ANGLED ROCKER AXLE SLOTS IN INLINE SKATE FRAME AND ADJUSTABLE INLINE SKATE SYSTEM

Abstract

An inline skate frame is provided including a first inline skate frame wall and a second inline skate frame wall opposite the first inline skate frame wall. A channel is defined between the skate frame walls. The skate frame includes axle locating features, with each axle locating feature including at least one through-hole for receiving an axle such that the corresponding axle extends across the channel. At least one of the axle locating features includes a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame walls. Also provided is an adjustable inline skate system utilizing the inline skate frame.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to inline skate equipment, and specifically to adjustable inline skate systems and to inline skate frames incorporating angled rocker slots for retaining and positioning axle shafts in multiple configurations.

BACKGROUND

Inline skate frames typically use single-piece or two-piece axles to install the wheels into the frame channel. One-piece axles pass through countersink holes in one frame wall and screw into threaded holes in the opposite frame wall. In the case of two-piece axles there are through-holes in both frame walls into which both axle parts are inserted and threaded together.

Some designs feature special two-piece “rocker” axles that allow for two axle shaft positions depending on the installation orientation of the axle in the frame. This rocker axle has an obround protrusion under the head and a shaft that is offset from the centerline of the head. The amount of offset that many skate manufactures choose has been standardized to be 2 mm, but it can be any amount between 0 and 2 mm for a standard 8 mm diameter axle. This obround protrusion mates with a corresponding obround cutout, or slot, in one frame wall. At the end of the axle shaft there is a smaller cylindrical protrusion, which is coaxial with the axle head centerline. The cylindrical protrusion is inserted into a mating through hole on the opposite frame wall. This feature typically has internal threads that receives a screw from the outside of the frame once the axle is installed. This mechanical tension joint holds the wheel in place and allows it to spin about the axle shaft. By rotating the rocker axle 180 degrees about its head axis, two binary wheel positions can be achieved as the shaft position changes relative to the obround slot in the frame wall. The amount of wheel travel is a function of the offset distance between the two axes described above.

Historically the “rocker” axle obround features are oriented vertically in the skate frame to simply allow for a 2 mm vertical shift in the wheel position relative to their nominal flat setup where all the wheel centerlines are in the same horizontal plane. By moving the outer wheels vertically upward relative to the inner wheels (or vice versa) a 2 mm rocker can be created to mimic the feel of an ice skate. In other words, there are two binary states for the wheels in the frame: 1) 0 mm rocker (flat), and 2) 2 mm rocker. In the context of ice skates, the term “rocker” refers to the curvature of the blade. The rocker shape allows skaters to perform turns and maneuvers with ease, as it provides a pivot point on the ice. Skates with a deeper rocker are generally more maneuverable, suitable for agile direction changes, while shallower rockers yield greater stability. With inline skates, however, there are a finite amount of wheels and the wheels have discrete locations relative to the riding surface. Unfortunately, 2 mm is a lot of rocker and does not suit all skating styles. It can feel unstable to less skilled skaters or to skaters riding at high speed. Deeply rockered setups can cause “speed wobbles” which can cause a skater to crash and risk injury. Conversely, 0 mm rocker, or flat setups, lack maneuverability and may be difficult for beginners to turn, especially for longer frame wheelbases.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, an inline skate frame is provided including a first inline skate frame wall and a second inline skate frame wall opposite the first inline skate frame wall. A channel is then defined between the skate frame walls. The skate frame then includes a plurality of axle locating features, with each axle locating feature including at least one through-hole for receiving an axle such that the corresponding axle extends across the channel.

At least one of the axle locating features then includes a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame walls.

