Spinner rim for skate wheels

Abstract

A spinner skate wheel comprises a wheel, an insert positioned within the wheel, a spinner hub coupled to the insert, and a spinner operatively coupled to the spinner hub. The spinner rotates independently of wheel even when the wheel is not moving.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a non-provisional patent application that claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/629,547, filed Nov. 22, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/689,736, filed Jun. 10, 2005, wherein the entire contents of both Provisional applications are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The roller skate and skateboard technology has evolved over the years. In particular, the wheels of roller skates and skateboards have taken tremendously leaps. Early wheels were made of metal or clay. These types of wheels were relatively dangerous because they would stop rolling when the wheels would contact imperfections in the skating surface or impediments such as pebbles or rocks. Furthermore, these wheels were difficult to control because they made from hard and unyielding materials. In 1972, Frank Maceworthy developed skate wheels made from urethane. Urethane wheels revolutionized the skate industry because they were smoother rolling wheels and easier to control as compared to previous skate wheels. Today, most skate wheels are still made from urethane or similar materials.

While urethane wheels are useful and have contributed to the widespread growth of skate wheel-based sports such as skateboard, roller-skating and in-line skates, urethane skate wheels have limited customizability. Generally, these wheels are customized by coloring the urethane and/or applying different graphics to surfaces of the wheels. Accordingly, there remains a need for urethane skate wheels that are customizable beyond colors or graphics.

SUMMARY

Briefly, and in general terms, various embodiments are directed to spinner rims for skate wheels. The spinner rim is an ornamental piece that may be mounted to a skate wheel. A spinner rim mounted to a skate wheel can continue to spin when the wheel is no longer in motion.

In one embodiment, a spinner skate wheel comprises a urethane wheel, a non-urethane insert, a spinner hub, and a spinner. The urethane wheel comprises a through-bore spanning the width of the urethane wheel, a first bore positioned on the first side of the wheel, and a wheel hub positioned in the through-bore. The through-bore and first bore of the wheel are coaxial with one another. The non-urethane insert is positioned within the first bore of the wheel, and the insert comprises a disk having an opening coaxial with the through-bore. The spinner hub is coaxially coupled to the non-urethane insert, and the spinner is operatively coupled to the spinner hub, wherein the spinner rotates independently of the urethane wheel. In another embodiment, the spinner skate wheel further includes a spinner bearing positioned on top of the spinner hub, and a fastening means to operatively couple the spinner to the spinner hub.

In another embodiment, a spinner skate wheel comprises a urethane wheel, a non-urethane insert, a spinner hub reversibly coupled to the insert, a spinner bearing positioned on top of the spinner hub, a spinner positioned on the spinner bearing, and means for fastening the spinner to the spinner hub. The urethane wheel comprises a through-bore spanning the width of the urethane wheel, a first side having a first bore, a first recess positioned within the first bore, and a wheel hub positioned in the through-bore. The through-bore, first bore, and first recess of the wheel are coaxial with one another. The non-urethane insert comprises a disk having an opening coaxial with the through-bore where the insert is a lining for the first bore and the first recess of the urethane wheel.

Other features of the embodiments disclosed in this specification will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate by way of example, the features of a spinner rim for skate wheels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a spinner rim for a skate wheel;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the spinner hub of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a spinner hub;

FIG. 5a is a plan view of another embodiment of a spinner hub;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a spinner hub;

FIG. 7 is an exploded side view of one embodiment of a spinner assembly;

FIG. 8 is an exploded side view of another embodiment of a spinner assembly;

FIG. 9 is an exploded side view of one embodiment of a skate wheel having a fixed hubcap;

FIG. 10 is an exploded side view of another embodiment of a spinner rim for a skate wheel;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a spinner rim for a skate wheel; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a spinner rim for a skate wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to spinner rims for skate wheels. The spinner rim is an ornamental feature that can continue to spin when the skate wheel is no longer in motion. The spinner wheel also does not diminish the integrity or strength of the skate wheel. In various embodiments, the spinner wheel is detachably coupled to the skate wheel. Accordingly, the spinner wheel may be easily replaced or changed for different spinner wheel designs. Furthermore, easy removal of the spinner wheel allows an individual to perform routine maintenance on the skate wheels.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like or corresponding parts throughout the drawings and, more particularly to FIGS. 1-10, there are shown various embodiments of a spinner skate wheel. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a spinner skate wheel 100 coupled to the axles (a.k.a., trucks) of a skateboard. Alternatively, the spinner skate wheel 100 may be used with roller skates or other skate-wheel based devices.

