Sack Truck News

A spinner apparatus for the adornment of a wheel on machine skates. The spinner apparatus includes a cone, a first disc and a second disc. The cone is connected to the wheel and connected to the first disc by locating a lip on its periphery in groove on the periphery of the first disc. Radial openings that extend from an axial opening in the first disc to define a first plurality of spokes while radial openings extend from an axial projection in the second disc define a corresponding second plurality of spokes therein. The axial opening receives the axial projection to position the second disc adjacent the first disc. The first disc rotates with the wheel while the second disc independently rotates such that the first and second spokes interrupt the transmission of light to provide an illusion that the wheel is rotating faster than is actually occurring.

1. In machine skates having an axle with a bearing and wheel retained thereon by a nut such that the wheel freely rotates on the axle, a spinner apparatus secured to saidwheel to enhance the appearance of that wheel comprising: a support member having an annular base with an opening therein and a cone the extends outwardly from the base, said cone having a peripheral surface with a first inwardly projecting lip thereon,said base engaging and rotating with said wheel; a first disc having a peripheral surface with an annular groove located thereon and a first axial projection shaft with an outward extending annular rib, said first disc having a first plurality of radialslots therein that extend from adjacent the first axial projection shaft to a location adjacent the peripheral surface to define a first plurality of radial spokes, said annular groove receiving said first inwardly projecting lip to secure said firstdisc to said cone; and a second disc having a second annular axial projection shaft with a bore therein to receive said first annular rib on said first axial projection shaft on said first disc, said second annular axial projection shaft having aninwardly extending annular rib thereon, said first axial projection shaft initially flexing inward and said second annular projection shaft initially flexing outward on engagement of said inward annular rib with said outward annular rib as said seconddisc is moved toward said first disc and later reversing the flexing directions as the inward annular rib moves past the outward annular rib to be located on first axial projection shaft of said first disc to retain said second disc in radial alignmentwith said first disc, said second disc having a second plurality of radial openings thereon that extend from a location adjacent said annular axial projection shaft to a location adjacent a peripheral ring thereon to define a second plurality of radialspokes, said second disc being free to rotate on said axial projection shaft as said first disc rotates with said cone such that the transmission of light between the wheel and a viewer is interrupted by the first and second radial spokes on the firstand second discs to provide an illusion that the wheel is rotating faster than actually is occurring.

2. Machine skates as recited in claim 1 wherein said first plurality of spokes rotate at a same rate as said wheel while said second plurality of spokes rotate at a different rate that is a function of a frictional relationship between saidsecond inwardly projecting lip and said axial projection shaft.

3. Machine skates as recited in claim 2 wherein each of said second plurality of spokes have a fin that respond to air flow to assist in independently rotating the second disc with respect to said wheel.

4. Machine skates as recited in claim 3 wherein each fin is adorned with a reflective coating.

5. Machine skates as recited in claim 4 wherein said cone includes first and second radial slits such that said first disc may be removed from said support member.

6. In machine skates having an axle that receives a bearing that engages a rim for a wheel, said bearing being retained on said axle by a nut such that the wheel freely rotates on the axle, the improvement wherein a spinner apparatus is securedto said wheel to enhance the appearance of Machine skates comprising: a support member having an annular base with an opening therein and a cone that extends outwardly from the base, said cone having a peripheral surface with a first inwardlyprojecting lip thereon, said base being fixed to said rim of said wheel and rotating therewith on said bearing; a first disc having a peripheral surface with a first annular groove located thereon and an annular axial shaft extending therefrom with asecond annular groove located adjacent an end thereof, said first disc having a first plurality of radial slots therein that extend from adjacent the axial shaft to a location adjacent the peripheral surface to define a first plurality of radial spokes,said first annular groove receiving said first inwardly projecting lip to secure said first disc to said cone; a second disc having an annular axial bore therein to receive said axial shaft of said first disc, said second disc having a second pluralityof radial openings that extend from a location adjacent said annular axial shaft to a location adjacent a peripheral ring thereon to define a second plurality of radial spokes; and a retainer member located in said second annular groove on said annularaxial shaft to locate said second disc on said axial shaft and in radial alignment with said first disc, said second disc being free to rotate on said axial shaft as said first disc rotates with said cone such the transmission of light between the wheeland a viewer is interrupted by the first and second radial spokes on the first and second discs to provide an illusion that the wheel than rotating faster than actually is occurring.

7. Machine skates as recited in claim 6 wherein said first plurality of spokes rotate at a same rate as said wheel while said second plurality of spokes rotate at a different rate that is a function of a frictional relationship between saidannular axial bore and said axial shaft.

8. Machine skates as recited in claim 7 wherein each of said second plurality of spokes have a fin that responds to air flow to assist in independently rotating the second disc with respect to said wheel.

9. Machine skates as recited in claim 8 wherein each fin is adorned with a reflective coating.

10. Machine skates as recited in claim 9 wherein said cone includes first and second radial slits such that said first disc may be removed from said support member.

