WO2004108232A1

WO2004108232A1 - Devices for locking in-line wheels and walking kit comprising them

Info

Publication number: WO2004108232A1
Application number: PCT/EP2004/005749
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joaquim Oro; Charles Humbert
Original assignee: Wyss-Barreiros, Maria Do Rosario; Humbert, Jason; Kato, Takahisa
Priority date: 2003-06-05
Filing date: 2004-05-27
Publication date: 2004-12-16

Abstract

The walking kit for in-line roller skates or “rollerblades” consists of two pairs of at least two individual wheel-locking devices. Each individual device is characterized in that: it is shaped in its upper part to be inserted forcibly between two adjacent wheels, it is shaped in its upper part as in its lower part to bear at least tangentially against each of the wheels between which it is inserted, in that its height is such that the end of its upper part lies above the plane of the axles about which said wheels rotate, and that the end of its lower part lies beyond the plane of rolling of said wheels. Set comprising at least four of these individual devices and a means allowing them to be held together, respectively, and portable packaging.

Description

Devices for locking in-line wheels and walking kit comprising them

Field of the invention

The invention relates to the field of sports items equipped with wheels, more particularly to accessories for in-line roller skates or "rollerblades", particularly to a walking kit for such skates.

Prior art

Skating on rollerblades has seen considerable development over several years and this type of sports activity now affects all layers of the population, whether as a simple leisure pursuit or as a competition sport. Many people now use their "rollerblades" for daily travel, in town, and out of town. On uneven ground, the use of rollerblades may become dangerous, especially for beginners; steep slopes, steps, ditches or channels, smooth or slippery surfaces or rough surfaces such as cobblestones or gravel are just a few of the obstacles that are difficult to negotiate. Often also, the polymer wheels are damaged or worn unevenly on such obstacles.

In a town setting, which is therefore very busy with pedestrians or vehicles, access to enclosed spaces such as schools, shops, stations or airports or to public-transport facilities is gradually being forbidden and this type of ban is soon going to become universal, essentially for safety reasons.

In order to enter such places, one of the solutions is simply to take off one's skates and put on different footwear, but this has the disadvantage of forcing the skater to burden himself or even weigh himself down with this second pair; for sport, this is hardly convenient. Alternatively, going barefoot through the area in question is often unacceptable because it is dangerous or dirty. Other solutions have come into being, the objective then being to avoid the skater having to take his skates off, for example on entering a shop, and to contrive for the "rollerblades" to become suitable for walking: broadly speaking, the various inventors have set themselves a task of inserting a non-slip material between the wheels of the skate and the ground, covering or enclosing said wheels secured to the skate or at least to the chassis and the wheels. Many of these solutions have taken their inspiration from the blade guard used on ice skates or from the walking soles proposed for roller skates: see for example GB 2304293, US 5697643, US 5988682, US 5522621 or US 5236224.

Such walking devices, however, have not been well received by skaters because they have not proved to be satisfactory in terms of walking comfort and safety, they prove to be bulky, too complicated to put on, or at least awkward to put on and therefore somewhat unattractive from a commercial viewpoint.

There is therefore still an unsatisfied need felt by skaters; it is precisely the object of the present invention to propose a walking device that meets this need in an appropriate way, particularly overcoming or eliminating in a novel way all the disadvantages listed to date.

Summary of the invention

The subject of the invention first and foremost is a device for locking in-line wheels, particularly wheels of in-line roller skates or "rollerblades", shaped to be inserted by forcing between two adjacent wheels and the height of such is such that the end of its lower part lies below the plane of rolling of said wheels.

Another subject of the invention is a walking kit or walking device for "rollerblades", consisting of two pairs of at least two individual devices or elements as described hereinabove, at least identical in twos, and a set comprising at least four of these unit devices or elements and a means for keeping them together, or respectively portable packaging.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows schematically, in an active position, an example of a locking device according to the invention.

Fig. 2 depicts, also schematically, the situation prior to insertion of the locking device.

Fig. 3 is a depiction of a roUerblade equipped with a walking kit according to the invention.

Fig. 4 is a side view depicting a roUerblade equipped with a walking kit according to the invention.