In some embodiments, the at least one axle locating feature includes a substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the channel from the slotted cutout such that the slotted cutout defines an orientation of an axle received at the substantially cylindrical through-hole.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of axle locating features includes a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame wall and a corresponding substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the channel. In such embodiments, at least one of the plurality of axle locating features provide the slotted cutout at an angle relative to a vertical orientation, and at least one of the plurality of axle locating features orient the slotted cutout vertically. In some such embodiments, the first and last of the plurality of axle locating features provide the slotted cutout at an angle relative to a vertical orientation and the remaining of the plurality of axle locating features orient the slotted cutout vertically.

In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of axle locating features include a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame wall and a corresponding substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the channel. At least one of the plurality of axle locating features may then comprise substantially cylindrical through-holes on both the first and second inline skate frame walls.

In some such embodiments, the first and last of the plurality of axle locating features include a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame wall and a corresponding substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the channel, while the remaining axle locating features comprise substantially cylindrical through-hole on both the first and second inline skate frame walls. In some such embodiments, the slotted cutout in the first and last of the axle locating features is provided at an angle relative to a vertical orientation.

In some embodiments, the slotted cutout is an obround cutout or an obround slot.

Also provided is an adjustable inline skate system leveraging the skate frame provided. Accordingly, such a system includes an inline skate frame such as that described above and at least one offset axle for mating with the at least one axle locating feature. The offset axle may then include an obround protrusion at a first end for mating with the slotted cutout, a substantially cylindrical protrusion at a second end opposite the first end for mating with a substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the slotted cutout, and a shaft extending between the substantially cylindrical protrusion and the obround protrusion.

In some such embodiments, the shaft is offset relative to a natural axis of the offset axle extending from a center of the obround protrusion to a center of the substantially cylindrical protrusion. In some such embodiments, the system may include a plurality of interchangeable offset axles, each offset axle having a different offset relative to its corresponding natural axis, such that the at least one axle for mating with the at least one axle locating feature is selected from the plurality of offset axles.

In some embodiments of systems utilizing offset axles, the obround protrusion is symmetric such that the at least one offset axle can be mounted in two distinct oppositely oriented configurations.

In some embodiments of systems utilizing offset axles, a first of the two distinct oppositely oriented configurations is a raised configuration wherein a wheel mounted on the offset axle is raised within the frame when the offset axle is mated with the at least one axle locating feature. A second of the two distinct oppositely oriented configurations is a lowered configuration where a wheel mounted on the offset axle is lowered within the frame when the offset axle is mated with the at least one axle locating feature.

In some such embodiments, the system may further include a first wheel having a first radial size for mounting on the offset axle and a second wheel having a second radial size larger than the first size for mounting on the offset axle interchangeably with the first wheel. The first wheel is then mounted on the offset axle in the raised configuration and the second wheel is then mounted on the offset axle in the lowered configuration.

In some such embodiments, the at least one offset axle is a plurality of offset axles and the first wheel is one of a first plurality of wheels and the second wheel is one of a second plurality of wheels. The plurality of offset axles are then mounted in either the raised configuration with corresponding wheels of the first plurality of wheels or in the lowered configuration with corresponding wheels of the second plurality of wheels.

In some embodiments of the adjustable inline skate system, the at least one offset axle is four offset axles for mating with corresponding axle locating features, and each of the plurality of axle locating features then includes a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame wall and a corresponding substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the channel.

In some embodiments of the adjustable inline skate system, at least one of the axle locating features includes a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame wall and a corresponding substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the channel, while the remaining axle locating features comprise substantially cylindrical through-hole on both the first and second inline skate frame walls, and where the at least one offset axle mates with the corresponding at least one axle locating feature. The system then further includes at least one collinear axle for mating with the remaining axle locating features. In some such embodiments, the at least one of the axle locating features is a first and last of the axle locating features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a skate frame in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the skate frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a right side view of the skate frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a left side view of the skate frame of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the skate frame of FIG. 1 with a slider mounted.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a skate frame in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the skate frame of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is right side view of the skate frame of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a left side view of the skate frame of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is perspective view of a third embodiment of a skate frame in accordance with this disclosure for use in an adjustable inline skate system.

