FRAME FOR SKATES, IN PARTICULAR SKATES WITH LONGITUDINALLY ALIGNED WHEELS, AND METHOD FOR FORMING THE FRAME

Abstract: A frame for skates, in particular skates with longitudinally aligned wheels, characterised by comprising a substantially inverted U-shaped structure (2) with an end portion (18) forming the element for fixing the toe of the boot and the other end provided upperly with flanges (6) extending parallel to the walls (4) of the structure and housing a removable insert (12) forming the element for fixing the heel of the boot, said structure comprising in correspondence with its walls at least one stiffening cross-member (30).

Description: FRAME FOR SKATES, IN PARTICULAR SKATES WITH LONGITUDINALLY ALIGNED WHEELS, AND METHOD FOR FORMING THE FRAME This invention relates to a frame for skates, in particular skates with longitudinally aligned wheels, and a method for forming the frame. Known skates with longitudinally aligned wheels generally consist of a boot of rigid or soft plastics material, to the sole of which there is fixed a substantially inverted U-shaped of extruded aluminium, in the flanges of which the wheel pivotal pins are engaged. For practical sporting activity reasons, the surface on which the heel of the boot rests must be at a higher level than the surface on which its toe rests, these frames are generally formed from an extrusion having two overlying horizontal surfaces, the upper surface being cut away at the front to form the required configuration of two support surfaces at different levels. Another type of frame is formed from an extrusion having three overlying horizontal support surfaces, with the intermediate surface being used for fixing the toe of the boot and the upper surface being; used for fixing its heel. In both known frames the final form is obtained by selectively removing parts of the side flanges above the first horizontal surface and/or parts of the frames above the second and third horizontal surface. These known frames have however a limitation in that they do not enable the height of the heel to be varied, so the frame cannot be adapted to different user requirements. According to the invention such a limitation is overcome through a frame for skates, in particular skates with longitudinally aligned wheels, characterised by comprising a substantially inverted U-shaped structure with an end portion forming the element for fixing the toe of the boot and the other end provided upperly with flanges extending parallel to the walls of the structure and housing a removable insert forming the element for fixing the heel of the boot, said structure comprising in correspondence with its walls at least one stiffening cross-member. To realize the frame a method is foreseen characterised by comprising the following stages: - extruding a hollow metal extrusion of substantially rectangular cross-section with its side walls extending upperly as two flanges; - cutting the flanges of said extrusion away at one end to form a surface on which the towe of the boot is to be fixed; - inserting into the other end, between the flanges of said extrusion, an removable insert forming the fixing surface for the heel of the boot; - selectively removing parts of said extrusion until the wheel support frame is obtained. A preferred embodiment of the present invention and two modifications thereof are described in detail hereinafter by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an aluminium extrusion for forming the frame of the invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an insert; Figure 3 shows the frame in the same view as Figure 1 but in its partially machined state; Figure 4 shows the finished frame; Figure 5 is a cross-section therethrough; Figure 6 shows a different insert; Figure 7 is a cross-section through an extrusion in a different embodiment. As can be seen from the figures, the method for forming the frame of the invention uses an aluminium extrusion in the form of a hollow body of substantially rectangular cross- section with its side walls 4 extending upperly as two parallel flanges 6. Said side walls 4 are of increased thickness at their lower ends 8 for the reasons explained hereinafter. The inner lateral surface of the flanges 6 comprises a groove 10 extending for the entire length of the flanges. The invention also uses a metal profiled insert 12 of width substantially corresponding to the distance between the inner lateral surfaces of the flanges 6 and of thickness corresponding to the height of said flanges, the outer surface of its sides 14 comprising a rib 16 complementary to the groove 10. The frame of the invention is formed in the following manner: the two flanges 6 (see Figure 3) are cut away at one end and in the central portion so that the upper horizontal surface 18 of the extrusion forms a fixing surface for the toe of a boot (not shown on the drawings). Then, at the other end, the insert 12 is inserted between the flanges 6 and is axially secured to the extrusion 2 by a screw 20 which engages the horizontal web 22 of the insert and also the heel of the boot. At the thickened portions 8 there are provided holes 24 for the passage of the pivotal pins 26 for the wheels 28, portions being removed from the lower surface 29 to form stiffening cross-members 30. Further portions of the extrusion are then removed until it assumes the configuration shown in Figure 4. If for special requirements, for example a different body position necessary for practising a certain sport, the level of the support surface 22 for the heel has to be varied, it is necessary merely to disengage the screw 20 from the heel of the boot and replace the insert with another of different height. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6 the upper surface of the insert is provided with two flanges 32. This embodiment has the further advantages of increased lateral stability and the ability to fix the boot by rivets. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7 said flanges 32' are formed directly during the manufacture of the extrusion.

Claims: C L A I M S 1. A frame for skates, in particular skates with longitudinally aligned wheels, characterised by comprising a substantially inverted U-shaped structure (2) with an end portion (18) forming the element for fixing the toe of the boot and the other end provided upperly with flanges (6) extending parallel to the walls (4) of the structure and housing a removable insert (12) forming the element for fixing the heel of the boot, said structure comprising in correspondence with its walls at least one stiffening cross¬ member (30). 2. A frame as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the removable insert (12) has a height not less than the height of the flanges. 3. A frame as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the cross-member (30) is positioned in correspondence with the lower edge of the walls. 4. A frame as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the inner surface of the flanges (6) comprises a longitudinal groove (10) to be engaged by a corresponding rib (16) provided on the sides of the removable element (12). 5. A frame as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the removable element (12) is provided with horizontal flanges (32). 6. A frame as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the flanges (6) are bent outwards. 7. A method for forming skate frames, in accordance with claims 1 to 6, characterised by comprising the following stages: - extruding a hollow metal extrusion (2) of substantially rectangular cross-section with its side walls (4) extending upperly as two flanges (6); - cutting the flanges (6) of said extrusion away at one end to form a surface (18) on which the towe of the boot is to be fixed; - inserting into the other end, between the flanges of said extrusion, an removable insert (12) forming the fixing surface for the heel of the boot; - selectively removing parts of said extrusion until the wheel support frame is obtained. 8. A method as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that in the inner surface of the flanges (6) a groove (10) is formed extending for the entire length of the flanges, said groove being complementary to a corresponding rib formed on the insert. 9. A method as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that - 8 - said extrusion (2) is formed with its flanges bent outwards. 10. A method as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that said insert (12) is formed with two horizontal flanges.

Inventors: CONTE GINO, CONTE, GINO
Applicants: CONTE GINO, ROCES SRL, CONTE, GINO, ROCES - S.R.L.
Application year: 1996
Main classification: A63C17
IPC codes: A63C17