IMPROVEMENTS IN ROLLER SKATES
Year: 1876

page_text: LETTERS PATENT to Michael Burke, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster,
for the Invention of "IMPROVEMENTS IN ROLLER SKATES."
1 11. 2011 M. 1976
PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION left by the said Michael Burke at the Office
of the Commissioners of Patents on the 29th May 1876.
MICHAEL BURKE, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster.
IN ROLLER SKATES."
"IMPROVEMENTS
This Invention has for its object to provide simple, durable, and efficient means
whereby roller skates may be made to run in curved paths.
For the above purpose roller skates have been hitherto constructed with two pairs
of rollers fitted on axles secured to the foot stock or stand by swivels or joints in
such manner that the turning or canting of the foot stock caused the axles to turn
on their swivels or joints and take up an angular position to each other. The
connection of the rollers to the foot stock or stand by swivelled or jointed axles is
unsatisfactory on account of weakness and liability to fracture when in use.
Now my Invention consists in securing the roller carrying axles rigidly to the
foot stock or stand either by bearings or otherwise, and in forming the foot stock
or stand in two parts or pieces hinged or jointed together so that the pressure of
the foot may be capable of causing the front portion of the foot stock or stand to
turn from one side to the other as desired, and carry with it the front roller or
rollers, thus cause the skate to run in a curved path as desired.
MICHAEL BURKE, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster.
"
IMPROVEMENTS
MICHAEL BURKE, of Liverpool, in the County of Lancaster.
IN KOLLER SKATES.“
"IMPROVEMENTS

page_text: For the above purpose roller skates have been hitherto constructed with two pairs
of rollers fitted on axles secured to the foot stock or stand by swivels or joints in
such manner that the turning or canting of the foot stock caused the axles to turn
on their swivels or joints, and take up an angular position to each other. The
connection of the rollers to the foot stock or stand by swivels or jointed axles is
unsatisfactory on account of weakness and liability to fracture when in use.
Now my Invention consists in securing the roller carrying axles rigidly to the
foot stock or stand either by bearings or otherwise, and in forming the foot stock
or stand in two parts or pieces hinged or jointed together so that the pressure of
the foot may be capable of causing the front portion of the foot stock or stand to
turn from one side to the other as desired, and carry with it the front roller or
rollers, and thus cause the skate to run in a curved path as desired.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.
Figs. 1 and 2 are plan views, and Figs. 3 and 4 side elevations of a roller skate
constructed under my Invention. In Figs. 1 and 3 the parts are shown in the
position they occupy when travelling in a straight line. In Figs 2 and 4 they are
shown in the position they occupy when movement in a curved path is being made.
In all the views like letters indicate the same parts.
The foot stock or stand is formed in two pieces, a heel piece a and a toe piece a¹
joined together by the bolt and nut b, the bolt being passed through the tongue c
on a and the plates c¹ on a¹.
It will be observed that the ends of the two pieces a, a¹, are bevelled where they
join at a, so that the front portion al of the skate is caused to take up the position
shown in Figs. 2 and 4 when pressed by the foot on one side or the other. The
heel piece a is supported by the rollers d and axle e, the latter being rigidly secured
to the said heel piece a. The toe piece a¹ is supported by the roller f and axle g,
the latter rigidly secured to the said toe piece a¹. The roller f is by preference
curved on its outer surface, as shown, so that when the toe piece is being noved
from side to side the said roller will roll instead of slide over the ground during the
said lateral motion. An elastic pad is provided under the heel so as to allow of
the desired lateral motion of the foot to work the toe picce a' from side to side.
i, straps for securing the skate to the foot.
If desired two rollers; may be used in front, and springs k employed to bring
back the too piece into a straight line with the heel piece when the pressure of the
foot is removed. See part plan and side views, Figs. 5 and C.
It will be obvious that modifications in the arrangement of the joint b may be
inade, and the general shape, position, and construction of the foot stocks and rollers
may be varied without departing from Invention.
my
Having now described the nature of the said Invention, and particularized the
same so that others will be enabled to carry my improvements into effect, I do not
claim any improved means of attaching the rollers to the foot stock or stand, but I
do claim, forming the foot stock or stand of a roller skate in two pieces connected
together substantially as set forth.
In witness whereof, I, the said Michael Burke, have hereunto set my hand
and seal, the Twenty-fifth day of November, in the year of our Lord One
thousand eight hundred and seventy-six.
J. JOHNSON,
Patent Office,
Clayton Square,
Liverpool
MICHAEL BURKE, (L.S.)