Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
2191937
The present invention relates to a skate with in-line
wheels.
Conventional in-line roller skates comprise a shoe
comprising a quarter articulated to a shell, which has a
5 rigid sole that is associated, in a downward region, with a
usually U-shaped support or frame between the wings whereof
wheels are pivoted. The wheels are thus arranged in line
with respect to each other.
These conventional skates have some drawbacks: when
lo skating, and particularly during thrusting, difficulties are
in fact encountered in optimally and completely transferring
the thrust imparted by the user, thus decreasing the
effectiveness of the thrust and the comfort for the foot.
The user in fact tends to transmit forces mainly at the
region of the foot sole lying below the metatarsal region,
but the rigidity of the support and of the sole of the shoe
instead force him, during thrusting, to fully rest the foot
sole on the shoe sole, so that the transmitted forces are
divided between the wheels that are pivoted at the front and
the wheels that are pivoted at the rear, with a consequent
loss of effectiveness in thrusting.
Canadian Patent Application No. 2,151,210 filed June 7,
1995 discloses a roller skate with improved fit that is
constituted by a first front body, for resting and locking
the front part of the foot, and by a second rear body, for
resting and locking at least the heel.
The first body and the second body are transversely
rotationally associated to each other in a region that lies
approximately above the pre-arch portion of the foot and in
2191937
the interspace that lies between a first supporting frame
and a second supporting frame for one or more wheels
associated with said frames in a downward region.
Although this solution allows articulation of the shoe,
it nonetheless has drawbacks: in fact, the rotation,
stability, and overall rigidity of the skate are correlated
only to the articulation point, which is not sufficient for
their optimization.
These drawbacks are increased by the fact that during
lo sports practic~ the skate is subjected, during periods of
m~i mum thrusting, to continuous and often violent lateral
stresses, as can occur for example when skating along a
curve or during slalom skating or in particular during so-
called "side-slip" braking.
The articulation point must therefore absorb all these
applied stresses and at the same time ensure the rotation
and rigidity of the shoe and good stability of the foot;
however, these conditions cannot all be met simultaneously.
During skating, the foot is in fact subjected to
considerable vibrations and lateral stresses that
accordingly decrease the user's sensitivity in utilization
and the lateral stability of the implement.
The user is also forced to increase the force in order
to achieve optimum stability of the skate, with consequent
tiring during exercise and reduction in comfort throughout
sports practice.
A principal aim of the present invention is therefore
to solve the described problems, eliminating the drawbacks
of the cited prior art by providing a skate that allows the
3 21 91 937
user to transmit forces in an optimum manner during
thrusting, at the same time allowing a correct anatomical
movement of the foot.
Within the scope of this aim, an important object is to
provide a skate that allows to transmit efforts during
thrusting selectively only at the front part of the foot, at
the same time allowing to achieve optimum lateral support of
the skate during all phases of sports practice.
Another object is to provide a skate having increased
operating sensitivity and comfort, particularly during
periods of maximum thrusting.
Another important object is to provide a skate that
allows to achieve the necessary assurances of stability for
the user throughout sports practice.
Another object is to provide a skate that can be
produced at low costs and with conventional machines and
equipment.
