WO1995003861A1

WO1995003861A1 - In-like skate axle assembly

Info

Publication number: WO1995003861A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/008784
Authority: WO
Inventors: Antonin A. Meibock; John E. Svensson
Original assignee: K-2 Corporation
Priority date: 1993-08-02
Filing date: 1994-08-02
Publication date: 1995-02-09
Also published as: AU7480394A

Abstract

An in-line roller skate including a frame (14), a plurality of wheels (12), a plurality of frame plugs (16, 18), a plurality of axles (22), and means for securing the axles (24) is disclosed. The frame has a first rail and a second rail, the first and second rails having a plurality of coaxial frame apertures (20). At least two of the frame apertures have at least three sides. Each of the plurality of wheels has bearings (56) with inner races (58) and outer races. The frame plugs have lugs (44) with a shape that nonrotatably engages within the frame apertures. The plugs also have eccentric plug apertures (48, 50) extending through them such that each plug has at least three positions of engagement with the frame apertures. This arrangement provides the plug apertures with at least three different possible locations relative to said frame in which to be positioned. This construction of the axle assemblies (10), as described, allows ease of assembly of the skate wheels into a multitude of configurations (61-66). The present disclosure also covers methods of installing wheels on an in-line roller skate into various rockering and horizontal configurations.

Description

IN-LINE SKATE AXLE ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to roller skates and, more particularly, to an improved axle assembly and method of using it that provide ease of assembly and versatility of use.

Background of the Invention In-line roller skates include multiple wheels all rotating in a common plane such that a single row of wheels is created beneath each foot of a skater. This construction provides a skater with much of the same feel experienced on an ice skate, while the in-line roller skate may be used on a much wider variety of terrain.

The typical in-line skate includes four wheels of the same size having axes of rotation within the same horizontal plane parallel to the riding surface. This arranger provides adequate stability and maneuverability for the beginning skater. The aver . recreational skater, the stunt skater, or even the improving beginner, may wish to have the option of changing the vertical alignment of the wheels into several different configurations depending upon the type of skating to be undertaken. For example, the skater may wish to raise the front and rear wheels above the level of the middle wheels to provide a "rockering" effect. A skate having "rockered" wheels more closely parallels the feel of a hockey-style skate and may be used for more stunts and maneuvers. However, depending upon the skill of the skater and type of skating to be done, he or she may wish to increase or decrease the amount of rockering of the wheels. For example, the skater may wish to begin with rockering only the front wheel up slightly. The skater may eventually rocker the rear wheel slightly, then the front slightly more, and so on as his or her skill improves, terrain conditions change, or desired skating style changes.

Other wheel configurations besides rockering may also be desirable. For example, a skater may wish to create a "dragster" effect by lowering the rear wheel and progressively raising the other wheels toward the front of the skate to provide for a greater heel push and forward lean while having all wheel axles within a single plane. The skater may wish to lengthen or shorten the wheelbase, move all wheels up for greater stability, and so on. The option of horizontal wheel alignment is advantageous for flat track racing. None of the currently available skates provide all the options or configurations discussed above (or others discussed below). Nor do the current skates provide a simple-to-reconfigure assembly that is desirable to the skater wishing to change his wheel configuration. Attempts have been made to provide some of the options discussed above. However, these past attempts have several limitations. One example of an in-line skate that was an attempt at user versatility is found in a patent to Ware (U.S. Patent No. 3,287,023). The Ware skate employed a heavy metal frame with longitudinally extending front and rear overlapping sections. Dozens of holes were drilled in each side of the frame to be used as axle apertures to be selectively used to shorten or lengthen the wheelbase or to increase rockering. The apertures were also used to allow adjustment of the overlap of the front and rear frame sections to accommodate various boot sizes. However, the Ware assembly suffers from difficulties in maintaining wheel alignment caused by the plurality of holes, as well as in tightening of axles, with a skater having to use a wrench on each side of the axle to tighten or loosen it during mounting. The multiplicity of holes also weakens the frame and is not aesthetically pleasing. The Ware skate also cannot be configured into all the desirable arrangements discussed above.

Another skate that provides some degree of rockering is disclosed in a patent to Olson et al. (U.S. Patent No. 5,048,848). The Olson et al. patent includes axle aperture plugs that may be fitted in one of two possible ways into axle apertures (see Figure 4 of Olson patent). The plugs have oblong shapes with eccentric holes through which the axle is mounted such that the middle two wheels may be placed in up or down positions. In this manner, the associated axles may be either in a single horizontal plane with the front and rear wheels, or in a down position for rockering. No disclosure is made of varying degrees of rockering by moving the plugs in any more than two positions. Nor does the Olson et al. patent teach any way of achieving other wheel configurations such as a "dragster" effect or rockering only the front wheel up and so on. Thus, the Olson et al. configuration is quite limited in the number of configurations taught or possible.

