Abstract:
The present invention is a shock absorbing tandem roller skate including a shoe or boot, a shoe plate secured to the shoe, at least one shock absorbing unit secured to the shoe plate, at least a first pair of wheels secured to the at least one shock absorbing unit, at least a second pair of wheels, a first brake unit for providing braking to the at least a first pair of wheels, and a second brake unit for providing braking to the at least a second pair of wheels. The shock absorbing mechanism of the at least one shock absorbing unit flex and absorb shock horizontally and diagonally in a simultaneous manner to provide a steering mechanism for the user. The present invention is also directed to skateboards and scooters that may utilize the shock absorbing technology of the present invention.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention is directed to roller skates and other industries involving carrying products that require wheel assembly mechanisms. More specifically, the invention is directed to a shock absorbing tandem roller skate. The invention is also directed to the skateboard and scooter industries, as well as other industries involving carrying products that require tandem wheel assembly mechanisms. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Roller skates have been around for many years and have provided enjoyment and health benefits to many people around the world. Generally, roller skates are used for recreation, freestyle and/or exercise wherein each skater can roller skate at his or her own speed or pace, from a leisure pace to a fast competition pace, depending on that skater&#39;s desire and physical health. Some skaters also use roller skates in their profession, such as food deliverers or runners at certain fast food restaurants. Roller skates can be used on many different types of surfaces, such as wood, cement, or asphalt, and the parts or components, such as the wheels and brake system, of a roller skate may vary according to the surface that the roller skate will generally be used on. 
         [0003]    The present invention is an improved tandem roller skate that allow skaters to turn with better control for skates that may travel at a high rate of speed and on rough surfaces. Thus, this improved control ability for skaters should also provide the skaters with improved safety when the present invention is used appropriately. 
         [0004]    The present invention works by incorporating shock absorbing means that enable a skater to instantly turn at will by shifting the weight of the skater wherein the shifting of the weight makes the shock absorbing mechanism flex according to the skater&#39;s motion and direction of the skater&#39;s lean. The innovation in the present invention is that the parts or components of the improved roller skate may be assembled in a building block system for high strength assembly to handle moderate to extreme treatment from the skater. The shock absorbing mechanism of the roller skate of the present invention flex and absorb shock horizontally and diagonally in a simultaneous manner to create an automatic steering mechanism for improved safety and skating enjoyment. 
         [0005]    Applying universal shock absorption to a roller skate will alleviate tension, bruising and strain directed to the knees, ankles, shins and feet of skaters. Also, this factor allows skaters to handle rough surfaces and roads with added comfort. Additional safety is provided by the braking mechanism that may be long lasting for constant braking abilities at all times. The added braking is enhanced by being assisted from the shocking function of the rear wheels while engaging the brake. Certain braking materials are specifically designed for asphalt and road conditions. 
         [0006]    The shock absorbing technology of the present invention can be used in the skateboard and scooter industries, as well as other industries involving carrying products that require tandem wheel assembly mechanisms. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present invention is directed to a shock absorbing tandem roller skate comprising a roller skate shoe, a shoe plate secured to the shoe, a first shock absorbing unit and a second shock absorbing unit secured downward from the shoe plate, at least a first pair of wheels adapted for being secured to and being in communication with the first shock absorbing unit, at least a second pair of wheels adapted for being secured to and being in communication with the second shock absorbing unit, a first brake means or unit for providing braking to the at least a first pair of wheels, and a second brake means or unit for providing braking to the at least a second pair of wheels. The shock absorbing mechanism of each of the first and second shock absorbing units flex and absorb shock horizontally and diagonally in a simultaneous manner to provide a steering mechanism to the user for improved safety and skating enjoyment. The present invention may also be a skateboard comprising some or all of the above-described components, excluding the shoe, of the shock absorbing tandem roller skate. The present invention may additionally be a scooter comprising some or all of the above-described components, excluding the shoe, of the shock absorbing tandem roller skate. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a shock absorbing tandem roller skate according to the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the roller skate of  FIG. 1 , excluding a shoe or boot of the roller skate. 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is a partial, exploded view of a rear end of the roller skate of  FIG. 1 , excluding a shoe or boot of the roller skate. 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is a bottom view of the roller skate of  FIG. 1 , excluding a shoe or boot of the roller skate. 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a rear end view of the roller skate of  FIG. 1 , excluding a shoe or boot of the roller skate. 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a rear end view of the roller skate of  FIG. 1 , excluding a shoe or boot of the roller skate, wherein two arm attachments of the roller skate perform a cam action that shifts in opposite directions at the same time when is use. 