Figs 5 and 6 are detailed views of one possible embodiment of a locking device according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The first subject of the invention is a device for locking in-line wheels, particularly wheels of in-line roller skates or "rollerblades", characterized in that:

- it is shaped in its upper part to be inserted forcibly between two adjacent wheels,

it is shaped in its upper part as in its lower part to bear at least tangentially against each of the wheels between which it is inserted,

- in that its height is such that the end of its upper part lies above the plane of the axles about which said wheels rotate,

and that the end of its lower part lies beyond the plane of rolling of said wheels.

"Forcing" is to be understood as meaning forcing of an elastic type, that is to say a condition during which either the upper part of the device or the wheels or even both at once experience deformation due to compression as the device passes through the narrowest part of the space defined between two adjacent wheels. As a general rule, the wheels of "rollerblades" are made of a polymer material that has the necessary flexibility to temporarily absorb the deformation and return to their initial shape once released: in such a case, the locking device may be made of a rigid material, polymer, wood or metal, for example, without that detracting from its ultimate function. The upper part of the locking device, when the latter is made of a relatively rigid material, may have a recess, for example a narrow slot, temporarily absorbing the excess compression during the insertion indicated above. An end with rounded corners may also make force-fitting easier.

It is also possible for the material of which the upper part of the device is made to be itself elastic enough to absorb the compression. As the wheels are initially able to move about their axle, insertion does not, however, pose any practical problem. It will ultimately be up to the person skilled in the art to fine-tune the parameters concerned to suit the type of wheel on the market and the materials at his disposal.

According to the invention, the upper part of the locking device is also shaped in such a way that, once inserted, it rests at the very least tangentially on each of the adjacent wheels (see Fig. 1). A tangential point of contact is, however, achieved only when wheels and device are made of hard material; in real life, it is often found that there is some degree of squashing of the parts present at said point of contact, which does not in any way detract from the effectiveness of the device.

Furthermore, the height of the device needs to be such that once the device has been inserted, its upper end is above the plane formed by the axles about which the in-line wheels rotate: this particular arrangement and the two aforesaid bearing points prevent any uncontrolled withdrawal of the locking device.

Care will of course be taken to ensure that the maximum height of said upper part is compatible with the space available under the chassis or the skate. It is also possible, according to the models encountered most frequently, to shape said end in such a way that it collaborates with the strengthening bars in the chassis. The customary manufacturing techniques do not constitute an obstacle as far as this is concerned.

The lower part of the device is preferably of an overall triangular shape or shaped as a sector of a circle, the base line of the sector then forming the end of said lower part (see Fig. 1). This configuration, although preferred, may be envisaged differently provided it allows at least tangential bearing of the adjacent wheels on the device. It is these bearing points that will take the maximum pressure once the device is used as an element of the walking kit (see Figs 1 and 4). In a preferred configuration, it will also be seen that the points of contact with the wheels are arranged symmetrically, on either side of the device, thus giving optimum distribution of the forces involved; this is also true of the points of contact of the upper part of the device.

In a preferred embodiment, it will be noted that the optimum region at which the point of tangential contact between a wheel at the lower part of the device is located is centered at the end of a radius forming an angle of about 45 o with the vertical passing through the wheel axle (see Fig. 1). This region may extend over about 15o on each side. Likewise, the angle determining the inclination of the point of tangential contact with respect to the base of said triangle lies at about 45o, with a variation of about 15o. This gives the person skilled in the art a more flexible range of values within which to configure the devices to suit the various models the "roUerblade" encounters, the desired performance, and the technical constraints involved.

The surface for contact with the wheels may just as well be flat as slightly concave; that is enough for good operation, given in particular the relative hardness of the elements involved as explained above. Said surface may even, depending on the situation, have a groove tailored to the curvature of the wheel, fairly extensive in terms of its length and thus give a contact that is now not tangential but over a portion of the circumference. Such a configuration proves to be a sensible choice to avoid lateral offsetting of the device when walking in skates.

According to the invention, the height of the locking device is such that, once this device is in the active (walking) position, the end of its lower part lies beyond the rolling plane (see Fig. 1).

