IMPROVEMENTS IN SKATES
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Robert Charles Jay, of Bayswater, in the County of
Middlesex, and of the Middle Temple, Barrister-at-Law, for the Invention of
" IMPROVEMENTS IN SKATES."
ealed the 16th September 1876, and dated the 21st June 1876
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Robert Charles Jay at the
Office of the Commissioners of Patents on the 21st June 1876.
ROBERT CHARLES JAY, of Bayswater, in the County of Middlesex, and of the
Middle Temple, Barrister-at-Law. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SKATES."
My Invention relates to the construction of a roller skate, with fixed sole plate
and vertical pivots or axles, in such manner as to enable the skater to execute the
various movements and exercises that may be performed on an ordinary ice skate.
The turning of the skate, two pairs of wheels or rollers being employed, is
obtained by the twist of the foot and body in forming a curve, creating a pressure
on the diagonally opposite wheels, and so by retarding their progress causing the
wheels or rollers on the inner side of the curve to approach each other. This result
is obtained by means of axle frames pivoted on a frame and sole plate of suitable
construction, the said axle frames being connected together by means of a flat or
other suitable steel spring fixed to one of the said axle frames, and sliding in a slot
in the other, so as to control the turning of the axles and bring the axles up again
into the straight line, or a spring of flat steel, bent in a serpentine manner, and fixed
to each axle frame, may be employed. The axles pass directly through the line of
the pivots, and surrounding the axle on each side of the axle frame, and being part
of the said frame, are flat bearing surfaces of sufficient diameter to produce the
necessary drag. The wheels or rollers have faces turned on their inner sides of
equal or greater diameter than those on the axle frames, and a washer of india-
rubber or other suitable material is placed between each wheel face and the axle
frame, so that when the wheel is pressed against the washer a drag or grip is pro-
duced, which holds the wheel back.
The axle frames may be constructed with a hollow chamber surrounding the
portion of the axle between each pair of wheels, the said chamber to be filled with
water or other suitable liquid to keep the axle cool, and so reduce or avoid the

page_text: necessity of oiling it. A suitable valve may be applied to the said chamber for the
purpose of charging or emptying it.
For the purpose of lubrication one or more holes of sufficient diameter may be
bored from the side of the wheel to the centre of the axle hole, into which pieces
of sponge or other suitable material may be placed to receive oil or special compo-
sition. I also use for the same purpose a metal cap fitting over the end of the
axle, and locked or attached to the wheel by means of studs or screws provided for
that purpose.
A small piece of sponge or other suitable material is inserted in the
cap to receive the oil, which is prevented from running out by the edge of the cap,
pressing closely on a proper substance, such as leather, interposed between it and
the wheel, and it can only escape by passing from the outer to the inner side of the
wheel, thereby ensuring perfect lubrication.
A suitable air-tight valve may be attached to the cap to enable oil to be supplied
without taking off the cap, with proper arrangements for admitting and regulating
the admission of air, so as to regulate the flow of the oil. The cap fitting air-tight ou
the wheel the oil can only pass very slowly along the axle, and in such small
quantity as to avoid waste."
Either of the above methods of lubrication may be used separately or conjointly
with the water chamber.
The wheels or rollers may be made of any suitable material, and should have a
flat surface, as before described, on the inner side, the outer side being formed to
any pattern desired, but having a flat surface, surrounding the axle hole, to receive
an india-rubber or leather washer between it and the usual metal washer so as to
prevent noise.
Wheels of similar pattern, but provided with india-rubber on the periphery,
may be employed, such india-rubber being held on by means of rings of metal
placed on each side of the wheel, and fitting into grooves provided for them. The
edges of the india-rubber being placed across the grooves, and between the wheel
and the rings, the rings are pressed or drawn together by means of wires or rivets
passing through holes provided for that purpose, thereby holding the india-rubber
firmly.
