US3861697A

US3861697A - Roller skate walker

Info

Publication number: US3861697A
Application number: US383674A
Authority: US
Inventors: Samuel L Dolce
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1973-07-30
Filing date: 1973-07-30
Publication date: 1975-01-21
Anticipated expiration: 1992-01-21

Abstract

A roller skate attachment formed as a base member having a plurality of recessed arcuate surfaces to accommodate roller skate wheels and adapted to be removably secured to the shoe onto which the skate is mounted, the combination acting to prevent roll and allow the wearer to walk in safety while wearing roller skates.

Description

United States Patent 1 Dolce Jan. 21, 1975 ROLLER SKATE WALKER [76] Inventor: Samuel L. Dolce, 1421 N. Kirby Dr.,

La Habra, Calif. 90631 [22] Filed: July 30, 1973 [21] Appl. N0.: 383,674

[52] US. Cl 280/111 R [51] Int. Cl. A63c 3/00 [58] Field of Search ..280/11.1R,11.19,11.27, 280/1122,11.23,1l.24,11.37 E, 11.37 .1,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,148,687 2/1939 English 280/11.] R

Primary Examiner-Stanley I-l. Tollberg [57] ABSTRACT A roller skate attachment formed as a base member having a plurality of recessed arcuate surfaces to accommodate roller skate wheels and adapted to be removably secured to the shoe onto which the skate is mounted, the combination acting to prevent roll and allow the wearer to walk in safety while wearing roller skates.

24 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures PATEHTEB M421 1975 SHEET 10F 5 PMENIEDJANZ 1 I975 sum am 5 FIG.

IIIII J FIG. ll

FIG.

ROLLER SKATE WALKER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The roller skater is often confronted with the inconvenience of having to remove his skates in order to safely negotiate a stairway, inclined surface, or a problem area of the like. Rather than undergo this inconvenience, the skater may unwisely choose to negotiate the problem area while wearing his skates, hence exposing himself to the ever present danger of a potential accident every step of the way because of the ease with which unwanted roll is imparted to the roller skate wheels by the slightest of unbalanced forces.

Professional roller skaters, in many arenas, must traverse stairways and other surfaces between the locker room and the skating track, and then back to the locker room over the same course, while wearing skates. vAt skating rinks, skaters leave the skating area to visit the refreshment counter or to visit the rest rooms while on wheels. The sidewalk skater enters home or apartment for a snack or other reason then returns to the sidewalk, often while wearing skates. For these cases, and others which can be cited, a means for locking the wheels of the roller skates against unwanted roll would minimize the possibilities of potential accidents while allowing the skater to negotiate problem areas. The present invention provides the means for accomplishing the desired locking of roller skate wheels.

Throughout the course of many years devices have been developed to protect ice-skate blades while the wearer walked or otherwise traveled to the skating area. A search has revealed, however, no documented description of an attachment for roller skates which allows walking or standing in comfort and safety on surfaces of various nature and form while wearing skates.

It is clear to those familiar with ice and roller skates that a device designed to protect the sharpened edges of an ice skate blade, which is unlikely to slide freely on surfaces normally encountered other than ice, differs in appreciable extent from the design of a device which prevents roll of wheels while allowing the wearer of roller skates to walk in comfort and safety on surfaces which, without roller skates, are normally walked on in comfort and safety.

The present invention provides an attachment for roller skates which is designed to allow the wearer to walk or stand in comfort and safety on surfaces of various nature and form. the attachment is quickly and easily donned and removed while the skate is being worn, will operate equally well on either right-hand or lefthand skate, is simple in construction, is lightweight and low in cost.

