Patent Publication Number: US-6213479-B1

Title: Convertible in-line/parallel skates

Description:
This is a continued prosecution of application Ser. No. 09/089,113, filed Jun. 2, 1998 . 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OE THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to sporting goods, and particularly to skates. The field of the invention is that of skates having roller wheels. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Skates having roller wheels are used for sporting, exercising, and recreational activities. Two varieties of roller skates are well known and used: in-line and parallel skates. These skate designs typically have four roller wheels, either all four in-line so that the planes of the wheels are all coplanar, or parallel in a two by two, or quad, arrangement. The skate also includes a foot or shoe enclosure with a base or chassis which rotatably supports the axles of the roller wheels. The in-line arrangement provides the wearer with the feel of an ice skate, while the parallel arrangement is more stable. Both arrangements are popular, with some activities being more suited for in-line skates, e.g., traveling over outdoor paths, playing field hockey, and other activities for quad or parallel skates, e.g., skating at roller domes, training skaters. 
     The foot or shoe enclosure portion of the skate is similar for both arrangements. However, the wheel support portions of the skates are typically made from a fixed frame that rotatably supports the axles of the roller wheels. The sharp contrast between the in-line and parallel arrangement requires that the wheel support portions of those skates be dramatically different. Also, the foot or shoe enclosure portion attaches to each type of wheel support arrangement differently. For example, with in-line skates, two elongated plates can serve as journals for all the roller wheel axles. However, it is impractical to provide parallel skates with common journals because of the increased width between the wheels of the parallel skates, although each pair of the parallel wheels may share a common axle. For a skater to utilize both arrangements, one pair of skates for each arrangement must be obtained. 
     One known convertible skate allows the substitution of a set of in-line roller wheels with a blade for ice skating. This structure actually requires that an assembly of roller wheels be removed and a separate blade assembly be attached to convert the skates. With this design, the same foot enclosure may be used with either arrangement. However, this design requires that the skater carry the spare parts that are removed and replaced. Further, while this design allows for the substitution of a support for in-line roller wheels and a support for an ice skating blade, it does not provide support for a parallel arrangement of roller wheels. 
     What is needed is a skate which may be readily converted from an in-line arrangement to a parallel arrangement. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a skate that can be converted from an in-line wheel configuration in which all of the skate wheels are coplanar to a parallel wheel configuration, and vice versa. A pair of yoke chassis positions the wheels relative to the skate. In a simple operation, the wheel configuration may be manually converted using only repositioning of the equipment on the skate itself. 
     In this invention, the yoke-chassis functions as both the chassis and the connecting mechanism, which also has a predetermined position relative to the post and the wheels, so that the wheels are maintained in parallel to the longitudinal center of the post-base as the yoke-chassis rotates relative to the post. Thus, the connection keeps the wheels always parallel to the length of the foot or shoe enclosure at the predetermined positions. 
     Both in-line and quad skates are used for sporting and recreational purposes. The traditional quad skate has enjoyed long-standing popularity, while wide-spread commercialization of the in-line skate is relatively recent. The quad skate is particularly suitable for use in places such as roller rinks, while the in-line skate tends to prevail in outdoor use. Generally, the places and uses of the two types of skates are characteristic to each skate. A skater&#39;s choice of an in-line or a quad skate then often depends on the type of activity in which the skater wishes to engage. Thus, a skating enthusiast would require more than one pair of skates to fulfill all skating activities in which he might wish to engage. The skater would thus incur the expense of buying more than one pair of skates, and the inconvenience of having to change skates depending on the activity in which the skater desires to engage at a given time. 
     The present invention utilizes a wheel chassis mounted on posts attached to the bottom of the foot or shoe enclosure. The wheel chassis supports the wheels and is rotatable about the post. A positioning mechanism connects the post to the wheels which are supported by the wheel chassis. The wheel chassis is rotatable between at least two positions, and the connection of the wheels to the post through the positioning mechanism ensures that the angular orientation of the wheels are maintained. One positioning mechanism, namely tie rods, has a predetermined position relative to the post and the wheels so that the wheels are angularly positioned relative to the post. Thus, the tie rods keep the wheels always parallel to the length of the foot or shoe enclosure at the predetermined positions. By rotating the wheel chassis, the wheels may be positioned either in an in-line arrangement, wherein the planes of the wheels are coextensive, and a parallel arrangement, wherein the wheels are parallel and coaxial. Other positioning mechanisms include yokes, gear sets, and externally mounted rods. 
