WO1997018019A1

WO1997018019A1 - Skate with pivoting wheel frame

Info

Publication number: WO1997018019A1
Application number: PCT/US1996/018449
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick J. Mcgroarty; Paul B. Witte
Original assignee: Whirl Wings Corporation
Priority date: 1995-11-15
Filing date: 1996-11-12
Publication date: 1997-05-22
Also published as: AU7737096A

Abstract

An in-line roller skate (10, 200) that has a boot (20, 100, 120, 202) portion that includes flexible moveable connections (21B, 236, 236A) between a toe section (28, 132, 203) and a rear section (30, 34, 133, 232), to permit independent movement of the toe (28, 132, 203) and the rear (30, 34, 133, 232) sections relative to each other in response to loads on wheels (38 and 51; 121 and 124; 220 and 214) supported on such sections. The boot (20, 100, 120, 202) permits natural reaction and movement of the foot of a skater to cause and react movement of the wheels to provide better stability, better control and increase stride length. The selected boot sections (28, 132, 203) will deflect relative to adjacent sections (30, 34, 133, 232) when the wheels (38 and 51; 121 and 124; 220 and 214) are moved relative to each other.

Description

SKATE WITH PIVOTING WHEEL FRAME BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to roller skates, and particularly to in-line skates which are provided with a pivoting frame and sole structure incorporated into the skate boot to permit stiffly flexing movement of the support wheels and the foot thereby permitting some wheels to move relative to each other in a vertical direction in order to lengthen stride, give greater comfort, and increase speed and power.

The prior art has disclosed a wide variety of different types of in-line skates that have various pivoting wheel configurations. For example, International Publication WO 93/18246 to Pozzobon shows various arrangements for pivoting the wheels of roller skates relative to a rigid sole structure.

The Pozzobon boot itself is also quite rigid, as illustrated, and the pivoting takes place within a frame that is supported below the sole of the boot.

U.S. Patent No. 4,417,737 shows a self- propelled roller skate which uses relatively hinged boot sections, primarily for braking purposes, and without providing advantages that are available with a suspension system that utilizes and conforms to the natural pivoting or joint regions in the foot of a skater.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a skate, preferably an in-line skate, in which a roller or wheel support frame and boot provide a flexible assembly for movement about horizontal, transverse pivots, but maintain the in-line fore and aft relationship of the wheels. The boot provides the important connection between the foot and skate frames supported on individual sections of the boot. The boot provides necessary restraint to maintain the wheels aligned with the foot bottom and to support the ankle, and provide the desired stiffness of the sole, with sufficient flexibility when loaded to allow natural motion of the boot and skate frame members .

In its primary form, the present invention relates to having flexible zones in the boot construction itself, whereby the sole is permitted to flex under load immediately below the foot of the wearer aligned with the metatarsal hinge region of the foot, that is, where the toes are joined to the main foot bones. Flexibility in the heel, is provided so the heel of the foot will flex upwardly slightly in some forms of the invention. The boot will also provide for a hinging action at the sole of the boot when the toe is flexed, as for example when loading contact is being made with the floor or ground support at the end of a forwardly stroke or when the skater leans forward or crouches.

Also flexing is provided with in-line skates for braking action by raising the toe to actuate a brake. The flexibility of the sole can be made with discrete hinges if desired in at least one region. A corresponding boot upper can be relieved or made flexible between a toe section and an instep region, so that pivoting can take place with the toe region relative to the instep in the center portion of the foot. This can be accomplished by utilizing relief cutouts in a boot adjacent the metatarsal region.

The amount of flexibility is somewhat variable, depending on the weight, strength, and ability of the skater. However, the flexibility can be varied by utilizing elastomer or spring inserts that slip between flexing parts and span the hinging region to provide a resistance to flexing. The degree of stiffness of inserts can adjusted or control the flexing stiffness of the pivoting parts to suit the wearer. Additionally, the foot of the skater will provide, through muscle effort or force, a resistance to pivoting of the boot sections that is based substantially on the skater' s own strength and muscle tone . The amount of rearward or downward muscle force that will be applied to the tea to resist the hinging action while at least one wheel, in addition to the toe wheel, remains in contact with the surface, depends on the amount of thrust that is generated by the skater.

By accommodating the natural movements of a foot and replicating them to the boot, a much more comfortable, powerful and high speed skating style can be developed.

The skates made according to this invention provide for a "roll over" during foot contact with the surface, particularly at the last portion of the foot movement during a stroke. Movement of the foot in a natural manner tends to lessen constriction of blood circulation and exercises the foot so that it increases in strength as the activity goes on. In a preferred form, a stiff shell having a toe cap, low side portions in the metatarsal area, and a pivoting, laterally stiff ankle cuff is used with a soft inner boot or liner the provides a comfortable, closefitting foot support is used. The inner boot is held in the shell in a desired manner, in the form shown by using lacing loops sewed to the inner boot and passing through apertures in the shell. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a part schematic view of a natural suspension skate having a frame assembly of linked individual wheel frames, and illustrating the principles of the present invention;

Figure IA is a view similar to Figure 1 with axle set so the toe and heel wheels are set lower than the center wheels;

Figure 2A is a sectional view as on line 2--2 in Figure 1;

Figure 2B is a sectional view also taken as on line 2--2, but with the heel section shown in a naturally flexed or pivoted position;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken as on line 3--3 in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken as on line 4--4 in Figure 1 with an adjustable, reversible axle support dog in a first position;

Figure 4A is a sectional view taken as on line 4--4 in Figure 1 with an adjustable axle mounting dog in a second position;

Figure 5 is a side elevational view of a further modified form of the boot of the present invention illustrating a modified pivotal arrangement of the front wheel;

Figure 5A is a modification of the boot of Figure 5 showing an alternate position for pivoting a toe portion of a boot;

Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a bottom plan view similar to

Figure 6 but with wheels removed to illustrate the mounting arrangement for the wheel support frames;

Figure 8 is a side elevational view of a modified boot with a different arrangement of the wheel support axles, to provide different roll over characteristics;

Figure 9 is a partial perspective schematic view of a boot shell for use with any one of the boots shown in previous forms of the invention;

Figure 10 is a schematic perspective view of a typical inner liner for the boot shell shown in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a side view of the boot shell of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a top plan view of the boot shell of Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a perspective schematic view of the boot shell shown in Figures 9-12 with a liner assembled in the shell;

Figure 14 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the present inven ion;

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of a boot shell used with boot of Figure 14; Figure 16 is a side elevational view of an inner boot or liner used with the boot of Figure 14;

Figure 17 is a top plan view of the liner or inner boot of Figure 16;

Figure 18 is a top plan view of the forward portion of the boot shell shown in Figure 15;

Figure 19 is a rear elevational view of the boot shell of Figure 15;

Figure 20 is a bottom plan view of the boot of Figure 14 ; Figure 21 is an enlarged section view taken on line 21--21 in Figure 15; and

Figure 22 is a side view of a brake mounting assembly of the boot of Figure 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figures 1 through 4A, and a simplified schematic form of the present invention, a roller skate 10, as shown is preferably an in-line skate having a single line of wheels for supporting the skate. The roller skate 10 has a connected frame work 12 that is made up of individual segments that are generally channel shaped for strength, and these individual sections comprise a first toe wheel frame 14, a second frame 15, a third frame IC under the instep of the foot and just ahead of the heel, and a heel frame 17.

The present invention is illustrated with a skate boot 20 that is made to be flexible in the sole portion in selected regions so that the suspension of the individual frames 14, 15, 16 and 17 relative to the boot is dependent upon the natural flexing of the foot inside the boot to a substantial extent. In this form of the invention the flexing is controlled and guided by the interconnecting of the frames 14-17. The boot 20 as schematically shown includes a sole 21 that is made in general with hinge sections or regions so as to have rigid sole portions that flex or hinge relative to other portions. In this form of the invention, there is a rigid toe section portion 21A of the sole, a hinge or flexible sole section 21B that connects to portion 21A and tc a second rigid sole portion 22A that is under the ball of the foot and which supports frame 15. A hinge or flexible sole section 22B be joined to sole portion 22A and to a rigid instep sole portion 24A that supports the frame 16 under the instep and ahead of the heel. A hinged or flexible sole section 24B in turn joins the rigid sole section 24A to a rigid sole section 26A that is for supporting the heel frame 17. The rigid sole section 26A can be molded to have a back support shown at 26B. Each of the hinged flexible sole sections 24B, 22B and 21B may be made by forming a thinner section of the sole material, or the hinge can be made, as will be shown, with a transverse relief groove to form a hinge, as is commonly done with plastic materials.

The boot 20 includes a relatively stiff toe portion 28 that is supported on the rigid sole section 21A. The toe portion is separated by a slot or opening from an instep section 30, and this slot is covered by a flexible fabric or flexible material portion 29, that joins the relatively stiff or rigid toe portion 28 to the first lower instep portion 30 which also is relatively rigid for supporting the foot from lateral movement. The rigid instep portion 30 in turn is connected in a suitable manner such as by stitching, or suitable adhesives, to a fabric or flexible material gusset portion 31 that overlies an opening or slot in the instep of the foot. The flexible material gusset portion 31 is aligned with the flexible sole portion 22B. Flexible gusset 31 in turn joins an ankle and lateral side boot section 34, which is again relatively rigid and can be laced up or fastened with straps over the instep in the front of the leg and in the ankle region in a normal manner. These and other boot sections can be made by injection molding plastic for providing adequate lateral support to the foot of an in¬ line skater. The flexible material portions may be made as part of the boot in any desired way, and are provided to permit hinging of flexing of the more rigid boot section 28, 30 and 34.

The flexible material portions 29 and 31 may consist of a thinning the boot shell in those regions, or perforating the boot side wall in the indicated portions. The boot side wall is thus modified to weaken and make these portions more flexible without having to add a flexible fabric material. Perforations have a dual function as they will provide flexibility of the boot in the selected portions and also provide air ventilation.

A compressible instep pad 32 is supported to overlie the sole 21, and all of the sole portions, and has adequate cushioning to permit compression of hinged portions of the heel structure.

Each of the wheel frame sections 14, 15, 16 and 17 is formed in an inverted "U" or channel shaped form, as perhaps can be best seen in Figure 3 where the pivot pin between frame sections 14 and 15 is illustrated.

The toe wheel frame section 14 specifically includes a top cross member 35 which has support ears 36 that are attached to the rigid sole portion 21A, and has depending side flanges 37, 37 positioned on the opposite sides of the front wheel 38, that is suitably mounted on an axle 40.

The side flanges 37, 37 support axle 40 for rotationally mounting the front wheel 38 on suitable bearings. The side support ears 36 provide a solid base for the attachment of the wheel 38 to the boot, and the depending flanges provide a stable support for the front wheel .

The rearward portions of the side flanges of front frame member 14 are inset, and form arm sections 42 that fit inside of the side flanges 46 of the intermediate frame member 15, so that the flanges of the two frames interleaf or overlap. The overlapping flanges are provided with aligning apertures for receiving a pivot pin 41 that has a fixed head on one side, and a threaded connector head 41A at an opposite end. The pivot pin 41 serves to pivotally mount the front frame member arms 42 relative to the side flanges 46, as shown in Figure 1 and in Figure 3. Suitable thrust bushings are utilized along with a pivot pushing 44 that is mounted around the pivot pin 41, and in the apertures in the arms 42 of the front frame member. The front frame member 14 and the second frame member 15 are pivoted together with the pivot pin 41, and when flexing of the boot sole occurs in the hinge region 21B, there is some resistance because the deflection is constrained by the pivoting connection of pin 41 and cause some deflection in other areas of the boot as well.