Other objects of the invention are to provide an attachment for roller skates which can be constructed in various fixed lengths corresponding with various fixed lengths of shoe-skates, or which can be constructed adjustable in length to accommodate a plurality of fixed length shoe-skates, hence to accommodate clamp-on skates which are adjustable or fixed in length; to provide an attachment for roller skates which is adjustable in length while maintaining continuity of tread surface over the length of the adjustment, hence a safety feature in that a continuous transverse gap is not present into which protruding objects or the like may be engaged; to provide an attachment for roller skates which can be configured to provide the additional safety feature of a buffer to prevent the forward engagement of protruding objects, obstructions, orthe like between the skate platform and the attachment, and to absorb the shock resulting from contact with such objects or obstructions.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the description and claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A device which can be constructed in a number of different embodiments to provide an attachment for roller skates which enables the wearer thereof to walk or stand in comfort and safety on surfaces of various nature and form. In general, the attachment comprises a base member formed to provide wheel-cups to constrain forward and rearward roll of skate wheels therein engaged, and abutting means to constrain lateral mo tion of said wheels. Removably securing means are provided to hold the base member in close and firm relation to the wheels, hence to the skate and to the shoe onto which the skate is mounted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a view showing the attachment engaged to a shoe-skate.

FIG. 2 is a view showing the attachment alone.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a second embodiment of the attachment engaged to a shoe-skate.

FIG. 4 shows the second embodiment of the attachment alone.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a third embodiment of the attachment, and showing in section the configuration form.

FIG. 6 is a view showing .a fourth embodiment of the attachment, and showing in section the configuration form.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a fifth embodiment of the attachment.

FIG. 8 shows views of the first embodiment as it may be configured to provide adjustment of the attachment.

FIG. 9 shows views of the first embodiment as it may alternately be configured to provide adjustment of the attachment.

FIG. 10 is a top view of the first embodiment of the attachment and shows the transverse profile interface of the base member sections as configured for adjustment.

FIG. 11 shows a side view of the first embodiment,

sectioned as indicated in FIG. 10 to show one method of adjustment.

FIG. 12 shows an end view of the first embodiment of the attachment and shows one configuration of the adjustment elements.

FIG. 13 is a top view of the first embodiment of the attachment and shows an alternate transverse interface of the base member as configured for adjustment.

FIG. 14 shows a side view of the first embodiment, sectioned as indicated in FIG. 13 to show an alternate method of adjustment.

FIG. 15 shows an end view of the first embodiment of the attachment and shows an alternate configuration of the adjustment elements.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS With reference to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of my invention is shown in FIG. 2 and comprises a base member 1 and strap means 2 attached to the base member 1 in spaced and overlying relation. The base member 1 is formed to provide pairs of arcuate wheel-cups 3 proportioned and arranged to enable the engagement of roller skate wheels, abutting walls 4 intermediate transverse pairs of wheel-cups 3, and an upwardly rising projection 5 at the forward end of base member 1. The wheel-cups 3 act to constrain forward and rearward motion of the roller skate wheels when therein engaged; the abutting walls 4 act to constrain lateral motion of said wheels; the upwardly rising projection 5 acts as a buffer to prevent forward engagement between the skate platform and the upper surface of base member 1 of projecting objects or the like and to reduce the shock resulting from contact with such objects; the strap means 2 enables securing the base member 1 to the shoe onto which the skate is mounted, hence to firmly engage the skate wheels to the wheelcups 3, as shown in FIG. 1.

In constructing the attachment, I find that the base member 1 can be formed from a variety of materials: for example, wood, aluminum, plastic, rubber, or rubber-like resins. More particularly, I have found it desirable from the standpoints of economy and simplicity to construct the base member 1 as a single molded entity using a composition of materials which is flexible, resilient, durable, and resistant to oils. These characteristics are found in materials such as Butyl Rubber, Neoprene, Polysulfide or the like which are easily molded.

I illustrate an elastic strap which is sufficiently elastic so as to hold the wheel-cups 3 of the attachments base member 1 tightly in contact with the roller skate wheels. The strap 2 is designed to be of sufficient length so as to permit the toe of the shoe onto which the skate is mounted to be inserted beneath the strap 2. I have found that the width of the strap 2 can be varied considerably and still accomplish its purpose, and that a broad strap 2 provides comfort to the wearer in that the elastic tension required to provide the necessary support for the base member 1 is distributed over a greater section of the shoe without undue restriction on any one portion of the foot. The strap 2 at its point of securing 6 can be actually molded into the base member 1 or may be secured in any other suitable means.

