WO2008082675A1

WO2008082675A1 - Foldable inline skate with suspension and compression disc brakes

Info

Publication number: WO2008082675A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/060068
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jianhan Lin
Original assignee: Jianhan Lin
Priority date: 2007-01-04
Filing date: 2007-01-04
Publication date: 2008-07-10

Abstract

A roller skate includes a lower frame aligned with wheels, assemblies of a tire with inflatable tube on two rims with fins supporting disc brake plates and dissipating heat generated, supported a step-on top frame articulated a shoe binder, an ankle collar binding the foot of skater to a control lever swinging around the center of the last roller linked to lower frame, a heel suspension supported top frame on lower frame, and a disc braking mechanism including a cable and pulley mounted on control lever with an adjust device and the cable ends connected to one or two of disc brake cluster with independent brake pad adjustment and elastic floating bases for desired disc engaging and clearing positions, such that a skater can tilt control lever to press disc brake pads into contact with brake plates on roller wheels or fold control lever toward frames for carry-on.

Description

FOLDABLE INLINE SKATE WITH SUSPENSION AND COMPRESSION DISC BRAKES

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the invention

The present invention relates to an open frame, step-on roller skate integral foldable back control lever for storage or carry-on, a heel shock absorption suspension, and more particularly to such a system which provides a compression disc braking power on at least two wheels supporting features of skate safety and control, and the wheel with a replaceable tire and non-air inner tube on two side finned rims integral with brake plates to accept the compression brake power and dissipate the heat generated.

2. Description of the Related Art

Most common brake system so far used on in-line roller skates includes a wear block attached to a rear of the skate that can be dragged on a skating surface to provide a braking action. However, the wear block rapidly wears away, and thus has a limited life. Further, the wear block is subject to catching or hooking on depressions, such as on the edges of or depressions in concrete sections in a sidewalk, such that the user may trip and fall or may get hurt from impact of direct shock on the back. Still further, a wear block will often pick up small stones that embed themselves in the wear block. These small stones dramatically change the coefficient of friction generated by the wear block as the wear block is dragged on the skating surface, thus causing the. brake to provide an uncertain and inconsistent brake force. Still further, the tilt angle of the roller skate to engage the wear block with the ground changes as the wear block becomes worn, thus creating uncertainty as to when or how much braking force will result from an attempt to brake.

A skater on the in-line roller skates need to be able to safely stop or slow down regardless of his/her expertise, so that they do not risk running into other skaters, bystanders or even running cars. And further one must always be "in control". In some case, one may just need to carry the skate wheels and walk through a mall, walk up a stairs, or jump on a transit bus or train and through heavy traffic freeway, or dangerous road section, and roll on the side walk of the center city or recreation facility again. Beginners, in particular, have problems as they are learning to skate due to the free running nature of roller skates. However, more experienced skaters also desire fine levels of control to facilitate quick turns and stops. A number. of roller skate have been constructed for these purposes. However, known roller skate have several problems as noted below.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,666,462, Alex et el., granted in Dec. 23, 2003, disclosure a brake control device for skates, which interacts with the articulated portion of the boot and the rear portion of the wheel frame and directly apply two pieces of brake blade into contact with the brake rings on the wheels. The nature of this design limits the capability of the brake blade to actually apply brake power on more then two wheels and the limitation of the brake contact area from a brake blade force the brake system unable to deliver enough brake power to stop and control the skate, but generate enough heat to burn and break the

