Abstract:
At least one walking member is detachably connectable to an in-line skate to enable the wearer of the in-line skate to connect the walking member to the in-line skate, thus enabling the wearer to walk while wearing the in-line skate. Two walking members can be provided on alternative sides of the in-line skate wheels to provide a more stable platform for the wearer of the in-line skate. Since the two walking members are removable, the walking members do not detract from the aerodynamic and functional performance of the in-line skate, and can be manufactured together with the skate or, alternatively, can be added to the skate after purchase.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation-in-part of allowed U.S. application Ser. No. 08/480,011, filed Jun. 7, 1995, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,220. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an in-line skate conversion apparatus. More particularly, the present invention is directed to an apparatus that may be detachably coupled to an in-line skate to enable the wearer of the in-line skate to walk in the skate without fear of falling because of slipping due to the wheels of the skate. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     In-line skating has exploded in popularity over the last several years. Indeed, in-line skates have replaced roller skates in popularity. One of the reasons for the surge in popularity of in-line skating may be due to the wide variety of equipment available and the lack of a requirement that in-line skating be performed in any particular place. That is, unlike ice skating which requires an individual to go to an ice rink, or roller skating which has traditionally be enjoyed in roller skating rinks, in-line skates are specifically manufactured for use in the outdoors, provided there is a suitable hard surface to skate on. Furthermore, due to the relatively low cost of beginning participation in the sport—which typically requires the purchase of the skates and optional padding for elbows, knees and wrists—in-line skating is economically feasible for most people. As in-line skating has developed, several problems have arisen. 
     In particular, novice in-line skaters often time have difficulty braking or otherwise slowing themselves down after building up speed. One of the difficulties with braking in in-line skates is the requirements that pressure be placed on a brake pad located substantially rearward of the heel of the wearer. Many skaters have complained that the application of pressure in a downward fashion at the heel by raising the toe is an unnatural motion which requires coordination. Many skaters often time lose balance and fall when attempting to brake in this fashion. To solve the problem with braking in in-line skates, numerous individuals have attempted to offer different braking solutions. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,320,367 to Landis which issued on Jun. 14, 1994, disclosed a braking apparatus which utilizes a hand-held brake control for causing the application of rubber brake pads to the wheels of the in-line skate to slow the wearer down. In addition, major in-line skate manufacturers such as Rollerblade have proposed alternative braking mechanisms to assist the wearer in the braking operation. 
     After the wearer has stopped, however, the wearer must still be able to maneuver on the in-line skates. This has lead to another problem in that once an in-line skater has stopped, in order to move in any direction, the wearer of the skates must roll to the next location. This can often make it quite awkward for a novice in-line skater to, for example, stop at an outdoor snack bar to have lunch. After ordering the food from the window, the skater must carry the food from the window to, for example, a nearby table. The act of carrying the food from the window to the nearby table can represent a terrifying journey for a novice in-line skater. Indeed, the inventor of the instant application had food splattered on him because his mother was unable to stop on her in-line skates while she was carrying food from an outdoor snack bar to the table. 
     In addition to the above-described &#39;367 patent, U.S. Pat. No. 4,273,345 to Ben-Dor et al. provides a friction plate for the wearer of the skate to drag along the ground to stop the movement of the skate. U.S. Pat. No. 3,351,353 to D. M. Weitzner discloses a pair of retractable roller and ice skates for shoes. As seen in FIGS. 10 and 13 of the &#39;353 patent, the shoe can be taken apart so that a plate 50 is removed from its channel, inverted, and then reinserted into the channel 40 above the roller assemblies. The plate is thus stored out of the way in the channel and at the same time serves as a spacer and bearing member holding the roller assembly 70 in a stable position in the sole of the shoe, thus enabling the shoe to serve as a roller skate. While the device enables a shoe to be worn as a roller skate, it requires the shoe to be disassembled and reassembled prior to wearing the roller portion of the shoe. 
     Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,979,842 to Texidor discloses an athletic shoe exerciser which retains rollers when they are not being used in a lower portion of the exerciser. Specifically, as seen in FIG. 2, the roller skates are folded up into the base 14 of the shoe when not in use. Other modifications are sports shoes are also known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,114,295 to Schaefer discloses a convertible sports shoe which may be converted from a roller skate to an ice skate. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,387,852 discloses roller skates which can be removed from the bottom of the shoe 20. U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,718 to Gertler discloses a foot transport device which can be fastened to a standard walking shoe. Finally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,122 discloses a combination roller skate and ice skate which includes a boot which can have a roller portion or an ice skate portion attached thereto. 
     The inventor has found a need for a conversion apparatus which would enable the wearer of standard in-line skates to walk on the skates without activating the wheels thereof. Furthermore, such a device would have to be cost effective, rugged and simple to use while not requiring the wearer to take the skates off their feet. Furthermore, such a device must be usable with a wide variety of in-line skates, including in-line skates having 3, 4 or more wheels. The device must be aerodynamically acceptable to advanced in-line skaters as well as practical for novices to utilize. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention solves the above and other problems associated with the prior art while providing for an economically efficient apparatus for converting a standard in-line skate to a walking shoe without sacrificing the performance characteristics of the in-line skate. 
     More particularly, the present invention provides for a cost effective solution to the problem of converting an in-line skate to a walking shoe by providing at least one walking member which extends from a wheel support plate in a downward direction to a position equal to or beyond the range of the wheels. When the walking member is extended, the in-line skate is converted to a relatively stable walking platform to enable the wearer to maneuver in relative safety. Thus, for example, with the walking members in the down position, the wearer would be able to walk from an outdoor snack counter without having to worry about the ability to stop once she arrived at the table. In this fashion, she could avoid spilling food and drinks on her children by maintaining control at all times. 
     Similarly, the present invention will enable the wearer of in-line skates to skate from, for example, from their home to a place of business such as a store, and then convert the skate to a walking shoe to allow the individual to enter the premises. After the user has conducted their business in the premises, he can leave the business, reconvert the skates to standard in-line skates by removing or raising the walking members, and then continue on his way using the in-line skates in the normal fashion. 
     The apparatus of the present invention provides for the conversion of in-line skates to walking shoes while maintaining the aerodynamic and performance qualities of the in-line skates such that the device will be acceptable to both advanced as well as novice in-line skaters. Furthermore, the device of the present invention may be adapted to presently existing in-line skates through the use of simple conversion hardware. It is economical to install and cost effective to manufacture. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, a pair of detachable walking members is provided which allows the wearer to selectively decouple the walking members and entirely remove them from the in-line skate, only engaging the walking members with the skate when they are needed to walk. Thus, those users of in-line skates who do not prefer to have a walking member permanently coupled with the skate may utilize the detachable walking members. For convenience, the pair of detachable walking members may be connected via a flexible member. 
     The above and other embodiments and features of the present invention will be better understood through a reading of the detailed description of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the drawings. It should be understood that the following description and drawings are in no way intended to limit the present invention which is best defined by the claims appended hereto. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an in-line skate incorporating one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the in-line skate seen in FIG. 1 illustrating the operation of one embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the in-line skate of FIG. 2 taken along the lines  3 — 3  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a partial side view of an alternative locking arrangement for use with the present invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment the present invention taken along the lines  3 — 3  of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 6 is a further cross-sectional view taken along the lines  3 — 3  of FIG. 2 showing still another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a further embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 is a front view of a detachable walking member in accordance with the embodiment of the invention of FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 9 is a side view of the detachable walking member of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 is a partial front view of the embodiment of FIG. 7 showing the use of two detachable walking members in accordance with this embodiment. 
     FIG. 11 is a front view of the detachable walking member of FIG. 8 using an alternative connection mechanism. 
     FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the walking member in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the in-line skate conversion apparatus in accordance with the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG.  12 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS. 1-6 illustrate the preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the following discussion of the presently preferred embodiments, like reference numerals refer to like elements. Further, the following discussion is not to be considered in a limiting sense. Rather, while the following discussion taken in conjunction with the drawings illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described below and shown in the drawings. It is to be understood that numerous modifications, additions and/or substitutions can be made to the preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. An in-line skating boot  10  in accordance with the present invention incorporates a plurality of wheels  12  which are connected to the boot  10  through a pair of wheel support members or plates  14 . A plurality of bolts  16  connect the wheels support plates  14 , which are connected to the underside of the boot  10 , to the wheels  12 . A plurality of nuts  18  are used to fasten the bolts  16  in place on the wheel support plates  14 . The bolts  16  are threaded at appropriate locations to allow the nuts  18  to be secured thereto. Further, one skilled in the art will recognize that washers may be placed between the nuts  18  and the wheel support plates  14 . Likewise, washers may also be used between the wheel support plates  14  and the wheels  12 . At this point, it should be understood that while the following description and references to the drawings will be made primarily to a single side of the in-line skating boot  10  incorporating the present invention (e.g., as seen in FIG.  1 ), the present invention can incorporate similar elements on each side of the wheels  12  as seen in, for example, FIG.  3 . 
     The bolts  16  illustrated in FIG. 1 incorporate a tubular receptacle  20  at locations substantially adjacent to respective ends thereof. Referring more specifically to FIGS. 1 and 3, it is seen that a spacer  22  is fitted over the bolt  16  and rests substantially adjacent to the nut  18 . The spacers  22  serve to space a pair of curved walking members  24  from respective side surfaces of the wheel support plates  14 . The walking members  24  are formed in an arched fashion and incorporate a rubber strip  26  along a lower ground-facing surface thereof. The walking members  24  incorporate a pair of lower locking holes  28  and pair of upper locking holes  29  at respective ends of a plurality of slide slots  30  through which extends the corresponding plurality of bolts  16 . A corresponding number of walking member control knobs  32  are disposed on respective ends of each of the plurality of bolts  16 . A knob securing pin  34  is inserted into holes formed in a side surface of the walking member control knobs  32  and is received in the receptacles  20  disposed at respective ends of the bolts  16 . The walking member control knobs  32  are provided with a finger grip ridge  38 . A connecting rod  36  may be provided to connect each of the respective walking member control knobs  32  so that such knobs may be operated in a simultaneous fashion as described in more detail below. 
     The general operation of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.  2 . The typical in-line skate boot  10  is provided with a braking pad  40  disposed substantially rearward of the heel of the boot  10  and is attached to the wheel support plates  14 . As seen in the figure, the walking member  24  is shown illustrated in two positions: an up position  42  and a down position  44 . In order to move the walking member  24  from the up position  42  to the down position  44 , the bolts  16  which extend through the walking member  24  by passing through the slide slots  30  must be positionable in an upper bolt rest position  46  or a lower bolt rest position  48 . A transitional slot  50  connects the upper bolt rest position  46  with the lower bolt rest position  48 . Thus, referring to FIG. 2 specifically, in order for the walking member  24  to be moved from the up position  42  to the down position  44  (the walking member  24  is illustrated by dashed lines in the down position  44 ), the walking member  24  which is positioned such that the bolt  16 , which is positioned at the lower bolt rest position  48 , must be changed from the lower bolt rest position  48  via the transitional slot  50  and to the upper bolt rest position  46 . Thus, when the bolts  16  are positioned in the upper bolt rest positions  46 , the walking member  24  is disposed in the down position  44 . Similarly, when the bolts  16  are positioned in the lower bolt rest positions  48 , the walking member  24  is disposed in the up position  42 . When the walking member  24  is disposed in the down position  44 , the rubber strip  26  is preferably disposed at a position substantially level with the lowest position on the wheels  12 . Of course the down position of the rubber strip  26  may be determined based on the distance between positions  46 ,  48 . 
     Referring in more detail to FIG. 3, the transition of the walking member from the up position  42  to the down position  44  as illustrated in more detail. Specifically, it is seen that the walking member control knobs  32  have a pair of locking pins  52  which protrude from an inner surface of the walking member control knobs  32 . The locking pins  52  are preferably made of steel or suitably hard materials such as ceramic, in order to support the weight of the wearer. The locking pins  52  are received in the respective lower and upper locking holes  28 ,  29  seen in FIG.  1 . By receiving the locking pins  52  in the respective locking holes  28 ,  29 , the bolts  16  which attach to the walking member control knobs  32  are held in the respective upper and lower bolt rest positions  46 ,  48 . A spring  54  is mounted inside of the bolt  16  and is used to bias the walking member control knobs  32  against the walking members  24 . A spring channel  55  is provided within the bolts  16  to contain the spring  54 . The spring  54  is preferably of sufficient strength to properly bias the walking member control knobs  32  while still allowing the wearer to be able to overcome the force of the spring  54  to move the walking member control knobs  32  in the direction of the directional arrows  56 . 