FIG. 11 is a front view of the skate frame of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a first embodiment of a rocker axle for use in the adjustable inline skate system.

FIG. 13 is a second embodiment of a rocker axle for use in the adjustable inline skate system.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the rocker axle of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a section view of the rocker axle of FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a screw for use with a rocker axle in the adjustable inline skate system.

FIG. 17 shows a front perspective view of the skate frame of FIG. 1 with wheels installed using a rocker axle in a first configuration.

FIG. 18 shows a rear perspective view of the skate frame of FIG. 1 with wheels installed using a rocker axle in the first configuration.

FIG. 19 shows a front perspective view of the skate frame of FIG. 1 with wheels installed using a rocker axle in a second configuration.

FIG. 20 shows a rear perspective view of the skate frame of FIG. 1 with wheels installed using a rocker axle in the second configuration.

FIG. 21 shows a right side view of the skate frame of FIG. 1 with wheels installed using a rocker axle in the second configuration.

FIG. 22 shows a sectioned perspective view of the skate frame of FIG. 1 with wheels installed using a rocker axle in the second configuration.

FIG. 23 shows a sectioned view of the skate frame of FIG. 1 with wheels installed using a rocker axle in the second configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The description of illustrative embodiments according to principles of the present invention is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description of embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, any reference to direction or orientation is merely intended for convenience of description and is not intended in any way to limit the scope of the present invention. Relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivative thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description only and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless explicitly indicated as such. Terms such as “attached,” “affixed,” “connected,” “coupled,” “interconnected,” and similar refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. Moreover, the features and benefits of the invention are illustrated by reference to the exemplified embodiments. Accordingly, the invention expressly should not be limited to such exemplary embodiments illustrating some possible non-limiting combination of features that may exist alone or in other combinations of features; the scope of the invention being defined by the claims appended hereto.

This disclosure describes the best mode or modes of practicing the invention as presently contemplated. This description is not intended to be understood in a limiting sense, but provides an example of the invention presented solely for illustrative purposes by reference to the accompanying drawings to advise one of ordinary skill in the art of the advantages and construction of the invention. In the various views of the drawings, like reference characters designate like or similar parts.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a skate frame 100 in accordance with this disclosure. FIG. 2 is a front view of the skate frame 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a right side view of the skate frame 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a left side view of the skate frame 100 of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the skate frame of FIG. 1 with a slider 110 mounted.

As shown, the skate frame 100 is an inline skate frame having a first inline skate frame wall 120 and a second inline skate frame wall 130 opposite the first wall with a channel 140 defined in between the two walls 120, 130. The skate frame 100 then includes a plurality of axle locating features 150, with each axle locating feature including at least one through-hole 160 for receiving an axle such that the axle extends across the channel 140. Such axles are discussed in more detail below.

At least one of the axle locating features 150 includes a slotted cutout 170 in one of the inline skate frame 100 walls 120. The frame 100 then has a substantially cylindrical through-hole 160 opposite the channel 140 from the slotted cutout 170. The slotted cutout 170 then defines an orientation of an axle received at the substantially cylindrical through-hole 160. In this way, the axle locating features 150 may be made up of a combination of through-holes 160 and slotted cutouts 170 opposite each other such that an axle retained therein extends across the channel 140. As noted below, axle locating features 150 may comprise one through-hole 160 paired with one slotted cutout 170. However, in some embodiments, an axle locating feature may instead comprise two through-holes 160.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, each of the axle locating features 150 has one slotted cutout 170 at the first wall 120 and a substantially cylindrical through-hole 160 in the second wall 130 opposite the channel 140. In a four wheel skate frame 100, all four axle locating features 150 may then include a slotted cutout 170 for retaining offset axles, also referred to herein as asymmetric axles or rocker axles, and discussed in more detail below. As shown, a first and last of the plurality of axle locating features 150 provide the slotted cutout 170 at an angle relative to a vertical orientation. The remaining axle locating features 150 orient the slotted cutout 170 vertically.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first and last of the axle locating features may be oriented vertically while any middle axles are angled. Alternatively, in some embodiments, all axle locating features may be angled. Further, while the embodiment shown provides the first and last axle locating features angled inwards towards the middle wheels, different combinations of angled orientations are contemplated as well, such as a four-wheel embodiment in which a first and second wheel are angled towards each other and a third and fourth wheel angled towards each other. In some embodiments, the middle wheels are angled towards each other in addition to or in contrast with the outer wheels, so as to provide a shorter wheelbase for the middle wheels.