- 1 -

SUBSTΓΠJTE SHEET (RULE 26) The drag brake pad may looks simple, but it Is as simple as difficult to control when brake and the impact from the ground on one's leg joints and back Is simple harmful to one as well. The drum brakes may still works on the cars and others well, but not on the roller skate. The ro! let wheels on the skate just don't have enough space for the means.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,183,275, Hoskin et el., granted in February 2, 1993, disclosure a brake control device for skates including a brake pad and a roller for engaging the braking pad. However, the actuating mechanism in Hoskin Pat. No. 5,183,275 Involves a small braking wheel that is direct apply the brake power on the back roller, and cause extra wear out on the solo back roller besides the damage from heat generated by direct impact of braking on roller, and also that are connected in a way that is potentially not as reliable and consistent in operation as is desired. In addition to engaging and dragging the back hεel braking pad, Hoskin Pat. No. 5,183,275 also engages the rear in-line roller wheel on a radial wheel brake, thus leading to the problem of excessive worn out and flat spots on the roller wheel.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,628, Bellehutneur et el., granted in May 4, 2004, disclosure a brake control device for skates, which interacts with the articulated, portion of the boot and the rear portion of the wheel frame and pivotally push two pieces of cam blade into contact with the two fixed brake members between the side frame and the wheels. Such that bend the fixed brake members inward and impact with the rotating disc brake members held on the roller wheels. The parallel brake surface on the wheel varies every single roller wheel from the manufacturing process and assembly process, but the method of cam blade pushed into and between the fixed frame and the fixed brake member to bend the fixed brake member into touch, with the brake members on the roller wheel makes allowance impossible for those variance from production and from the movement of roller skate, hence cause the roller wheel got stuck and worn with flat spots from road surface. To avoid the brake pads get dragged, Bellehumeur et el have a fixed brake member with numbers of others assembled on the same axis (24 of fig.2). This means one has to assembly a whole list of other parts every time when roller needs to be replaced. Again_., the heat generated from the brake action surely would bum and break roller wheel. Also, the device lacks adjustability.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,598,887, Haldemann et el., granted in July 29, 2003, disclosure a brake control device for skates, which introduced a control lever articulated at the rear of the boot about a pivot shaft can be actuated by a backward movement of the skate cuff. When rotating, the lower part of the lever pushes a rod forwards and lengthways against return means, said rod carrying brake pads in an equal number to the number of the discs placed on the wheels and ramps co-operating with complementary parts of the frame guiding the rod in order, during a forward movement, to bring the pads into contact with an upper part of the rotating discs. The ramps are positioned between two wheels so as to assure "gentle and gradual" braking, ϊ am not sure how success this device works. But, it is surely very difficult to make this "gentle and gradual" braking. Since those same side of brake surface are impossible to stay in the same face from the variance of manufacturing process and. assembly process, and from road condition with the action of roller skate itself, it is impossibly for a stiff rod to carry multi-point brake pads and float side way and keep close contact with all brake surface on the wheels, that is why

- 3 - Haldemann εt el. had to use a "flex rod" to "assure gentle and gradual braking". But it is very difficult to decide and make it happen. Besides, there is no fixed brake members in this device, and most, of the time, rolling forward, brake pads shift in the same direction as rolling wheel, so the brake members on the wheels may stuck the brake pads and drag the rods forward to defect the braking system.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,280,930, Smathers et el,, granted in Jan. 25, 1994, disclose a hydraulic braking mechanisms system for in-line-roller skates, which includes a hand-held brake actuator coupled to a plurality of brake assemblies by a conduit system and each of the skates includes at least one hydraulic brake for at least one of the rollers, ϊ assume this design maybe function well with the hydraulic power and feature. But one side hydraulic push, to bend a brake member direct on the wheel may cause extra wear out on the roller wheel and reduce the life time of roller bearings. And. skater has to hold the hand-held brake actuators all time with those conduit cables tangling around.

From the success caliper brakes and disc brakes on the bicycles, one need enough space to get the leverage to make caliper work, one also need to make caliper brake or disc brake synchronized floating with the brake surfaces on the wheels when brake action needed. And none of these features has been seen or applying on all those prior art of roller skates, which might be the result of the compact size and the lack of space in roller skates. Keep these in mind, my present invention combine a back control lever and at least one twin ball bearing cam disc brake cluster to have enough leverage power to brake on all or at least most of roller wheels. It also has floating bases to make sure the synchronization of brake surfaces on the disc brake clusters and roller wheels. It makes the roller skate more reliable and easy to control.

Talk about the lack of space and compact size of the roller skates, one need to understand the arrangement of the roller wheels on the inline skate. I believe one of the reasons for in line is because the tiny size of the roller wheel. The size of the roller wheels so far are most between 2.5" to 3". It is tiny compare to other car wheels and bicycle wheels, so it might be dragged by tiny debris on the side walk or be tripped by a crack gap on the road surface as well. In line increase the roller wheel span on a solid frame, such that the whole in line roller wheels function as a big size wheel on the way. Tt makes at least more than two wheels would support the roller frame and touch down on the road way. It means there is a possibility that one or more wheels could be locked up when in. the brake action. This might cause the excess wear or maybe fiat spot happen during brake actions. Evidently, the wear out on the wheel is unavoidable. The question left is how to make the replacement cost less and the process simple and reliable. In the present invention, the wheel has a replaceable out tire, which could be made out some kind of polymer materials to resist wear out and flat spot to increase the function life time. It is designed to mate with an inflatable non-air spiral, tube ring. The tube ring add the light weight feature and elasticity to the out tire and integral the tire to ground on the wheel hub. The wheel hub is constructed by two separate rims molded with members of fins to adopt an attached disc brake plate and dissipate the tire killer, the heat generated from the brake action, ϊ did not see a single tire had so many features so far in the scope of roller skate and neither in the other scopes as cars or bicycles. I am not very sure about this, but at least ϊ did not see one yet. For example: U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,790, Lekavich et el,, granted

.4. in October 15, 1996, disclosure an improvement to an in-line skate wheel assembly, which lends to .(inner and less degrading tire support and facilitates ready adaptation of different kinds of tires to suit varying skating activities. The hub design of Lekavich et el. may make the two bearing not function well, but Lekavich et el. did provide a better feature: to replace tire only from wear out. But the whole tire filled with firmer rubber or silicon might not be a good way. The heavier tire lost the elasticity as well. By the way, Lekavich et el. did not provide a mean to mount brake plate and a way to dissipate heat. However, even though it is true that some time the wheel does slid and wear a flat spot, my wheel design is desirable to address the issue to replace the un-εxpεnsive, variance choice of out tire but keep the more expensive wheel hub, inner tube and brake plates.