           [0014]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of a shock absorbing unit and a pair of wheels of the roller skate of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0015]      FIG. 8  is a side view of a shock absorbing unit of the roller skate of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 9  is a partial, exploded view of a second shoe or boot plate relative to a first shoe or boot plate according to the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10  is a rear end view of an off-road skateboard according to the present invention, having street wheels. 
           [0018]      FIG. 11  is a rear end view of an off-road skateboard according to the present invention, having larger wheels than street wheels. 
           [0019]      FIG. 12  is a side elevational view of the off-road skateboard of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a top view of the off-road skateboard of  FIG. 11 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 14  is a rear end view of a standard skateboard according to the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 15  is a front end view of a scooter according to the present invention, having street wheels. 
           [0023]      FIG. 16  is a top view of a scooter according to the present invention, having wheels larger than street wheels. 
           [0024]      FIG. 17  is a side elevational view of the scooter of  FIG. 16 . 
       
    
    
       [0025]    It should be understood that the above-attached figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0026]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-9 , the present invention is a shock absorbing tandem roller skate  100  comprising a roller skate shoe or boot  120 , a shoe plate  140  secured to the shoe  120 , a first shock absorbing unit  180 F and a second shock absorbing unit  180 R secured to the shoe plate  140 , at least a first pair of wheels  260 F secured to the first shock absorbing unit  180 F, at least a second pair of wheels  260 R secured to the second shock absorbing unit  180 R, a first brake means or unit  320 F providing braking to the at least a first pair of wheels  260 F, and a second brake means or unit  320 R providing braking to the at least a second pair of wheels  260 R. 
         [0027]    The roller skate shoe or boot  120  is adapted for receiving a foot of a user or skater. As a non-limiting example and as shown in  FIG. 1 , the shoe  120  includes a front end  122 , a rear end  124 , an upper portion  126 , and a bottom  128  having a bottom side  129 . The shoe  120  may be a standard roller skate shoe, a shoe having greater flexibility, comfort, support and/or breathability than a standard roller skate shoe, or any roller skate shoe known in the art. 
         [0028]    As a non-limiting example and as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the shoe plate  140  is secured to the bottom  128  of the shoe  120  by rivets or fasteners  58  and supports the shoe  120 . The shoe  120  and shoe plate  140  may be secured to one another by other fastening means or any other means known in the art. The shoe plate  140  has a generally elongated, rectangular frame, which defines a top side  142 , a bottom side  144 , a front end  146 , a rear end  148 , a body portion  152  extending between the front and rear ends  146 , 148 , a pair of opposite sidewalls  154 , 155 , and a plurality of fastener apertures  156  located at predetermined locations along the shoe plate  140 . The shoe plate  140  defines a longitudinal axis from the front end  146  to the rear end  148 . When the shoe  120  and shoe plate  140  are secured to one another, the top side  142  of the shoe plate  140  is adjacent to the bottom side  129  of the bottom  128  of the shoe  120 , and the front and rear ends of the shoe respectively align with the front and rear ends of the shoe plate. Each of the opposite sidewalls  154 , 155  has a front end cutout  156 , 157  about the front end  146  and a rear end cutout  158 , 159  about the rear end  148  of the shoe plate  140  for accommodating the configuration of the corresponding shock absorbing units  180 F, 180 R. 
         [0029]    As a non-limiting example and as shown in  FIGS. 2-8 , the first, or front, shock absorbing unit  180 F is secured to the shoe plate  140  at about the front end  146  of the shoe plate  140  by means of four vertical fasteners  182 F, while the second, or rear, shock absorbing unit  180 R is secured to the shoe plate  140  at about the rear end  148  of the shoe plate  140  by means of four vertical fasteners  182 R. When the front and rear shock absorbing units  180 F, 180 R are secured to the shoe plate  140 , the front and rear shock absorbing units  180 F, 180 R are generally positioned downward from the bottom side  144  of the shoe plate  140  at the corresponding cutouts  156 , 157 , 158 , 159  about the front and rear ends  146 , 148  of the shoe plate  140 . 