As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, a slider 110 may be mounted. Such a slider 110 is typically provided with round openings larger than the slotted cutouts 170 and substantially corresponding to the head of an axle to be used, such that a slider can be used with a number of variations of the skate frame 100.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a skate frame 600 in accordance with this disclosure. FIG. 7 is a front view of the skate frame 600 of FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is right side view of the skate frame 600 of FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a left side view of the skate frame 600 of FIG. 6.

The skate frame 600 of FIG. 6 is similar to that discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, and like components are labeled with like reference numerals. Accordingly, the skate frame 600 is an inline skate frame having a first inline skate frame wall 120 and a second inline skate frame wall 130 opposite the first wall with a channel 140 defined in between the two walls 120, 130. The skate frame 600 then includes a plurality of axle locating features 150, with each axle locating feature including at least one through-hole 160 for receiving an axle such that the axle extends across the channel 140.

While the skate frame 100 of FIG. 1 provides that each of the axle locating features 150 includes one slotted cutout 170, the skate frame 600 differs. As shown, the first and last axle locating features 150 each include one slotted cutout 170 in a first wall 120 and a substantially cylindrical through-hole 160 in the second wall 130 opposite the channel 140. However, the remaining axle locating features 610 contain substantially cylindrical through-hole 160 on both walls 120, 130, and are therefore designed to accommodate traditional collinear axles rather than the offset rocker axles described and shown below.

Similar to skate frame 100 of FIG. 1, in the context of the skate frame 600 of FIG. 6, the first and last axle locating features 150 include slotted cutouts 170, and those slotted cutouts may be provided at an angle relative to a vertical orientation. Accordingly, the angles of the slotted cutouts 170 may allow for fine adjustment of wheel height and location. It is further noted that in the skate frame 600 of FIG. 6, the neutral position of the first and last axle locating features 150 is slightly higher than the middle two axle locating features 610, such that the rocker axle described below can adjust finely between two positions, but no such position would result in the first and last wheels extending below the middle wheels.

FIG. 10 is perspective view of a third embodiment of a skate frame 1000 in accordance with this disclosure for use in an adjustable inline skate system. FIG. 11 is a front view of the skate frame 1000 of FIG. 10. The skate frame 1000 of FIG. 10 is similar to those of FIGS. 1 and 6, and like features are designated by like reference numerals.

Accordingly, the skate frame 1000 is an inline skate frame having a first inline skate frame wall 120 and a second inline skate frame wall 130 and a channel 140 defined in between the two walls. It is noted that when discussing a skate frame wall 120, 130, it is contemplated that the wall may not be a solid edifice, but may instead be a skeletal wall. Such a skeletal wall may provide cutouts for weight reduction or aesthetic design. However, the wall should still provide a sturdy foundation for the axle locating features 150, 610 discussed above.

Accordingly, in all embodiments, all axles locating features 150 containing slotted cutouts 170 may allow offset rocker axles mounted at those features to be adjusted between different configurations. The middle two wheels in the first skate frame 100 are provided with vertical slotted cutouts 170, and can therefore be adjusted up and down by the rocker variable, typically 2 mm as discussed above. In contrast, the front and back wheels are provided with angled rocker slotted cutouts 170, allowing for a finer adjustment than the 2 mm otherwise defined by the rocker axle.