     By mounting the wheel chassis on the post, many different varieties of foot or shoe enclosures may be utilized with the invention. The posts, in conjunction with the wheel chassis, provide support for the foot or shoe enclosure portion to enhance the rigidity of the foot enclosure and enhance its structural integrity. In one embodiment, two posts are utilized with corresponding wheel chassis and each wheel chassis supports two wheels. This allows for four in-line roller wheels to be employed, which may be readily changed to a two by two parallel arrangement. One method of effecting the change is by loosening a nut which engages the wheel chassis, turning the chassis, and tightening the nut. Another method involves a post with a biasing mechanism for releasing and securing the chassis. 
     The invention comprises, in one form thereof, a skate with an enclosure, at least two wheels, and a wheel chassis attached to the enclosure and rotatably supporting the wheels, which is characterized by a positioning mechanism. The wheels are oriented by the positioning mechanism in one of at least two arrangements, a first in-line arrangement and a second parallel arrangement The enclosure includes a post extending from a bottom surface of the enclosure, and the wheel chassis is rotatably disposed about the post. 
     The post includes a threaded portion, and the skate further comprises a nut threadably engaging a threaded portion of the post to rotationally secure the position of the wheel chassis. The post may also include a portion of enlarged diameter supporting a spring which biases the chassis into the post. Another feature of the invention involves an aligning mechanism which orients the chassis relative to the post and may define a plurality of discrete aligned positions for the chassis relative to the post. 
     One embodiment of the positioning mechanism includes two tie rods connecting the post and the wheels. The tie rods have a predetermined length which maintains the angular position of the wheels relative to the post regardless of the angular position of the chassis. Another embodiment of the positioning mechanism includes gears disposed within the chassis and connecting the post and the wheels. One of the gear based positioning mechanism embodiments includes a belt operably connecting the gears. Still another embodiment of the positioning mechanism includes an elongated member disposed externally of the chassis which connects a wheel of one chassis with a wheel of a second chassis so that the rotation of the two chassis are synchronized. The positioning mechanism provides for the wheels to be maintained in an angular position corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the enclosure throughout the rotation of the chassis. 
     The invention also provides a brake mechanism attached to one of the wheels for slowing the skate. The wheels are attached to the chassis via wheel supports which include a U-shaped crosspiece journalling an axle which rotatably supports each wheel. The brake mechanism is mounted on a wheel support, and includes a cantilevered arm pivotally attached to the wheel support adjacent the wheel. The cantilevered arm has one end with a friction surface disposed adjacent to the wheel. The other end of the cantilevered arm includes a rotatably mounted roller. 
     The invention further includes a yoke mechanism removably connected between the post and wheels, and a biasing mechanism for urging engagement of the yoke mechanism with the post and wheels so that by deactivation of the biasing mechanism, the yoke mechanism allows independent positioning of the wheels. 
     An advantage of the present invention is that a single skate can assume the configuration of either an in-line or a quad skate. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention can easily and quickly be converted from an in-line to a quad skate and vice versa. 
     Another advantage is that the present invention can be converted from an in-line to a quad skate and vice versa without removing or adding any equipment. 
     A further advantage is that the present invention can be used in a variety of locations and under a variety of different conditions calling for skates of different wheel configurations without need for investment in different skates. 
     A further advantage is that the same wheel and support system of the present invention can be used regardless of the style of the foot or shoe enclosure. 
     Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the enclosure material surrounding the post is strengthened and the enclosure material thus rigidly supports the wheels and enhances the longevity of the skate. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above mentioned and other features and objects of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a side view of an in-line wheel configuration of an embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front view, showing both pairs of wheels, of a parallel wheel configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is a front view of the wheel assembly of FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 4 is a side view of the wheel assembly of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of two rotational configurations of the wheel assemblies shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. 
     FIG. 6 is another top view of two other rotational configurations of the wheel assemblies shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. 
     FIG. 7 is an exploded view of various component parts of the embodiment shown in the preceding Figures. 
