Wheel Lock Device

Abstract

A wheel lock device for roller skates is disclosed. The device comprises two loops connected by a flexural section, defining two apertures wherein the wheels of the roller skate are placed. The flexural section, made of an elastic material, allows the device to be stretched and fitted over the wheels. The device may include inner or outer chocks proximate to the loops to prevent rolling. Overhangs extending from the inner wall of the aperture prevent the device from sliding off the wheels. Inner and outer pull tabs provide improved grip for installation and removal. The device may have a closed face to protect the wheels from debris. The device is a monolithic structure made of a flexible material, allowing for adaptability to different skate configurations.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to devices for immobilizing wheels, particularly those of roller skates, to facilitate walking and performing tricks without rolling.

BACKGROUND

The field of roller skating has seen numerous advancements and innovations over the years. Roller skates, which typically comprise a boot attached to a frame that holds a set of wheels in a line (inline skates) or in pairs (quad skates), allow users to glide smoothly over various surfaces. However, the inherent mobility of roller skates can pose challenges in situations where the user desires to walk or remain stationary, such as when climbing stairs, performing tricks, or traversing rough terrain.

Various devices have been proposed to address this issue. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 5,890,722 discloses a lock system for inline roller skates that locks the wheels to prevent rotation. This system includes a mounting member with a movable abutment member that engages with the wheels to lock them. While this system allows the user to walk freely with the roller skates on, it is difficult to manufacture and requires a complex assembly.

While this prior art device and others provide solutions for immobilizing roller skate wheels, they may not offer the flexibility, ease of use, and adaptability to different skate configurations that users may desire. Therefore, there is a continuing interest in developing improved wheel immobilization devices for roller skates.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In general, in a first aspect, the disclosed subject matter features a wheel lock device for roller skates. In the aforementioned device, the wheel lock device comprises two loops connected by a flexural section, defining two apertures wherein the wheels of the roller skate are placed. The flexural section may be integral or removably integral to the loops and is made of an elastic material such as silicone or spring metal.

In the aforementioned device, the wheel lock device may comprise inner chocks or outer chocks proximate to the loops to prevent rolling by physical constraint. The physical constraint of inner or outer chocks is achieved by acting as a ramp which prevents rotation.

In the aforementioned device, texture may be applied to the outer surfaces of the loops to provide improved traction when the wheel lock device is being used.

Overhangs, which are one or more protrusions that extend from the inner wall of the aperture, may be used to physically contact the wheels and prevent the wheel lock device from sliding off of the wheels.

In the aforementioned device, inner pull tabs may be formed on the loops of the wheel lock device on the inside of the wheels near the centerline of the roller skate to provide the user improved grip to apply force and also to avoid contact with the wheels when installing the wheel lock device. Outer pull tabs may be formed on the loops of the wheel lock device on the outside of the wheels to provide the user improved grip to apply the force to remove the wheel lock device from the wheels.

In the aforementioned device, the wheel lock device may have a closed face which is a cap that closes off the apertures and prevents debris from contacting the wheels.

The preferred form of the wheel lock device is a monolithic structure wherein all structures are formed integrally into a single part and made of a flexible material, such as silicone or another elastic polymer.

Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter may include one or more of the following features. The flexural section may be in an X-Shape design which prevents the apertures from rotating in unison such as the motion of a treaded vehicle. The flexural section having an X-shape effectively creates expansion zones on either side of the flexural section which allows the apertures to increase in size and allows the acceptance of larger wheels into the apertures. The inner pull tabs and/or outer pull tabs may have a nub which is a protrusion which allows the user to have a better grip to more easily apply the force to stretch the flexural section and insert the wheels into the apertures. The wheel lock device may be made in different sizes to allow for different roller skates.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a Wheel Lock Device attached to a Roller Skate in its operational position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the Wheel Lock Device, showcasing its various components including two loops, a flexural section, inner chocks, overhangs, inner pull tabs, and textured exterior faces.

FIG. 3 presents two side views of a Roller Skate equipped with the Wheel Lock Device, demonstrating the positioning of the device around the wheels of the skate.

