Land vehicles – Skates – Wheeled skate
Reexamination Certificate
1999-04-12
2001-02-13
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Land vehicles
Skates
Wheeled skate
C280S011231, C280S011270, C280S011223
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186518
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a suspension system for inline skates, and more specifically, to a suspension system that incorporates a flexible beam to absorb shock and thereby increase the comfort to those skating over rough terrain.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Inline skating has become a popular pastime, providing both a relaxing outdoor activity and exercise. Compared to earlier skates having two axles on which pairs of opposed wheels were mounted, inline skates used today are much more comfortable and safe. The wheels of inline skates are designed for outdoor usage and readily roll over surfaces that are not very smooth or free of debris. Early skates either had no suspension system, or at best, a very primitive suspension system. Modern inline skates employ wheels made of an elastomeric material that helps to absorb shock, but is not sufficient to absorb the shock of rough terrain, where sidewalk expansion strips, frost heaved sections, and pebbles can produce rather significant shocks to the skater's feet.
To help absorb such shock and enhance the performance and comfort of inline skates, certain inline skates have been designed with more sophisticated suspension systems. Prior suspension systems have included coil springs, elastomeric blocks, leaf springs, and hydraulic pistons. While such suspension systems can indeed enhance the performance of inline skates, they tend to interfere with the control exercised by the skater, don't provide sufficient shock absorption, or are too complex and expensive. Prior art suspension systems that include springs primarily permit vertical deflection of the wheels and are not readily tuned to accommodate skaters of differing weight. Furthermore, it would be desirable to employ a suspension system that allows for other modes of deflection other than in the vertical plane. From a manufacturing and cost consideration, it would be desirable to develop an effective suspension system for inline skates that is relatively simple, contains few parts, and is easy to manufacture. From the viewpoint of the user of inline skates, such inline skates should also be durable and should not interfere with the skating experience. Preferably, the suspension system should improve the comfort and the control of the skater, particularly while cornering. In addition, the suspension system should enable the skater to accelerate with greater force by unleashing stored energy as the skater pushes off from a mark.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a simple, yet effective suspension system that reduces the discomfort caused by inline skating over an uneven or rough surface. Additionally, the resiliency of the suspension system provides better control when cornering and aids the skater in pushing off and accelerating. As the skater exerts a downward force on the skate to move forward, the suspension system is deflected in response to the force of the skater's effort. When the skater releases the downward pressure, the suspension system returns the stored energy by providing additional thrust to move the skater forward, as the suspension system returns to its undeflected position.
In accord with the present invention, a suspension system for an inline skate is defined that includes a bracket adapted to attach to a boot, which receives a user's foot. A flex beam having a center and opposite ends extending longitudinally from the center is provided, and the center of the flex beam is connected to the bracket and supported thereby. Each end of the flex beam is adapted to connect with and support a wheel on an axle, so that the wheel can rotate. The ends of the flex beam deflect to absorb shock when a wheel supported by an end of the flex beam rolls over a bump.
Preferably, the system includes another flex beam like the one defined above. Again, each end of the other flex beam is adapted to connect with and support a wheel on an axle that enables the wheel to rotate. These two flex beams are disposed along opposite sides of the bracket, and the end of each flex beam deflects to absorb shock when a wheel supported by that end rolls over a bump.
In one preferred form of the invention, the flex beam is fabricated from a metal having predefined elastomeric properties. It is also preferable to taper the flex beam, so that it is thinner at each end to achieve a specified deflection for a defined force. The flex beam is also preferably removably coupled to the bracket using a fastener.
The ends of the flex beam deflect vertically and also may deflect laterally to absorb the shock of a wheel rolling over a bump. In addition, the flex beam deflects about its longitudinal axis when absorbing shock.
The bracket preferably has a side that depends downwardly, so that the flex beam is attached to the side of the bracket, along a lower edge. In one preferred form, the bracket is generally shaped like an inverted “U,” with opposite sides. The two flex beams are then mounted to the opposite sides of the bracket, along the lower edges. Each side of the bracket includes a front edge and a rear edge that are angled towards each other along the bottom of the bracket. The angled edges provide clearance for deflection of the wheels. In addition, the flex beam includes a tab at each end in which an orifice adapted to accept an axle for supporting a wheel is provided.
A further aspect of the present invention is directed to a method for reducing shock and vibration transmitted to a skater when a wheel of an inline skate rolls over a bump. The method includes steps that are generally consistent with the elements of the system described above.
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Anderson Ronald M.
Johnson Brian L.
Sportsfx
Winner Tony
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