     FIG. 8 is a side sectional view of a second embodiment of the base of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the base of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 is a top plan view of a second embodiment of a chassis of the present invention. 
     FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of the chassis of FIG.  10 . 
     FIG. 12 is a side sectional view of a first embodiment of a yoke and spring adjustment mechanism of the present invention. 
     FIG. 13 is a side sectional view of a second embodiment of a yoke and spring adjustment mechanism of the present invention. 
     FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the components of another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a geared embodiment of the positioning mechanism of the present invention. 
     FIG. 16 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.  15 . 
     FIG. 17 is a top plan view of a gear and belt embodiment of the positioning mechanism of the present invention. 
     FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.  17 . 
     FIG. 19 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention having an external positioning mechanism in a first position. 
     FIG. 20 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention having an external positioning mechanism in a second position. 
     FIG. 21 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention having an external positioning mechanism in a third position. 
     FIG. 22 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the present invention having an external positioning mechanism in a fourth position. 
     FIG. 23 is a side view of a quad wheel configuration of an embodiment of the present invention having a brake on a front wheel. 
     FIG. 24 is a side view of a quad wheel configuration of an embodiment of the present invention having a brake on a rear wheel. 
     FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of a wheel with a brake in a disengaged position. 
     FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of a wheel with a brake in an engaged position. 
     FIG. 27 is a side view of an in-line wheel configuration of an embodiment of the present invention having a brake on a front wheel. 
     FIG. 28 is a side view of an in-line wheel configuration of an embodiment of the present invention having a brake on a rear wheel. 
     FIG. 29 is a top view of an anchor the present invention. 
     FIG. 30 is a section profile view of FIG. 29 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 31 is a section view of an assembly showing the anchor engaged with the post-base, the fastener and the spring mechanism of the present invention. 
     FIG. 32 is a side view of the wheel support assembly and the yoke-chassis and its alignment means. 
     FIG. 33 is a top view of a parallel rotational configuration of the present invention. 
     FIG. 34 is another top view showing an in-line configuration of the present invention. 
     FIG. 35 is an assembled side view of brake mounting means and heel spacer plus the post-base. 
     FIG. 36 is a top view of the assembly in FIG. 35 of the present invention. 
     FIG. 37 is a rear plan view of the brake mounting mechanism of FIG.  35 . 
     FIG. 38 is a top plan view of FIG.  37 . 
     FIG. 39 is a side view of the post-base showing the joining feature and the post from one side. 
     FIG. 40 is a top view of the post-base showing alignment and antirotation means. 
     FIG. 41 is a side view of the post-base showing the joining feature and the post from another side. 
     FIG. 42 is a side view of the post-base showing the fixed members and the post. 
     FIG. 43 is a side view combining all the various components of the present invention in one assembly. 
     FIG. 44 is a top view of the wheel support of the present invention with dual pivotal provisions. 
     FIG. 45 is a front view of the wheel support of the present invention with dual pivotal provisions. 
     FIG. 46 is a side view of the wheel support of the present invention with dual pivotal provisions. 
     FIG. 47 is a top plan view of the yoke-chassis of the present invention. 
     FIG. 48 is a side view of the yoke-chassis of the present invention. 
     FIG. 49 is a consolidated summary of skate components relating to the present invention. 
    
    
     Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to better illustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplification set out herein illustrates preferred embodiments of the invention, in several forms, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiment disclosed below is not intended to be exhaustive or limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may utilize their teachings. 
     In accordance with the present invention, skate  2  includes foot enclosure  4 , wheel chassis  10 , wheel supports  52 , and roller wheels  50 . Foot enclosure  4  (FIGS. 1 and 2) includes shoe  5  rigidly attached to shoe base  6 . Although a foot enclosure is shown, one of ordinary skill would appreciate that a shoe enclosure could also be used with the present invention. On the underside of the enclosure portion of skate  2 , wheel supports  52  may be arranged with wheels  50  in either the in-line arrangement of FIG. 1 or the parallel, quad arrangement of FIG.  2 . Skate  2  may be readily converted between these arrangements by simple repositioning of the equipment below shoe base  6 . 