The axle of the Olson et al. patent is also difficult to tighten, possibly even more so than that disclosed by Ware. The skater must use an Allen wrench on the head of the axle and a box-end wrench or socket to hold and tighten the nut on the opposite side. If a user attempted to tighten the axle from only one side the axle would slip. Another drawback of the Olson et al. axle assembly is the width of the axle extending beyond the frame on the nut side (see Figure 5 of the Olson et al. patent). Such an extension would not only mar any surface it came in contact with but would also prematurely contact the riding surface and cause safety concerns.

The above-referenced patents illustrate typical limitations and disadvantages of the devices and methods currently in use with roller skate wheel assemblies. The available skates and methods of using them do not provide the desirable convenience and versatility features discussed above. The present invention was developed to meet this need. As will be understood from the following discussion, the present invention provides significant advantages over the prior art skates by providing a roller skate and method of use that allow for ease of adjustments into a multitude of configurations not only for a developing skater, but also for a skater desiring a multiple-use skate. Summary of the Invention

The present invention achieves numerous advantages over the prior art skates by providing a skate including a frame, a plurality of wheels, a plurality of frame plugs, a plurality of axles, and means for securing the axles. The frame has a first rail and a second rail, the first and second rails having a plurality of coaxial frame apertures. At least two of the frame apertures have at least three sides. Each of the plurality of wheels has at least one set of bearings. Each of the bearings has an inner race and an outer race. The plurality of frame plugs have lugs with a shape that nonrotatably engages within the frame apertures. The plugs also have eccentric plug apertures extending through them such that each plug has at least three positions of engagement with the frame apertures. This arrangement provides the plug apertures with at least three different possible locations relative to the frame in which it may be positioned.

One axle is centrally located on each of the plurality of wheels. The axles are coupled to the first and second rails of the frame. Each axle is located at least partially between two coaxial frame apertures, at least one of the axles being coupled between two of the frame plugs at the eccentric plug apertures. The axles are secured to the first and second rails of the frame.

In one embodiment, each of the frame plugs includes a rim projecting inwardly toward one of the wheels. The rim spaces the outer race of the bearings away from the frame and the remainder of the frame plugs. The rims are concentric with the plug apertures.

As another aspect of this embodiment, each of the axles includes a shaft portion and a head portion attached to one end of said shaft portion. The shaft portion of each axle includes an antirotational portion having a noncircular cross section to prevent rotation when inserted between the coaxial frame apertures.

Also in this embodiment, the securing means include a plurality of screws.

Each of the screws has a screwhead on the outside of the frame and a cylindrical threaded shaft engaging one of the axles. The axles include threaded bores in the ends of the shaft portions opposite the head portions. Each of the threaded bores is arranged and configured to receive the threaded shaft of one of the screws.

In another aspect of the invention, the frame plugs include at least one first frame plug and at least one second frame plug. The plug aperture of the first frame plug is configured to receive and engage the antirotational portion of the shaft portion of one of the axles. In this manner the axle may be secured by rotation of the screw, the axle being held from rotation by the antirotational portion of the shaft portion engaging within the first frame plug aperture.

Also preferably, the plug aperture of the second frame plug is arranged and configured to receive at least a portion of the shaft portion of one of the axles. Each of the coaxial frame apertures is preferably hexagonally shaped and the lug of each of the plugs is also shaped as a hexagon such that the eccentric plug apertures each have six distinct positions in which they may be arranged. The plug apertures also have a hexagonal shape as do the antirotational portions of each of the axles so as to engage within the hexagonal plug apertures.

The invention also includes a method of installing wheels on an in-line roller skate frame between sets of coaxial frame apertures. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of special axle assemblies and installing a first wheel and a second wheel between a first set and a second set of coaxial frame apertures, respectively, in a specific manner.

Each of the axle assemblies provided includes an axle and right and left frame plugs with eccentric axle apertures. The frame plugs are insertable into the frame apertures such that the axle apertures are positionable in at least three different locations relative to the frame. The location of the axle apertures is changeable by removing the plug from the frame, rotating the plug, and reinserting the plug in the frame aperture.

The step of installing the first and second wheels between a first and a second set of coaxial frame apertures, respectively, includes wheel installation steps of: (i) placing a right frame plug and a left frame plug within a set of coaxial frame apertures in a first or a second position so that the axle apertures are coaxial in the first or second position; (ii) centering the wheel between the axle apertures of the right frame plug and the left frame plug; (iii) inserting an axle through the center of the wheel coaxial with the axle apertures; and (iv) securing the axle to the frame. The first wheel is placed in the first position and the second wheel in the second position.

In one embodiment of the invention, the second position is lower than the first position. In another embodiment, the method further includes the step of installing a third wheel betv -r; a third set of coaxial frame apertures in a third position. In one embodiment,

cond seϊ of coaxial frame apertures is disposed between the first and third sets of coaxial frame apertures so that the second wheel is installed between the first and third wheels. In this embodiment the second position is lower than both the first and third positions such that the second wheel is installed lower than the first and third wheels.