To be able to skate safe and have fun, people need also to adjust and control our behavior while we are taking action to save our life environment. Let's look back at the beginning of the roller skate, the invention was original for step on and ties to the shoe or the feet, and then roll and go. This original intend could actually provide a convenient way for skaters to wear their favorite shoes to skate with comfort around the street and park, town and city, for recreation or commuting with majority public transportation. My present invention combines the modern art with the original legacy. It includes a step-on frame, a side guard articulated with a shoe strap binder, an ankle strap collar binding the foot of skater to a control lever, which pivotally swing around the center of last roller and could fold down to the main, frame to make easy take off and carry on the way. The most close current prior art was found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,072,317, Pommerening et el., granted in Feb. 7, 1978, disclosure a related art of roller skate of the type known, as "single tracked", was provided with fastenings for the foot of a wearer including an ankle bracing support extending above an ankle strap which holds the foot of a wearer in contact with a heel grip at the rear of a foot plate or base of the skate. The ankle bracing support includes a C-shape padded cradle for engaging around the leg of a wearer above the ankle and has a strap by which it can be securely fastened to the leg. The cradle itself is secured to the base or the heel grip in such a way that it can pivot about a transverse axis parallel to the axes of the rollers to permit free movement of the foot in the required direction but resists transverse or twisting movements to support the ankle against twisting. This is a nice open frame design for step-on skate. But the ankle bracing support takes up a huge space. It is not easy to store it and carry-on.

To be able to skate safe, comfort and have fun, the present invention combine the elasticity of the top frame on an oval elastic ring element under the heel position and supported on the hell portion of the lower frame to provide a simple solution to comfort skater to avoid the negative impact from the uneven road ways.

- S - SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it. is a principal object of the present invention to provide an advanced brake assembly for inline skates and other wheel supported devices which, provide a capability of simultaneously controlled brake power on at least two roller wheels at the same time during braking action and the ability to dissipate the heat generated by the braking action. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a braking system for inline skates and other wheel supported devices which are easily operable from natural reaction by tilt back from the moving direction, lϊ is an additional object of the present invention to provide a braking system, for inline skates and other wheel supported devices, which braking system provides skater capability to approach the quick and controllable stops, and to reduce and control speed on the skate track or on a steep grade hill way.

Another related object of the present invention is to provide a novel wheel assembly system, which allows the unavoidable wear out tires .from frequent brake action or normal skate- action be easy replaced in the least cost possible. The wheel assembly includes a novel inflatable non-air spiral lube ring, which could made out of numerous elastic polymer material to improve the roller wheel performance, reduce roller wheel weight and further allow the tire to be made out of firmer and wear-resistance material to increase the tire recycle life. The wheel hub is the assembly of two separate rims molded with numbers of fins to adopt a replaceable disc brake plate, which dissipate the heat generated from braking action and provide an effective mean to receive brake force.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a top step-on frame articulated a shoe strap binder, an ankle strap collar binding the foot of skater to a control lever pivotally swinging around the center of last roller linked to the lower frame, which gives a permit for inline skates and other wheel supported devices the use of conventional walking shoes therewith and allow easy mounting and dismounting by the skater. Thus, the skater may quickly and conveniently switch, to a complementary mode of transportation, whereby the present devices may be easily carried aboard.

These and additional objects are achieved by the present invention which comprises a compression disc braking mechanism for inline skates and other wheel supported devices. The compression disc braking mechanism comprises a leverage actuated control lever, which allows skater to naturally react to stop or reduce speed needs, tilt back and push the high end of the control lever by the top ankle back, a cable pulley on the lower front of the control lever pulls a cable connected to one or two of independent floating disc brake cluster, which comprises a twin ball bearing cam actuate to compress four brake pads into action with the disc brake plates on both side of two roller wheels. Such that a ■skater can naturally tilt the control lever back to move the disc brake pads into contact with brake plates integrated with the roller wheels to reduce speed and stop. In one form, the angle position of the control lever could be pivotally adjusted by a set device between up part of the control lever and the lower part of the control lever, the pulley base around the pivot joint of the control lever, In another form, each independent brake pad could be adjusted by a thumb nub integral with each compression screw support cylinder and. an elastic hold back floating base for the desired disc-engaging and disc-clearing positions. The brake actuation system automatically synchronizes and equally distributes the

- 6 - general braking power into each braking members from the complete system function of the conduit cable hooked on the cable pulley to the floating mount bases of the disc brake cluster, ϊn one preferred embodiment, the step-on frame could be made of light weight elastic polymer material with connection structures for out side shoe guard and inner center side shoe strap. With the front firmly connected to the lower front of the wheeled frame, the top step-on frame allows its elastic center back pivotally cooperates with the elastic oval spring, the heel shock suspension element supported on the back of the lower wheeled frame. The control lever combines multi-function duties with the ankle collar strap binder. It actuates and leverages the brake power. It stabilizes the roller skate and protects the angle injury from side twist. And it can be pivotally folded down toward the wheeled frame for storage or carry-on.