     Wheel chassis  10  is rotationally disposed about center post  30  which has threaded portion  32 . Center post  30  is rigidly attached to base  34 . Center post  30  extends through hole  13  of enclosure or shoe support  11 . Shoe support  11  is sandwiched between wheel chassis  10  and shoe base  6  and is rigidly attached to shoe base  6  by attaching wheel chassis  10  to shoe base  6  and post  30 . The bottom face of shoe support  11  may have undercut slots that receive and constrain tie rods  18  in a tightened position in either of the in-line or parallel arrangements. Alternatively, the same purpose may be achieved without slots by the bottom face of shoe support  11  being comprised of a resilient material which constrains tie rods  18 . Nut  36  is adjustably threaded onto threaded portion  32  to hold wheel chassis  10  against base  34 . 
     Wheel chassis  10  also includes inserts  12  rotatably disposed in an opening of chassis  10 . Inserts  12  function as a collar and allow wheel support  52  to rotate relative to wheel chassis  10 . Preferably, inserts  12  have a major diameter in the range of 7.5 mm to 44.5 mm. O-rings  19  may be optionally disposed between inserts  12  and chassis  10  to provide resilient dampening to the micro-movement of insert  12 . Rod  20  is rigidly attached to insert  12 , and to wheels  50  as described below. Inserts  12  include holes  14  which removably receive tie rods  18  which rotatably position inserts  12  relative to chassis  10 . Holes  14  are located at a predetermined diameter, preferably about 2-5 mm away from the major diameter, outer perimeter, of insert  12 , so that the relative rotation of inserts  12  and wheel chassis  10  is maintained such that whenever wheel chassis  10  is rotated by 90°, wheels  50  automatically follow the rotation to keep parallel to the length of enclosure  4 . 
     Tie rods  18  functionally connect post  30  and wheel supports  52 , and are of precision length to conform to predetermined engineered positions of the skate and wheel chassis. The connection of tie rods  18  with post  30  and wheel supports  52  serves as a positioning mechanism which provides for the automatic positioning of wheels  50 . The preferred length of tie rod  18  equals the length of the distance between the axial center of post  30  and the axial center of insert  12 , plus the diameter of tie rod  18 . The center of holes  14  are preferably disposed at a 45° angle from the axial center of its insert  12  relative to a reference line extending through the center of both inserts  12  when they are disposed in wheel chassis  10 . Also, holes  15  in collar  70 , as described in greater detail below, are located at a predetermined diameter from the axial center of collar  70 , preferably about 2-5 mm away from the major diameter of collar  70 , and are also disposed at a 45° angle from the axial center of collar  70  relative to the same reference line. 
     Wheel supports  52  include crosspieces  56  rigidly attached to rod  20  by nut  22 . Alternatively, rod  20  may be connected to wheel supports  52  by a rivet or other suitable attachment. Arms  54  are rigidly attached to crosspiece  56  to form a U-shaped supporting piece. Axle  58  is journalled between arms  54 . Wheel  50  rotates about axle  58  and is secured to axle  58  by nut  60 . Alternatively, wheel  50  may be connected to axle  58  by a rivet or other suitable attachment. With rod  20  rigidly attached to both insert  12  and wheel support  52 , the pivotal movement of insert  12  within wheel chassis  10  causes the angular position of wheel  50  to change relative to wheel chassis  10 . However, the structure and arrangement of tie rods  18  ensure that the angular position of wheel  50  relative to enclosure  4  remains substantially constant. 
     To arrange skate  2  in a particular wheel configuration, nut  36  is loosened and wheel chassis  10  is rotated about post  32  to the desired position. The rotation of the wheel support  52  and wheel chassis  10  together causes the skate to assume the configuration of either a quad or in-line skate. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, finger  17  at one end of tie rod  18  is pivotally inserted into holes  15  of collar  70 , and collar  70  is fixed to center post  30 . Finger  17  at the other end of tie rod  18  is pivotally inserted into hole  14  of insert  12 . Tie rod  18  is prevented from escaping this position because of the small clearance available when nut  36  attaches chassis  10  to base  34 , and because of the constraint by shoe support  11  when nut  36  is tightened. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, rotation of wheel chassis  10  pivots tie rod  18  about collar  70 , changing the configuration of wheels  50  from an in-line to a parallel or quad position and vice versa. 