The india-rubber may also be held on by means of two metal (preferably copper)
rings compressed into grooves turned on each side of the peripheries of the wheel,
but sunk sufficiently low to prevent the rings coming in contact with the ground,
the outer edges of such grooves being cut down with the same object, or the edge of
the india-rubber may be drawn into the grooves by means of catgut, cord, wire, or
anything of a suitable nature.
Another method of fixing the india-rubber is by means of two coned pieces fitting
into corresponding hollows on each side of the wheel, or the coned pieces may press
against a metal ring, the india-rubber being drawn over the edge of the wheel or
ring and pressed between it and the cone by means of a proper tube forming the
axle hole with collar and nut.
The wheels may be retained in the axles in the ordinary way, but preferably, by
means of metal rings compressed into grooves formed on the axles for that purpose.
If more drag is required than can be obtained in the manner described it can be
obtained by allowing the axles to slide through the casting in the direction of their
length, so that the wheel opposite to that which is under pressure and on the same
axle may draw the washer against the outside of the aforesaid wheel, and hold it as
in a vice.
I prefer to form the frame of the skates of a flat bar of steel or other suitable
material bent round at each end, and having holes therein to receive the pivots of
the castings or axle frames.
The axle frames may consist of castings for receiving the axles, the axles passing
by holes provided for that purpose directly through the line of the pivots, the said
axle frames having studs or projections or some other suitable arrangement to
prevent the axles from turning too far. The upper pivot is screwed into a hole in
the casting or frame, or fixed by any suitable means, and beneath the pivot is a cut

page_text: or slot of sufficient depth and across the line of the axle to admit a flat steel or
other suitable spring. The pivot being screwed down tight holds the spring firm in
the axle frame, while the opposite end is free to play in the slot of the other
casting; the spring thus acts as a guide to throw the wheels into their proper
position, and also as a spring to bring them up again into the straight line. The
lower pivot is screwed into the frame and passes into a hole prepared for it in the
bottom of the casting or axle frame, and can be screwed up to prevent shaking; any
suitable sole plate may be fixed to the frame, but I prefer toe and heel plates of
steel or other metal, as the foot is thereby brought as low as possible; suitable
straps or fastenings may also be used.
A frame of similar construction may be used, in which the casting or axle frames
are pivoted at the top, and at some place between that point and the axle, thereby
obtaining greater play for the wheels; suitable castings or axle frames being
employed for that purpose.
My Invention further consists in the construction of a skate with fixed sole plate.
The frame being similar to that previously described. The axle frame may also be
hung in a similar manner. These axles having slides of suitable construction attached
to them, which slides work against horizontal surfaces prepared for them on the
axle frames, or friction rollers may be placed on the axles to run on the said planes.
The two slides are connected to each other by means of a flat steel spring of the
necessary strength and thickness, which spring regulates the play of the axles and
brings them up to the straight line. The slides work in openings left for them in
the axle frames in such manner that when the skate is pushed forward or backward
or tipped up the axles will pass behind the centre of the pivots, and so follow in
whatever direction the skate is guided.
These skates may be so constructed that both axles may be behind the centre at
the same time, or that one may be on the centre and the other behind.
A block or blocks of india-rubber may be placed in a recess prepared in the
casting for the slide or friction rollers to strike against, so as to prevent noise or
jar. I also propose to employ, together with two pair of wheels or moveable axles,
one pair of wheels or one broad roller running loose on a fixed axle placed centrally
between the said moveable axles, the wheels on the moveable axles being either
plain or having a thin covering of india-rubber or leather, but the wheel or wheels
on the fixed axle being covered or supplied with india-rubber of sufficient thickness
to support the greater portion of the weight of the skater.
The central wheel or wheels are placed slightly higher than the front and back
wheels, the india-rubber coming below them, so that when the skater is standing on
the skates the india-rubber will be compressed, and all the wheels will rest on the
floor. By this means I obtain a very springy action, and avoid the increased drag
which takes place when the weight is thrown on the toe or heel in a skate of
ordinary construction with thick india-rubber on the wheels.
