WO1999024125A2

WO1999024125A2 - Foot-front actuated roller skates

Info

Publication number: WO1999024125A2
Application number: PCT/US1998/023836
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jun Dam
Original assignee: Jun Dam
Priority date: 1997-11-08
Filing date: 1998-11-08
Publication date: 1999-05-20
Also published as: AU1390499A

Abstract

An improved roller skate mechanism having a single piece frame (8) that is composed of U-shaped bracket ends (8A) interconnected by a rectangular mid-section (8B). The sides of the U-shaped bracket ends (8A) have holes (8C). The roller skate mechanism has a shoe (14) with threaded holes (16) on the sides of its sole. A set of screws (12) are placed through the holes of rotatable ball-bearing wheels (10), through the holes (8C) on the frame (8) and into the threaded holes (10) of the shoe (14) for assembly. The front portion of the shoe (14) extends beyond the front of the frame (8). In addition, the rotatable ball-bearing wheels (10) protrude a small predetermined distance from the bottom of the frame (8) to allow the shoe (14) to be close to the ground. Using two such mechanisms, the user can press and push off against the ground with the front portion of the shoe (14) of one to roll forward on the other.

Description

FOOT-FRONT ACTUATED ROLLER SKATES

Technical Field Of Invention

This invention relates to roller skates, specifically to an improved structure to allow a different method of actuation.

Background-Description of Prior Art

In prior art, roller skates were made with wheels placed under the base of the shoe or boot of the roller skate. Because the wheels are beneath the feet of the roller skater, the skater creates friction against the ground with one skate to roll in a linear motion with the other skate. More specifically, a skater usually aligns one skate at an angle away from the desired motion and aligns the other skate parallel to the desired motion. When a skate is at an angle away from the desired motion, the wheels do not turn and friction is created between the wheels and the ground. With this skate, the skater can push off and can roll forward with the other skate. The basic roller skating motion involves alternating the twisting of each of the skater's knees and feet in order to roll forward. There are several disadvantages to this roller skating motion. Twisting the knees and feet are unnatural and awkward compared to a person's daily walking and running motion. Usually, a skater must become accustomed to this roller skating motion and must train and practice this motion. The basic roller skating motion is not only awkward, but it may be unhealthy as well. The twisting motion of the knees and feet inherent in roller skating may cause unnecessary stress and strains on the knee and ankle joints. Also because the wheels are underneath, skaters find it very difficult to jump over things and go up stairs.

Brief Description of Drawings

Fig 1 shows an exploded view of the foot-front actuated roller skate mechanism. Fig 2 shows an isometric view of the foot-front actuated roller skate mechanism. Fig 3 shows a side view of the foot-front actuated roller skate mechanism. Fig 4 shows a side view of the foot-front actuated roller skate mechanism in operation. Fig 5 shows an isometric view of another embodiment of the foot-front actuated roller skate mechanism with the frame of the shoe internal to the sole of the shoe. Fig 6 shows a side view of another embodiment of the foot-front actuated roller skate mechanism with a plastic brake piece on the underside of the shoe. Fig 7 A shows an exploded view of the frame of another embodiment of the foot-front actuated roller skate mechanism with nuts to secure the ball-bearing wheels to the frame. Fig 7B shows a side view of another embodiment of the foot-front actuated roller skate mechanism with adjustable straps to secure the frame to a shoe.

Reference Numerals In Drawings

8 Frame 14 Shoe

8A U-shaped bracket end 16 Threaded hole

8B Rectangular mid-section 18 Brake piece

8C Hole 20 Nuts

10 Ball-bearing wheel 22 Front adjustable strap

12 Screw 24 Back adjustable strap

Disclosure of Invention

Objects and Advantages

The objects and advantages of the present invention are:

(a) to provide a mechanism that will allow one to skate on wheels without having to twist and turn one's knees and ankles; (b) to provide a mechanism that will allow skating on wheels using a motion that is different from roller skating for both convenience and enjoyment;

(c) to provide a mechanism that will allow one to be able to jump more easily and tip-toe up stairs;

(d) to provide a mechanism that will allow more balance and stability when skating;

(e) to provide a more convenient method for stopping or braking.

Summary

The invention is a mechanism to be worn on each foot of a human being. The invention comprises of a frame for the sole of a shoe. Ball-bearing rotatable wheels are attached to the sides of the shoe frame which allows the user's feet to be very close to the ground when wearing the mechanism. The front wheels are located near the area between the ball and arch of the feet to allow the front portion of the shoe to be free to press down against the ground. The back wheels are located near the heel of the shoes on the side of the foot frame.