In another alternate embodiment, the second set of coaxial frame apertures is disposed between the first and third sets of coaxial frame apertures so that the second wheel is installed between the first and third wheels. In this embodiment, the second position is lower than the first position and the third position is lower than the second position.

Still another alternate embodiment of the invention includes the step of installing a fourth wheel between a fourth set of coaxial frame apertures in a fourth position. In one manner of carrying out the method of this embodiment, the second and third sets of coaxial frame apertures are disposed between the first and fourth sets of coaxial frame apertures so that the second and third wheels are installed between the first and fourth wheels. The second and third positions are lower than the first and fourth positions so that the second and third wheels are installed lower than the first and fourth wheels. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the axle apertures are positionable in at least four different locations relative to the frame. In one embodiment, the second position is lower than the first position, the third position is lower than the second position, and the fourth position is lower than the third position. The second and third wheels are installed between the first and fourth wheels and the third wheel is installed between the second and fourth wheels.

In one preferred form of the invention, the axle apertures are positionable in at least six different locations relative to the frame.

One manner of carrying out the preferred form of the invention includes installing the wheels such that the first position is higher than the second, third, and fourth positions, the second and third wheels being installed between the first and second wheels.

Brief Description of the Drawings The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of the axle assembly of the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view of the axle assembly extending between the rails of the frame and carrying the wheel;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevational view of a portion of one embodiment of the invention illustrating the multiple positioning of the axle;

FIGURES 4A through 4E illustrate, in side elevational views, a plurality of the positions of the in-line skate wheels possible with the present invention;

FIGURE 5 illustrates, in a side elevational view, a wheel configuration providing a raised skate heel;

FIGURE 6 illustrates, in a side elevational view, a wheel configuration with all wheels raised for greater stability; FIGURE 7 illustrates, in a side elevational view, a wheel configuration providing an extended wheelbase;

FIGURE 8 illustrates, in a side elevational view, a five-wheel embodiment of the present invention in a rockered configuration;

FIGURE 9 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of the axle assembly of the present invention; FIGURE 10 is a cross-sectional view of the axle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 1 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the axle assembly of the present invention; FIGURE 12 is a cross-sectional view of the axle assembly illustrated in

FIGURE 11;

FIGURE 13 an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the axle assembly of the present invention; and

FIGURE 14 is a cross-sectional view of the axle assembly illustrated in FIGURE 13.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate the details of a preferred embodiment of the invention including an axle assembly 10, a wheel 12, and a frame 14. Axle assembly 10 couples wheel 12 to frame 14 in one of six different positions to be described below. Frame 14 includes two rails disposed on either side of wheel 12. The rails of frame 14 lie in parallel vertical planes that are also parallel to wheel 12. Axle assembly 10 extends through wheel 12 in a direction perpendicular to wheel 12 generally concentric with the axis of rotation of wheel 12.

Axle assembly 10 includes a first frame plug 16 and a second frame plug 18, described in detail below, that fit partially within frame apertures 20 within the rails of frame 14. Frame apertures 20 are hexagonal in shape and are disposed along a common line perpendicular to the rails of frame 14. The longitudinal axis of axle assembly 10 also extends through frame apertures 20.

A barrel bolt 22 makes up the actual axle of axle assembly 10. Barrel bolt 22 extends from the first rail of frame 14 to the second plug 18 where screw 24 engages barrel bolt 22 to secur itire axle assembly 10 in place. Barrel bolt 22 includes a bolthead 26 that is dispv-,ed on the outside of the first rail of frame 14. Bolthead 26 has a flat inner surface parallel to the surface of frame 14 and a slightly domed outer surface providing a generally smooth exterior to this portion of the skate. A bolt shaft 28 is connected to the center of the inside surface of bolthead 26 and extends perpendicular to the inside surface. Bolt shaft 28 includes a lock portion 30 and a reduced portion 32. Lock portion 30 is disposed adjacent bolthead 26. Lock portion 30 has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape with the same axis as bolt shaft 28.

Lock portion 30 extends only about one-sixth or one-fifth of the length of bolt shaft 28 after which bolt shaft 28 assumes a circular cross-sectional shape. The point at which bolt shaft 28 assumes a circular cross-sectional shape is just before its extension beyond first plug 16 (see FIGURE 2). Reduced portion 32 is disposed at the end of bolt shaft 28 and is simply a small step down in size from the main portion of bolt shaft 28. Reduced portion 32 has a circular cross-section concentric with the rest of bolt shaft 28. Reduced portion 32 begins just before it enters second plug 18 (see FIGURE 2). A threaded bore 33 is located within the end of barrel bolt 22. Threaded bore 33 extends from the end of reduced portion 32 and extends about one- third of the length of barrel bolt 22, within barrel bolt 22. Threaded bore 33 is concentric with barrel bolt 22.