11. In machine skates having an axle that receives a bearing that engages a rim for a wheel, said bearing being retained on said axle by a nut such that the wheel freely rotates on the axle, the improvement wherein a spinner apparatus issecured to said wheel to enhance the appearance of Machine skates comprising: a support member having an annular base with an opening therein and a cone that extends outwardly from the base, said cone having a peripheral surface with an inwardlyprojecting lip thereon, said base being fixed to said rim of said wheel and rotating therewith on said bearing; a first disc having a peripheral surface with a first annular groove located thereon and an axial bore, said first disc having a firstplurality of radial slots therein that extend from adjacent the axial bore to a location adjacent the peripheral surface to define a first plurality of radial spokes, said first annular groove receiving said inwardly projecting lip to secure said firstdisc to said cone; and a second disc having an annular axial projection extending with an annular flange on the end thereof and a radial slit that extends through said axial projection from a tip thereof to a point adjacent a base of said second disc todefine first and second sections for said annular axial projection, said second disc having a second plurality of radial openings that extend from a location adjacent said axial projection to a location adjacent a peripheral ring thereon to define asecond plurality of radial spokes, said first and second sections of said annular flange on said axial projection on being inserted into said axial bore on said first disc flexing inwardly such that said annular flange passes through said first disc andthereafter flexing outwardly such that said annular flange engages said first disc to retain said second disc in radial alignment with said first disc, said axial projection on the second disc being free to rotate in said axial bore independent of therotation of said cone such the transmission of light between the wheel and a viewer is interrupted by the first and second radial spokes on the first and second discs to provide an illusion that the wheel than rotating faster than actually isoccurring.

This invention relates to a spinner apparatus that is attached to the wheel of machine skates.

BACKGROUND

The wheels of machine skates are attached to an axle through the engagement of a bearing by a nut that is affixed by threads to the axle. The type of material used in a wheel is normally determined by the surface on which a person will skatehowever most wheels are made from plastic such as the wheel disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,592,189. In all roller skates, the material in the wheels or the bearing eventually wears requiring the replacement thereof by removing the nut from the axle. Inorder to enhance the appearance of machine skates, wheels have been made of various colors that can often be selected to match an outfit of a skater. Machine skatess function in an adequate manner but often a person may desire to have an appearancedifferent from that of other skaters.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a spinner apparatus that is attached to the wheel to enhance the appearance of machine skates.

In more particular detail, the spinner apparatus includes a support member, a first disc and a second disc. The support member has an annular base that is located between a bearing for the wheel and the nut through which the wheel is retained onthe axle. The base has an extending outwardly cone with an inwardly projecting lip on the peripheral surface thereof that is retained in an annular groove on the peripheral surface of the first disc. The first disc has an axial bore with a firstplurality of radial slots therefrom to location adjacent the peripheral surface to define a first plurality of radial spokes. The second disc has an annular axial projection that extends there from with an annular lip on the end thereof and a radialslit that extends through the axial projection a base and a second plurality of radial openings that extend from the axial projection to a location adjacent a peripheral ring thereon to define a second plurality of radial spokes. The axial projection isinserted into the axial bore on the first disc such that the annular lip engages the first disc to retain the second disc in radial alignment with the first disc. The axial projection on the second disc is free to rotate in the axial bore independent ofthe rotation of the cone that rotates with the wheel such that the transmission of light between the wheel and a viewer is interrupted by the first and second radial spokes on the first and second discs to provide an illusion that the wheel is rotatingfaster than is actually occurring.

An advantage of the invention resides in appearance of machine skates provided by a spinner that is attached to a wheel and rotates independently of the wheel.

The present invention provides an enhanced appearance without affecting the functional movement of a wheel on a bearing of machine skates.

Conventional roller machine skates have two pairs of wheels, forward and back, mounted underneath a boot, or other foot platform, in two rows. More modern in-line machine skates have a plurality of wheels, typically four, mounted underneath the boot in a single row to imitate a blade. Because the wheels are mounted underneath the machine skate, the wheels must be kept relatively small in order to prevent raising the center of gravity, and thus making balance more difficult. Therefore, conventional and modern machine skates seldom use wheels larger than 6 cm in diameter.

One disadvantage with smaller wheels is that frictional forces are more difficult to overcome. The smaller wheels tend to get caught in irregularities, such as indentations, holes, cracks, roughness, etc., in the ground or support surface on which the wheels are rolling. Even smaller irregularities tend to catch, or drag, the small wheels of the machine skates.

Another disadvantage with the four-wheel design of conventional and modern machine skates is the difficulty in turning. The turning is made difficult with four wheels simultaneously touching the ground because of the frictional force of the four wheels. In addition, with four wheels located at four corners of the boot, as with conventional machine skates, or with four wheels located in a single line, as with modern in-line machine skates, the wheels must slide or drag on the ground or contact surface. The sliding or dragging of wheels consumes energy and the user loses speed when making a turn. In addition, balance is more difficult to maintain during sliding. Maneuverability is particularly difficult when making rapid sharp turns. Other movements available, such as spinning, are also prohibited by the frictional contact between the sliding wheels and the ground. Therefore, the skill of the user is often constrained by the limitations in the machine skate.

Another disadvantage with conventional machine skates is that they are often rigidly attached to the platform. Thus, impacts or shocks experienced by the wheels from the riding surface are passed through to the user’s feet.

SUMMARY OF THE machine skates

It has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a wheeled machine skate device for enhancing the user’s performance and expanding the user’s ability to turn and maneuver. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a wheeled skate device for reducing frictional losses. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a wheeled skate device capable of providing other actions, such as spinning. In addition, it has been recognized that it would be advantageous to develop a wheeled skate device with greater stability and balance.

The machine skates provides a wheeled machine skate device with a frame movably disposed over a support surface, such as the ground. The frame includes a platform to receive a foot of a user. A binding can be located on the frame to extend over the foot of the user to secure the foot of the user to the platform. One or more primary and auxiliary wheels, such as a pair of primary wheels, can be rotatably coupled to the frame to roll on the support surface. The primary wheels each advantageously have a primary axis of rotation located at a height above the upper surface of the platform. The large diameter of the wheels reduces friction losses while the high elevation of the axis improves stability.