Description- Figs 1-7B

An exploded view of the typical embodiment of the foot- front actuated roller skate mechanism is illustrated in Fig 1. The main frame 8 can be made of a tough metal such as carbon steel. The thickness of the frame 8 is typically 1/8 to 3/16 inches. The frame 8 can be made of any material and any thickness strong enough to withstand the weight of the skater. The frame 8 is designed such that the front and back form U-shaped brackets ends 8A with a typical width of 1 to 3 inches that are interconnected by a flat rectangular mid-section 8B. The sides of each U-shaped bracket end 8A also have holes 8C to allow screws to go through. Screws 12 are placed through ball-bearing wheels 10 and holes 8C to attach the ball-bearing wheels 10 to both sides of each U-shaped bracket end 8A. The holes 8C must be high enough so that the ball-bearing wheels 10 placed on them will slightly protrude from the bottom of the frame 8. A shoe 14 is placed on top of the frame 8 to complete the invention. The shoe 14 should be like a sneaker and have a flexible front. This is preferable because the front of the shoe 14 is used to actuate the mechanism and must be pressed against the ground. There are two threaded holes 16 on the bottom of each side of the sole of the shoe 14 to take in the screws 12 that attach the ball-bearing wheels 10 to the frame 8. These threaded holes 16 are located on the shoe 14 such that they are aligned with the holes 8C of the frame 8 when the shoe 14 sits on top of the frame 8. The screws 12 in this mechanism are used to secure the ball-bearing wheels 10 to the frame 8 and to secure the frame 8 to the shoe 14.

A typical embodiment of the foot-front actuated roller skate mechanism is shown in Fig 2. Again, the screws that attach the ball-bearing wheels to the frame are also used to attach the frame to the shoe. The length of the frame is made to allow the front part of the shoe to extend over the edge of the front of the frame. This allows the user to press the front part of the shoe on the ground.

Fig 3 shows the side view of the foot-front actuated roller skate mechanism. The side view shows how the general length of the frame depends on the length of the shoe. The front wheels and front part of the frame are located so that the front part of the shoe extends beyond it. The front wheels are located near the area between where the arch and the ball of the foot of the user would be. The back wheels are placed at the heel area of the shoe. The wheels should protrude less than 1 inch (preferably 0.25-0.50 in) from the base or bottom of the frame as shown in picture.

Fig 4 shows the foot-front actuated roller skate mechanism when in use. (Note: Skater not shown.) The skater uses the front portion of one shoe (shown on the top) to press against the ground to move the other shoe (shown at the bottom) forward.

Additional embodiments are described below:

Another embodiment of the foot-front actuated roller skate mechanism can have the frame of the shoe internal to the sole of the shoe. The rotatable wheels can be attached directly to the shoe as shown in Fig 5. This embodiment of the invention can have two shaft pieces placed or embedded inside the sole of the shoe such that the shafts extend across the width of the shoe. A pair of rotatable wheels can be attached to the ends of each shaft. The shoe that is attached to the frame can have a brake piece 15 shown in Fig 6 at the front part of the underside of the shoe to enable the user to create more friction against the ground. Instead of having a shoe pre-attached to the frame of the mechanism, a human being can attach his or her shoe to the frame using some means of attachments such as a strap combined with a locking mechanism. For example, the screws are placed into the holes of a shoe in the original embodiment. Instead, screws can just attach the wheels to the frame using nuts 20 as shown in Fig 7A. To attach the frame to the shoe, adjustable shoe straps as in prior art 3229989 can be used. The front adjustable strap 22 connected to the front U-shaped bracket end wraps around and secures the front part of the shoe. The back adjustable strap 24 connected to the back U-shaped bracket end wraps around the ankle area of the shoe and secures the back part of the shoe. This embodiment is shown in Fig 7B.

From the description above, the following key features of the foot- front actuated roller skates are evident:

(a) The wheels protrude just a minimal amount from the underside of the shoe. When the invention is placed on the ground, the shoe is close to the ground.

(b) The location of the wheels on the invention allows the front part of the shoe to be free and unconstrained. The user can easily press the front part of his/her shoe on the ground. The advantages that result from these key features become evident:

(a) The front part of the shoes can be used to press against the ground and push the other skate forward. This motion is much more natural than the roller skating motion.

(b) The front part of the shoe can also be used for other ordinary activities such as jumping or walking on tip-toes.

(c) The front part of the shoe can be used as a brake.

Operation

The manner of using the foot-front actuated skates differs from that of an ordinary skate. Friction is mainly derived from the toes or ball of the user's feet. In conventional roller skating, the wheels placed at an angle from the desired motion provides the necessary friction. Using the foot-front actuated roller skates, one can use the ball of the foot and press the front part of one shoe against the ground as shown in Fig 4 and roll forward with the wheels on the skate of the opposing shoe. The heel can be lifted to allow the ball of the feet to press against the ground more easily. The front part of the shoes can make contact with the ground easily because there is minimal clearance between the bottom of the wheels and the bottom of the skates. After pushing off with one foot and rolling forward with the other, the skater can align the two skates to roll forward. If the skater begins to slow down, the skater can push off with either the same foot or with the other foot to roll forward again. This motion is repeated for continual movement. Because the front part of the shoe is free to flex, one can use the front part of the foot to brake. One can also use the ball of one's feet to jump, run on the tip of one's toes, or even tip-toe up stairs. Summary, Ramifications and Scope

As described above, the reader will see that the foot-front actuated skates can be used to roll the skater forward in a motion that is different from roller skating simply by allowing the skater to use the front of the skater's feet to press against the ground. The form of the frame allows the wheels to be mounted on the side so that the wheels protrude just a minimal amount from the underside of the frame base. When the invention is placed on the ground, the shoe mounted on the frame is close to the ground. Also, the length of the frame allows the front part of the shoe to extend over the front edge of the frame. The user can then press the front part of his/her shoe on the ground to roll the other skate forward. Unlike roller skating, this motion of using the front of one's feet is more natural because the skater does not have to twist the knee or .ankles. The design of this invention allows the user to be able to use the motion that is similar to walking or running. Because the wheels are on the side of the shoe, a skater will have more stability and balance because the skater's weight is distributed over a greater area than if wheels were directly underneath. The advantages that result from these key features become evident:

• The foot-front actuated skates allows for a different skating motion that gives the skater a different experience.