In preferred construction the thickness of the base member 1 is such that the roller skate wheels are well accommodated within the wheel-cups 3, and such that a sufficient thickness of resilient material'lies between the lower most point of the wheel-cups 3 and the base member tread surface 7 to provide a desired cushioning which readily adapts to various foot movements of the wearer of the skate which is engaged to the attachment. Additionally, I find it desirable to design the tread surface 7 so that it is upwardly curving in the longitudinal direction, fore and aft, to provide a contour in keeping with the normal mechanics of walking. The tread surface 7 provides non-slip contact with the surface upon which the wearer walks by virtue of the texture of the material selected for molding the base member 1. If a material is chosen whose texture is too fine to provide the desired non-slip feature, then a strip of material which does so can be bonded to the bottom surface of the base member 1 by the application of heat or by other suitable means.

The overall length of the base member 1 is preferrably longer than the skate platform, with the forward end configured to be upwardly rising an extent sufficient to act as a buffer 5 to prevent engagement of protruding objects, obstructions, or the like, between the skate platform and the base member 1. The transverse length of the wheel-cups 3 and the abutting wall 4 should be proportioned so as to accommodate a reasonable range of roller wheel widths while not yielding excessive side-play when the wheels are engaged. The width of the base member 1 is then established by the combined transverse lengths of the wheel-cups 3 and the abutting wall 4.

In operating, the attachment is simply installed by aligning the wheels of the roller skate with the wheelcups 3 and engaging the strap 2 over the toe portion of the shoe to which the skate is mounted. The skate is then rolled forward until the forward and rearward wheels thereof are engaged in the wheel-cups 3. The wearer may then apply a lifting force to the strap 2 to eliminate any folds which may have occurred in the process of putting the attachment on. Removal is accomplished in a manner similar to removing a shoe from the foot; that is, the wearer grasps the base member 1 at the rearward, or heel section, and applies a pulling or pushing force away from the skate and in a forward direction.

Other embodiments of the invention are shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7. In particular, the discussions that follow embrace only those features of functions and construction which differ from the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2. All functions and ele ments of construction not discussed are to be taken as previously delineated and described.

With reference to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of the invention comprises a base member 1 formed to provide pairs of arcuate wheel-cups 3 so proportioned and arranged as to correspond with the disposition of roller skate wheels, an abutting wall 4 intermediate transverse pairs of wheel-cups 3 and extending the length from the heel of the base member 1 to the forward mostedge of the forward wheel-cups 3 at a height limited by the clearance required by the axles of the roller skate, clamp means 8 as extensions of wheel-cups 3, and an upwardly rising projection 5 at the forward end of base member 1. The abutting wall in this embodiment serves to constrain the lateral motion of roller skate wheels engaged in wheel-cups 3 and also serves as a means for guiding said wheels when the wearer of the skate dons the attachment. The clamp means 8 secure roller skate wheels engaged in the wheel-cups 3 to the base member 1, hence securing the attachment to the skate. and to the shoe onto which the skate is mounted, as shown in FIG. 3.

This embodiment of the invention is preferrably constructed as a unitary molded entity with spring clamp means 8, one end of each which is arcuate formed, molded in place as extensions to the wheel-cups 3. l have considered forming clamp means 8 separately and then attaching them to the base member 1 in contiguous relation with the wheel-cups 3 and found this method to be unnecessarily expensive. I have also found that an alternate to the preferred spring clamp means molded in place is to use a material of great resilient strength and to form the upper portion of base member 1, including wheel-cups 3, abutting wall 4, and clamp means 8 as a separate molding. This molding is then bonded by the application of heat or by other suitable means to a molding formed to provide the lower portion of base member 1, including the buffer 5. In this construction, the latter molding is of a material that provides desired cushioning.

I prefer to have the upper surface of base member 1 inclined upwardly between the forward and rearward wheel-cups 3 and from the rearward wheel-cups 3 to the heel of the base member 1. The inclined surface is a desired feature in that the roller skate wheels thereupon placed are urged into engagement with wheelcups 3 and clamp means 8.

In operating, the wearer of the roller skate places the skate wheels upon the inclined surface of base member 1 and straddling abutting wall 4, then presses downwardly so as to urge the skate wheels to overcome the tension of the clamp means 8 sufficiently to engage the wheel-cups 3. Removal of the attachment is accomplished in a manner similar to removing a shoe from ones foot, as described with respect to the first embodiment.

With reference to FIG. 5, a third embodiment of the invention comprises a base member 1 formed to provide downwardly curving wheel-cup arcuates 3 in suitable spaced relation, an abutting wall 4 extending a length from the heel of base member 1 to the forward most edge of the forward wheel-cup arcuates 3 at a height limited by the clearance required for the roller skate axles, said abutting wall 4 being intermediate wheel-cup arcuates 3, an upwardly rising projection 5 at the forward end of base member 1, and strap means secured in suitable rearward spaced relation to the base member 1. An overlying arms unit 9 is attached to the base member 1 at a position aft of the upwardly rising projection 5, said unit arms formed to provide upwardly curving wheel-cup arcuates 3 in suitable spaced relation, and fastener elements located in rearward relation to each arm, said fastener elements identified by the numeral 10A. When the overlying arms unit 9 is secured to the base member 1 by strap means 10 and fastener elements 10A clamp means are formed by facing pairs of wheel-cup arcuates 3 to secure the attachment to the skate wheels therein engaged, hence to the skate and to the shoe onto which the skate is mounted.

In construction the overlying arms unit 9 is molded as a U-shaped entity with the base of the U at the forward end, and with fastener elements 10A imbedded in place at the rearward ends of said arms. The material for the overlying arms unit 9 can be quite firm and only slightly resilient.

The base member 1 is constructed in unitary form including the wheel-cup arcuates 3, the abutting .wall 4, the upwardly rising projection, or buffer, 5, and strap means 10. The common end of the overlying arms unit 9 is joined to the base member 1 in fixed relation by bonding through application of heat or by other suitable means. I have found that the overlying arms unit 9 can be pivotally attached to the base member 1 by hinge or pin at the point designated by 11. In each of these instances, however, the method of attaching would require insert retainers for the pivoting element and a material of greater strength used in forming base member 1 to hold the retainers in place over a prolonged period of use. Thus, for reasons of simplicity and economy, I prefer to attach the overlying arms unit 9 to the base member 1 in fixed relation by bonding through application of heat or by other suitable means. Additionally, I have found that non-elastic material for the strap means 10 are more desirable for this embodiment in that when fastened to the fastener elements 10A a more secure and relatively unyielding clamp is realized between the facing pairs of wheel-cup arcuates 3 when roller skate wheels are therein engaged.

In operating, the wearer of the roller skate simply places the wheels in straddling position about the abutting wall 4 and between the base member 1 and overlying arms unit 9, then moves the skate forward until the wheels are engaged in wheel-cup arcuates 3. Strap means 10 are then secured to fastener elements 10A. Removal is accomplished by a reversal of the procedure described.

With reference to FIG. 6, a fourth embodiment ofthe invention comprises a base member 1 formed to provide a recessed channel 12, the forward and rearward ends of which terminate in upwardly curving contour l3, and strap means 2 secured to the base member in overlying relation. The recessed channel 12, the upwardly curving contour l3, and the walls 14 of said recessed channel act together to constrain forward, rearward, and lateral motion of roller skate wheels engaged in the channel 12. Strap means 2 firmly secures the base member I to the shoe of the wearer of the attachment.

In construction this embodiment parallels that of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2 and is equally simple to construct. v

In operating, the roller skate wearer simply places the front wheels into channel 12 with the toe of the shoe under strap 2, then moves the skate forward until the wheels are constrained from further forward motion. At this point the rear wheels are also in the channel 12. The strap 2 is then adjusted to remove any folds that may have occurred when putting on the attachment. Removal can be effected in a manner similar to that employed when removing a shoe and as described with respect to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2.

