Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43400 PCT/CA98/00168
In-line roller skate with slotted bootfframe interface
Field of the invention
The invention relates to in-line roller skates, and more particularly to an in-
line
roller skate having an improved connection between the frame and the boot.
Backs~round of the invention
Over the past few years roller skating and particularly in-line roller skating
has
enjoyed an immense resurgence in popularity. No longer limited to indoor
rings specifically designed for that purpose, skating today has become an
outdoor leisure activity, an economic and healthy means of transportation, and
a competitive sport.
The changes in the nature of skating have necessitated appropriate changes
in the design and manufacture of the skates themselves. Today's skaters
demand skates which are much lighter in weight and easier to control than the
traditional bi-axle quad-wheeled skates of the past.
The original design of the modern in-line skate was relatively simple.
Generally, such skates consisted of a wheel frame attached to a skate boot.
The skate boot itself was based on either an ice skate boot or on a downhill
ski boot. The former had a relatively fiat sole interfacing with the planar
surface of the foot and made from conventional material such as a
thermoplastic material, while the latter was typically a molded plastic boot
having an integral struct~e.
A first type of conventional roller skate boot comprises a boot upper sewn to
a
sole. The sole interfaces with and protects the plantar surface of the foot
while
the boot upper surrounds and secures the remaining portions of the foot (e.g.
1
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43400 PCT/CA98/00168
dorsal portion) instep. Soles may either be formed from a layer of a single
material or from several layers of a single or different materials. In the
latter
case, the layers are bonded together to form a laminate. In both cases, at any
particular point on the sole, the material{s) of which the sole is formed is
{are)
identical to that (those) at every {or almost every) other point on the sole.
The
second type of boot comprises a molded lower attached to a frame, and a
molded upper, provided on top of the lower.
The wheel frame typically consisted of two parallel rails connected by a
bridging portion to form a long inverted "U"-shaped structure. The wheels
would be mounted within the frame by being rotatably mounted on the rails.
The bridging portion served to connect the rails together and acted as a point
of attachment for the wheel frame to the skate boot. In this respect, the
bridging portion was also generally flat. It would interface with the
underside of
the boot sole and would be secured thereto by suitable fasteners, such as
bolts or rivets. A relatively thin planar attachment plate might have been
placed between the frame and the sole in some skates.
Today, several types of in-line roller skates are manufactured, each one
2o corresponding to a specific use. For instance, one can find skates
specifically
designed for speeding.
Among the newest types of skates, the so-caiiled °aggressive"
skate is
probably the one that is the most subject to severe and though conditions.
Indeed, the skaters use their skates to slide on ramps or other similar
structure types for instance. The most performing skaters even realize style
figures while sliding down. Such uses are very demanding for the skates, in
particular for the boot and frame, which must bear very intensive friction
forces. If standard skates are chosen for such a use, premature wear appears
very quickly.
2
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43400 PCT1CA98/OOI68
Considering the popularity of this type of skating, there is a strong demand
for
an in-line roller skate better adapted to these extremely severe use
conditions.
Objects and statement of the invention
It is thus an object of the invention to provide a roller skate specifically
adapted to the "aggressive" type of skating.
It is another object of the invention to provide a roller skate offering
possibilities to extend the life of the skates subjected to intensive wear.
As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a roller
skate comprising an elongated frame with a connection side and a rolling side
which stands opposite to the connection side, a plurality of wheels rotatably
mounted to said frame to extend radially from said rolling side, and a
footwear
element mounted to said frame to accommodate a skater's foot, said footwear
element being provided with a sole and on a first side with a first lateral
element and on the opposite side with a second lateral element, said
elements comprising a housing adapted to engage corresponding lateral
wings extending laterally from said connection side of the frame, said second
element being removable.
Such a design simplfies the connection between the boot and the frame. The
removal and assembling operations of the frame are thus quicker and easier
to carry out. This arrangement is of particular interest with a skate designed
for a rough environment or for rough conditions, for instance to slide along
ramps. A worn-out frame can thus be replaced by a new one. If a symmetrical
frame is worn out only on one side, it can easily be turned 180 degrees. The
frame may be secured to the boot with fasteners. The fasteners are
advantageously of bolt and nut type or scxew type, but any other type of
3
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43400 PCT/CA98/00168
fasteners may also be used. The second element is preferably resistant to
wear. This contributes to extend the life of the skate.
Preferably, the housing of the first element is comprised of a slot, and the
connection side of frame comprises at least one recess adapted to engage at
least one wing provided on the second element and extending laterally
therefrom. The recess is advantageously provided between said lateral wings.
Such a design enables a lateral pre-assembly of the frame in relation to the
boot. It also brings more rigidity and a better force transmission from the
boot
to the frame.