The central wheel or wheels should be made larger in diameter than the others,
so as to make them run equally easy.
SPECIFICATION in pursuance of the conditions of the Letters Patent filed by
the said Robert Charles Jay in the Great Seal Patent Office on the 21st
December 1876.
ROBERT CHARLES JAY, of Bayswater, in the County of Middlesex, and of the
Middle Temple, Barrister-at-Law. "IMPROVEMENTS IN SKATES."
My said Invention relates to roller skates having fixed sole plates and vertical
pivots, and consists of various improvements in the construction and arrangement
of such skates, whereby the skater is enabled to execute with facility the various
movements and exercises which may be performed on an ordinary ice skate,

page_text: According to one mode of carrying out my Invention the turning of the skate,
two pairs of wheels or rollers being employed, is obtained by the twist of the foot
and body in forming a curve, creating a pressure on one of the wheels or rollers of
one pair or on the diagonally opposite wheels or rollers, and so by retarding its or
their progress causing the wheels or rollers on the inner side of the curve to approach
each other. This result is obtained by means of axle frames pivotted on a sole
plate and connected together by means of a flat steel spring fixed on one of the
said axle frames and sliding in a slot in the other, or the spring may be allowed to
slide in both axle frames, so as to control the turning of the axles and bring them
up again into the straight line. The axles pass directly through the lines of the
pivots, and surrounding the axle on each side of the axle frame, and being part of
the said frame, are flat bearing or friction surfaces of sufficient diameter to produce
the necessary drag. The wheels or rollers have faces turned on their inner sides of
a diameter equal to or greater than those on the axle frame, and a washer of leather
or other suitable material is by preference placed between each wheel face and the
axle frame, so that when the wheel is pressed against the washer a drag or grip is
produced which holds the wheel back.
According to another mode of carrying out my Invention the skate is constructed
with a fixed sole plate fitted with axle frames having vertical pivots, in a similar
manner to the skate in the arrangement previously described, but the axles have
slides or carriers attached to them which are connected to each other by means of
a thin flat steel spring. On each end of the axle is firmly fixed a metal roller
which rolls on a surface or rail provided for that purpose on each side of the axle
frame and so allows the axle to pass forwards or backwards to an extent limited by
an india-rubber ring contained in a receptacle formed in the axle frame. To each
end of the spring is attached by means of a clip rivetted thereon a rod which slides
in a tube screwed into the slide or carrier. This tube is split for a short distance
from the end and has a taper thread formed on it, so that when a nut is screwed on
the tube may be compressed on the rod, thus holding it firmly and enabling the two
pairs of wheels to be adjusted, in order to place then at various distances apart, so
as to bring the axles both behind the centres of their respective pivot lines at the
same time, or one on the centre of its pivot line and the other in advance or at the
rear of the centre of its pivot line, as desired.
According to a further modification I employ in conjunction with two pairs of
wheels on moveable axles one pair of wheels, or one broad roller running loose on a
fixed axle placed centrally between the said moveable axles. On the periphery of
the central wheels or roller on the fixed axle I place a band of india-rubber of
sufficient thickness to support the greater portion of the weight of the skater, such
wheels or roller being placed slightly higher than the front and rear wheels, so that
when the skater is standing on the skate the india-rubber will be compressed and
all the wheels will rest on the floor. By this arrangement I obtain a very springy
action and avoid the increased drag or friction which takes place when the weight
is thrown on the toe or heel in a skate of ordinary construction with india-rubber
on the wheels. The axle of the central wheels or roller is secured to the sole plate
by means of a hanging bracket or brackets secured thereto, and the axle frames
work on pins or pivots, as in the arrangements previously described.
In all these arrangements the axle frames are held up to the foot plate by means
of a flat spring secured thereto, and in the third modification they are maintained
in a straight line by means of a circular spring bearing against a stud on a supporting
tongue and fixed to a flange on the bearing plate.
