Patent ID: 6173975
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: A63C

Abstract:
A roller skate having wheels disposed generally in an in-line relationship, said skate comprising a mounting plate adapted to be secured to the sole of a boot or shoe, with said mounting plate having a mounting surface receiving thereon a plurality of wheel supporting hangers, each hanger having a base portion to be affixed to said mounting surface and also having an axle-receiving mounting hole therein, a wheel-receiving axle having first and second ends operatively associated with each hanger, with each said axle having a portion, intermediate said first and second ends, for receiving thereon a closely fitting skate wheel utilizing first and second ball bearings, said first end of each axle to be secured in the mounting hole of the respective hanger, said second end of each axle having expansion-producing means, the first of said ball bearings being located closely adjacent said hanger and the second bearing being located outboard of said first bearing, each ball bearing having an inner race and an outer race, said expansion producing means including a tightenable member which, when tightened, will enlarge the diameter of said second end of the axle into forceful contact with the inner race of the second bearing of a wheel placed on the axle, thus preventing rotation of the inner bearing race while not restraining rotation of the outer race, the use of said tightenable member effectively preventing the wheel from coming off the end of the axle.