FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to wheeled skating devices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Existing skate devices, available in forms such as roller skates, in-line skates and skateboards, are widely available for the use and enjoyment of skaters for rolling travel across various terrain. Although various forms of skate devices have been accepted by the skating community, existing skate devices are hindered by certain undesirable characteristics which render their use to be less than optimal. For example, roller skates, in-line skates, and skateboards, generally, position the skater at a relatively high vertical distance above the ground, thereby making it relatively difficult for a skater to balance him or herself and to control travel. In this respect, in order to competently use these skate devices, significant practice is required to develop the necessary balancing and riding skills. As well, with most roller skates and in-line skates, it is necessary for the skater to remove his or her street shoes in order to use these devices. With skateboards, although the skater does not remove his or her street shoes, when riding the skateboard, the skater is positioned sideways relative to the direction of travel, which makes it more difficult for the skater to see where he or she is travelling.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame and configured to effect rolling motion of the skate across a reaction surface;
- a foot support coupled to the frame, and including an operative foot support surface configured for supporting a skater's first foot, wherein the operative foot support surface includes a longitudinal axis;
- a foot coupling unit coupled to the frame, and configured for coupling a skater's first foot to the operative foot support surface; and
- a foot rest extending from the frame, and including an operative foot rest support surface configured for supporting the skater's second foot when the skater's first foot is supported by and coupled to the operative foot support surface;
wherein the operative foot rest support surface includes a minimum linear width of at least 30 millimetres and also includes a maximum linear width of less than 45 millimetres, and wherein each of the minimum width and the maximum width is measured along a plane to which the longitudinal axis is normal.
In another aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame and configured to effect rolling motion of the skate across a reaction surface;
- a foot support coupled to the frame, and including an operative foot support surface configured for supporting a skater's first foot, wherein the operative foot support surface includes a longitudinal axis;
- a foot coupling unit coupled to the frame, and configured for coupling a skater's first foot to the operative foot support surface; and
- a foot rest extending from the frame, and including an operative foot rest support surface configured for supporting the skater's second foot when the skater's first foot is supported by and coupled to the operative foot support surface;
wherein the maximum horizontal distance between the longitudinal axis and an outermost edge of the foot rest is less than 140 millimetres, and wherein the maximum horizontal distance is measured along a plane to which the longitudinal axis is normal.
In another aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame;
- a foot support coupled to the frame, and configured for supporting a skater's first foot;
- a foot coupling unit coupled to the frame, and configured for coupling the skater's first foot to the foot support;
- a lateral foot rest extending from the frame, and disposed laterally relative to the foot support; and
- a rear foot rest extending from the frame, and disposed rearwardly relative to the foot support;
wherein the lateral foot rest and the rear foot rest are disposed relative to one another such that, when the skater's first foot is supported by and coupled to the foot support, the skater's second foot can be positioned upon and be simultaneously supported by both the lateral foot rest and the rear foot rest.
In another aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame and configured to effect rolling motion of the skate across a reaction surface;
- a foot support coupled to the frame, and including an operative foot support surface configured for supporting a skater's first foot
- a foot coupling unit coupled to the frame, and configured for coupling the skater's first foot to the operative foot support surface; and
- a foot rest extending from the frame, and disposed laterally relative to the operative foot support surface, and including an operative foot rest support surface configured for supporting the skater's second foot when the skater's first foot is supported by and coupled to the foot support;
wherein the operative foot rest support surface includes a minimum angle of inclination above a horizontal plane of at least 10 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, and also includes a maximum angle of inclination above a horizontal plane of less than 18 degrees relative to the horizontal plane.
In another aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame;
- a foot support coupled to the frame, and configured for supporting a skater's foot;
- a foot coupling unit coupled to the frame, and configured for coupling the skater's foot to the foot support; and
- a brake coupled to either a front end of the frame or a rear end of the frame, and including a braking surface, wherein the braking surface includes a minimum width of at least 80 millimetres measured along a horizontal plane.
In another aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame;
- a foot support coupled to the frame, and configured for supporting a skater's foot;
- a foot coupling unit coupled to the frame, and configured for coupling the skater's foot; and
- a brake coupled to either a front end of the frame or a rear end of the frame, wherein the brake is disposed within a recess provided within the frame end to which the brake is coupled.
In another aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame;
- a foot support coupled to the frame, and configured for supporting a skater's foot;
- a foot coupling unit coupled to the frame, and configured for coupling the skater's foot; and
- a brake coupled to either a front end of the frame or a rear end of the frame, and including a braking surface including two oppositely disposed lower edges, wherein each of the oppositely disposed lower edges is chamfered.
In another aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame;
- a foot support coupled to the frame, and configured for supporting a skater's foot;
- a foot coupling unit coupled to the frame, and configured for coupling the skater's foot to the foot support; and
a carrying tab extending from the frame, and including a hole configured to permit insertion of a human finger to effect support of the skate by a human finger.
In another aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a frame including a base and an upwardly extending sidewall extending upwardly from the base;
- a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame and configured to effect rolling motion of the skate across a reaction surface;
- a foot support coupled to the frame, and configured for supporting a skater's first foot; and
a foot rest, extending from the sidewall, and configured for supporting the skater's second foot when the skater's first foot is supported by the foot support.
