spider'which rests upon the cushion and in turn (No model.)

supports the foot-plate. Fig. 7 is a view of one mode of strengthening awooden foot-plate for the connection between the same and the devices holding the roller. Fig.8 is a view of the cushion modified in form. Figs. 9 and'lO illustrate the construction of my improved forms of roller.

A indicates the foot-plate of the skate, made of any suitable form and material,and in Fig. 7 shown as made of wood and in the remaining figures as made of metal. When made ot'metal the side pieces, a, and end pieces, I), are preferably madewith and of the same piece of metal as the foot-plate. The pieces a lie outside of the usual leather piece, d, and the pieces I) lie inside the said piece-d. The pieces a and b are fastened to the heel-piece d in any of the usual waysviz., by riveting, 86C. The heel-piece d and theinetalliopiecee, being old and attached in the usual manner, are here passed over without more particular mention.

B indicates aroller, madcin anydesired manher, and in the skate shown in Fig. 1 there are four of said rollers. Where the skate is so constructed that the number of rollers may be diminished from four to three or two the roller is provided with a central perforation, through which the rod or axle O, on which the roller turns, passes. The rod is connected to a suitable device for supporting the upper parts of the skate, and where opportunity in the construction is afforded for changing the number of the rollers the said device consists of a yoke, E. Through the lower arms of this yoke the rod 0 passes, and thence through the two rollers B, placed outside of the yoke, and the latter being between the said rollers. The rollers are kept upon the rod 0 by any suitable means-as, for example, a pin through each end of the rod, or by end washers, as f, suitably secured to the rod. In the present instance the washer shown at the left-hand ers between the arms of the yoke E, and passes the short rod 0 through the yoke-arms and roller, and adds the washers, if any, and secures the rod from slipping out ofthe rollers and washers, it any.

A yoke and two wheels may be used at one end of the skate, the other end being provided with one or two WhetlS, the one not being exchangeable for two or the two for one roller; or each end of the skate maybe provided with a yoke, in which event the skate may be made to run with one roller at front and one roller at rear, or with two rollers at front and oneat rear, or vice versa, or with four rollers, two in front and two at rear. Whenever two rollers are exchanged for one a long axle-rod, C, is employed, and the rollers are preferably placed in the position shown in Fig. 2. The advantages of thus changing the rollers are apparent to any one acquainted with the use and operation of roller-skates. The movement and operation of the rolling portions of the skate are changed, the strain upon the muscles of the foot and ankle is altered, and a rest is afiorded tothe same. Thereisa rest afforded by change of the bearing of the skate upon the ground. Around curves the single rollers afi'ord most rest, and usually allow the most speed on smooth spots, while on straight runs and courses the double rollers secure most rest, and always best brace the foot. Changing the number of rollers from day to day afl'ords better opportunity for the more perfect and thorough development of all parts of the foot and ankle.

So far as the aforesaid construction of the running-gear has to do with the capacity for increasing and diminishingthe number of rollers, it isimmaterial how the yoke is connected to the upper portions of the skate.

In carrying out that feature of my invention heretofore referred to under the head of first I provide the upper portion of the device which is supported on the roller-axle with a plate, H, either made one with the said supporting device or made separate therefrom. In the present instance, for the convenience of manufacture, the plate H is made separate.

' Any suitable mode of connecting the plate H to the said supporting device may be employed.

Where the yoke E is employed as the supporting device the preferable mode of connection is as follows: The plate H is provided with flanges S, between which the upper end of the yoke E clearly fits. The shape of the plate in plan view may he many-sided, or square, triangular, or circular, as shown. The plate H supports a cushion, K, of rubber or other elastic resilient substance or material, of any suitable shape, but preferably in plan view of the same shape as the plate H is in plan view. When desired the cushion may consist of a metallic spring. Theplate H, for

convenience of holding the cushionin position and preventing the latter, when compressed, from bulging out too much at its edge or periphery, is provided with an outlying upright flange, m, which closely incloses the lower part of the edge orperipheryof the cushion K. The upper surface of plate H, for preventing the rubber from slipping or turning around within the flange m, is further provided with one or more projections, (here shown as of the preferred form,) it, these projections entering corresponding recesses or grooves, o, in the bottom of the rubber cushion K. The cushion may come next to and immediately support the foot-plate, and where the latter is of wood or of cast iron is a very desirable plan. Where the foot-plate is of thin sheet metal a spider or plate, L,is preferably placed between the cushion K and the foot-plate. In order to prevent the spider L from turning upon the foot-plate, one is provided with projections or bolts fitting into the other. In the present instance the projections consist of pins or lugs projecting from spider L, passing through the foot-plate, and riveted to the latter. In order to prevent the cushion from turning upon the spider L, the latter is provided with projections, (in the present instance these projections being arms n, here shown of a preferred form,) which enter corresponding recesses in the cushion. The upper face of the cushion between said arms rests against the foot-plate. The spiderL, for conveniently holding the cushion imposition and preventingthelatter, when compressed, from bulging out too much, is further provided with a flange, t, which closely embraces the upper portion of the edge or periphery of the cushion K.