This aim, these objects, and others that will become
apparent hereinafter are achieved by a skate with in-line
wheels characterized in that it comprises a first member and
a second member, at least one of said members being adapted
to support a plurality of in-line wheels, said first member
being rotatably associated with said second member.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description
of a particular embodiment thereof, illustrated only by way
of non-limitative example in the accompanying drawings,
wherein: `
figure 1 is an exploded view of the skate, wherein, for
4 2191937
-
the sake of clarity, the third tabs that protrude from the
first body have been omitted;
figure 2 is a side view of the skate, in which all the
wheels touch the ground;
figure 3 is a sectional view, taken along the plane
III-III of figure 2;
figure 4 is a sectional view, taken along the plane IV-
IV of figure 2;
figure 5 is a partially sectional bottom view of the
lo skate;
figure 6 is a view, similar to figure 2, of the skate
during thrusting;
figure 7 is a view of a further embodiment;
figure 8 is a side view of the skate with in-line
wheels in the inactive condition;
figure 9 is a partially sectional top view, taken at
the tip region of the shell;
figure 10 is a side view of the skate during thrusting
while skating;
figure 11 is a sectional view, taken along the plane
XI-XI of figure 10;
figure 12 is a side view of the skate with in-line
wheels in the inactive condition;
figure 13 is a sectional view, taken along the plane
XIII-XIII of figure 12;
figure 14 is a side view of the skzte during thrusting
while skating;
figure 15 is a sectional view, taken along the plane
XV-XV of figure 14;
figure 16 is a partially sectional side view of the
s 2191q37
.
skate with in-line wheels;
figure 17 is a view of the skate of figure 16 in the
thrusting step during sports practice;
figure 18 is a partially sectional side view of still a
further embodiment of the skate.
With reference to the above figures, the reference
numeral 1 designates a skate that is constituted by a first
front body 2 that forms the tip 3 of a shell 4 that
surrounds the front region of the foot and locks it, and has
an upper longitudinal slot 5.
A first supporting frame 6 is associated below the
first body 2 in the particular illustrated embodiment; said
frame is substantially U-shaped, and at least two first in-
line wheels 8 are rotatably associated between the first
wings 7a and 7b of said frame 6.
The skate comprises a second rear body 9 that is
constituted by a heel cup 10 that wraps around part of the
leg and of the foot up to the vicinity of the foot flexing
region; a cuff 12 that wraps around the tibial region is
optionally but not necessarily pivoted laterally to said
heel cup at an adapted pair of studs 11.
The second rear body 9 also has a longitudinal front
opening 13 for the insertion of, for example, a soft
innerboot or directly of the user's foot; the foot is
secured by adapted levers 14 that transversely connect the
flaps 15a and 15b of the second rear body 9.
An adapted brake 16 can be associated at the cuff 12
and has a pad 17 that intèracts with the ground when said
cuff is rotated backwards.
6 2191937
A second supporting frame 18 is associated below the
heel region of the second body 9; in a transverse cross-
section said frame is U-shaped, and second in-line wheels 20
are rotatably associated between the second wings l9a and
l9b of said second frame.
The first body and the second body, as well as the
first and second supporting frames, are transversely and
rotatably associated together, and guiding and sliding means
are provided on said first and second frames.
Rotary coupling is allowed by the presence of a
plurality of first tabs 21 that protrude downward and
axially with respect to the first body 2, both in the
interspace lying between the two first wings 7a and 7b of
the first frame 6 and outside the frame, and by a plurality
15 of second tabs 22, which protrude downward and axially at
the end of the second body 2 that is directed towards the
first body 6, both in the interspace lying between the
second wings l9a and l9b and in a region lying outside them.
The first and second tabs therefore have a comb-shaped
configuration and can be arranged adjacent to each other
when the first body 2 is joined axially to the second body
9.
Third tabs 23 protrude, at the end of the second body 9
that has the second tabs 22, below the second wings l9a and
19b and outside them.
Adapted first holes 27, second hole 28, third holes 29,
fourth holes 30, and fifth holes 31 are formed, along the
same axis 26, on the first, second, and third tabs, as well
as on the first ends 24 and on the second ends 25 of the
30 first frame 6 and of the second frame 18; all of said holes
7 2191937
form a seat for a first pivot 32.
Said first pivot 32 has a head 33 that abuts against
one of the third tabs 23 and a stem that is internally
threaded, at the other end, for coupling to a
5 complementarily threaded first screw 34 that abuts at the
other third tab 23.
The skate furthermore comprises guiding and sliding
means provided on the first and on the second frames; said
means are constituted by a second pivot 35 that passes at
10 two sixth holes 36 formed at the ends of the first wings 7a
and 7b that partially laterally wrap around the
corresponding ends of the second wings l9a and l9b of the
second frame 18.