         [0030]    Each of the front and rear shock absorbing units  180 F, 180 R correspondingly includes a bracket  184 F, 184 R having a plurality of fastener apertures  186 F, 186 R and a plurality of spring apertures  188 F, 188 R located at predetermined positions, a shoulder member  190 F, 190 R having a plurality of fastener apertures  192 F, 192 R and a plurality of spring apertures  194 F, 194 R located at predetermined positions, and other corresponding components described below. Each bracket  184 F, 184 R functions as a two-way shock absorbing housing. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  9 , the cutouts  156 , 157 , 158 , 159  of the shoe plate  140  and the brackets  184 F, 184 R have corresponding angular shapes for a solid stationary assembly under extreme usage from a skater, wherein the bracket  184 F, 184 R supports the shoulder member  190 F, 190 R adapted for moving horizontally under pressure with a shock absorbing means or system, such as a system including a plurality of horizontally-mounted compression springs  196 R and a plurality of horizontal alien plugs  198 F, 198 R, or a shock absorbing material comprised of rubber and/or urethane (not shown). 
         [0031]    When a system including four horizontally-mounted compression springs  196 F, 196 R is employed as the shock absorbing means or system, two of the four corresponding horizontally-mounted compression springs  196 F, 196 R compress while the other two corresponding compression springs  196 F, 196 R extend, wherein the compression springs  196 F, 196 R keep the shoulder member  190 F, 190 R in a centered position under pressure that is evenly adjusted by means of four horizontal allen plugs  198 F, 198 R. This assembly will function from the skater shifting weight from left to right, or vice versa, and for the shoulder member  190 F, 190 R to rotate accordingly from the distribution of pressure that is transferred to the skate mechanisms from the skater for exact desired directional turning. Two large thin washers  199 F, 199 R separate the bracket  184 F, 184 R from the shoulder member  190 F, 190 R to ensure smooth rotation of the shoulder member  190 F, 190 R. Each shoulder member  190 F, 190 R has two arm attachments  200   a F, 200   b F, 200   a R, 200   b R, wherein each arm attachment  200   a F, 200   b F, 200   a R, 200   b R accommodates one wheel pin  202   a F, 202   b F, 202   a R, 202   b R that is secured by means of a small alien plug  204   a F, 204   b F, 204   a R, 204   b R and a wheel  260   a F, 260   b F, 260   a R, 260   b R. Each arm attachment  200   a F, 2 D 0   b F, 200   a R,  200   b R is mounted to the bottom of the corresponding shoulder member  190 F, 190 R by means of a fastener  206   a F, 206   b F, 206   a R, 206   b R and is secured by a lock nut  208   a F, 208   b F, 208   a R, 208   b R. Each arm attachment  200   a F, 200   b F, 200   a R, 200   b R has two small allen plugs  210   a F, 210   b F, 210   a R, 210   b R mounted diagonally. The two allen plugs  210   a F, 210   b F, 210   a R, 210   b R accommodate two diagonally mounted compression springs  212   a F, 212   b F, 212   a R, 212   b R, wherein one end of the diagonally mounted compression spring  212   a F, 212   b F, 212   a R, 212   b R rests over the allen plug  210   a F, 210   b F, 210   a R, 210   b R and the other end rests in the angled hole  214   a F, 214   b F, 214   a R, 214   b R in the corresponding shoulder member  190 F, 190 R. Each diagonally mounted compression spring  212   a F, 212   b F, 212   a R, 212   b R is to be evenly adjusted by means of two allen plugs  216   a F, 216   b F, 216   a R, 216   b R mounted from the top of the corresponding shoulder member  190 F, 190 R for each of the assemblies of the arm attachments  200   a F, 200   b F, 200   a R, 200   b R. Two of the arm attachments  200   a F, 200   b F,  200   a R, 200   b R are synchronized by means of the arm attachments&#39; parts that will force the two arm attachments  200   a F, 200   b F,  200   a R, 200   b R to perform a cam action that shifts in opposite directions at the same time; this function is shown in  FIG. 6 . The cam performance is assisted by a bushing  218   a F, 218   b F,  218   a R, 218   b R for smooth assemblage and precision movement of the two arm attachments assembly. 