Screw 24 includes a screwhead 34, a threaded shaft 36, a screw shoulder 38, and a hexagonal recess 40. Screwhead 34 is similar to bolthead 26 except for the inclusion of hexagonal recess 40 to screwhead 34. Hexagonal recess 40 is located in the center of the exterior face of screwhead 34. The purpose of hexagonal recess 40 is to provide a place to tighten axle assembly 10 together onto frame 14. Axle assembly 10 can be easily and conveniently tightened by simply turning screw 24 with a tool, without the need to manually restrain rotational movement of barrel bolt 22, since barrel bolt 22 is restrained by lock portion 30, as explained below. Screw shoulder 38 of screw 24 projects from the inner surface of screwhead 34. Screw shoulder 38 has a circular cross-sectional shape matching that of reduced portion 32 of bolt shaft 28. When axle assembly 10 is in an assembled configuration (as shown in FIGURE 2) screw shoulder 38 is concentric with barrel bolt 22 and is located adjacent the end of reduced portion 32 of bolt shaft 28. Threaded shaft 36 of screw 24 is also concentric with barrel bolt 22 when assembled. Threaded shaft 36 extends from screw shoulder 38 direction perpendicular to the rails of frame 14. The threads of threaded shaft 36 engage within threaded bore 33 such that screw 24 is rotated by turning with a tool engaged within hexagonal recess 40; axle assembly 10 is secured tightly in place by threaded shaft 36 pulling bolthead 26 and screwhead 34 together.

First frame plug 16 and second frame plug 18 include disks 42a and 42b, lugs 44a and 44b, plug rims 46a and 46b, and first and second plug apertures 48 and 50, respectively. When axle assembly 10 is in an assembled configuration, disks 42 lie flat against the inner surfaces of frame 14, covering and surrounding frame apertures 20. Lugs 44 project outwardly from disks 42 in opposite directions away from wheel 12. Lugs 44 are hexagonally shaped to engage within frame apertures 20. Both frame apertures 20 and lugs 44 could alternatively be triangular, square, pentagonal, or even star shaped and so on. The purpose of the shape is to allow at least three different possible orientations of plugs 16 and 18 within frame apertures 20 while not permitting turning of plugs 16 and 18 with respect to frame 14 under the weight and force of the skater. The width of lugs 44 is approximately the same as the thickness of the rails of frame 14. Thus, one rail of frame 14 is held between disk 42a and bolthead 26, while the other rail of frame 14 is held between disk 42b and screwhead 34, with lugs 44 filling frame apertures 20. Plug rims 46 project a short distance inwardly from the inside surfaces of disks 42 around plug apertures 48 and 50. Plug rims 46 provide for spacing between disks 42 along with frame 14 and wheel 12, including a hub 52, a bearing spacer 54, and bearings 56. Plug rims 46 actually contact bearing spacer 54. Plug rims 46 may also contact inner races 58 of bearings 56.

First plug aperture 48 is hexagonal in shape and substantially matches the size of lock portion 30 of bolt shaft 28 to engage with lock portion 30 during assembly. This engagement restrains barrel bolt 22 from rotational movement within plug 16 and allows axle assembly 10 to be tightened without manually securing barrel bolt 22 as mentioned above. First plug aperture 48 is eccentrically located within first plug 16 so that differing placements of lug 44a within frame aperture 20a will change the placement of barrel bolt 22 for various wheel configurations, as explained below in connection with FIGURES 3 through 8. econd plug aperture 50 is also eccentrically located within second plug 18. Second plug aperture 50 has a circular internal shape to match the outer shape of reduced portion 32 that is ^"aced within it. With hexagonal lugs 44, six different positions of first and seconc .Λug apertures 48 and 50 can be arranged as desired.

Wheel 12 includes bearing spacer 54 at its center. Bearing spacer 54 is generally cylindrical in shape with a step to a concentric raised portion in the center. The step abuts the inner races 58 of bearings 56. Hub 52 seats against the outer races of bearings 56. Thus, the tightening force of axle assembly 10 is transmitted inwardly from bolthead 26 and screwhead 34 through lugs 44 and disks 42 to plug rims 46 and finally bearing spacer 54. If plug rims 46 contact inner race 58, force is transmitted through inner race 58 to bearing spacer 54. With this arrangement lateral forces are not placed on bearings 56 during tightening of axle assembly 10. A check on excessive force may also be provided by the step in bolt shaft 28 to reduced portion 32. Plug rim 46b has an inner circumference that surrounds reduced portion 32 of bolt shaft 28. Therefore, force may also be transmitted against the step between reduced portion 32 and the main portion of bolt shaft 28 such that excessive force is not allowed to be transmitted through bearing spacer 54. This may be important since bearing spacer 54 is preferably constructed of a plastic material that could deform under excessive pressure.

