WO1998009691A9

WO1998009691A9 - Independent suspension system for in-line skates

Info

Publication number: WO1998009691A9
Application number: PCT/US1997/015786
Authority: WO
Filing date: 1997-09-05
Publication date: 1998-06-11

Abstract

A suspension mechanism for in-line skates. The in-line skate includes a boot (14) and a tracking system (18) attached to the sole of the boot. The suspension mechanism includes an attachment mechanism (35) that connects to the tracking system at one end and the wheels (20) at another end. The suspension mechanism further includes a biasing member (39, 59, 98, 108) so that the wheels move individually relative to the boot when it encounters uneven surfaces.

Description

INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION SYSTEM FOR IN-LINE SKATES

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention.

The invention relates to in-line skates, and, in particular, to an independent

suspension system to attach the wheels of an in-line skate to the skate's boot where

the suspension system allows the wheels to move individually relative to the ground

and the boot.

2. Scope of the Prior Art.

In-line skates have become very popular recreational and sporting equipment.

They have essentially replaced regular roller-skates, and are used by speed skaters and

ice-hockey players for dry-land activities. Many individuals and families use them for

outings and exercise.

In general, in-line skates are used outside on sidewalks and other road

surfaces. These surfaces are generally not flat and have bumps, ridges and holes. The

uneven surfaces can cause stress on the wheels, boots and other structural elements of

the skate as well as discomfortable for the skater. Often, the uneven surfaces can be

treacherous for riding.

In the past, systems and mechanisms have been developed to assist in the

breaking and steering of in-line skates. In addition, systems have been developed to

improve the ride of the in-line skates. Some of these systems include a mechanism

for the wheels to move relative to the boot, but they do not necessarily provide an

adequate mechanism to improve the suspension of the in-line skate so that the skate

will absorb the shocks caused on the skate by uneven riding surfaces. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the limitations of the prior

art and to develop a suspension system for an in-line skate that improves the ride of

the skate. The invention includes mechanism that allow the wheels to move relative

to the boot of the skate so that when the wheels encounter uneven surfaces the wheels

move individually and independently to overcome the uneven surface thereby

providing a smoother ride. This arrangement reduces the impact and stress on the

boot and, therefore, the impact and stress on the person using the skates. The

suspension mechanism can be arranged so that the wheels can move in a dual action

movement in more than one place.

The suspension mechanism, which allow the wheels to move relative to the

boot, includes a biasing means that absorbs the shock when the wheels encounter the

uneven surface and an attachment mechanism to connect the wheels to the boot. The

biasing means can include a spring, flexible plastic or metal, or another type of energy

absorbing system. In a typical in-line skate, the wheels are rotatably attached to a

tracking system, which is, in turn, attached to the sole of the boot. In order to simplify

the design of the suspension system, the present invention fits within the confines of

the tracking system of a traditional in-line skate. Furthermore, the suspension

mechanism is designed so that the dimensions of the skate, such as clearance from the

ground, are not modified considerably. It is also desirable to design the suspension

mechanism and the tracking system so that parts can be easily replaced.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an in-line skate including a boot, tracking system, wheels and

one embodiment of the suspension mechanism of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of suspension mechanism illustrated in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the suspension mechanism taken along the

line 2-2 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the wheel and attachment means of the

suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmented side view of another embodiment of the suspension

mechanism according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 taken

along the line 6-6.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the wheel and attachment means of the

suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a fragmented side of yet another embodiment of the suspension

mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a fragmented side view of still another embodiment of the

suspension mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a front view of the suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the wheel and attachment means of the

suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a further embodiment of the suspension

mechanism of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the suspension mechanism shown in FIG 13;

FIG. 15 is a rear view of the suspension mechanism shown in FIG 13;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the attachment mechanism shown in FIG 13; FIG. 17 is a side view of yet another embodiment of the suspension

mechanism of the present invention and includes a partial cut-away view;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a portion of the attachment mechanism for the

suspension mechanism shown in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an in-line skate 10 that includes a suspension mechanism 12

made in accordance with the principals of the present invention. The in-line skate 10

includes a boot 14 that is configured to hold and support the foot of the wearer. The

boot includes a sole 16 that has a tracking system 18 attached to it. The tracking

system 18 is made of any suitable material and is typically made of aluminum. The

tracking system 18 has a series of wheels 20 rotatably attached to it so that the wheels

form a line. In a traditional in-line skate 10, the wheel 20 can be rotatably attached to

the tracking system 18 using axles 22. For the present invention, however, the wheels

20 are connected to the tracking system using a suspension mechanism 12. The

suspension mechanism 12 allows the wheels 20 to move individually and

independently relative to the boot 14 so that the in-line skate 10 can move smoothly

over an uneven surface.

Figs 2-4 shows one embodiment of the suspension mechanism 12 according to

the principals of the present invention. The suspension mechanism 12 includes an

attachment mechanism 35. The attachment mechanism 35 is movably connected at

one end to the tracking system 18 by a pin 37. The other end of the attachment

mechanism 35 has the wheel rotatably attached to it by an axle 22. The attachment

mechanism 35 is angled in between the tracking end and the wheel 20 end so that when the wheel hits an uneven surface the suspension mechanism pivots about the pin

37 in an arcuate path. This arrangement reduces the shock created by an uneven

surface to the boot 14. Each wheel 20 in the in-line skate 10 is connected to the

tracking system 18 in a similar manner. Thus each wheel 20 can move individually

and independently of the others relative to the boot.

In the preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the suspension mechanism

18 includes a biasing means 39 to absorb the pressure when the wheel 20 encounters

an uneven surface and to hold the wheel in place. As seen in the figures, biasing

means 39 can be a typical spring. Of course, any type of biasing means can be used

such as flexible plastic, polyurethane, metal or another type of energy absorbing

system. The biasing means 39 is connected between the tracking system 18 and the

center portion of the attachment mechanism 35. The biasing means 39 is biased so

that the wheel 20 is held in place during normal operation of the in-line skate 10 and

absorbs the shock of the wheel 20 when the wheel 20 encounters an uneven surface.

The biasing means 39 can also be biased to relieve the pressure on the boot 14 when

the wheels 20 encounter the surface during the natural skating motion.

Figs. 5-7 illustrate another embodiment of the suspension mechanism 12 of the

present invention. This embodiment includes an attachment mechanism 35 that has a

arcuate-shape. The attachment mechanism is connected to the tracking system 18 at a

point between the ends by a pin 37. One end of the attachment mechanism 35 is

connected to a biasing means 39 which is engaged to the tracking system 18. The

tracking system 18 also includes a channel 41 to position the attachment mechanism

35. The wheel 20 is rotatably connected to the other end of the attachment

mechanism by an axle 22. In this arrangement the attachment mechanism 35 pivots about the pin 37 when the wheel encounters an uneven surface. The biasing means 39

is biased to absorb the shock and movement of the attachment mechanism. When the

biasing means 39 returns the channel 41 positions the attachment mechanism 35 and

wheel 20 to its original position. The biasing means 39 can also be configured to

absorb the shock of the wheels encountering a surface during the skating motion of

the user. Of course, another sort of biasing means 39 other than a spring shown can

be used.

Figs. 8-9 illustrate yet another embodiment of the suspension mechanism 12 of

the present invention where the wheels 20 move in a vertical pattern when they

encounter uneven surfaces. The attachment mechanism 35 includes a channel 45

portion that is rigidly connected to the tracking system at its closed end. The open

end of the channel includes ribs 43 that are perpendicular to the sides 49 of the

channel 45. A mating member 51 is movably engaged at one end into the channel of

its upper end. The ribs 47 of the channel 45 hold the mating member 51 within the

channel 45. The other end of the mating member is rigidly connected to a u-shaped

bracket 53. The wheel 20 is rotatably connected to the bracket by an axle 22. Within

the chamber 45 formed by the channel and mating member a biasing means 39 is

positioned. As seen in the figures, the biasing means 39 can be any sort of energy

absorbing system such as a spring or flexible material and be within the scope of the

invention. The biasing means 39 is biased so that the wheel 20, bracket 53 and

mating member 51 move vertically when the wheel 20 encounters an uneven surface.