The sliding of the first and second ends of the first
15 and second frames is allowed by the~presence of two adapted
slots 37 that are formed on the ends of the second wings l9a
and l9b; said slots have a curved shape that allows the
second body 9 to rise from the ground during thrusting, when
the first wheels 8 are in contact with said ground.
The two slots 37 are of course formed on the second
wings l9a and l9b at the sixth holes 36 provided on the
first wings 7a and 7b of the first frame 6.
A seventh hole 38 and an eighth hole 39 are
advantageously formed, respectively on the first wings and
25 on the second wings of the first and second frames, so that
they are adjacent to the sixth holes 36 and to the pair of
slots 37; said holes 38 and 39 have the same axis when both
the first wheels 8 and the second wheels 20 interact with
the ground and therefore when the skate is in a horizontal
30 condition.
8 2191937
.
In this condition it is thus possible, by inserting a
pin or pivot in the seventh hole 38 and in the eighth hole
39, to lock the sliding of the first and second frames,
which therefore cannot rotate at the axis 26.
The ~irst pivot 32 and the second pivot 35 of course
act at the interspace between a first wheel 8 and a second
wheel 20 that are adjacent to each other.
Use of the invention is thus as follows: once the first
and second frames and the first and second bodies have been
o associated one another by means of the first pivot 32 and
the second pivot 35, the skater can achieve optimum lateral
thrusting, since the second body can rotate, rising from the
ground, allowing to concentrate the forces on the first
wheels 8, while lateral forces can still be transmitted by
5 virtue of the partial overlap of the first and second wings
of the first and second frames; the sliding of the second
pivot 35 in the slot 37 allows to achieve guided lifting of
the second frame 18 with respect to the first frame 6.
It has thus been observed that the invention has
20 achieved the intended aim and objects, a skate having been
obtained which allows the user to transmit forces in an
optimum manner during thrusting, at the same time allowing a
correct anatomical movement of the foot; during thrusting,
said forces can be selectively concentrated exclusively at
25 the front part of the foot, at the same time allowing to
achieve optimum lateral containment of the skate throughout
sports practice.
The invention is of course susceptible of numerous
modifications and variations, all of which are within the
30 scope of the same inventive concept.
9 21 91 937
Thus, for example, figure 7 illustrates a second
embodiment, in which the reference numeral 101 designates a
skate constituted by a shell 102 with which a quarter, not
shown, can be articulated at the malleolar region by means
of appropriate studs or rivets.
The shell 102 is constituted by a first body lO9a,
which is U-shaped in transverse cross-section and is
constituted by a first flat support 131a, from which two
lateral shoulders protrude upwardly; said shoulders allow to
contain the front part of a shoe 130 or the foot at the tip
region lOS.
The first body lO9a has a first strap 132a the ends
whereof are associable with the two lateral shoulders; said
first band 132a allows to secure the shoe 130 or the foot.
The shell 102 has a second body 109b, which is
constituted by a second flat support 131b, from which a heel
cup protrudes perimetrically and upwardly and is adapted to
contain at least the heel region 115 of the shoe 130.
The second body lO9b has a second strap 132b the ends
whereof are laterally associated with the heel cup; said
strap provides securing at the foot instep region 133.
The first and second bodies lO9a and lO9b can be
transversely and rotatably associated, at their ends which
can be placed adjacent to each other, by means of a hinge-
like articulation that comprises an adapted screw or aconnecting pivot 134.
A first frame llOa and a second frame llOb are
associated respectively with the first body lO9a and with
the second body lO9b; both frames are U-shaped, and at least
two first and second wheels llla and lllb, 114a and 114b are
lo 21 91 937
respectively pivoted between the first and second wings,
which protrude downwardly, of said frames.
The center distance of the second wings of the second
frame llOb is smaller than the center distance of the first
wings of the first frame llOa, so as to allow the partial
insertion and adjacent arrangement of the second wings with
respect to the first wings on an approximately parallel
plane.