     In operation, the control knob  32  is pulled by the wearer in the direction of the outward directional arrow  56  and the walking member  24  is moved by the wearer in the direction of the downward directional arrow  58 . The transitional movement of the walking member  24  in the direction of the downward directional arrow  58  is achieved by the movement of walking members  24  relative to the bolts  16  in the transitional slots  50  between the lower bolt rest position  48  and the upper bolt rest position  46 . It should be noted that the downward directional arrow  58  is additionally angled in an inward fashion. The arched movement of the walking member  24  as the position of the bolt  16  is changed from the lower bolt rest position  48  to the upper bolt rest position  46  is achieved due to the arcuate structure of the walking member  24 . Specifically, the inward arc formation of the walking member  24  moves relative to spacer  22  which causes the ground-side surface  60  of the rubber strip  26  to move inward toward the wheels  12 . As can be seen in FIG. 3, the rubber strip  26  is disposed along each side of the tip of the walking member  24 . In this fashion, the rubber strip  26  includes a wheel-side surface  62 . When the walking member  24  is disposed in the down position  44 , as seen in FIG. 2, the wheel-side surface  62  of the rubber strip  26  is disposed substantially adjacent to the wheel  12 . In this fashion, when the walking member  24  is in the down position  44 , the wheels  12  are prevented from turning due to the frictional contact between the wheel-side surface  62  of the rubber strip  26  and the wheels  12 . Of course, the rubber strip  26  may be provided with a tread or knobby bottom surface to assist in traction. The rubber strip  26  is also optional, or could be formed of a different material. 
     Referring back to FIG. 1, the walking member control knobs  32  may be pulled in an outward direction identified by the outward directional arrow  56 , and turned to the prevent the locking pins  52  from remaining engaged in the respective locking holes  28 ,  29  due to the biasing force of the spring  54 . After all of the knobs  32  have been pulled and turned to disengage the respective pins  52 , walking member  24  may be slid between the up and down positions  42 ,  44 , as seen in FIG.  2 . Alternatively, a connecting rod  36  may be provided between each of the walking member control knobs  32 . In this fashion, by pulling on the connecting rod  36 , the wearer of the shoe may operate all of the walking member control knobs  32  located on a side of the in-line skate boot  10  simultaneously. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment for a locking mechanism is shown specifically, in FIG. 4 the bolts  16  is provided with an optional rounded head  17 . A locking arm  64  is disposed at the upper and lower bolt rest positions  46 ,  48 . A pair of channels  68 ,  70  define a locking tongue  72  which is preferably formed to incline upwardly from the side of the walking member  24 . The locking tongue  72  is formed integral with the walking member  24  and is moveable in a direction normal to the plane of FIG.  4 . The locking arm  64  pivots in a circular fashion about a pivot pin  66 . 
     In operation, the wearer simply pushes inward on the locking tongue  72  which allows the locking arm  64  to pivot about the pivot pin  66  in a circular fashion, thus releasing the bolt  16  and optional rounded head  17  from the upper or lower bolt rest positions  46 ,  48 . Specifically, to move the walking member  24  such that the bolt  16  and optional rounded head  17  are changed from the lower bolt rest position  48  to the upper bolt rest position  46  seen in FIG. 4, the wearer would push down on the lower locking tongue  72 , and pivot the locking arm  64  in the direction of directional arrow  73  about the pivot pin  66 . This would allow the position of the bolt  16  and optional rounded head  17  to be changed to the transitional slot  50  and then up towards the upper bolt rest position  46 . The upper locking arm  64  can remain in the position illustrated in FIG.  4  and when the bolt  16  and optional rounded head  17  reach the upper location, the upper locking arm  64  would pivot in a position opposite to the directional arrow  73  in circular fashion, thus, allowing the bolt  16  and optional rounded head  17  to enter the upper bolt rest position  46 . The upper locking arm  64  would travel in a circular, clockwise fashion and slide over the upper locking tongue  72  (pushing the upper locking tongue in a downward fashion). When the upper locking arm  64  traveled past the upper locking tongue  72 , the upper locking tongue  72  is biased so as to spring outward thus holding the upper locking arm  64  in the position illustrated in FIG.  4 . 
     Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which the walking members are formed of straight vertical members as opposed to the arcuate members  24  illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 works in a substantially similar fashion to that illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 with the exception of the ability to eliminate the spacer  22 . In addition, the walking members  24  illustrated in FIG. 5 are provided with an alternative rubber strip  74  disposed along the ground-facing surfaces thereof. The rubber strip  74  may be provided with a flare  76  so as to provide an enhanced surface for the wearer to walk on. The rubber strip  74  may also be provided with a tread or textured surface to enhance traction. In addition, depending on the length of the transitional slots  50 , the down position  44  of the walking members  24  illustrated in FIG. 5 can be either the position identified by reference numeral  78  which is substantially adjacent to the lower surface of the wheel  12  or a second position identified by the reference numeral  80  which is a position below the lower surface of the wheels  12 . 
     In the position  80 , the walking members  24  would support the entire weight of the wearer of the in-line skate boot  10 , whereas in the position  78 , it is possible that a portion of the weight of the wearer may be borne by the wheels  12 , thus reducing the wear-and-tear on the walking members  24  and reducing the weight bearing strength required. It should be noted that in FIG. 3, the weight of the wearer is shared by the wheels  12  and the walking members  24 , with the ends of the walking members  24  being formed so as to provide a large ground surface contact area for the walking members  24  and the wheels  12  to provide a stable walking surface for the wearer of the in-line skate illustrated in FIG.  1 . 
     Additionally included in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 are an optional pair of recesses  81  disposed on the inner wall surfaces of the walking members  24 . The recesses  81  receive the respective nuts  18  therein when the walking members  24  are located in the down position  44 . In this fashion, the walking members will be positioned in contact with the wheel support plates  14 , thus adding to the structural rigidity of the present invention. The spring  54  is sufficiently strong to bias the walking members  24  against the wheel support plates  14 . Further, in this position, it may be possible for the flared portion  76  of the rubber strip  74  to contact the wheels  12 . 
     FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention which eliminates the need for the walking member control knobs  32 . Specifically, the walking members  24  illustrated in FIG. 6 have an outer wall surface  82  and an inner wall surface  84 . The inner wall surface  84  of the walking members  24  are provided with a pair of upper locking pin receptacles  86  and a pair lower locking pin receptacles  87 . The locking pin receptacles  86 ,  87  are provided to receive a corresponding pair of locking pins  88  which are disposed on the nuts  18  which is used to secure the bolts  16  to the wheel support plates  14 . In this embodiment, a spring biased flat top  90  is provided for the bolt  16 . A biasing force is provided by the spring  54  disposed in the spring channel  55  in fashion substantially similar to that seen in FIG.  3 . In this embodiment, the flat top  90  of the bolt  16  allows the entire walking member  24  to be moved in the direction of the outward directional arrow  56 . The walking member  24  is moved in the direction of the outward directional arrow  56  a sufficient distance to disengage the locking pins  88  from the locking pin receptacles  86  or  87 . The walking member  24  is them moved so that the flat top  90  of the bolt  16  is slid along a channel formed in outer wall surface  82  of the walking member  24  from the lower bolt rest position  48  to the upper bolt rest position  46 . Once the flat top  90  of the bolt  16  is positioned in the desired bolt rest position,  46  or  48 , the wearer simply allows the biasing force of the spring  92  to pull the walking member  24  in a direction opposite to the outward directional arrow  56  thus causing the locking pins  88  to engage in the upper or lower locking pin receptacles  86 ,  87 . 