In accordance with a more detailed aspect of the machine skates, the primary axes of rotation of the primary wheels can be located at a height above the binding, and thus above the foot of the user.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the machine skates, the platform can be tiltable and can have an adjustable angular orientation with respect to the frame. Thus, the platform can be adjusted to suit the user.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the machine skates, the skate device can include a cushion disposed between the frame and the platform. The cushion can include a wedged shaped cushion with a thinner end and an opposite thicker end. The cushion can soften impacts and/or provide angular adjustment.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the machine skates, the skate device can include front and rear stops secured to the platform and spaced apart a distance sized to receive the foot of the user therebetween. One or more of the front and rear stops can be adjustably secured to the platform and selectively movable in a longitudinal direction. Similarly, left and right side stops can be secured to the platform and spaced apart a distance sized to receive the foot of the user therebetween. One or more of the left and right side stops being adjustably secured to the platform, and selectively movable in a lateral direction. Thus, the platform can be sized for the user’s foot, and the user’s foot can be positioned with respect to the frame. Thus, the device can be sized for the user’s feet, and the user’s feet can be positioned on the frame to suit the user’s preferences.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the machine skates, the skate device can include an axel rotatably coupling each of the primary wheels to the frame. A compressible material can be disposed between the axel and the frame. Thus, the compressible material can cushion the ride, and/or allow the wheels to pivot to assist turning.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the machine skates, the primary wheels can be adjustably coupled to the frame, and can be vertically adjustable with respect to the frame. The skate device can include lateral attachment supports extending from the frame. Slots can be formed in the lateral attachment supports. Blocks can be movably disposed in the slots with the primary wheels rotatably attached to each block. An adjustable member can be selectively positionable in each slot. Thus, the elevation of the user’s foot can be adjusted to suit the user. Compressible members can be disposed in each slot on each side of the block. Again, the compressible members can cushion the ride, and/or allow the wheels to pivot to assist turning.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the machine skates, the skate device can include a break wheel rotationally coupled to the frame to be selectively engagable with the support surface. A friction member can be coupled to the frame and adjustably engagable with the break wheel to adjustably resist rotation of the break wheel.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the machine skates, the machine skate device can include a pair of lateral attachment supports coupled to the frame. Each primary wheel can be rotatably attached to one of the lateral attachment supports. A compressible member can be disposed between each lateral attachment support and the frame. Thus, the lateral attachment supports and the primary wheels are allowed to pivot with respect to the frame to assist in turning.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the machine skates, the skate device can include a secondary universal wheel rotatably coupled to the frame. The secondary universal wheel can rotate about a secondary axis of rotation that is oriented generally horizontally. In addition, the secondary wheel can further pivot about a generally vertical pivot axis.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the machine skates, the primary wheels can be configured for cooperatively operating in at least two modes to make rolling contact with the support surface without sliding. The two modes include a travel mode and a spinning mode. In the travel mode, the primary wheels each rotate in a common direction. In the spinning mode, the primary wheels rotate in opposite directions relative to one another. The primary and universal wheels cooperatively operate in the travel and spinning modes such that the primary and universal wheels each rotate in a common direction in the travel mode, and such that the secondary axis of rotation of the universal wheel is oriented traverse to the primary axes of rotation of the primary wheels in the spinning mode.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the machine skates, the primary wheels can have a common primary axis of rotation and the frame can vertically pivot about the primary axis of rotation between first and second orientations. In the first orientation, the universal wheel is in a non-contacting relationship with the support surface, and the skate device has two points of contact with the support surface defined by the primary wheels. In the second orientation, the universal wheel contacts the support surface, and the skate device has three points of contact with the support surface defined by the primary and universal wheels.

In accordance with another more detailed aspect of the machine skates, the frame and platform can be sized to receive both feet of the user.

Additional features and advantages of the machine skates will be apparent from a more detailed description, taken in conjunction with drawings, which together illustrate, by way of example, features of the machine skates.

The present invention generally relates to machine skate wheels, and particularly to wheels of the type utilizing a pneumatic tire.

There are two basic types of wheels for machine skates, including the solid wheel and the pneumatic wheels. Disclose conventional machine skates of the in-line type and double-line type, respectively, which are provided with solid wheels formed of rubber, plastic or other appropriate material. Because of the solid wheel construction, these skates often cause discomfort to skaters, particularly when they are performing maneuvers, such as jumping or other high impact movements, which transmit vibrations from the ground directly to their feet Such skating requires a high level of skill in order to avoid injuries to the feet from shock, which often causes sprains. However, to most skaters, such discomfort and injuries are almost unavoidable.

In order to mitigate the drawbacks of solid wheels, it is known to provide machine skates with wheels formed from pneumatic wheels. Wheels of this type serve as cushions with a shock-absorbing function, an example of which is disclosed by the Taiwan Patent Application Publication No. 81215017. Pneumatic wheels provide greater comfort to the skater and the pressure of the tire may be adjusted to vary skating acceleration. Since a pneumatic wheel is lighter than a comparable solid wheel, the overall weight of the skate is reduced, particularly if the skate requires four or more wheels.

The tire of a pneumatic machine skate wheel is installed on a wheel rim in a manner similar to the tires of conventional vehicles, such as automobiles or motorcycles. Such vehicle tires are constructed to resist deformation under pressure and thereby assure safety while the vehicle is moving straight or around a turn. However, because machine skates are subjected to a greater variety of movements, such as jumping, accelerating and landing on the ground at various angles, there exits the possibility that the tire may fall off the wheel rim and thereby cause injury to the skater. Moreover, a skater can travel at a speed of around 30-40 miles per hour, a speed which is quite high and imparts a rolling speed to the wheels that is at least five times that of automobile or motorcycle wheels. When skate wheels roll at this high speed, the centrifugal force generated may result in deforming the pneumatic tire of the machine skates wheel and pose potential danger to the operator.