In all configurations, the slotted cutouts 170, or rocker slots, may be obround cutouts or obround slots, as shown. However, other shapes are contemplated as well.

FIG. 12 is a first embodiment of a rocker axle 1200 for use in the adjustable inline skate system. FIG. 13 is a second embodiment of a rocker axle 1300 for use in the adjustable inline skate system. FIG. 14 is a front view of the rocker axle 1300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is a section view of the rocker axle 1300 of FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a screw 1600 for use with a rocker axle 1200, 1300 in the adjustable inline skate system. Generally, in the examples that follow, the rocker axle 1300 of FIG. 13 is used, but the rocker axle 1200 could be substituted in configurations in order to provide less offset and more subtle adjustments. The rocker axles 1200, 1300 are also referred to herein as offset, asymmetric, or asymmetric rocker axles.

When viewed from the left side, as shown in FIG. 4, a traditional round through-hole 160 for receiving the axle 1300 is provided in the inline skate frame 100. Accordingly, as described above and as shown in FIG. 13, axles 1300 utilized in the system described have an axle shaft 1305 and a first end 1310 with a head 1320 and an obround protrusion 1330, received by the slotted cutout 170, and a second end 1340 opposite the first end 1310 with a substantially cylindrical protrusion 1350 extending from the axle shaft 1305 received by the cylindrical through-hole 160. The axle shaft 1305 then extends between the substantially cylindrical protrusion 1350 and the obround protrusion 1330.

Accordingly, the axle shaft 1305 may be offset from the receiving through-hole 160 by an amount defined by the frame 100 and/or axle 1300 geometry, and the overall axle orientation may be locked in place by the obround protrusion 1330. The slotted cutout 170 then defines an orientation of an axle 1300 received at the substantially cylindrical through-hole 160 by locking the obround protrusion 1330, which is typically symmetric, into one of two orientations. The cylindrical protrusion 1350 at the second end 1340 may then be provided with an internal threaded opening 1360 for receiving a screw 1600, such as that shown in FIG. 16, through the cylindrical through-hole 160 in order to fix the axle 1300 in place.

It is noted that the rocker axle 1200 of FIG. 12 and the rocker axle 1300 of FIG. 13 utilize different offsets relative to a center 1370 of the rocker axle head 1320. Accordingly, the rocker axle 1200 of FIG. 12 may represent a 1.2 mm offset, while the rocker axle 1300 of FIG. 13 may represent a 2 mm offset. Similarly, it is noted that the axle head 1320 may include an indicator 1380, which may then be used to indicate an orientation of the axle when installed.

The axles shown 1200, 1300 are asymmetric, or offset, in that they each have a natural axis 1400 extending between the center points of the two protrusions 1330, 1350 and a realized axis 1410 for the axle shaft 1305. The realized axis 1410 for the axle shaft 1305 is then offset relative to the natural axis 1400.

This offset may differ across the different embodiments, such as that shown in FIG. 12 and that shown in FIG. 13. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the different offset axles may be interchangeable, and a user may choose an axle from a plurality of interchangeable axles 1200, 1300.

FIG. 17 shows a front perspective view of the skate frame 100 of FIG. 1 with wheels 1700 installed using a rocker axle 1300 in a first configuration. FIG. 18 shows a rear perspective view of the skate frame 100 of FIG. 1 with wheels 1700 installed using a rocker axle 1300 in the first configuration. FIG. 19 shows a front perspective view of the skate frame 100 of FIG. 1 with wheels 1700 installed using a rocker axle 1300 in a second configuration. FIG. 20 shows a rear perspective view of the skate frame 100 of FIG. 1 with wheels 1700 installed using a rocker axle 1300 in the second configuration. FIG. 21 shows a right side view of the skate frame 100 of FIG. 1 with wheels 1700 installed using a rocker axle 1300 in the second configuration. FIG. 22 shows a sectioned perspective view of the skate frame 100 of FIG. 1 with wheels 1700 installed using a rocker axle 1300 in the second configuration. FIG. 23 shows a sectioned view of the skate frame 100 of FIG. 1 with wheels 1700 installed using a rocker axle 1300 in the second configuration.