The second wheel frame member 15 is made in the same manner, having side flanges 46, and top brackets 50 that are used for fastening to the sole 21 in the desired location. The sole 21 of the boot is unsupported between cross member 35 and brackets 50, so it can deflect into the space above the frame members between these supports.

The side flanges 46 of second frame member 15 are pivotally mounted with a pin 52 to the third frame or instep wheel frame member 16 using the same type of pivoting connection as shown in Figure 3. The frame member 16 has side flanges 54 that have inset arm portion 56 to fit within the side flanges 46 of the second frame member 15 and receive the pin 52 in the same way. The frame 16 also has top brackets 55 that are used for securing the frame 16 to the instep region of the sole 21.

The second frame 15 supports a second wheel 51, and the third frame 16 supports a third roller or wheel 57 for rotation on suitable axles. The height or position of the axle relative to the frame can be adjusted with the axle mounting, as will be explained. The heel wheel frame 17 has side flanges 58, and here, too, there are offset arm portions 59 that are placed between the flanges 54 of the third frame 16 and held in place with a suitable pivot pin 60. The heel frame 17 also has top brackets 62 which are fastened to the rigid portion 26A of the sole 21 in a suitable manner. The heel frame 17 supports a heel wheel 61. Thus, there are four in-line wheels supporting the boct 20, and providing for a pivotal or hinged movement to accommodate the natural conforming suspension permitted by the hinge or flexible sole portions 21B, 22B and 24B, and the flexible material gussets 29 and 31. The heel section of the boot is joined to the boot portion 34 by flexible material gussets at selected locations as well.

In Figure 2A, a cross sectional view of the rear portion of the boot is shown. The frame 17 and the heel wheel 61 are shown fragmentarily, along with the mounting brackets 62. The sole portion 26A is shown connected to the sides 65 of the boot through flexible junction sections 66. The flexible junction sections 66 will permit the more rigid center portion 26A to move upwardly under greater loads, as shown in Figure 2B, to a deflected position by compressing the insole pad 32, at the back portion 32A of the pad. This arrangement can be accomplished by also having the side walls 65 compress or bend slightly.

When extra weight is placed on the rear wheel 61, as when braking, a natural hinge action will cause the rear portion 26A of the sole, just below the heel of the skater, to deflect upwardly as shown in Figure 2B to permit more efficient braking, as well as permitting some increase in stride length by deflecting at the front end of a forward stroke of the leg, where the heel is approaching the ground.

The yielding of the heel portion of the boot thus can be either through reduced strength sections 66, or by having yieldable sole material junctions molded in place as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, or by having the heel portion supported on a pivoting heel end sole section which is not connected to the side walls of the boot in any manner. In Figures 4 and 4A, the typical axle mounting for each of the rollers or wheels for all forms of the invention is illustrated in cross section. The illustrated frame in Figure 4 is the second wheel frame 15, including the side flanges 46, 46 that are spaced apart to receive the wheel 51. The support axle 70 has a head 78 at one end. The axle 70 has a bore in the other end into which a headed fastener 70B is threaded to retain the axle 70 in place between the flanges 46, 46. The axle 70 is supported on the flanges 46, 46 with a pair of two position hubs or dogs 72, which essentially are elliptically shaped as shown in Figure 1, and have bores therethrough. The axle 70 extends through the bores of the pair of the hubs or dogs 72, mounted on the flanges 46 of frame 15. The axle bores are not centered in a vertical direction and inverting the dogs permits changing the orientation of the dogs to raise and the lower the bores relative to the lower end of the support flanges for the respective frame. This raises or lowers the foot that is supported in the boot . In Figure 4, the showing with the axle 70 in its position as shown in Figure 1 (the headed fastener 70B is removed in Figure 1 for sake of clarity) so that the axle 70 is the near the lower edge of a receptacle 74 that receives these dogs or hubs 72. The wheels 51 and the other wheels used with the in-line skates are mounted in suitable ball bearings 76 on opposite of the wheels. These bearings and wheels are of conventional design to fit on the axle 70. The position of the hubs or dogs 72 in Figure 4 is with the axle 70 at its lowermost position relative to the sole of the boot .

Figure 4A, which is a sectional view taken along lines 4A--4A in Figure 1, shows the mounting of the axle in the toe frame 14. In Figure 4 the dogs have been rotated 180 degrees so that the long end of the dog 72 is at the lower part of receptacle 74, and the axle 70 is raised to the maximum adjustment (approximately 1/16 to 3/16 of an inch) toward the sole. The side legs or flanges of the respective wheel frames have receptacles 74 for holding the dogs 72.

As shown in Figure 4, the side flanges 46 of frame 15 have slots 78 that are elongated in vertical direction so that the axle 70 can move and down as controlled by the portion of the hub or dog 72. As shown in Figure 4A, the side walls or flanges 42 for the front frame 14 have slots 80 therein for permitting the axle 70 to be moved between its two positions.

The adjustment of the hubs or dogs 72 between the two positions permit one to adjust the positions of the wheels to control which wheels of the skate will engage the surface first, when the skate is level. As shown in Figure 1, the wheel frames are made and the hubs are adjusted so that the bottom edges of all four wheels lie on a substantially common plane and the wheels will engage the ground at the same time, when the skate is level.