SUMMARY

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved cushioned wheel assembly for machine skates which provides a shock buffering and absorbing function during skating.

It is another object of the invention to provide an improved machine skate wheel assembly having a pneumatic tire which resists deformation and detachment from the wheel rim during all skating movements, thereby enhancing safety to the operator.

These and other objects of the invention are realized by providing an improved skate wheel assembly which includes an annular bearing frame defined by an inner circumferential bearing seat, an outer circumferential tire rim and a radially extending circumferential bridge portion connecting the bearing seat and wheel rim. A pneumatic tire is mounted on the tire rim and an outer covering layer is molded around the tire and bearing frame to form an integrated wheel assembly. A plurality of bearings are installed in a central circular passage defined by the bearing seat and a wheel shaft is rotatably supported through the bearings.

Further embodiments of the invention include providing the outer covering layer with a reinforcing filler material, providing the tire with circumferentially spaced annular grooves which may also be provided with reinforcing filler material, mounting the tire to a sectionalized tire rim whereby substantially the entire tire is exposed in the wheel assembly, and providing the tire with a check valve for inflating the same.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference characters refer to corresponding parts in the several views.

A machine skate wheel includes a gas-filled tire tube that is secured to the tire rim of a bearing frame by molding a cover layer around the tube and frame to form an integrated wheel assembly which provides buffering and shock-absorbing functions during skating.

a) and annular-shaped bearing frame including a tire rim, a bearing seat having a central passage therethrough for receiving a bearing and wheel shaft assembly, and a bridge portion connecting the tire rim and bearing seat, the bridge portion including a plurality of spaced holes formed therein;

b) a tire element mounted on the tire rim;

c) a combination comprising a cover layer molded around the tire element, the combination being further engaged within the spaced holes of the bridge portion to form a strong integrated wheel assembly comprised of the bearing frame, bridge portion, tire element and cover layer.

2. The machine skates wheel assembly of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of the cover layer includes a filler material embedded therein for imparting structural strength to the wheel assembly.

3. The machine skates wheel assembly of claim 1 wherein the tire tube is filled with at least a non-air molecular gas.

4. The machine skates wheel assembly of claim 1 wherein the tire tube includes a check valve for introducing a pressurized fluid into the tube.

5. The machine skates wheel assembly of claim 4 wherein the check valve is made of resilient material.

6. The machine skates wheel assembly of claim 4 further including a valve seat provided on the tire tube and the check valve is a one-way valve secured to the valve seat.

7. The machine skates wheel assembly of claim 1 further including means for balancing the rotation of the wheel assembly.

8. The machine skates wheel assembly of claim 7 wherein the balancing means includes a plurality of spaced recesses on opposite sides of the wheel assembly and a filler assembly disposed within the recesses.

9. The machine skates wheel assembly of claim 1 wherein the tire tube includes a plurality of spaced annular grooves.

10. The machine skates wheel assembly of claim 9 further including a filler material disposed within the annular grooves for enhancing the structural strength of the tube.

11. The machine skates wheel assembly of claim 1 wherein the tire tube is pre-pressurized with a fluid prior to the molding of the cover layer therearound.

12. The machine skates wheel assembly of claim 11 wherein the fluid includes at least a non-air molecular gas.

13. A skate wheel assembly comprising:

a) an annular-shaped bearing frame including a tire rim, a bearing seat having a central passage therethrough for receiving a bearing and wheel shaft assembly and a bridge portion connecting the tire rim and bearing seat, the bridge portion including a plurality of spaced holes formed therein;

b) a tire element mounted on the tire rim;

c) a cover layer molded around the tire element, the tire rim, the bridge portion and into the spaced holes of the bridge portion to form a strong integrated wheel assembly comprised of the bearing frame, tire element and cover layer.
Description

An machine skate comprising a boot modifiable in length disposed on a blade holder frame, and a locking mechanism. The blade holder frame includes a recessed surface disposed on a forward section of the blade holder frame longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the skate. The boot includes a heel portion disposed on the blade holder frame and a toe box portion slidable on the blade holder frame. The toe box portion includes a first slot disposed longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the skate, a perimeter wall extending downward from the first slot, and downwardly extending channel walls. The perimeter wall seats within the recessed forward surface of the blade holder frame to securably guide the toe box rearwardly or forwardly. The locking mechanism includes first and second detents disposed on the downwardly extending channel walls engaging a plurality of indentations disposed on the forward section of the blade holder frame.

An machine skate comprising:

a blade holder frame for holding an ice engaging blade, the blade holder frame having a forward section;

a boot comprising a heel portion disposed on the blade holder frame and a toe box portion slidable on the forward section of the blade holder frame, the toe box portion having downwardly extending first and second channel walls;

wherein the forward section of the blade holder frame extends between the first and second channel walls; and

wherein first and second detents disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls engage a plurality of indentations disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls to lock the toe box portion in a selected position and wherein the downwardly extending first and second channel walls are flexed from a relaxed position to an engaged position whereupon the first and second detents engage the plurality of indentations.

The machine skate and further comprising:

a first slot disposed within the toe box portion along a longitudinal axis of the skate, the slot having a perimeter wall extending downward; and

a recessed surface to receive the perimeter wall of the first slot, the recessed surface disposed within the blade holder frame along the longitudinal axis of the machine skate, the perimeter wall and the recessed surface slidably engageable within one another such that the toe box portion may slide rearwardly or forwardly guided by the perimeter wall and the recessed surface.

