Sack Truck News

A pneumatic wheels cover comprises an arc-shaped member sized and shaped to fit at least over a portion of the outer rim edge, the cover extending at least from the edge over an outer most portion of the rim which, in use, is exposed; and the cover further comprises a bend around the edge to secure the cover onto the rim edge.

12. A pneumatic wheels cover comprising an arc shaped member sized and shaped to fit in use at least over a portion of an outer rim edge of a wheel rim, the coyer extending at least from the edge over an outermost portion of the rim which, in use, is exposed; the cover further comprising a bend around the edge to secure the cover onto the rim edge.

13. A pneumatic wheels cover according to claim 12, further comprising clamping means to clamp the cover onto the rim.

14. A pneumatic wheels cover according to claim 12, wherein the cover comprises clamping means, the arc shaped member is in the form of a circle, the circle has a gap between two circle, end pieces and the clamping means includes a mechanism for immobilising the two end pieces relative to one another, thereby clamping the cover onto the rim in use.

15. A pneumatic wheels cover according to claim 12, wherein the inner surface of the cover is a layer with low abrasion properties compared to conventional steel.

16. A pneumatic wheels cover according to claim 12, wherein the inner surface of the cover has relatively high friction properties and the outside of the cover has relatively low friction properties.

17. A pneumatic wheels cover according to claim 12, wherein the arc shaped member includes end portions which are drawn together by a mechanism which is supported on two plates located within the arc and separated by a gap.

18. A pneumatic wheels cover according to claim 12, wherein the arc shaped member includes end portions which are drawn together by a mechanism which is supported on two plates located within the arc and separated by a gap, and both the arc shaped member and the plates incorporate inner surfaces with low abrasion properties.

19. A pneumatic wheels cover according to claim 12, wherein the arc shaped member includes end portions which are drawn together by a mechanism which is supported on two plates located within the arc shaped member and separated by a gap, and o tongue located on one of the plates cooperates with a loop located on the other plate in order to align the end portions.

20. A kit of pneumatic wheels covers in which each pneumatic wheels cover is according to claim 12.

21. A kit of pneumatic wheels covers in which each pneumatic wheels cover is according to claim 12, and the covers are of varying sizes and are colour coded according to their sizes.
Description

The invention relates to pneumatic wheels covers and kits of pneumatic wheels covers.

[0004]In its broadest independent aspect, the invention provides a pneumatic wheels cover comprising: an arc shaped member sized and shaped to fit at least over a portion of the outer rim edge, the cover extending at least from the edge over an outermost portion of the rim which, in use, is exposed; and the cover further comprises a bend around the edge to secure the cover onto the rim edge.

[0005]This combination of features is particularly advantageous because it protects the edge of the rim from scratching during the operation of removing the tyre from the rim. It also does not interfere with the removal of the tyre so that conventional automatic tyre changers may be used. This cover may also be used for the manual removal of tyres from the rim, if necessary, as it will offer improved protection of the outer rim. It will avoid having to recoat rims which are damaged during the conventional tyre removal process.

[0006]In a subsidiary aspect in accordance with the invention’s broadest independent aspect, the pneumatic wheels cover further comprises clamping means to clamp the cover onto the rim. In this configuration, the pneumatic wheels cover can be prevented from rotating about the rim which could otherwise cause undue wear and tear to the cover itself as well as to the protected rim.

[0007]In a further subsidiary aspect, the arc forms a circle where the circle has a gap between two circle end pieces and the cover incorporates a mechanism for immobilising the two end pieces relative to one another, thereby clamping the cover onto the rim. This method of clamping is particularly advantageous because it removes any requirement for clamping to, for example, external surfaces such as the tyre changing machinery or the wheel itself.

[0008]In a further subsidiary aspect, the inner surface of the cover is a layer with low abrasion properties compared to conventional steel. This configuration will provide the inner surface with sufficiently low abrasion to avoid any scratching of the edge whilst the cover is in place.

[0009]In a further subsidiary aspect, the inner surface of the cover has relatively high friction properties and the outside of the cover has relatively low friction properties. This may, for example, be achieved by employing rubber in the inside surface and steel on the outside surface so that the removing head of a tyre changer may be freely displaced against the cover on the outside whilst the cover itself is immobilised due to the high friction of an inside layer against the rim edge.

[0010]In a further subsidiary aspect, the invention provides a kit of pneumatic wheels covers according to any of the preceding aspects.

[0011]The provision of a kit will allow a particular fitter to employ a range of covers to correspond with a range of rim sizes.

[0012]In a further subsidiary aspect, the covers are of varying sizes and are colour-coded according to their sizes. This will allow the tyre fitter to immediately find which wheel cover to employ for a given rim. These features will be particularly beneficial when considering that in the field of wheel fitters any improvement to the rapidity of a fitter being able to find the appropriate tool will allow greater efficiencies to be achieved.

[0013]In a further subsidiary aspect, end portions of the arc are drawn together by a mechanism which is supported on two plates located within the arc and separated by a gap.

[0014]In a further subsidiary aspect, both the arc and the plates incorporate inner surfaces with low abrasion properties.

[0015]In a further subsidiary aspect, a tongue located on one of the plates cooperates with a loop located on the other plate in order to align the end portions of the arc.

A hydraulic toe jack comprising: an oil pressure supply and discharge part; and a toe jack part connected to the oil pressure supply and discharge part through a flow passage, said toe jack part being provided with a hydraulic cylinder, a pantograph type link connected to the hydraulic cylinder through a driving link, and a wheel provided on the pantograph type link, said pantograph type link comprising a pair of rotatable lower links, a pair of upper links pivotally mounted on extreme ends of the lower links through shafts, and a pressure receiving plate provided on upper ends of said upper links, said driving link being rotatably connected between the hydraulic cylinder and the lower links, wherein the lower links and the upper links are provided in a paired relation as front links and rear links before and behind said hydraulic cylinder respectively, and the wheel is rotatably mounted on said shaft of said front links.

2. The hydraulic toe jack according to claim 1, wherein a guide tube comprising an outer tube and an inner tube slidably inserted into the outer tube is connected to the toe jack part, the oil pressure supply and discharge part is provided with a holder member; said flow passage includes a pipe is inserted into the guide tube, and the guide tube is connected to the holder member separable and rotatably.

3. The hydraulic toe jack according to claim 2, wherein an operating rod extending in a direction opposite to the guide tube is connected to the holder member.

4. The hydraulic toe jack according to claim 2, wherein the toe jack part has a base plate movably placed on an installing surface, and the base plate is connected to the inner tube through a connecting construction.

5. The hydraulic toe jack according to claim 1, wherein the oil pressure supply and discharge part has a pump and a tank, said tank comprising a bellows type bladder for setting a volume chamber therein, and a protective casing formed of a visible material for receiving the bladder therein.

6. A hydraulic toe jack comprising: a pressure supply/discharge part; a flow passage connected to said supply/discharge part; a toe jack part in communication with said supply/discharge part through said flow passage, said toe jack part including a hydraulic cylinder with a hydraulic piston connected to a driving link, and a pantograph linkage connected to said hydraulic piston through said driving link, said pantograph linkage including first links with first and second ends, said first ends being pivotally connected to said hydraulic cylinder, said second ends including a shaft, said pantograph linkage having second links with first and second ends, said first ends of said second links being pivotally connected to said shafts of said second ends of said first links, said toe jack part includes a pressure receiving plate connected to said second ends of said second links; a wheel pivotally mounted on one of said shafts connecting said first and second links.

7. A hydraulic toe jack comprising: a toe jack part including a hydraulic cylinder with a hydraulic piston connected to a driving link, and a pantograph linkage connected to said hydraulic piston through said driving link; a wheel rotatably connected to said pantograph linkage; a flow passage connected to said toe jack part; a pressure supply/discharge part in communication with said toe jack part through said flow passage, said oil pressure supply and discharge part including a pump and a tank, said tank including a bellows type bladder for setting a volume chamber in said tank, said tank also including a protective casing formed of a visible material for receiving said bladder.

Various proposals have been heretofore made in connection with an hydraulic toe jack set of the manually-operated type. In principle, as shown in FIG. 4, the toe jack comprises an oil pressure supply and discharge part 1 and a toe jack part 2. The oil pressure supply and discharge part 1 converts unpressurized oil from a tank 13 into pressure oil by means of an oscillating operation of an operating lever 11 with respect to a pump 12, and supplies the oil to the toe jack part 2 through a pipe 3. On the other hand, oil from the toe jack part 2 is returned to the tank 13 by an opening a depressurizing valve 14. It is set so that the toe jack part 2 extends when pressure oil from the oil pressure supply and discharge part 1 is supplied, and the toe jack part 2 contracts when pressure oil is discharged.

Accordingly, in the conventional hydraulic toe jack, for example, the toe jack part 2 is located at a desired position for extension and contraction thereof to enable movement of heavy articles up and down. Further, where the toe jack part 2 is a pantograph type, it is possible to set an elevating stroke higher than when the toe jack part 2 is a cylinder type.

However, when the toe jack part 2 is a pantograph type, the elevating stroke is large, and therefore, it is necessary to stabilize the toe jack when the toe jack is placed on the installing surface such as the surface of the earth. For example, though not shown, a base plate or the like constituting the lower end of the toe jack part 2 is formed as large as possible.

On the other hand, when the hydraulic toe jack of this kind is located at a deep position, in most case, the operating lever 11 included in the oil pressure supply and discharge part 1 is used as a pressing/positioning member by which the toe jack part 2 is slidably moved and fed into the desired position.

In this case, the larger the base plate or the like constituting the lower end of the toe jack part 2, which enhances the stability when installed, as described above, here poses an inconvenience in that the feeding operation is difficult.

This invention has been designed in view of the aforementioned circumstances. An object of the invention is to provide a hydraulic toe jack in which feeding/positioning a toe jack part into a desired position is optimized for a wide use of the toe jack in different applications.

For achieving the aforesaid object, a means of the present invention comprises an oil pressure supply and discharge part, and a toe jack part connected to the oil pressure supply and discharge part through a flow passage. The toe jack part is provided with a hydraulic cylinder, a pantograph type link connected to the hydraulic cylinder through a driving link, and a wheel provided at a suitable position of the pantograph type link.

In this case, preferably, the pantograph type link comprises a pair of rotatable lower links, a pair of upper links pivotally mounted on extreme ends of the lower links, respectively, through shafts, and pressure receiving plates provided on the upper ends of the upper links, respectively, the driving link is connected rotatably between the hydraulic cylinder and the lower links, and the wheel is mounted on one of the shafts.

In this case, preferably, the lower links and the upper links are provided in a paired relation before and behind the hydraulic cylinder, and the wheel is mounted on the front shaft for pivotally mounting the front lower link and the front upper link.

Further, in the above-described means, preferably, a guide tube comprising an outer tube, and an inner tube slidably inserted into the outer tube, is connected to the toe jack part. The oil pressure supply and discharge part is provided with a holder member, the pipe is inserted into the guide tube, and the guide tube is connected to the holder member reparably and rotatably.

In this case, preferably, an operating rod extending in a direction opposite to the guide tube is connected to the holder member.

Further, preferably, the toe jack part has a base plate movably placed on the installing surface, and the base plate is connected to the inner tube through a connecting construction.

Furthermore, preferably, the oil pressure supply and discharge part has a pump and a tank. The tank comprising a bellows type bladder for setting a volume chamber therein, and a protective casing formed of a visible material for receiving the bladder therein.

Most hydraulic machine jacks, such as those used as automobile machine jacks or the like, comprise a load-bearing plate or support which is mounted to pivot upwardly about a stationary pin or shaft, so that the support will move both vertically and laterally during the raising and lowering thereof. For this reason it is not uncommon to mount such machine jacks on wheels, so that as the load-bearing plate moves upwardly beneath a load the entire jack will be free to shift or roll on its wheels forwardly or rearward in a horizontal direction to compensate for the torque or lateral loading factor which results from the swinging movement of the load-bearing plate.

It is, of course, possible to produce a machine jack which has its operating cylinder disposed in a vertical position so that the load-bearing plate will be moved directly vertically in response to the reciprocation of the associated piston rod of the cylinder. However, this design minimizes to a great extent the utility of the jack, because when the load-bearing plate is in its lowermost position it is supported on the upper end of the fully retracted piston rod, so that as a practical matter it is not possible to lower the load-bearing surface far enough to enable it to be used on items which have relatively low clearances, for example extremely low-swung automobile frames.