FIG. 4 provides two views of another illustrative implementation of the Wheel Lock Device, highlighting features such as outer chocks, a closed face, and outer pull tabs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Turning now to the present disclosure, a Wheel Lock Device 100 is introduced. The Wheel Lock Device 100 is designed to be used with a Roller Skate 300, and its primary function is to immobilize the wheels of the Roller Skate 300, thereby allowing the user to walk normally while wearing the roller skates. This is particularly useful in situations where the user may wish to traverse surfaces or conditions that are not conducive to rolling, such as stairs, hills, or rough terrain. The Wheel Lock Device 100 may also be beneficial for users who wish to practice tricks without the risk of the wheels rolling, providing a safer and more controlled environment for skill development.

The Wheel Lock Device 100 comprises two loops 101 connected by a flexural section 103. Each loop 101 defines an aperture 102, which is designed to accommodate a wheel 301 of the Roller Skate 300. The flexural section 103, which may be integral or removably integral to the loops 101, is made of an elastic material such as silicone or spring metal. This elasticity allows the Wheel Lock Device 100 to be stretched and fitted over the wheels 301 of the Roller Skate 300, and then to return to its original shape once in place, thereby securing the device onto the wheels.

The Wheel Lock Device 100 may also include inner chocks 105 or outer chocks 203, which are positioned proximate to the loops 101. These chocks serve to physically constrain the wheels 301, preventing them from rolling. This is achieved by the chocks acting as a ramp, which inhibits the rotation of the wheels. The Wheel Lock Device 100 may also feature overhangs 106, which are one or more protrusions extending from the inner wall of the aperture 102. These overhangs 106 physically contact the wheels 301 and prevent the Wheel Lock Device 100 from sliding off of the wheels.

In some cases, the Wheel Lock Device 100 may include inner pull tabs 107 and outer pull tabs 202. These pull tabs provide the user with an improved grip when applying force to stretch the flexural section 103 during the installation or removal of the Wheel Lock Device 100. The pull tabs may also be equipped with nubs 108, which are protrusions that further enhance the user's grip.

In some aspects, the Wheel Lock Device 100 may have a closed face 201, which is a cap that closes off the apertures 102. This feature serves to protect the wheels 301 from debris, thereby maintaining the cleanliness and functionality of the wheels. The closed face 201 also provides additional resistance to prevent wheel 301 rotation.

The Wheel Lock Device 100 may be a monolithic structure, wherein all structures are formed integrally into a single part. This design, combined with the use of a flexible material such as silicone or another elastic polymer, allows for easy manufacturing and adaptability to Roller Skates 300 with different wheel 301 sizes and spreads 302. In some cases, the Wheel Lock Device 100 may be made in different sizes to accommodate different Roller Skates 300.

Referring to FIG. 1, the Wheel Lock Device 100 is depicted in its operational position, attached to a Roller Skate 300. The Wheel Lock Device 100 is designed to envelop the wheels of the Roller Skate 300, thereby preventing them from rolling. This is achieved by fitting the Wheel Lock Device 100 around the wheels of the Roller Skate 300, effectively immobilizing them. In some cases, the Wheel Lock Device 100 may be made in different sizes to accommodate Roller Skates 300 of varying sizes and wheel spreads 302.

When the Wheel Lock Device 100 is in its operational position, it allows the user to walk up and down stairs in a natural forward position. This is a notable improvement over the typical sideways configuration that users traditionally have to adopt to navigate stairs while wearing Roller Skates 300. The Wheel Lock Device 100 thus provides a more comfortable and natural walking experience for the user, even when wearing roller skates.

Furthermore, the Wheel Lock Device 100 serves a protective function for the wheels 301 of the Roller Skate 300. When the user is practicing tricks on soft ground, such as dirt or grass, the Wheel Lock Device 100 helps prevent the wheels 301 from getting damaged. This is achieved by preventing the wheels 301 from rotating and coming into contact with potentially damaging debris. As a result, the user can practice tricks on soft ground with a decreased risk of injury, while also maintaining the integrity of the wheels 301.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the Wheel Lock Device 100 is shown in greater detail. The Wheel Lock Device 100 comprises two loops 101 connected by a flexural section 103. Each loop 101 defines an aperture 102, which is designed to accommodate a wheel 301 of the Roller Skate 300. The flexural section 103, which may be integral or removably integral to the loops 101, is made of an elastic material such as silicone or spring metal. This elasticity allows the Wheel Lock Device 100 to be stretched and fitted over the wheels 301 of the Roller Skate 300, and then to return to its original shape once in place, thereby securing the device onto the wheels.