Reversing the position of the hubs or dogs 72 from positions shown in Figure 1 will give a type of a "vaulted" design with the toe and heel wheels engaging the ground first and the two center wheels being spaced from the ground until the toe and heel wheels move upwardly. As shown in Figure IA, the hubs 72 are adjusted so that the leading and trailing axles (the toe and heel wheels 38 and 61) are lower than the center wheels 57 and 51. The toe and heel wheels will engage the ground first, by about 1/4 of an inch or so when the skate is level . With all wheels in contact with the ground or other supporting surface, the heel and wheel frame pivot upwardly and the movement is absorbed in the heel cushion, while the front wheel frame pre-flexes the toes and creates greater toe thrust potential, depending on skater's athletic abilities and muscle tone. Figure IA also illustrates members connectable between frames for stiffening the flexure of the wheels. An elastic band 75 is connected to pegs 75A and 75B on frames 14 and 15, respectively to preload the frames toward each other and to stiffen the boot so more load is required to cause the toe wheel to pivot up relative to frame 15. The degree of stiffening can easily be controlled.

A tension spring 77 is connected between pegs 77A and 77B on frames 16 and 17 to accomplish stiffening of the heel frame. The spring rate can be changed as desired to provide stiffening action. Also, leaf spring or compression pads can be used if desired for controlling resistance to pivoting.

Figures 5 through 8 illustrate two variations of the roller skate of Figure 1. A modification shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrates a change in the location of the pivotal mount 152 of a first or toe wheel frame member 101 to a second center metatarsal wheel frame member 103. In Figures 5, 6 and 7 the pivotal mount 152 is located directly below the metatarsal joint region 103 of the foot. This requires the use of two pivot pins, one on each frame flange instead of one through pin, since the pivot axis actually passes through the metatarsal wheel 103A.

This same toe frame can be pivoted on the axle of the second or metatarsal wheel for slightly different action. This is illustrated in Figure 5A where frame 101A has flanges 101B that mount on the axle 101C for pivoting. The axle merely is lengthened to receive the flanges 101B.

Figure 8 shows a variation of the boot shown in Figure 1, with the mounting of the intermediate or center wheels utilizing axle dog mountings 72, but with the long axis of the elliptical dogs 72 mounted horizontally, so that the position of the wheel axes for the two center wheels can be changed in fore and aft direction.

As shown, in Figure 8 the boot at 120 includes a toe wheel 121 mounted on a toe wheel frame 122, and as shown, the wheel axle mounting dogs 72 are supported so that the long axis is in vertical direction relative to side flanges of the wheel frame 122.

A second or metatarsal position wheel indicated at 124 has an axle 125 supported in a dog 72 on each side, with the long axis of the dogs 72 generally horizontal. By reversing the position of the dogs from the position shown in Figure 8, the axis of the axle 126 can be shifted forwardly, rather than up and down.

An arch or third wheel 128 is mounted in a frame 129 that is attached to the boot, and the axle itself 115 is supported in a dog 72 on each side that also has an elongated generally elliptical shape with a long axis that is generally horizontal, so that the axis of axle 115 can be shifted rearwardly from the position shown in Figure 8 by turning the dogs 180°. The changing of the fore and aft positions of the second and third wheels thus can be made quite easily. A heel wheel 116 is supported in a heel frame 117 in a normal manner, and the axle 115 of the heel wheel is supported on dogs 72 which has the long axis vertical, as with the toe wheel 121. By changing the positions of the center wheel axles in fore and aft direction, and thereby changing the spacing of the wheels in fore and aft direction of the second and third wheels between the heel and toe wheels, a change in the "roll over" characteristics of the skate, that is, the tendency of particular wheels to lift off the ground sooner or later in a stride, can be adjusted.

Referring to Figures 9 through 13, a modified form of the invention is illustrated insofar as the boot itself is concerned. This boot has an outer shell and a conformable padded, multi part inner liner that will fit against the sock or foot of the user. In Figure 9 a boot shell 130 is illustrated. This includes a boot shell sole 131 on which the various wheel support frames would be mounted, and while the sole is shown schematically, it would have hinge regions according to the variations that are utilized with the sole. The boot shell can be made of semi-rigid molded material, and has an open topped toe section 132, and it also is open over the instep section as shown at 133. The shell 130 has an upper edge shown at 134 which goes up along the sides of the ankle. A separate cuff member 135 is mounted onto the shell 130 with a suitable pivot pin 136 substantially corresponding in position to the axis of pivot of the ankle. The cuff member 135 is a wrap around, semi-flexible member, that has overlapping sections 135A and 135B at the front as shown in Figure 12.

The instep section 133 and the toe section 132 of shell 130 have slightly inturned top flanges that can be curved to generally overlie an inner liner that will be described. These flanges shown at 138 are made so that they will retain a liner in the shell relatively conveniently, and the shell is sufficiently yieldable so that a strap 139 fastened on one side of the shell, will fit into a suitable buckle 140 on the opposite side of the shell and the sides of the shell can be converged inwardly to hold the foot of the skater and a liner securely. A suitable strap 141 and buckle 142 can be used on the cuff member for holding the overlapping sections together as well.

The shell 130 is made to have a foot encircling inner liner shown at 145, and has a main boot liner section 146 that can be of dense closed cell foam, which is not breathable, and which surrounds the ankle.

The main boot liner section comes up into the mid instep area along a line generally shown at 147. This foam liner can be made in various sizes, and of different materials and can even have means for adjusting the fit such as adding pad sections into pockets or the like. The liner would have a suitable soft cuff 148 at its upper edge.