     To obtain the in-line skate wheel configuration shown in FIG. 1, nut  36  is loosened, and wheel chassis  10  is rotated to a position parallel to shoe base  6 . As wheel chassis  10  is rotated, tie rod  18  pivots about collar  70 , contemporaneously pivoting wheels  50  to a position parallel to shoe base  6 . Nut  36  is then tightened on threaded post  32  to maintain wheel chassis  10  in a position parallel to shoe base  6 . Optionally, wheel chassis  10  may include a notch or other structure to engage base  34  in this position when nut  36  is sufficiently tightened. 
     To obtain the quad skate wheel configuration shown in FIG. 2, nut  36  is loosened, and wheel chassis  10  is rotated to a position perpendicular to shoe base  6 . As wheel chassis  10  is rotated, tie rod  18  pivots about collar  70 , contemporaneously pivoting wheels  50  to a position parallel to shoe base  6 . Nut  36  is then tightened on threaded post  32  to maintain wheel chassis  10  in a position perpendicular to shoe base  6 . Optionally, wheel chassis  10  may include a notch or other structure to engage base  34  in this position when nut  36  is sufficiently tightened. 
     The embodiment of the present invention shown in the drawings includes four wheels; FIG. 1 shows the four wheels in one line, while FIG. 2 shows the wheels at the four corners of a square or rectangle. Alternatively, a skate defined by the present invention could have virtually any configuration of skate wheels, for example combinations of 2×1 parallel and 1×2 in-line, or 2×3 parallel and 1×6 in-line, or even combinations of odd numbers of wheels for each foot, such as 1+2×1 parallel and 1×3 in-line wheel configurations. 
     The embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 show an enclosure with closed geometry, such as a shoe, with fixed dimensions. In fact, the enclosure of the skate may have either closed geometry as in a shoe, the enclosure may have open geometry as in a sandal, or the enclosure may be structured and arranged to attach to a shoe or boot. In addition, the enclosure may have either fixed or adjustable dimensions. 
     Several variations of the present invention are shown in the remaining FIGS. 8-28 and described in greater detail below. 
     FIGS. 8-11 show several structural modifications to base  34 ′ which align chassis  10 ′. These aligning features; matching tabs  72  and slots  73  (depicted as equally spaced groups of six), pins  74  and holes  75  (depicted equally spaced groups of four), polygonal projection  76  and indentation  78  (depicted as octagonal), or similar features; constrain the rotational movement of chassis  10 ′ relative to base  34 ′. Although tabs  72  and projection  76  are shown as part of base  34 ′, and pins  74  and projection  76  as part of chassis  10 ′, one recognizes these matching features may be alternatively be constructed in chassis  10 ′ and base  34 ′, respectively. Also each of the total number of the male portion of the aligning or matching features  72 ,  74 , and  76  each may be less than the total number of their corresponding female matching features  73 ,  75 , and  78 . In order for chassis  10 ′ and base  34 ′ to rotate 90° relative to one another, at least two of the female aligning features must be spaced at a 90° angle, which can be achieved by equally spacing an even or choice number of male aligning features. With more than two such female features, the matching male aligning features may temporarily rest in an intermediate orientation and prevent random wheel orientation. Chassis  10 ′ also includes edges  80  which engage the periphery of base  34 ′ in the in-line and quad configuration. Base  34 ′ includes gear teeth  82  for engagement with further embodiments of the positioning mechanism of the present invention which are set forth in greater detail below. 
     Another variation of the present invention involves a yoke mechanism which allows individual adjustment of the wheel orientation. Yokes  84  and  86  are mounted on posts  32 ′ within chassis  10 ″ and  10 ″ of FIGS. 12 and 13, respectively. The upper surface of yokes  84  and  86  may have aligning features as disclosed in FIGS. 8-11 above to position the wheels. Similar aligning features may be incorporated between the chassis and each wheel support to individually align the wheels. Springs  88  and  90  are disposed between the yokes and the chassis, or alternatively spring  92  may be disposed between the chassis and base  34 ″. When nut  36  is loosened, the resilient biasing of the springs separates the yokes from the chassis so that each wheel may be independently aligned in a parallel or in-line arrangement. 