In some cases, the flexural section 103 of the Wheel Lock Device 100 may be in an X-Shape design. This configuration prevents the apertures 102 from rotating in unison, similar to the motion of a treaded vehicle. The X-shape of the flexural section 103 effectively creates expansion zones 104 on either side of the flexural section 103. These expansion zones 104 allow the apertures 102 to increase in size, thereby accommodating larger wheels 301 into the apertures 102. This feature is particularly useful for users who have roller skates with different wheel 301 sizes.

The Wheel Lock Device 100 may also include inner chocks 105, which are positioned adjacent to the flexural section 103. These inner chocks 105 serve to physically constrain the wheels 301, preventing them from rolling. This is achieved by the inner chocks 105 acting as a ramp, which inhibits the rotation of the wheels 301. The inclusion of inner chocks 105 provides an additional layer of stability to the Wheel Lock Device 100, enhancing its effectiveness in immobilizing the wheels 301 of the Roller Skate 300.

Continuing with the description of FIG. 2, the Wheel Lock Device 100 may also include overhangs 106. These overhangs 106 are one or more protrusions that extend from the inner wall of the aperture 102. The overhangs 106 physically contact the wheels 301 and prevent the Wheel Lock Device 100 from sliding off of the wheels 301. This feature enhances the stability of the Wheel Lock Device 100 when it is installed on the Roller Skate 300, ensuring that the device remains securely in place even during vigorous movement or trick performance.

In some cases, the Wheel Lock Device 100 may include inner pull tabs 107. These inner pull tabs 107 are formed on the loops 101 of the Wheel Lock Device 100 on the inside of the wheels 301 near the centerline of the Roller Skate 300. The inner pull tabs 107 provide the user with an improved grip when applying force to stretch the flexural section 103 during the installation of the Wheel Lock Device 100. This feature facilitates the installation process, making it easier for the user to fit the Wheel Lock Device 100 onto the wheels 301 of the Roller Skate 300.

In some aspects, the inner pull tabs 107 of the Wheel Lock Device 100 may have a nub 108. The nub 108 is a protrusion that further enhances the user's grip on the inner pull tabs 107. This feature allows the user to more easily apply the force to stretch the flexural section 103 and insert the wheels 301 into the apertures 102. The inclusion of the nub 108 thus contributes to the ease of use of the Wheel Lock Device 100, making it more user-friendly and accessible to users of varying strength and dexterity.

The exterior faces of the loops 101 of the Wheel Lock Device 100 may be textured 109. This texture 109 is designed to enhance traction when the Wheel Lock Device 100 is in use. The texture 109 may be of any geometry that allows for improved traction or grip on the terrain being walked on by the user with the Wheel Lock Device 100 installed on their Roller Skates 300. This feature provides additional stability to the user when walking or performing tricks, reducing the risk of slipping or falling.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the Wheel Lock Device 100 is shown in its resting and stretched positions. When the Wheel Lock Device 100 is not installed on the Roller Skate 300 as shown in the upper view of FIG. 3, no stress is applied to the flexural section 103 and the wheel lock spread 110 is smaller than the wheel spread 302. In the lower view of FIG. 3, The Wheel Lock Device 100 is showin in the stretched position in which the Flexural Section 103 is stretch making the Wheel Lock Spread 110 the same as the Wheel Spread 302 wherein stress is applied to the Flexural Section 103 which keeps the Wheel Lock Device 100 mated to the Roller Skate 300. This effectively prevents the wheels 301 from rotating.

This allows a single size Wheel Lock Device 100 to be used on Roller Skates 300 having different wheel 301 sizes and Wheel Spreads 302, which is useful if the user has multiple pairs of Roller Skates 300 of different configurations.

Turning now to FIG. 4, another illustrative implementation of the Wheel Lock Device 200 is presented. In this implementation, the Wheel Lock Device 200 includes outer chocks 203, which are positioned on the outer side of the device. These outer chocks 203 serve a similar function to the inner chocks 105 described earlier, acting as physical constraints to prevent the wheels 301 from rolling.

In this implementation, the Wheel Lock Device 200 also features a closed face 201. The closed face 201 is a cap that closes off the apertures 102, thereby preventing debris from contacting the wheels 301. This feature serves to protect the wheels 301, maintaining their cleanliness and functionality. The closed face 201 also provides additional resistance to prevent wheel rotation, further enhancing the immobilization function of the Wheel Lock Device 200.