The above-described axle assembly 10 has many inherent advantages. It may be easily tightened from one side, since barrel bolt 22 is rotatably locked in place with lock portion 30 seating within first plug aperture 48. Spacer washers are not needed because their function is carried out by plug rims 46. Thus, difficult washer alignment problems are eliminated. Alignment is also ameliorated by the fit of reduced portion 32 within second plug 18. This engagement makes it an easy task to correctly thread screw 24 into threaded bore 33 of barrel bolt 22. The configuration of axle assembly 10 is also advantageous in that it does not project far beyond the exterior sides of frame 14. This feature helps from loosing wheel grip or marring a riding surface when cornering. It is also aesthetically pleasing. Some of the principal advantages that are brought about by axle assembly 10 are in using the assembly on multiple wheels such that various configurations of wheels can be used. These configurations and their advantages will be described in detail below in connection with FIGURES 3 through 8.

It should be noted that lugs 44 of frame plugs 16 and 18 could be other regular or irregular shapes not described above. This important feature of lugs 44 is that they are positionable in multiple locations within frame apertures 20. For example, lugs 44 could be rectangular with offset plug apertures 48 and 50, while frame apertures 20 could have cross shapes such that lugs 44 could be inserted in four different orientations in frame apertures 20.

Referring now to FIGURE 3, the multiple positions in which axle assembly 10 can be arranged with a preferred embodiment of the invention will be described. A preferred embodiment of the invention employs a hexagonal shape for lugs 44 and frame apertures 20. Screwhead 34 has been removed in FIGURE 3 to clearly illustrate the various possible positions of axle assembly 10. With plug apertures 48 and 50 located near one side of hexagonal lugs 44, six positions are possible. A first position 61 places wheel 12 at its lowest extreme with respect to frame 14. A second position 62 is only slightly higher and to the left of first position 61. A third position 63 is directly above second position 62, still slightly to the left of first position 61. A fourth position 64 places wheel 12 at its highest extreme, directly above first position 61. A fifth position 65 and a sixth position 66 are mirror images of second and third positions 62 and 63, respectively, about a vertical plane through the center of lug 44 perpendicular to frame 14. Variations to the above positions are possible. For example, if lug 44 where square instead of hexagonal, four different positions would be possible Lug 44 could alternatively be square while frame aperture 20 could be a star shape having six different positions in which the square . -ape of lug 44 could be placed. Another alteration could place plug apertures 20 at a corner of lug 44 instead of adjacent a side. FIGURE 7, discussed below, illustrates one of the advantages of this arrangement. Another alternative would simply increase the size of lugs 44 and frame apertures 20 such that position changes of lugs 44 would more dramatically affect the positions of eccentric plug apertures 48 and 50. The preferred arrangement described in connection with FIGURE 3 will be used in the discussion below with respect to FIGURES 4 through 6, and 8. FIGURES 4 A through 4E illustrate how a skater might slowly and safely progress with an in-line skate from a standard alignment of wheels 12 in a common horizontal plane to a positior all rockering. Each of the arrangements may also be used for other purposes tha i ill progression. FIGURE 4A illustrates a standard common-plane alignment of wheels 12. All axle assemblies are in first position 61 with barrel bolts 22 in their extreme lowest positions (see FIGURE 4A). To begin the rockering of the wheels the skater may then slightly raise forwardmost wheel 12a by positioning lug 44 in sixth position 66 (see FIGURE 4B). For wheel 12a sixth position 66 provides the gentlest degree of rockering, since wheel 12a is only slightly raised and is moved slightly forward. The slight move forward increases stability due to the slightly longer wheelbase gained. Alternatively, the skater could have raised rearwardmost wheel 12d first. Rearwardmost wheel 12d is next slightly raised in a similar manner (see FIGURE 4C). Wheel 12d is moved from first position 61 to second position 62. In this configuration, slight rockering is achieved and the beginning skater can acquire the feel of the skates in their more maneuverable, although slightly less stable state. Once the skater is comfortable with the slight rockering of the skate, he may wish to move wheels 12 to the next degree of rockering, as illustrated in FIGURE 4D. Forwardmost wheel 12a is placed in fifth position 65 and rearwardmost wheel 12d is placed in third position 63. The next st^Λo, illustrated in FIGURE 4E, is with wheels 12a and 12d both in fourth position ^ -t. This is the most extreme rockering position with this particular preferred embodiment.

Skating can be a dangerous sport, as evidenced by all the recommended protective gear to be worn by *he skater. Therefore, a skate adaptable to change configurations slowly as the skater slowly increase- in skill can be very important.

The average recreational skater would not wish to purchase a new pair of skates with each advancement in skill. Nor would it be safe for the skater to jump from a configuration of no rockering to one of extreme rockering instantaneously. As an aside, the multitude of possible wheel configurations only tends to increase the need for easily changeable wheels as described above with regard to FIGURES 1 and 2.