     As an alternative to nut  36  being tightened on post  32 , a modified center post may resiliently connect the chassis to the base, as shown in FIG.  14 . In this embodiment, the center post comprises support plate  94 , sleeve  96 , and connector  98 . Connector  98  extends through base  34 ′ to connect with support plate  94 . In the disclosed embodiment, connector  98  has external threads which matingly engage internal threads  103  of sleeve  96  which is also in threaded engagement with connecting portion  100  of support plate  94 . The connection via sleeve  96  may be facilitated by resilient insert  102  disposed within sleeve  96  between connector  98  and connecting portion  100 . Spring  104  is disposed around sleeve  96  with one end adjacent to the enlarged diameter portion of post support plate  94  and sleeve  96 , and the other end of spring  104  is adjacent to chassis  10 ′. Under typical operating conditions, spring  104  biases chassis  10 ′ into base  34 ′. For rotation or reorientation of wheel supports  52 , chassis  10 ′ may be pulled down against the force of spring  104  and out of engagement with base  34 ′ so that chassis  10 ′ may be repositioned in either the in-line or parallel arrangement. Once the repositioning is achieved, spring  104  biases chassis  10 ′ back into engagement with base  34 ′. 
     Alternative embodiments of the positioning mechanism of the present invention using gears are shown in FIGS. 15-18. FIG. 15 shows chassis  10 ″″ housing gear set  106 . Gear set  106  includes post gear  108  fixedly connected to post  94  and base  34 ′, and wheel gears  110  connected with wheel supports  52 . Rotation from post gear  108  is transferred to wheel gears  110  through intermediary gears  112  which are mounted in chassis  10 ″″. The contacts between gears  108 ,  110 , and  112  synchronize the orientation of wheel supports  52  when chassis  10 ″″is rotated about post  94 . While intermediary gears  112  are not essential for the functioning of the positioning mechanism, their inclusion allows for all of the gears to have a smaller size. 
     The embodiment of FIGS. 17 and 18 is similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16 described above, except for the substitution of toothed belt  114  as the motion transfer mechanism of gear set  106 ′. Toothed belt  114  is disposed within chassis  10 ″″ and engages post gear  108  and wheel gears  110 . Similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 15 and 16, rotation of chassis  10 ″″ causes toothed belt  114  to move and rotate wheel gears  110  in synchronized fashion. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the positioning mechanism is located externally of the chassis, is shown in FIGS. 19-22. An elongate member such as rods or panels  116  are attached to specific locations on the periphery of wheel supports  52  so that the entire assembly of chassis  10  and rods  116  moves together when one of chassis  10  is rotated relative to its base  34 . In the exemplary embodiment rods  116  are disposed perpendicularly to the axis of axle  58 . As indicated by arrows  118 , the parallel or quad arrangement of FIG. 20 is transformed into the in-line arrangement of FIG. 19 by the clockwise rotation of chassis  10 . Similarly, arrows  120  of FIG. 21 illustrate how the counterclockwise rotation of chassis  10  transforms a parallel or quad arrangement into an in-line arrangement such as shown in FIG.  22 . Thus, rods  116  each connect two wheel supports  52  on the same side of the skate, and maintain the same distance and longitudinal orientation throughout the rotation of chassis  10 . 
     The present invention also includes brake  122  as shown in FIGS. 23-28. Brake  122  comprises cantilevered arm  124  having roller  126  at one end and friction surface  128  at the other end. Support plate  130  is fixed to, or integrally formed with, wheel support  52  and supports pivot  132  about which cantilevered arm  124  moves. Brake  122  may be attached to one of a front or rear wheel  50 , or both, and adjacent the toe or heel region of skate  2 , such that in an in-line arrangement the wheel  50  having brake  122  must be either the first or last wheel. In the quad or parallel arrangement, brake  122  is simply on the side of the pair of front or rear wheels. 
     The braking action is activated by the skater inclining skate  2  so that roller  126  contacts the surface over which skate  2  is traversing. The contact of roller  126  pivots arm  124  so that friction surface  128  compresses wheel  50 . The friction between friction surface  120  and wheel  50  slows the rotation of wheel  50 , thus applying braking action. In the in-line arrangement, the braked wheel is the only wheel rotating on the skating surface, while in the quad or parallel arrangement another wheel may also be rotating on the skating surface. Unlike conventional skate brakes which create friction directly with the skating surface, the friction surface of the present invention does not contact the skating surface, thus greatly reducing wear on the brake. In addition, the brake of the present invention still allows the user to skate while breaking, providing the skater with greater control of the skating and braking manoeuver. 