The first frame llOa and the second frame llOb have
means 116 for mutual guiding and sliding.
Said means 116 are constituted by a pin 117 that is
associated and blended, at right angles, with the tips of
the first wings of the first frame llOa in a region that is
intermediate between two of said first and second wheels
that are adjacent to each other; the first pin 117 slides at
a slot 118 that is formed on the second wings of the second
frame llOb that are arranged adjacent to the first wings of
the first frame llOa.
The slot 118 is arc-shaped, with its concavity directed
at the tip region 105.
This solution, too, allows to achieve the intended aim
and objects.
With reference to figures 8-10, the reference numeral
201 designates a skate constituted by a shell 202, to which
i~ is possible to articulate a quarter 203 associated at the
malleolar region by means of appropriate studs or rivets.
The shell 202 is formed monolithically, is preferably
made of plastics, and has a lower region that forms a sole
204.
30A first frame 206 is associated below the sole 204 in
11 21 91 937
-
the metatarsal region 205 and is U-shaped in transverse
cross-section; at least one pair of first wheels 208a and
208b is pivoted between the first wings 207a and 207b of
said first frame, which protrude towards the ground.
The first frame 206 has a first base 209 for connecting
the first wings 207a and 207b; said base is perforated, so
as to form a seat for the positioning of a first tab 210 in
said base, and said first tab protrudes below the sole 204
in the metatarsal region 205.
A pair of second tabs 211a and 211b also protrudes
below the sole 204 so as to lie approximately parallel to
the first tab; said second tabs are arranged externally with
respect to the first wings 207a and 207b of the first frame.
A second frame 213 is associated below the sole 204,
approximately at the heel region 212; said second frame,
too, is U-shaped in transverse cross-section, forming a
second base 214 for anchoring to the sole 204, two second
wings 215a and 215b protruding from said second base, at
least one pair of second wheels 216a and 216b being pivoted
between said second wings.
An adapted brake 217 is advantageously associable at
the quarter 203 and has a pad 218 that interacts with the
ground when said cuff is rotated backwards.
A first hole 219 and second holes 220a, 220b are
formed, along the same axis, respectively at the first tab
210 and at the second tabs 211a and 211b; said holes
accommodate a pivot 221 that also passes at adapted third
holes 222a and 222b formed at the first wings 207a and 207b
of the first frame 206 proximate to the first base 209.
At least one means adapted to limit the oscillation of
~ 12 2191937
the second frame 213 and/or of the shell 202 is interposed
between the lower surface of the sole 204 and the first base
209; the means is constituted by a flexible insert 223 that
is preferably rectangular in plan view and has a hole which
allows the insertion of the first tab 210.
The second frame 213 has two third tabs 224a and 224b
that protrude from the second wings 215a and 215b towards
the first frame 206 and have such a length and size as to be
arranged laterally adjacent outside the second tabs 211a and
211b that protrude from the sole 204 and the ends of the
first wings 207a and 207b of the first frame that are
adjacent to the first base 209.
Advantageously, the profiles of the first wings and of
the pair of third tabs have narrower portions that allow to
contain the length of the pivot 221.
Said two third tabs 224a and 224b are slightly curved
towards the sole 204, and are perforated at the tip in order
to be pivoted to the pivot 221.
The operation of the invention is as follows: during
thrusting, which is shown schematically in figure 10, the
skater can lift the second frame 213 by the presence of the
pair of third tabs 224a and 224b, localizing forces
exclusively at the first frame 206 and therefore at the
first wheels 208a and 208b.
Furthermore, use of the particular configuration of the
second irame and of the pair of third tabs allows to shift
the rotation point at the axis of the pivot 221 directly
below the sole of the shell.
It has been observed that the invention has achieved
the intended aim and objects, since it is adapted to
13 2! 91 q37
-
transmit forces in an optimum manner durlng thrusting and at
the same time allows a correct anatomical movement of the
foot.