In another aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to the frame and configured to effect rolling motion of the skate across a reaction surface;
- a foot support coupled to the frame, and configured for supporting a skater's first foot;
- a foot coupling unit coupled to the frame, and configured for coupling a skater's first foot to the foot support; and
- a foot rest including a footrest member and an operative foot rest support surface, wherein the foot rest member extends from the frame, and the operative foot rest support surface is coupled to the foot rest member and configured for supporting the skater's second foot when the skater's first foot is supported by and coupled to the foot support;
wherein the frame and the foot rest member are integrally formed.
In another aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a frame;
- a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame and configured to effect rolling motion of the skate across a reaction surface;
- a foot support coupled to the frame, and including an operative foot support surface configured for supporting a skater's first foot;
- a foot coupling unit coupled to the frame, and configured for coupling a skater's first foot to the operative foot support surface; and
- a foot rest, extending from the frame, and including an operative foot rest support surface configured for supporting the skater's second foot when the skater's first foot is supported by and coupled to the operative foot support surface;
wherein the operative foot rest support surface is disposed above the reaction surface by a minimum vertical distance of at least 80 millimetres.
In another aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a foot support and coupling structure including:
- a frame;
- a foot support coupled to the frame, and including an operative foot support surface configured for supporting a skater's first foot, wherein the operative foot support surface includes a longitudinal axis; and
- a foot rest, extending from the sidewall, and including an operative foot rest support surface configured for supporting the skater's second foot when the skater's first foot is supported by and coupled to the operative foot support surface;
- and
- a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame;
wherein each of the wheels is disposed substantially beneath the foot support and coupling structure.
In another aspect, there is provided a skate comprising:
- a frame including two opposing sides and a guide channel extending between the two opposing sides; and
- a plurality of wheels rotatably coupled to the frame;
wherein the wheels are spatially configured relative to the guide channel so as not to interfere with guided entry of an object into the guide channel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the following accompanying drawings:
FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a foot support surface of a skate;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a skate, where the foot coupling unit has been removed for clarity;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of another example of a foot support surface of a skate;
FIG. 4A is a side elevation view of a frame of the skate illustrated in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of another example of a frame of a skate;
FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are top perspective views of suitable foot coupling units for a skate;
FIG. 6 is an exploded view, in top perspective, illustrating the skate of FIG. 2;
FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the skate of FIG. 2, illustrating the foot rest disposed in operative and inoperative positions;
FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of a fragment of the foot rest of the skate of FIG. 2, partly in section;
FIG. 7B is an exploded view, in top perspective, of the foot rest fragment illustrated in FIG. 7A;
FIG. 8A is a front elevation view of the skate of FIG. 2;
FIG. 8B is a rear elevation view of the skate of FIG. 2;
FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of the front brake of the skate of FIG. 2;
FIG. 9B is a rear elevation view of the rear brake of the skate of FIG. 2;
FIG. 9C is a bottom plan view of the front brake of the skate of FIG. 2;
FIG. 9D is a bottom plan view of the rear brake of the skate of FIG. 2;
FIG. 9E is a side elevation view of one side of either the front or rear brake of the skate in FIG. 2;
FIG. 9F is a side elevation view of the other side of either of the front or rear brake of the skate in FIG. 2;
FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D are schematic illustrations of examples of suitable gripping surfaces of the foot support surface of a skate;
FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the skate of FIG. 2;
FIG. 12 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a skate, with the foot coupling unit removed for clarity;
FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the skate of FIG. 12, with the foot coupling unit removed for clarity;
FIG. 14 is an exploded view, in top perspective, of a front segment of the skate of FIG. 12, with the foot coupling unit removed for clarity;
FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of one side of the skate of FIG. 12;
FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the skate of FIG. 12, with the foot coupling unit removed for clarity;
FIG. 17 is an exploded view, in top perspective, of the skate of FIG. 12;
FIG. 18 is a rear elevation view of the skate of FIG. 12, with the foot coupling unit removed for clarity;
FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of the skate of FIG. 12, with the foot coupling unit removed for clarity;
FIGS. 20A and 20B illustrate suitable foot coupling units for use in the skate of FIG. 12;
FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of a skater using the skate of FIG. 12 to effect rolling motion across a reaction surface;
FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of a skater using the skate of FIG. 12, and particularly illustrating the skater supporting the skater's second foot upon the rear foot rest of the skate;
FIG. 23A is a top perspective view of a fragment of the skate of FIG. 12, illustrating the foot support and coupling structure;
FIG. 23B is a top plan view of the skate of FIG. 12, with the foot coupling unit removed for clarity, illustrating the outer edge of the foot support and coupling structure;
FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the skate of FIG. 12, with the foot coupling unit removed for clarity, illustrating the measurement of the minimum and maximum horizontal distance between the longitudinal axis of the operative foot support surface of the foot support and the outermost edge of a lateral foot rest;
FIG. 25 is a front elevation view of the skate of FIG. 12, with the foot coupling unit removed for clarity, illustrating the measurement of an inclination angle of the lateral foot rests;
FIG. 26A is a top plan view of the skate of FIG. 12, with the foot coupling unit removed for clarity, illustrating the measurement of the minimum and maximum linear widths of a lateral foot rest;
FIG. 26B is a front elevation view of the skate of FIG. 12, with the foot coupling unit removed for clarity, further illustrating the measurement of the minimum and maximum linear widths of a lateral foot rest;
FIG. 27 is a rear elevation view of the skate of FIG. 12, with the foot coupling unit removed for clarity, illustrating the measurement of a declination angle of the rear foot rest; and
FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of one side of the skate of FIG. 12, illustrating the channel provided in the frame of the skate receiving entry of an object without interference from the surrounding wheels.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 21, a skate 300 is provided for effecting rolling motion of a skater 500 across a reaction surface 502. The skate 300 is configured to be coupled to a skater's single foot 504, and permit the skater 500 to use his or her other foot to propel him or herself across the reaction surface by pushing off the reaction surface 502.
Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 7 and 10 and 11, there is provided a skate 100 including a frame 4, a plurality of wheels 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d, a foot support 9, a foot coupling unit 14, and a foot rest 27.
For example, the frame 4 is handmade from wood. Alternatively, the frame 4 can be formed from a plastic such as, for example, polyurethane. As well, the frame 4 can be formed from aluminium.
Referring specifically to FIGS. 4A, 4B and 6, the frame 4 includes a first pair of aligned apertures 6a, 6c joined by a bore 601a, and second pair of aligned apertures 6b, 6d joined by a bore 601b. The apertures 6a, 6c are provided on side 41a of the frame 4. The apertures 6b, 6d (not shown) are provided on side 41b of the frame 4. The longitudinal axes of the bores 601a, 601b are substantially parallel. Each of the bores 601a, 601b receives a respective axle 61a, 61b in the form of a hexagonal axle bolt 21a, 21b. Each of the axle bolts 21a, 21b extends through a respective one of the bores 601a, 601b, and laterally and outwardly relative to each side 41a, 41b of the frame 4. Each of the axle bolts 21a, 21b is provided to effect rotatable coupling of a respective one of the two pairs of wheels 7a, 7b and 7c, 7d to the frame 4. The wheels 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d facilitate rolling travel of the skate 100 across a reaction surface. Axle bolt 21a effects coupling of the wheel 7a laterally adjacent to side 41a, and also effects coupling of wheel 7b laterally adjacent to side 41b. Axle bolt 21b effects coupling of the wheel 7c laterally adjacent to side 41a, and also effects coupling of wheel 7d laterally adjacent to side 41b. Each of the wheels 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d is rotatably coupled to a respective one of the axle bolts 21a, 21b with a respective one of the bearing assemblies 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d. Each of the bearing assemblies 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d including two bearings 20. For each of the wheels 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d, the two bearings 20 are inserted and press-fitted within the hub of the wheel to thereby hold them in place and connect the bearings 20 to the wheel. For example, a suitable bearing 20 is a Bones Swiss™ standard “608” bearing. A respective washer 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d, is disposed between a respective one of the bearing assemblies 201a, 201b, 201c, and 201d and the frame 4, so as to effect spacing of each of the wheels 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d from the frame 4. Because each of the axles is in the form of a respective one of the axle bolts 21a, 21b, a respective one of the nut 22a, 22b is screwed to the end of a respective one of the axle bolts 21a, 21b, so that the wheels 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d are coupled to the frame 4.
Each of the wheels 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d may be the same as those used in in-line skates. For example, each of the wheels 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d is a polyurethane roller wheel. For example, each of the wheels 7a, 7b, 7c, and 7d has a diameter of 72 millimetres. For example, each of the wheels is Oxygen™ brand, 72 millimetres in diameter, having 76 durometer (hardness), with ABEC 3 Bearings, 60822, Twincam.
The foot support 9 is coupled to the frame 4. Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7, the foot support 9 includes an operative foot support surface 91 for supporting a skater's first foot. For example, and referring to FIG. 2, the operative foot support surface 91 is defined, at least in part, by two regions 8a, 8b of sandpaper grip tape which is adhered to the upper surface of the frame 4. Other suitable shapes for the gripping surfaces of the regions 8a, 8b are illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 10. Alternatively, referring to FIG. 1, the top surface of the frame can be scraped with a blade at regions 2 and 5 to form a cross-grilled pattern at region 5 and a grooved line grip at region 2 to provide better traction for the skater's first foot. Various shape configurations for gripping surfaces for the regions 8a, 8b are illustrated in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, and 10D.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the foot coupling unit 14 is configured for coupling the skater's first foot to the operative foot support surface 91 of the foot support 9. Examples of a suitable foot coupling unit 14 is illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C.
FIG. 5A illustrates a strap including four elastic fabric band portions 10, a relatively inelastic fabric portion 11, and a pull cord 12. The FIG. 5A strap is intended to be used with the frame 4 illustrated in FIG. 4B. The embodiment of the frame 4 in FIG. 4B includes two strap insert apertures 3 on each side of the frame (only one side of the frame 4 is illustrated in FIG. 4B), for a total of four strap insert apertures. Each of the four elastic fabric band portions 10 are stitched to the fabric portion 11. As well, the pull cord 12 is stitched to the fabric portion 12. Each of the four elastic band portions is inserted into a respective one of the four strap insert apertures and is then stitched in place onto itself at seam lines 10a to effect coupling of the foot coupling unit 14 to the frame 4.