The metatarsal and toe region 149 of the liner shown generally is made of a breathable material such as a porous fabric, and has side panels 151 that are joined with an overlying toe panel 150, which also is of a breathable fabric. The junction line 147 is a sewing line where the breathable fabric metatarsal portion 149 is joined to the main boot section 146. A liner tongue assembly illustrated generally at 152 is made with a rigid plate like outer shell 153 which is capable of withstanding some impact loads, and a fleece or foam padding material 154 is provided on the interior of the tongue shell 153. Tongue assembly 152 is formed along a curved, suitably formed junction line to the toe portion 150. This can either be sewn in, or can be adhesively secured, or can be riveted if necessary depending on the character of the materials used. The shell 153 can be made of a molded polyethylene or polypropylene and can be sewn to the breathable fabric as desired, as long as the tongue can be lifted as indicated by the arrow 155 for insertion of the foot . The shell is provided with suitable openings or apertures shown at 157 and 158 at the toe section. The openings 157 form perforations for reducing rigidity and permitting flexing of the toe portion more easily, as well as, being a ventilation opening. Openings 157 and 1608 permit some air to pass through the shell and the breathable fabric portion 149 of the liner. The openings do not permit any pumping action, but do provide for breathability and some ventilation of a passive nature. The opening 157 provides for a flex relief in the shell to permit the toe portion to flex about a hinge shown at 160 in Figure 13, if desired.

Figure 13 shows the liner on the interior of the boot with similar numbers, showing that the breathable fabric is exposed at the open top of the toe portion of the shell, and also at the openings 157 and 158.

The shell is shown in a side view in Figure 11 and like numbers are used for designating the shell in this view. In Figure 11 the toe section indicated generally at 165 is slightly lower than that shown in previous Figures, and the more pronounced junction area 166 is utilized.

The height of the toe section wall 165 can range between 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches, depending on the side of the boot. The wall of the instep increases in height as desired. The cutout 157 at the metatarsal area permits flexing of the sole in this region, as is desired. The flexing level is in the range of 5% to 150% of a skater's body weight. Various in-line skating sports such as racing, hockey and fitness will use different sole flexing loads as needed for the proper feel for a performance or competition skater.

A modified form of the boot assembly shown in Figure 13 may have a metatarsal joint guard also added in place in the boot shell over the toes and the instep region for use as a hockey skate where the protection of the toe area is necessary in order to reduce the likelihood of foot injury. In Figures 14-22, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. A skate that is a natural suspension skate is illustrated generally at 200, and in this form of the invention, the skate includes a boot upper comprising a boot shell 202 that is mounted on a rigid main frame 204 and an inner liner or inner boot 248. The main frame is under the heel and instep region. The boot shell has a toe portion or cap 203 and is open to the top and front in the instep and ankle regions. A sole portion 205 of the boot shell is attached to the main frame through suitable plates 206 and 207. The main frame 204 is formed of a U-shape with depending side members 208A and 208B, which in turn support a series of wheels or rollers, including a rear wheel 210 an instep or center wheel 212, and a forward or ball of the foot (metatarsal) support wheel 214. These wheels are mounted on suitable axles 210A, 212A and 214A in a normal manner and use bearings to reduce friction. The main frame 204 has a pivoting toe frame

216 that is pivotally mounted on pins 217 to the forward end of the main frame 204. The toe frame has depending side flanges 216A and 216B that mount an axle 218 for rotatably mounting a toe or forward wheel 220. The toe wheel frame 216 includes a plate 222 that mounts to the sole of the toe portion 203 of the boot shell 202. The sole 205 is stepped so the heel support 206 on main frame 204 is higher than the forward support 207.

The boot shell 202 is made in sections, and includes the lower foot holding section 224 and a pivoted ankle cuff portion 226 which is pivoted to the lower boot shell on a pivot pin 228.

Additionally, the sole 205 of the boot shell is made of different thickness and fairly rigid. The sole is supported in position with the footplates 206 and 207 on the main frame 204. The sole 205 has an extra thickness or extra plate 209 of material bonded to the sole and extending between the plate 207 and plate 222 to make the sole rigid to provide the proper feel and sensitive to bending. The toe portion indicated at 203 will flex relative to the instep portion 232 of the boot shell about the pivot 217. The pivoting is accommodated in the boot upper by forming a notch or opening 236 on each side of the boot. The notch is formed in low sidewalls 234 that extend from the toe portion to an instep region where this notch or opening substantially aligns with the metatarsal region of the foot, that is, the region where the big toe and other toes bend. Because it is recessed to leave only a shallow sidewall section the notch or opening adds flexibility to the shell to permit the front or toe wheel 220 and thus the toe portion 203 to pivot about pivot 217 during use. By placing the frame supports in front and behind the metatarsal/phalangeal joint region of the boot sole, a portion of the sole is suspended between frame mounts and the controlled flexibility of the sole can be utilized to provide for cushioning of the foot in the region of the metatarsal joint. The cushioning is not dependent upon any action of the frame suspension because the unsupported sole portion provides some cushioning. The skater still maintains appropriate wheel control initially all four wheels and then the front and second wheel and at the end of the stride, the front wheel provides high push or thrust .

The boot shell 202 sidewalls taper from the notch 236 upwardly along an edge 238 to join an ankle side panel 240 that is used for pivotally mounting the cuff assembly 226. The side panels 246 extend upwardly along the side of the ankle bones.

The walls of the shell adjacent the tapered edge 238 along the sides of the instep of the wearer have suitable apertures 242 therein for receiving fabric loops 244 that are used for threading a lace 246 that will go over a tongue of a multipart boot liner 248 that is fitted in the shell . The fabric loops 244 are sewed to a seam in the boot liner 248 on opposite sides of the tongue and are threaded through the apertures 242 when the liner is installed.

The multipart boot liner 248 is made to be comfortable and is a padded shoe or boot member that includes sidewalls 250 on opposite sides of the foot, and a tongue 252 that is joined in a toe area 254 to a foot holding enclosure, or portion 256 that is much like a moccasin or lower portion of a shoe. The tongue 252 is padded, and is held against the lower shin of a wearer. In a modified form shown in Figure 16, the inner liner has a strap 258 that is fastened to one side of a cuff region 260 of the liner, or inner boot as shown and will attach on the opposite side of the liner utilizing a Velcro^® fastener or the like. The loops 244 and the lace 246 will pull the sidewalls 250 together over the tongue in the instep region of the foot . The laces extend only over the instep area to clamp the foot and inner liner into place in the boot shell . The lacing terminates below the cuff, so the cuff movement is not restricted by tension in the laces. The panels of the inner boot may be fabric or flexible synthetic materials with breathing holes .