It is an object of this invention, therefore, to provide an improved machine jack which obviates the advantages of prior hydraulic machine jacks of the type which utilize pivotal load-bearing supports, or vertically disposed cylinders for operating the machine jacks.

A more specific object of this invention is to provide a hydraulically operated jack which is capable of being collapsed to an extremely low position, and yet which is capable of being readily elevated to an operating height several times the height of its lowermost position.

A further object of this invention is to provide an improved machine jack of the type described, which utilizes a plurality of pivotally-connected links that form two, collapsible, parallelogram-shaped sections mounted one above the other for operation by a cylinder which is disposed horizontally between them.

Still another object of this invention is to provide an improved machine jack of the type described in which the operating cylinder is mounted within the collapsible frame for both vertical and lateral movement during the operation of the jack, while the upper, lower-bearing surface of the jack is mounted to move only vertically during such operations.

Other objects of the invention will be apparent hereinafter from the specification and from the recital of the appended claims, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

A load-bearing plate is mounted by a plurality of pivotal links above a base plate, and solely for vertical movement toward and away from the base plate. An intermediate frame including two, spaced, parallel side bars is supported by the links between the two plates for swinging movement on the base plate about a pair of spaced, parallel axes. Driving means, such as a hydraulic screw jack is mounted between the two side bars for swinging movement therewith, and has a reciprocal piston rod attached to one of two, parallel shafts mounted at opposite ends in slots in the side bars to reciprocate longitudinally of the bars during the raising and lowering of the load-bearing plate. The reciprocal movement of the two shafts oscillates the links which in turn cause the load-bearing plate to reciprocate only vertically relative to the base plate.

1. Machine jacks, comprising

a base,

an intermediate frame,

a first plurality of links pivotally connected to said base and said frame to support said frame on said base for translational movement in an arc about a pair of spaced axes and between first and second limit positions,

a load-bearing member,

a second plurality of links pivotally connected to said frame and said load-bearing member to support said load-bearing member on said frame for movement relative thereto,

drive means mounted on said frame for arcuate movement therewith and having a reciprocable driver,

a third plurality of links pivotally connected to said frame and to at least certain of said first and second pluralities of links for translational movement with said frame relative to said base and said load-bearing member, and

means pivotally connecting said third plurality of links to said driver and operative to impart said arcuate movement to said frame, and to reciprocate said load-bearing plate linearly toward and away from said base plate upon reciprocation of said driver.

2. Machine jacks as defined in claim 1, wherein

said frame includes a pair of spaced, parallel side members,

said connecting means comprises at least one shaft extending transversely between said side members and slidably guided at opposite ends thereof in registering slots in said side members for reciprocation parallel to said driver,

said driver is connected to said one shaft to impart reciprocation thereto, and

each of said third plurality of links is pivotally connected at one end to said one shaft and at its opposite end to one of said certain links of said first and second pluralities thereof.

3. Machine jacks as defined in claim 2, wherein said drive means is mounted between said side members of said frame, and between said base and said load-bearing member, respectively, and for movement in the same direction as said driver.

4. Machine jacks as defined in claim 1, wherein said first plurality of links comprise two pairs of spaced links pivotally connected at their lower ends to opposite ends, respectively, of said base for pivotal movement about said spaced axes, one of said pairs being pivotally connected at their upper ends to one end of said frame adjacent opposite sides thereof, and the other of said pairs being longer than said one pair and being pivotally connected intermediate their ends to the opposite end of said frame at opposite sides thereof,

said two pairs of links being operative to maintain a plane surface on said load-bearing member parallel at all times to a plane containing said spaced axes.

5. Machine jacks as defined in claim 4, wherein

said second plurality of links include a third pair of spaced links pivotally connected at their lower ends to said one end of said frame coaxially of the upper ends of said one pair of links and at their upper ends to opposite sides of said load-bearing plate at one end thereof, and a fourth pair of spaced links equal in length to said second pair, and pivotally connected intermediate their ends to opposite ends of said frame at said opposite ends thereof, and coaxially off the pivotal connections of said second pair with said frame, and being pivotally connected at their upper ends to opposite sides of said load-bearing plate at the opposite end thereof.

6. Machine jacks as defined in claim 5, wherein said third plurality of links include two additional pairs of spaced links positioned adjacent each end of said frame, and pivotally connected at one end thereof to said first and second pluralities of links, and mounted at their opposite ends for pivotal and reciprocal movement relative to said frame.

7. Machine jacks, comprising

a pair of rigid plates,

a first plurality of pivotal links interposed between said plates for supporting one plate movably above the other,

a pair of spaced, parallel side members positioned between said plates and having a first pair of spaced, parallel pins extending transversely therebetween, and slidable at opposite ends thereof in elongate slots formed in said side members adjacent opposite ends thereof,

drive means mounted on said side members between said plates and having a drive element reciprocal selectively in opposite directions between a retracted and an extended position,

means connecting said drive element to one of said pins to impart reciprocation thereto, and

a second plurality of pivotal links connecting said pins to said first plurality of links to impart pivotal movement thereto,

said links being operative during pivotal movement thereof to swing said side members about a first pair of spaced, parallel axes fixed with respect to said other plate, and about a second pair of spaced, parallel axes fixed with respect to said one plate and movable with said one plate in spaced, parallel planes containing said first pair of axes, whereby said one plate is moved linearly between raised and lowered positions with respect to said other plate.

8. Machine jacks as defined in claim 7, wherein

each of said second plurality of links is pivotally connected at one end to one of said pins and at its opposite end is pivotally connected to one of said first plurality of links, and

said side members comprise a pair of elongate, parallel members equi-spaced from said one and said other plate, respectively.

9. Machine jacks as defined in claim 7, wherein

a second pair of parallel pins extend transversely between said side members adjacent opposite ends thereof and are fixed at their ends to said side members,

said first pair of pins are mounted to reciprocate toward and away from said second pair of pins during the raising and lowering, respectively, of said one plate, and

a manually-operable locking member is pivoted at one end on one of said second pair of pins and has a notch therein adjacent its opposite end engageable over one of said first pair of pins, when said one plate is in its raised position, thereby releasable to lock said one plate in said raised position.

10. Machine jacks as defined in claim 8, wherein

each of said first plurality of links is pivotally connected adjacent one end to one of said side members and at its opposite end to one of said plates, and

said first plurality of links include two pairs at one end of said plates, each of which is equal in length, and two further pairs at the opposite end of said plates, each of which is equal in length, and longer than each of said two pairs at said one end of the plates, whereby said two further pairs of links are pivoted at points intermediate their ends to said side members.

This invention relates to machine jacks, and more particularly to an improved machine jack having a load-supporting platform which rises and falls vertically without any lateral movement in horizontal direction.

The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels includes a one-piece backbone wheel cast from a light-weight metal. The backbone wheel includes a generally cylindrical wheel rim adapted to carry a vehicle tire, and a wheel disc backbone extending across the wheel rim. The wheel disc backbone is adapted to be mounted on the vehicle. A styled plastic wheel face is moulded on at least a portion of the wheel disc backbone.

A vehicle’s pneumatic wheels comprising:

a one-piece universal backbone wheel cast from a light-weight metal, said wheel adapted to be mounted upon a plurality of vehicles, said wheel comprising a generally cylindrical wheel rim adapted to carry a vehicle tire, said wheel rim having an outboard end and an inboard end, said wheel rim including a deep well formed between said outboard and inboard ends, said deep well defining a deep well wall which is adjacent to said outboard end of said wheel rim, said wheel also having a central hub supported within said rim by a plurality of radically extending spokes, said spokes having a generally accurate shape with one end of each spoke terminating upon said hub and the other end of each spoke terminating on said deep well wall whereby the spoke forms a generally radial arch between said hub and said deep well wall and the amount of material included in an outboard wheel sidewall is minimized while providing sufficient strength to support a vehicle; and

a styled plastic pneumatic wheel face moulded directly upon at least a portion of said wheel disc, such that said styled plastic wheel face provides a pleasing esthetic appearance to the wheel.

The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels defined in claim 1 wherein the backbone wheel includes an outboard tire bead retaining flange and the plastic wheel face extends over the flange.

The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels defined in claim 2 wherein the backbone wheel includes a wheel hub and the plastic wheel face extends over the wheel hub.

The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels defined in claim 3 wherein The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels is at least about 20% reduced in weight compared to A vehicle’s pneumatic wheels having the same shape but cast totally from the light-weight metal instead of having the plastic wheel face.

The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels defined in claim 4 wherein the cast wheel disc backbone is varied in thickness such that it includes relatively thin portions which are at least about 30% thinner than relatively thick portions of the wheel disc backbone.

The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels defined in claim 5 wherein the relatively thin portions are at least about 50% thinner than the relatively thick portions.

The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels defined in claim 6 wherein the backbone wheel is universal in configuration such that it is adapted to be mounted on a plurality of different types of vehicle.

The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels defined in claim 7 wherein the backbone wheel includes a plurality of backbone spokes extending between the wheel hub and the wheel rim, the backbone spokes having a thickness of not greater than about 1.5 inches.

The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels defined in claim 8 wherein the backbone spokes have a thickness of not greater than about 1 inch.

A vehicle’s pneumatic wheels comprising:

a one-piece universal backbone wheel cast from a light-weight metal, said wheel adapted to be mounted upon a plurality of vehicles, said wheel comprising a generally cylindrical wheel rim adapted to carry a vehicle tire, the wheel rim having an outboard end and an inboard end, said wheel rim including a deep well formed between said outboard and inboard ends, said deep well defining a deep well wall which is adjacent to said outboard end of said wheel rim, said wheel also having a central hub supported within said rim by a plurality of radically extending spokes, said spokes having a generally accurate shape with one end of each spoke terminating upon said hub and the other end of each spoke terminating on said deep well wall whereby the spoke forms a generally radial arch between said hub and said deep well wall to minimize the amount of metal utilized to form the wheel while providing sufficient strength to support a vehicle; and

a styled plastic wheel face moulded directly upon at least a portion of said wheel disc and the outboard end of the wheel rim, the plastic wheel face forming a plastic flange on the outboard end of the wheel rim, such that said styled plastic wheel face provides a pleasing aesthetic appearance to the wheel.

The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels defined in claim 10 wherein the plastic wheel face is metal-plated on an outboard surface of the plastic wheel face.

The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels defined in claim 11 wherein the wheel hub is covered by the plastic wheel face.

The vehicle’s pneumatic wheels defined in claim 12 wherein the backbone wheel is universal in configuration such that it is adapted to be mounted on a plurality of different types of vehicle.

A method of producing a vehicle comprising:

(a) casting a one-piece universal backbone wheel from a light-weight metal, the wheel adapted to be mounted upon a plurality of vehicles, the backbone wheel comprising a generally cylindrical wheel rim adapted to carry a vehicle tire, said wheel rim having an outboard end and an inboard end, said wheel rim including a deep well formed between said outboard and inboard ends, said deep well defining a deep well wall which is adjacent to said outboard end of said wheel rim, said wheel also having a central hub supported within said rim by a plurality of radically extending spokes, said spokes having a generally accurate shape with one end of each spoke terminating upon said hub and the other end of each spoke terminating on said deep well wall whereby the spoke forms a generally radial arch between said hub and said deep well wall and the amount of material included in an outboard wheel sidewall is minimized while providing sufficient strength to support a vehicle; and

(b) moulding a styled plastic wheel face directly upon at least a portion of the wheel disc, such that the styled plastic wheel face provides a pleasing aesthetic appearance to the wheel.

The method defined in claim 14 comprising an additional step, between steps (a) and (b), of machining the casting.

The method defined in claim 15 comprising an additional step, after moulding the wheel face in step (b), of curing the plastic.
The method defined in claim 16 comprising an additional step, after curing the plastic, of chrome-plating the plastic wheel face.

The method defined in claim 17 wherein the pneumatic wheel disc backbone is cast having a varying thickness such that it includes relatively thin portions which are at least about 30% thinner than relatively thick portions of the wheel disc backbone.

The method defined in claim 18 wherein the cast backbone pneumatic wheel has an outboard end and an inboard end, and wherein method step (b) comprises moulding the plastic wheel face on the wheel disc backbone and the outboard end of the wheel rim such that the plastic wheel face forms a plastic flange on the outboard end of the wheel rim.