     This embodiment eliminates the need for a connecting rod  36  between the walking member control knobs  32 , thus eliminating the need for the wearer to operate a plurality of control knobs  32 . This embodiment also contributes to the aerodynamic qualities of the in-line skates, incorporating the present invention. The wearer simply has to grasp a walking member  24 , pull the walking member  24  in the direction of the outward directional arrow  56  and slide the walking member  24  to the desired up or down position,  42 ,  44 . As with the embodiment seen in FIG. 5, depending upon the length of the transitional slot  50 , the walking member  24  may be positioned in either of two down positions  78 ,  80 . 
     While the above-discussed features of the present invention represent preferred embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention is in no way limited to the features above described. For example, numerous modifications, additions and substitutions can be made to the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     Specifically, numerous locking devices can be substituted for the devices illustrated in the figures to hold the bolt  16  in the upper or down position similarly, while the preferred embodiments illustrate nuts and spacers in association with the bolts which hold the wheels  12  in place on the skate  10 , one skilled in the art would readily recognize that an integral bolting assembly could be formed which serves several functions, thus eliminating a need for separate parts. While the preferred embodiment utilizes injection molded plastic for the walking members described above, one skilled in the art would readily recognize that light weight aluminum, ceramic, polyvinylchloride (PVC), and other suitable materials could be substituted for the plastic of the present invention. 
     Similarly, while the preferred embodiments illustrate a pair of curved and straight walking members, one skilled in the art would readily recognize that it would be possible to incorporate different shapes for the walking members, or different combinations. For example, one curved and one straight walking member could be utilized, thus providing a stable walking platform while securing the wheels through the agency of the rubber strip disposed along the ground-facing edge of the curved walking member. Similarly, as FIG. 4 illustrates, a spring biasing force on the At head of the bolt  16  is not necessarily required in order for the device of the present invention to operate. Further it is possible to utilize slots  30  having any desired shape including vertical. The present invention is not limited to the shape of the slots  30  shown in the drawings. 
     Through the above preferred embodiments, an in-line skate may be provided with a pair of walking members to allow the wearer thereof to walk in a substantially normal fashion while wearing the in-line skates, without fear of falling due to the rolling of the wheels. In addition to being manufactured for use with original equipment manufacture in-line skates, the present invention can easily be provided as an add-on device for existing in-line skates by replacing the current bolts holding the wheels to the wheel support plates and replacing them with the bolts sufficient to support the walking members illustrated in the figures above discussed. Lastly, while the bolts  16  in the figures appear to be of substantial length, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that the bolts  16  need only be of sufficient length to support the walking members thereon. 
     In a further embodiment of the present invention which incorporates all of the above features and advantages, the inventor has recognized that in certain situations the wearer of in-line skates may not desire to have walking members attached to the in-line skate at all times (whether in use or not). As such, the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 7 provides an alternative to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6, while still maintaining the attendant advantages thereof. 
     Referring to FIGS. 7-10, a detachable in-line skate conversion apparatus  700  is illustrated. The detachable in-line skate conversion apparatus incudes an in-line skate  702  having a plurality of wheels  712  and a wheel support member or plate  714  between which the wheels  712  are positioned as in the embodiment of the present invention described above. In the present embodiment, the support plate  714  is fitted with a series of loops or U-shaped support members  716 . A plurality of walking members  724  are provided in a manner similar to the embodiment described above. In this embodiment, the walking members are provided with a series of hooks or tongues  718  disposed on the back surface thereof which detachably engage the support members  716 . Thus, the walking members may be attached to and removed from the in-line skate as needed. 
     The walking members  724  are provided with a resilient member  720  along an upper surface thereof. The resilient member  720  provides a positive bias force away from the surface of the support plate  714 , but the bias force may be overcome by application of sufficient force by the wearer. As such, the arrows  733  seen in FIG. 10 illustrate the motion capable by the walking member  724  relative to the support plate  714 . 
