Independent suspension system for in-line skates having rocker arms and adjustable springs

The present invention provides a suspension system for in-line skates. The in-line skate includes a boot and a tracking system attached to the sole of the boot. Opposing rocking arms that hold the wheels are connected to the tracking system using a truncated axle. In addition, an adjustable spring can be configured between the opposing rocker arms.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to in-line skates, and, in particular, to an independent suspension system to attach the wheels of an in-line skate to the skate's boot where the suspension system allows the wheels to move individually relative to the ground and the boot and that includes an adjustable spring.

2. Scope of the Prior Art

In-line skates have become very popular recreational and sporting equipment. They have essentially replaced regular roller-skates, and are used by speed skaters and ice-hockey players for dry-land activities. Many individuals and families use them for outings and exercise.

In general, in-line skates are used outside on sidewalks and other road surfaces. These surfaces are generally not flat and have bumps, ridges and holes. The uneven surfaces can cause stress on the wheels, boots and other structural elements of the skate as well as discomfort for the skater. Often, the uneven surfaces can be treacherous for riding.

In the past, systems and mechanisms have been developed to assist in the breaking and steering of in-line skates. In addition, systems have been developed to improve the ride of the in-line skates. Some of these systems include a mechanism for the wheels to move relative to the boot, but they do not necessarily provide an adequate mechanism to improve the suspension of the in-line skate so that the skate will absorb the shocks caused on the skate by uneven riding surfaces. To improve the ride, some prior art system use standard coil springs. Those coil springs can be bulky, heavy and not entirely effective in providing the desired ride for the in-line skate. In addition, the prior art springs are not generally variable thereby requiring that the springs be replaced in order to adjust the ride. Those springs that are available add additional weight and bulk to the skate thereby making them impracticable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the limitations of the prior art and to develop a suspension system for an in-line skate that improves the performance and ride of the skate. The invention absorbs the shocks caused on the skate by uneven riding surfaces and retains traction better as the load on the heel from the foot in the skate shifts forward and backward. The invention includes a mechanism that allow the wheels to move relative to the boot of the skate so that when the wheels encounter uneven surfaces or the foot shifts forward or to the rear, the wheels move individually and independently to overcome the shifts in weight distribution and uneven surface thereby providing a better performing skate with a smoother ride. This arrangement reduces the impact and stress on the boot and, therefore, the impact and stress on the person using the skates. The suspension mechanism can be arranged so that the wheels can move in a dual action movement in more than one place.

The suspension mechanism, which allows the wheels to move relative to the boot, includes a spring or other biasing device that limits the wheel movement and absorbs the shock when the wheels encounter uneven weight distribution from the boot and the uneven surface and an attachment mechanism to connect the wheels to the boot. The biasing device can include a spring, flexible plastic or metal, or another type of energy absorbing system. The biasing device, or spring, can also be designed so that it is adjustable. The adjustable spring allows the in-line skate user to adjust the resistance and flexibility of the spring to modify the firmness of the ride for different conditions. Aggressive in-line skaters can thereby adjust the tension, resistance and flexibility of the springs so that the in-line skate performs differently according to the weight of the skates, the desired performance and the surface on which it is being used.

The suspension system can include two rotatable and opposing rocker arms that have the adjustable spring between them. Each arm is connected to a wheel. The arms each pivot about an axle. The axle on which the wheel pivots is designed to optimize the space for the wheels in the arms. Therefore, each pivot axle is truncated and does not continue from one side of the arm to the other. This allows the wheels to be as close together as possible.

In a typical in-line skate, the wheels are rotatably attached to a tracking system, which is, in turn, attached to the sole of the boot. In order to simplify the design of the suspension system, the present invention fits within the confines of the tracking system of a traditional in-line skate. Furthermore, the suspension mechanism is designed so that the dimensions of the skate, such as clearance from the ground, are not modified considerably. It is also desirable to design the suspension mechanism and the tracking system so that parts can be easily replaced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates an in-line skate10that includes a suspension mechanism12made in accordance with the principals of the present invention. The in-line skate10includes a boot14that is configured to hold and support the foot of the wearer. The boot includes a sole16that has a tracking system18attached to it. The tracking system18is made of any suitable material and is typically made of aluminum. The tracking system18has a series of wheels20rotatably attached to it so that the wheels form a line. In a traditional in-line skate10, the wheel20can be rotatably attached to the tracking system18using axles22. For the present invention, however, the wheels20are connected to the tracking system using a suspension mechanism12. The suspension mechanism12allows the wheels20to move individually and independently relative to the boot14so that the in-line skate10can move smoothly over an uneven surface.