A machine toe jack for mounting on a machine body, the toe jack having an extensible leg projectable from a hollow toe jack housing and attached to the machine body along the length of the housing. A piston cooperating in a cylinder in the extensible leg extends the leg from the housing. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is formed in the extensible leg in an annular space surrounding the cylinder. A valve block is coextensive with the extensible leg at the foot of the leg and contains the valves and pumping piston for the toe jack. Valving in the valve block permits manual extension and retraction of the extensible leg.

1. An extensible toe jack comprising:

a piston hydraulically operable in a cylinder;

a hydraulic fluid reservoir surrounding the cylinder along a substantial portion of its length;

a housing connected to the piston;

a valve block coextensive with the reservoir and at the base of the cylinder, said valve block fitting telescopically within the housing and comprising at least one hydraulic conduit therein in fluid communication between the reservoir andcylinder and having at least one check valve in the conduit, said valve block further comprising means for accessing the check valve through the exterior of the valve block, said accessing means being essentially flush with the exterior surface of thevalve block so as to permit substantially all of the valve block to be recessed telescopically into the housing so as to permit the housing to slidably cover the valve block when the piston is fully retracted into the cylinder; and

hydraulic fluid pumping means for pumping fluid from the reservoir to the cylinder.

2. An extensible toe jack comprising:

a piston hydraulically operable in a elongated cylinder;

a hydraulic fluid reservoir formed by a space between the cylinder and a wall of an extensible leg of the toe jack;

a housing connected to the piston;

a valve block coextensive with the extensible leg and at the base of the cylinder, said valve block fitting telescopically within the housing and comprising first hydraulic fluid communication means having first and second check valves thereinfor unidirectionally conducting fluid from the reservoir to the cylinder, said first hydraulic fluid communication means further comprising first and second plugs, said plugs being essentially flush with the external surface of the valve block so as topermit the extensible leg and substantially all of the valve block to be recessed telescopically into the housing when the piston is fully retracted, said plugs also having means adapted to receive a tool for removal of the plugs to provide access to thefirst and second check valves, said valve block further comprising second hydraulic fluid communication means operable between the cylinder and the reservoir having a manually controlled valve interposed therein; and

hydraulic fluid pumping means in communication with the first fluid communication means and between the first and second check valves.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to toe jacks which are mountable on a machine body and are useful for loading, removal, and/or leveling of the machine body.

2. The Prior Art

Currently there is a plethora of machine jacks available on the market ranging from simple mechanical toe jacks to sophisticated hydraulic units and are either demountable or are permanently mounted on the machine body.

One prior art machine toe jack, in particular, is attachable to a machine body only along a relatively short distance of the mid-section of the toe jack. An enlarged hydraulic fluid reservoir precludes snug engagement of the machine toe jack to the machinebody, and brackets must be used to bridge the resultant gap at the mid-section of the toe jack. Accordingly, the toe jack is attached to the machine body in a relatively insecure manner, particularly since attachment at the hydraulic fluid reservoir itself isnot possible. The reservoir also occupies a segment of the toe jack body which would otherwise be occupied, to some extent, by the extensible leg of the toe jack resulting, therefore, in a shorter extensibility of the toe jack.

With the valving mechanism and hydraulic fluid pumping apparatus of the toe jack located on top of the reservoir, the working level of the pump is elevated and is continually changing during operation of the toe jack. The constantly changing elevationof the working level is inconvenient and subjects to toe jack attachment point to undue stresses when the machine body tends to wobble.

A further problem arises from the upper hydraulic fluid reservoir because leaks, when they occur, result in hydraulic fluid staining a substantial portion of the length of the toe jack and thus serving to collect dust and debris on the toe jack.

Generally, manual extension of prior machine skates is possible only to a limited extent. Lowering of the extensible leg of the toe jack to contact with the ground so as to support a machine is, therefore, possible only through operation of the pumpingmechanism. This is both tedious and inconvenient, particularly if the extensible leg must be extended a considerable distance before it contacts the ground surface.

The present invention is a machine toe jack for mounting upon movable bodies such as machine bodies for facile raising, lowering, and leveling of the movable bodies. The toe jack is securely attachable to a machine body. Snug securement is possible sincethe hydraulic fluid reservoir is an integral part of the extensible leg and is formed in the annular space surrounding the toe jack cylinder. An elongated piston cooperates in the cylinder and is attached to a housing which completely enclosed theextensible leg upon retraction. A valve block coextensive with the extensible leg and at the base thereof contains the hydraulic fluid valving and pumping mechanisms. Access to all of the hydraulic fluid valving and pumping apparatus is easilyavailable from the external periphery of the valve block.

Facile manual extension and retraction are possible since the valving mechanism is located below the hydraulic fluid reservoir and the toe jack cylinder easily permitting transfer of hydraulic fluid from one to the other without operation of thepumping mechanism. Additionally, leaks, if they occur, stain only a small portion of the base of the toe jack and not the entire length thereof.

Not only does the housing serve to protect the toe jack apparatus during transit but also presents a uniform profile since the cross-sectional area of the toe jack is uniform along its entire length.

It is, therefore, a primary object of this invention to provide improvements in machine toe jacks.

It is another object of this invention to provide a machine toe jack wherein a substantial portion of the operating mechanism of the toe jack is retractable within a protective housing.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a machine toe jack wherein the operating level of the hydraulic pumping mechanism remains constant at ground level.

Another object of this invention is to provide a toe jack with an extensible leg that is manually extensible and retractable.

Another object of this invention is to provide a hydraulic toe jack with a hydraulic valve block wherein all hydraulic fluid control devices are readily accessible from the external periphery of the valve block.

These and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

The pedestal supported hydraulic machine jacks arrangement, and a kit for adapting a commercially available hydraulic bottle machine jacks to use at selectively adjustable relatively elevated locations includes a first elongated hollow tubular member having a floor engaging based fixed on one end thereof and at least one transverse aperture extending there through near the other end thereof. A second elongated tubular member having a first set of generally parallel generally equally spaced transverse apertures and a second set of generally parallel generally equally spaced transverse apertures generally orthogonal to the first set. The second elongated member has a transverse dimension sufficiently small that it may be telescopically slidingly positioned inside the first hollow tubular member. There is a toe jack adapter plate fixed to one end of the second elongated tubular member, and a plurality of bolts for fastening a hydraulic machine jacks to the machine jacks adapter plate. A pin adapted to extend simultaneously through one transverse aperture of each tubular member to fix the relative locations of the first and second elongated tubular members. There is an optional saddle for adapting an object engaging end of a movable ram portion of a hydraulic machine jacks to support a convexly curved heavy object. The saddle has an upwardly opening convex rest and a downwardly opening hollow cylindrical adapter for passing over and laterally securing the saddle to the object engaging end of the ram.

1. A kit for adapting a commercially available hydraulic bottle machine jacks for use at selectively adjustable relatively elevated locations comprising:

a first elongated tubular member having a floor engaging base fixed on one end thereof, a first transverse aperture extending therethrough near the other end thereof, and a second transverse aperture longitudinally spaced from the first aperture and extending generally orthogonal thereto;

a second elongated tubular member having a first set of generally parallel generally equally spaced transverse apertures and a second set of generally parallel generally equally spaced transverse apertures with the second set of apertures extending generally orthogonal to the first set, one of the elongated members having a transverse dimension sufficiently small that it may be telescopically slidingly received within the other tubular member;

a machine jacks adapter plate fixed to one end of the second elongated tubular member;

a plurality of bolts for fastening a hydraulic machine jacks to the machine jacks adapter plate; and

a pin adapted to extend simultaneously through said first elongated tubular member transverse aperture and a selected one of said first and second sets of apertures to fix the relative locations of the first and second elongated tubular members.

2. The kit of claim 1 further comprising a saddle for adapting an object engaging end of a movable ram portion of a hydraulic machine jacks to support a convexly curved heavy object.

3. The kit of claim 2 wherein the saddle comprises an upwardly opening convex rest and a downwardly opening hollow cylindrical adapter for passing over and laterally securing the saddle to the object engaging end of the ram.

4. A kit for adapting a commercially available hydraulic bottle machine jacks for use at selectively adjustable relatively elevated locations comprising:

a first elongated tubular member having a floor engaging base fixed on one end thereof, a first transverse aperture extending therethrough near the other end thereof, and a second transverse aperture longitudinally spaced a first distance from the first aperture and extending generally orthogonal thereto;

a second elongated tubular member having a first set of generally parallel generally equally spaced transverse apertures and a second set of generally parallel generally equally spaced transverse apertures with the second set of apertures extending generally orthogonal to the first set, each said aperture of said first set being longitudinally spaced a second distance from an adjacent one of said second set of apertures, said second distance being unequal to said first distance, the elongated members having a transverse dimension sufficiently small that it may be telescopically slidingly received within the other tubular member;

a machine jacks adapter plate fixed to one end of the second elongated tubular member;

a plurality of bolts for fastening a hydraulic machine jacks to the machine jacks adapter plate; and

a pin adapted to extend simultaneously through said first elongated tubular member transverse aperture and a selected one of said first and second sets of apertures to fix the relative locations of the first and second elongated tubular members.

5. The kit of claim 4 wherein said first distance is less than said second distance.

6. The kit of claim 5 wherein said second distance is less than twice said first distance.

The present invention related generally to machine jacksing devices for raising heavy objects and more particularly to such machine jacksing devices for further raising already elevated heavy objects. In particular, the present invention provides a device for raising vehicle components on vehicles resting on a raised hydraulic lifts.

Several lifting devices for already elevated objects are known. For example, a pedestal transmission machine jacks comprises a hydraulic ram machine jacks supported at an elevated location on a four leg castered base. The lift range of this device is relatively limited, for example, between 50-70 inches, and the heavy weight and large base makes it nearly impossible to use in a pit beneath a lift.

Hydraulic under hoist utility machine jackss having a conventional floor supported machine jacks with an adjustable pipe arrangement extending upwardly from the movable top of the machine jacks are also known. These devices, which are essentially extensions to the upper end of a conventional machine jacks improve the lift range as compared to the previously mentioned transmission machine jacks, but are extremely difficult to use since the upper end of the machine jacks must be accurately located while the machine jacks is being raised by operating the machine jacks handle, which is located about six feet beneath the machine jacks upper end, to engage the heavy object.

The hydraulic machine jacks stand of the present invention is a hydraulic machine jacks mounted on the upper end of an adjustable stand. It is made of two pipes, one telescopically received inside the other, with holes drilled in both pipes to vary the height of the stand. A pin extending through one hole of each pipe holds the machine jacks in position at the desired height.

This tool is well suited to use by mechanics when a vehicle is on a lift in a repair shop. It is used under the vehicle. Examples of uses are: to lift or lower an engine or hold an engine in position while removing or installing an oil pan or motor mounts, or to lower or raise an engine to remove or install a transmission; also to hold a transmission in place to remove or install an engine. The hydraulic machine jacks stand can be used to hold exhaust pipes in place, or a drive shaft in place while removing or installing the shaft.

The hydraulic machine jacks stand of the present invention is light weight and can be moved about easily. It does not take up much room while under the vehicle, and is easy to work around while in use; air hoses and electrical cords can not get caught on the stand because of its design. This tool is safe, because the operator can control the machine jacks while at the work being done, instead of raising or lowering a lift the vehicle is on onto a stationary stand, which is very dangerous.

Among the several objects of the present invention may be noted the provision of an easily deployed machine jacks stand for use beneath hydraulic lifts; the provision of a kit for assembling a machine jacks stand; the provision of a hydraulic machine jacks arrangement where the hydraulic portion thereof is located relatively close to the objecting to be raised thereby facilitating operation by one person; the provision of a machine jacks stand which located a hydraulic machine jacks at an elevated location close to an object to be raised; and the provision of a hydraulic machine jacks stand which may be positioned in a pit beneath a vehicle. These as well as other objects and advantageous features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.