The machine skate and further comprising:

a bushing insertable within the first slot;

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

a nut having a rectangular configuration to threadably engage the screw, the nut disposed with in the recessed surface; and

wherein the threaded screw and bushing are positionable through the first slot to slidably secure the toe box to the blade holder frame.

The machine skate wherein the downwardly extending channel walls are resilient.

An machine skate comprising:

a blade holder frame having a forward section;

a boot disposed on the blade holder frame, the boot having a heel portion and a slidable toe box portion, the toe box portion having first and second downwardly extending channel walls, the forward section of the blade holder frame extending between the first and second channel walls;

first and second detents disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls;

a plurality of indentations disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls;

wherein the toe box is locked into a selected position upon the first and second detents engaging the plurality of indentations; and

wherein the first and second detents engage the plurality of indentations upon flexing the first and second channel walls toward the forward section of the blade holder frame.

The machine skate of claim 5 wherein the heel portion comprises left and right vamp sections, the left and right vamp sections engaging an outside surface of the toe box portion.

The machine skate of claim 5 and further comprising;

a first slot disposed within the toe box portion along a longitudinal axis of the skate, the slot having a perimeter wall extending downward; and

a recessed surface to receive the perimeter wall of the first slot, the recessed surface disposed longitudinally within the blade holder frame along the longitudinal axis of the skate, the first slot and the recessed surface slidably engageable with one another such that the toe box may slide rearwardly or forwardly guided by the perimeter wall.

The machine skate of claim 7 and further comprising:

a bushing;

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

a nut having a rectangular configuration to threadably engage the screw, the nut disposed within the recessed surface; and

wherein the threaded screw and bushing are positionable through the first slot to slidably secure the toe box to the blade holder frame.

The machine skate of claim 5 wherein the blade holder frame includes a slotted aperture extending therethrough and the side channel walls include apertures alignable with the slotted aperture, and further including a locking member extending through the apertures of the side channel walls and the slotted aperture of the blade holder frame, the locking member flexing the side channel walls toward the forward section of the blade holder frame to engage the first and second detents with the plurality of indentations.

A machine skate comprising:

a blade holder frame for holding an ice engaging blade, the blade holder frame including a recessed surface disposed longitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the skate;

a boot comprising:

a heel portion disposed on the blade holder frame; and

a toe box portion slidable on the blade holder frame, the toe box portion including

a first slot disposed longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the skate,

the first slot including a perimeter wall extending downward;

wherein the perimeter wall of the toe box portion seats within the recessed surface of the blade holder frame to slidably guide the toe box portion rearwardly or forwardly to adjust the length of the boot; and

wherein the locking mechanism comprising:

first and second channel members extending down from the toe box portion;

a forward section of the blade holder frame extendable between the first and second channel members;

first and second detents disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls;

a plurality of indentations disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls for engaging the first and second detents; and

wherein the first and second detents engage the plurality of indentations upon flexing the first and second channel members toward the forward section of the blade holder frame to lock the toe box portion at a selected position.

11. The machine skate of claim 10 and further comprising:

a bushing positionable within the slot of the toe box portion;

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

a nut having a rectangular configuration to threadably engage the screw;

a second slot disposed within the blade holder frame to receive and retain the nut; and

wherein the threaded screw secures the toe box portion to the blade holder frame upon threadably engaging the nut.

12. The machine skate of claim 10 wherein the first and second channel members are resiliently flexible from a first relaxed position to a second position whereupon the first and second detents engage the plurality of indentations.

13. The machine skate of claim 10 wherein the locking mechanism further comprises:

a surface defining a slotted aperture extending through the blade holder frame;

a first surface defining an aperture through the first channel wall;

a second surface defining an aperture through the second channel wall;

a locking member insertable through the slotted aperture of the blade holder frame, the aperture of the first channel wall and the aperture of the second channel wall; and

wherein the locking member urges the first and second channel walls toward the forward section of the blade holder frame to engage the first and second detents with the plurality of indentations.

14. The machine skate of claim 13 and further comprising:

a bushing positionable within the slot of the toe box portion;

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

a nut having a rectangular configuration to threadably engage the screw;

a second slot disposed within the blade holder frame to receive and retain the nut; and

wherein the threaded screw secures the toe box portion to the blade holder frame upon threadably engaging the nut.

15. The machine skate of claim 10 wherein the heel portion comprises a left vamp section and a right vamp section, the left and right vamp sections positionable over an outside surface of the toe box portion.

16. An machine skate comprising:

a blade holder frame having a forward section;

a boot disposed on the blade holder frame, the boot having a heel portion and a slidable toe box portion, the toe box portion having first and second downwardly extending channel walls, the forward section of the blade holder frame extending between the first and second channel walls;

first and second detents disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls;

a plurality of indentations disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls;

wherein the toe box is locked into a selected position upon the first and second detents engaging the plurality of indentations; and

wherein the first and second channel walls are resilient and are positionable between a relaxed position and a position whereupon the first and second detents engage the plurality of indentations.

17. The machine skate of claim 16 wherein the heel portion comprises left and right vamp sections, the left and right vamp sections engaging an outside surface of the toe box portion.

18. The machine skate of claim 16 and further comprising;

a first slot disposed within the toe box portion along a longitudinal axis of the skate, the slot having a perimeter wall extending downward; and

a recessed surface to receive the perimeter wall of the first slot, the recessed surface disposed longitudinally within the blade holder frame along the longitudinal axis of the skate, the first slot and the recessed surface slidably engageable with one another such that the toe box may slide rearwardly or forwardly guided by the perimeter wall.