The presence of the pair of third tabs in fact allows,
5 while having a monolithic shell, to lift the second frame,
so that the user can transmit forces, during thrusting,
selectively only at the front part of the foot, at the same
time allowing to achieve optimum lateral containment and
rigidity of the entire skate throughout sports practice.
With reference to figures 12-15, the reference numeral
301 designates a skate constituted by a shell 302, whereto
it is possible to articulate a quarter 203 associated at the
malleolar region by means of appropriate studs or rivets.
The shell 302 is formed monolithically, is preferably
15 made of plastics, and has a lower region that forms a sole
304.
A first frame 306 is associated below the sole 304 in
the metatarsal region 305 and is U-shaped in transverse
cross-section; at least one pair of first wheels 308a and
308b is pivoted between the first wings 307a and 307b of
said first frame, which protrude towards the ground.
The first frame 306 has a first base 309 for
interconnecting the first wings 307a and 307b; said base is
perforated, so as to form a seat for the positioning of a
first tab 310 in said base, and said first tab protrudes
below the sole 30a in the metatarsal region 305.
A pair of second tabs 311a and 311b also protrudes
below the sole 304 so as to lie approximately parallel to
the first tab; said second tabs are arranged externally with
respect to the first wings 307a and 307b of the first frame.
_ 14 2191937
A second frame 313 is also associated below the sole
304, approximately at the heel region 312; said second
frame, too, is U-shaped in transverse cross-section, forming
a second base 314 for anchoring to the sole 304, two second
5 wings 315 protruding from said second base; at least one
pair of second wheels 316a and 316b is pivoted between said
second wings.
An adapted brake 317 is advantageously associable at
the quarter 303 and has a pad 318 which interacts with the
lo ground when said cuff is rotated backwards.
A first hole 319 and second holes 320a, 320b are
formed, along the same axis, respectively at the first tab
310 and at the second tabs 311a and 311b; said holes
accommodate a pivot 21 that also passes at adapted third
15 holes 322a and 322b formed at the first wings 307a and 307b
of the first frame 306 proximate to the first base 309.
At least one means adapted to limit the oscillation of
the second frame 313 and/or of the shell 302 is interposed
between the lower surface of the sole 304 and the first base
20 309; said means is constituted by a flexible insert 323
which is preferably rectangular in plan view and has a hole
that allows the insertion of the first tab 310.
The skate also has a rigid connecting element 324 that
is adapted to connect the first frame, the second frame, and
25 the shell one another; said connecting element is
constituted by two profiles that are L-shaped and therefore
have respective third wings 325 and fourth wings 326; the
tips of said wings are pivoted respectively at the pivot 321
and at the pivoting axis of the second wheel 316a of the
30 second frame 313 that is adjacent to the first frame 306,
15 21 91 937
which is arranged in front.
Advantageously, the profiles constituting the
connecting element are arranged outside the first and second
frames.
It is also possible to advantageously provide narrower
portions, adapted to contain the extension of the pivot 321,
at the first frame and at the third wings 325.
The third wings 325 and the fourth wings 326 are thus
arranged approximately parallel to the first wings 307a and
307b and to the second wings 315 of the respective first and
second frames, so as to allow mutual sliding.
The elbow of the connecting element 324, which joins
the third wing 325 and the fourth wing 326, is furthermore
arranged approximately at the first wheel 308b of the first
15 frame 306 that is adjacent to the second frame 313, where
each profile is pivoted at the first wheel 308b and
therefore between the first wings 307a and 307b of the first
frame 306.
Additional means for limiting the oscillation of the
20 second frame and/or of the shell are constituted by at least
one lug 327 that protrudes at least from one of the first
wings 307a and 307b in a region lying to the rear of the
perimetric edge of the third wings 325 that is directed
towards the heel region 312; said lug is arranged so as to
25 abut against the perimetric edge of the third wings 325 in
the inactive condition in which all the wheels rest on the
ground.