         [0032]    Each of the front and rear shock absorbing units  180 F, 180 R may be secured to the shoe plate  140  by means of a high density titanium clevis pin  220 F, 220 R mounted from the top of the shoe plate  140  in the assembly order thereof. Each clevis pin  220 F, 220 R is assembled through the corresponding bracket  184 F, 184 R, through two large washers  199 F, 199 R, through the shoulder member  190 F, 190 R, through thrust bearing member  222 F, 222 R, through a brace  224 , and through disc spring  226 F, 226 R, and then secured by means of an allen plug  228 F, 228 R. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the first and second shock absorbing units  180 F, 180 R are stabilized by means of the brace  224  that is mounted through both of the shock absorbing units  180 F, 180 R and secured directly to each underportion of the shock absorbing units  180 F, 180 R with two vertically mounted allen fasteners  230 F, 230 R. 
         [0033]    As a non-limiting example and as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the first, or front, brake means or unit  320 F is comprised of a front brake body  322  and a front brake pad  324 . The front brake unit  320 F is mounted about the front end  146  of the shoe plate  140  and is secured or fastened primarily by four horizontal fasteners  326 F mounted through the shoe plate  140  and into the threaded portion of the front brake body  322 . Secondary means of securing the front brake unit  320  is two diagonal fasteners  328 F mounted through the shoe plate  140 , through the front brake body  322  and into the threaded portion of the bracket  184 F. As a non-limiting example, the front brake pad  324  may be a cube style cut of an automobile tire that have steel belted or high density fiber construction for firm stable mounting to the front brake body  322  by means of three fasteners (not shown) mounted at an angle. 
         [0034]    Also as a non-limiting example and as shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , the second, or rear, brake means or unit  320 R is comprised of a rear brake body  332  and a rear brake pad  334 . The rear brake unit  320 R is mounted about the rear end  148  of the shoe plate  140  and is secured or fastened primarily by four horizontal fasteners  326 R fastened through the shoe plate  140  and into the threaded portion of the rear brake body  332 . Secondary means of securing the rear brake unit  320 R is two diagonal fasteners  328 R mounted through the shoe plate  140  through the rear brake body  332  and into the threaded portion of the bracket  184 R. As a non-limiting example, the rear brake pad  334  may be a cube style cut of an automobile tire that have steel belted or high density fiber construction for firm stable mounting to the rear brake body  332  by means of three fasteners  330 R mounted on an angle. 
         [0035]    The main purpose of the mentioned two means and methods of securing the front and rear brake units  320 F, 320 R is to transfer the high tension points created by the front brake unit  320 F and rear brake unit  320 R when the brake units  320 F, 320 R are engaged under heavy weight and high vibration. The two angled fasteners  328 F, 328 R are respectively assembled through the top of the front and rear ends  146 , 148  of the shoe plate  140  through the brake bodies  322 , 332  and fastened into the angled threaded portion of the bracket  184 F, 184 R. This is to counter the high tension put on the front brake unit  320 F and rear brake unit  320 R, moving the pressure from the upper corner of the bracket  184 F, 184 R and the shoe plate  140  and transferring it to the reinforced angled fasteners  328 F, 328 R located at the top of the front end  146  and rear end  148  of the shoe plate  140 . This is to insure firm stable assemblage. 
         [0036]    The totality of parts that make up the full assembly has a final stabilizing means and method to achieve a power tying mechanism that bring all mentioned parts together to function as one multi-flexing unit under extreme skating usage by way of the brace block  380  that is firmly secured to the shoe plate  140  by way of four horizontal fasteners  382  assembled through the shoe plate  140  and mounted into the brace block  380  to complete the parts power tying function. The brace block  380  is secured to the brace  224  by means of two vertical fasteners  384  that are assembled through the bottom of the brace  224  into the brace block  380 . The front end and rear end of the brace  224  make up the link assembly that is a major part in the front and rear shock absorbing units  180 F, 180 R. This power tie will also assist in minimizing vibration that makes its way up through the skates through the feet into the shins and up to the knees of the skater. The power tie means and method creates a grounding effect through the uniting of mentioned parts all to become one connected assembly that will assist the health, well-being and safety of the skater. 