Additional objects are achieved by the present invention is the wheel assembly system. The wheel has a replaceable out tire, which could be made out some kind of polymer materials to resist wear out and flat spot to increase the recycle life time. An inflatable non-air spiral tube ring, made out of elastic polymer material to improve the roller wheel performance, is expanded to fill inside of the out tire and integral with the tire to ground on a wheel hub. The wheel hub is constructed by two separate rims to houses on bearings and supports the tire. Molded with members of fins to adopt an attached disc brake plate and dissipate the tire killer, the heat generated from the brake actions, the rims have molded structures to accept fasten means for attached brake plate and to be aligned assembly as a hub.

The present invention are also preferably provided with an elastic oval spring, the heel shock suspension element grounded on the back of the lower wheeled frame to support the top frame back. The design intend is to damp the negative shock to the skater through heels and angles.

These and other objects and advantages provided by the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the drawings, the description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAUTtNGS

FlG. 1 is an isometric view of the present invention from side back; FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the present invention from side front; FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the present invention with a group arrangement structure:

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the present invention from side front with major structure of brake system, wheels and the wheeled frame;

- 7 - FΪG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the present invention from FIG. 4. The view zooms into one of two connections from the pull cable to the disc brake cluster;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary zoom-in view from FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged, fragmentary exploded view of the present invention with structure linkage of back control lever to wheeled frame and the brake cable;

FJG. 8 is an enlarged, fragmentary view partially from FIG, 7, arid zoom-in view into the braking system from cable pulley to roller wheels:

FΪG. 9 is an exploded side front view of the braking system shown in FIG. 8; FlG..10 is an enlarged, fragmentary view of the components 309 and 312;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged, fragmentary side view of the present braking system and where the braking system is not engaged;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged, fragmentary section view from FIG. 11: FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary zoom-in view from FIG. .12;

FIG. .14 is an enlarged, fragmentary side view of the present braking system and where the braking system is engaged:

FIG. 15 is an enlarged, fragmentary section view from FIG. 14;

FlG. 16 is an enlarged fragmentary zoorn-in view from FIG. 15;

FIG. .17 is an enlarged, isometric side back view of the present roller wheel assembly;

FIG. 18 is an exploded side back view of the roller wheel assembly shown in FLG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the roller wheel assembly shown in FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is an enlarged, section view from FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the present invention in the open working status;

FIG. 22 is a side view of the present invention in the fold closed storage position:

FIG. 23 is a side view of the present invention with less baking system option:

FΪG. 24 is an. enlarged, section view from FIG. 23. Zoorn-in focus on a connection means between step-on top and the bottom wheeled frame;

FIG. 25 is an enlarged fragmentary zoom-in view from FIG. 23. Zoom-in focus on the feature heel suspension means; FIG. 26 is an enlarged fragmentary zoom-in section view from FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the present braking system, and heel suspension embodying with a boot option;

FΪG. 28 is an isometric view of the present invention with a short wheeled frame base structure option, which accepts 3 wheels, and has only one disc brake cluster receiving both end of pulling cable to apply 4 brake pads on the brake plates on the rear 2 wheels;

FIG. 29 is an enlarged fragmentary zoom-in view from FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is an isometric view of the present invention with another short wheeled frame base structure option, which accepts 3 wheels, and has only one disc brake cluster to apply 4 brake pads on the brake plates on the rear 2 wheels, But with one end of pulling cable connected with the disc brake cluster and the other end connected to the wheeled frame, the brake action is accelerated;

FIG. 31 is an enlarged fragmentary zoom-in view from FIG. 30.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings. FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the present invention includes a step-on top frame assembly 500, structured with a foot step 501 connecting to a side guard 502 and a shoe strap locking into a strap latch 504 on the side guard 502, and a cuff or ankle support side back 506 connected a. pivot slide base 505, a cuff or ankle hold strap 508 with a soft wrap pad 507 and lock into another latch 504, a wheel-supporting frame 101 is attached to the bottom, front of foot step 501 by 4 slot tabs and 2 screws 15, a suspension element 401 is connected between heel portion of the wheeled frame 101 through 2 screws 15 and the top foot step 501 by screw 16, four roller wheel, assemblies 200, in this preferred embodiment assembled to the frame 101 through sets of screw 11, 12 and 13, a braking system 300 connecting to the wheeled frame through two oblongs on both sides of the frame, positioning in the space between the first two wheels and the last two wheels and. mounting on 16 slots 52 on the side of the frame with 16 tabs 51 from four elastic holding springs 308, and a pulley base 302 of the braking system 300 being connected pivotal! y to the screw set. 12 and 13 on the frame with the last wheel assembly as well, another part of the braking system, control lever 301 on the back connecting to the pivot slide base 505 of the angle cuff.