In general, a pedestal supported hydraulic machine jacks arrangement has a floor engaging base with a hollow tubular member fixed thereto and extending upwardly therefrom. A second selectively movable tubular member is telescopically received in the hollow tubular member generally coaxial therewith. The movable tubular member may be selectively positioned at a any one of several different discrete locations along the axis relative to the hollow tubular member. The movable tubular member includes a first set of generally parallel generally equally spaced transverse apertures and a second set of generally parallel generally equally spaced transverse apertures which extend generally orthogonally to the first set. The hollow tubular member includes at least one, and preferably two, transverse apertures which are selectively alignable with any aperture of the first and second sets. A steel pin may then be simultaneously passed through one aperture in each tubular member to fix the elevation of the hydraulic machine jacksing structure at a preferred level. A hydraulic machine jacksing structure such as a commercially available hydraulic bottle machine jacks has a base fixed to an upper end of the movable tubular member and an upwardly extending ram movable continuously throughout a limited longitudinal range along the common axis. The primary function of the hydraulic machine jacks arrangement is to further raise already substantially elevated heavy object such as vehicle components already located on conventional hydraulic lifts.

The machine skates are hingedly attached to an elongate blade by a frame. The machine skates having an upper shoe portion adapted to receive a foot, and a sole defining a heel end, a metatarsal portion having a metatarsal head area, and a toe end. The machine skates further includes a midskate hinge member defined the metatarsal head portion to permit the upper shoe portion to flex in the metatarsal portion, allowing the heel end to lift away from the ice blade, while the toe end remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the ice blade. The skate also includes a binding plate fastened to the sole of the skate and extends from the toe end to at least behind the metatarsal head area of the sole. A mid-machine skates support mount extends upwardly from the frame and is adapted to support the plate at a predetermined location behind the metatarsal head area of the sole to maintain the plate in a stable position as the user pushes down on the plate and applies thrust to the ice blade. The skate also includes a forward hinge member hingedly attaching the first end of the plate to the ice blade, such that as the upper shoe portion hinges at the forward hinge member and about a lateral axis defined normal to the longitudinal direction of the ice blade, the mid-machine skates hinge member unflexes and the user is able to push-off from the forward hinge member without the tip end of the ice blade digging into the surface it is traversing.

1. The machine skates hingedly attached to an elongate skate bearing member having a forward and rearward portion, the machine skates having an upper shoe portion adapted to receive a foot, a medial side, a lateral side, and a sole defining a heel end, a metatarsal portion having a metatarsal head area, and a toe end, wherein the machine skates further comprises:

(a) a first hinge member located between a substantially rigid forward sole portion and a substantially rigid rearward sole portion, the first hinge member being connected between the forward and rearward sole portions to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal portion while the toe end remains substantially parallel with a horizontal plane defined by the bearing member and to permit at least a portion of the heel end to be moved into a raised position relative to the rearward portion of the skate bearing member; and

(b) a second hinge member defined in the sole of the machine skates near the toe end that hingedly attaches the machine skates to the bearing member, such that the machine skates is capable of hinging at the second hinge member and about a lateral axis defined relative to the longitudinal direction of the bearing member to permit at least a portion of the toe end to be moved into a raised position relative to the skate bearing member and to permit the user to push-off from the second hinge member.

2. The machine skates of claim 1, further comprising an elongate frame having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the frame is disposed between and attaches at least the toe end of the sole of the machine skates to the bearing member.

3. The machine skates of claim 2, wherein the upper surface of the frame defines an upwardly projecting mid-machine skates mount adapted to support the machine skates at a predetermined location near the metatarsal head area of the sole and provide stable support to the machine skates as the machine skates hinges about the first hinge member.

4. The machine skates of claim 3, wherein the second hinge member further comprising an elongate support plate having an upper surface, a forward end hingedly attached to the frame, and a rearward end that extends to at least behind the metatarsal head area, wherein the upper surface of the support plate is adapted to receive the sole of the machine skates.

5. The machine skates of claim 4, wherein the mid-machine skates mount engages the support plate at a predetermined location behind the metatarsal head area of the sole to maintain the support plate in a stable position as the user of the machine skates pushes down on the support plate and applies thrust to the bearing member.

6. The machine skates of claim 5, further comprising biasing means having a first end fastened to the frame and a second end fastened to the support plate to urge the support plate against the mid-machine skates support mount.

7. The machine skates of claim 6, wherein the biasing means is adjustable along the length of the support plate.

8. The machine skates of claim 7, wherein the biasing means comprises first and second springs mounted on opposite sides of the frame and pinned to sides of the support plate.

9. The machine skates of claim 8, wherein the second hinge member further comprises an adjustment portion extending between the bearing member and the bearing member to allow slideable adjustment of the second hinge member in the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.

10. The machine skates of claim 9, wherein the bearing member comprises at least a first ice blade.

11. The machine skates of claim 3, wherein the upper surface of the frame defines an upwardly projecting heel mount adapted to support the sole of the machine skates in the heel end thereof.

12. The machine skates of claim 3, wherein the first hinge member comprises a heel shell, wherein the heel shell is attached to the sole of the machine skates and defines a forward end and a rearward end.

13. The machine skates of claim 12, wherein the first hinge member further comprises a toe shell, wherein the toe shell is attached to the sole of the machine skates and defines a rearward end that is hingedly attached to the forward end of the heel shell to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal head area of the sole, while the toe end of the machine skates remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.

14. The machine skates of claim 1, wherein the first hinge member comprises a heel shell, wherein the heel shell is attached to the sole of the machine skates and defines a forward end and a rearward end.

15. The machine skates of claim 14, wherein the first hinge member further comprises a toe shell, wherein the toe shell is attached to the sole of the machine skates and defines a rearward end that is hingedly attached to the forward end of the heel shell to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal head area of the sole, while the toe end of the machine skates remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.

16. The machine skates of claim 3, wherein the first hinge member comprises a base shell attached to the sole of the machine skates and extending between the toe and heel ends and partially up the lateral and medial sides of the machine skates.

17. The machine skates of claim 1, wherein the first hinge member comprises a base shell attached to the sole of the machine skates and extending between the toe and heel ends and partially up the lateral and medial sides of the machine skates.

18. The machine skates of claim 16, wherein the base plate comprises a natural flexing member integral with the base plate and defined in the metatarsal head area of the sole to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal portion while the toe end thereof remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.

19. The machine skates of claim 18, wherein the natural flexing member is a resilient hinge and extends from the lateral side, along the sole, and to the medial side of the machine skates, and the resilient hinge becomes preloaded when flexing and releases to return to its natural position.

20. A skate machine skates hingedly attached to an elongate bearing member having a tip end and capable of traversing a surface, the machine skates having an upper shoe portion adapted to receive a foot, a medial side, a lateral side, and a sole defining a heel end, a metatarsal portion having a metatarsal head area, and a toe end, wherein the machine skates further comprises:

(a) a first hinge member defined in the metatarsal portion of the machine skates to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal portion, allowing the heel end of the sole to lift from the bearing member while the toe end remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member;

(b) an elongate plate fastened to the sole of the machine skates and extending from the toe end to at least behind the metatarsal head area of the sole, the plate having a forward end and a rearward end;

(c) a mid-machine skates support mount extending upwardly from the bearing member and adapted to support the plate at a predetermined location near the first hinge member and maintain the plate in a stable position as the user pushes down on the plate and applies thrust to the bearing member; and

(d) a second hinge member hingedly attaching the forward end of the plate to the bearing member, such that as the machine skates hinges at the second hinge member and about a lateral axis defined relative to the longitudinal direction of the bearing member, so that the user is able to push-off from the second hinge member.

21. The machine skates of claim 20, wherein the first hinge member is an elastomeric hinge extending from the lateral side, along the sole, to the medial side of the machine skates, the elastomeric hinge becomes loaded when hinging and releases to return to its natural position.

22. The machine skates of claim 21, further comprising biasing means having a first end fastened to the plate and a second end fastened to the bearing member to urge the plate against the mid-machine skates support mount.

23. The machine skates of claim 22, wherein the second hinge member comprises an adjustment member extending between the second hinge member and the bearing member to slideably adjust the second hinge member along the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.

24. A skate, comprising:

(a) a machine skates having an upper shoe portion adapted to receive a foot and a sole defining a heel end, a metatarsal portion having a metatarsal head area, and a toe end;

(b) at least a first elongate skate bearing member having a tip end and capable of traversing a surface and having a first end hingedly attached to the sole of the machine skates;

(c) a first hinge member defined in the metatarsal portion of the machine skates to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal portion, allowing the heel end of the sole to lift from the bearing member while the toe end remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member;

(d) an elongate plate incorporated with the sole of the machine skates and extending from the toe end to at least behind the metatarsal head area of the sole, the plate having a forward end and a rearward end;

(e) a mid-machine skates support mount extending upwardly from the bearing member and adapted to support the plate at a predetermined location behind the metatarsal head area of the sole and to maintain the plate in a stable position as the user pushes down on the plate and applies thrust to the bearing member; and

(f) a second hinge member defined in the sole of the machine skates near the toe end and hingedly attaching the machine skates to the first bearing member, such that as the machine skates hinges at the second hinge member and about a lateral axis defined normal to the longitudinal direction of the first bearing member, the first hinge member unflexes and the user is able to push-off from the second hinge member without the tip end of the bearing member digging into the surface it is traversing.

Traditionally, in-line machine skates and adjustable skates generally include an upper shoe portion secured by a base to a frame that carries wheels or ice blades. The upper shoe portion provides the support for the user’s foot, while the frame rigidly attaches the wheels or blades to the machine skates. When skating on traditional skates, particularly during thrusting, difficulties are encountered in optimally and completely transferring the thrust imparted by the user because of the frame being rigidly attached to the base of the skate, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of the thrust, as well as the comfort for the foot of the user.

Optimally and efficiently imparting thrust to the skate during the skating stroke is especially important to speed users. Because of the rigid attachment of the frame to the base, speed users are coached not to plantarflex their ankle during the push-off phase of the stroke. The term “plantarflex” is commonly used in the art to describe the rotation of the foot relative to the leg, where the fore foot moves distally from the leg. No plantarflexion at the ankle keeps the blade flat on the ice and prevents the tip of the blade from digging into the ice, thereby causing an increase in friction and reducing the user’s speed. If, however, the user is permitted to plantarflex his or her ankles during the skate stroke, the fore foot will be able to move distally and allow the calf muscles to generate more power during the skate stroke when compared to a stroke where plantarfilexion is prevented or discouraged. Thus, a skate that permits ankle plantarflex should allow a user to generate more power and speed, in addition to reducing the risk of digging the blade’s tip into the surface the user is traversing.

Prior attempts at allowing ankle plantarflexion have resulted in complicated linkage mechanisms that move the instantaneous point of rotation between the machine skates and blade forward as the heel lifts. Such a linkage mechanism often results in a skate that is too heavy because of the multiple links. Other attempts at permitting ankle plantarflexion have used a single-hinge joint between the blade and machine skates, thereby hingedly connecting the blade to the machine skates. The hinge is located below the machine skates, between the metatarsal head and toe end of the machine skates. While a single-hinge point attachment system is lighter, current models fail to prevent medial to lateral motion of the blade relative to the machine skates when the heel is lifted because of a narrow hinge, thus resulting in an unstable skating stroke. Also, when the heel is lifted, the force from the machine skates to the blade is transferred through the hinge point. Thus, the user cannot change the location of the center of pressure on the blade. This produces an unstable platform from which the user can apply thrust through the blade.

An additional drawback to skates having a single hinge joint stems from the shoe portion of the skate. As briefly noted above, skates traditionally have a machine skates or shoe portion that has a rigid or semi-rigid base that impedes the foot from flexing at the balls of the foot during the skating motion, thereby restricting the natural movement in the foot, which occurs during locomotion, and preventing a user from generating the maximum power from the skate stroke.

Thus, there exists a need for a skate that would permit ankle plantarflexion during a skating stroke, that is also lightweight, stable, and a machine skates that can allow flexion at the balls of the foot. The present invention addresses these issues to overcome the limitations currently encountered by providing a skate that has a first hinge member defined in the metatarsal head region and a second hinge member that is located substantially at the toe end of the machine skates, and a support member that engages the machine skates portion of the skate behind the metatarsal head area of the machine skates.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is machine skates that are hingedly attached to an elongated bearing member capable of traversing a surface. The machine skates has an upper shoe portion adapted to receive a foot and a sole defining a heel end, a metatarsal portion having a metatarsal head area, and a toe end. The machine skates further includes a first hinge member defined in the metatarsal portion thereof to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal region while the toe end remains substantially parallel with a horizontal plane defined by the bearing member. The machine skates also includes a second hinge member attached to the sole of the machine skates, near the toe end, that hingedly attaches the machine skates to the bearing member. The second hinge member defines a second pivot point, such that as the machine skates hinges at the second hinge member and about a lateral axis defined relative to the longitudinal direction of the bearing member, the user is able to push-off from the second hinge member. The machine skates also includes an elongate frame that is disposed between and attaches the sole of the machine skates to the bearing member.