The modified inner boot or liner is shown in Figure 16. The foot holding portion 256 is illustrated as made with several panels including a heel cup type member 264 that supports a vertical upright 266 at the back of the leg. This may be the same as that shown in Figure 14. The fabric loops 244 are held by being sewed in a seam 270 and are made so that they will pass through the apertures 242 and extend out to receive a lace 246, to hold the inner liner and the foot in place in the boot shell. The inner liner or inner boot is encircled by the boot shell walls near the sole. In this form, the cuff strap 258 is utilized, as shown in Figure 16, to go around the cuff of the inner liner or boot to hold the foot in position. There would usually be no strap on the hinged cuff of the shell using this form of inner boot. The inner boot or shoe construction shown in Figure 14 is substantially the same as that shown in Figure 16, except for the strap and different instep panels. The material for the inner boot is selected for durability, breathability, appearance and comfort . Fabric is used in pivot areas . The inner liner sole shown at 276 is made of a non skid material, that will prevent slippage on the bottom of the boot shell when held in place. Non slip surfaces can be formed by having the surfaces sufficiently rough or high coefficient of function so that they will restrain sliding, and in addition in certain instances, the inner boot or liner, such as that shown in Figure 16, can be glued to the inner surface of the sole of the shell, which is shown in Figure 18 at 280. The material for the sole 276 is extended up over the front of the toe of the inner boot as shown at 276B to engage the inner surface of the toe portion 203 of shell 202.

Immediately below the notch 236, as seen in Figure 15 there is a sidewall portion 236A that discourages debris and the like from being forced under the sole of the inner boot or liner, as do the other portions of the boot shell sidewalls. The sidewall portion 236A also acts as a structural stiffener for the sole in the toe flexing region.

The pivoting cuff 226 and the boot shell 202 can be made of suitable reinforced plastic, and it can be injection molded for contouring, and for the desired combined flexibility. The inner liner or shoe that fits within the outer shell 202 is made so that the sole portion 276 is of sufficient thickness so that it does not bend easily, and can be stiff enough to prevent the toe of the inner liner or shoe from slipping out of the shell toe cap while skating. The stiffness of the sole 276 in forward region 276A also adds flex resistance to the pivoting toe frame, so the combination of the shell sole control stiffness and the stiffness of the sole of the inner boot, as well as the notch 236, controls the amount of flexing and pivoting of the forward or toe wheel.

The unsupported, thicker sole in the forward portion of the shell, formed by adding a layer or plate 209, increases the rigidity of the toe portion, while letting the rear portion of the sole be thinner. It can be seen that layer 209 extends from the plate or frame support 207 up to the support 222 for the pivoting toe wheel 220. The sole 205 is made so that it is stiffer than a hiking boots or running shoes. The wheel frame 204, the boot shell 202 and the inner boot or liner 248 feel stiff to an idle skater, but give consistent flexing to let the toe portion pivot about pivot 117 when a skater is in movement. The toe thus may flex during striding. The plastic material or resin formulations are designed to offer flex resistance or stiffness at desired loads, and are capable of withstanding flexing without breaking after repeated flexing. In other words, the fatigue life of the plastic is high. Stability is enhanced with relatively rigid plastic material that will flex under high loads and not fail under repeated flexings .

Referring to Figure 21, a sectional view illustrating the frame for the forward or toe wheel 220 as illustrated. As shown, the frame side members 216A and 216B support axle 218 in a normal manner to permit the wheel 220 to rotate. The frame flanges 216A and 216B are reinforced with suitable cross members such as that shown at 216C, and the rearwardly extending flanges 216D and 216E are pivotally mounted to forward portions 208C and 208D of the flanges 208A and 208B which support wheel 214. These flanges are narrowed where the junction is made, as can be seen, and suitable pins 217 are used for the pivot. Pins 217 are two-part pins that have suitable necks 217A at the outer ends on which the flanges 216D and 216E are mounted. The parts of the pins thread together to form the pivot on each flange. If needed, suitable bearings can be used on these necks 217A for free pivoting at this point. The amount of flexing of the toe wheel is controlled by the stiffness of the boot shell, which as stated is stiff, but yet under high loads such as skating loads encountered when a skater is pushing off, there will be a pivoting of the toe wheel on the axis of pins 217. A suitable brake mechanism 290 is provided adjacent the rear wheel 210 (see Figure 22) , and includes a frame that has side members 292 that are pivotally mounted on the axle 210 on suitable hubs formed on the outside of the depending flange members 208A and 208B. The brake has a brake pad 294 fixed thereto on the rear, bottom end. This pad is replaceable. When the skate is tilted back the pad forms a braking surface against the surface on which the skate is supported. A forward extending tongue 296 projects between the flanges 208A and 208B, and a suitable stop bolt 298 is provided for locking the brake frame 290 in its desired position relative to the supporting surface for the wheels. There are a series of holes 291 that are used for adjustment as can be seen.

The stiffness of the pivoting of the toe wheel 220 and toe portion 203 also can be modified by utilizing a compression type pad 300 between the forward portion of the support 207 and the foot support 222 for the pivoting toe wheel, as shown in Figure 16. Pad 300 can be of a material such as a resilient polymer, plastic, urethane, rubber, or even a metal spring. The pad 300 will abut against the forward edge of the frame support 207, and the rear edge of the frame support 222 and will offer resistance to pivoting of the toe wheel 220 upwardly. Pad 300 will be made so that it will resiliently compress. The pad 300 can be added to the boot by screwing, gluing or compressing it in place. It can be changed when desired for different stiffness. The allowable toe frame deflection will depend on the density of the material forming the pad or block 300, and it should be understood that it also can be just pressed into place between the support 207 and support 222 and above flanges 216D and 216E. An adjustable mechanism could be mounted on a main frame end support 207 to precompress the block 300 without removing it from the frame.