Step-on frame assembly 500, referring to the drawings, FIG, 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, has a foot step 501 connected to the bottom wheeled frame 101 and the heel stxspension 401 by screws 15 and. screw 16. And the food step 501 supports the side guard 502 and the shoe strap 503 locking into a strap latch 504 connected by rivets 22 to the side guard 502. And the assembly also has a cuff or ankle support side back 506 connected with a pivot slide base 505 to the control lever 301 of the braking system, a cuff or ankle hold strap 508 with a soft wrap pad 507 and lock into another latch 504.

_ 9 _ Referring to the drawings, FIG. 3, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the braking system 300 includes a control lever 301 pivo tally connected around an axle screw set 12,13 and bearings 14 to a pulley base 302. The pulley base 302 then pivotally connected to the lower wheeled frame 101 with another axle screw set 12, 13 and bearings 14, and shares a common axle center with the last roller wheel assembly 200. With a conduit portion, circled around a roll pulley 303 and covered under a bracket 304 by screw 18, referring to the drawing, FIG. 7 a cable 305 connects the pulley base 302 and the back control lever 301 to two disc brake clusters 315 with two end rods slide into the receiving cylinders on the disc brake clusters 315.

By loosing a screw 24 and adjusting a screw 23 , referring to the drawings, FIG. 6, FIG. 9 and FlG. 10, the push action from screw end of 23 on back side of the bracket 304 makes the control lever 301 pivotally adjustable around the axle screw set 13 and 12 and two end bearings 14. Such that, the control lever of the roller skate can be adjust to fit different skaters and so acid adjustable tension on the cable to control the braking action.

Referring to the drawings, FlG. 8, FlG. 9 and FΪG. 12, by placing the end rods into either one of the receiving cylinders, for this preferred embodiment or both receiving cylinders with the only one cluster 315 option, in the central pivot transducer 306 of the cluster 315, the pulling power of the cable 305 now transfers to turn the central pivot transducer 306 of the cluster 315 rotate backward against two twist springs, 307L and 307R on the both side of the central pivot transducer 306 around the axle center of the cluster 315. One top end of the twist springs, 307L and 307R. connect to the cylinder holes 56 on the central pivot transducer 306, another end of the twist springs, 307L and 307R connect to the through holes 55 on the wheeled frame 10.1. By two screws 19 cross connecting on both side of the central pivot transducer 306 with two inward shafts of a left rotate flange cam head 31 IL and a right rotate flange cam head 31 IR₅ the rotation power delivered from the cable 305 forces six ball bearing cam tracks on the inside of rotate flanges, 31. IL and 31 IR, three each side of the left rotate flange cam head 31 IL and right rotate flange cam head 31 IR to push 6 ball bearings 21 inward from both side to compress and rotate on other opposite side cam tracks on the outward sides of a left flange cam. collar 31.0L and a right flange cam collar 310R, each fixed on a twin head brake lever 309 from both side of the wheeled frame 101 by the mean of dowel pins 25. Since the twin head brake lever 309 carrying two brake pads 31.4 on both side end, the inward compression from the twin ball bearing cam action forces the fist brake suit aces 54 on the brake pads 314 to touch down on the second brake surfaces 53 on the roller wheels 200 simultaneously, hence drag the rotation of wheels 200 to control the skate speed, or to complete a quick and safe stop.

By 4 screws 20, both twin head brake lever 309 from both side of the disc brake cluster 315 are connected and supported with two outbound elastic side springs 308, and ail brake pads 314 on both sides are held on the cylinder house positions on both end of twin head brake levers 309 by the end forks of the side springs 308. By 4 tabs 51εach on both side springs 308 mount into side slots 52 on the wheeled frame 101, the disc brake cluster 315 has a solid ground to prevent brake pads 314 or cluster 315 move around any- diagonal direct along the wheels caused by the drag force of the brake action, but allow the brake pads 314 or the whole cluster 315 float along in axle direction following the

- 10 - brake surfaces floating, which may caused from assembly, deform by wear out or from the rock action of the skate, such that to prevent the unexpected or out. of control stuck or skid from roller wheel lockup.

Brake pad 314 is positioned in the cylinder pocket on the both end of twin head brake levers 309. Two back base ears on the composite brake pads 314 are held by the end fork of the side spring 308 into the end s]ot of the twin head brake levers 309 as well, referring to FIG. 6. This set up assures the brake pad 314 be held in position, it also allows the adjustment to set the brake pads 334 in the preferred brake position. A threaded cylinder plug 313 mated with the pocket cylinder is set behind the brake pad 3.14 to transfer the compression force to the brake pad 314. A hex head with a socket cap pocket on the back of the cylinder plug 3.13 allows tool be used to adjust the brake pad 314 position, it also allows the thumb nub 312 behind it to rotate it. and adjust the brake pad 314 position. Referring to FIG. 10, the flange tads 59 on the thumb nub 312 mate with the retaining ring 57 on the cylinder head of the twin head brake lever 309, and the cam tabs 60 on the thumb nub 312 work with the diagonal notches 58 on the cylinder head of the twin head brake lever 309, such that allow the thumb nub 312 to rotate the cylinder plug 313 and adjust brake pad 314 position, but stay attached with the twin head brake lever 309 and prevent loose turn back of cylinder plug 313 from brake pressure.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the braking system is not engaged, the control lever 301 should be around the vertical position, more or less tilt forward adjustment by the preference of skater, Referring to FJG. 12 and FIG, 1.3, the cross sections introduce the integral structure of the disc brake cluster 315 and the situation between the brake pads 314 and the brake plates 205 on the wheels 200 where the braking system is not engaged. By rotate the thumb nub 312 and cylinder plug 313, the brake pads 314 should be adjusted to have a clear distance between the fist brake surfaces 54 on the brake pads 314 and the second brake surfaces 53 on the brake plates of wheels 200 and allow the wheels 200 to fly rolling even with some degree of swing on the control lever 301 from stroke action of rolling on the way. "0" to 1/16", referring to FIG. 13, indicates the brake pads 31.4 could be pushed all way down to touch the brake plates 205 on the wheels 200, and then rotate the thumb nub 312 or cylinder plug 313 back to achieve a prefer clearance distance, and the maximum distance could be set to 1/16". From this preferred embodiment, the brake pads 3.14 are made from wearable composite material bonded on a metal base with ears set on the end fork of the side spring 308.

To apply a braking force to the present roller skate, a skater pivots rearward in direction "R" around the rear wheel. 200 center, and about a "T⁰" rotates rearward around the cluster center until brake pads 314 engage brake plates on the wheels, referring to FIG. 14 and FiG. 15. The brake pads 314 then frictionally drag on brake plates of the wheels to control the skate speed.

Referring to FlG. 15 and FlG, 16, following the "T⁰" rearward rotation of the flange cam heads, 311L and 31 IR, "0" to 1/16" indicates the ball bearings 21 roll on the cam tracks and push the cam collar 310L and 310R inbound with both side twin head brake levers 309, and generate a compression force "F" to make the fist brake surfaces 54 on the

- 11 - brake pads 314 touch down on the ground "O" with the second brake surfaces 53 on the brake plates of wheels 200.

Referring to FIG. 17 through FIG. 20, wheel 200 includes a replaceable out tire 201, filled with a non-air clastic, expandable inner spiral tube 202 and grounded on a wheel hub, assembly of two separate rims, 203 and 204 with screws 27 to house on bearings 28. The rims are molded with members of fins to adopt an attached disc brake plate 205 by screw nuts 26 and dissipate the heat generated from the brake action and conducted from the brake plates 205, which is structured to provide a maximum brake moment force on the wheel 200.

By present an inflatable non-air spiral tube ring 202 made from elastic polymer material in this preferred embodiment, the tire 201 could be made with more firm and wear- resistance rubber material and may include some fiber reinforce on the inside edges to increase the function life of the tire and improve the wheel performance on the road. By the cam mate connection between spiral tube 202 and the side rims, 203 and 204, referring to FlG. 20, the cam surfaces of the rims, 203 and 204 push the spiral tube 202 diagonal expand to have a solid strong support behind the tire 201 when rims, 203 and 204 get integral assembly from both side of the tire 201 with screws 27. The rims, 203 and 204 in this preferred embodiment, are forged molded from aluminum alloy. By the structure of fins to support the brake plate 205 and dissipate the heat generated from the brake action, the rims, 203 and 204 are structured lighter without lose the strength of roller wheel to support the skater weight and the skate roll actions. By a cam mating connection in the center cylinder with male on the rim 203 side and female on the rim 204 side, the rims, 203 and 204 aligned integral together as a solid wheel hub. The brake plate is made of sheet metal ring attached with 3 threaded studs to accept the screw nut connection from inside of the rim, 203 or 204, such that provide a reliable means to attach and replace the brake plates 205. By the mean of perforated on the sheet metal ring, the brake plate 205 weighs lighter and provide more conviction ways to dissipate heat with fins on rims, 203 and 204.

