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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.

Machine skates for resiliently supporting a load relative to a ground surface. The inventive device includes a machine skate engaging assembly for receiving a load. A rolling support assembly is movably mounted to the machine skate engaging assembly for rollingly engaging a ground surface. A spring assembly is interposed between the machine skate engaging assembly and the rolling support assembly for resiliently supporting the same in a spaced relationship to absorb bumps and shocks during moving.

1. A spring supported machine skates comprising:

a machine skate engaging means comprising a skate adapted to receive and engage a load therewithin and an inverted, U-shaped outer receiver secured directly to a lower portion of the skate

a rolling support means secured to said outer receiver and movable relative to the machine skate engaging means for rollingly engaging a ground surface therebeneath, said rolling support means comprising an inner wheel rack of elongated configuration; a plurality of wheels rotatably supported in an in-line configuration within the inner wheel rack; the inner wheel rack being pivotally mounted to a forward end of the outer receiver by a pivot pin directed therethrough wherein the pivot pin comprises an axle rotatably supporting a forwardmost one of the wheels;

and,

a spring means interposed between the machine skate engaging means and the rolling support means for resiliently supporting the machine skate engaging means relative to the rolling support means.

2. The spring supported machine skates of claim 1, wherein the spring means comprises a leaf spring interposed between the outer receiver of the machine skate engaging means and the inner wheel rack of the rolling support means.

3. The spring supported machine skates of claim 2, wherein the leaf spring includes a mounting tab projecting from a first end of the leaf spring which is received within a correspondingly shaped aperture directed through the inner wheel rack so as to mount the leaf spring in a cantilevered orientation relative to the inner wheel rack, the leaf spring extending from the first end thereof through a first integral bend and into a parallel portion which is oriented in a substantially spaced orientation relative to an upper planar surface of the inner wheel rack, the leaf spring continuing from the parallel portion through a second integral bend into an angled portion projecting from the parallel portion at an oblique angle relative thereto, the angled portion engaging an interior surface of the outer receiver so as to effect flexing of the cantilevered leaf spring during articulation of the inner wheel rack within the outer receiver.

4. The spring supported machine skates of claim 3, wherein the spring means further comprises a coil spring interposed between the inner wheel rack and the angled portion of said leaf spring.

5. The spring supported machine skates of claim 4, wherein the outer receiver is shaped so as to define at least one slot directed therethrough; and further wherein the inner wheel rack includes a rear projection extending through the slot of the outer receiver; and further comprising a locking member pivotally mounted to the rear projection, the locking member being positionable into a contact with an exterior surface of the outer receiver so as to position the inner wheel rack in a predetermined orientation relative to the outer receiver.

6. The spring supported machine skates of claim 1, wherein the spring means comprises a coil spring interposed between the inner wheel rack and an interior of the outer receiver.

7. The spring supported machine skates of claim 6, wherein the outer receiver is shaped so as to define at least one slot directed therethrough; and further wherein the inner wheel rack includes a rear projection extending through the slot of the outer receiver; and further comprising a locking member pivotally mounted to the rear projection, the locking member being positionable into a contact with an exterior surface of the outer receiver so as to position the inner wheel rack in a predetermined orientation relative to the outer receiver.

The present invention relates to machine skate structures and more particularly pertains to a spring supported machine skates for resiliently supporting a load relative to a ground surface.

The use of machine skate structures is known in the prior art. More specifically, machine skate structures heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations, notwithstanding the myriad of designs encompassed by the crowded prior art which have been developed for the fulfillment of countless objectives and requirements.

In these respects, the spring supported machine skates according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in so doing provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of resiliently supporting a load relative to a ground surface.

SUMMARY

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of machine skate structures now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new spring supported machine skates construction wherein the same can be utilized for absorbing bumps and shocks during moving. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new spring supported machine skates apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the machine skate structures mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a spring supported machine skates which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art machine skate structures, either alone or in any combination thereof.

To attain this, the present invention generally comprises an machine skates for resiliently supporting a load relative to a ground surface. The inventive device includes a machine skate engaging assembly for receiving a load. A rolling support assembly is movably mounted to the machine skate engaging assembly for rollingly engaging a ground surface. A spring assembly is interposed between the machine skate engaging assembly and the rolling support assembly for resiliently supporting the same in a spaced relationship to absorb bumps and shocks during moving.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims appended hereto.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new spring supported machine skates apparatus and method which has many of the advantages of the machine skate structures mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a spring supported machine skates which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art machine skate structures, either alone or in any combination thereof.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new spring supported machine skates which may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new spring supported machine skates which is of a durable and reliable construction.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new spring supported machine skates which is susceptible of a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such spring supported machine skatess economically available to the buying public.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new spring supported machine skates which provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new spring supported machine skates for resiliently supporting a load relative to a ground surface.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new spring supported machine skates which includes a machine skate engaging means for receiving a load, a rolling support means movably mounted to the machine skate engaging means for rollingly engaging a ground surface, and a spring means interposed between the machine skate engaging means and the rolling support means for resiliently supporting the same in a spaced relationship to absorb bumps and shocks during moving.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACKGROUND

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

SUMMARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUMMARY OF THE machine skates

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUMMARY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

b) a tire element mounted on the tire rim;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

13. A skate wheel assembly comprising:

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

b) a tire element mounted on the tire rim;

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

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

An machine skate comprising:

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

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

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

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

The machine skate and further comprising:

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

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

The machine skate and further comprising:

a bushing insertable within the first slot;

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

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

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

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

An machine skate comprising:

a blade holder frame having a forward section;

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

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

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

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

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

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

The machine skate of claim 5 and further comprising;

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

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

The machine skate of claim 7 and further comprising:

a bushing;

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

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

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

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

A machine skate comprising:

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

a boot comprising:

a heel portion disposed on the blade holder frame; and

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

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

the first slot including a perimeter wall extending downward;

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

wherein the locking mechanism comprising:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

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

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

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

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

16. An machine skate comprising:

a blade holder frame having a forward section;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a bushing;

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

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

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

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

21. An machine skate comprising:

a blade holder frame having a forward section;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a bushing;

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

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

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

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

25. An machine skate comprising:

a blade holder frame having a forward section;

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

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

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

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

further comprising:

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

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

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

a bushing;

a threaded screw insertable through the bushing;

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

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

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

28. An machine skate comprising:

a blade holder frame having a forward section;

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

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

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

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

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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

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

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

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BACKGROUND

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

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

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

SUMMARY

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

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

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

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

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