And in order that my said Invention may be fully understood I shall now proceed
more particularly to describe the same, and for that purpose shall refer to the
annexed Sheets of Drawings, the same letters of reference indicating corresponding
parts in all the Figures.
Figure 1, Sheet 1, of the accompanying Drawings represents a side elevation of
my improved roller skate, constructed according to one modification. Figure 2 is a
plan of the under side of the same. Figure 3 is a vertical section taken through

page_text: one of the axle frames and its axle; and Figures 4 to 8 are views of the various
parts detached.
In carrying out this part of my Invention I employ a toe plate a, and a heel
plate a', of brass or other suitable material, provided with studs or projections b, b¹,
respectively, for the purpose of maintaining them in position on the sole plate c,
and with holes d, d, for fixing the straps, the heel strap being attached to a flange e.
These plates are held down to the sole plate c, which is constructed by preference
of steel, by the taper nuts f, f, screwed on to the pins or pivots g, g, which pins
are slightly tapered at the upper end and driven firmly into holes in the plate c.
The
-
The whole of these parts are shewn clearly in the detail views, Figures 4 and 5,
the pins g, g, work in holes formed respectively in two axle frames h, h, represented
detached in Figures 6, 7, and 8, which frames are capable of swivelling around the
pins g, g, but are limited in such motion by the stops h, k, coming in contact with
the sole plate c. The axle frames are provided with arms l, l, connected by a steel
spring m, and the bearing surfaces n, n, of such frames are maintained in contact
with the sole plate e by a sustaining spring o, which is attached to the sole plate, so
as to press against the tongues p, p, formed on the axle frames. The steel spring m
before mentioned, controls the play of the wheels or rollers, and brings them up
again into the straight line after they have been running in a curved course.
ends of the spring are inserted loosely in the saw cuts or slots q, 7, and are retained
therein by the rivets q', q². The wheels or rollers r, r, are made by preference of
box or other hard wood, and are turned off flat on the inner sides, so that they may
bear against the washers 8, 8, composed of leather or other suitable material. These
washers act as friction brakes, and cause the diagonally opposite wheels or rollers,
that is to say, the inner wheel or roller of the leading pair and the outer wheel or
roller of the following pair to run slower when the foot is twisted to the right or to
the left, and the wheels or rollers on the corresponding side are thereby made to
approach each other so as to conduct the skate in the required curved course.
washers 8, 8,
fit on the square projections 81, 81, on the axle frames h, h, which pre-
vent them from turning round with the wheels or rollers, and they rest against the
flat bearing or friction surfaces t, t, also formed on the axle frames.
The
The arrangement of these bearing surfaces, which should be made of the
maximum diameter admissible in conjunction with the flat side of the wheels, and
with or without the interposition of the washers, form the distinctive features of
this part of my Invention, their object being to effect the steering of the skate under
the twisting action of the foot of the operator in the act of forming a curve, the
wheels or rollers being thereby caused to accommodate themselves to the impulse
imparted by the skater in the curved direction in which it is required to travel. The
axles u, u, pass directly through the central lines of the pivots g, g, and are slightly
tapered at each end, so that when they are driven into the holes in the axle frames
they will become firmly wedged, thus preventing the possibility of their working
loose. The wheels or rollers r, 7, are retained on the axles u, u, by means of metal
collars v, v, and the metal washers v¹, v¹, the said collars being compressed into the
grooves formed in the axles.
Figure 1, Sheet 2, of the accompanying Drawings represents a side elevation of
my improved skate, constructed according to another modification. Figure 2 is a
plan of the under side of the same; Figure 3 is a transverse section; and Figures 4
to 8 are views of the various parts detached.
According to this arrangement I employ a wooden sole plate c (Figure 4) and fix
thereto by means of two bearing plates f, f, the two steel pins g, g, which are tapered
off and driven firmly into the taper holes in the bearing plates.
