Abstract:
In-line skates comprise a boot, an inverted longitudinal channel secured to the sole of the boot and rollers rotatably mounted in the channels. The invention comprises a body having two laterally spaced pockets each having side supports dimensioned to engage opposite sides of the skate channel to hold the boots side-by-side and having a hook to hook around one of the rollers (preferably the forward-most roller). The forward ends of the pocket-forming portions are connected by a transverse member to which a carrying handle is attached. A retainer is resiliently attached to the body to apply pressure to the boots to prevent them from popping out of the pockets.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a new and improved carrier for in-line skates. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     A problem of holding and carrying in-line skates has existed for some time but has not heretofore been effectively solved. One technique previously used is to carry the skates in a bag slung over the shoulder, but such means has no support to prevent the skates from scratching each other inside the bag. Another means previously used is a bag worn around the shoulder and waist, but such a device is bulky, awkward and aesthetically unappealing. 
     Still another device is a strap threaded through the skates slung over the shoulders. Such an arrangement strains the neck and shoulders of the wearer, and clothes may be soiled by contact with the skates if they are dirty. 
     Ski boots have been held and carried by various types of equipment, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,733,897. The boot is inserted into clips and securely held in place. However, the means for attachment of ski boots and in-line skates must necessarily be different since the bottoms of ski boots are flat and the bottoms of rollers of such skates are inherently unstable. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In-line skates comprise a boot to the sole of which is affixed an inverted channel-shaped blade. Three or more roller wheels are rotatably mounted in-line partially within the channel-shaped member. Hence, when not being worn, the boot is inherently unstable in upright position. 
     The present invention comprises a carrier formed with two pockets for the front ends of two skates. The pockets are shaped to hold the boots upright. One end of each pocket is attached to a carrying handle. To hold the skate within the pocket, a resilient clasp in each pocket engages behind and partially over the top of one of the forward rollers and also under the bottom edge of the channel. Additionally, a retainer which is resiliently supported engages the forward end of the boot or channel to prevent the skate from popping out of the pocket. 
     A preferred clasp is of generally U-shape. The parallel ends of the clasp are anchored to the handle portion of the carrier and extend backward along either side of the pocket. The central portion of the U-shaped clasp is bent upward and positioned to extend around either side of one of the forward rollers and then cross to engage the top of the roller. Portions of the clasp also fit under the lower edge of the channel. Such a clasp has the advantage of accommodating different models of skates which vary in the dimensions of the rollers. 
     Another feature of the present invention is the use of a support stop which holds the boot in upright position as well as lateral supports which engage the channel, also assisting in holding the boot upright. 
     A further feature of the present invention is the positioning of the carrier handle in line with the center of gravity of the skates thereby reducing stress on the user in carrying the skates. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of means on the carrier which may function to fit over a wall-mounted hook or peg so that the skates may be hung off the floor. 
     Still another feature of the present invention is the provision of means on the carrier where auxiliary equipment used with in-line skates may be attached. Usually skaters wear knee pads, wrist guards, elbow guards, and helmets and also carry extra wheels, laces and various other pieces of equipment. The structure of the holder hereinafter described provides areas where such equipment may be suspended from the carrier when the skates are stored. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a carrier showing one skate supported in one of the pockets and the other pocket empty. 
     FIG. 2 is a partial plan view of the carrier. 
     FIG. 3 is a front elevational view, partially broken away. 
     FIG. 4 is a side elevational view, partially broken away. 
     FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken substantially along the line 5--5 of FIG. 2. 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan of the carrier with one of the retainers removed. 
     FIG. 7 is a bottom plan thereof. 
     FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 5 of a modification. 
     FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of another modification. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to those embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
     In-line skate 11 is partially shown in the accompanying drawings. Such a skate has a boot 12 formed with a sole 13 to which is affixed an inverted-channel-shaped in-line frame 14. A plurality of rollers 16 (here shown as four in number) is supported in line within the channel 14 on axles 17. Only the lower portions of the rollers 16 extend below the level of the channel 14. 
     It is apparent that unless otherwise supported, the skate 11 is inherently unstable due to the elliptical form of the rollers. The carrier 21 of the present invention supports a pair of skates 11 upright. 
     Carrier 21 is provided with two pocket forming portions 22, one for each skate. Each pocket 22 comprises spaced vertical, longitudinally extending lateral supports 23 spaced apart a distance slightly greater than the width of the channel 14, the lower ends of the lateral supports 23 being joined by a transverse web 24. An upward extension 25 is formed at the rear edge of the inner lateral support 23 of each pocket 22 and the upper ends of the inner extensions 25 are joined by a transverse rear connector 26 which rigidifies the back end of the carrier. 
     Directing attention particularly to FIG. 5, the rear end of pocket 22 is open and the forward end of each pocket 22 is closed off by an upward-forward slanted forward end 26. The upper edge 27 of each forward end 26 merges into a horizontal transverse elevated platform 28. Transverse front connector 29 rigidifies the front ends of pockets 22. Downward extending outer legs 31 and inner legs 32 support platform 28 on the support surface on which it rests and extend downwardly from the outer edge of each elevated platform 28 to rest upon a supporting surface to hold the carrier upright. 