FIGURE 5 illustrates another wheel configuration that a skater may employ with the preferred embodiment of the invention. In this arrangement wheel 12a is in fourth position 64, wheel 12b is in third position 63, wheel 12c is in second position 62, and wheel 12d is in first position 61. This arrangement raises the rear end of frame 14 while lowering the front end to create a "dragster" effect. This may be desirable to increase the push of the skater off the heel. The opposite arrangement with a raised front is also possible. FIGURE 6 illustrates an arrangement that may be especially desirable to the beginning skater. In this arrangement, all axle assemblies 10 are in fourth position 64. This arrangement lowers frame 14 closer to the ground to increase stability of the skate overall.

FIGURE 7 illustrates another method of increasing the skate stability. In this embodiment the wheelbase of the skate is extended. Note that plug apertures 48 and 50 are located in the corners of lugs 44, although lengthening could also be accomplished by placing lugs 44, as illustrated in FIGURE 3, into the appropriate positions. For example, rearwardmost wheel 12d could be placed in second or third positions 62 or 63, while forwardmost wheel 12a could correspondingly be placed in fifth or sixth positions 65 or 66 with the middle two wheels 12b and 12c placed within the same horizontal plane.

FIGURE 8 illustrates just one configuration of a five-wheeled skate. The possibilities obviously greatly increase with the number of wheels. For example, in FIGURE 8 a rockering arrangement is shown in which all wheels 12 are rockered, beginning with lowest wheel 12c. Wheels 12a and 12e are in fourth position 64. Wheel 12b is in sixth position 66 and wheel 12d is in second position 62. Because of the progressive rockering with this arrangement, only one or two wheels would normally be on the ground at one time.

FIGURES 9 through 14 illustrate three alternate embodiments of the invention that provide the advantage of being able to tighten axle assembly 10 from one side with only one wrench, similar to the manner described above in connection with FIGURES 1 and 2. First, referring to FIGURES 9 and 10, barrel bolt 22 and screw 24 are similar to those described above. However, frame apertures 20 are configured to directly receive bolt shaft 28 and screw shoulder 38. Bolt shaft 28 does not include a reduced portion 32 and screw shoulder 38 has a larger diameter to match that of bolt shaft 28. This embodiment also includes frame spacers 68 to space the outer races of bearings 56 away from frame 14.

Frame spacers 68 are similar to and perform the function of washers, but are configured for ease of axle assembly installation. This advantage is accomplished by concentric reduced rims 70 projecting inwardly from frame spacers 68. Reduced rims 70 seat within portions of inner races 58. The inner ends of reduced rims 70 abutting bearing spacer 54. The reduced portions of bearing spacer 54 do not project to the outer edges of inner races 58 to allow space for reduced rims 70. This arrangement allows frame spacers 68 to be partially inserted within inner races 58 before positioning wheel 12 between the rails of frame 14. ^"he advantage is in not having to position loose washers between frame 14 and whet -.2, a difficult alignment task. Axle assembly 10 illustrated in FIGURES 9 and 10 is easily tightenable from one side since lock portion 30 of barrel bolt 22 non-rotatably engages within frame aperture 20a. Frame aperture 20b allows rotational tightening of screw 24. Referring to FIGURES 11 and 12, an alternate axle assembly 10 is disclosed that does not require frame spacers. In this embodiment, lock portion 30 of barrel bolt 22 is enlarged to approximately the outside diameter of inner races 58. Lock portion 30 also includes a spacer portion 72 that is preferably integral therewith. Spacer portion 72 has preferably, approximately the same diameter as inner races 58 for abutment with the outer edge of inner race 58 and bearing spacer 54. Screw shoulder is similarly enlarged to abut the outer edges of inner race 58 and bearing spacer 54 on the other side of wheel 12. Thus, the width of lock portion 30 and screw shoulder 38 is sufficient to pass through the rails of frame 14 and space the outer races of bearings 56 from frame 14. Also modified in this embodiment is the size of threaded shaft 36 of screw 24. Threaded shaft 36 is enlarged to be able to withstand greater shear forces. Of course, threaded bore 33 is appropriately larger as well, to engage threaded shaft 36. A stiffer frame construction may have to be used in this embodiment to keep the rails of frame 14 properly separated. This may be done in any number of ways, such as by placing cross members from one frame rail to the other between the wheels.

Referring now to FIGURES 13 and 14, another embodiment of the invention that provides one-sided tightening will be described. This embodiment is similar to that described above with reference to FIGURES 9 and 10. However, axle assembly 10 in this embodiment does not include frame spacers 68. Instead, a modified configuration of bearing spacer 54 is used. The reduced portions of bearing spacer 54, upon which inner races 58 of bearings 56 seat, extend beyond the sides of wheel 12. As assembled, the outer ends of bearing spacer 54, in this embodiment, abut the inner sides of the rails of frame 14, thus spacing the outer races of bearings 56 away from frame 14.