Additionally, the Wheel Lock Device 200 in this implementation includes outer pull tabs 202. These outer pull tabs 202 extend outward from the loops 101, providing the user with an improved grip when applying force to remove the Wheel Lock Device 200 from the wheels 301. This feature facilitates the removal process, making it easier for the user to disengage the Wheel Lock Device 200 from the Roller Skate 300 when they wish to resume rolling.

As with the previous implementation, the Wheel Lock Device in any implementation may also include inner pull tabs 107 equipped with nubs 108. The inner pull tabs 107 or outer pull tabs 202 can extend an any direction. These features enhance the user's grip when stretching the Wheel Lock Device to fit over the wheels 301, thereby facilitating the installation process.

Claims

1. A wheel lock device for a roller skate, the roller skate comprising: two adjacent sets of wheels defining a wheel spread,the wheel lock device comprising: a pair of loops connected by a flexural section, the loops and the flexural section defining two apertures configured to receive the wheels of the roller skate;wherein the flexural section is made of an elastic material and is stretchable to increase a wheel lock spread between the loops to accommodate different wheel spreads of roller skates;and wherein the flexural section includes an X-shape design creating expansion zones on either side of the flexural section, the expansion zones allowing the apertures to increase in size to accommodate different sized wheels of roller skates.

2. The wheel lock device of claim 1, further comprising inner chocks positioned adjacent to the flexural section configured to prevent rolling by physical constraint.

3. The wheel lock device of claim 1, further comprising outer chocks proximate positioned on the outside of the loops configured to prevent rolling by physical constraint.

4. The wheel lock device of claim 1, further comprising overhangs extending from the inner wall of the apertures configured to prevent the wheel lock device from sliding off of the wheels.

5. The wheel lock device of claim 1, further comprising inner pull tabs formed on the loops of the wheel lock device on the inside of the wheels near the centerline of the roller skate configured to provide the user improved grip to apply force to install the wheel lock device on the wheels.

6. The wheel lock device of claim 5, wherein the inner pull tabs comprise nubs configured to provide the user improved grip to apply force.

7. The wheel lock device of claim 1, further comprising outer pull tabs formed on the loops of the wheel lock device on the outside of the wheels configured to provide the user improved grip to apply the force to remove the wheel lock device from the wheels.

8. The wheel lock device of claim 7, wherein the outer pull tabs comprise nubs configured to provide the user improved grip to apply force.

9. The wheel lock device of claim 1, wherein the flexural section is made of a material selected from the group consisting of silicone and spring metal.

10. The wheel lock device of claim 1, further comprising a closed face configured to close off the apertures and prevent debris from contacting the wheels.

11. The wheel lock device of claim 1, wherein the device is a monolithic structure wherein all structures are formed integrally into a single part and made of a flexible material.

12. The wheel lock device of claim 1, wherein the texture is applied to the outer surfaces of the loops configured to provide improved traction when the wheel lock device is being used.

13. A wheel lock device for a roller skate, the roller skate comprising: two adjacent sets of wheels defining a wheel spread,the wheel lock device comprising: a pair of loops connected by a flexural section, the loops and the flexural section defining two apertures configured to receive the wheels of the roller skate;wherein the flexural section is made of an elastic material and is stretchable to increase a wheel lock spread between the loops to accommodate different wheel spreads of roller skates;

14. The wheel lock device of claim 13, further comprising inner chocks positioned adjacent to the flexural section configured to prevent rolling by physical constraint.

15. The wheel lock device of claim 13, further comprising outer chocks proximate positioned on the outside of the loops configured to prevent rolling by physical constraint.

16. The wheel lock device of claim 13, further comprising overhangs extending from the inner wall of the apertures configured to prevent the wheel lock device from sliding off of the wheels.

17. The wheel lock device of claim 13, further comprising inner pull tabs formed on the loops of the wheel lock device on the inside of the wheels near the centerline of the roller skate configured to provide the user improved grip to apply force to install the wheel lock device on the wheels.

18. The wheel lock device of claim 13, further comprising outer pull tabs formed on the loops of the wheel lock device on the outside of the wheels configured to provide the user improved grip to apply the force to remove the wheel lock device from the wheels.

19. The wheel lock device of claim 13, wherein the flexural section is made of a material selected from the group consisting of silicone and spring metal.

20. The wheel lock device of claim 13, wherein the device is a monolithic structure wherein all structures are formed integrally into a single part and made of a flexible material.