GB2346330A - Suspension unit for in-line roller skate - Google Patents

Abstract

An in-line two wheel roller skate is provided with separate pivoting levers 5, 6 supporting front and rear wheels 10, 11; each lever co-operates with a resilient block 1, 2 secured to the underside of the boot and arranged so as to compress and allow comfortable movement over undulating or bumpy ground. The resilient blocks can also enable an upward thrust to be generated by the user to obtain high jumps. Weight transference to the rear can engage brake 12 pad with the wheel 11.

Description

SUSPENSION UNIT FOR IP ;-LINE ROLLER SKATES This invention relates to a suspension unit for in-line roller skates.

The purpose for this invention is for a two wheeled suspension unit that is mounted to the underside of a boot or shoe. This type of suspension unit can absorb an upward or backward impact simultaneously. A suspension unit working in this manner will result in a more comfortable and stable ride for the user.

This type of suspension unit will be capable of moving comfortably over undulating or bumpy surfaces otherwise deemed unridable by a fixed cassis type skate.

The suspension unit will be capable of improved road holding, and with the embodiment of two wheels, greater speeds and manoeuvrability can be achieved.

A suspension unit of this type can be used in such a manner that an upward thrust can be generated by the user, resulting in high jumps with a softer and more controlled landing.

There can also be a simple brake block mounted sselow the boot, directly above the rear wheel.

This can be engaged by a transference of body weight to the rear of the boot.

Skates with a suspension unit of this nature will be far superior in all aspects of their uses than a fixed chassis type skate.

This invention can be best understood through the following description and accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1 Shows a sideview of the suspension unit.

Fig. 2 Shows a sideview of the suspension unit with an outline drawing of the boot.

Indicating relative size and position of suspension unit.

Fig. 3 Shows an exploded view of the suspension unit.

Fig. 4 Shows an exploded view of the rocker arm and pivot pins.

Fig 5. Shows an isometric view of the suspension unit.

With reference to Fig. 2 two rubber/elastomer blocks I & 2, or conventional springs of a similar nature, are securely mounted to the underside of the boot.

Mounted to the lower side of blocks I & 2 are radius arms 5 & 6.

With reference to Figs. 1, 3 & 5 at the lower end of radius arms 5 & 6 are wheels 10 & II, securely mounted in position by steel pins or the like.

The opposite end of radius arms 5 & 6 are connected to the rocker arm 4 via pivot pins 8 & 9.

Rocker arm 4 is connected via pivot pin 7 to a fixed rocker mount 3.

Rocker mount 3 is securely fixed to the underside of the boot in a central position.

When pivot pins 7,8 (are assembled in their correct position, they are locked in the rocker arm 4 by grub screws.

Reference Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the rocker arm 4 and pivot pins 7, 8 & 9.

Rocker arm 4 contains three pivot pin location houles and three corresponding threaded holes.

Each threaded hole centrally positioned, retains ñd utilises a grub screw which locks against corresponding flats on pivot pins 7,8 & 9.

Reference Fig. 2 when the suspension unit is fully assembled and mounted to the underside of the boot ready for use, moving in a forward direction an upward impact is transferred through the wheels and radius arms 5 & 6, and apsorbed by blocks I & 2 working in a compressive manner.

A backward impact is transferred along the wheels and radius arms 5 & 6 causing the rocker arm 4 to pivot backwards.

This backward movement allows the impact to bq absorbed by blocks I & 2 working in a shear lateral movement.

Because both upward and backward movements pf this suspension unit are independent, they can absorb an impact in an upward and backward direction simultaneously.

Once the upward or backward pressure is relieved, the nature of blocks I & 2 allows the suspension unit to return to it's central position smoothly.

Reference Fig. 2 the boot will have a brake pad 12 mounted on the underside of the boot directly over the rear wheel.

When the brake needs to be engaged, the body weight of the user is transferred over the brake pad 12 causing block 2 to compress sufficiently enough for the rear wheel 11 to engage against brake pad 12, causing a braking action.

This type of brake works in such a manner that all the wheels remain on the ground for greater stability and control.

Claims (3)

1. CLAIMS 1. With all shocks and vibrations eliminated, a smooth and more controlled ride can be achieved.
2. 2. When using this suspension unitjhigher jumping capabilities with softer controlled landings can be achieved.
3. 3. A two-wheeled in-line roller skate suspension unit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

   3. When using this suspension unit, higher speeds and good manoeuvrability can be achieved.

   4. When using this suspension unit, less wear is experienced by the wheel bearings, giving them a longer life.

   5. When using this suspension unit, undulating or bumpy surfaces previously deemed unfit for skating, can now be skated on with more control.

   6. When using this suspension unit, a controlled and more stable braking system is achieved by a simple transference of body weight.

   Amendments to the claims have been filez las :

   1. A two-wheeled in-line roller skate suspension unit mounted on the underside of a boot, said unit comprising a rocker mount fixed to the underside of the boot in a central position, a rocker arm pivotally mounted on the fixed rocker mount, radius arms pivotally connected at their one ends to the, rocker arm, wheels at the other ends of the radius arms and spring means secured to the underside of the boot and acting on the radius arms.

   2. A two-wheeled in-line rpller skate suspension unit as claimed in Claim 1, in which the spring means are elastomeric blocks.