FIGS. 2–4shows one embodiment of the suspension mechanism12according to the principals of the present invention. The suspension mechanism12includes an attachment mechanism35. The attachment mechanism35is movably connected at one end to the tracking system18by a pin37. The other end of the attachment mechanism35has the wheel rotatably attached to it by an axle22. The attachment mechanism35is angled in between the tracking end and the wheel20end so that when the wheel hits an uneven surface the suspension mechanism pivots about the pin37in an arcuate path. This arrangement reduces the shock created by an uneven surface to the boot14. Each wheel20in the in-line skate10is connected to the tracking system18in a similar manner. Thus, each wheel20can move individually and independently of the others relative to the boot.

In the preferred embodiment of this embodiment, the suspension mechanism18includes a biasing device39to absorb the pressure when the wheel20encounters an uneven surface and to hold the wheel in place. As seen in the figures, biasing device39can be a typical spring. Of courses any type of biasing device can be used such as flexible plastic, polyurethane, metal or another type of energy absorbing system. The biasing device39is connected between the tracking system18and the center portion of the attachment mechanism35. The biasing device39is biased so that the wheel20is held in place during normal operation of the in-line skate10and absorbs the shock of the wheel20when the wheel20encounters an uneven surface. The biasing device39can also be biased to relieve the pressure on the boot14when the wheels20encounter the surface during the natural skating motion.

FIGS. 5–7illustrate another embodiment of the suspension mechanism12of the present invention. This embodiment includes an attachment mechanism35that has an arcuate-shape. The attachment mechanism is connected to the tracking system18at a point between the ends by a pin37. One end of the attachment mechanism35is connected to a biasing device39which is engaged to the tracking system18. The tracking system18also includes a channel41to position the attachment mechanism35. The wheel20is rotatably connected to the other end of the attachment mechanism by an axle22. In this arrangement the attachment mechanism35pivots about the pin37when the wheel encounters an uneven surface. The biasing device39is biased to absorb the shock and movement of the attachment mechanism. When the biasing device39returns the channel41positions the attachment mechanism35and wheel20to its original position. The biasing device39can also be configured to absorb the shock of the wheels encountering a surface during the skating motion of the user. Of course, another sort of biasing device39other than a spring shown can be used.

FIGS. 8–9illustrate yet another embodiment of the suspension mechanism12of the present invention where the wheels20move in a vertical pattern when they encounter uneven surfaces. The attachment mechanism35includes a channel45portion that is rigidly connected to the tracking system at its closed end. The open end of the channel includes ribs43that are perpendicular to the sides49of the channel45. A mating member51is movably engaged at one end into the channel at its upper end. The ribs47of the channel45hold the mating member51within the channel45. The other end of the mating member is rigidly connected to a u-shaped bracket53. The wheel20is rotatably connected to the bracket by an axle22. Within the chamber45formed by the channel and mating member a biasing device39is positioned. As seen in the figures, the biasing device39can be any sort of energy absorbing system such as a spring or flexible material and be within the scope of the invention. The biasing device39is biased so that the wheel20, bracket53and mating member51move vertically when the wheel20encounters an uneven surface. The biasing device39can also be configured to absorb the shock achieved when the wheels engage a surface during a normal skating motion.

FIGS. 10–12illustrates still another embodiment of the present invention where the wheels20pivot in an arcuate pattern. The attachment mechanism35includes a u-shaped end55that is connected to the wheel by an axle22. The attachment mechanism35connects to the tracking system18by an arm57extending from a side of the u-shaped end55. The arm57includes a series of holes59that are used to connect the attachment mechanism to the tracking system18by a screw61. The different holes59in the arm adjust the flexibility of the arm59. A pin63is provided at the upper side of the u-shaped end55and fits into a hole59in the tracking system18. The pin63provides stability for the attachment mechanism35. When the wheel20encounters an uneven surface, the arm flexes so that the wheel moves in a path while the pin63provides guidance and rigidity. The amount of shock absorbed by the attachment mechanism35depends on which hole the screw61is placed.

FIG. 13–16illustrate a further embodiment of the present invention where the wheels20move in a vertical pattern when they encounter uneven surfaces. The attachment mechanism35includes an upper portion70that connects to the tracking system18and a lower portion71that connects to the wheel20. The upper portion20includes a plate74, which has a number of holes76. From the opposing edges of the plate, side arms78extend perpendicularly. Screws (not shown) are placed through the holes76to attach the suspension mechanism12to the tracking system18.