The operation of the invention is as follows: during
thrusting, which is shown schematically in figure 14, the
30 skater can lift the second frame 313 by the presence of the
16 21 91 937
connecting element 324, localizing forces exclusively at the
first frame 306 and therefore at the first wheels 308a and
308b.
Furthermore, use of the L-shaped profile for the
5 connecting element allows to shift the rotation point at the
axis of the first wheel of the first frame and therefore in
a point that is very close to the ground and is anatomically
favorable for the rotation of the foot during thrusting.
It has been observed that the invention has achieved
lo the intended aim and objects, since it is adapted to
transmit forces in an optimum manner during thrusting and at
the same time allows a correct anatomical movement of the
foot.
The connecting element in fact allows, while having a
15 monolithic shell, to lift the second frame, so that the user
can transmit forces, during thrusting, selectively only at
the front part of the foot, at the same time allowing to
achieve optimum lateral containment and rigidity of the
entire skate throughout sports practice.
With reference to figures 16-17, the reference numeral
401 designates a skate constituted by a shell 402, to which
it is possible to articulate a quarter 403 that is
associated at the malleolar region by means of appropriate
studs or rivets.
The shell 402 is formed monolithically, is preferably
made of plastics, and has a lower region that forms a sole
404.
The shell 402 has, proximate to the tip region 405, an
articulation 406 constituted by a slit that is formed on an
30 approximately transverse plane starting from the vicinity of
~ 17 21 91 937
the sole 404; said slit forms a first flap 407a and a second
flap 407b having such a shape as to allow their partial
overlap, even in the inactive condition, and particularly
the insertion of the first flap 407a in the second flap
5 407b.
During sports practice, while thrusting and flexing the
foot, the mutual overlap of the first and second flaps 407a
and 407b increases, thus facilitating the flexing of the
foot.
The first and second flaps 407a and ao7b have,
proximate to the sole 404, a curved shape that is adapted to
form a circular recess 40$; said recess 408 allows to
improve the flexibility, and therefore the overlap, of said
lirst and second flaps 407a and 407b.
The articulation 406 forms, for the shell 402, a first
front body 409a that is arranged at the tip region 405
starting from the flap 407a; said first body 409a allows to
contain and secure the front part of the foot.
The articulation 406 also forms a second body 409b
20 which, starting from the second flap 407b, allows to contain
and secure the rear part of the user's foot.
A first frame 410a is associated in a downward region
with the first body 409a; the transverse cross-section of
said frame is U-shaped, and at least one pair of first
25 wheels 411a and 411b is pivoted between the first wings of
said frame, which protrude downwards.
The first frame 410a is constituted by a first flat
base 412a for connecting the first wings, which is connected
below the sole 404 through the interposition of adapted
30 connecting means, such as rivets, that are accommodated in a
18 2191937
.,
complementarily shaped first seat 413a that is formed on the
sole 404 that lies below the first body 409a.
The first wings of the first frame 410a protrude in the
opposite direction with respect to the tip region 405.
A second frame 410b is also associated, in a downward
region, with the second body 409b in the region of the heel
415; said second frame is u-shaped in a transverse cross-
section, and at least one second pair of wheels 414a and
414b is pivoted between its second wings, which protrude
below a second connecting base 412b.
The second base 412b is connected to the sole 404
through the interposition of adapted connecting means, such
as rivets or couplings inserted at a complementarily shaped
second seat 413b formed on the sole 404 at the heel region
415.
The second base 412b is preferably narrower than the
first base 412a, so as to allow the partial insertion and
adjacent arrangement, along approximately parallel planes,
of the second wings of the second frame 410b with respect to
the first wings of the first frame 410a.
The first and second frames 410a and 410b have means
416 for their mutual guiding and sliding.