     Further alternative embodiments of the present invention are shown in the additional drawing FIGS. 29-48 and further described in detail in the following. These embodiments utilize a pair of yoke-chassis to accomplish the configuration changing function for the wheels of the skate. 
     FIGS. 29-31 show anchor  294  relating to the following further embodiments of the present invention. Anchor  294  provides a connection between the attachments to the shoe portion of a skate to yoke-chassis  210 . In FIGS. 29-30 each of the receptacles on either side of anchor  294  are shown to have opening  295  for receiving fixed member  271  and enlarged spaces  296  within the same opening for receiving spring mechanism  290 . FIG. 31 shows a section profile of anchor  294  engaged with post-base  234  which engages anchor  294  using post  230 , fastener  236 , fixed members  271  and receptacles  296 . 
     Fixed members  271  receive yoke-chassis  210  to position wheels  50 . FIG. 32 shows wheel  50 , wheel support  52 , yoke-chassis  210  and related alignment lugs  274  and  275 . Further details of the yoke-chassis and the wheel support are illustrated in FIGS. 44-48. This arrangement allows the alternative positions of wheels  50  depicted in FIGS. 33 and 34. 
     FIG. 33 shows the skate in a parallel arrangement, while FIG. 34 shows the skate in an in-line arrangement. It is understood that the four wheels in FIG. 33 could be easily rearranged to take on an arrangement resembles that of a trapezoid while the two wheels on each side of the longitudinal center line remains parallel to the longitudinal center line. Both FIGS. 33 and 34 also show integrated post-base  244  which has a structure formed by combining two post-bases  234  of FIG.  31 . Each wheel support  52  has dual pivotal provisions  254  for a rotatable connection to their respective ends  215  of yoke-chassis  210 . 
     FIGS. 35-37 relate to brake mounting bracket  222  and heal spacer  291 . In FIG. 35, brake mounting bracket  222  is attached to heel spacer  291  and is sandwiched between post-base  234  and heel spacer  291 . Bracket  222  extends beyond rear boundary  238  of post-base  234 . The height of heel spacer  291  provides gap  293  accommodating the conventional amount of a cushion material. FIG. 36 shows the top plan view showing the attachment of brake mounting bracket  222  to heel spacer  291 . FIG. 37 shows a rear view of brake mounting bracket  222 , wherein its lower portion is attached to brake support section  226 , which is capable of mounting a conventional brake pad (not shown). 
     FIGS. 39-42 presents the unique post-base design which includes the following: post  230 , two fixed members  271  proximate the post, joining portion  240  with male protrusion  246  and female recess  248 , retaining apertures  276 ,  277 , alignment apertures  278 ,  279 , and a locking hole  255  for mechanically locking two post-bases  234  together. 
     FIG. 43 is a side profile of a completed convertible skate assembly according to the present invention. Anchor  294  is fit in the space between two wheel supports and holds the yoke-chassis  210  tight against post-base  234 . Fasteners  220  and  224  permanently attach the assembly to the base of a foot enclosure or a show enclosure. Pin  298  is used to ensure the anchor is retained in its engaged position with respect to fixed member  271  of post-base  244 . This in conjunction with spring mechanism  290  (see FIG. 31) allows quick converting from one skate arrangement to another. Once a skate arrangement is selected, fastener  236  can be tightened to secure anchor  294  so as to hold wheel supports  52  and yoke-chassis  210  tightly against post-base  244 . 
     Additional details of the wheel support and the yoke-chassis are shown in FIGS. 44-48. Dual pivotal provisions  254  of wheel support  52  are spaced according to the width of the wheel so that maximum support can be obtained to resist side moment. Top  259  of wheel support  52  is open to minimizes the distance from the top of a wheel to the bottom of a skate enclosure. FIGS. 47-48 show yoke-chassis  210  with protrusions  272  and  273  and alignment lugs  274  and  275 . Protrusions  272  and  273  provide a physical barrier to rotation by limiting the range of motion of yoke-chassis  210 . Lugs  274  and  275  engage apertures  278  and  279  to positively locate the angular position of yoke-chassis  210 . 