FΪG. 21, FIG. 22 and FlG. 27 provide 3 side level views with, control lever 301 open for roll action, control lever 301 pivotal Iy close down to the frames and wheels around joint screw axle 13 between control lever 301 and pulley base 302 for a storage and carry-on option, and the present brake system and heel suspension element embodied with an optional boot choice, ϊt is very obvious that heel portion of the roller skate takes up most of space in height on either control lever open roller skate or boot option roller skate. It is very un-convenient for people to carry around a roller skate like this way. With that control lever 301 pivotally close down to frame and the angle collar strap wrap around the wheeled frame, the side guard 502 and shoe strap 503 also got wrap and pressed close to the foot step 501. This feature saves at least 3/5 volume space from the current roller skate products, such that, the present invention provide a compact structure for easy carry out or storage.

FIG.23, FΪG. 25 and FIG. 26 provide a general and detail embodiment structure with the present elastic oval spring, the heel shock suspension element 401 grounded on the back of the lower wheeled frame to support the top frame back. Combine with the elastic

- 12 - flexibility of the foot step 501, the feature heel shock suspension 401 is designed to damp the negative shock impact from the ground in. two steps: 1^st the suspension 401 provides a softer damp force before the edge 403 on the wheeled frame 101 touch the edge 402 of the suspension element 401. 2^ad the suspension 401 provides a stronger damp force after the edge 403 on the wheeled frame 101 touch the edge 402 of the suspension element 40.1 from center structure of the elastic oval spring.

Referring to FIG. 23 as well, the present invention provide an option for skillful skate to have a easy carry around, compact, lighter roller skate with step-on features 500 and heel suspension feature 401, wheels 200 but less brake plates and less the compression disc brakes. It is just an option.

FIG. 24 provides a section view of the connection between foot step 501 and wheeled frame 101 with screws 15.

Referring to FIG. 27, the present brake system 300 and the suspension element embody with a boot option.

Referring to FIG. 28 and FlG. 29, with both end rods of a short cable 305B connect to a single disc brake cluster 315 between the last two wheels 200, the present invention has a short wheeled frame base 110 with 3 wheels 200 assembly in this option.

Referring to FlG. 30 and FϊG. 31, with one end rod of a short cable 305C connect to a single disc brake cluster 315 between the last two wheels 200 and other round end 305C.1 of the short cable 305C fixed connect to the wheeled frame, longer base 101 or short base 110, the present invention provide an accelerated brake option. ϊt is noted that various features in the embodiments can be combined and that not all- possible combinations are shown herein. These variations and combinations are also contemplated to be within the scope of the present invention.

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Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An in-line roller skate including at least three wheels mounted on a frame on which is secured a step-on fool step with a side guard and shoe binder for securing lhe foot of skater on position, wherein a elastic suspension element is connected between the heel portion of the wheeled frame and the step-on foot step to provide a relieve of shock on the heel of skater from the road, and an angle support and collar binder braces the lower leg of the skater into a control lever and allow the skater to tilt the control lever for a brake action, a braking device includes at least a disc compression cluster carrying brake pads for coming into contact with discs mounted on the lateral surfaces of the wheels during a braking operation, said disc compression cluster being mounted on the frame by two outbound side springs io guarantee the brake pads stay at the designated brake position but not dragged away by the brake plates on the wheel, said brake surfaces on the brake pads are able to floating with the brake surfaces on the wheels to achieve a flexible and controlled brake action, said side springs provide also a sure means to return, the brake pads back to the non-engagement position, wherein a return mean of one or two twist springs brings the disc compression brake cluster back to a rest position and allows the side springs hold brake pads back to rest positions, a control lever articulated on the skate frame and allows skater tilt backward to pull a cable against return means to pull and rotate the disc compression brake cluster into a compression braking position, wherein the wheels mounted on the frame are assemblies of an out tire filled with a non- air inflatable spiral tube mounted on a hub structured by two rims including an attached brake plate and plural fins for dissipating heat generated from the brake action.

2. The skate according to claim 1 includes four wheels each with two brake plates on both lateral surfaces, and wherein two disc compression clusters are held on four outbound side springs and mounted into groups of side slots on the frame, the first disc compression cluster being disposed between two rear wheels, while the second disc compression cluster is positioned between the two front wheels.

3. The skate according to claim 1 includes a brake mechanism structured with an adjustable and foldable control lever, at least one disc compression cluster, a cable linkage between said control lever and said disc compression clusters, four adjustable and independent replaceable brake pads on each said disc compression cluster, and. brake plates on each side of the said wheels.