Generally, the spinner skate wheel 100 comprises a spinner 102 positioned within a recess 106 of the wheel 100 and mounted to a wheel insert 104. In one embodiment, the spinner 102 is a generally planar element having four spokes as shown in FIG. 1. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the spinner 102 may have any number of spokes. In another embodiment, the spinner 102 may be a generally planar disc with one or more designs provided thereon. The designs on the spinner 102 may be printed, painted, etched, cut, or otherwise applied to the surface of the spinner. In other embodiments, the spinner 102 may have a variety of sizes, shapes, one or more openings, elevations (e.g., non-planar, concave, convex), and may have ornamentation (e.g., faux gems, billets, studs, or the like) applied to the surface of the spinner 102.

FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the spinner skate wheel 100 mounted to a fixed axle 216 (i.e., the axle 216 is a non-rotating axle). Accordingly, the spinner skate wheel 100 spins about the axle 216 rather than a spinning axle (like those in an automobile) causing the wheel to spin. Because the spinner 102 is operatively coupled to the wheel 200, the spinner will spin when the wheel is in motion and can continue to spin even when the wheel is not in motion. That is, the inertia of a spinning wheel 200 is transmitted to the spinner 102, thereby causing the spinner to rotate even when the wheel 200 is not moving.

As shown in FIG. 2, the wheel 200 is a generally cylindrical member having a through-bore spanning the width of the wheel. In one embodiment, the wheel 200 is made of urethane. In other embodiments, the wheel 200 may be made of polyurethane or the like. In one embodiment, a wheel hub 214 is provided within the through-bore. The wheel hub 214 includes a bore that is coaxial with the through-bore. The wheel hub 214 includes recesses on either side of the wheel hub that are sized to receive wheel bearings 210. As shown in FIG. 2, wheel bearings 210 are provided on either side of the wheel hub 214. The wheel 200 is secured to the axle 216 by a nut 212. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, any fastening means known or developed in the art may be used to secure the wheel 200 to the axle 216.

As shown in FIG. 2, the spinner wheel 100 includes an insert 104. In various embodiments, the insert 104 may be made from plastics or metals such as, but not limited to, aluminium, steel, or stainless steel. The insert 104 functions as a lining for a bored out portion of the wheel 200. The insert 104 provides rigidity to the wheel 200 and maintains wheel shape. Because the wheel 200 is not uniformly thick, the wheel area surrounding to the bored out portion of the wheel has a tendency to deform in response to pressure or heat as compared to other portions of the wheel. Accordingly, the insert 104 provides additional support for the wheel 200. Furthermore, the insert 104 provides a rigid surface to mount the spinner hub 202. In contrast, if the spinner hub 202 is bolted or screwed directly to the urethane wheel 200, the screws or bolts may eventually detach from the urethane wheel due to wheel movement, vibrations, or the variable physical properties of urethane.

In one embodiment, the insert (not shown) and the wheel hub 214 are a single unitary structure. That is, the wheel hub 214 and the insert may be molded a single piece, and then urethane is molded or cast around the structure to form a skate wheel. In another embodiment, the insert 104 is a separate component that is coupled to the wheel 200. According to one embodiment, the insert 104 may be friction-fitted into the bore of the wheel 200. In yet another embodiment, the insert 104 may be friction-fitted and secured within the bore with adhesives.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the insert 104 is a disk having a sidewall positioned about the circumference of the insert. As shown in FIG. 2, the sidewall is substantially perpendicular to the base of the insert 104. In another embodiment, the sidewall is angled with respect to the base of the insert 104. FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment where the insert 1000 does not include a sidewalls. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the insert 104 may have variable diameters depending upon the size of the wheel 200. Additionally, the height of the sidewalls may be varied depending upon the width of the wheel 200.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the insert 104 also includes an opening to allow access to the nut 212 and wheel bearing 210. Generally, the opening is centered on the base of the insert 104. In one embodiment, the inner portion of the opening of the insert 104 is generally smooth as shown in FIG. 2. In another embodiment, the inner portion of the insert opening may include threads 506 as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment where an insert 1100 comprises a disk having a sidewall and a well 1102 positioned in the base of the disk. The well 1102 comprises a sidewall extending from the base of the disk and a base member coupled to the sidewall of the well. The well 1102 is sized to fit within the recess of the wheel hub 214. The insert well 1102 also includes an opening that is coaxial with the wheel hub opening 214. In this embodiment, the insert 1100 is placed within the recess of the wheel 200 and the recess of the wheel hub 214, and the wheel bearing 210 is placed over the insert well 1102. A nut 212 is then used to secure the wheel 200 to the axle 216 as well as secure the insert 1100 within the bore of the wheel.