Assembly is quick and easy with this embodiment as well. No separate spacers are needed at all. Therefore, no alignment problems exist. Wheel 12, with bearing spacer 54 centered therein, is simply inserted between frame apertures 20, barrel bolt 22 is inserted, and screw 24 is tightened into place. Once again, simple, one-sided tightening is provided due to the engagement of lock portion 30 with frame aperture 20a. While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments shown and described are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

Claims ;The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A roller skate comprising:

(a) a frame having a first, longitudinally-extending rail and a second, longitudinally-extending rail, said first and second rails having a plurality of laterally-aligned frame apertures, at least two of said frame apertures having at least three peripheral edges;

(b) a plurality of wheels, each wheel having at least one set of bearings, said bearings having an inner race and an outer race;

(c) a plurality of frame plugs, each plug having a lug with a shape that nonrotatably engages within said frame apertures, each plug having an eccentric aperture, each plug having at least three positions of nonrotatable engagement with said frame apertures such that the plug apertures are each positionable in at least three different locations relative to said frame;

(d) a plurality of axles, one axle extending axially through each of said plurality of wheels, said axles being coupled to the first and second rails of said frame, each axle being located between two laterally-aligned frame apertures, at least one of said plurality of axles being coupled between two of said frame plugs at the eccentric plug apertures of said frame plugs; and

(e) means for securing said axles to the first and second rails of said frame.

2. The roller skate of Claim 1, wherein each of sair⁵ olurality of frame plugs further comprises a rim projecting inwardly toward one - said plurality of wheels, said rim spacing the outer race of the bearings away from said frame and the remainder of said frame plugs, said rims being concentric with the plug apertures.

3. The roller skate of Claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of axles comprises a shaft portion and a head portion attached to one end of said shaft portion, said shaft portion of each axle including an antirotational portion having a noncircular cross section to prevent rotation of said axle when inserted between the frame apertures.

4. The roller skate of Claim 3, wherein said securing means comprise a plurality of screws, each of said screws having a screwhead on the outside of said frame and a cylindrical threaded shaft engaging one of said plurality of axles, said shaft portion of said axle including a threaded bore in the end of the shaft portion opposite the head portion arranged and configured to receive the threaded shaft of one of said screws.

5. The roller skate of Claim 4, wherein said plurality of frame plugs include at least one first frame plug and at least one second frame plug, the plug aperture of the first frame plug being configured to receive and engage the antirotational portion of the shaft portion of one of said plurality of axles so that the axle may be secured by rotation of the screw, the axle being held from rotation by the antirotational portion of the shaft portion engaging within the first frame plug aperture.

6. The roller skate of Claim 5, wherein the plug aperture of said at least one second frame plug is arranged and configured to receive at least a portion of the shaft portion of one of said plurality of axles.

7. The roller skate of Claim 6, wherein each of said plurality of frame apertures is hexagonally shaped and wherein the lug of each of said plurality of plugs is hexagonally shaped such that the plug apertures each have six distinct positions in which they may be arranged.

8. The roller skate of Claim 7, wherein the plug apertures have a hexagonal shape, the antirotational portion of each of said plurality of axles also having a hexagonal shape to engage within the hexagonal plug apertures.

9. A roller skate comprising:

(a) a frame having a first rail and a second rail, said first and second rails having a plurality of laterally-aligned frame apertures;

(b) a plurality of wheels, each wheel having two sets of bearings, said bearings having inner races and outer races;

(c) a plurality of axles, one axle being centrally located in each of said plurality of wheels and being coupled between said frame apertures; and

(d) means for securing said axles to the first and second rails of said frame, said securing means including heads disposed on one end of said axles that abut the outer side of the first rail and locking portions disposed adjacent the heads, each of the locking portions being nonrotatably coupled to one of the frame apertures.

10. The roller skate of Claim 9, wherein said securing means further include fasteners secured to the ends of the axles opposite the heads.

11. The roller skate of Claim 10, wherein the locking portions of said securing means further include spacer portions arranged and configured to abut one of the inner races of each of the wheels, for spacing the first frame rail from one of the outer races of each of the wheels; and wherein the fasteners include shoulders that extend through the second frame rail and abut against one of the inner races on the opposite side of the wheels for spacing the associated outer races from the second frame rail.

12. The roller skate of Claim 9, wherein said securing means further include frame spacers disposed between the wheels and the first and second frame rails, said frame spacers seating partially within the inner races of the bearings.

13. The roller skate of Claim 9, wherein said securing means include bearing spacers on which the inner races of the bearings seat, the bearing spacers extending beyond the sides of the wheels and abutting the inner sides of the frame rails to maintain spaces between the outer races ar i the frame rails, the bearing spacers having axial bores through which the axles extend.

