Flexible skate frame
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A suspension apparatus for a skate comprising:
- a first and a second flexible frame member, each substantially elliptical in shape;
means to connect the first and the second frame members together in a substantially parallel manner and substantially perpendicular to a bottom plane of a boot;
said frame members functioning to support a plurality of wheels;
wherein said frame members flex during skating thereby allowing a variable alignment of said wheels during skating.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Several embodiments of open and closed loop frames substantially elliptical in shape are disclosed for in-line skates. Some embodiments include independent suspension for each wheel. The frame is flexible to provide shock absorption and rebound. The frame stiffness increases with the applied load. The rocker of the skate is made to vary with the applied load, so that the skate has high maneuverability yet is very stable when gliding. The frame includes a boot mounting system which adds no stress concentrations, thus assuring even flex properties over the entire frame, and high durability. Overload protection is included to further enhance durability.
78 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A suspension apparatus for a skate comprising:
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a first and a second flexible frame member, each substantially elliptical in shape; means to connect the first and the second frame members together in a substantially parallel manner and substantially perpendicular to a bottom plane of a boot; said frame members functioning to support a plurality of wheels; wherein said frame members flex during skating thereby allowing a variable alignment of said wheels during skating. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 26)
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19. A resilient frame member for use in a suspension system for a skate, comprising:
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an upper and a lower leaf spring; forward and rearward extension members interconnecting said upper and lower leaf springs to create a substantially elliptical frame member; and mounting means for a plurality of wheels on said lower leaf spring and said forward and rearward elliptical extension members.
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20. An in-line skate frame comprising:
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a first flexible frame member substantially elliptical in shape; a second flexible frame member substantially elliptical in shape; a mounting means functioning to secure the first and second frame members onto the bottom surface of the boot; a plurality of axle support means functioning to support a plurality of wheels between said first and second elliptical frame members; wherein said frame members flex during skating to vary the alignment of said wheels.
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21. A suspension apparatus for a skate comprising:
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first and second frame members, each substantially elliptical in shape and functioning to support a plurality of wheels therebetween; a mounting block to connect said first and second frame members together in a substantially parallel manner and mounted under a boot substantially perpendicular to a bottom plane of the boot, said mounting block having a groove for each first and second frame member and a downward extension which engages an overload protection post on at least one of said frame members to provide lateral support for the suspension apparatus; and fastener means to secure the suspension apparatus to the boot. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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25. A suspension apparatus for a skate comprising:
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first and second frame members, each substantially elliptical in shape and functioning to support a plurality of wheels therebetween; a mounting block to connect said first and second frame members together in a substantially parallel manner and mounted under a boot substantially perpendicular to a bottom plane of the boot, said mounting block having a groove for each first and second frame member and is variably positionable along the first and the second frame members to provide an adjustable stiffness to the suspension apparatus; and fastener means to secure the suspension apparatus to the boot.
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Specification