The lower portion72has a generally C-shaped cross-section that surrounds the wheel20. The upper portion70and lower portion72are connected to one another by bars80and82. Bars80and82connect one side of the C-shaped lower portion72to the arms78of the upper portion. Bars80and82are used on each side of the suspension mechanism10so that the wheels20move in a vertical pattern when they encounter uneven surfaces. The bars80are connected to the lower and upper portion by pins84so that the bars80can rotate about the pins82. One of the pins84can serve as an axle for the wheels20.

The embodiment shown inFIGS. 13–16includes a biasing device39that is biased between the plate74and the lower portion72. The biasing device39is configured to absorb the shock and movement of the attachment mechanism and to permit the lower portion72to move vertically relative the upper portion70when the wheel20encounters an uneven surface. The biasing device39can also be configured to absorb the shock achieved when the wheels engage a surface during a normal skating motion.

The embodiment of the suspension mechanism10shown inFIGS. 13–16includes a stopping mechanism86that limits the vertical movement of the lower portion72relative the upper portion70. The stopping mechanism86is formed from the arms78and the lower bars82. At the lower end of each arm78a portion of the side is removed so that each arm78is L-shaped. The bars82are connected together by a bridge86. This bridge86fits into the removed portion of the arms so that the bridge stops the movement of the lower portion72when it encounters the edge of the upper portion78. The stopping mechanism86and the biasing device39work together to limit the motion of the wheel20when it encounters uneven surfaces. All embodiments of the present invention can include a stopping mechanism similar to the stopping mechanism87shown.

FIGS. 17–19illustrate yet another embodiment of the present invention and provide a suspension mechanism12that has dual action movement so that the wheels22can move individually and independently in more than one direction. The tracking system18includes a series of channels92. The attachment mechanism35includes a live axle94, which is shown inFIG. 18. The top end96of the live axle94connects to the upper surface of channel92and is supported by first biasing device98at either side. The first biasing device98also connects into the end walls of the channel92. The opposite end of the live axle92includes a rod100and between the rod100and the top end96is a wedge102.

The attachment mechanism35in this embodiment also includes a first arm104and a second arm106. The first and second arms104,106are both connected at one end to the rod100so that the arms rotate about the rod100. The wheels are connected to the other end of the arms104,106by axles38. A second biasing device108can be configured between the arms104,106and the wedge102to absorb the movement of the arms as they rotate about the rod100when the wheels engage on an uneven riding surface. In this arrangement, wheels20connected to arms104and106move in a clockwise and counter-clockwise arcuate path, respectively, about the rod100. According to the connection between the live axle and the tracking system, the wheels can also move in a path relative to the top end96, such that the top end96engages the first biasing device98to absorb the shock when the wheels20encounter an uneven surface. Both the first and second biasing device98and108are configured to keep the wheels in one position in the steady state.

FIGS. 20–26illustrate a further embodiments of the present invention that include a suspension system212made in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The tracking system218attaches the suspension mechanism212to a boot like that seen inFIG. 1. As seen inFIG. 21, a fore plate220and an aft plate222are used to connect the tracking system218to the boot using bolts (not shown) or other suitable methods well known in the art. The tracking system218includes two side panels224,226extending down from and between the fore and aft plates220,222. The side panels can be of any shape and design. The wheels228used by the in-line skate are positioned between the two panels220,222. As described above, the tracking system218can be made of any suitably strong material such as aluminum.

Referring toFIGS. 21–23, the suspension mechanism212also has two pairs of rocker arms235to provide a limited swing rocker arm suspension with opposed four wheels for an in-line skate. There is one arm235for each wheel228. The rocker arms have a somewhat triangular shape and a C-shaped cross-section so that the wheel can fit between the sides237,239of each arm235. At the base of each side237,239, the arms235include holes241and243at opposing ends. Between holes241and242a notch243is formed into the bottom edge of the arms235. Wheels228rotate about an axle244that goes through hole241.

FIG. 24illustrates another embodiment of the pivoting arms235. In this embodiment, the pivoting arms235maintain their somewhat triangular shape shown inFIG. 22. In addition, the arms235have a C-shaped cross-section shown inFIG. 23so that the wheel can fit between the sides of each arm235. Similarly, the arms inFIG. 24include holes241and242at opposing ends of the bottom edge. At the other end opposing hole242, a lip245projects from the arm235.