The frame, the sole and the second element are preferably provided with
corresponding fastening holes adapted to receive a fastener to secure said
footwear element to said frame. This provides a simple and reliable
connection means. Furthermore, the user can easily assembleldisassemble
the components.
Preferably the outer side of the second element is provided with a removable
protection plate. The plate provides additional protection. It is easy to
remove
or to replace when it is wpm out for instance.
Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent by reference
to the following description and the drawings.
Brief description of the drawings
A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention
is
provided hereinbelow, by way of example only, with reference to the
accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a skater sliding along a ramp;
4
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43400 PCT/CA98/00168
Figure 2 is a perspective view of an in-line skate according to the invention;
Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a skate according to the invention
used to slide along a ramp;
Figure 4 is a further perspective view of an in-line skate according to the
invention;
Figure 5 is a side elevational view illustrating an in-line skate according to
the
invention used on a rolling surface;
Figure 6 is a side elevational view illustrating an in-line skate according to
the
invention used on a ramp or the like;
IS Figure 7 is an exploded view of an in-line skate according to the
invention;
Figure 8 is a plan view of an in-line skate according to the invention;
Figure 9 is a further exploded view of an in-line skate according to the
invention;
Figure 10 is a further exploded view of an in-line skate according to the
invention;
Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of the frame and the protection
elements according to the invention;
Figures 13 and 14 are underneath plan views of the frame and boot;
Figures 15 and 16 are side elevational views of an in-line skate according to
the invention;
5
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43400 PCT/CA98100168
Figure 17 is an exploded side view of an in-line skate according to the
invention;
Figure 18 is a perspective view of a variant of an in-line skate according to
the
inversion;
Figures 19 and 20 are perspective views of a further variant of an in-line
skate
according to the invention.
In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way
of examples. It is to be expressly understood that the description and
drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and are an aid for
understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the
invention.
Detailed description of orefemsd embodiments
Figures 1 to 6 show an in-line roller-skate according to the invention.
Examples of skating surfaces used with "aggressive skating" are also shown.
For instance in figures 1, 3 and 6, various positions are shown of a skate
sliding along a ramp or other silmilar structure. In such positions, the
standard
load supporting elements, namely the wheels, are less or not used. The load
is for instance supported by the frame andlor the boot. The rolling motion is
also replaced by a sliding motion. The components in contact with the sliding
surface are thus subject to wear.
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of
the roller skate 10 according to the invention.
A footwear element 20 is provided with a sole 22 substantially covering the
lowest and substantially flat plane of the footwear. A first lateral element
36
6
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43400 PCT/CA98/00168
and a second lateral element 38 are provided on a first side and on the
opposite side of the footwear element respectively.
According to the preferred illustrated embodiment, the skate boot 20
comprises a shell 30 advantageously obtained by a molding process. As
shown in figures 2 and 7, the shell forms the outer lower portion of the boot
20
and comprises a sole 22, a front portion 34 or tae portion, a heel portion 32
and two lateral portions, all these portions being connected together in order
to form a boot shape, that is advantageously in one single part. The front
to portion extends upwardly to cover at least partially the foot's toes. The
lateral
portions preferably extend upwardly, for example close to the bottom of the
ankle area of the foot in order to provide an efficient lateral support. It
also
provides additional protection.
Provided is also a boot liner 40, that is preferably removable, is
advantageously made of resilient material for more comfort and has a shape
and some outer dimensions that substantially correspond to those of the inner
portion of the shell. The shell walls extend upwardly along the liner and
bring
additiorial support and strength. However, for optimal strength, the liner
itself
is substantially rigid, especially in the upper portion, where it is not
covered by
the shell. Thus, the liner may comprise a rigid formed structure of known
type.
A frame 50 provided with axially aligned wheels 14 supports the shell 30 and
liner 40 assembly. A connection side 54 of the frame is provided on the top
portion, at the interface between the frame and the boot. A rolling side 56 is
provided in the lower portion, with radially extending wheels. According to
the
invention, the frame is provided with fastening holes 24 longitudinally
distributed thereof. The fastening holes are preferably substantially
perpendicular in relation to the wheel axis.
7
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43400 PCT/CA98/00168
The shell 30 and also preferably the liner 40 are provided with fastening
holes
24. These are distributed longitudinally so that when the liner and the shell
are
assembled to the frame, all the holes are aligned. Any appropriate type of
fastener 57 may be used, for instance screws maintained with threads
provided in the frame holes or a bolt and nut assembly, etc.
The inner portion of the liner is advantageously provided with an inner sole
42.