In the preferred embodiment, the upper surface of the frame defines an upwardly projecting mid-machine skates mount adapted to support the machine skates at a predetermined location near the metatarsal head area of the sole. The preferred embodiment includes an elongate support plate having a forward end hingedly connected to the frame and a rearward end that extends at least to behind the metatarsal head area of the sole. The mid-machine skates mount engages the support plate near the metatarsal head area, thereby providing stable support for the support plate. In the preferred embodiment, the mid-machine skates mount engages the support plate behind the metatarsal head area.

In another aspect of the present invention, the first hinge member includes a heel shell and a fore foot shell. The heel shell is attached to the sole of the machine skates and defines a forward end and a rearward end. The toe shell is attached to the sole of the machine skates and defines a rearward end that is hingedly attached to the forward end of the heel shell to permit the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal head region of the foot, while the toe end of the machine skates remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.

In an alternate embodiment, the first hinge member includes a base plate that is attached to the sole of the machine skates and extends between the toe and heel ends of the machine skates. The base plate has a natural flexing member defined therein and corresponds to the metatarsal head area of the machine skates. The natural flexing member permits the machine skates to flex in the metatarsal portion, while the toe end of the machine skates remains substantially parallel with the longitudinal direction of the bearing member.

The skate of the present invention provides several advantages cover skates currently available in the art. The skate of the present invention provides a first hinge member defined in the metatarsal head area of the upper shoe portion and a second hinge member that pivotally attaches the skate to the skate frame. The first and second hinge members permit the skate to flex in both the metatarsal head area and the toe area of the machine skates. The skate of the present invention also has the added advantage of permitting the ankle to plantarflex and the fore foot to flex during the skate stroke, thereby permitting a user to generate more power and, thus, speed. Additionally, plantarflexion prevents the tip of the blade from digging into the ice during the skate stroke. The skate of the present invention is also lighter in weight than those currently available in the art. These advantages combine to define a skate having a double-hinge attachment design to permit users to plantarflex their ankle and to flex and extend their toes to generate more power and speed without the tip of the blade digging into the ice.

Inline roller machine skates are provided with independent suspension systems, separately suspending one or more of a plurality of wheels. The wheels are mounted rotatably on axles, and the axles are held nominally parallel to the sole of the boot. The suspension systems include guides that maintain the axles parallel to the sole of the boot even as the wheels and axles move vertically in response to bumps and other forces.

1. Machine skates comprising:

a first guide system associated with and separate from the axle, where at least a portion of the first guide system is configured to contact the axle, where at least a portion of the first guide system is configured to extend into the aperture of the first portion of the axle support, where the first guide system forms a pocket that sandwiches the first portion of the axle support, spans the first portion of the axle support, and has a sliding fit with the first portion of the axle support, and where at least a portion of the first guide system is configured to contact the first wheel to hold the wheel at a substantially fixed position away from the first portion of the axle support;

a second guide system associated with and separate from the axle, where at least a portion of the second guide system is configured to contact the axle, where at least a portion of the second guide system is configured to extend into the aperture of the second portion of the axle support, where the second guide system forms a pocket that sandwiches the second portion of the axle support, spans the second portion of the axle support, and has a sliding fit with the second portion of the axle support, and where at least a portion of the second guide system is configured to contact the first wheel to hold the wheel at a substantially fixed position away from the second portion of the axle support;

an attachment structure connected to the axle support and configured to attach the machine skates to a foot of a user; and

at least one other wheel associated with the attachment structure.

2. The machine skates of claim 1 where the first portion of the axle support and the first receptacle are integral.

3. The machine skates of claim 1 where the axle support and the first and second receptacles are integral.

4. The machine skates of claim 1 where the position of the first guide system that is configured to contact the axle is integral with the first compressor.

5. The machine skates of claim 1 where the portion of the first guide system that is configured to extend into the first aperture of the first portion of the axle support is integral with the first compressor.

6. The machine skates of claim 1 where the portion of the first guide system that is configured to contact the first wheel is integral with the first compressor.

7. The machine skates of claim 1 where the portion of the first guide system that is configured to contact the axle is a spacer.

8. The machine skates of claim 1 where the portion of the first guide system that is configured to extend into the aperture of the first portion of the axle support includes a spacer.

9. The machine skates of claim 1 where the portion of the first guide system that is configured to contact the first wheel includes a spacer.

10. The machine skates of claim 1 where the portion of the first guide system that is configured to contact the axle is an axle bolt.

11. The machine skates of claim 1 where the portion of the first guide system that is configured to extend into the aperture of the first portion of the axle support is an axle bolt.

12. The machine skates of claim 1 where the first guide system includes a first spacer positioned on the axle between the first wheel and the first portion of the axle support, where the first spacer contacts the axle, where the first spacer includes a portion that extends along the axle and into the aperture of the first portion of the axle support, and where the first compressor contacts the first spacer.

13. The machine skates of claim 12 where the first compressor includes a portion that extends into the aperture of the first portion of the axle support.

14. The machine skates of claim 1 where each aperture has a length, and each aperture is configured to allow the axle to move along the length of the aperture.

15. The machine skates of claim 1 where each aperture has a width, and each guide system is configured to prevent movement of the axle along the width of the aperture.

16. The machine skates of claim 1 where the first guide system includes a first rigid surface configured to contact and slide along the first portion of the axle support, and the second guide system includes a second rigid surface configured to contact and slide along the second portion of the axle support, where the first and second surfaces contact the first and second portions of the axle support, respectively, to hinder tilting of the wheel.

17. The machine skates of claim 1 where the attachment structure is a boot.

18. The machine skates of claim 1 where the wheels are arranged in-line.

19. The machine skates of claim 1 where each of the first and second portions of the axle support has a predetermined, side-to-side thickness, and where each of the first and second pockets has a side-to-side dimension of no more than five one-thousandths of an inch greater than the side-to-side thickness of each of the first and second portions of the axle support, respectively.

20. The machine skates of claim 1 where the first pocket includes two substantially parallel surfaces.

21. The machine skates of claim 1 further comprising first and second spacers on the axle, the first spacer positioned between the first wheel and the first portion of the axle support, and the second spacer positioned between the first wheel and the second portion of the axle support, where the first and the second spacers are configured to contact the first wheel.

22. The machine skates of claim 21 where each spacer is separate from the first wheel so that the first wheel may turn independent of the spacers.

23. The machine skates of claim 21 where at least a portion of the first compressor and the first spacer together form the first guide system, and at least a portion of the second compressor and the second spacer together form the second guide system.

24. The machine skates of claim 21 where a least a portion of the first compressor extends into the aperture in the first portion of the axle support, and at least a portion of the first spacer extends into the same aperture.

25. The machine skates of claim 21 where the first compressor includes a hole into which at least a part of the first spacer extends; and where the second compressor includes a hole into which at least a portion of the second spacer extends.

26. The machine skates of claim 21 where the first spacer includes a head portion with a first surface that contacts the first wheel, where the first surface has a predetermined first side-to-side dimension, where the head portion includes a second surface that contacts the first portion of the axle support, and where the second surface has a predetermined second side-to-side dimension greater than the first side-to-side dimension.

27. The machine skates of claim 21 where the first and second spacers include bores through which the axle passes.

28. The machine skates of claim 1 where the first portion of the axle support includes an outer surface, and further comprising a recess in the outer surface, and where the first compressor includes a surface configured to fit in the recess.

29. The machine skates of claim 1 where each aperture is substantially rectangular.

30. The machine skates of claim 1 where each aperture is substantially oval.

31. The machine skates of claim 1 where the axle comprises an elongate shaft with a head at and a threaded socket at the other end, and a bolt with a head and a threaded on configured to thread into the socket.

32. The machine skates of claim 1 where the first compressible medium is an elastomer.

33. The machine skates of claim 1 where the first compressible medium is urethane.

34. The machine skates of claim 1 where the first compressible medium is a spring.

35. The machine skates of claim 1 where the first receptacle and the first compressible medium are configured to allow the first compressible medium to bulge when compressed.

36. The machine skates of claim 35 where the first receptacle is a socket, and where the socket is configured to limit the bulging of the first compressible medium.

37. The machine skates of claim 1 where the compressibility of the first compressible medium is adjustable.

38. The machine skates of claim 37 where the first compressible medium is adjustable by pre-compressing the medium so that a greater force is required to further compress the medium than would be required if the medium was not pre-compressed.

39. The machine skates of claim 37 where the first compressibility of the compressible medium is adjustable by a moveable member extending in a channel through the first compressor so that the member may pre-compress the compressible medium.

40. The machine skates of claim 39 where the moveable member and channel are threaded.

41. The machine skates of claim 1 where the compressibility of each of the first and second compressible media is adjustable.

42. The machine skates of claim 1 further comprising a first bumper in the bottom of the aperture of the first portion of the axle support.

43. The machine skates of claim 1 having at least four wheels, and an axle, axle support, compressible medium, and first and second guide systems for each of the wheels.

44. The machine skates of claim 43 where the compressibility of each of the compressible media associated with each wheel is adjustable.

45. The machine skates of claim 44 where the compressibility of the compressible media associated with one wheel is adjusted to be stiffer than the compressibility of the compressible media associated with another wheel.

46. The machine skates of claim 1, wherein the portion of the first guide system that is configured to contact the axle is separately positionable relative to the first compressor.

47. The machine skates of claim 46, wherein the portion of the first guide system that is configured to contact the axle is in contact with the first compressor.

48. The machine skates of claim 1, wherein the first and the second portions of the axle support each include inner surfaces that generally face the first wheel and outer surfaces that generally face away from the first wheel, and further wherein the first and the second pockets are adapted to engage and slide along the inner and the outer surfaces of the first and the second portions of the axle support.

49. The machine skates of claim 1, wherein the first compressor forms at least a portion of the first pocket.

50. The machine skates of claim 1, wherein the first guide system includes a first spacer that extends generally between the first portion of the axle support and the first wheel and which forms a portion of the first pocket.

51. The machine skates of claim 16, wherein the first and the second portions of the axle support each include inner surfaces that generally face the first wheel and outer surfaces that generally face away from the first wheel, and further wherein the first and the second rigid surfaces are respectively positioned to contact and slide along the outer surfaces of the first and the second portions of the axle support.

52. The machine skates of claim 51, wherein the first and the second guide systems further include third and fourth rigid surfaces that are respectively configured to contact and slide along the inner surfaces of the first and the second portions of the axle support.

53. The machine skates of claim 52, wherein the third and the fourth rigid surfaces respectively form at least a portion of a first and a second spacer, and further wherein the first and the second spacers respectively extend generally between the first and the second portions of the axle support and the first wheel.

54. The machine skates of claim 53, wherein the first and the second spacers respectively further extend at least partially into the apertures in the first and the second portions of the axle support.

55. The machine skates of claim 16, wherein the first and the second portions of the axle support each include inner surfaces that generally face the first wheel and outer surfaces that generally face away from the first wheel, and further wherein the first and the second rigid surfaces are respectively positioned to contact and slide along the inner surfaces of the first and the second portions of the axle support.

56. The machine skates of claim 55, wherein the first and the second guide systems further include third and fourth rigid surfaces that are respectively configured to contact and slide along the outer surfaces of the first and the second portions of the axle support, and further wherein the third and the fourth rigid surfaces respectively form at least a portion of a first and a second spacer, and further wherein the first and the second spacers respectively extend generally between the first and the second portions of the axle support and the first wheel.

57. The machine skates of claim 56, wherein the first and the second spacers respectively further extend at least partially into the apertures in the first and the second portions of the axle support.