As seen inFIG. 25, the arms235are connected to the tracking system using two truncated pivoting axles246. Referring back toFIG. 20, for each pair of pivoting arms235, one set of truncated axles246is provided so that pivot arms rotate about the same axles. The truncated axles246fit through a hole247in the tracking system and holes243in pivoting arm235. The truncated axle246is generally cylindrical and has a smooth outer surface and can have a threaded inner surface. In a preferred embodiment, the truncated axles246are positioned in the holes243and247. A bolt248fits through the holes243and into the threaded inner surface of the truncated axle246to secure the arms235and truncated axles246to the tracking system. This arrangement allows the smooth outer surface to rotate within the holes243,246so that the arms pivot about the truncated axles246.

The purpose of the truncated axles246is to reduce the space between the wheels. If one solid axle was to extend from one side of the tracking system and pivoting arm to the other side, the space between would have to be greater than the diameter of the axle. The truncated axle246permits the wheels to be close enough to one another so that there is enough clearance between the wheels for them to rotate correctly. The use of the truncated axles also allows the wheels to be configured with small clearances between each wheel. By reducing the clearances between the wheels, different size wheels can be used, the size of the suspension mechanism can be reduced, the weight of the skates can be reduced, and the performance of the skate can be improved.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a cross-brace249as shown inFIG. 26can be added to the suspension mechanism212. The cross-brace249is generally C-shaped and has holes250at each end. The holes250can be threaded. The truncated axle246can be configured with a threaded outer end which can be screwed into the cross-brace holes250. The cross-brace249thereby secures the truncated axle246to the arms235and the side panels224,226. The cross-brace249is configured to pass over adjacent wheels238so that the arrangement can maintain the small clearances between the wheels that are desired. The cross-brace249also provides additional support and rigidity to the truncated axles246and the suspension mechanism212.

The notch243and lip245are designed to mate with a stop252that is connected to the tracking system218. In the preferred embodiment, the stop252is a round protrusion that extends between the two side panels224,226and can be the head cap of a screw. The notch246therefore has a general semi-circular shape to mate with the stop252. The lip245can have a rounded surface to mate with the stop252. As can be appreciated, the notch253, or lip245, and stop252combination prevent the wheels from pivoting too far around the pivot axle246and keep the wheels in the proper position. For the notch243, the stop252is positioned towards the lower end of the side panels224,226. For the lip245, the stop is positioned towards the upper end of the side panels224,226. The lip and stop requires less effort to stop the downward motion of the rocker arm235. In addition, the location of the stop reduces the stress on the stop and the arms. Furthermore, the location at the top of the rocker arm reduces the amount of hardware where the wheels are located thereby ensuring that clearances are kept to a minimum.

Between the arms235and above the pivot axles241, a biasing device, or spring255, is provided. The spring255biases the arms into position after the arms are compressed into the spring. In the preferred embodiment, the spring255is made of polyurethane. The suspension system212can accommodate springs of various strengths.

A solid polyurethane spring is generally quite rigid. Springs255made in accordance with the principles of the present invention are shown inFIGS. 27–30and are made to overcome the rigidity found in prior art springs. It has been found that adding a hole257through the polyurethane spring255provides a more flexible spring. As seen inFIGS. 27a–c, the hole257can be of any general shape wherein each shape provides for different degrees of variability for the spring, as described below. The hole257provides space into which polyurethane material can move in addition to the regular elasticity of the polyurethane. The size and dimension of the hole257can effect the rigidity of the spring. As can be appreciated, the larger the surface are of the hole257the more variability that is provided by the spring257.

Furthermore, the springs255can be adjustable so that a skater can vary the tension or resistance of the spring for different skating surfaces. In order to provide for different adjustments, the hole257can be a variety of shapes, some of which are shown inFIGS. 78a–c, such as a star or diamond (not shown). In order to adjust the strength of the spring255, an adjustment post259is placed into the hole. As seen inFIG. 28, the adjustment post259has a variable wave-like shape. The size of the adjustment post259from the furthest edges formed by the wave-like shape is proximate the size of the hole257so that the post259fits easily into the hole while engaging the spring257at the sides of the hole257. The adjustment rod259is made of a suitably rigid material so that it can contribute to the variability of the spring. The adjustment rod259must also be flexible so that when the spring255flexes within the confines of the hole257the integrity of the rod is maintained and that it will return to its original shape when the force is removed from the spring.