As shown, in the first configuration, the rocker axles 1300 are in a first configuration, as indicated by the indicator 1380 on the head 1320 of the shaft 1305. In the first configuration, the indicator 1380 is oriented upwards, which indicates that the axle shaft 1305 is raised relative to other potential orientations. Similarly, the angled front and back rocker axles 1300 are oriented upwards and angled, similarly indicating a raised configuration.

In the second configuration, the rocker axles 1300 are in a second configuration, as indicated by the downward orientation of the indicator 1800 on the head 1320 of the shaft 1305. Accordingly, the axle shaft 1305 is lowered relative to other potential orientations.

Accordingly, the offset axle 1300 can be mounted in two distinct oppositely oriented configurations. A first of those configurations is a raised configuration, wherein a wheel 1700 mounted on the offset axle 1300 is raised within the frame 100 when the offset axle is mated with the axle locating feature 150. A second of those configurations is a lowered configuration, where a wheel 1700 mounted on the offset axle 1300 is lowered within the frame when the offset axle is mated with the axle locating feature 150.

It is noted that the raised configuration may utilize a first wheel size to ensure that the raised wheels 1700 can still fit fully within the inline skate frame 100. The lowered configuration then allows for the use of larger wheels 1700 than in the raised configuration. Accordingly, the space between the wheels is reduced. Accordingly, the frame 100 may be provided with each axle 1300 paired with a first wheel 1700 having a first radial size for mounting on the offset axle 1300 and a second wheel 1700 having a second radial size for mounting on the offset axle interchangeably with the first wheel. The first wheel 1700 would then be mounted on the axle 1300 and utilized in the raised configuration and the second wheel 1700 would then be mounted on the axle 1300 and utilized in the lowered configuration.

Similarly, multiple offset axles may be used, with each having corresponding wheels. Accordingly, a set or kit corresponding to the frame 100 may include a first plurality of wheels of the first size and a second plurality of wheels of the second size, and when the offset axles 1300 are used in the raised configuration, the first plurality of wheels 1700 are used and when the offset axles 1300 are used in the lowered configuration, the second plurality of wheels 1700 are used.

The use of the angled slotted cutouts 170 for the first and last axles 1300 allows the wheels 1700 to be drawn closer together in the first configuration, where smaller wheels are used, and located further apart in the second configuration, where larger wheels are used, in order to prevent the wheels from rubbing.

Typically, when used with a frame 100 such as that of FIG. 1 in which all four axle locating features 150 utilize slotted cutouts 170, the frame 100 is provided with four offset axles 1300. Alternatively, when used with a frame 600 such as that shown in FIG. 6 in which some axle locating features 150 utilize slotted cutouts 170 while others 610 utilize traditional cylindrical through-holes 160, the frame 600 may instead be provided with two offset axles 1300 and at least one collinear axle for mating with remaining axle locating features. In such a collinear axle, a realized axis of the axle shaft corresponds exactly with a natural axis of the axle taken as a whole.

Different numbers of wheels are possible for different skate frame designs. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first and last axle locating features 150 are slotted, as shown, but, e.g., 1-3 additional axle locating features 150, 610 are provided in between the two. Alternatively, in some embodiments, 1-3 internal or middle axle locating features may be slotted, while the first and last axle locating features are traditional axle locating features 610 such as those shown in FIG. 6.

This disclosure describes angled rocker slots in an inline skate frame, as well as inline skate frames incorporating angled rocker slots. Also provided is a system of inline skate frames and rocker axles which combine as shown and described to allow for adjustable configurations.