     To hold one of the rollers 16 (here shown as the forward roller in each instance) within pocket 22, means is provided to engage around the back and over the top of such roller. Hence, for each pocket there is a clasp 36 shown in the accompanying drawings as being formed of resilient wire and of a generally U-shaped configuration so that one side of the clasp extends along an opposed side of the pocket and the connecting portion of the clasp joins the two sides together. Each side of the clasp is formed with a horizontal stretch 37 extending above elevated platform 28 and preferably disposed within ridges 38 thereon (see FIG. 2). At the forward end of each stretch 37 is a 180° bend so that the rearward extending stretch is disposed beneath elevated platform 28. An outward loop is formed in stretch 41 to receive fastener 43 which passes through the platform 28 and holds clasp 36 in place. Rearward extensions 44 (see FIG. 2) may extend above the top edges of supports 23 and are spaced slightly inwardly thereof. Slits 45 are formed in forward ends 26 for passage of the extensions 44. Such slits 45 are of extended width to permit flexing of stretches 44 as required. Adjacent the rearward end of each support 23, stretch 44 is formed with an outward bend 46 received in a notch 47 cut in the upper edge of support 23. Upward extending loop 48 joins the two sides of clasp 36 together. Loop 48 has on either side an inward directed stretch 49 which fits under the lower edge of channel 14, a bend 51 of about 70°, an upward-forward stretch 52 which engages the side of roller 16 and a horizontal connector 53 which fits across roller 16. Elements 53 and 54 are within channel 14. Thus, the user may insert the roller 16 between the forward end of each pocket 22 and loop 48 and then move the roller 16 rearwardly, into engagement with the loop 48. Such an arrangement accommodates different dimensions of rollers 16. 
     Once roller 16 is engaged in loop 48, it is desirable to resiliently hold roller 16 in position. One means for retaining rollers 16 in place is illustrated in FIGS. 1-7. Retainer 61 has a body 62, the forward end of which is bifurcated and has outward extending hinge pins 63 which are received in hinge members 64 upstanding from platform 28. Depending from body 62 is a detent 66 having barbs 67 which engage under the margin of hole 68 formed in platform 28. As shown in FIG. 5, detent 66 latches body 62 in down or solid-line position. Rearward of body 62, retainer 61 has a resilient extension 71 shaped to engage the top forward expanse of roller 16 and, at contact 72, the forward end of the toe of boot 12. Until retainer 61 is unlatched and raised to the retracted or dotted-line position shown in FIG. 5, the skate is held in pocket 22. 
     An alternate retainer is shown in FIG. 8. Transverse rod 91 extends a cross the fronts of both boots 12. An elastic cord 92 on either side of carrier 21a is provided with an attachment 93 to transverse rear connector 26a and by attachment 94 to rod 91. The resiliency of cord 92 biases rod 91 against the forward end of boot 12, holding roller 16 in engagement with clasp 36a. Retractors 96 extend upward from the forward end of each pocket to hold rod 91 in retracted position, permitting the user to remove skate 11 from pocket 22. Other retaining means may be used. 
     In FIGS. 1-7 there is illustrated a handle 76 upstanding from platform 28 by which carrier 21 may be lifted and carried. The attachment of the lower end of handle 76 to platform 28 is reinforced by a gusset 77. Handle 76 is shown hollow and its upper end is closed off by a rounded top knob 78. Grip material 81 of a resilient nature may be attached to handle 76 to facilitate carrying. 
     Below platform 28 in line with handle 76 is a semi-cylindrical hanger 79 which fits over a peg or hook on a wall. 
     An alternate handle is shown in FIG. 8. Extending upward from either side of platform 28a is bracket 98. Transverse tube or rod 99 may be gripped for lifting or carrying. Handle 99 is preferably aligned with the centers of gravity of boots 12 as indicated by reference numeral 100. 
     Users of skates 11 use auxiliary equipment such as knee pads, wrist guards, elbow guards and helmets and usually carry with them replacement wheels and laces and other items. The guards and helmets usually have straps which may be inserted around the handle 76 and brackets 98 or through opening 86 so that carrier 21 stores conveniently not only the skates 11 but the accessories (not shown) as well. 
     The modification of FIG. 9 is presently believed to be the preferred modification. Retainer 61b is formed of a spring material. It has a horizontal base 101, and is pivotally secured to platform 28b by a pin, rivet 104 or other fastener. Upward extending curved portion 106 (generally in the shape of a shallow S) is formed on the end of base 101 opposite pin 104 and is shaped so that in operative position (the right side of FIG. 9) the toe contact surface 107 pushes against the toe of boot 12 to bias the skate into engagement with clasp 36b. Finger grip 108 on portion 106 opposite toe contact surface 107 may be used to pivot retainer 61b to release position shown in the left side of FIG. 9. Stop means 112 and 113 on platform 28b hold base 101 in alignment. 
     In the modification of FIG. 9 a cross arm 111 is attached to the upper end of handle 76b for more convenient gripping. 
     In many respects the modifications of FIGS. 8 and 9 resemble those of the preceding modification and the same reference numerals, followed by subscripts a and b, respectively are used to designate corresponding parts. 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents.