Abstract: A quick-release type axle system for in-line skates. A pair of axle shafts cooperate with each other to support a wheel between a pair of frames. A release pin is inserted into a central bore formed through the axle shafts to lock the axle shafts relative to each other. In one embodiment, the release pin is pulled outwardly to release the axle shafts from the locked configuration, whereas in another embodiment, the release pin is pushed inwardly to achieve unlocking of the axle shafts. In some embodiments, a pair of release pins are used to achieve the quick-release mechanism of the present invention.

Abstract: A quick-release type axle system for in-line skates is disclosed. A pair of axle shafts cooperate with each other to support a wheel between a pair of frames. A release pin is inserted into a central bore formed through the axle shafts to lock the axle shafts relative to each other. In one embodiment, the release pin is pulled outwardly to release the axle shafts from the locked configuration, whereas in another embodiment, the release pin is pushed inwardly to achieve unlocking of the axle shafts. In some embodiments, a pair of release pins are used to achieve the quick-release mechanism of the present invention.

Abstract: A device for protecting the bearings of the in-line roller skates provided in the form of an axle aperture plug. Each axle aperture plug comprises a spacer portion, a transverse axle bore and a protective flange. The spacer portion has an inner bearing surface for engaging the inner race and spacing the outer race from the frame of the in-line skate. The transverse axle bore through the spacer portion permits passage of an axle along the central axis of rotation of the wheel. The transverse axle bore has a cross-sectional diameter allowing the entire length of the axle to be slidably insertable through the transverse axle bore. The protective flange is disposed about the spacer portion and has a surface which extends symmetrically away from the transverse axle bore and terminates in an outer bearing surface adapted for proximate positioning with respect to the outer race of the wheel bearing when the aperture plug is installed in the in-line roller skate.