In-line Skates, Skate Wheels and Wheel Hubs
A skate wheel for an in-line skate includes a skate wheel hub having an inner hub, an outer rim, and, extending therebetween, a plurality of blade-form spokes. A skate tire is mounted upon an outer surface of the outer rim of the skate wheel hub. Opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel. Each blade-form spoke includes a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face, a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel, and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces. Also described are in-line skates with skate wheels of the disclosure, and skate wheel hubs for such skates.
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The disclosure relates to in-line skates, and to skate wheels and skate wheel hubs for in-line skates.
BACKGROUNDIn-line skates typically have a boot, shoe or other footwear device for attaching the skate upon the foot of a wearer, with an elongated wheel frame attached to the sole. The wheel frame often has a u-shape, with a pair of generally down-pending sidewalls defining a channel for receiving multiple skate wheels, e.g. 3 wheels to 5 wheels or more are typical. The skate wheels are mounted in a line on wheel axles extending between the sidewalls of the frame. In other skate models, the skate wheel may be mounted in cantilevered fashion from a single sidewall. In both designs, the combination of relatively large diameter skate wheels typical of an in-line skate, e.g. 72 mm to 10 mm (about 2.8 inches to about 4.3 inches), and the elongated, down-pending sidewalls (or sidewall), present a significant surface area of resistance to wind blowing from directions transverse to the direction of skater travel. These wind forces are closely focused on the region of skate wheel engagement with a travel surface, and can adversely affect skater stability, performance and efficiency.
SUMMARYIn one aspect, a skate wheel for an in-line skate includes a skate wheel hub having an inner hub, an outer rim, and, extending therebetween, a plurality of blade-form spokes. A skate tire is mounted upon an outer surface of the outer rim of the skate wheel hub. Opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel. Each blade-form spoke includes a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face, a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel, and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces.
In another aspect, a skate wheel for an in-line skate includes a skate wheel hub having an inner hub, an outer rim, and a set of first blade-form spokes and a set of second blade-form spokes extending between the inner hub and the outer rim. Each blade-form spoke includes radially-aligned first and second spoke-edge surfaces and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces. Opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel. A skate tire is mounted upon an outer surface of the outer rim of the skate wheel hub. First spoke-edge surfaces of the first blade-form spokes are exposed at a first face of the skate wheel and second spoke-edge surfaces of the first blade-form spokes are exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel. The first spoke-edge surfaces of the second blade-form spokes are exposed at a second face of the skate wheel and the second spoke-edge surfaces of the second blade-form spokes are exposed substantially in a region of the center plane defined by the skate wheel and opposed to the second spoke-edge surfaces of the first blade-form spokes. The second blade-form spokes are offset from the first blade-form spokes in the direction of travel of the in-line skate by a predetermined arc of rotation about a skate wheel axis.
Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following additional features. The skate wheel hub has between two and twelve pairs of first and second blade-form spokes. In one implementation, the skate wheel hub has nine pairs of first and second blade-form spokes. The predetermined arc of rotation between the first and second blade-form spokes is between about 0° and about 90°. In one implementation, the predetermined arc of rotation between the first and second blade-form spokes is about 15°.
In yet another aspect, a skate wheel hub for an in-line skate includes an inner hub, an outer rim having an outer surface constructed and arranged for mounting of a skate tire thereupon, and a plurality of blade-form spokes extending between the inner hub and the outer rim. Opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel hub. Each blade-form spoke includes a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face, a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel hub, and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces.
In another aspect, an in-line skate includes a skate boot or shoe, a skate wheel frame mounted to a sole surface of the skate boot or shoe, and a plurality of skate wheels mounted to the skate wheel frame. Each skate wheel includes a skate wheel hub having an inner hub, an outer rim, and, extending therebetween, a plurality of blade-form spokes. A skate tire is mounted upon an outer surface of the outer rim of the skate wheel hub. Opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel. Each blade-form spoke includes a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face, a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel, and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces.
In another aspect, a skate wheel hub for an in-line skate includes an inner hub, an outer rim having an outer surface constructed and arranged for mounting of a skate tire thereupon, and a plurality of blade-form spokes extending between the inner hub and the outer rim. Opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel hub. Each blade-form spoke includes a first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face and disposed at an angle to an axis of skate wheel hub rotation, a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel hub, and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces.
Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following additional features. The first and second spoke-edge surfaces are relatively offset in a direction of travel of the in-line skate by a predetermined arc of rotation about a skate wheel axis. The predetermined arc of rotation between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces is between about 0° and about 90°. In one implementation, the predetermined arc of rotation between the first and second blade-form spokes is about 15°. The first spoke-edge surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes are exposed at opposite skate wheel faces. The skate wheel hub has between two and 24 blade-form spokes. In one implementation, the skate wheel hub has 18 blade-form spokes. In some examples, the blade-form spokes are uniformly spaced about the inner hub. The first and second spoke edge surfaces may be smoothly radiused. Each blade-form spoke has a thickness of about 2.75 mm.
Each blade-form spoke intersects the opposed surface of the inner hub at an angle of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane of a face of the skate wheel hub generally perpendicular to a wheel axis. In one implementation, each blade-form spoke intersects the opposed surface of the inner hub at an angle of about 75°, measured from the plane of the face of the skate wheel hub generally perpendicular to the skate wheel axis. Each blade-form spoke intersects the opposed surface of the outer rim at an angle of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane of a face of the skate wheel hub generally perpendicular to a skate wheel axis. In one implementation, each blade-form spoke intersects the opposed surface of the outer rim at an angle of about 65°, measured from the plane of the face of the skate wheel hub generally perpendicular to the skate wheel axis.
The first spoke-edge surface is recessed from a plane of an associated first end of the inner hub. The first spoke-edge surface is also recessed from a plane of an associated first end of the outer rim. In some examples, the inner surface of the outer rim has a substantially constant diameter. The outer surface of the outer rim is substantially convex in shape. In some instances, the outer surface of the outer rim defines an upstanding, generally circumferential ridge. In some examples, the first spoke-edge surface extends from a skate wheel face to the region of the center plane defined by the skate wheel hub.
Objects of the disclosure include providing in-line skates, skate wheels and skate wheel hubs defining air passageways through the hubs of the skate wheels, effective to diminish adverse effects of wind forces impinging against the surface area of skate wheels and wheel frame sidewalls transverse to the direction of skater travel.
The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings, and in the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.
Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.
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A number of implementations of the disclosure have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.
Claims
1. A skate wheel for an in-line skate, comprising:
- a skate wheel hub comprising: an inner hub; an outer rim; and a plurality of blade-form spokes extending between the inner hub and the outer nm, wherein opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel; and
- a skate tire mounted upon an outer surface of the outer rim of the skate wheel hub;
- wherein each blade-form spoke comprises: a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face; a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel; and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces.
2. The skate wheel of claim 1 wherein the first and second spoke-edge surfaces are relatively offset in a direction of travel of the in-line skate by a predetermined arc of rotation about a skate wheel axis.
3-4. (canceled)
5. The skate wheel of claim 1 wherein the first spoke-edge surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes are exposed at opposite skate wheel faces.
6-10. (canceled)
11. The skate wheel of claim 1 wherein each blade-form spoke intersects the opposed surface of the inner hub at an angle of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane of a face of the skate wheel hub generally perpendicular to a wheel axis.
12. (canceled)
13. The skate wheel of claim 1 wherein each blade-form spoke intersects the opposed surface of the outer rim at an angle of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane of a face of the skate wheel hub generally perpendicular to a skate wheel axis.
14. (canceled)
15. A skate wheel for an in-line skate, comprising:
- a skate wheel hub comprising: an inner hub; an outer rim; and a set of first blade-form spokes and a set of second blade-form spokes, each extending between the inner hub and the outer rim, each blade-form spoke comprises radially-aligned first and second spoke-edge surfaces and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces, wherein opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel; and
- a skate tire mounted upon an outer surface of the outer rim of the skate wheel hub;
- wherein first spoke-edge surfaces of the first blade-form spokes are exposed at a first face of the skate wheel and second spoke-edge surfaces of the first blade-form spokes are exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel; and
- wherein the first spoke-edge surfaces of the second blade-form spokes are exposed at a second face of the skate wheel and the second spoke-edge surfaces of the second blade-form spokes are exposed in a region of the center plane defined by the skate wheel.