Such a sole creates a simple means to cover or protect the fastener heads in
order to avoid direct contact with the feet. The upper surface of the
innersole
is preferably inclined from the heel portion to the toe portion. It serves to
absorb shocks, mainly during landing. With such a design, the force transfer
from the foot to the chassis may also be optimized. A heel member 44
provided under the sole extends from the rear to the middle portion of the
sole, the height decreasing from the rear towards the front of the sole. The
length of the heel member 44 may vary and versions with a shorter or longer
heel member may be available. The heel member may be manufactured
integrally together with the sole or assembled thereof. The materials used to
manufacture the sole and/or the heel member may also vary according to
specific features. The heel member 44 is preferably provided with ribs 46,
advantageously made of a resilient material, for instance rubber, to absorb
vibrations and shocks.
To protect the shell and to reduce wear, in particular when used to slide on
ramps as illustrated in fig~es 1, 3 and 6, protection members are provided.
First, a wear resistant plate 60 ensures lateral and bottom protection. The
second element 38 includes the wear resistant plate 60. The plate 60 extends
longitudinally along the shell. Advantageously, the wear resistant plate is
made of a material highly resistant to wear, such as polyamide plastics, or
any
type of composite materials or engineered plastics. Known types molding
techniques allow to produce cost effective components. Furthermore the plate
may be made of materials with either high or low friction coefficient to
8
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43400 PCT/CA98/00168
customize the skate according to the performance of the skater and desired
sliding characteristics.
According to the illustrated preferred embodiment, the wear plate 60
substantially covers the side area of the shell from the front portion to the
rear
portion. It is thus advantageously provided with a removable portion 62,
preferably substantially central. The removable portion 62 is advantageously
made of polyurethane or other thermoplastic or composite material.
The wear plate 60 comprises a sole portion 64, substantially flat and
extending advantageously lengthwise along the boot, and a side wall 66,
substantially normal in relation to the sole portion. The shape and profile of
the side wall 66 is adapted to generally correspond to the corresponding wall
of the shell, so that the wear plate can be assembled side by side with the
shell.
As illustrated in figures 7 and 8, the wear resistant plate preferably extends
rearwardly and frontwardly to encircle at least partially the front and the
rear
portions of the boot. The wear resistant plate is preferably provided with
wings
68, extending transversally towards the inner portion of the boot. The wings
are flat enough to be easily slidable in a recess 58 of corresponding shape
provided in the upper portion of the frame. Fastening holes 24 are provided in
the sole portion 64 of the wear plate. In the illustrated embodiment, the
holes
are in the free ending portion of the wings 68. These holes are used to
assemble the wear plate 60 to the frame and shell assembly as illustrated in
figures 7 to 12 and 15.
The removable portion 62, commonly called protection plate or "grind plate",
is
the second element used to protect the boot against wear. This component is
more particularly intended to protect the immediate area of the boot that is
in
contact with the ramp or the like when sliding. In this respect, it is subject
to
intensive frictional forces and should be manufactured with some material
9
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43A00 PCT/CA98/00168
highly resistant to wear. In variants, different materials with different
friction
coefficients are used. The skater has thus the possibility to select a
protection
plate according to the desired performance and considering his skills and the
available sliding surfaces. It comprises a side wall shaped to generally fit
along the outer part of the boot, the shell or the wear resistant plate, as
shovm
in figures 7 to 12 and 15. A sole portion, substantially normal in relation to
the
side vwall, extends transversally towards the inner of the boot It is
generally
flat and thin, so that it can easily be slidably assembled in a slot of
corresponding profile and dimensions provided in the cooperating component.
i0 In the preferred embodiment illustrated in figures 7 to 12 and 15, the
protection piste is removably assembled in a slot 63 provided in the wear
resistant plate. Figure 14 illustrates the resulting assembly when the shell
30,
the frame 50, the wear plate 60, the protection plate 62 and the fastener 57
are all assembled.
According to a variant, the shell protection is only ensured by a removable
protection plate, provided substantially centrally.
Figure 9 illustrates a transversal elevational view of the different
components
before assembly. The elements 36 and 38 comprise at least one but
preferably a plurality of housings 33 adapted to engage corresponding lateral
wings 52 extending laterally from said connection side of the frame. In the
first
element 36, the housing is in the form of a slot 35. The slot may be
continuous or discontinuous.
The connection side 54 of the frame 50 comprises recesses 58 adapted to
engage wings 68 provided on the second element 38 and extending laterally
therefrom. The recesses 58 are provided between said lateral wings. As
illustrated, the frame, as well as the sole 22 and the second element 38 have
corresponding fastening holes 24 adapted to receive fasteners 57 to secure
said footwear element to said frame 50.