FIG. 5B illustrates another strap including an elastic fabric band portion 13, a relatively inelastic fabric band portion 14, a fabric coupling portion 19b, a plastic “B” ring 17, and a neoprene grip 19. The FIG. 5A strap is intended to be used with the frame 4 illustrated in FIG. 4A. The embodiment of the frame 4 in FIG. 4A includes a single strap insert aperture 3 on each side of the frame (only one side of the frame 4 is illustrated in FIG. 4A). One end of the portion 13 is inserted through an aperture 3 on one side of the frame 4 and is stitched in place onto itself at seam line 141a, and the other end of the first portion 13 is inserted through the ring 17 and then stitched in place onto itself at seam line 141b. One end of the portion 14 is inserted through the aperture 3 on the other side of the frame 4 and is stitched in place onto itself at seam line 143a, and the other end of the second portion 13 is stitched onto one end of the portion 19b at seam line 143b. The other end of portion 19b is stitched to the grip 19. One side of portion 19b includes a Velcro™ hook region 15 and a Velcro™ loop region 18. The other side of portion 19b includes reflector tape 16. Portion 19b is inserted through ring 17 such that the Velcro™ hook region and the Velcro™ loop region are overlaying each other.
FIG. 5C illustrates another strap including first and second fabric band portions 14a, 14b, first and second fabric coupling portions 1911b, 1913b, and a neoprene grip 19. One side of the first portion 1911b includes a Velcro™ loop region 18 and the other side includes reflector fabric 16. One side of the second portion 1913b includes a Velcro™ hook region 15, and the other side is fabric. The FIG. 5C strap is intended to be used with the frame 4 illustrated in FIG. 4A. The embodiment of the frame 4 in FIG. 4A includes a single strap insert aperture 3 on each side of the frame (only one side of the frame 4 is illustrated in FIG. 4A). One end of the first portion 14 is stitched to the first portion 1911b such that the Velcro™ loop region 18 is directed downwardly, and the second end of the first portion 14 is inserted through an aperture 3 on one side of the frame 4 and is stitched in place onto itself at seam line 141. One end of the second portion 13 is stitched to the second portion 1913b such that the Velcro™ hook region is directed upwardly, and the second end of the second portion 13 is inserted through an aperture 3 on the other side of the frame 4 and is stitched in place onto itself at seam line 143.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the foot rest 27 extends upwardly from the frame 4. In the embodiment illustrated, the footrest 27 is formed integrally with the frame 4, and is formed from the same material as the frame 4. The footrest 27 includes an operative foot rest support surface 271 configured for supporting the skater's second foot when the skater's first foot is supported by and coupled to the foot support 9. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the footrest 27 also functions as a rear sidewall for limiting movement of the heel of a skater's first foot when the skater's first foot is supported by and coupled to the foot support 9.
Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, 7a, 7b, the operative foot rest support surface 271 is disposed on an upper region 2701 of the footrest 27. This upper region 2701 is hingedly coupled to a lower region 2703 by a spring clip 28. The spring clip 28 biases the upper region 2701 to an inoperative position 27a. Referring to FIG. 7, in the inoperative position 927a, the upper region 2701 is substantially upright and the operative foot rest surface 271 is not disposed in a position favourable to supporting the skater's second foot. Upon application of a force in the rearward direction to the upper region 2701, such as by the heel of the skater's second foot, the upper region 2701 is forced to bend back on the spring clip 28, and thereby move downwardly, until stopped by the spring clip 28 at the operative position 927b. When the upper region 2701 is in the operative position 27b, the operative foot rest surface 271 is disposed in a position favourable for supporting the skater's second foot, and is also disposed above the reaction surface (across which the skate is configured to facilitate rolling motion) by a minimum vertical distance of at least 7 centimetres and a maximum vertical distance of less than 14 centimetres. For example, each of the maximum vertical distance and the minimum vertical distance is about the same. For example, the maximum vertical distance and the minimum vertical distance is the same, and is 8 centimeters.
Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the spring clip 28 is coupled to each of the upper and lower regions 2701, 2703. A recess 2723 is provided in the upper region 2701 in order to receive the spring clip 28, and the spring clip 28 is supported upon an upper surface 2729 of the lower region 2703 between spaced apart tabs 2715, 2717 extending upwardly from the upper surface 2729. The tabs 2715, 2717 are configured for fitting within the recess 2723, for reason which will become apparent below. The spring clip 28 includes free ends 2801 and 2803 and a spiral wound portion 2809 disposed between the free ends 2801, 2803. The spiral wound portion 2809 defines a passage 2811. The free end 2801 is received within a bore 2707 extending from an aperture 2725 provided in the upper surface 2729 of the lower region 2703. The free end 2803 is received within a bore 2705 extending from an aperture 2727 which opens into the recess 2723. The spring clip 28 is coupled to the upper and lower regions 2701, 2703 by a pin 2709. The upper region 2701 includes an aperture 2711a and a bore 2729 extending through the upper region and opening through a wall portion 2731 and into the recess 2723 through an aperture 2711b which is aligned with the aperture 2711a. A wall portion 2733 opposite to the wall portion 2731 includes an aperture 2713 which is aligned with the apertures 2711a, 2711b. Each of the tabs 2715, 2717 includes a respective one of apertures 2719, 2721. The apertures 2719, 2721 are aligned with each other. When the spring clip 28 is positioned between the tabs 2715, 2717, and each of the free ends 2801, 2803 is inserted in a respective one of the bores 2707, 2705, when the tabs 2715, 2717 become fitted within the recess 2723, the apertures 2719, 2721 of the tabs 2715, 2717 and the passage 2811 of the spiral wound portion 2809 of the spring clip 28 become aligned with the apertures 2711b, 2713 of the upper region (and, therefore, the bore 2729 and the aperture 2711a). Thus, the pin 2709 can be inserted through the aperture 2711a, the bore 2729, the apertures 2711b, 2719, and through the passage 2811, and through the aperture 2717, and into the aperture 2713, to effect coupling of the upper region 2701 to the lower region, and to facilitate the positioning of the upper region 2701 relative to the lower region 2703, as described above.