The pivot for the toe wheel 220 and for the ankle cuff are allowed to flex at the same time in order to increase the maneuverability for a skater. The combination of flexion regions allows the skater' s body to get lower to the ground, as the toe wheel pivots up and the ankle pivots forwardly, so that the skater can turn sharper, jump higher and accelerate faster from a start position. The skater's feet and ankle are allowed to flex directly under the center of the skater's body. The pivot for the toe wheel frame and the ankle cuff pivot firmly support the feet and ankle together, allowing only forward flexion motion. The ankle cuff is stopped from pivoting rearwardly by the ledge or shoulder indicated at 302 formed on the boot shell. The shell ankle cuff extends upv/ardly to provide firm lateral support for the lower leg. The strap 272 holds the sides of the cuff together when used for the boot design.

The heaviest parts of the body, namely the chest and stomach can maintain a comfortable low distance from the ground as the skater leans forward because of the greater forward flexion of the toes and ankle pivots. The stride of the skater is also increased because the skater's legs can push a greater distance to their rear directly because of the flexing, rather than side to side. A skater can load the skate with 150% of the body weight, and thus the flexing of the toe portion for competition is in response to relatively high loads. The sole and notches 236 are selected to flex only when the desired loads are applied.

As a modified version, the cuff assembly can be fixed to the boot shell, and the inner liner or shoe glued into place so that only the flexing at the toe will permit flexing of the foot during use. This is a type of boot design commonly found on hockey skates, but also could be used for fitness in-line skates. The cuff would be made somewhat iower so there would be some flexion of the ankles, with the front of the cuff being open and the sides being used for supporting the ankle. The inner boot would have a cuff strap, as shown in Figure 16 when the cuff is fixed.

The sole region near the toe allows the sole to flex, but only under load, as the toe wheel frame 216 and wheel 220 pivot upwardly about pivot 217. The boot shell sole, as stated, is reinforced between the front of main frame 204 and toe wheel frame 216, and is engineered to feel stiff and give flexion during higher loads while the skater is in motion. This gives a solid feel and less tippiness at the front of the skates, but high maneuverability while skating. The plastic that is used for forming the boot shell sole can give the desired stiffness characteristics.

The wheel 214, which is the second wheel in series, but is the forward wheel on the main frame 204, is closely centered below the ball of the foot, or in the metatarsal area. The main support of the boot shell from the main frame 204 is the heel and just behind the metatarsal of the foot where support 207 is located. Tb3 support for the toe portion of the boot shell is ahead of the metatarsal region, with pivot 217 being substantially vertically aligned with and below the metatarsal/phalangeal joint.

It is important in this design that the skate matches the natural support regions of the foot, so firm support is provided at the heel and just behind the metatarsal region. The ball of the foot (metatarsal region) acts as the primary support while skating, turning, jumping and maneuvering, and the second wheel 214 thus is positioned under the ball of the foot area to provide direct support for the metatarsal region. The various pivots shown in the previous forms of the invention allows selecting suitable flexion for enjoyable and aggressive skating. The boot shell 202 can have suitable ventilation openings shown at 310, both in the instep area and the heel area as desired. The toe also can have these ventilation openings.

In Figure 16, a modification of the skate is illustrated for aggressive, high performance skating. In this form, a cross skid plate 314 has side plate members 312 fixed thereto and supported on the axles for the wheels 214 and 212 as shown at 212A and 214A, and on the pins at pivot 217. The side plates 312 are positioned on each of the flanges 208A and 208B for the frame. Cross skid plate 314 extends across the main frame side flanges 208A and 208B between the wheels 214 and 212, and forms a skid surface for transverse skidding of the skate for tricks such as sliding down hand rails or narrow surfaces. This skid plate 314 is supported securely at three points, including the pivot point 217, merely by changing the length of the support shoulders for the axles and pivot pins. Additionally for aggressive skaters, a form of the invention utilizing an aluminum toe cover, on the boot shell to protect the toes from hard blows is envisioned.

The skate of Figure 14-22 is different than conventional in-line skates. By allowing the toes to naturally flex with each stride, the foot, leg and toes of the skater can hold a higher vertical position, because each leg movement is allowed to naturally maintain a close proximity to the skaters body center. A skater's push reach is also increased because the leg, ankle and toes are pushing a greater distance backward, and not as much to the outside. The conventional in¬ line skates do not allow foot rollover, thus the leg, ankle and feet must push to the outside of the skater's center. Each stride starts with four wheels with surface contact, then two wheels and finally one wheel.

The combination of the outer shell with an inner liner having breathable portions in the toe area with openings in the shell, including a completely open area above the toe and instep provides a secure and comfortable boot. The side vents serve to permit air to enter and exit and aid in keeping the feet cool enough for reducing excessive perspiration. Additionally, the vents in the sides of the shell itself serve as notches for the flex control to permit the toe portion to flex.

The forms of the roller skate disclosed comprise a boot having an upper and a sole and flexible or hinging sections dividing the boot into at least a toe portion and heel/instep portion for permitting relative hinging of the two portions, preferably aligned with the metatarsal joint in fore and aft direction. A wheel assembly ir mounted on the toe portion and movable about a metatarsal hinge to respond to movement of the skater's toes. A second wheel assembly provides for the support of the heel and instep portion.