The end of the lower part of the device preferably has a surface made up of elastic material or covered with an elastic material, for example a commercially available polymer foam or material used in the manufacture of sports footwear; it is in fact possible to envisage any means able effectively to absorb the weight of an adult, or even moderate impacts. The aforesaid elastic material may be non-slip in itself, or may be covered with such a material, as appropriate striated (for example knurled), grooved or roughened to increase the friction on contact with the ground.

According to one of the embodiments of the invention, the device for locking in-line wheels is configured in such a way that the end of its lower part, once the device is in the active (walking) position, defines a plane parallel to the rolling plane, in other words a plane parallel to the ground when the skate is "at rest"; in another embodiment, rather than having an absolutely flat surface for contact with the ground, it is also possible to design a slightly bulging surface, hi another embodiment still, the plane of said end, either flat or somewhat bulging, is then angled, with respect to the ground once the skate is at rest. These particular aspects will be dealt with in greater detail with regard to the walking kit.

terms of the surface for contact with the ground, that is to say the end of the lower part, this is generally of constant width and corresponds to the width of the device. That may if necessary be wider than that of the body of the device, for example to ensure better distribution of the load to the ground; likewise, any shape is conceivable in terms of the actual contact with the ground.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the locking device is made as a single piece, except for the possible addition of elastic or non-slip material mentioned above. Such parts are relatively easy to manufacture using customary techniques such as molding, pressing, machining or extruding polymers; by way of examples of polymers suitable for such manufacture, mention may be made of vulcanized rubber, polypropylene, polymers of the "DELRIN", "SANTOPRENE" or "PLAXMOL" type for example, without this list being exhaustive for the person skilled in the art. As far as such materials are concerned, it will be ensured that the hardness is between about 50 and 100 shore, preferably between about 80 and 90 shore. The use also of light metal or wood is not precluded. The common materials also readily lend themselves to the affixing of decorative elements, for example the mark or logo of the manufacturer of the "rollerblades" or of the distributor, or purely decorative elements.

According to other embodiments of the invention, the locking device may be equipped on its side faces with gripping means making it easier to withdraw, with pulling means such as a depression or an orifice, as long as these do not adversely affect the mechanical robustness of the entity.

The main dimensions that need to be considered with regard to a device as illustrated in Figs 5 and 6 are given herein below by way of non-limiting example: wheel diameter: 68 mm - wheel spacing at the axles: 15 mm - height of upper part: 35 mm - base width of lower part: 17 mm - width at top of upper part: 19 mm - thickness: 27 mm - total height: 75 mm depending on the model chosen. In most cases, the device will be sized in such a way that the roller, and therefore the skater, is raised up off the ground by the order of about 12 to 25 mm, preferably about 15 to 20 mm. In these conditions, the practice of walking on rollerblades is easy and poses no particular problem of balance .

The amount by which said roUerblade is raised off the ground and the radius of curvature of the lower end of the device are also determined in such a way that the front wheel of the roUerblade does not come into contact with the ground as the roUerblade rocks forward at the start of each step.

Another subject of the invention is a walking kit or walking device for in-line roller stakes ("rollerblades") comprising two pairs of at least two of the devices described hereinabove, then considered as individual elements of which the kit is made. Four of said individual elements are actually needed to make up the walking kit, the excess elements being kept as spares in the event of loss or inadvertent destruction.

A kit will generally comprise at least four individual devices identical in every way. In another embodiment of the invention, the kit will comprise at least four devices, but identical in twos, the essential difference being the overall height of these devices, itself determining a height off the ground that differs according to the device fitted; the shortest device will be fitted at the front (see below).

The most widespread models of "rollerblades" have four in-line wheels: one individual device will therefore be inserted between wheel 1 at the front and the one next to it, wheel 2, the second device itself being inserted between wheel 3 and the rear wheel, wheel 4 (see Fig. 3). For competition "roUerblade" models that have five in-line wheels, insertion will usually be between wheels 1 and 2 and between wheels 4 and 5. This insertion, although performed by force-fitting, is extremely easy and can be done, for example, standing up, with the skates still on, failing that, a more comfortable pose, for example seated.