The upper region 2711 also includes a hole 1 configured to permit insertion of a human finger to effect support of the skate by a human finger. The hole 1 has a substantially horizontal axis. The skate 100 can be carried by a human finger when the skate 100 is not in use. In this respect, the footrest 27 also functions as a carrying tab.
Referring to FIG. 7, the skate 100 includes light diodes 25 coupled to a front end 411b of the frame 4. The diodes function as lights for improving visibility in circumstances where visibility is not optimal. It is envisioned to supply power is supplied to each of the diodes with a respective battery. It is contemplated that each of the diode and battery combinations could be inserted within a slot formed within the front end 411b of the frame 4, and could be mounted within the slot by press fitting the combination within the slot or mounting a transparent or translucent plate to the front end 411b of the frame 4 while covering the slot.
Referring to FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 11, brakes 31a, 31b are coupled to the bottom surface of the frame 4 by screws 43 which are threaded through aligned, threaded apertures in the brakes 30a, 30b and the frame 4. Various views of the brakes 31a, 31b are illustrated in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, and 9F.
Each of the brakes 31a, 31b includes a respective braking surface which is configured to effect frictional resistance to movement of the skate 200 when the skater shifts his or her body weight so as to cause the respective braking surface to come into frictional engagement with the reaction surface upon which the skate 200 is travelling. For example, the braking surface is vulcanized rubber.
In an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 11, there is provided a skate 200, which is similar to the embodiment of skate 100, with the exception that skate 200 includes reflector tape 30a, 30b. Reflector tape 30a is coupled to a rear end 411a of the frame 4. Reflector tape 30b is coupled to the front end 411b of the frame 4. Each of reflector tape 30a, 30b is provided to effect illumination of the skate 200 by reflecting light.
A further embodiment of a skate 300 is illustrated in FIGS. 12 to 27. The skate 300 includes a frame 354, a plurality of wheels 306a, 306b, 306c and 306d, a foot support 302, a foot coupling unit 329, a pair of lateral foot rests 310a, 310b, and a rear footrest 320.
For example, the frame 354 is formed from an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene material, such as fibre-reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The frame can be manufactured by injection molding.
Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19, the frame 354 includes a base 358 and a continuous wall 360. The wall 360 extends upwardly from the base 358. The wall 360 defines a pair of opposing sidewalls 362a, 362b, and opposing front and rear walls 364, 366. At least a portion of the space between the sidewalls 362a, 362b and front and rear walls 364, 366 is configured to accommodate a skater's first foot.
Referring to FIGS. 13, 15, and 28, the frame 354 also defines a channel 900 extending between the sides 362a, 362b of the frame 354. The front wheels 306a, 306c and the rear wheels 306b, 306d are spatially configured relative to the guide channel 900 so as not to interfere with the guided entry of an object 902 (such as a rail) into the channel 900, wherein the channel facilitates the guiding of the entry of the object. In this respect, for example, the outer extent or periphery of each of the wheels 306a, 306b 306c, 306d is spaced apart from the neighbouring edge of the channel by about 10 millimetres. The channel is disposed between the front and rear wheels. For example, the length 904 of the channel 900 is 91 millimetres.
Referring to FIGS. 14 and 17, the frame 354 includes a first pair of aligned apertures 356a, 356c (aperture 356c is not shown) joined by a bore (not shown), and a second pair of aligned apertures 356b, 356d (aperture 356d is not shown) joined by a bore (not shown). The apertures 356a, 356b are provided on one side 3541a of the frame, and the apertures 356c, 356d are provided on the other side 3541b of the frame. The longitudinal axes of the bores are substantially parallel. Each of the bores receives a respective axle 355a in the form of a shaft having threaded end portions. Each of the axles 355a, 355b extends through a respective one of the bores, and laterally and outwardly relative to each side 3541a, 3541b of the frame 354. Each of the axles 355a, 355b is provided to effect rotatable coupling of a respective one of two pairs of wheels 306a, 306b and 306c, 306d to the frame 354. The wheels 306a, 306b and 306c, 306d facilitate rolling travel of the skate 300 across a reaction surface 502 (see FIG. 21). By virtue of their mounting to the axles 355a, 355b, the wheels 306a, 306b are co-axial, and the wheels 306c, 306d are co-axial. When a skater's first foot is supported on the foot support 302, the axis of rotation of each of the pairs of wheels 306a, 306b and 306c, 306d is disposed substantially beneath an operative foot support surface 370 (see below). This positioning of these axes of rotation relative to the skater's first foot, when the skater's first foot is supported on the foot support 302, enables greater directional control of the skate 300 by the skater.