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43400 PCT/CA98/00168
The housings 33 and more particularly the slot 35 enable to realize a pre-
assembly of the frame and the wear resistant plate in relation to the boot or
the shell. As illustrated, the slot is preferably longitudinal and located
sideways, below the sole of the boot. Figure 10 illustrates an advantageous
configuration of the slot. According to this embodiment, the front and rear
end
portions extend towards the central longitudinal axis of the boot.
The wings 52 of the frame are substantially flat and shaped to correspond to
the inner profile of the housings. The plane defined by these wings and
l0 corresponding housings is preferably substantially parallel to the sole of
the
boot. Figures 8 to 13 clearly show how the frame is assembled onto the shell.
The wings 68 of the wear resistant plate 60 extend laterally to fit into
substantially transversally oriented recesses 58 provided on the connection
side of the frame. The length of the wear resistant plate wings may be
L5 adapted so that when the wear plate is assembled to the frame, the wings
end
near the frame edge, as shown in figures 11 and 12.
According to a variant, the wings extend laterally beyond the frame edge and
are thus adapted to cooperate with the slot 35.
The removable portion 62 or protection plate is removably assembled in a
similar manner. The protection plate assembly slot 63 provided in the wear
resistant plate allows the sole portion of the plate to slide laterally into
the
wear resistant plate. A protection plate recess 58, provided in the central
connection side of the frame, with shape and dimensions corresponding with
those of the sole extending portion, allows the plate to be slidably
assembled.
All these elements, that is to say the sole portion of the protection plate
and
the wings of the wear resistant plate, are provided with fastening holes. Once
the fasteners are inserted, the assembly is secured.
li
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43400 PCT/CA98/00168
The liner 40 is arranged with a substantially flat sole surface and extends
upwardly to form the upper boot portion. Fastening holes 24 are preferably
provided in the sole. These holes are used to provide a passage for the
fasteners. Figures 15 and 76 illustrate the resulting assembly. The fasteners
are connected to the frame body, thus maintaining the complete assembly.
The fasteners are preferably easy to remove, far instance of screw type. In
such a case, the cooperating frame portion is advantageously provided with
threads, or threaded inserts or bolts. This allows quick and easy assembly or
disassembly of the skate.
The skater can thus easily and rapidly replace a wom out component, for
instance the protection plate or the wear resistant plate with a new one. The
skate is therefore tailor-made to be used as an "aggressive skate": on the one
hand, it is comprised of adequate wear-resistant elements avoiding premature
excessive wear, and on the other hand, it offers the possibility to replace a
wom-out component at very low cost.
The frame 50 is comprised of two longitudinal rails interconnected by bridging
portions. Wheels are conventionally mounted within the frame. The frame is
secured to the shell as described above, by conventional means, through
fastening holes provided in the central portion of the frame.
To facilitate the sliding along the ramps or the like, the rolling side of at
least
one of the rails is provided with a ramp adapter 55, for instance an inverted-
U
shaped recess, in which the ramp may be located or guided. The adapter is
preferably provided in the central portion of the rolling side and comprises a
free end profile 53 adapted for sliding on ramps. Such a guiding means
provides longitudinal stability and helps the skater to maintain his
equilibrium
when sliding along ramps or the like. The free end profile preferably has a
concave shape, for instance, hemispherical.
12
CA 02287829 1999-10-27
WO 99/43400 PCT/CA98/00168
According to a variant, the ramp adapter 55 is removable and preferably made
of a different material than that of the rest of the frame. The adapter
material
is preferably highly resistant to wear. An example of such a material is
polyurethane or other thermoplastic or composite material. Figures 19 and 20
illustrate an example of such a variant. The outer central portion of the rail
is
provided with an adapter seat 59, on which the adapter is removably
connected with fasteners 57 for instance. Several fastener types can be used,
for instance screws, bolts and nuts, etc. Corresponding fastening holes are
provided in the adapter seat.
The frame is preferably of a reversible construction. When a first side or
rail is
wom out, the user can easily remove the frame, tum it to place the front
portion at the rear and reassemble the frame to the rest of the skate. In
doing
so, the rails of the frame are changed from one side to the other. The portion
of the frame in sliding contact with the ramp or the like, that can be worn
out
on a first side of the skate, may be changed for the opposite one. The life of
the frame is therefore doubled. A preferred reversible frame is of a
symmetrical construction, such as illustrated in figure 17.
The frame is preferably made of conventional materials in accordance with
known methods.
Figure 18 illustrates another variant of the skate according to the invention.
The boot 20 is provided with a lace cover, preferably made of wear resistant
material, such as kevlar or the like. The cover is preferably made of woven
material.
The above description of preferred embodiments should not be interpreted in
a limiting manner since other variations, modifications and refinements are
possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of
the
invention is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.
13
rB