19. The machine skate of claim 18 and further comprising:

a bushing;

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

a nut having a rectangular configuration to threadably engage the screw, the nut disposed within the recessed surface; and

wherein the threaded screw and bushing are positionable through the first slot to slidably secure the toe box to the blade holder frame.

20. The machine skate of claim 16 wherein the blade holder frame includes a slotted aperture extending therethrough and the side channel walls include apertures alignable with the slotted aperture, and further including a locking member extending through the apertures of the side channel walls and the slotted aperture of the blade holder frame, the locking member flexing the side channel walls toward the forward section of the blade holder frame to engage the first and second detents with the plurality of indentations.

21. An machine skate comprising:

a blade holder frame having a forward section;

a boot disposed on the blade holder frame, the boot having a heel portion and a slidable toe box portion, the toe box portion having first and second downwardly extending channel walls, the forward section of the blade holder frame extending between the first and second channel walls;

first and second detents disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls;

a plurality of indentations disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls;

wherein the toe box is locked into a selected position upon the first and second detents engaging the plurality of indentations; and

wherein the heel portion comprises left and right vamp sections, the left and right vamp sections engaging an outside surface of the toe box portion.

22. The machine skate of claim 21 and further comprising;

a first slot disposed within the toe box portion along a longitudinal axis of the skate, the slot having a perimeter wall extending downward; and

a recessed surface to receive the perimeter wall of the first slot, the recessed surface disposed longitudinally within the blade holder frame along the longitudinal axis of the skate, the first slot and the recessed surface slidably engageable with one another such that the toe box may slide rearwardly or forwardly guided by the perimeter wall.

23. The machine skate of claim 22 and further comprising:

a bushing;

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

a nut having a rectangular configuration to threadably engage the screw, the nut disposed within the recessed surface; and

wherein the threaded screw and bushing are positionable through the first slot to slidably secure the toe box to the blade holder frame.

24. The machine skate of claim 21 wherein the blade holder frame includes a slotted aperture extending therethrough and the side channel walls include apertures alignable with the slotted aperture, and further including a locking member extending through the apertures of the side channel walls and the slotted aperture of the blade holder frame, the locking member flexing the side channel walls toward the forward section of the blade holder frame to engage the first and second detents with the plurality of indentations.

25. An machine skate comprising:

a blade holder frame having a forward section;

a boot disposed on the blade holder frame, the boot having a heel portion and a slidable toe box portion, the toe box portion having first and second downwardly extending channel walls, the forward section of the blade holder frame extending between the first and second channel walls;

first and second detents disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls;

a plurality of indentations disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls;

wherein the toe box is locked into a selected position upon the first and second detents engaging the plurality of indentations; and

further comprising:

a first slot disposed within the toe box portion along a longitudinal axis of the skate, the slot having a perimeter wall extending downward; and

a recessed surface to receive the perimeter wall of the first slot, the recessed surface disposed longitudinally within the blade holder frame along the longitudinal axis of the skate, the first slot and the recessed surface slidably engageable with one another such that the toe box may slide rearwardly or forwardly guided by the perimeter wall.

26. The machine skate of claim 25 and further comprising:

a bushing;

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

a nut having a rectangular configuration to threadably engage the screw, the nut disposed within the recessed surface; and

wherein the threaded screw and bushing are positionable through the first slot to slidably secure the toe box to the blade holder frame.

27. The machine skate of claim 25 wherein the blade holder frame includes a slotted aperture extending therethrough and the side channel walls include apertures alignable with the slotted aperture, and further including a locking member extending through the apertures of the side channel walls and the slotted aperture of the blade holder frame, the locking member flexing the side channel walls toward the forward section of the blade holder frame to engage the first and second detents with the plurality of indentations.

28. An machine skate comprising:

a blade holder frame having a forward section;

a boot disposed on the blade holder frame, the boot having a heel portion and a slidable toe box portion, the toe box portion having first and second downwardly extending channel walls, the forward section of the blade holder frame extending between the first and second channel walls;

first and second detents disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls;

a plurality of indentations disposed on either the forward section of the blade holder frame or the first and second channel walls;

wherein the toe box is locked into a selected position upon the first and second detents engaging the plurality of indentations; and

wherein the blade holder frame includes a slotted aperture extending therethrough and the side channel walls include apertures alignable with the slotted aperture, and further including a locking member extending through the apertures of the side channel walls and the slotted aperture of the blade holder frame, the locking member flexing the side channel walls toward the forward section of the blade holder frame to engage the first and second detents with the plurality of indentations.
Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to machine skates, and in particular to machine skates wherein the boot size is adjustable to accommodate different foot sizes.

Ice skating has been a popular recreational activity for many years, especially for children. However, children have growing feet, and to enjoy ice skating the skates should properly fit the child’s feet. Of course with growing feet, a new pair of skates must be purchased as the child’s feet grow, sometimes on an annual basis.