Axle 355a effects coupling of the wheel 306a laterally adjacent to side 3541a, and also effects coupling of wheel 306b laterally adjacent to side 3541b. Axle 355b effects coupling of the wheel 306c laterally adjacent to side 3541a, and also effects coupling of the wheel 306d laterally adjacent to side 3541b. Each of the wheels 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d is rotatably coupled to a respective one of the axles 355a, 355b with a respective one of the bearings 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d of a respective one of the wheels 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d. For each wheel 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d, a pair of spacers/washers 309a, 309b is mounted on the respective axle 355a, 355b, and one of the spacers/washers 309a is disposed between the respective wheel and the frame 354 and the other spacer/washer 309b is disposed between the respective wheel and a lock nut 307. The lock nut 307 is threaded on each end of the axles 355a, 355b in order to keep the wheels 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d coupled to the frame 354.
For example, each of the wheels 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d is a polyurethane roller wheel of the kind used for in-line skates. For example, each of the wheels 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d has a diameter of 72 millimetres. For example, each of the wheels is Kryptonics™ brand, 72 millimetre diameter, 76 A durometer (hardness).
Referring to FIG. 21, each of the wheels 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d is spatially disposed such that, when the skater's first foot 504 is supported on the foot support 302, and the skater 500 is using the skater's second foot 506 to propel the skater 500 across the reaction surface 502 by pushing off the reaction surface 502 with the second foot 506, each of the wheels 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d does not interfere with the skater's second foot 506. To effect this, relative to a foot support and coupling structure 800 including the frame 354, the foot support 302, the foot coupling unit 329, the lateral foot rests 310a, 310b, and the rear foot rest 320 (see FIG. 23A), each of the wheels 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d is disposed substantially beneath the foot support and coupling structure 800. In this respect, each of the wheels 306a, 306b, 306c, and 306d is substantially disposed within a perimeter defined by a plane tangent to the outermost edge 390 of the foot support and coupling structure 800 (see FIG. 23B).
The foot support 302 is coupled to the frame 354. The foot support 302 includes an operative foot support surface 370 for supporting a skater's first foot 504 (see FIG. 21). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the operative foot support surface 370 is defined, at least in part, by sandpaper grip tape which is adhered to the upper surface of the base 358 of the frame 354, and the remainder of the operative support surface 370, if any, is defined by the base 358 of the frame 354. In other embodiments, the operative support surface 370 may simply be defined by the base 358 of the frame 354. The operative support surface 370 includes a longitudinal axis 3701 (see FIG. 12). When the skate 300 is disposed on the reaction surface 502, the operative foot support surface 370 has a maximum vertical displacement relative to the reaction surface of less than 60 millimetres. For example, the maximum vertical displacement is 58 millimetres.
When the skater's first foot is supported by the operative foot support surface 370, the wall 360 of the frame 354 limits lateral movement of the skater's first foot and protects the skater's foot from coming into contact with external objects such as stones or even splashing water. The toe portion of the skater's first foot is particularly vulnerable to coming into contact with external objects when using the skate 300. In this respect, at least a portion of the front wall 364 includes the functionality of a toe protector, for protecting the toe portion of the skater's first foot from coming into contact with external objects such as stones or even splashing water.
Alternatively, the foot support surface 370 may be defined by a neoprene material adhered to the base 358. When a skater's first foot is positioned on the neoprene material, it is believed that the neoprene material will conform to the shape of the skater's first foot and maintain such shape even after the skater's first foot is removed.
Referring to FIG. 22, the foot coupling unit 329 is configured for coupling the skater's first foot 504 to the operative foot support surface 370 of the foot support 302. In the embodiment illustrated, the foot coupling unit 329 is in the form of a ratchet strap of the conventional type used as bindings in snowboards (see FIGS. 20A and 20B). Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, and 17, each of the sidewalls 362a, 362b includes a respective one of two sets of three strap positioning holes 3171a, 3171b, and 3171c or 3173a, 3173b, and 3173c (holes 3173a, 3173b, and 3173c for sidewall 362b are not shown). One region 3291 of the foot coupling unit 329, such as a ratchet strap, is configured for coupling to one of the positioning holes 3171a, 3171b, and 3171c of sidewall 362a, and a second region 3292 of the foot coupling unit 329, spaced apart from the first region 3291, is configured for coupling to one of the positioning holes 3173a, 3173b, and 3173c of the sidewall 362b. In this respect, the foot coupling unit 329 is positionable along both sides of the frame 354. Coupling of the foot coupling unit to the positioning holes is effected by screws 3111.
Since the foot coupling unit 329 is, generally, moveable, owing to its pivotal coupling to the frame at the positioning holes, the foot coupling unit 329 has the potential for assuming configurations which are not necessarily optimal for effecting coupling of the first skater's foot to the foot support 302. To mitigate against this, each of the sidewalls 362a, 362b includes a respective one of two strap insert apertures 303a, 303b (see FIGS. 12 and 17) for receiving the foot coupling unit 329. The portions of the foot coupling unit 329 received within the apertures 303a, 303b are disposed on a region of the foot coupling unit 329 which joins the regions 3292, 3292 (which are disposed in respective positioning holes). In this respect, the mobility of the received portions of the foot coupling unit 329 is limited by the apertures 303a, 303b, and this limited mobility influences positioning of the intermediate region of the foot coupling unit 329 which joins the received portions (and at least a portion of this intermediate region is configured for contacting the skater's first foot) such that a desirable coupling of the skater's first foot to the foot support 302 is more likely to be effected.
Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, 15, 17, and 19, each of a pair of lateral footrests 310a, 310b extends from the frame 354 on a respective one of opposite sides of the frame 354 and is supported by reinforcement ribs 321 extending from the frame 354. The footrests 310a, 310b are substantially mirror images of each other. Each of the footrests 310a, 310b has a respective one of outermost edges 3111a, 3111b. The maximum horizontal distance between the longitudinal axis 3701 and each of the outermost edges 3111a, 3111b is less than 140 millimetres, wherein the maximum distance is measured along a plane (such as plane 3703) to which the longitudinal axis 3701 is normal (see FIG. 24). For example, the maximum horizontal distance is 118 millimetres.
Referring to FIGS. 16 and 18, each of the footrests 310a, 310b includes a respective one of footrest members 3107a, 3107b. Each of the footrest members 3107a, 3107b extends laterally from a respective one of the sidewalls 362a, 3262b. Each of the footrests 310a, 310b also includes a respective one of operative foot rest support surfaces 3101a, 3101b coupled to a respective one of the footrest members 3107a, 3107b. Each of the operative foot rest support surfaces 3101a, 3101b is configured for supporting the skater's second foot when the skater's first foot is supported by the foot support 302 and coupled to the foot support 302 by the foot coupling unit 329. For example, each of the operative foot rest support surfaces 3101a, 3101b is defined, at least in part, by adhesive sandpaper grip tape, and each remaining surface of a respective one of the support surfaces 3101a, 3101b, if any, is integrally formed with a respective one of the sidewalls 362a, 362b. In other embodiments, the entirety of each of the support surfaces 3101a, 3101b may simply be formed integrally with a respective one of the sidewalls 362a, 362b. Such integral forming may be effected by injection molding.
Each of the operative foot rest support surfaces 3101a, 3101b is disposed above the reaction surface 502 by a minimum vertical distance of at least 80 millimetres. For example, the minimum vertical distance is 90 millimetres.
Each of the operative foot rest support surfaces 3101a, 3101b is disposed above the operative foot support surface 370 by a minimum vertical distance of at least 32 millimetres. For example, the minimum vertical distance is 42 millimetres.
Each of the operative foot rest support surfaces 3101a, 3101b has a minimum angle of inclination X1 above a horizontal plane (such as horizontal plane 4000) of at least 10 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, and also has a maximum angle of inclination XI above a horizontal plane (such as horizontal plane 4000) of less than 18 degrees relative to the horizontal plane 4000 (see FIG. 25). For example, each of the minimum and maximum angles of inclination above a horizontal plane is about the same. For example, each of these angles is the same, and is 15 degrees.
Each of the operative foot rest support surfaces 3101a, 3101b has a minimum linear width of at least 30 millimetres, and a maximum linear width of less than 45 millimetres, wherein each of the minimum linear width and the maximum width is measured along a plane (such as plane 3705) to which the longitudinal axis 3701 is normal (see FIG. 26). For example, each of the minimum and maximum linear width is about the same. For example, each of the minimum linear width and the maximum linear width is the same, and is 35.5 millimetres.
Each of the operative foot rest support surfaces 3101a, 3101b has a surface area of at least 2800 millimetres2. For example, each of the operative foot rest support surfaces 3101a, 3101b has a surface area of 3135 millimetres2.
Referring to FIGS. 12, 15, 17, 18, and 19, the rear footrest 320 extends upwardly from the rear wall 366. The rear foot rest includes an upstanding member 3203 and a cross member 3204. The cross member 3204 extends from the upper region of the upstanding member 3203, and includes spaced-apart operative foot rest support surfaces 3201a, 3201b and an intermediate element 3205 disposed between the foot surfaces 3201a, 3201b. The cross member 3204 is supported by ribs 3221 extending from the frame 354.
Referring to FIG. 17, in this embodiment, the rear foot rest 320 is provided as a structure which is formed independently of the frame 354. The rear foot rest 320 is inserted into a slot 318 provided in the rear wall 366. A pair of spaced-apart rear wall position holes 322a, 322b are provided in the rear wall 366. Two sets of spaced apart foot rest position holes 319a, 319b and 319c, 319d are provided in the rear foot rest. Position holes 319a, 319b are disposed vertically above the position holes 319c, 319d. To couple the footrest 320 to the rear wall 366, one of the two sets of spaced apart foot rest position holes 319a, 319b or 319c, 319d is aligned with the rear wall position holes, and a fastener 324 (such as a bolt) is inserted through the aligned holes to effect coupling of the foot rest 320 to the rear wall 366 (where the fastener is a bolt, then a nut is threaded onto the free end of the bolt to effect the coupling). Because the rear footrest 320 is provided with two sets of positioning holes, one set being disposed vertically higher than the other set, the rear footrest 320 is vertically adjustable relative to the rear wall 366.