         [0037]    Some or all of the fastener apertures are adapted for receiving, or allowing passage of, fasteners that secure components of the shock absorbing tandem roller skate  100  to one another. As non-limiting examples, some fastener apertures are threaded vertically, horizontally or in an angled direction to accommodate corresponding threaded fasteners. It is obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the apertures may not be threaded, and thus other types of fasteners, such as nuts and bolts, may be alternatively implemented in the present invention. It is also obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the components of the shock absorbing tandem roller skate  100  may be secured to one another by alternative means, such as injection molding. 
         [0038]    In another aspect of the shock absorbing roller skate  100  and as shown in  FIG. 9 , an additional front boot plate  57  provides capability for different types or styles of shoes or boots  120 , in many configurations relating to fitness, performance or racing, being mounted to the shoe plate  140 . The front boot plate  57  can be mounted using either small vertical plate fasteners  59  or plate rivets  60  to give the rider or skater more boot options. There is one large rear vertical fastener  56  to be fastened from beneath the shoe plate into the rear of the heal of the boot  120 . 
         [0039]    The shock absorbing technology of the present invention can be used in the skateboard industry and scooter industry, as well as various industries involving carrying products that require wheel assembly mechanisms. 
         [0040]    As a non-limiting example and as shown in  FIGS. 10-13 , an off-road skateboard  400  utilizes all the same parts for the front and rear shock absorbing units  420 F, 420 R, in comparison with front and rear shock absorbing units  180 F, 180 R, with the exception of a longer arm  437 F, 437 R and an off-road skateboard brace  444 F, 444 R secured to the board  446  by means of two vertical fasteners  448 R. As shown in  FIG. 10 , the off-road skateboard  400  includes 4-inch street wheel  438   a F, 438   b F, 438   a R, 438   b R with the same wheel pin  202   a F, 202   b F, 202   a R, 202   b R as previously described above for the shock absorbing units  180 F, 180 R. To give clearance for the 4-inch wheel  438   a F, 438   b F, 438   a R, 438   b R, an off-road skateboard block  440 F, 440 R attaches to the bracket  184 F, 184 R by means of four long vertical fasteners  441 F, 441 R through the board  446  and through the block  440 F, 440 R and fastens into bracket  184 F, 184 R. Extra support is provided by four additional smaller vertical fasteners  442 F, 442 R being inserted through the board  446  into the block  440 F, 440 R to maintain extra stability for extreme off-road riding conditions. A front foot strap device  460 F and a rear foot strap device  460 R are provided for maneuvering and guiding of the skateboard  400  by safely securing the feet of the rider for lifting the off-road skateboard  400 , with the strap  443 F, 443 R being flexible and adjustable for total attachment to the feet of the rider. Each of the front and rear foot strap devices  460 F, 460 R includes the foot strap  443 F, 443 R, comfort pad  445 F, 445 R, and a swiveling securing fastener  447 F, 447 R. As shown in  FIG. 11 , the off-road skateboard  400  utilizes all the same parts as the off-road skateboard shown in  FIG. 10  with the exception of larger wheels  439   a F, 439   b F, 439   a R, 439   b R for dirt or grass. 
         [0041]    As a non-limiting example and as shown in  FIG. 14 , a standard skateboard  500  utilizes all the same parts as the off-road skateboard  400  with the exception of a traditional board  549 , smaller skateboard block  550 F, 550 R and smaller traditional skateboard wheel  551   a F, 551   b F, 551   a R, 551   b R. 
         [0042]    As a non-limiting example and as shown in  FIGS. 15-17 , a scooter  600  utilizes all the same part as the off-road skateboard  400  with the exception of a scooter board  655  with an additional neck  652 , a handle bar  653  and reinforced support  654 . The front shock absorbing unit  660  has different configuration to be steered by the scooter handle bar  653  and neck  652  assembly. 
         [0043]    It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above or as shown in the attached figures, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the spirit of the invention.