With reference to FIG. 7, a fifth embodiment of the invention comprises a base member 1 formed to prov vide a pair of downwardly disposed wheel channels 15, the forward and rearward ends of said channels terminating in upwardly curving contour 16, an abutting wall 4 intermediate said channels, and having strap means 2 secured to base member 1 in overlying relation. The wheel channels 15, the abutting wall 4, and the upwardly curving contour 16 act together to constrain forward, rearward and lateral motion of roller skate wheels engaged in said channels. Strap means 2 firmly secures the base member 1 to the shoe of the skater wearing the attachment.

In construction, this embodiment parallels that of the preferred embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2 and is equally simple to construct.

In operating, the roller skate wearer places the front wheels so they straddle the abutting wall 4 and with the toe of the shoe under the strap 2, then moves the skate forward until further motion is constrained by the contours 16. At this time the rear wheels are also in the said channel. The strap 2 is then adjusted to eliminate any folds that may have occurred while putting on the attachment. Removal is effected in a manner similar to removing a shoe as described heretofore.

With the exception of embodiment three, described with reference to FIG. 5, the embodiments can be constructed in two major sections which are subsequently integrated by adjustment means or by locking adjustment means. Embodiment three can also be constructed for adjustment; however, because of the overlying arms unit 9, the construction would be of greater complexity and cost.

FIGS. 8 and 9 present two methods by which adjustment without locking can be realized. The figures include those elements essential for adjustment, and also include a configuration novelty which provides a desired safety feature of the invention, namely means for providing continuity of the base member tread surface 7 when adjustment is made. In that which follows the forward section of the base member 1 is denoted by 1A and the rearward section of the base member 1 is de noted by 18. The figures are in sketch form so as to focus upon the topics of discussion.

The construction of FIG. 8 provides a tongue-and wedge-in-groove configuration whereby an extension is formed on either of the sections, and a mating groove in the other. The upper portion of the tongue 17 is configured to provide groove-engaging arcuate surfaces 18 to mate an accommodating groove structure 19 of the other section. The sides of the tongue are flared outwardly and downwardly from the lower edge of the groove-engaging arcuate surfaces 18 so as to provide as large a width for the base member tread surface 7 as can practicably be attained. correspondingly, the accommodating groove structure 19 of the mating section is configured in continuation to provide a mating with the flared portion of the tongue.

Alternately, the construction for adjustment can be as shown in FIG. 9. The interface 20 between forward section 1A and rearward section 1B is profiled as shown and follows a tongue-and wedge-in-groove pattern. The elements of adjustment comprise a dowel 21 integrally molded with the rearward section 1B, adapted to mate with the forward section 1A, said section formed to accommodate the dowel 21. The mating of the adjustment elements should provide an amount of friction that requires a reasonable amount of pulling or pushing force during the adjustment operation. The sides of the profiled projection 22 of the forward section 1A are configured to be vertically parallel over a portion of the height and then outwardly and downwardly flaring, with the rearward section lB having mating surfaces 23 to accommodate this configuration of the profiled projection 22. The flaring is adapted to provide as wide a base member tread surface 7 as can practicably be attained.

Preferred adjustment means which provide the additional feature of locking following adjustment are described with reference to FIGS. 10 through 15, wherein the preferred embodiment described with reference to FIG. 2 is used for illustrative purposes.

FIG. 10 shows in top view the pattern of the transverse profile 20 separating forward section 1A and rearward section 1B. FIG. 11 shows the sectioned view indicated in FIG. 10 and illustrates a bolt 24 attached to section 1B adapted to engage the threads 25 enclosed in the forward section 1A. The shank of the bolt 24 is secured to the rearward section 18 by collars 26, and continues rearwardly to terminate in a slot 27. The

profiled projection 22 of forward section 1A is configured to provide groove-engaging surfaces 18 to be accommodated by the rearward section 1B as shown in FIG. 12. Adjustment of the separation of the two sections is effected by engaging a screwdriver blade or the like into slot 27 and rotating in the desired direction. Locking is provided by virtue of a snug fit, hence friction, between bolt 24 and threads 25 and between the groove-engaging surfaces and the accommodating structure of the rearward section 1A.