There exists in the prior art boots that are modifiable in length. However, there does not exist in the prior art an machine skate that can be modified in length, and yet be durable, and also have a minimum number of parts to keep down costs and be easy for children to use. Thus, there is a need to provide an machine skate that can be modified in length, durable to the rigors that children put skates through and also be simple for children to use. The machine skate of the present invention being modifiable in length, durable and simple to use is advantageous especially for use by youth whose foot size may change significantly in a short period of time.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises an machine skate that has a heel portion and a toe box portion which can be modifiable in length. The heel portion is disposed on a blade holder frame. The toe box portion is slidably disposed upon the blade holder frame and is slidable in relation to the heel portion. The toe box portion includes downwardly extending, resilient channel walls having detents disposed thereon which frictionally engage a plurality of indentations disposed upon the blade holder frame when the channel sidewalls are flexed inwardly and urged toward the blade holder frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The machine skate of the present invention is generally illustrated at 10 in FIG. 1. The machine skate 10 includes a boot 12 whose size may be modified in length. The boot 12 includes a toe box 14 and a heel portion 16 disposed on a blade holder frame 18. The toe box 14 slidably engages both the heel portion 16 and the blade holder frame 18. The toe box 14 is secured to the blade holder frame 18 by a locking mechanism 20. The blade holder frame 18 retains a blade 22 for engaging an ice surface, as is well known in the art. The boot 12 further includes a cuff portion 24 pivotally mounted to the heel portion 16 in a conventional manner by a pair of pivots 26 located on opposing sides of the cuff portion 24. Fastening means 28, including but not limited to laces and eyelets or adjustable straps, as are well known in the art, secure the cuff 24 to the leg and foot of a wearer. A suitable liner (not shown) has an elastic section proximate the toe box 14 so that the liner can accommodate different foot sizes. Such liners are known in the art.

A unitary machine skate sole plate is provided with downwardly open recesses for receiving the strut arms of attached wheel trucks. The recesses include shaped, resilient cushions having sockets for holding the strut arms ends while allowing generally universal motion thereof.

A machine skate comprising a unitary sole plate having toe and heel portions joined by an instep portion, a top surface for receiving a shoe and a bottom surface for receiving truckassemblies; a front wheel truck assembly at the toe portion of the sole plate bottom surface and a rear wheel truck assembly at the heel portion of the sole plate bottom surface, each truck assembly including a cushioned action screw connected to thesole plate and extending through a platform from which a strut arm inclines upwardly toward the adjacent end of the sole plate; said sole plate bottom surface having a pair of downwardly open recesses, one adjacent the front of the toe portion and theother adjacent the rear of the heel portion, with each recess having an upper closed end and a lower end opening defined by downwardly relatively diverging internal wall surfaces of the recess which are substantially free of any undercutting relative tothe upper closed end and with a portion of the internal wall surface of each recess toward the adjacent end of the sole plate extending downwardly below the remaining diverging internal wall surface and in continued divergence relative thereto and moreremotely spaced from the associated strut arm; and a cushion element mounted in each recess and conforming to the shaping of the internal wall surfaces thereof and having a socket therein similarly inclined with respect to the associated strut arm andof complementary shape for receiving the free end of the associated strut arm; and with the socket opening disposed vertically above the terminal end of the downwardly extending internal wall surface of the recess leaving therebetween additionalthickness of the cushion material which is inclined downwardly from the socket opening and away from confining engagement with the associated strut for permissive expansion and recovery of the inclined and unconfined cushion material under activemovements of the strut arm.

A machine skate, wherein the internal wall surface of each recess toward the adjacent end of the sole plate is generally vertical with respect to the horizontal plane of the sole plate to present the increased thicknessof the cushion element intermediate the socket and the vertical wall surface of the recess.

A machine skate, wherein the recess is elongate along the axis of the sole plate.

A machine skate, wherein the upper surface of the sole plate is provided with upwardly open hexagonal recesses receiving cushion-fastener elements, as a nut or fastener head, for securing the action screws againstrotation.

A sole plate for a machine skate of the type including front and rear wheel truck assemblies at the heel and toe portions and each with a cushioned action screw and an upwardly inclined strut arm; said sole plate comprising: a molded unitaryplate portion with depending heel and toe embossments, each embossment having a downwardly open recess having a closed upper end and a lower end opening defined by downwardly relatively diverging internal wall surfaces without undercutting thereofrelative to the upper closed end, the wall surface of each recess nearest the adjacent end of the sole plate being at least generally vertical with respect to the horizontal plane of the sole plate and an opposite wall surface of each recess beinginclined generally symmetrically with respect to the central axis of an associated inclined strut arm; and a cushion element mounted in each recess and conforming to the internal shaping of the wall surfaces and having a socket therein for receiving aninclined free end of an associated strut arm and resiliently reacting to movements of the strut arm during skating operations; each said cushion element socket having generally parallel internal surface portions inclined for mating with said inclinedfree end of an associated strut arm, and providing space for additional thickness of the included cushion element between the strut arm socket and the vertical wall surface of the associated recess; a portion of the internal wall surface of each recesstoward the adjacent end of the sole plate extending downwardly with respect to the remaining recess internal wall with the additional thickness of the included cushion element exposed to the open end of the recess to extend downwardly from the adjacentsurface of the strut arm socket to the downwardly wall surface portion of the cushion-receiving recess.

A sole plate, wherein the upper surface of the sole plate is provided with upwardly open out-of-round recesses at the heel and toe portions for fixedly receiving similarly shaped fastener elements, as a nut or fastenerhead, securing the action screws against rotation.

A sole plate and further including a recessed upper surface defined by an upstanding peripheral wall and a plurality of generally diagonally disposed reinforcing ribs extending between inner surfaces of the upstandingperipheral wall.