58. A machine skates comprising:

a first wheel having two sides;

an axle associated with the first wheel and extending from one side of the first wheel to the other, the axle having two ends, one end extending from one side of the first wheel and the other end extending from the other side of the first wheel;

an axle support including a first portion extending along one side of the first wheel, and a second portion extending along the other side of the first wheel, each portion including an aperture configured to support an end of the axle, and where each aperture is configured to allow movement of the axle;

a first receptacle proximate the first portion of the axle support and positioned outwardly from the first portion of the axle support relative to the first wheel;

a second receptacle proximate the second portion of the axle support and positioned outwardly from the second portion of the axle support relative to the first wheel;

a first compressible medium associated with the first receptacle;

a second compressible medium associated with the second receptacle;

a first compressor associated with the axle and configured to compress the first compressible medium upon movement of the axle, the first compressor including a portion that extends into the aperture of the first portion of the axle support;

a second compressor associated with the axle and configured to compress the second compressible medium upon movement of the axle, the second compressor including a portion that extends into the aperture of the second portion of the axle support;

a first spacer associated with the axle, separately positionable relative to the first compressor, and positioned between the first wheel and the first portion of the axle support, where the first spacer contacts the first wheel and includes a portion that extends along the axle and into the aperture;

a second spacer associated with the axle, separately positionable relative to the second compressor, and positioned between the first wheel and the second portion of the axle support, where the second spacer contacts the first wheel;

an attachment structure connected to the axle support and configured to attach the machine skates to a foot of a user; and

at least one other wheel associated with the attachment structure.

59. The machine skates of claim 58, wherein the portion of the first spacer extends through the aperture.

60. The machine skates of claim 58, wherein the first spacer contacts the first wheel.

61. The machine skates of claim 58, wherein the first wheel is adapted to be rotated independent of the first and the second spacers.

62. A machine skates comprising;

a first wheel having two sides;

an axle associated with the first wheel and extending from one side of the first wheel to the other, the axle having two ends, one end extending from one side of the first wheel and, the other end extending from the other side of the first wheel;

an axle support including a first portion extending along one side of the first wheel, and a second portion extending along the other side of the first wheel, each portion including an aperture configured to support an end of the axle, and where each aperture is configured to allow movement of the axle;

a first receptacle proximate the first portion of the axle support and positioned outwardly from the first portion of the axle support relative to the first wheel;

a second receptacle proximate the second portion of the axle support and positioned outwardly from the second portion of the axle support relative to the first wheel;

a first compressible medium associated with the first receptacle;

a second compressible medium associated with the second receptacle;

a first compressor associated with the axle and configured to compress the first compressible medium upon movement of the axle, the first compressor including a portion that extends into the aperture of the first portion of the axle support;

a second compressor associated with the axle and configured to compress the second compressible medium upon movement of the axle, the second compressor including a portion that extends into the aperture of the second portion of the axle support;

a first spacer associated with the axle and positioned between the first wheel and the first portion of the axle support, where the first spacer contacts the first wheel, where the first spacer includes a hole through which the axle extends, where at least a portion of the first spacer extends into the aperture, and where the first compressor includes a hole through which a portion of the first spacer extends;

a second spacer associated with the axle and positioned between the first wheel and the second portion of the axle support, where the second spacer contacts the first wheel;

an attachment structure connected to the axle support and configured to attach the machine skates to a foot of a user; and

at least one other wheel associated with the attachment structure.

63. A machine skates comprising:

a first wheel having two sides;

an axle associated with the first wheel and extending from one side of the first wheel to the other, the axle having two ends, one end extending from one side of the first wheel and the other end extending from the other side of the first wheel;

an axle support including a first portion extending along one side of the first wheel, and a second portion extending along the other side of the first wheel, each portion including an aperture configured to support an end of the axle, and where each aperture is configured to allow movement of the axle;

a first receptacle proximate the first portion of the axle support and positioned outwardly from the first portion of the axle support relative to the first wheel;

a second receptacle proximate the second portion of the axle support and positioned outwardly from the second portion of the axle support relative to the first wheel;

a first compressible medium associated with the first receptacle;

a second compressible medium associated with the second receptacle;

a first compressor associated with the axle and configured to compress the first compressible medium upon movement of the axle;

a second compressor associated with the axle and configured to compress the second compressible medium upon movement of the axle;

a first spacer associated with the axle, where the first spacer contacts the first compressor, extends through the aperture in the first portion of the axle support, and contacts the first wheel;

a second spacer associated with the axle, where the second spacer contacts the first compressor, extends through the aperture in the second portion of the axle support, and contacts the first wheel, where the first and second spacers include sleeves that fit over the axle and that pass through holes in the first and second compressor, respectively;

an attachment structure connected to the axle support and configured to attach the machine skates to a foot of a user; and

at least one other wheel associated with the attachment structure.

64. A machine skates comprising:

a first wheel having two sides;

an axle associated with the first wheel and extending from one side of the first wheel to the other, the axle having two ends, one end extending from one side of the first wheel and the other end extending from the other side of the first wheel;

an axle support including a first portion extending along one side of the first wheel, and a second portion extending along the other side of the first wheel, each portion including an aperture configured to support an end of the axle, and where each aperture is configured to allow movement of the axle;

a first receptacle proximate the first portion of the axle support and positioned outwardly from the first portion of the axle support relative to the first wheel;

a second receptacle proximate the second portion of the axle support and positioned outwardly from the second portion of the axle support relative to the first wheel;

a first compressible medium associated with the first receptacle;

a second compressible medium associated with the second receptacle;

a first compressor associated with the axle and configured to compress the first compressible medium upon movement of the axle;

a second compressor associated with the axle and configured to compress the second compressible medium upon movement of the axle;

a first spacer associated with the axle, separately formed from the first compressor, and positioned between the first wheel and the first portion of the axle support, where the first spacer includes a head that contacts the first wheel and further includes a neck that extends from the head and through the aperture in the first portion of the axle support and contacts the first compressor;

a second spacer associated with the axle, separately formed from the second compressor, and positioned between the first wheel and the second portion of the axle support, where the second spacer includes a bead that contacts the first wheel and further includes a neck that extends from the head and through the aperture in the second portion of the axle support and contacts the second compressor;

an attachment structure connected to the axle support and configured to attach the machine skates to a foot of a user; and

at least one other wheel associated with the attachment structure.

65. The machine skates of claim 64, wherein the first wheel is adapted to be rotated independent of the first and the second spacers.

66. The machine skates of claim 64, wherein the heads are respectively further adapted to contact and slide against the first and the second portions of the axle support.

67. A machine skates comprising:

a first wheel having two sides;

an axle associated with the first wheel and extending from one side of the first wheel to the other, the axle having two ends, one end extending from one side of the first wheel and the other end extending from the other side of the first wheel;

an axle support including a first portion extending along one side of the first wheel, and a second portion extending along the other side of the first wheel, each portion including an aperture configured to support an end of the axle, and where each aperture is configured to allow movement of the axle;

a first receptacle proximate the first portion of the axle support and positioned outwardly from the first portion of the axle support relative to the first wheel;

a second receptacle proximate the second portion of the axle support and positioned outwardly from the second portion of the axle support relative to the first wheel;

a first compressible medium associated with the first receptacle;

a second compressible medium associated with the second receptacle;

a first guide system associated with and separate from the axle, where at least a portion of the first guide system is configured to contact the axle, where at least a portion of the first guide system is configured to extend into the aperture of the first portion of the axle support, and where at least a portion of the first guide system includes a first spacer that is positioned on the axle, extends between the first wheel and the second portion of the axle support and is configured to contact the first wheel to hold the wheel at a substantially fixed position away from the first portion of the axle support;

a second guide system associated with and separate from the axle, where at least a portion of the second guide system is configured to contact the axle, where at least a portion of the second guide system is configured to extend into the aperture of the second portion of the axle support, and where the second guide system includes a second spacer that is positioned on the axle, extends between the first wheel and the second portion of the axle support and is configured to contact the first wheel to hold the wheel at a substantially fixed position away from the second portion of the axle support;

a first compressor associated with the axle and configured to compress the first compressible medium upon movement of the axle, wherein the first compressor includes a hole into which at least a part of the first spacer extends;

a second compressor associated with the axle and configured to compress the second compressible medium upon movement of the axle, wherein the second compressor includes a hole into which at least a part of the second spacer extends;

an attachment structure connected to the axle support and configured to attach the machine skates to a foot of a user; and

at least one other wheel associated with the attachment structure.

68. A machine skates comprising:

a first wheel having two sides;

an axle associated with the first wheel and extending from one side of the first wheel to the other, the axle having two ends, one end extending from one side of the first wheel and the other end extending from the other side of the first wheel;

an axle support including a first portion extending along one side of the first wheel, and a second portion extending along the other side of the first wheel, each portion including an aperture configured to support an end of the axle, and where each aperture is configured to allow movement of the axle;

a first receptacle proximate the first portion of the axle support and positioned outwardly from the first portion of the axle support relative to the first wheel;

a second receptacle proximate the second portion of the axle support and positioned outwardly from the second portion of the axle support relative to the first wheel;

a first compressible medium associated with the first receptacle;

a second compressible medium associated with the second receptacle;

a first compressor associated with the axle and configured to compress the first compressible medium upon movement of the axle;

a second compressor associated with the axle and configured to compress the second compressible medium upon movement of the axle;

a first guide system associated with and separate from the axle, where at least a portion of the first guide system is configured to contact the axle, where at least a portion of the first guide system is configured to extend into the aperture of the first portion of the axle support, where the first guide system forms a pocket that sandwiches the first portion of the axle support, has a sliding fit with the first portion of the axle support, and includes at least a portion of the first compressor, and where at least a portion of the first guide system is configured to contact the first wheel to hold the wheel at a substantially fixed position away from the first portion of the axle support;

a second guide system associated with and separate from the axle, where at least a portion of the second guide system is configured to contact the axle, where at least a portion of the second guide system is configured to extend into the aperture of the second portion of the axle support, where the second guide system forms a pocket that sandwiches the second portion of the axle support, has a sliding fit with the second portion of the axle support, and includes at least a portion of the second compressor, and where at least a portion of the second guide system is configured to contact the first wheel to hold the wheel at a substantially fixed position away from the second portion of the axle support;

an attachment structure connected to the axle support and configured to attach the machine skates to a foot of a user; and

at least one other wheel associated with the attachment structure.

The present invention relates generally to machine skatess, and more particularly to inline roller machine skatess.

Inline roller machine skatess, or simply inline machine skatess, are boots with wheels mounted in a line under the sole of the boot. Some inline machine skatess have wheels mounted to boots with some type of shock absorption system. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,609,612 to Eskeland, U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,208 to Charron et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,713 to Alexander all show machine skatess with wheels supported through shock absorbing springs. Other patents, such as U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,025 to Landay and U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,489 to Oyen et al. show other shock absorbing systems.

The shock absorbing systems of the past, however, have provided shock absorption at the cost of decreased performance of the machine skates. Specifically, prior shock absorbing systems allow wheels to tilt when subjected to lateral forces, such as when a machine skatesr pushes the machine skates to the side to propel the machine skatesr forward, or when a machine skatesr turns or corners. Tilting of the wheels decreases the performance of a machine skates. The system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,025 to Landay, for example, discloses resilient cushions and axle end caps that allow wheels to tilt. The systems shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,330,208 to Charron et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,575,489 to Oyen et al. include coil springs, disc springs or shock absorbing plugs that also allow the wheels to tilt. The systems of U.S. Pat. No. 1,609,612 to Eskeland and U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,713 to Alexander show machine skatess with springs, ribs and slots that permit wheels to tilt.

Additionally, inline machine skatess of the past have not included suspension systems that permit individual wheels to be adjusted so that different wheels may move up and down relative to the boot at varying spring rates. Such an adjustable system would increase the performance of a machine skates by providing shock absorption while also allowing a user to customize the machine skates for various skating maneuvers, such as allowing a machine skatesr to turn very sharply by leaning forward or back so that fewer than all the wheels of the machine skates contact the ground.

The present invention addresses these and other issues, and encompasses various embodiments of high performance machine skatess.

A lock system is disclosed for use on in-line machine skates to positively lock the wheels. The lock system includes a mounting member for mounting the lock to the chassis of a roller machine skates. The mounting member includes a movable abutment member having a plurality of abutments for selective engagement with the wheels. Hub projections are provided on the wheels for engagement with the abutment member. In another embodiment, the abutment member may comprise a plurality of spaced apart stops for interstitial between wheels to be locked. The arrangements have marked advantages over the existing systems in that the same are readily engagable with a minimum of effort. In this manner, the user can simply engage and disengage the lock device without any encumbrances typically associated with the prior art.