FIG. 12 shows in dotted line the shape of the profiled projection 22. If a wider base member tread surface 7 is desired, the groove-engaging surfaces 18 can be positioned higher and the lower sides of the profiled projection 22 below the groove-engaging surfaces can be flared outwardly and downwardly as discussed with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

The preferred adjustable configuration that can be locked to the desired length is described with reference to FIGS. 13, 14, and 15. FIG. 13 shows the transverse separation 28 between forward section IA and rearward section 1B, and also shows locking screw 29 positioned in an elongated slot 30 within recessed channel 31. FIG. 14 shows the sectioned view indicated in FIG. 13 and illustrates a rack and pinion type-of mating adjustment surfaces. The profiled projection 22 is toothed, as is the mating surface thereof in the rearward section 1B. An insert 32 imbedded in the profiled projection 22 is centered with respect to the elongated slot 30, hence to engage locking screw 29. Adjustment is effected by loosening locking screw 29 to an extent sufficient to disengage the toothed surface of the profiled projection 22 of the forward section 1A and those of the mating rearward section 1B, locating the sections with respect to one another as desired, then tightening locking screw 29 to firmly engage the teeth of the mating surfaces.

FIG. 15 shows the shape of the profiled projection 22 from an end view. If a wider base member tread surface 7 is desired, the groove-engaging surfaces 18 can be positioned higher and the lower sides of the profiled projection 22 flared outwardly and downwardly as discussed with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

It is readily apparent from the above that the adjustment configuration of the invention will require a material for molding which is more rigid than that which is suitable for the fixed designs. In addition, the cost of the adjustable designs is higher. Note, too, that the adjustable designs will require that strap means 2 be ad justable to accommodate various lengths of adjustment.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention relative to several embodiments presented for discussion. Further, since modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact constructions and operations shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. In an attachment for roller skates, a construction comprising, in combination, a base member formed to provide pairs of downwardly disposed surfaces insuitably spaced relation and indented with respect to the longitudinal sides of said base member, abutting walls intermediate transverse pairs of said downwardly disposed surfaces, and having strap fastening means secured in overlying relation to said base member adapted to overlie the shoe onto which the roller skate is mounted; said downwardly disposed surfaces acting to constrain forward and rearward motion of roller skate wheels therein engaged, said abutting walls acting to constrain lateral motion of said wheels, and said strap fastening means acting to detachably secure said base member to said wheels, hence to the skate and to the shoe onto which the skate is mounted.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein said downwardly disposed surfaces are formed as arcuates.

3. The structure of claim 1 wherein clamp integral extensions of said downwardly disposed surfaces are the fastening means by which the said base member is detachably secured to said roller skate wheels, hence to the skate and to the shoe onto which the skate is mounted.

4. The structure of claim 1 wherein the forward portion of said base member projects upwardly in a curved manner.

5. The structure of claim 1 wherein said base member is comprised of a forward section and a rearward section, said sections integratably attached to one another by adjustment means.

6. The structure of claim 1 wherein said base member is comprised of a forward section and a rearward section, said sections integratably and adjustably attached to one another by securing means.

7. The structure of claim 1 wherein the upper surface of said base member is inclined between the forward and rearward transverse pairs of downwardly disposed surfaces and that portion of the said base member to the rear of the rearward transverse pair of downwardly disposed surfaces, said inclined surfaces acting to forwardly urge roller skate wheels thereupon placed into engagement with the downwardly disposed surfaces.

8. The structure of claim 1 wherein the abutting wall extends at a suitable height the longitudinal distance from the forward transverse pair of downwardly disposed surfaces to the heel of the said base member.

9. In an attachment for roller skates, a construction comprising, in combination, a base member formed to provide pairs of downwardly disposed surfaces suitably arranged in spaced relation and indented with respect to the longitudinal sides of said base member, continuing overlying arms formed to provide pairs of upwardly disposed surfaces suitably arranged to substantially correspond with the pairs of downwardly disposed surfaces of said base member, an abutting wall intermediate the transverse pairs of downwardly disposed surfaces, and having strap means in rearward relation to said base member and said overlying arms; said upwardly and downwardly disposed surfaces acting to constrain forward and rearward motion of roller skate wheels therein engaged, said abutting wall acting to constrain lateral motion of said wheels, and said strap means acting to detachably secure said base member with said overlying arms and forming clamping means whereby the said base member is detachably secured to said wheels, hence to the skate and to the shoe onto which the skate is mounted.