     The present invention comprises, in one form thereof, a skate with a post-base ( 234 ), at least two wheels ( 50 ), and a yoke-chassis ( 210 ) attached to the post-base and rotatably supporting the wheels, which is characterized by a positioning mechanism. The wheels are oriented by the position mechanism in one of at least two arrangements, a first in-line arrangement and a second parallel arrangement. The post-base includes a post ( 230 ) extending from a bottom surface of the post-base, and fixed members ( 271 ) located proximate the post. Each yoke-chassis ( 210 ) is pivotably disposed about one of the fixed members and is capable of pivotable movement about the post. 
     The present invention utilizes a yoke-chassis mounted on fixed members proximate the post extending from a bottom surface of the post-base. The yoke-chassis supports the wheels by the wheel supports and is capable of pivotable movement about the post. The post-base can be readily attached to the bottom of a foot or shoe enclosure. 
     The post includes a fastener and an anchor, and the skate further comprises a threaded portion of the post to rotationally secure the position of the yoke-chassis. The anchor has receptacles which may also include a portion of enlarged diameter supporting a spring mechanism which biases the yoke-chassis into the post-base. 
     One embodiment of the connecting mechanism includes two yoke-chassis ( 210 ) connecting the fixed member ( 271 ) proximate the post and the wheels. The yoke-chassis have a predetermined length maintaining the angular position of the wheels relative to the post regardless of the angular position of the yoke-chassis. A pair of yoke-chassis is used for a respective pair of wheels. One yoke-chassis functions as a chassis while the other functions as a connecting means. The same connecting means also serves as positioning mechanism which provides for the wheels to be maintained in an angular position corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the post-base throughout the rotation of the yoke-chassis. 
     As positioning mechanism the yoke-chassis positions the pair of wheel supports which are supported by the yoke-chassis. The yoke-chassis is rotatable between at least two positions, and the connection of the wheels to the fixed members of the post-base through the positioning mechanism of the yoke-chassis ensures that the angular orientation of the wheels are maintained. 
     By rotating the wheels and the yoke-chassis, the wheels may be positioned either in an in-line arrangement, where the planes of the wheels are coextensive, or a parallel arrangement, wherein the wheels are parallel to the longitudinal center of the post-base and are coaxial. 
     The present invention also includes brake mounting mechanism ( 222 ) with brake support ( 226 ) as shown in FIGS. 35-37. The brake mounting mechanism can be retained in between the heel spacer and the post-base. The braking action is conveniently achieved by the skater&#39;s inclining skate  2  so that the brake contacts the surface over which skate  2  is traversing. In the in-line arrangement, the braked is located at the very end of the skate in-line with the wheels. In the parallel arrangement, the brake is located in between the two rear wheels. 
     Another feature of the invention involves aligning mechanism ( 274 ,  275 ,  278 ,  279 ) which orients the yoke-chassis relative to the post and may define a plurality of discrete aligned positions for the yoke-chassis relative to the post. 
     Yet another feature of the present invention utilizes the post and the yoke-chassis to form an anti-rotation mechanism ( 272 ,  273 ,  276 ,  277 ) so that in a secure position for a selected skate arrangement the stability of the skate can be maximized. 
     By combining the yoke-chassis, the post-base, the wheel supports and the wheels into one complete assembly, many different varieties of foot or shoe enclosures may be utilized with the present invention. The post-base, the fixed members proximate the post, in conjunction with the yoke-chassis, provide enhanced support for the foot or shoe enclosure to enhance the rigidity of the foot enclosure and enhance its structural integrity. 
     In the exemplary embodiment, two fixed members are utilized with two corresponding yoke-chassis and each yoke-chassis supports the same side of two wheel supports. This allows for a pair of roller wheels to be deployed in one of a plurality of positions, which may be readily converted form a parallel arrangement to an in-line arrangement, or vice versa. 
     One method of effecting the convertible changes is by loosening the fastener engaging the anchor against the yoke-chassis. By turning the yoke-chassis to desired position and then retightening the fastener, one could select from a plurality of pre-determined skate configuration arrangements. Another method involves the use of a spring biasing mechanism for releasing and securing the yoke-chassis. The spring mechanism can be used as a supplement to the fastener, therefore the two methods can actually be employed simultaneously in a given convertible skate design. 
     While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention may be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains.