Land vehicles: wheels and axles – Wheel – Skate wheel
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-31
2001-09-11
Stormer, Russell D. (Department: 3617)
Land vehicles: wheels and axles
Wheel
Skate wheel
C152S393000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286907
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to skate wheels and, in particular, to a skate wheel having internal radial support.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Both speed and comfort are important considerations in the design of a skate wheel. To increase speed, the wheel, including an elastomeric tire secured around a hub assembly, should be designed to reduce rolling resistance. That is, the distortion of the elastomeric tire during skating should be lessened to reduce the surface contact between the tire and the ground, thereby reducing friction between the tire and the ground and increasing speed.
Prior attempts to reduce rolling resistance involved varying the diameter of the hub assembly of the wheel or providing an annular flange protruding perpendicularly from the hub assembly of the wheel into the tire interior. However, these attempts created a major drawback. The narrow profile of the annular flange limits its effectiveness in supporting the tire to reduce rolling resistance. Therefore, to support the tire more effectively, the diameter of the annular flange is greatly increased. However, the great increase in the diameter of the annular flange also causes a reduction in the rebound characteristics of the tire, making the wheel harsh to skate on with insufficient shock absorption. Either speed or comfort had to be sacrificed.
Thus, there exists a need for a skate wheel that reduces rolling resistance to increase speed, while maintaining the smoothness and comfort of the skating experience.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a skate wheel for use on in-line skates, conventional roller skates, skateboards, and the like. The skate wheel has a centrally located hub. An annular interlock flange is integrally formed with the hub and protrudes radially about the perimeter of the hub. In a preferred embodiment, a coil spring is received within a groove defined about a radial perimeter of the annular interlock flange. The coil spring extends around the annular interlock flange and the ends of the coil spring are joined, preferably by welding or crimping, to form a tubular ring concentric with the annular interlock flange. An elastomeric tire is cast around the coil spring.
The diameter of the coil spring in relation to the thickness of the tire and the distance between the coil spring and the perimeter of the tire are such that the coil spring provides sufficient support for the tire to reduce rolling resistance, while permitting sufficient deflection to provide for grip between the tire and the ground. In addition, the shape of the coil spring approximates the perimeter of the tire to provide support more effectively and reduce deflection of the tire, while maintaining comfort for a user of the skates.
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Christensen O'Connor Johnson & Kindness PLLC
K-2 Corporation
Stormer Russell D.
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