By orienting the rocker slots at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the frame, novel configurations can be achieved that offer functional and performance enhancements over other skate frames using standard rocker axles vertically. The angles are geometrically determined by the intended design configuration. The wheel positions shift both vertically and horizontally, which allows for precise placement in two directions simultaneously. Rocker axles used in these angled slots may be the standard 2 mm type or may be custom versions with less than 2 mm of offset to create additional in-between configurations. All or any subset of the wheel positions may use angled rocker axle slots to create the desired configurations for the user.

Accordingly, the inline skate frame and system described herein may provide angled rocker axle slots oriented such that multiple wheel configurations are possible for the skater.

Accordingly, the inline skate frame and system described herein may provide angled rocker axles slots oriented such that multiple rocker configurations are possible with a given wheel configuration.

Accordingly, the inline skate frame and system described herein may provide angled rocker axles slots oriented such that multiple wheelbase configurations are possible with one or more wheel configurations.

Accordingly, the inline skate frame and system described herein may provide angled rocker axles slots oriented such that any combination of the above three functional goals is achieved.

Multiple Wheel Configurations—Having a frame that can offer multiple wheel configurations provides versatility and flexibility, while optimizing ride height at the same time. Bigger wheels roll faster with a smoother ride, while smaller wheels allow for lower ride heights and better acceleration. Having a choice in wheels gives the user the ability to customize their setup for their skating application. For example, a frame could be designed for both a 4×84 mm configuration and a 4×90 mm configuration that prioritize optimal ride height.

Multiple Rocker Configurations—As mentioned above, 2 mm rocker can feel very unstable at shorter wheelbases, and 0 mm rocker lacks maneuverability, especially at longer wheelbases. The angled rocker axle slot allows rocker configurations to be created that balance maneuverability and stability. Instead of having a binary 0 or 2 mm rocker option, any amount of rocker can be configured by changing the angle. By tailoring the amount of rocker for the wheelbase of a frame design the skating experience can be optimized.

Multiple Wheelbase Configurations—Because the angled rocker axle slot has a horizontal component to the wheel position shift, it's possible to offer the skater multiple wheelbases that are optimized alongside the ride height and rocker configurations. For example, it may be desirable to have a slightly shorter wheelbase if the rocker amount is smaller; flatter setups feel less maneuverable, but shorter wheelbase setups feel more maneuverable.

It is noted that while the embodiments shown comprise inline skate frames for retaining four wheels, additional configurations with more or fewer wheels are contemplated as well. Accordingly, skate frames may utilize 5 wheels, with the three middle wheels having one configuration and the first and last wheel having configurations different than the middle three. Implementations having six or seven wheels are contemplated as well. Similarly, different axles may be located and/or configured for different wheel sizes.

While the present invention has been described at some length and with some particularity with respect to the several described embodiments, it is not intended that it should be limited to any such particulars or embodiments or any particular embodiment, but it is to be construed with references to the appended claims so as to provide the broadest possible interpretation of such claims in view of the prior art and, therefore, to effectively encompass the intended scope of the invention. Furthermore, the foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto.

Claims

1. An inline skate frame comprising: a first inline skate frame wall;a second inline skate frame wall opposite the first inline skate frame wall with a channel defined therebetween;a plurality of axle locating features, each axle locating feature comprising at least one through-hole for receiving an axle such that the corresponding axle extends across the channel,wherein at least one of the axle locating features comprises a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame walls.

2. The inline skate frame of claim 1, wherein the at least one axle locating feature comprises a substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the channel from the slotted cutout such that the slotted cutout defines an orientation of an axle received at the substantially cylindrical through-hole.

3. The inline skate frame of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of axle locating features comprises a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame wall and a corresponding substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the channel, and wherein at least one of the plurality of axle locating features provide the slotted cutout at an angle relative to a vertical orientation, and wherein at least one of the plurality of axle locating features orient the slotted cutout vertically.