10. The structure of claim 9 wherein said upwardly and downwardly disposed surfaces are formed as arcuates.

ll. The structure of claim 9 wherein the forward portion of said base member projects upwardly in a curved manner.

12. In an attachment for roller skates, a construction comprising, in combination, a base member formed to provide a recessed channel, and having strap means secured in overlying relation to said base member adapted to overlie the shoe onto which the roller skate is mounted; said recessed channel acting to constrain forward and rearward motion of roller skate wheels therein engaged, the walls of said channel acting to constrain lateral motion of said wheels, and said strap means acting to detachably secure said base member to said shoe, hence detachably secure said wheels in said channel.

13. The structure of claim 12 wherein the forward portion of said base member projects upwardly in a curved manner.

14. The structure of claim 12 wherein said base member is comprised of a forward section and a rearward section, said sections being integratably attached to one another by adjustment means.

15. The structure of claim 12 wherein said base member is comprised of a forward section and a rearward section, said sections being integratably attached to one another by adjustable securing means.

16. The structure of claim 12 wherein the foward and rearward ends of said channel terminate in upwardly curving arcuate contours.

17. The combination of claim 14 wherein the mating surfaces of said forward and rearward sections of said base member are configured in longitudinal profile, the distance between the peak to valley of said profile being comparable in length to the'adjustment provided by said integratably attaching adjustment means.

18. In an attachment for roller skates, a construction comprising, in combination, a base member formed to provide a pair of downwardly disposed roller skate wheel channels indented with respect to the longitudinal sides of the said base member, an abutting wall intermediate said roller skate wheel channels, and having strap means secured in overlying relation to said base member adapted to overlie the shoe onto which the roller skate is mounted; said wheel channels acting to constrain forward and rearward motion of roller skate wheels therein engaged, said abutting wall acting to constrain lateral motion of said wheels, and said strap means acting to detachably secure said base member to said shoe, hence detachably secure said wheels in said channels.

19. The structure of claim 18 wherein the forward and rearward ends of said channels terminate in upwardly curving arcuate contours.

20. The structure of claim 18 wherein the forward portion of said base member projects upwardly in a curved manner.

21. The structure of claim 18 wherein said base member is comprised of a forward section and a rearward section, said sections being integratably attached to one another by adjustment means.

22. The structure of claim 18 wherein said base member is comprised of a forward section and a rearward section, said sections being integratably attached to one another by adjustable securing means.

23. The combination of claim 21 wherein the mating surfaces of said forward and rearward sections of said base member are configured in longitudinal profile, the distance between the peak to valley of said profile being comparable to the length of adjustment provided by said integratably attaching adjustment means.

24. The combination of claim 5 wherein the mating surfaces of said forward and rearward sections of said base member are configured in longitudinal profile, with the distance between the peak to valley of said profile being comparable in length to the adjustment provided by said integratably attaching means.

Claims

1. In an attachment for roller skates, a construction comprising, in combination, a base member formed to provide pairs of downwardly disposed surfaces in suitably spaced relation and indented with respect to the longitudinal sides of said base member, abutting walls intermediate transverse pairs of said downwardly disposed surfaces, and having strap fastening means secured in overlying relation to said base member adapted to overlie the shoe onto which the roller skate is mounted; said downwardly disposed surfaces acting to constrain forward and rearward motion of roller skate wheels therein engaged, said abutting walls actiNg to constrain lateral motion of said wheels, and said strap fastening means acting to detachably secure said base member to said wheels, hence to the skate and to the shoe onto which the skate is mounted.

11. The structure of claim 9 wherein the forward portion of said base member projects upwardly in a curved manner.

17. The combination of claim 14 wherein the mating surfaces of said forward and rearward sections of said base member are configured in longitudinal profile, the distance between the peak to valley of said profile being comparable in length to the adjustment provided by said integratably attaching adjustment means.