Said means 416 are constituted by a pivot 417 that is
associated and blended at right angles with respect to the
tips of the first wings of the first frame 410a in a region
ihat is intermediate between two of said first and second
wheels that are adjacent to each other; the first pivot 417
slides at a slot 418 that is formed on the second wings of
the second frame 410b that are adjacent to the first wings
of the first frame 410a.
19 21 91 ~37
The slot 418 has a curved shape, the concavity whereof
is directed at the tip region 405.
The pivot 417 can be arranged at the upper end of the
slot 418 if the pair of first wheels 411a and 411b and the
pair of second wheels 414a and 414b rest on the ground,
generally designated by the reference numeral 419; during
thrusting, instead, as shown in figure 17, the foot flexes,
and the second body 409b and therefore the second frame 410b
rise, forcing the sliding of the pivot 417 inside the slot
418 until it reaches the lower end of said slot, which
constitutes a stroke limiter.
Advantageously, the first frame 410a and the second
frame 410b have, on each one of said first and second wings,
respectively a first hole 420a and a second hole 420b, which
have the same axis in the inactive condition, are arranged
above the means 416, and allow the insertion of a pivot or
screw that allows to lock the skate 401 in the horizontal
condition, so that the pair of first and second wheels 411a
and 411b, 414a and 414b rest on the ground 419 so as to
prevent, according to the user's requirements, the rotation
of the skate 401.
A conventional brake 421 is associated with the skate
401 to the rear.
The operation of the skate is as follows: during
thrusting, the flexing of the foot and the rise of the rear
part thereof is allowed by the articulation 406 formed on
the shell 402, which is provided by the mutual overlap of
the first and second flaps 407a and 407b of the first and
second bodies 409a and 409b.
The connection of the second body 409b to the second
~ 20 21 91 937
frame 410b allows the latter to rise with respect to the
ground 419, whereas the sliding of the pivot 417 in the slot
418 allows guided lifting.
It has been observed that the invention has achieved
the intended aim and objects, said invention being adapted
to transmit forces in an optimum manner during thrusting, at
the same time allowing a correct anatomical movement of the
foot; the articulation 406 provided on the shell 402 in fact
allows to flex the foot naturally, producing more thrust for
an equal physical effort.
The sliding and guiding means 416 allow to lift the
second frame 410b so that the user can thus transmit forces,
during thrusting, selectively and exclusively at the front
region of the foot; at the same time, said means 416 allow
to achieve optimum lateral containment and rigidity of the
entire skate throughout sports practice.
Figure 18 illustrates still a further embodiment, in
which the numeral 501 designates a skate constituted by a
shell 502.
The shell 502 is constituted by a first front body
509a, which is arranged proximate to the toe region 505 and
adapted to surround it, and by a separate second rear body
509b, to which a quarter 503 can be articulated.
The first and second bodies 509a and 509b have,
respectively, a first sole 504a and a second sole 504b which
are transversely and rotatably associated with each other,
at their ends that can be arranged mutually adjacent, by
means of a hinge-like articulation that comprises an adapted
transverse connecting screw or pivot 534.
The first and second bodies 509a and 509b have,
21 2l ql 9 37
respectively, a first flap 507a and a second flap 507b,
which have such a shape as to allow their partial overlap,
even in the inactive condition, and particularly the
insertion of the first flap 507a in the second flap 507b.
A frame 510 is associated below the first body 509a and
has a U-shaped transverse cross-section; at least one pair
of first and second wheels, designated respectively by the
reference numerals 511a and 511b, 514a and 514b, is pivoted
between the first wings of said frame, which protrude
lo downwardly.
The frame 510 is connected, in a downward region, to
the first sole 504a of the first body 509a through the
interposition of adapted connecting means, such as rivets or
couplings, that are accommodated in a complementarily shaped
seat 513 formed on said first sole 504a.
This solution, too, allows to achieve the intended aim
and objects, since the second body can rise from the frame
during thrusting, which becomes localized, i.e., entrusted
to the front region.
The materials and the dimensions constituting the
individual components of the skate according to the
invention may be the most appropriate according to the
specific requirements.