1. Locking roller machine skates, comprising:

a roller machine skates having a plurality of wheels and a chassis for supporting each wheel of said wheels, each wheel of said wheels including a hub projection having at least three sides;

a selectively engageable and releasable locking system for locking said wheels against rotation, said locking system including a slidably mounted abutment member having a plurality of abutments and recesses in alternation, said recesses configured to receive hub projections when said abutment member is moved from a storage position out of contact with said hub projections to a use position where said recesses each receive a respective projection for locking said wheels in a fixed position;

mounting means for slidably mounting said abutment member on said chassis; and

frictional securing means connected to said abutment member and said mounting means for securing said abutment member against movement relative to said mounting means when said abutment member is in a storage position.

2. The machine skates as set forth in claim 1, wherein said roller machine skates comprises a single track roller machine skates.

3. The machine skates as set forth in claim 1, wherein said abutment member comprises a slidable bar, said slidable bar being mounted in a grooved chassis of said mounting means.

4. The machine skates as set forth in claim 1, wherein said securing means comprises a friction screw.

5. Locking roller machine skates, comprising:

Machine skates having a plurality of wheels and a chassis for supporting each wheel of said wheels, said wheels including a hub projection having at least three sides;

a selectively engageable and releasable locking system for locking said wheels against rotation, said locking system including a mounting member mounted to said chassis of said roller machine skates, said mounting member having a groove therein;

an abutment member slidably mounted in said groove of said mounting member for movement relative thereto, said abutment member having a plurality of abutments and recesses in alternation, said recesses configured to receive hub projections when said abutment member is moved from a storage position out of contact with said hub projections to a use position where said recesses each receive a respective projection for locking said wheels in a fixed position; and

frictional securing means connected to said abutment member and said mounting means for securing said abutment member against movement relative to said mounting means when said abutment member is in a storage position.

6. The machine skates as set forth in claim 5, wherein said roller machine skates comprises a single track roller machine skates.

The present invention is directed to a roller machine skates lock and more particularly, the present invention is directed to a selectively operable locking system to lock the wheels of a roller machine skates against rotation so that a user can walk about freely with the roller machine skates on his or her foot.

With the advent of in-line roller machine skates and their significant popularity, there have been many arrangements proposed in the art for braking and for locking the wheels. It is desirable to have the wheels quickly lockable so that a user can readily climb stairs which would otherwise be difficult with a rolling surface such as that presented on a roller machine skates or when the user is entering areas where skating is prohibited.

The wire is configured such that it engages the wheels so that they do not rotate. The system is simply based on a tension principle for pressure contact with the wheels and comprises a loose piece which can be readily put on and taken off by the user. Although this arrangement appears to have some utility, it is clear that it is extremely dangerous to have a loose element which, due to the fact that the same is simple spring steel could, over time, become ineffective and present a dangerous situation to the user. As a further disadvantage, this arrangement requires the user to carry the lock around on his or her person and would appear to require a certain degree of manipulation in order to position the device on the wheels.

In the system disclosed, the arrangement involves an axle which is insertable within aligned openings in a frame on the machine skates, which frame permits the axle to be passed through to the other side of the wheel. The axle is engagable with a locking member in the form of a hook. The hook appears to be freely swingable on an axis and it would appear to be susceptible to disengagement from the axle when subjected to shock stress such as that which would be experienced when the user is on stairs, etc. In addition, this system would appear to require significant modifications to not only the wheel, but the chassis; such modification would quickly accelerate the cost of the arrangement and encumber the possibility of the arrangement being easily retrofit to existing machine skatess.

In view of what the prior art has proposed, it would be desirable to have a locking system which is quickly and easily employable and further which does not involve significant modification of the existing roller machine skates wheel chassis or other related components.

One object of the present invention is to provide an improved locking system for use on a roller machine skates.

A further object of one embodiment of the present system is to provide a locking system for locking roller machine skates wheels against rotation, comprising:

movable abutment means for selectively contacting the wheels for preventing rotation thereof, the abutment means being movable from a storage position out of contact with the wheels to permit full rotation of the wheels to a use position where the abutment means contact the wheels to prevent rotation; and

abutment mounting means for movably mounting the abutment means, the abutment mounting means adapted for mounting to a roller machine skates.

The arrangement is typically applicable to single track or in-line roller machine skates systems.

It has been found that the use of abutment members can readily function to prevent unwanted rotation of the wheels when the user engages the abutment members. In one embodiment, the locking system may include a single abutment member which would be useful for some types of in-line machine skatess, typically those with three wheels. Such an arrangement would be adequate for walking on flat or relatively flat surfaces. In the instance where the user wishes to walk on stairs, several abutments may be employed to prevent rotation of all of the wheels as opposed to a selected set.

In one embodiment, the abutments may comprise simple stops composed of a suitable material, e.g. the material of which the wheels are made or any suitable high friction material. In one embodiment, the abutments may be slidably movable from a use position to a position where they are engaged between the wheels and more specifically the interstitial spaces between the wheels. The abutments may be attached to a common holder member and moved downwardly into position or slid into position.

In the embodiment when the abutments are interstitially positioned, as wheel wear occurs, the interstitial abutments will simply conform to the reduced diameter of the wheels. The abutment need not be solid, but rather may simply be hollow, generally triangular members; this feature reduces the overall mass of the arrangement which is particularly desirable for the user. In another embodiment, the same may be simply pivoted from a non-use position to a locking position.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a roller machine skates having lockable wheels comprising, in combination:

Machine skates having a plurality of wheels and a chassis for supporting the wheels;

a releasable locking system for locking the wheels against rotation, the locking system including movable abutment means for selectively contacting the wheels and for preventing rotation thereof, the abutment means being movable from a storage means out of contact with the wheels to permit full rotation of the wheels to a use position where the abutment means contact the wheels to prevent rotation; and

mounting means for mounting the abutment means to the chassis.

Advantageously, the locking system according to one embodiment of the present invention may be easily retrofit to existing in-line machine skatess. This is a marked advantage over the systems which are presently known in the art which otherwise require significant manipulation and/or modification of the wheels or chassis or both in order to fit the apparatus onto the machine skates. Accordingly, the present invention can be easily retrofit to any form of existing machine skates.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a locking roller machine skates comprising:

a roller machine skates having a plurality of wheels and a chassis for supporting the wheels, the wheels including a projection having at least three sides;

a selectively engagable and releasable locking system for locking the wheels against rotation, the locking system including a slidable abutment member having a plurality of abutments and recesses in alternation, the recesses configured to receive the projections in a locked position; and

means for slidably mounting the abutment member to the chassis.

As a further embodiment of the present invention, the lock system may comprise a cam system. As an example, a series of abutments on a common holder may include a generally wedged shaped cam surface on the holder configured to cooperate with a slidable separate cam for urging the abutments into and out of interstitial contact with the wheels.

By making use of the present invention, the user can be assured that the device is positively engaged by the actuation means. Conveniently, the actuation means includes a friction screw to positively locate the abutment member in contact with the wheels. A particularly desirable advantage of the system disclosed herein can be realized in that the arrangement is not cumbersome to operate. A simple movement of the abutment member effects the locking and the same can be positively locked with the actuation means. This is in contrast to existing systems which are cumbersome to operate and are potentially susceptible to failure.

The convertible machine skates includes wheels that are interchangeable between an in-line configuration and a conventional roller machine skates configuration. The machine skates can be readily changed between the different configurations by depressing a first button to release a latch and unlock the front pair of wheels from a first configuration.

The front wheels can then be rotated into and locked by the latch at their second configuration. The same type of conversion method and apparatus can be used to convert the rear pair of wheels between different configurations. The machine skates may also include a reverse spinning brake that prevents the machine skates from rolling backwards. The reverse spinning brake works in either the in-line configuration or the conventional roller machine skates configuration without requiring any changeover process between configurations.

1. Roller machine skates comprising:

a machine skates shoe;

a first rotary platform coupled to said machine skates shoe for rotational movement with respect to said shoe about a first platform rotational axis between a first rotational position and a second rotational position;

a second rotary platform coupled to said machine skates shoe for rotational movement with respect to said shoe about a second platform rotational axis between an initial rotational position and a subsequent rotational position;

a first front wheel mount fixed and rotatable with said first rotary platform;

a second front wheel mount fixed and rotatable with said second rotary platform;

a first wheel coupled to said first front wheel mount for rotation about a first wheel axis and having an initial position; and

a second wheel coupled to said second front wheel mount for rotation about a second wheel axis;

whereby rotation of said first rotary platform from said first rotational position to said second rotational position changes the position and orientation of said first wheel with respect to said shoe such that said first wheel is rotated from its initial position.

2. The roller machine skates of claim 1, whereby rotation of said second rotary platform from said initial rotational position to said subsequent rotational position changes the position and orientation of said second wheel with respect to said shoe.

3. The roller machine skates of claim 2, wherein said first rotary platform is coupled to said second rotary platform whereby rotation of said first rotary platform rotates said second rotary platform.

4. The roller machine skates of claim 3, wherein said first rotary platform includes gear teeth, and said second rotary platform includes gear teeth that mesh with said gear teeth of said first rotary platform to cause said first and second rotary platforms to rotate synchronously.

5. The roller machine skates of claim 2, wherein said first platform rotational axis is offset with respect to said second platform rotational axis laterally and longitudinally with respect to said shoe.

6. The roller machine skates of claim 2, further comprising:

means for selectively locking said first and second rotary platforms in said first rotational position and initial rotational position, respectively, and said second rotational position and subsequent rotational position, respectively.

7. The roller machine skates of claim 2, wherein when said first and second rotary platforms are in said respective first and initial rotational positions, said first and second wheel axes are parallel and not coaxial, and when said first and second rotary platforms are in said respective second and subsequent rotational positions said first and second wheel axes are coaxial.

8. The roller machine skates of claim 1, further comprising:

a reverse spinning brake mechanism coupled to said machine skates shoe and disposed to operatively engage said first wheel in said first rotational position of said first rotary platform to inhibit rotation of said first wheel in a selected rotational direction of said first wheel about said first wheel axis.

9. The roller machine skates of claim 8, wherein said reverse spinning brake mechanism is disposed to operatively engage said first wheel in said second rotational position of said first rotary platform.

10. The roller machine skates of claim 9, wherein said reverse spinning brake mechanism includes a knurled rod disposed approximately parallel to said first wheel axis and mounted to be wedged against an outer surface of said first wheel when said first wheel is rotated about said first wheel axis in a first rotational direction.

11. The roller machine skates of claim 1, wherein said first rotary platform is first and second rotational positions are offset by approximately 180° about said first platform rotational axis.

12. A method for changing from a first configuration to a second configuration a roller machine skates having a shoe, a first wheel coupled to said shoe for rotation about a first wheel axis, and a second wheel coupled to said shoe for rotation about a second wheel axis, comprising the steps of:

rotating said first wheel about a first conversion axis from a first wheel initial position to a first wheel final position; and

rotating said second wheel about a second conversion axis from a second wheel initial position to a second wheel final position, wherein

said step of rotating includes said conversion axes remaining parallel, such that said wheels disposed in said initial positions rotate in a first direction about said wheel axes in response to forward movement of said machine skates, and said wheels disposed in said final positions rotate in a second opposite direction in response to forward movement of said machine skates.

13. The method for changing a machine skates of claim 12, further comprising:

locking said wheels at said final positions.

14. The method for changing a machine skates of claim 12, wherein said conversion axes are perpendicular to said wheel rotational axes.

15. The method for changing a machine skates of claim 12, wherein said wheel axes are collinear in said final positions.

16. A convertible machine skates, comprising:

a machine skates shoe;

a first wheel platform coupled to said machine skates shoe and movable with respect to said machine skates shoe between a first position and a second position;

a second wheel platform coupled to said machine skates shoe and movable with respect to said machine skates shoe between an initial position and a subsequent position;

a first wheel coupled to said first wheel platform for rotation about a first wheel axis and for movement with said first wheel platform between said first position and said second position;

a second wheel coupled to said second wheel platform for rotation about a second wheel axis and for movement with said second wheel platform between said initial position and said subsequent position; and

means for moving said first wheel platform from said first position to said second position, wherein said first wheel axis when in said first position is collinear with said first wheel axis when in said second position.

17. The convertible machine skates of claim 16, wherein said means for moving said first wheel platform includes a structure connecting said first wheel platform to said machine skates shoe for rotational movement with respect to said shoe about a first wheel platform rotational axis between said first position and said second position.