The biasing means 39 can also be configured to absorb the shock achieved when the

wheels engage a surface during a normal skating motion. Figs. 10-12 illustrates still another embodiment of the present invention where

the wheels 20 pivot in an arcuate pattern. The attachment mechanism 35 includes a u-

shaped end 55 that is connected to the wheel by an axle 22. The attachment

mechanism 35 connects to the tracking system 18 by an arm 57 extending from a side

of the u-shaped end 55. The arm 57 includes a series of holes 59 that are used to

connect the attachment mechanism to the tracking system 18 by a screw 61. The

different holes 59 in the arm adjusts the flexibility of the arm 59. A pin 63 is provided

at the upper side of the u-shaped end 55 and fits into a hole 59 in the tracking system

18. The pin 63 provide stability for the attachment mechanism 35. When the wheel

20 encounters an uneven surface the arm flexes so that the wheel moves in an path

while the pin 63 provide guidance and rigidity. The amount of shock absorbed by the

attachment mechanism 35 depends on which hole the screw 61 is placed.

Fig. 13-16 illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention where the

wheels 20 move in a vertical pattern when they encounter uneven surfaces. The

attachment mechanism 35 includes an upper portion 70 that connects to the tracking

system 18 and a lower portion 72 that connects to the wheel 20. The upper portion 20

includes a plate 74, which has a number of holes 76. From the opposing edges of the

plate, side arms 78 extend perpendicularly. Screws (not shown) are placed through

the holes 76 to attach the suspension mechanism 12 to the tracking system 18.

The lower portion 72 has a generally C-shaped cross-section that surrounds the

wheel 20. The upper portion 70 and lower portion 72 are connected to one another by

bars 80 and 82. Bars 80 and 82 connect one side of the C-shaped lower portion 72 to

the arms 78 of the upper portion. Bars 80 and 82 are used on each side of the

suspension mechanism 10 so that the wheels 20 move in a vertical pattern when they encounter uneven surfaces. The bars 80 are connected to the lower and upper portion

by pins 84 so that the bars 80 can rotate about the pins 82. One of the pins 84 can

serve as an axle for the wheels 20.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 13-16 includes a biasing means 39 that is

biased between the plate 74 and the lower portion 72. The biasing means 39 is

configured to absorb the shock and movement of the attachment mechanism and to

permit the lower portion 72 to move vertically relative the upper portion 70 when the

wheel 20 encounters an uneven surface. The biasing means 39 can also be configured

to absorb the shock achieved when the wheels engage a surface during a normal

skating motion.

The embodiment of the suspension mechanism 10 shown in FIGS 13-16

includes a stopping mechanism 86 that limits the vertical movement of the lower

portion 72 relative the upper portion 70. The stopping mechanism 86 is formed from

the arms 78 and the lower bars 82. At the lower end of each arm 78 a portion of the

side is removed so that each arm 78 is L-shaped. The bars 82 are connected together

by a bridge 86. This bridge 86 fits into the removed portion of the arms so that the

bridge stops the movement of the of the lower portion 72 when it encounters the edge

of the upper portion 78. The stopping mechanism 86 and the biasing means 39 work

together to limit the motion of the wheel 20 when it encounters uneven surfaces. All

embodiments of the present invention can include a stopping mechanism similar to

the stopping mechanism 87 shown.

FIGS. 17-19 illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention and

provide a suspension mechanism 12 that has dual action movement so that the wheels

22 can move individually and independently in more than one direction. The tracking system 18 includes a series of channels 92. The attachment mechanism 35 includes a

live axle 94, which is shown in FIG. 18. The top end 96 of the live axle 94 connects

to the upper surface of channel 92 and is supported by first biasing means 98 at either

side. The first biasing means 98 also connects into the end walls of the channel 92.

The opposite end of the live axle 92 includes a rod 100 and between the rod 100 and

the top end 96 is a wedge 102.