     As in the embodiments described above, the walking members  724  are provided with a grip strip  726  to provide proper friction with the ground and against the wheels  712 . While the grip strip  726  is preferably made of rubber, it may be made of any suitable material. In addition, a hole  730  is provided at one end of the walking members  724  to provide a suitable location to provide an attachment member to attach the walking members  724  to each other, as seen, for example, in FIG.  10 . Any suitable cord  732  could be utilized for this purpose, including rubber, nylon, or any natural or synthetic material. The cord  732  may be sized to provide a further bias force across the front of the wheels  712  in a direction toward the viewer of FIG.  10 . 
     Referring more particularly to FIGS. 8 and 10, the hooks or tongues  718  may be formed integral with the walking member  724  and include a flat portion  719 , a vertical portion  721  and a second flat portion  723 . The hook or tongues  718  may be made of any suitable material, for example, metal, plastic, ceramic or other material. The hooks may be formed integral with the walking member through an injection molding process or may be fastened to the walking member  724  by heat, adhesive, screws, bolts, rivets or any other suitable fastening method. 
     By providing the resilient member  720 , it is possible to place the walking member up against the support member  714 , then press to overcome the bias force provided by the resilient member  720 , and thus insert the hook/tongue  718  through the loops  716 . After insertion, the bias force ensures that the hook and loop  718  and  716  will remain engaged as the wearer walks. The second flat portion  723  is provided to engage the loop  716  and support the wearer as the wearer walks. In addition, the bias force produced by the resilient portion  720  produces a torque about the hook  718 -loop  716  connections that pushes the grip strip  726  down towards the wheels  712  when the wearer picks up their foot. In addition to assisting in preventing the hook and loop connections from becoming disengaged, this also assists in preventing inadvertent spinning of the wheels  712 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, as seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the hook/tongue  717  is shaped so that the upper portion of the hook  717  is open. In this embodiment, the loops  716  will readily engage the upper flat portion  723  of the hook/tongue  717 . As such, with the bias force of the resilient member  720  providing a proper bias of the loop  716  against the vertical portion  721  of the hook  717 , the weight of the wearer will be properly supported. 
     In addition, the edges  725  of the hook  717 , between the vertical portion  721  and the upper flat surface  723 , are rounded to assist the wearer in installing and removing the walking members  724 . The rounding of the hook member  717  may also be utilized in the previous embodiments and the invention is in no way limited to the shape of the hook illustrated in the drawings. 
     As seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternative method for fastening the hooks or tongues  717  to the walking member  724  is illustrated. The hook or tongue  7170  is attached to the walking member  724  using fastening members  7171  that may be screws, rivets, bolts or any other suitable fastener. Alternatively, adhesive could be used in place of the fasteners or the flanged portions  7173  may be embedded in the material of the walking member  724 . The other structure of the hook or tongue  7170  is the same as that seen in FIG. 11, including the flat portion  719 , vertical portion  721  and second flat portion  723 . The same fastening techniques can be used with the hook or tongues  718 . As also seen in FIG. 12, the loops  716  may be provided with wings  7174  through which a rivet, screw or other fastening device  7172  is provided to secure the loop  716  to the walking member  724 . As with the hook or tongue  7170 , the wings  7174  may also be fastened to the walking member  724  using adhesive or may be embedded in the walking member  724 . 
     As also illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that this embodiment may be altered such that the hooks/tongues  718  are provided on the support member  714  (FIG. 13) while the loops  716  may be provided on the walking members  724  (FIG.  12 ). The combinations of hooks and loops may also be mixed as FIG. 12 illustrates to include both hooks and loops on the walking member  724  and the support member  714 . In addition, any suitably shaped hook/loop members may be utilized, and the present invention is in no way limited to the illustrated hook and loop structure. In addition, as those skilled in the manufacturing arts will readily appreciate, the hook/loop connection mechanism may be provided on the in-line skates during the manufacture of the skate or may be added by the owner of the skate after the purchase of the skate. 
     In addition, while FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the use of both hooks and/or loops on the walking member  724 , the invention is not limited to the use of hooks or loops. Any suitable number and combination of hooks and/or loops may be combined on both the walking member and in-line skate to assist in removably fastening the walking member to the in-line skate. In addition, as with the embodiments of FIGS. 1-6, the walking members  724  are not limited to the arcuate shape shown in the drawings but may also be flat, or any other suitable shape.