Each of the support surfaces 3201a, 3201b is configured for supporting the skater's second foot when the skater's first foot is supported by the foot support 302 and coupled to the foot support 302 by the foot coupling unit 329. FIG. 22 illustrates support of the skater's second foot 506 by the surface 3201b. Each of the support surfaces 3201a, 3201b is defined, at least in part, by sandpaper grip tape. Each of the operative foot rest support surfaces 3201a, 3201b is disposed above the reaction surface by a minimum vertical distance of at least 110 millimetres. For example, the minimum vertical distance is 120 millimetres.
Each of the operative foot rest support surfaces 3201a, 3201b is disposed above the operative foot support surface 370 by a minimum vertical distance of at least 42 millimetres. For example, the minimum vertical distance is 52 millimetres.
Each of the operative foot rest surfaces 3201a, 3201b has a minimum angle of declination below a horizontal plane (such as horizontal plane 5000) of at least 5 degrees relative to the horizontal plane, and also has a maximum angle of declination below a horizontal plane (such as horizontal plane 5000) of less than 25 degrees relative to the horizontal plane (see FIG. 27). For example, the minimum and maximum angle of inclination above a horizontal plane is about the same. For example, each of the minimum and maximum angles of inclination is the same, and it is 15 degrees.
With respect to the rear foot rest 320, each of the operative foot rest support surfaces 3201a, 3201b has surface area of at least 1805 millimetres2. For example, each of the operative foot rest support surfaces 3201a, 3201b has a surface area of 2029 millimetres2′
The intermediate element 3205 of the rear footrest 320 also includes a hole 301 configured to permit insertion of a human finger to effect support of the skate by a human finger. The hole 301 has a substantially vertical axis. The skate 100 can be carried by a human finger when the skate 100 is not in use. In this respect, the footrest 320 also functions as a carrying tab.
The lateral foot rest operative foot rest support surface 3101a and the rear foot rest operative foot rest support surface 3201a are disposed relative to one another such that, when the skater's first foot is supported by the foot support 302 and coupled to the foot support 302 by foot coupling unit 329, the skater's second foot can be positioned upon and be simultaneously supported by both the lateral foot rest operative foot rest support surface 3101a and the rear foot rest operative foot support surface 3201a. The lateral foot rest operative foot rest support surface 3101b and the rear foot rest operative foot rest support surface 3201b are disposed relative to one another such that, when the skater's first foot is supported by the foot support 302 and coupled to the foot support 302 by foot coupling unit 329, the skater's second foot can be positioned upon and be simultaneously supported by both the lateral foot rest operative foot rest support surface 3101b and the rear foot rest operative foot rest support surface 3201b.
Referring to FIGS. 13, 14, 15, and 18, the skate 300 includes rear and front brakes 311, 313. The rear brake 311 is coupled to a rear end 372 of the frame 354. In this respect, the rear brake 311 is disposed within a recess 3721 provided within the rear end 372 of the frame 354. To effect coupling of the brake 311 to the frame 354 within this recess 3721, the rear brake 311 is fastened to the rear end 372 of the frame with bolts 316a, 316b threaded through a respective one of brake bores 3222a, 3222b and frame bores (not shown). The front brake 313 is coupled to the front end 374 of the frame 354. In this respect, the front brake 313 is disposed within a recess 3741 provided within the front end 374 of the frame 354. To effect coupling of the brake 313 to the frame 354 within this recess 3741, the front brake 313 is fastened to the front end 374 of the frame with bolts 315a, 315b threaded through a respective one of brake bores 3221a, 3221b and frame bores 322a, 322b. The front surface of each of the brakes 311, 313 includes a respective one of the reflectors 312, 314 for reflecting light and thereby illuminating the skate 300 during poor visibility.
Each of the brakes 311, 313 includes a respective braking surface which is configured to effect frictional resistance to movement of the skate 300 when the skater shifts his or her body weight so as to cause the respective braking surface to come into frictional engagement with the reaction surface upon which the skate 300 is travelling. The braking surface of each of the brakes 311, 313 has a minimum width of at least 80 millimetres measured along a horizontal plane. For example, the minimum width is 120 millimetres. The braking surface of each of the brakes 311, 313 includes two spaced apart lower edges 380a, 380b which are chamfered. For example, the braking surface is made of vulcanized rubber. For example, each of the brake is made by overmolding a metal plate with vulcanized rubber to effect reinforcement of the brake.
Each of the front and rear brakes 313, 311 also includes a respective one of reflector surfaces 314, 312. For example, each of the reflector surfaces 314, 312 is reflector tape adhered to the braking surface of a respective one of the brakes 313, 311.
Referring to FIG. 14, it is contemplated to provide light emitting diodes coupled to a front end 374 the frame 34 at the regions 3100a, 3100b. The diodes function as lights for improving visibility in circumstances where visibility is not optimal. It is envisioned to supply power is supplied to each of the diodes with a respective battery. It is contemplated that each of the diode and battery combinations could be inserted within a slot formed within the front end 374 of the frame 354, and could be mounted within the slot by press fitting the combination within the slot or mounting a transparent or translucent plate to the front end 374 of the frame 354 while covering the slot.
It will be understood, of course, that modifications can be made in the embodiments of the invention described herein without departing from the scope and purview of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Patent Application
20100289230