The attachment mechanism 35 in this embodiment also includes a first arm

104 and a second arm 106. The first and second arms 104, 106 are both connected at

one end to the rod 900 so that the arms rotate about the rod 100. The wheels are

connected to the other end of the arms 104, 106 by axles 38. A second biasing means

108 can be configured between the arms 104, 106 and the wedge 102 to absorb the

movement of the arms as they rotate about the rod 100 when the wheels engage on an

uneven riding surface. In this arrangement, wheels 20 connected to arms 104 and 106

move in a clockwise and counter-clockwise arcuate path, respectively, about the rod

100. According to the connection between the live axle and the tracking system, the

wheels can also move in a path relative to the top end 96, such that the top end 96

engages the first biasing means 98 to absorb the shock when the wheels 20 encounter

an uneven surface. Both the first and second biasing means 98 and 108 are configured

to keep the wheels in one position in the steady state.

Claims

I claim:

1. An in-line wheeled skate comprising:

a boot;

a plurality of wheels;

a suspension mechanism for movably connecting each of the wheels to the boot so

that the wheels move independently relative to the boot.

2. The in-line skate according to claim 1 wherein the suspension mechanism allows the

wheels to move in an arcuate path relative to the boot.

3. The in-line skate according to claim 1 wherein the suspension mechanism allows the

wheels to move in a vertical path relative to the boot.

4. The in-line skate according to claim 1 wherein the suspension mechanism further

comprises an attachment mechanism to connect the wheels to the boot.

5. The in-line skate according to claim 2 wherein the attachment mechanism having

parallel L-shaped legs and further comprising:

a tracking system attached to the boot; and

a tab at one end of each parallel leg to connect each leg to the tracking system by a pin

so that the wheel moves about the pin in an arcuate path.

6. The attachment mechanism according to claim 4 wherein the attachment mechanism

comprises:

a channel portion having a closed end connected to the boot and an open end opposite

the closed end;

a mating member movably engaged with the channel; and

a U-shaped bracket to connect the wheel to the mating member.

7. The in-line skate according to claim 1 wherein the suspension mechanism further

comprises a biasing means to restrict the movement of the wheels.

8. The biasing means according to claim 7 wherein the biasing means is composed of

polyurethane material.

9. The biasing means according to claim 7 wherein the biasing means is biased against

the boot.

10. An in-line skate comprising:

a boot;

a plurality of wheels;

a plurality of suspension systems for movably connecting the wheels to the boot so

that the wheels move relative to the boot, the system having an attachment

mechanism connected to the boot and an arm between the attachment mechanism

and each wheel.

11. The in-line skate according to claim 10 wherein the suspension system allows each of

the wheels to move independently in an arcuate path relative to the boot.

12. The suspension system according to claim 10 wherein the attachment mechanism

allows the wheels to pivot about an axis formed where the attachment mechanism

connects to the boot.

13. The suspension system according to claim 10 further comprising a biasing means to

limit the movement of the wheels.

14. The suspension system according to claim 10 wherein the attachment mechanisms are

opposing hinges.

15. The suspension system according to claim 14 further comprising a biasing means to

restrict the movement of the attachment mechanisms.

16. The biasing means according to claim 15 wherein the biasing means is biased against

the boot.

17. The biasing means according to claim 15 wherein the biasing means is composed of a

polyurethane material.

18. An in-line skate comprising:

a boot; a plurality of wheels;

a plurality of dual action suspension systems for movably connecting the wheels to

the boot so that the wheels move relative to the boot, wherein each suspension

system includes a live axle that allows the wheels to rotate about a first end of the

live axle as part of the dual action movement, and a first and a second arm, each arm

being connected to a second end of the live axle so that in addition to the concurrent

movement each wheel is able to rotate independently about the second end.

19. The in-line skate according to claim 18 wherein the suspension system further

comprises a biasing means to restrict the movement of the arms about the first end of

live axle.

20. The in-line skate according to claim 18 wherein the suspension system further

comprises a second biasing means to restrict the movement of the arms along an

arcuate path relative the second end of the live axle.