• The foot-front actuated skates give the skater a more natural and convenient way of skating.

• The front part of the shoe can also be used for other ordinary activities such as jumping or walking on tip-toes.

• The wheels provide more stability and balance when the wheels are on the side rather than the bottom.

• The front part of the shoe can be used as a brake.

Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the preferred embodiments of this invention. For example, the frame can have a non- symmetric body, be composed of several interconnected pieces, or can be adjustable to various widths and lengths of shoes. The frame can be made of aluminum, plastic or any other type of material instead of steel. The invention may not even have a frame. Two shafts internal to the sole of the shoe may be adequate to position the wheels in such a way to allow one to use the front part of the feet to roll forward.

Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

Claims:I claim:

1. A foot worn mechanism comprising:

(a) a shoe,

(b) rotatable wheels placed on said shoe such that said wheels protrude a predetermined distance from the bottom of said shoe,

(c) said rotatable wheels placed at locations on said shoe to allow front portion of said shoe to be free to flex whereby a human being can use the front of his or her foot to press said shoe against the ground with minimal difficulty, and

(d) means for mounting said rotatable wheels on said shoe.

2. The foot worn mechanism of claim 1 comprising a frame of sufficient size to accommodate a shoe.

3. The foot worn mechanism of claim 2 wherein frame is composed of steel.

4. The foot worn mechanism of claim 2 wherein said frame is a single part composed of two U-shaped bracket ends, with holes on the sides, that are interconnected with a rectangular mid-section.

5. The foot worn mechanism of claim 4 wherein a set of screws are used to attach said rotatable wheels to said frame using holes of said U-shaped bracket ends.

6. The foot worn mechanism of claim 5 wherein the bottom sides of sole of said shoe have threaded holes and said means for attaching said rotatable wheels to said shoe are said screws whereby screws are used to attach the rotatable wheels to the frame as well as the rotatable wheels to the shoe.

7. The foot worn mechanism of claim 1 wherein said rotatable wheels have ball bearings.

8. The foot worn mechanism of claim 1 wherein said shoe is a sneaker.

9. The foot worn mechanism of claim 1 wherein said rotatable wheels are connected to the sides of the sole of the shoe.

10. The foot worn mechanism of claim 1 wherein said shoe has a piece composed of a material such as plastic on the front part of shoe's underside whereby the user can prevent wear on the shoe and use said piece as a brake.

11. The foot worn mechanism of claim 1 wherein said rotatable wheels protrude less than 1 inch from the underside of the base of said frame.

12. The foot worn mechanism of claim 1 wherein said frame is made such that two wheels are located near the area of the shoe between where the ball and arch of the user's feet would be and two wheels are located in the area near the heel of the shoe.

13. A shoe attachment comprising:

(a) a frame of sufficient size to accommodate a shoe,

(b) means for attaching said frame to a shoe,

(c) rotatable wheels mounted on said frame such that said wheels protrude a predetermined distance from the base of said frame, and

(d) said frame of length to allow front portion of a shoe placed on it to be unconstrained whereby a human being can use his or her feet to press front part of the shoe against the ground with little difficulty.

14. The foot worn mechanism of claim 13 wherein said frame is composed of steel.

15. The foot worn mechanism of claim 13 wherein said frame is a single part composed of two U-shaped bracket ends, with holes on the sides, that are interconnected with a rectangular mid-section.

16. The foot worn mechanism of claim 15 wherein said means for mounting said rotatable wheels comprises a set of screws to be placed through said wheels and through said holes of U-shaped bracket ends and secured by a set of nuts.

17. The foot worn mechanism of claim 13 wherein said rotatable wheels protrude less than 1 inch from the underside of the base of said frame.

18. The foot worn mechanism of claim 13 wherein said rotatable wheels have ball bearings.

19. The foot worn mechanism of claim 13 wherein said means for attaching said frame to a shoe are adjustable straps on the front part of said foot worn mechanism to secure the front part of the shoe and adjustable straps around the ankle of said foot worn mechanism to secure the back part of the shoe.

20. A foot worn mechanism comprising:

(a) a shoe,

(b) rotatable wheels positioned such that the front of the shoe extends beyond wheels whereby a human can use the front of his or her feet to press shoe against the ground with minimal difficulty, and

(c) said rotatable wheels placed on said shoe such that said wheels protrude a predetermined distance from the bottom of said shoe.