4. The inline skate frame of claim 3, wherein the first and last of the plurality of axle locating features provide the slotted cutout at an angle relative to a vertical orientation and wherein the remaining of the plurality of axle locating features orient the slotted cutout vertically.

5. The inline skate frame of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of axle locating features comprise a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame wall and a corresponding substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the channel, and wherein at least one of the plurality of axle locating features comprise substantially cylindrical through-holes on both the first and second inline skate frame walls.

6. The inline skate frame of claim 5, wherein the first and last of the plurality of axle locating features comprise a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame wall and a corresponding substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the channel, while the remaining axle locating features comprise substantially cylindrical through-hole on both the first and second inline skate frame walls.

7. The inline skate frame of claim 6, wherein the slotted cutout in the first and last of the axle locating features is provided at an angle relative to a vertical orientation.

8. The inline skate frame of claim 1, wherein the slotted cutout is an obround cutout or an obround slot.

9. An adjustable inline skate system comprising: an inline skate frame of claim 1;at least one offset axle for mating with the at least one axle locating feature, the at least one offset axle comprising: an obround protrusion at a first end for mating with the slotted cutout;a substantially cylindrical protrusion at a second end opposite the first end for mating with a substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the slotted cutout; anda shaft extending between the substantially cylindrical protrusion and the obround protrusion.

10. The adjustable inline skate system of claim 9, wherein the shaft is offset relative to a natural axis of the offset axle extending from a center of the obround protrusion to a center of the substantially cylindrical protrusion.

11. The adjustable inline skate system of claim 10 further comprising a plurality of interchangeable offset axles, each offset axle having a different offset relative to its corresponding natural axis, such that the at least one axle for mating with the at least one axle locating feature is selected from the plurality of offset axles.

12. The adjustable inline skate system of claim 10, wherein the obround protrusion is symmetric such that the at least one offset axle can be mounted in two distinct oppositely oriented configurations.

13. The adjustable inline skate system of claim 10, wherein a first of the two distinct oppositely oriented configurations is a raised configuration wherein a wheel mounted on the offset axle is raised within the frame when the offset axle is mated with the at least one axle locating feature, and wherein a second of the two distinct oppositely oriented configurations is a lowered configuration wherein a wheel mounted on the offset axle is lowered within the frame when the offset axle is mated with the at least one axle locating feature.

14. The adjustable inline skate system of claim 13 further comprising a first wheel having a first radial size for mounting on the offset axle and a second wheel having a second radial size larger than the first size for mounting on the offset axle interchangeably with the first wheel, wherein the first wheel is mounted on the offset axle in the raised configuration and the second wheel is mounted on the offset axle in the lowered configuration.

15. The adjustable inline skate system of claim 14 wherein the at least one offset axle is a plurality of offset axles and wherein the first wheel is one of a first plurality of wheels and the second wheel is one of a second plurality of wheels, and wherein the plurality of offset axles are mounted in either the raised configuration with corresponding wheels of the first plurality of wheels or in the lowered configuration with corresponding wheels of the second plurality of wheels.

16. The adjustable inline skate system of claim 9 wherein the at least one offset axle is four offset axles for mating with corresponding axle locating features, and wherein each of the plurality of axle locating features comprises a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame wall and a corresponding substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the channel.

17. The adjustable inline skate system of claim 9 wherein at least one of the axle locating features comprises a slotted cutout in one of the first and second inline skate frame wall and a corresponding substantially cylindrical through-hole opposite the channel, while the remaining axle locating features comprise substantially cylindrical through-hole on both the first and second inline skate frame walls, and wherein the at least one offset axle mates with the corresponding at least one axle locating feature, and wherein the system further comprises at least one collinear axle for mating with the remaining axle locating features.

18. The adjustable inline skate system of claim 17 wherein the at least one of the axle locating features is a first and last of the axle locating features.