FIG. 12 illustrates yet another embodiment of an insert 1200 having a well 1202 that fits within the recess of the wheel hub 214. The well 1202 also includes an opening that is coaxial with the wheel hub opening 214. In this embodiment, the well 1202 has a depth so that the base of the insert well 1202 is positioned between the wheel bearing 210 and the nut 212. Accordingly, when assembling the spinner skate wheel 100, the wheel bearing 210 is placed within the wheel hub 214, the insert is placed within the bore of the wheel 200, and the nut 212 secures both the wheel to the axle 216 and the insert 1200 within the bore of the wheel. In other embodiments of the insert 1100 and 1200, the inner portion of the well 1102 and 1202 may be threaded to engage a spinner hub. In use, the insert embodiments of FIGS. 11-12 allow an individual to easily install and remove the insert 1100, 1200 from the bore of the wheel 200.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the outer surface of the insert 104 is generally smooth. FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the insert 104 having a plurality of ridges 400 on the outer portion of the insert. In another embodiment, the outer surface is scuffed or roughened to provide additional surface area. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the ridges 400 or a scuffed outer surface of the insert 104 provide additional surface area for securing the wheel 200 to the insert during the manufacturing process.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the spinner skate wheel 100 includes a spinner hub 202 coupled to the insert 104. Generally, the spinner hub 202 operatively couples to the spinner 102 to the insert 104. In one embodiment, the spinner hub 202 includes a main body 304 and flanges 300 extending from the body 304 as shown in FIGS. 2-3. The main body 304 of the spinner hub 202 is generally cylindrical shape as shown in FIG. 3. In an alternate embodiment, the main body of the spinner hub may be generally conical shape (not shown). In yet another embodiment, the main body of the spinner hub may have one or more flat walls. FIG. 5a illustrates another embodiment where the main body of the spinner hub 500′ has a plurality of walls that outline the shape of a hexagon. Accordingly, the spinner hub 500′ may be removed from the spinner skate wheel 100 with a standard skate tool or a wrench. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the main body 304 of the spinner hub 202 may have any shape known or developed in the art.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the top of the main body 304 of the spinner hub 202 includes a ridge 306 to receive the spinner bearing 204. In an alternate embodiment, the spinner hub 202 does not include a ridge 306 and is a generally flat surface (not shown). Additionally, the spinner hub 202 includes a centered bore at the top of the spinner hub. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the bore 704 is threaded and is sized to receive a fastening means 206 that secures the spinner 102 to the spinner hub 500. In another embodiment, the bore 810 of the spinner hub 808 is not provided with threads as shown in FIG. 8.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the spinner hub 202 includes flanges 300 extending from the main body 304. The flanges 300 have openings 302 sized to receive a fastening means 208. The fastening means 208 may be bolt, screw, rivet, or any other fastener known or developed in the art. Accordingly, the spinner hub 202 is secured to the insert 104 via the fastening means 208. In another embodiment, the flanges 300 may have one or more openings (not shown). While FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a spinner hub 202 having three flanges 300, alternate embodiments of the spinner hub 202 may include one or more flanges 300 having one or more openings (not shown).

In another embodiment, the spinner hub 202 does not include flanges 300. Rather, the spinner hub 202 has threads 504, 602 provided at the base of the spinner hub, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively. Accordingly, the spinner hub 500 and 600 may be screwed into the insert 104. As shown in FIG. 5, the spinner hub 500 includes male threads 504 that mate with the female threads 506 on the insert 104. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the spinner hub 600 has a recess having female threads 602 at the base of the spinner hub that mate with the male threads 604 provided on the insert 104.

Referring back to FIG. 2, a spinner bearing 204 is positioned between the spinner hub 202 and the spinner 102. The spinner bearing 204 allows the spinner 102 to spin independently of the wheel 200. Generally, the spinner hub 202, spinner 102, or a combination thereof includes a ridge 306 or recess 702 to secure the spinner bearing 204 between the spinner hub and spinner. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-4, the spinner bearing 204 rests on a ridge 306 on the spinner hub 202. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 7-8, the spinner 102 and 802 include a recess 702 and 804 to engage the spinner bearing 204.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the spinner 102 is secured to the spinner hub 202 by a fastening means 206. The fastening means 206 may be a screw, bolt, rivet, or other fastener known or developed in the art. In one embodiment, the spinner 102 is face bolted to the spinner hub 202 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 7. In these embodiments, the spinner 102 includes a through-hole 706 having a smooth bore, and the bore 704 in the spinner hub 500 is threaded. Accordingly, the fastening member 206 can pass through the through-hole 706 and engage the threaded bore 704 of the spinner hub 500. As shown in FIG. 8, the spinner 802 is back bolted to the spinner hub 808. The spinner hub 808 includes a smooth bore 810 and the spinner 802 includes a threaded recess 806. In this embodiment, the spinner 802 has a flush top surface, which may be aesthetically pleasing to an individual.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a skate wheel includes a fixed cap 900. In one embodiment, the fixed cap 900 is a planar disk. In other embodiments, the fixed cap 900 may be a concave or convex disk. In another embodiment, the fixed cap 900 may include one or more designs provided thereon. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the designs on the fixed cap 900 may be printed, painted, etched, cut, or otherwise applied to the surface of the cap. In other embodiments, the fixed cap 900 may have a variety of sizes, shapes, one or more openings, and may have ornamentation (e.g., faux gems, billets, studs, or the like) applied to the outer surface of the fixed cap.