The axle frames h, h, (Figures 5 and 6) fit on the pins g, g, the studs k, k, passing
into recesses k¹, k¹, cut in the sole plate c, and of sufficient size to allow the
necessary play or between stops fixed to the sole plate when the bearing plate is not
let in,) and are held against the bearing plates f, f, by the flat steel spring o, which
can be tightened up by its fastening screws so as to cause the springs to exercise a

page_text: greater or less pressure upon the tongues p, p. The axles u, u, pass loosely through holes
in the slides or carriers w, w, Figures 7 and 8, and also loosely through the grooved
rollers x, x, and the wheels or rollers r, r, grooved rollers x1, x¹, are screwed tightly on
the ends of the axles until the grooves run easily on the rails y, y, with which the
axle frames are provided.
On the slides or carriers w, w, there are formed bearing surfacos t, t, similar to
those with which the axle frames h, h, are provided in the modification illustrated
in Sheet 1, the object or function of which bearing surfaces is analogous in both
cases; washers 8, 8, are shewn interposed between the bearing surfaces t, t, and the
sides of the wheels or rollers r, r, as in the preceding arrangement, but these may
be dispensed with in both cases, although it is preferred to employ washers in
combination with the bearing surfaces.
The slides or carriers w, w, are placed within the axle frames h, h, the rollers x, x,
run on the rods 1, 1, and the rollers x, x¹, run on the rails y, y, such rods and rails
being carried by the frames h, h. Rails y¹, y, are also provided above the rollers x, x,
as a precaution against the bending of the axles under any undue strain. Circular
striking faces 3, 3, are formed on the slides or carriers w, w, to correspond with
buffer cases 4, 4, on the axle frames h, h, the said buffer cases being smaller on the
side nearest the axles u, u, and having cover plates u, u¹, rivetted on the back.
An india-rubber ring or disc 5 is placed in each buffer case to receive the shock of
the slide or carrier and break any jar which may occur.
In order that the distance between the two pairs of wheels may be varied a metal
tube 6 (Figures 7 and 8) is screwed into a boss 7 formed on each of the slides or
carriers, in which tube a rod 8 slides. The tube is split for a short distance at the
end and has a taper thread cut on it, so that when the nut u² is screwed up tight
the tube will be compressed on the rod 8 and hold it firm. The rods 8, 8, are
screwed into clips 9, 9, which clips are rivetted to a thin steel spring m, thereby
connecting the two pairs of wheels or rollers r, r, so that they slide together in
accordance with the motion of the skater. The rods 1, 1, can be tightened up
against the rollers x, x, by means of the nuts 11, 11, in order to bring such rollers
in contact with the rails y, Y.
The object of the arrangement of slides or carriers is to cause one or both of the
axles with the corresponding wheels to move bodily to the rear of the respective
pivots when the skate is moved forwards and to the front when the skate is moved
backwards. This condition of the parts facilitates the steering of the skato; when
it is desired to travel in a curved course the steering operation is performed under
the twisting action of the foot of the operator in the act of forming a curve, with
or without the co-operation of the bearing faces t, t, which in this arrangement may
be dispensed with if desired.
Figure 1, Sheet 3, of the accompanying Drawings represents a side elevation of
my improved roller skate constructed according to a further modification; Figure 2
is a plan of the under side of the same; the remaining Figures are views of the
principal parts detached.
In this arrangement the sole plate c is composed of wood, as before, and has
attached thereto by means of two bearing plates f, f, (Figures 3 and 4) the two
pins g, g, which are tapered off and driven firmly into taper holes in the said
bearing plates. The axle frames h, h, fit on the pins g, g, (the studs k, k, passing
into recesses k¹, k¹, cut in the sole plate c and of sufficient size to allow the necessary
play or between stops, as before mentioned) and are held against the bearing
plates ff, by the flat steel spring o, which can be tightened up by the screws
pressing it against the tongues p, as in the previous modifications. The play of the
wheels or rollers is however controlled by circular springs m, m, which restore them
to a straight line after the skate has been moving in a curved course. These
springs are fixed to the flanges 12, 12, (see Figures 2, 3, and 4) by means of the
screws 13, 13, the free ends 14 of such springs pressing against the studs or pro-
jections 15, Figures 1, 2, 5, and 6,) on the tongues p, so that when the axles are

page_text: turned to the right or to the left one end of each spring will slide on the studs or
projections 15, producing a pressure which will throw the axle back to its original
position when it is released.