Obviously either or all of the projections for preventing the cushion from turning may arise from or be formed upon the cushion, in which event corresponding recesses to receive said projections will be formed in the surface or surfaces opposing the side or sides of the cushion.

In Fig. 8 the upper surface of the cushion is shown furnished with such projections. These latter, where spiderL is present, would fit into recesses in said plate; but as in this figure, S, the spider L is dispensed with, the projections fit into the foot-plate. The projections, where desired, could be formed upon the foot-plate and the recesses for their reception be present in the cushion. Also, the flange t, where spider L was dispensed with, would be preferably present at the foot-plate.

The plate H and the cushion and foot-plate (and spider L also, where present) are to be connected together in any suitable manner.

For the purposes ofmost successfully utilizing the resiliency and elasticity of the cushion K, as well as for cheapuess in cost and simplicity and facility of manufacture, I prefer to connect the same by a connecting-rod, W, connected to the plate H or the roller-gear and foot-plate through the center of said parts and suitably secured. The rod, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, is a bolt having a head resting in a countersunk cavity in the foot-plate, and pro- IIO one end and a screw-thread on its other end,

and be screwed directly into plate H or the roller-gear, as shown in Fig, 3. Where a wooden foot-plate is used the flanged t-himble Z is preferably employed, as shown in Fig. 7, and is preferably secured not only by bolt W, but

by small screws Z, passing into the wood of the foot-plate. The holes in the cushion K and spider L, and preferably also in plate H, are in diameter larger than the diameter of rod W, in order to allow the rod lateral play when 'thecushion is compressed more at one part of its edge than at another. This feature of my invention, relating, as it does, to theem- 'ployment of the resilient cushion K, can be.

employed with various and different kinds of devices, connecting its support H to the roller axle, and with foot'plates provided with various numbers of rollers. Nevertheless it is preferahle to employ the same with the yoke 1 as the latter affords a wide base not only for the support of the cushion K, but for acting as a lever to compress one part of the cushion K,

- and also to turn, or rather twist, the latter with plate H upon spider L or the foot-plate.

The essential matter ofthe feature of my inven tion referred to under first consists in the employment of a resilient elastic cushion interposed between the roller-gear and the spider L, or the foot-plate, or their equivalent, and constituting the support of the foot-plate over whatever roller or rollers and at that end or v ends of the foot-plate where it may be used.

The cushion K imparts a yielding, rocking,

elastic, and pleasant motion to the skate, softens the shock of the impingement of the rollers upon obstacles over which they roll, and materially contributes to deaden the sound. This latter advantage is a very important one. Again, the elastic resilient block or cushion K permits the roller or rollers to be turned so that it or their vertical plane shall be at an an gle to the vertical longitudinal plane of the foot-plate. In other words, it permits the roller orrollers to be turned toa limited degree about the vertical rod W as an axis. In turning curves the rollers are thus allowed to follow their natural tendency, and the skate being inclii'ied toward the center of the curve which the skater is following, and where the rollers are single, their inner edges being above its frictional contact with the floor, the roller or rollers will turn toward the inside of the curve, and thus facilitate the skater in his effort to follow the curve. As soon as the skater lifts his foot the resilient nature of the cushion K causes the roller to resume its usual position, wherein its vertical plane is parallel to the vertical longitudinal plane of the foot-plate.

In order to carry out those purposes of my invention which relate to making a roller-skate resilient and easy under the pressure of the skater, I prefer to employ a roller whose pesubstance. A preferred mode of construction of said roller is as follows:

2 is a disk provided with a rod or shank, 3, shouldered down at 4, and the extension5 of the rod being of a smaller diameter than that of the first part, 3. A disk, 6, of rubber or other elastic resilient substance, is then placed on the shank 3, as shown in Fig. 9. An annular plate, 7, of the same diameter as disk 2, is then placed against the rubber, and the disk 6 being compressed between the plate 7 and disk 2, the extension enters the hole in said plate 7, and is then riveted in place. pose of more readily and effectively riveting on the plate 7, the orifice of the latteris enlarged outwardly, as shown, and the tongue or extension 5 is caused to spread into said enlargement, thus forming a firm and cheap connection. The disk 6 before compression is wider than the space it is to occupy between disk 2 and plate 7, and it is also of greater diameter than the disk 2. In rollers of the size shown in Fig. 9 the rubber before compression ex- -tends beyond the edge of the disk, preferably about three-sixteenths of an inch. The inner surfaces of the disk and plate below the peripheral edge may be curved, but are preferably straight. The edges of the' disk and plate are preferably rounded, as shown in Fig. 9, so as not to cut the rubber, and so as to assist in throwing the edge 8 of the rubber out in the proper shape. When the rubber is compressed it follows over the'lineof the diskin an arched, curved, and beautiful form, and assumes the shape shown in Fig. 9.

Another method of connecting the plate 7 to the shank 3 is where the shank is provided For the pur- L with a screw thread and the orifice of plate 7 is provided with a female screw, the plate 7 being screwed upon the said shank, compressing the disk 6. A convenient mode of making the last-named device is shown in Fig. 10,

washer, 9, fitted against said head, and having its edge shaped as isthe edge of disk 2 in t Fig. 9. The elastic disk 6 being placed on the shank and against the washer, a second washplaced on the shank, and then a nut or plate, 7, is screwed onto the shank, and the disk 6 is compressed to place. It will be apparent that the disk 6 and washer 9 of Fig. 10 perform the function of disk 2 of Fig. 9, and plate 7 and washer 9 of Fig. 10 perform the function of plate 7 of Fig. 9. The disk and shankmay be respectively provided-with journals 13, or be bored so that the roller may revolve upon an axle.

The advantages ofthis device (shown in Fig. 10) are, first, it admits of the plate 7 being no where the disk or head 2 is provided with-a1 .er, 9, of the same size and shape as the first, is

easily and sufficiently screwed up without imwhen resting directly against the rubber, from being sufiiciently screwed up to properly compress the disk 6; second, it allows the same head or disk 2 and shank-plate 7 to be employed in making rollers of ditferent sizes by substituting washers of other sizes for those herein shown, the disk 6 being always of the proper comparative proportion, especially as to diameter.

In this manner with the same-sized bolt may be cheaply and quickly made small wheels .or rollers for childrens skates, and for casters,

&c., and larger wheels for trucks and other vehicles.

The systematic, symmetrical, exact, and pa culiar shape of the elastic disk when compressed is produced by reason of the com pressing plate and disks of the shape substantially as shown. The inward flat faces contribute to force the rubber or disk 6 upward. The concave embracing-plates of the Turner(English) roller operate as pinchers, and are not able to produce the same form of rubber wheel as my device does.

Experience has demonstrated that where the disks or embracing-plates are concave the rubher will flow inward and the peripheral edges of the concave jaws form a harshbed or support for the rubber, causing the same to be out projections S,and spider L, provided with projections n, and the foot-plate, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

3. The cushion K, provided with recesses, in combination with plate H, provided with projections S and flange m, and spider L, provided with projections 01, and the foot-plate, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

.4. The cushion K, provided with recesses, in combination with plate H, provided with projections S, and spider L, provided with projections n and flange t, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

5. The cushion K, provided with recesses, in combination with plate H, project-ions S, and flange m,and spider L,provided with projections n and flange t,substantially as and for the purposes specified.

6. The combination of the cushion K and roller-gear, plate H, cushion K, and foot-plate, and central connecting-rod W, the orifices in the cushion and plateHbeing made ofgreater diameter than that of the rod, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

'7. The combination of thecushion Kan'd rollengear, plate H, cushion K, and spider Land foot-plate, and central connecting-rod W, the orifices in plates L and H and in cushion K being of greater diameterthan that of the central connecting-rod, substantially as and for .the purposes specified.

S. In combination with the rollers B, axle O, yoke E,adapted to receive a roller, and pro vided with a supporting-plate, the cushion K, and foot-plate,and connecting devices, and devices for preventing undue rotation of the roller-gear, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

9. In combination, with the rollers B, axle (J, yoke E,adapted to receive a roller, and provided with a supporting-plate, H, the cushion K, provided with recesses, and the foot-plate, and projections entering said recesses, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

10. In combination, roller or rollers B, axle .G, yoke E, plate H, having projections S and .fiange m, cushion K, formed with recesses 0,

foot-plate A, and central connectingmod W, the orifices of plate H and cushion K being of greater diameter than that of rodW, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

11. In combination, the roller or rollers B, axle O, yoke E, plate H, havingprojections S and flange m, cushion K, formed with recesses 0, plate H,provided with recesses 0, foot-plate .A, and central connecting-rod W, the orifices of plate H and cushion K being of greater diameter than that of rod W, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

12. The combination of the disk 2, rod 3, shouldered at 4:, and annular plate 7, and the elastic resilient disk 6, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

13. The combination of the disk 2, rod 3, shouldered at 4, extension 5, and annular plate 7, having its orifice enlarged outwardly, and the elastic resilient disk 6, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

14. The combination of disk 2, washer 9, shank 3, and disk 6, and washer 9 and plate 7, secured together, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

15. The combination of the disk 2, washer 9, shank 3, and disk 6, and washer 9 and plate 7, screwed onto shank 3, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

16. The combination of the shank and disk 6, compressed between compressing plates or disks or washers, having peripheral rounded and curved edges, substantially as and for the purposes specified.

JAMES K. ROSS.

Witnesses:

G. .(J. \VILSON, J. WM. Srunnut.