14. The roller skate of Claim 9, wherein said frame apertures have at least three peripheral edges, the roller skate further comprising a plurality of first and second frame plugs, one first frame plug and one second frame plug for each set of the frame apertures, each plug having a lug with a shape that nonrotatably engages within one of said plurality of frame apertures, each of said first and second plugs having first and second plug apertures, respectively, located eccentrically through said plugs, each plug having at least three positions of engagement with said frame apertures such that the plug apertures each have at least three possible locations relative to said frame.

15. The roller skate of Claim 14, wherein each plug includes a rim projecting inwardly toward one of said plurality of wheels concentric with the plug aperture, said rim being coupled to the inner race of one of the bearings such that it spaces the outer race away from the frame.

16. The roller skate of Claim 14, wherein each of said plurality of axles comprises a shaft and a head attached to one end of said shaft, said shaft including a first plug engagement portion that nonrotatably engages within one of said first plug apertures, said first plug apertures being arranged and configured to receive said first plug engagement portions; and wherein said securing means comprise a plurality of screws, each of said screws having a screwhead and a cylindrical threaded shaft engaging one of said plurality of axles, each shaft of said plurality of axles including a threaded bore arranged and configured to receive the threaded shaft for engagement therewith.

17. A method of installing wheels on an in-line roller skate frame between sets of coaxial frame apertures, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a plurality of axle assemblies, each assembly including an axle and right and left frame plugs with eccentric axle apertures, the frame plugs being insertable into the frame apertures such that the axle apertures are positionable in at least three different locations relative to the frame, the location of the axle apertures being changeable by removing the plug from the frame, rotating the plug, and reinserting the plug in the frame aperture;

(b) installing a first wheel between a first set of laterally aligned frame apertures including first wheel installation steps of:

(i) placing a first right frame plug and a first left frame plug within a first set of coaxial frame apertures in a first position so that the axle apertures are coaxial in the first position;

(ii) positioning the first wheel between the axle apertures of the right frame plug and the left frame plug;

(iii) inserting a first axle through the first wheel coaxial with the axle apertures; and

(iv) securing the first axle to the frame; and

(c) installing a second wheel between a second set of coaxial frame apertures including second wheel installation steps of:

(i) placing a second right frame plug and a second left frame plug within a second set of coaxial frame apertures in a second position so that the axle apertures are coaxial in the second position;

(ii) centering the second wheel between the axle apertures of the second right frame plug and the second left frame plug;

(iii) inserting a second axle through the center of the second wheel coaxial with the axle apertures; and

(iv) securing the second axle to the frame.

18. The method of Claim 17, wherein the second position is lower than the first position.

19. The method of Claim 17, further including the step of installing a third wheel between a third set of coaxial frame apertures, including third wheel installation steps of:

(i) placing a third right frame plug and a third left frame plug within a third set of coaxial frame apertures in a third position so that the axle apertures are coaxial in the third position;

(ii) centering the third wheel between the axle apertures of the third right frame plug and the third left frame plug;

(iii) inserting a third axle through the center of the third wheel coaxial with the axle apertures; and

(iv) securing the third axle to the frame.

20. The method of Claim 19, wherein the second set of coaxial frame apertures is disposed betwe^en the first and third sets of coaxial frame apertures so that the second wheel is instaned between the first and third wheels, and wherein the second position is lower than both the first and third positions such that the second wheel is installed lower than the first and third wheels.

21. The method of Claim 19, wherein the second set of coaxial frame apertures is disposed between the first and third sets of coaxial frame apertures so that the second wheel is installed between the first and third wheels, and wherein the second position is lower than the first position and the third position is lower than the second position.

22. The method of Claim 19, further including the step of installing a fourth wheel between a fourth set of coaxial frame apertures, including fourth wheel installation steps of:

(i) placing a fourth right frame plug and a fourth left frame plug within a fourth set of coaxial frame apertures in a fourth position so that the axle apertures are coaxial in the fourth position;

(ii) centering the fourth wheel between the axle apertures of the fourth right frame plug and the fourth left frame plug;

(iii) inserting a fourth axle through the center of the fourth wheel coaxial with the axle apertures; and (iv) securing the fourth axle to the frame.

23. The method of Claim 22, wherein the second and third sets of coaxial frame apertures are disposed between the first and fourth sets of coaxial frame apertures so that the second and third wheels are installed between the first and fourth wheels, and wherein the second and third positions are lower than the first and fourth positions so that the second and third wheels are installed lower than the first and fourth wheels.

24. The method of Claim 22, wherein the axle apertures are positionable in at least four different locations relative to the frame; wherein the second position is lower than the first position, the third position is lower than the second position, and the fourth position is lower than the third position, the second and third wheels being installed between the first and fourth wheels and the third wheel being installed between the second and fourth wheels.

25. The method of Claim 22, wherein the axle apertures are positionable in at least six different locations relative to the frame.

26. The method of Claim 22, wherein the first position is higher than the second, third and fourth positions, the second and third wheels being installed between the first and second wheels.