Convertible machine skates
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.