18. The convertible machine skates of claim 16, further comprising:

means for moving said second wheel platform from said initial position to said subsequent position, wherein said second wheel axis when in said initial position is not collinear with said second wheel axis when in said subsequent position.

19. The convertible machine skates of claim 18, wherein said means for moving said first and second wheel platforms include gear teeth located on a periphery of each of said first and second wheel platforms, said gear teeth on said first wheel platform meshing with said gear teeth located on said second wheel platform to move the first and second wheel platforms simultaneously.

20. The convertible machine skates of claim 16, further comprising:

means located on said shoe for preventing said first wheel from spinning in a reverse direction about said first wheel axis and for allowing said first wheel to spin in a forward direction opposite said reverse direction.

21. The convertible machine skates of claim 16, further comprising:

means located on said shoe for selectively locking said first wheel platform in said first position and second position.

The invention relates to a roller machine skates, and more particularly, to a roller machine skates that is convertible between an in-line wheel configuration, a conventional quad roller machine skates wheel configuration and two hybrid wheel configurations. One embodiment of the invention includes a reverse spinning brake mechanism that works in any of the different configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Roller machine skatess typically include multiple wheels attached to a sole portion of a machine skates shoe. Conventional four wheel roller machine skatess have a pair of front rollers sharing one axis of rotation and a pair of rear rollers sharing a second axis of rotation that is parallel to the axis of rotation of the front rollers. Since each roller is transversely displaced from the longitudinal center line of the roller machine skates, the conventional roller machine skates inherently provides substantial lateral stability.

In contrast, in-line roller machine skatess typically have multiple wheels arranged in longitudinal alignment along the longitudinal center line of the machine skates. Each wheel has a unique axis of rotation that is parallel to the axes of rotation of the other wheels. None of the wheels are transversely displaced from the longitudinal center line of the machine skates. Accordingly, the in-line machine skates provides less lateral stability than four wheel roller machine skatess.

Providing a machine skates that has the ability to switch from a conventional four wheel roller machine skates configuration to an in-line roller machine skates configuration is desirable for a number of reasons. First, in-line skating is a natural progression from (and more difficult than) conventional four wheel roller skating. Accordingly, for training purposes, a machine skates that can be converted from a conventional roller machine skates to an in-line machine skates facilitates a user’s learning of in-line skating while saving the user the cost of purchasing two different types of machine skatess. Second, convertible machine skatess provide increased comfort and security. For example, an average in-line machine skatesr faced with a difficult bit of terrain can simply convert the machine skates from the in-line configuration to the conventional four wheel roller machine skates configuration to traverse the terrain. Finally, convertible machine skatess are especially appropriate for use by children or other beginning machine skatesrs. Convertible machine skatess provide both the training advantages and the comfort and security features that are desired when the machine skates is used by a child or beginner. In particular, a convertible machine skates allows a child or beginner initially to learn conventional four wheel roller skating while providing the opportunity to advance to in-line skating if the child or beginner desires. In addition, depending on the type of terrain on which a child will be skating, a parent can determine whether the child should machine skates in the conventional four wheel roller skating configuration or the in-line skating configuration.

Several convertible machine skatess have been proposed that provide the ability to switch from a plural wheel roller machine skates configuration to an in-line machine skates configuration. U.S. Pat. No. 5,524,911 to Cochimin discloses a convertible machine skates that can be changed from a conventional four wheel machine skates to an in-line machine skates configuration. The Cochimin device has two chassis, each of which has two wheels and is rotatable about a post on the bottom sole of the machine skates. Each wheel is linked by a tie rod to a collar located on the central post. Accordingly, conversion of the machine skates from a conventional four wheel roller machine skates to an in-line machine skates is accomplished by unscrewing a bolt located on the central post to loosen the chassis, and then turning the chassis 90°. The tie rods that are connected between the wheel support and the collar on the central post cause the wheels to turn with respect to the chassis. Accordingly, the wheels’ axes of rotation remain perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the machine skates when the chassis is turned 90° and into the inline configuration.

Although the Cochimin machine skates achieves conversion from a conventional roller machine skates configuration to an in-line machine skates configuration, the structure necessary to achieve this function is complicated, difficult to operate, and does not adequately lock the axis of rotation of the wheels perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the machine skates.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,534 to Levy et al. discloses a “variable geometry wheeled conveyance” type of toy vehicle in which two pairs of wheels located at the base of the toy vehicle can be automatically moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. A parallelogram linkage connected to a motor coordinates the movement of the two pairs of wheels in much the same way that the wheels of the Cochimin device are caused to move. In particular, a rack and pinion system rotates two cross links through an angle of 90° to cause wheels located thereon to move from the first configuration to the second configuration. The axes of the wheels located on the cross links remain perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conveyance due to their connection to two “tie rods” of the parallelogram linkage. Although the preferred embodiment of the Levy device is a toy vehicle, Levy indicates that the mechanism could be applied to a roller machine skates. A roller machine skates that includes the varied geometry wheel disclosed in the Levy patent will inherently include the drawbacks noted above with regard to the Cochimin device because the basic moving linkage and wheel motion of the Levy device is similar to that of Cochimin.

U.S. Pat. No. 5, 449,183 to Klamer et al. discloses an integral multi-function roller machine skates system that can be converted from an in-line machine skates to a multi-axis dual wheel conventional machine skates. As disclosed in the patent, six wheels can be joined together in pairs by a rack and pinion system so that each pair of wheels forms a single larger wheel. Accordingly, the machine skates is convertible from a conventional multiple wheel roller machine skates to an in-line machine skates. However, this design does not provide the same skating characteristics as an in-line machine skates because pairs of wheels are placed adjacent each other in the in-line machine skates configuration. Each pair of wheels effectively forms one wide wheel, which does not produce the same skating characteristics as a narrower wheel.

Another desirable feature of an in-line machine skates adapted for use by children or inexperienced adults is a reverse spinning brake device. By limiting the rotation of one or more wheels to one rotational direction (corresponding to forward movement of the machine skates), a user can generate propulsion by pushing straight back on the machine skates. Such a reverse spinning brake lock mechanism allows the user to machine skates up a sloping travel surface without fear of rolling backwards down the slope.

Many different types of brake locks have been used with conventional roller machine skatess. U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,676 to Klamer discloses a conventional roller machine skates brake lock design that is configurable between a free wheeling, forward only, or full stop configuration. Each roller machine skates wheel has gear-like teeth located on an inside cylindrical surface of the wheel. A camming member positions a pawl to selectively engage the gear-like teeth of the wheel and therefore control the movement of the wheel. The pawl extends across the body of the machine skates to engage a pair of wheels, and the camming member engages the pawl intermediate the wheels. This design is not well suited for use in an in-line machine skates.

Recently, attempts have been made to implement reverse spinning brake locks on in-line machine skatess. One example of an in-line machine skates that includes a reverse spinning brake lock is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,190 to Maggiore. The reverse spinning brake lock is described as a movement limiting mechanism and is built into the front roller of the machine skates. The roller includes ratchet teeth located on an inner circumference of the wheel. The ratchet teeth lock with a tongue to selectively prevent rotation of the wheel. The motion limiting device operates in three modes, including a free wheel mode, a forward only mode, and a full stop mode. Selection between the different modes is accomplished by moving a pawl adjuster into three different positions. In a first position, the pawl adjuster locks the tongue in a location central to the axis of the wheel so that no contact between the wheel and the tongue occurs. In the second position, the pawl adjuster allows the pawl to move vertically. Accordingly, the teeth on the inner surface of the wheel push the pawl vertically away during forward rotation and lock with the pawl when the wheel attempts to spin in a rearward direction, thereby preventing rearward rotation. In a third position, the pawl adjuster locks the pawl in a lowered position with the pawl in permanent engagement with the teeth of the wheel. Accordingly, the wheel is locked and prevented from any forward or rearward movement.

Another in-line machine skates device that incorporates a reverse spinning brake is sold by Playskool, Inc. of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. The Playskool reverse spinning brake includes a knurled rod located immediately behind the front wheel of the in-line machine skates. When the front wheel spins in a reverse direction, the knurled rod wedges into a space between the front wheel and a wall that angles down towards the front wheel. The knurled rod effectively brakes the front wheel in the reverse direction. When the front wheel spins in a forward direction, the knurled rod is urged upwards into the opening provided by the angled wall. When the reverse spinning brake feature is not desired, a switch located at the side of the machine skates moves a lever to lift and lock the knurled rod into the opening provided by the angled wall.

The movement limiting devices discussed above would not accommodate moveable wheels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The drawbacks of the prior art are overcome by the present invention, which provides a machine skates for use by children, beginners, or by experienced machine skatesrs that can be readily converted between a conventional four wheel roller machine skates configuration and an in-line machine skates configuration one embodiment of which includes a reverse spinning brake operable in both the in-line machine skates configuration and four wheel machine skates configuration. The conversion mechanism may be incorporated into either or both pairs of forward and rearward wheels.

In one aspect of the invention, each wheel of the rear and forward pair of wheels is attached to a rotary gear. The rotary gears have an axis of rotation that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheels. Preferably, the gears are contained within the plane of the sole of the machine skates, and the gear of each of the forward and rear pairs of wheels interlock with each other such that rotation of one gear causes rotation of the other gear. Consequently, both wheels of each pair move in synchronized fashion when one gear is turned. The physical arrangement of the wheels on the gears is such that the rotational axes of the wheels are collinear at a first gear position (conventional roller machine skates configuration), and the rotational axes of the wheels are spaced apart and parallel at a second gear position (in-line machine skates configuration). In this embodiment, the second gear position is rotated 180° with respect to the first gear position and the wheels alternate spinning direction between configurations. Moreover, when converting between the in-line and roller machine skates configurations the rotary gears are rotated about conversion axes that remain parallel such that wheels, when disposed in initial positions, rotate in a first direction about their respective wheel axes in response to forward movement of the machine skates, and the wheels, when disposed in final positions, rotate in a second opposite direction in response to forward movement of said machine skates.

A latch mechanism may be built into the machine skatess to rotationally lock the gears in the first gear position and the second gear position. The latch mechanism includes a push button extending from the bottom sole of the machine skates which, when pushed, unlocks the gears and permits the pairs of wheels to be rotated from their first gear positions to their second gear positions to convert the machine skates from a conventional roller machine skates to an in-line machine skates.

Because the front and rear wheels may be converted one pair at a time, a machine skates has the option of converting only one pair of wheels and using the machine skates in one of two hybrid modes. The hybrid modes retain the benefits of stability provided by a conventional roller machine skates configuration while developing a sense for the physical challenges presented by an in-line machine skates.

The reverse spinning brake mechanism may be operable in any machine skates mode, including the conventional roller machine skates configuration, the in-line machine skates configuration, and either of the two hybrid machine skates configurations. In one aspect of the invention, a knurled bar is provided at the rear of the machine skates. The knurled bar extends between two vertical channels and is movable vertically with respect to the wheels. When in operation, the knurled bar contacts the rear most wheel (or both wheels of the rear pair when the wheels are in the conventional roller machine skates configuration) and inhibits the rearward rotation of the wheels. The knurled bar permits forward rotation of the machine skates because it moves up the channel and out of the way of the wheel(s) when the wheel(s) moves in a forward rotational direction. The conversion mechanism is designed such that the rear most wheel in the in-line configuration and the rear most wheels in the conventional roller machine skates configuration are located the same distance from the knurled bar. Accordingly, the knurled bar can inhibit reverse rotation in one of the in-line, conventional machine skates, and hybrid configurations.

The convertible machine skates of the invention is readily switched between a conventional roller machine skates and an in-line machine skates configuration. The change in configuration requires no assembly or disassembly and is simple enough to permit a child to make the switch. In addition, the wheels are securely locked in position in each of the configurations. Further, the conversion mechanism allows improved aesthetic and performance qualities because the conversion mechanism is light weight and vertically compact. The physical arrangement of the wheels on the gears also creates a more accurate in-line configuration than was previously possible for convertible machine skatess because the wheels are closer together in the in-line skating configuration and the width of the wheels does not change between configurations.

The reverse spinning brake mechanism is also readily operable to allow a machine skatesr to switch between the free wheeling and forward only modes. In addition, there is no changeover step needed to provide the same reverse spinning brake feature for each of the machine skates’s different configurations because the distance of the rear most wheel from the back of the machine skates does not change between machine skates configurations.