The roller skates shown include boot sections with wheel frames attached to provide pivotal flexing between the main boot and the toe section for obtaining several advantages. The boot is allowed to pitch forward after starting on four wheels as shown in Figure 14 and then shifting the skater's weight forward on the front two wheels because of the hinging at the metatarsal region, thus changing a four wheel in-line skate to a stable two wheel in-line skate and enabling the skater to lower the center of gravity. The wheels being used are the front two wheels and the skaters weight is more easily centered over those wheels because of the flexure of the toe. Then, the final push off is just on the toe wheel or front wheel. The toe will pivot upward an inch or more to enable incomparable turning potential. The skate also has good stability. The skate wheels maintain close proximity to the skate boot sole and thus the bottom of the foot . The stiff flexure of the boot and sole allows the foot to flex and eliminates the flat footed nature of stiff boot designs for greater comfort as well as a more natural foot flexure, resulting in faster starting and stopping. The knees can bend further with flexible boot sections to provide better thrust and balance, and therefore a higher jumping potential. The pivotal connection of the toe wheel frame to the next frame can be located directly below the metatarsal joint region of the boot, or slightly ahead of or behind and below the metatarsal joint region of the foot. The pivot location also permits varying the reaction of the boot to suit the skater's preferences. The adjustment of the wheel axle supports including the changing of the centeriine of selected wheel axles in a front to rear direction of the skate allows for the adjustment of the toe and heel "roll-over" characteristics to be changed. The flexure of the skate provides an increase in overall foot blood circulation and increases foot strength by exercising the metatarsal joints and muscles.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A skate comprising a boot having a boot upper and a sole; the boot upper having at least a toe portion, and an instep and heel portion for permitting relative pivotal movement of the portions to provide pivotal movement of the toe portion of the boot; a first wheel assembly mounted on the sole of said toe portion and moveable about a pivot when under load; a second wheel assembly mounted on the sole to the rear of the toe portion for supporting the boot sole rearwardly of the pivot; and the boot having relieved portions above the pivot for controlling the flexibility of the toe portion relative to the rest of the boot.

2. The roller skate of claim 1, wherein the first wheel assembly and second wheel assembly comprise separate wheel support frames, each of the wheel support frames being individually supported from the sole and pivotally connected together.

3. The roller skate of claim 2, wherein the second wheel assembly has a pair of depending laterally spaced flanges rotatably mounting a second wheel therebetween, the first wheel assembly having spaced flange portions rotatably mounting a first wheel therebetween, the flange portion of the first wheel assembly being individually pivotally mounted to the flanges of the second wheel assembly about a common axis.

4. The roller skate of claim 3 wherein the common axis lies within the periphery of the second wheel.

5. The skate of claim 2, wherein said boot upper comprises a rigid shell having the sole fixed thereon and a liner for said shell formed as a separate soft boot removable from the shell, the shell being open above the instep and at the forward side of an ankle cuff on the shell.

6. The skate of claim 5 and a plurality of lacing loops attached to the sides of the inner boot for receiving a shoelace, the shell having sidewalls with apertures along edges of the sidewalls, the loops passing through the apertures to the exterior of the shell.

7. The skate of claim 3, wherein the second wheel support frame comprises a unitary frame extending from adjacent a metatarsal region of the boot to a boot heel and being supported at the metatarsal region of the boot and at the boot heel .

8. The skate of claim 2, wherein the second wheel assembly has a pair of depending laterally spaced flanges, and a cross skid plate extending laterally between the flanges to provide a laterally extending support surface .

9. The skate of claim 3, wherein the pivot between the first and second wheel support frames is located substantially directly below a metatarsal joint of a user, and above and forwardly of a rolling axis of an adjacent wheel on the second wheel support frame.

10. The skate of claim 9, wherein the boot shell has low sidewalls along a metatarsal region of the boot, and a flexure control relief in the sidewalls for controlling the resistance to pivoting of the toe portion.

11. A roller skate comprising a boot having an upper and a sole, the upper comprising a rigid shell forming sidewalls and an ankle cuff pivotally mounted to the shell, and an inner boot for receiving a foot, at least two separate wheel support frames, each of said wheel support frames having spaced apart side flanges extending downwardly from the sole, and axle supports for supporting at least one wheel in the side flanges of each wheel support frame, one of the wheel support frames being mounted to said sole under a toe portion ahead of a metatarsal joint region of the sole, the one wheel support frame being pivoted to a second wheel support frame which is mounted rearwardly of and adjacent to the metatarsal joint region of the sole, the pivot being substantially directly vertically aligned with a metatarsal joint of a foot in the boot.

12. The roller skate of claim 11, wherein the pivot has an axis above and forwardly of a rolling axis of a wheel supported in the second wheel support frame, and wherein the pivot axis passes through a wheel supported on the second wheel support frame.

13. The roller skate of claim 11, wherein the second wheel support frame is a unitary frame extending from adjacent the metatarsal region of the boot to the heel, the second wheel support frame having a plurality of wheels mounted thereon.

14. The roller skate of claim 13, wherein the boot upper comprises a shell having the sole integral therewith and having sidewalls and an open top, and a boot liner supported by the shell, the shell having a pair of transversely aligned relief notches in the sidewalls of the shell aligned with the pivot to control flexibility of the sidewalls for permitting pivoting of the toe portion.

15. The roller skate of claim 11 and a spring member between the mounting of the one wheel support frame and the second wheel support frame to resiliently resist flexing of the toe portion.

16. A roller skate comprising a boot having an upper and a sole, the boot having flexible a section dividing the boot into at least a toe portion and a rearward main portion for permitting hinging of the toe portion relative to the main portion, a first wheel assembly mounted to support said toe portion and the first wheel assembly and toe portion being flexibly pivotable about a line relative to the main portion, and a second wheel assembly mounted to support the main portion, the wheel assemblies having side flanges, the side flanges of the first wheel assembly extending to overlap and be individually pivoted to the side flanges of the second wheel assembly about a pivot axis.

17. The roller skate of claim 16, wherein the pivot axis between the first and second wheel support assemblies is located to pass through a wheel supported on the second wheel assembly.