A sole plate as claimed in claim 7 wherein the upstanding peripheral wall is contoured to define heel, instep and toe portions for attachment of a shoe to the sole plate and further including fastener accommodating apertures extending throughthe sole plate recessed upper surface for accommodating fasteners for attachment of a shoe to said sole plate upper surface.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to machine skates and a wheel support assembly therefor, particularly for rink type machine skates, and to an improved sole plate of relatively low cost, light weight and enhanced durability.

machine skates of this general type are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,294,984 with an action screw cushion and ball and socket strut arm mounting and U.S. Pat. No. 2,719,725 for a double action screw cushion and spring strut arm; in U.S. Pat. No.2,719,723 with double action screw cushion and ball and socket connection for the strut arm, nd toe stop; in U.S. Pat. No. 3,180,651 for a sole plate included a threaded member for mounting a toe stop; in U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,763 for a cup-likecushion for the end of the strut arm. The above patents include a sole plate to which a heeled shoe is to be mounted. U.S. Pat. No. 4,058,323 shows a somewhat skeletal form of sole plate design for low cost, light weight and good durability. In askatboard truck, another form of cushion mounting for the end of a strut arm is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,103,917.

In machine skate patents as above exemplified, the truck assemblies permit a degree of relative movement between the wheel axles and the sole plate for the skater to gracefully perform certain motions or steps but without a feeling of loosenessbetween the parts as skating pressures are varied in a controlled manner.

SUMMARY

According to the present invention, the action, or flexibility without looseness, as provided by the action screw cushions, is improved by the resilient mounting of the end of the strut arm in a cushion shaped with objective of permittinggenerally universal action therebetween with a reduced tendency of wear or pinching of the cushion during such action, and of providing for ready assembly of the cushion in a generally symmetrically shaped recess with an enlarged downwardly open end.

The invention further provides a somewhat skeletal form of unitary sole plate with an upwardly open recess defined by a peripheral wall with diagonal arrays of reinforcing ribs arranged for strengthening the sole plate particularly in the regionsof upwardly open recesses mounting the securing devices for the action screws and the stop against rotation, and with the upper edges of the peripheral wall and ribs contoured along the length of the sole plate to provide heel, instep and toe portionsfor attachment of a shoe without the usual heel.

The front and rear wheel or roller trucks for the machine skate are substantially identical but in reversed positioning of parts and the front truck assembly will be described with lettered suffix numerals applied to the rear truck assembly. Thefront truck wheels 60 are carried by an axle 62 which also carries an integral platform 64 and action strut arm 66 angularly disposed relative to one another. The front action screw 68 is illustrated as a headed bolt with the hexagonal drive headthereof press fitted or otherwise secured in the complementary shaped recess 28 and with the threaded shank thereof passing through upper and lower cushioning washer blocks 70, 72, respectively, of rubber or similar cushioning material. These cushioningblocks are disposed on opposite sides of the platform 64 through which the action screw 68 extends and is secured by a self-locking nut 74 operating against a washer 76. The upper surface of the upper cushion block 70 is seated in the recess 48 of theembossment 34. With this arrangement, the headed bolt may be assembled with the sole plate prior to attachment of the shoe. On the other hand, it is contemplated that a nut alone may be so assembled with the sole plate and the headed bolt then passedupwardly through the platform and cushion blocks for attachment to the previously press fitted or otherwise assembled nut.

As shown more in detail in FIG. 4, the recess 40 (the recess 38 is similar but reversed) opens downwardly with a larger opening than the upper closed end thereof. The configuration is such that there are no “undercut” surfaces so as tofacilitate molding. As illustrated, this enlargement of the open end of the recess is elongated along the sole plate axis and includes opposite side walls and a rear wall 40a which is inclined symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis of theassociated strut arm 66 in normal assembly. The forward wall 40b of the recess is generally vertical with respect to the horizontal plane of the sole plate and extends downwardly below the recess rear wall. This recess has mounted therein a cushioningsocket member 80 of rubber or similar resilient material for complemental snug fit and mounting by a press fit, or augmented by adhesive bond, within the inner surface confines of the recess and with itself internally recessed for snug complemental fitwith the rounded end of the strut arm 66 to provide a cushioned substantially universal connection in the nature of a ball and socket connection. The forward remnant portion of the cushion extends forwardly and downwardly, as at 82, to the bottom of therecess wall 40b, thus leaving a rather substantial thickness of cushion material in this area to enhance the “feel” of the skate during use and particularly under energetic action by the skater as in rink skating for indoor and dance or figure skating. In such use, it is particularly desirable to provide a limited degree of flexibility or so-called “action” between the wheel and axle assembly but without a feeling of looseness between the parts, or undue wear between the assembled parts, thus to afforda controlled degree of motion, and skaters may adjust the sensitivity by adjusting the action screw and nut relative the included cushioning blocks.

The resilient socket for the end of the action strut arms greatly increases this “feel” of the skate but in the past such sockets have been subject excessive wear under constant energetic skating action as by pinching the edges of a normalcup-like cushion against the edges of its mounting recess. It is desirable to reduce such wear in both the front and rear truck assemblies but, generally speaking, the front truck assembly is subject to more vigorous “action”. In gracefully performingcertain motions or steps, the flexibility should be accomplished without a loose feeling and without undue wear or strain on the assembly. The cushion blocks on the action screw and platform accomplish much of this confined flexibility but the actionstrut arm is subjected to resultant movements not only laterally but fore and aft. The principal resultant action of the strut arm occurs as the front truck assembly is rearwardly and upwardly urged under certain energetic movement, the strut arm of thefront truck assembly will tend toward clockwise movement and with some upward movement. In doing so, the forward enlarged portion of the cushion socket member 80 will resiliently yield and reduce pinching action on the rear portion of the cushion. Thisis permitted by the unconfined inclined portion 82 being free to “give” under the movement of the action strut and then recover as the truck assembly reverts to or toward normal skating position. While wear of the cushion member is greatly reduced,replacement thereof is simplified since it is trapped in position by the strut arm which may be removed with the truck assembly for this purpose, and the downwardly enlarging internal shaping of the recess 38 or 40 permits ready removal of the cushionand equally ready assembly of a replacement.