One of the major advantages of the walking kit according to the invention lies in the novel arrangement of the elements that make contact with the ground: the front device is in fact situated almost vertically in line with the natural pressure point of the ball of the foot for practically all models encountered, whereas those of the prior art - see introduction - all anticipated a pressure point beyond the foot, if not the skate, maldng walking uncomfortable if not awkward. The same statement can be made of the rear device (see Fig. 4), the latter in heel. It can thus be observed that, as far as contact with the ground is concerned, the maximum length supporting walking forces does not lie significantly beyond the skater's foot; this is another advantage of the kit according to the invention, and one which is not insignificant in terms of comfort, safety and tiring.

The surface in direct contact with the ground is via the lower end of the individual device described above, it being equally possible for this end to be perfectly flat or somewhat domed, the damping effect being afforded by the elasticity of the material selected.

This comfort and safety means that the elasticity of said material constitutes also plays a decisive role in walking by absorbing the natural rolling effects of the foot and therefore appreciably reduces the tiring nature of prolonged walking. It already manifests itself when the ends of each individual device are flat and form a flat surface for contact with the ground (see Figs): the practice of walking presents no more difficulties than walking in modern ski boots.

Walking is, however, far easier when the kit is made up of individual devices the lower ends of which are domed (see Figs 3 and 4) because this special shaping makes it possible more faithfully to reproduce the natural roll of the foot during walking. In another embodiment of the invention, in which the device placed at the front is the shortest, therefore determines a surface on the ground lower down than that due to the device in the rear position, the latter device exerts a "heel effect" naturally causing a "leaning-forward" gait, consistent with the natural ergonomics of walking on the ground and therefore far less tiring for the user. It can thus be seen that the person skilled in the art has enough teaching to build models that are very varied, very safe and perform very well in terms of ergonomics.

It can also be seen that a single device already, placed in the rear position, makes putting on "rollerblades" easier and more safe through the simple effect of rubbing on the ground. The safety of this operation is thereby improved and, once it has been completed, the temporarily inserted devices can easily be removed.

Another subject of the invention is a set comprising at least four individual devices as defined hereinabove and a means allowing them to be held together, loosely or securely, such as a clamp, a strap, a case, a clip, male or female elements of the "NELCRO" tape type, a chain or a loop for example. This set can be tailored to marketing and to the transportation of the walking kit by the skater. The person skilled in the art has in fact a whole range of accessories of that kind at his disposal in order to best meet user needs. A final subject of the invention is a set comprising at least four individual devices as defined hereinabove and portable packaging such as a bag, a pouch or a belt, for example. Bags or pouches may be designed so that "rollerblades" can easily carry a walking kit around.

Claims

1. A device for locking in-line wheels, particularly wheels of in-line roller skates (rollerblades), characterized in that:

it is shaped in its upper part to be inserted forcibly between two adjacent wheels,

in that its height is such that the end of its upper part lies above the plane of the axles about which said wheels rotate,

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that it is made in such a way as to cause or support elastic forcing.

3. The device as claimed in either of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that its lower part is of an overall triangular shape or shaped as a sector of a circle, the base line of which constitutes the end of this part, and that the points of contact with the wheels are arranged symmetrically on either side of the device.

4. The device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that its lower end has a flat or bulging surface.

5. The device as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the surface for contact with the wheels is flat or concave, if appropriate with a groove ensuring contact with a continuous portion of the circumference of said wheels.

6. The device as claimed in claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the end of its lower part is made up of or covered with elastic or non-slip material, if appropriate striated, grooved or roughened.

7. A walking kit for in-line roller skates (rollerblades) made up of two pairs of at least two individual devices as claimed in claim 1 or in one of claims 2 to 6 respectively, all of the same size.

8. A walking kit for in-line roller skates (rollerblades) made up of two pairs of at least two individual devices as claimed in claim 1 or as claimed in one of claims 2 to 6, the devices being identical in twos and differing from one another at least in terms of their height.

9. The walking kit as claimed in either of claims 7 and 8, characterized in that the lower ends of the individual devices of said pair, in the active position, determine a flat or curved surface for contact with the ground.

10. A set comprising at least four individual devices as claimed in claim 1, at least identical in twos, or as claimed in one of claims 2 to 6 and a means allowing them to be held together, securely or loosely, such as a clamp, a strap, a case, a clip, a chain or a loop.

11. A set comprising at least four individual devices as claimed in claim 1, at least identical in twos, or as claimed in one of claims 2 to 6, and portable packaging such as a bag, a pouch or a belt.