FIGS. 29 and 30illustrate the spring255with the adjustment post259in two different positions thereby changing the rigidity of the spring. InFIG. 29, the post259is in the vertical position whereby the spring material is given the greatest area to flex within the hole257. InFIG. 30, the post259is in the horizontal position. In that position, the spring material does not have the same ability to deform, or flex within the hole and provides a more rigid spring than that compared toFIG. 29. In addition, the adjustment rod contributes to the rigidity of the spring255. The adjustment post259can be rotated between the vertexes of the hole to vary the strength of the spring. As the post259rotates from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation the strength of the spring is increased. As the post is moved to the horizontal, the resistance within the space is increased thereby making a more rigid spring.

The adjustable spring255can also be used for suspension mechanism where the rocker arms235are individually connected to the tracking system218as seen inFIG. 31. The tracking system218includes an upper surface270, which connects the suspension mechanism to the boot, and opposing sides272,274extending perpendicular from the longitudinal edges of the upper surface. In this embodiment the tracking system218includes baffles276extending down from an upper surface270. Proximate the upper surface272, the tracking system is configured with stops278. The distal edge of the sides272,274can have a series of arches283.

The suspension system includes a rocker arm284which has a C-shaped cross section having sides connected by a yoke290. Each side has a somewhat triangular shape at one vertex of the rocker arm284. A lip294extending between the sides along the yoke290.

To form the suspension mechanism, the wheels are attached to the rocker arms by an axle298. Each rocker arm is connected to the tracking system by a pivot axle300. The wheel axle298is aligned with the arches283. The rocker arm235is arranged in the tracking system so that the lip294is proximate the upper surface270and between stop280and baffle276. A spring as described above is biased between the yoke290and the baffle276so that the lip is biased against the stop278.

In operation, the wheel moves in an arcuate path around the pivot axle when it encounters an uneven surface. The yoke290is pushed against the spring302, and the spring is displaced into empty regions between the spring, the baffle and the yoke. The spring will then bias the rocker arm back towards the stop and the lip will restrict the path of the arm.

FIGS. 32–34show yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment the tracking system350connects to the underside of the boot's sole in a described manner. The tracking system includes two generally V-shaped portions352on each side panel354. Proximate its vertex, each V-shaped portion has two vertically aligned holes356and358.

Rocker arms360having a generally triangular side and a c-shaped cross section are provided to connect the wheels362to the tracking system. The rocker arms360are designed and connected to the tracking system so that the wheels can move in an arcuate path relative the boot when they encounter an uneven surface. As seen inFIG. 32, the open end of the rocker arms is wider than the closed end so that the rocker arms closely surround the wheels362. This shape of the rocker arms360reduces the clearance space of the skate and provides for a greater range of motion for the skater as the skate moves from side to side. Near the lower edge of the rocker arms360, holes364and366are provided on opposing edges.

Wheels362are connected by an axle368to each rocker arm360through hole364. In this embodiment, holes364can be recessed so that the axle368can fit within the space of the rocker arm360thereby keeping the width of the rocker arm and the system as small as possible. This provides greater mobility for the skater and a wider range of motion as the skate is moved from side to side. In the preferred embodiment, axle368is composed of two parts having conical ends where the conical ends fit into the recessed holes.

The rocker arms360are connected to the tracking system by a pivot axle370that fits in upper hole366. A snap ring371can be used to secure the axle. As seen in the figures, the pivot axle370connects to opposing rocker arms to one V-shaped portion through hole358. A spring372of the type described above fits between the upper ends of the opposing rocker arms. Spring372preferably has a trapezoidal shape and can be adjustable as described above. A stop rod374is provided between the rocker arms and is positioned in lower hole358thereby opposing the spring372. In a resting position, spring372biases opposing rocker arms360against stop rod374. When a wheel encounters an uneven surface, the wheel move in arcuate path about the pivot axle and against the spring. The spring biases the wheel back against the stop.

The configuration of the rocker arms, pivot points, springs and stops in the above embodiments of the present invention provide a smoother and less stressful ride for skaters. The arcuate path of the rocker arms about the pivot axle is balanced by the arrangement of the spring and stop. The vertical motion of the wheels is therefore transferred into horizontal motion that is counterbalanced by the spring. The spring, or other biasing means such as the material of the rocker arm, limits the path of the rocker arm and biases the rocker arm against the spring. The biased movement of the rocker arm is limited by the stop As described, the rocker arms can be arranged to be opposing whereby a and a stop is positioned between the opposing rocker arms.