16. The skate wheel of claim 15 wherein the first and second spoke-edge surfaces are relatively offset in a direction of travel of the in-line skate by a predetermined arc of rotation about a skate wheel axis.
17-23. (canceled)
24. The skate wheel of claim 15 wherein the second blade-form spokes are offset from the first blade-form spokes in the direction of travel of the in-line skate by a predetermined arc of rotation about a skate wheel axis.
25-26. (canceled)
27. The skate wheel of claim 15, wherein the first spoke-edge surfaces of the second blade-form spokes are opposed to the second spoke-edge surfaces of the first blade-form spokes.
28-34. (canceled)
35. A skate wheel hub for an in-line skate, comprising
- an inner hub;
- an outer rim having an outer surface constructed and arranged for mounting of a skate tire thereupon; and
- a plurality of blade-form spokes extending between the inner hub and the outer rim, wherein opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel hub; and
- wherein each blade-form spoke comprises: a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face; a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel hub; and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces.
36. The skate wheel hub of claim 35 wherein the first and second spoke-edge surfaces are relatively offset in a direction of travel of the in-line skate by a predetermined arc of rotation about a skate wheel axis.
37-38. (canceled)
39. The skate wheel hub of claim 35 wherein the first spoke-edge surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes are exposed at opposite skate wheel hub faces.
40-44. (canceled)
45. The skate wheel hub of claim 35 wherein each blade-form spoke intersects the opposed surface of the inner hub at an angle of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane of a face of the skate wheel hub generally perpendicular to a wheel hub axis.
46. (canceled)
47. The skate wheel hub of claim 35 wherein each blade-form spoke intersects the opposed surface of the outer rim at an angle of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane of a face of the skate wheel hub generally perpendicular to a wheel axis.
48. (canceled)
49. The skate wheel hub of claim 35 wherein the inner surface of the outer rim has a substantially constant diameter.
50. The skate wheel hub of claim 35 wherein the outer surface of the outer rim is substantially convex in shape.
51. The skate wheel hub of claim 50 wherein the outer surface of the outer rim defines an upstanding, generally circumferential ridge.
52. The skate wheel hub of claim 51, wherein the outer surface of the outer rim defines a generally circumferential flat ring in a region adjacent to the generally circumferential ridge.
53. The skate wheel hub of claim 35 wherein the first spoke-edge surface is recessed from a plane of an associated first end of the inner hub.
54. The skate wheel hub of claim 35 wherein the first spoke-edge surface is recessed from a plane of an associated first end of the outer rim.
55. An in-line skate comprising:
- a skate boot or shoe;
- a skate wheel frame mounted to a sole surface of the skate boot or shoe; and
- a plurality of skate wheels mounted to the skate wheel frame, each skate wheel comprising: a skate wheel hub comprising: an inner hub; an outer rim; and a plurality of blade-form spokes extending between the inner hub and the outer rim, wherein opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel; and a skate tire mounted upon an outer surface of the outer rim of the skate wheel hub; wherein each blade-form spoke comprises: a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face; a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel; and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces.
56. The in-line skate of claim 55 wherein the first and second spoke-edge surfaces are relatively offset in a direction of travel of the in-line skate by a predetermined arc of rotation about a skate wheel axis.
57-58. (canceled)
59. The in-line skate of claim 55 wherein the first spoke-edge surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes are exposed at opposite skate wheel faces.
60-68. (canceled)
69. A skate wheel hub for an in-line skate, comprising
- an inner hub;
- an outer rim having an outer surface constructed and arranged for mounting of a skate tire thereupon; and
- a plurality of blade-form spokes extending between the inner hub and the outer rim, wherein opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel hub; and
- wherein each blade-form spoke comprises: a first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face and disposed at an angle to an axis of skate wheel hub rotation; a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel hub; and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces.
70. The skate wheel hub of claim 69 wherein the first spoke-edge surface extends from a skate wheel face to the region of the center plane defined by the skate wheel hub.
Type: Application
Filed: Apr 9, 2007
Publication Date: Oct 9, 2008
Applicant: MEARTHANE PRODUCTS CORPORATION (Cranston, RI)
Inventors: John A. Roderick (Scituate, RI), David R. Willis (Wakefield, RI)
Application Number: 11/697,971
International Classification: A63C 17/22 (20060101);