4. The skate according to claim 3 includes a control lever structured with top lever and lower pulley base pulling a cable to rotate a central pivot transducer of at least one disc compression cluster and turn the ball bearing cam on both sides to push the brake pads of each disc compression cluster into contact with brake plates attached on each side of the wheels, when the skater naturally tilt leg for a slow down or stop and push the control. lever backward into a brake engagement position.

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5. The skate according to claim 3 includes a control lever structured with a screw adjust device for adjusting the angle around the pivot joint between top lever and lower pulley- base for a skater's preferences and the best lit of brake action.

6. The skate according to claim 3 includes a control lever structured to pivotally rotate around the pivot joint between top lever and lower pulley base and fold close to frame for a compact size to carry on or storage,

7. The skate according to claim 3 includes at least one disc compression cluster structured, with a series of components which convert the linear force delivering from the said cable into a compression force, wherein the disc compression cluster comprises one central pivot transducer structured to receive the said cable ends, one or two twist springs to turn back the said central pivot transducer back to rest position after brake action, two ball bearing cams on both side, two brake lever carrying four brake pads and adjust devices receiving the compression force from ball bearing cams and fixed set on the two said side- springs to allow brake surfaces floating with the brake surfaces on the wheel and return, back to rest position after the brake action.

8. The skate according to claim 3 includes a cable structured with a conduit and hooked the conduit portion around a pulley mounted on the lower pulley base of the control lever to automatically adjust and evenly distribute bake power delivering from the control lever.

9. The skate according to claim 8 includes a cable structured with a conduit and hooked the conduit portion around a pulley mounted on the lower pulley base of the control lever to transfer bake power delivering from the control lever, wherein with one end fixed mount on the wheeled frame to accelerate the brake speed and expand the clearing distance between brake surfaces.

10. The skate according to claim. 3 includes at least one disc compression cluster and wherein the cable linkage transfers and turns the twin ball bearing cam. in the disc compression cluster to compress two brake levers on both side to cany four brake pads on each ends of both brake lever into contact with brake plates on each side of the wheels.

11. The skate according to claim 10 includes brake levers on both side of the disc compression cluster carrying independent adjust device for each individual brake pad on each end of brake levers.

12. The skate according to claim 1 includes at least two outbound side springs to guarantee the brake pads stay at the designated brake position but not dragged away by the brake plates on the wheel, wherein said brake surfaces on the brake pads are able to floating with the brake surfaces on the wheels to achieve a flexible and controlled brake action, said side springs provide also a sure means to return the brake pads back to the non-engagement position.

13. The skate according to claim I including at least three wheels, wherein the wheel with brake plates structured with an out tire, a mated non-air but elastic and inflatable inner spiral tube, a hub suppoiting inner tube and tire and housing two roll bearings structured with two side rims with plural, fins to support brake plates and dissipate heat

- 15 - generated from brake action and two brake plates assembled independently on each said side rims,

14. The skate according to claim 13 includes a firmer and wearable tire on the said wheel, wherein the wear out is unavoidable, the tire is made of firmer and durable rubber material to increase the life span of function time and structured lean to reduce weight and cost, and could including fiber structure on inside and rims to enforce function ability.

15. The skate according to claim 13 includes a elastic and inflatable spiral tube inside the said tire on the said wheel to enforce the said tire performance, wherein the spiral tube is expandable for assembly to secure tire firmly on the cam surface of the said wheel hub, the space expanded from the spiral tube reduce the weight of the said wheel.

16. The skate according to claim 13 includes a hub assembly of two side rims, wherein said side rims are structured of forged aluminum alloy with enforcement structure of plural fins to reduce weight and dissipate heat generated from brake action, the rims are also structured to adopt brake plate independently and mated with cam assembly edges in the center for alignment,

17, The skate according to claim 13 includes two brake plates on the said wheel assembly, wherein said brake plate is structured with a perforated sheet alloy, could be a stainless or titanium, alloy ring attached with three threaded studs and assembled on the said rims with Allan nuts.

18, The skate according to claim 1 includes a heel suspension element, which is structured as an oval shape and two step chock damp processes with each step involves different volume of elastic material touch down on the said wheeled frame, wherein the said suspension element is made of elastic polymer material or simple spring steel.

19, The skate according to claim 1 includes a step-on foot step, which is mounted on the lower wheeled frame and the hεel suspension element and structured of polymer material to provide elastic cooperation with the said heel suspension element and provide mount base for side guard and shoe strap,

20, The skate according to claim 1 includes a side guard mounted at central front side and heel side of the foot step and a shoe strap mounted on the inner central side of the said foot step and form a stable triangle trap on the foot step to secure skater's foot on the skate, wherein the said side guard and shoe strap are made of polymer material to provide flexibility and comfort.

21 , The skate according to claim 1 includes an angle support and collar binder to brace the lower leg of the skater into a control lever and allow the skater to tilt the control lever for a brake action, wherein the said angle support and collar binder are made of polymer material to provide flexibility and comfort as well.

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