In-line skate structure

Details In-line skate structure In-line skate structure

1999-08-17

2001-10-30

Mai, Lanna (Department: 3619)

Land vehicles

Skates

Wheeled skate

C280S011223, C280S011270, C280S011300

Reexamination Certificate

active

06308965

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an in-line skate structure, and more particularly, to a skate for children which is securely adjustable to accommodate a variety of shoe sizes. Normally, an adult in-line skate has a fixed foot structure. For children, however, there is a need to provide an adjustable skate since, as children grow, their feet expand. By accommodating the growth in foot size, an adjustable childrens' in-line skate provides a more comfortable skate and allows for longer use.
Various techniques have been provided to accommodate a foot size change in in-line skates. One technique is to accommodate the growth by having an oversized molded boot containing a replaceable boot liner. Liners of various sizes can be provided according to child's foot size. Another technique is to permit the boot of the skate to adjust. The heel portion has a sole plate which is carried over the length of the frame and is slidably attached to the toe portion so as to be adjustable in length. Often however, such an approach results in an insecure structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved, adjustable in-line skate.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an in-line skate structure includes a frame and a boot composed of a toe section, a heel section and a cuff section. The sole of the toe portion is attached to the heel portion and an insertion block disposed in an insertion block cavity formed by the frame. The toe portion is arranged to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the skate and releasably secured at fixed positions so as to permit an adjustment of the toe and heel portions.
Another element of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is a latch assembly that is used to adjust tightness of the connection of the toe section, the heel section and the cuff section. The toe portion is slidable relative to the heel section and the cuff section upon a loosening of the latch assembly and is fixed at a position upon tightening the latch assembly.


REFERENCES:
patent: 3007706 (1961-11-01), Pullen
patent: 4684140 (1987-08-01), Olivieri
patent: 5484149 (1996-01-01), Lee
patent: 5590921 (1997-01-01), Holtman et al.
patent: 5645288 (1997-07-01), Lu
patent: 5678833 (1997-10-01), Olson et al.
patent: 5890723 (1999-04-01), Benoit

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