As shown in FIG. 9, the fixed cap 900 is directly secured to the spinner hub 500. Accordingly, the fixed cap 900 will not spin independent of the wheel 200. In another embodiment, the spinner hub 500 may be substituted with other spinner hubs 202, 500′, and 600, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, respectively. In yet another embodiment, the fixed cap 900 may be attached to the axle 216 by a hub (not shown) that is sized to engage the end of the axle.

The various embodiments described above are provided by way of illustration only and should not be construed to limit the claimed invention. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize various modifications and changes that may be made to the claimed invention without following the example embodiments and applications illustrated and described herein, and without departing from the true spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A skate wheel, comprising:

a urethane wheel comprising a through-bore spanning the width of the urethane wheel, a first side, an opposite second side, a first bore positioned on the first side, and a wheel hub positioned in the through-bore, wherein the through-bore and first bore are coaxial;

a non-urethane insert comprising a disk having an opening coaxial with the through-bore, wherein the insert positioned within the first bore of the wheel;

a spinner hub coaxially coupled to the non-urethane insert; and

a spinner operatively coupled to the spinner hub, wherein the spinner rotates independently of the urethane wheel.

2. The skate wheel of claim 1, further comprising a spinner bearing positioned between the top of the spinner hub and the base of the spinner, and a means for fastening the spinner to the spinner hub.

3. The skate wheel of claim 1, wherein the insert further comprises a sidewall positioned about the circumference of the disk.

4. The skate wheel of claim 1, wherein the spinner hub further comprises one or more flanges to secure the spinner hub to the insert.

5. The skate wheel of claim 1, wherein the spinner hub further comprises threads provided on the base of the spinner hub to secure the spinner hub to corresponding threads on the opening the insert.

6. The skate wheel of claim 5, wherein the threads are positioned on the outer diameter of the spinner hub.

7. The skate wheel of claim 5, wherein the threads are positioned on the inner diameter of the spinner hub.

8. The skate wheel of claim 5, wherein the outer diameter of the spinner hub comprises at one or more opposing walls.

9. A skate wheel, comprising:

a wheel comprising a through-bore spanning the width of the wheel, a first side, an opposite second side, a first bore positioned on the first side, and a wheel hub positioned in the through-bore, wherein the through-bore and the first bore are coaxial;

a spinner insert positioned with the first bore, wherein the spinner insert comprises a disk and a side wall positioned about the circumference of the disk;

a spinner hub attached to the spinner insert;

a spinner bearing positioned on top of the spinner hub;

a spinner positioned on the spinner bearing, wherein the spinner rotates independent of the wheel; and

a means for fastening the spinner to the spinner hub.

10. The skate wheel of claim 9, wherein the spinner insert further comprises one or more ridges provided on the outer surface of the side wall.

11. The skate wheel of claim 9, wherein the spinner insert and the wheel comprise a single unitary structure.

12. The skate wheel of claim 9, wherein the spinner hub further comprises a means for coupling and decoupling the spinner hub to and from the spinner insert.

13. The skate wheel of claim 12, wherein the coupling and decoupling means comprises one or more brackets to secure the spinner hub to the spinner insert.

14. The skate wheel of claim 12, wherein the coupling and decoupling means comprises threads provided on the base of the spinner hub.

15. The skate wheel of claim 9, wherein the spinner hub and the spinner insert comprise a single unitary structure.

16. A skate wheel, comprising:

a urethane wheel comprising a through-bore spanning the width of the urethane wheel, a first side having a first bore, a first recess positioned within the first bore, and a wheel hub positioned in the through-bore, wherein the through-bore, first bore, and first recess are coaxial;

a non-urethane insert comprising a disk having an opening coaxial with the through-bore, wherein the insert is a lining for the first bore and the first recess of the urethane wheel;

a spinner hub reversibly coupled to the non-urethane insert;

a spinner bearing positioned on top of the spinner hub;

a spinner positioned on the spinner bearing, wherein the spinner rotates independent of the wheel; and

a means for fastening the spinner to the spinner hub.

17. The skate wheel of claim 16, wherein the spinner hub further comprises a means for coupling and decoupling the spinner hub to and from the spinner insert.

18. The skate wheel of claim 17, wherein the coupling and decoupling means comprises one or more brackets to secure the spinner hub to the spinner insert.

19. The skate wheel of claim 17, wherein the coupling and decoupling means comprises threads provided on the base of the spinner hub.

20. The skate wheel of claim 16, wherein the outer diameter of the spinner hub comprises at least two opposing walls.