The axle frames are shewn in detail in Figures 5 and 6; their arrangement with
that of their bearing surfaces is generally similar to that described with reference to
the examples shewn in Sheet 1 of my Drawings. A distinctive feature of this
modification is the application of the central wheel or roller 16, (Figures 1, 2, and
7.) which is fixed to the sole plate by the bracket 17, (Figures 1, 2, 8, and 9,) and
runs loose on the axle 18, the latter being held in position by collars 19 similar to
those employed on the axles u, u, compressed into grooves formed in its ends. The
central wheel or roller 16 has formed on its periphery a wide groove or channel for
the reception of the thick india-rubber band 20, which projects below the level of
the wheels or rollers r, r, in such a manner that when the weight of the skater is
on it the india-rubber will be compressed, and all the wheels will rest on the floor.
This effect is however only produced when the greater portion of the weight of the
skater is brought to bear upon the centre. When the pressure is relieved by raising
the toe or the heel the india-rubber band is restored to its normal condition.
Spring action is thus obtained which is under the control of the skater, and may be
regulated by proportioning his weight or pressure upon the various parts of the sole
plate.
The advantages of this form of skate are,-
Firstly. The springy action obtained by using the india-rubber band placed
centrally between the moveable axles u, u, thereby avoiding the increased drag
which occurs when the india-rubber is placed on the wheels of an ordinary skate.
Secondly. The forming of small curves with the front pair of wheels or rollers
and the central roller, or with the back pair of wheels or rollers and the central
roller.
And, Thirdly. Reducing the jar in changing the action from the front to the rear
pair of rollers.
It is obvious that the same result may be obtained by the interposition of a spring
or springs between the central axle and the sole plate, one end of such spring or
springs being fixed to or bearing against the axle or an attachment thereto, and the
other end being fixed to or bearing against the sole plate, or the spring or springs
may be otherwise arranged so as to produce the required effect.
Having now described and particularly ascertained the nature of my said Inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is or may be used or carried into effect, I would
observe in conclusion that what I consider to be novel and original and therefore
claim as the Invention secured to me by the herein-before in part recited Letters
Patent is,―
First. Constructing roller skates having fixed sole plates with axle frames or
carriers pivotted thereto, and provided with bearing or friction surfaces arranged in
connection with the wheels or rollers in such a manner that under the twisting
action of the foot of the skater, and through the intervention of the said bearing or
friction surfaces a drag or pressure shall be created on one of the wheels or rollers,
or on the diagonally opposite wheels or rollers sufficient to retard its or their
progress, and cause the wheels or rollers on the side to which the foot is directed to
converge, and thereby accommodate themselves to the curve in course of formation,
substantially as herein-before described.
Secondly. Connecting the axles carrying the wheels or rollers to the pivotted or
swivelling axle frames by means of slides or carriers constructed and arranged and
combined with the axle frames in such a manner that the axles shall be capable of
moving longitudinally to the side of the pivots of their respective axle frames, so as
to always follow such pivots in whichever direction the skate is moved, substantially
as and for the purpose herein-before described.
Thirdly. The combination with the end or swivelling wheels or rollers of a roller
skate of a central roller or rollers mounted on a non-swivelling axle, and constructed
and arranged so as to admit of an elastic or spring action being obtained, which is

page_text: under the control of and regulated by the concentration or distribution of the weight
or pressure of the skater, substantially as herein-before described.
In witness whereof, I, the said Robert Charles Jay, have to this my Speci-
fication set my hand and seal, this Nineteenth day of December One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
ROBERT CHARLES JAY. (L.S.)