Abstract: A hub and spoke assembly includes a hub body having a first end and a second end. Projections are on each end. The projections are spaced apart from each adjacent projection about a rotational axis of the hub. Each projection comprises a base portion joined to the hub body and a support extending from the base portion to a free end. A plurality of spokes is provided. Each spoke comprises an elongated braided fiber having a loop at a first end and a second end configured for attachment to a rim. At least one spoke is joined to each support of each projection.

Abstract: A spoke for a wheel can include a first end, a second end, and an attachment section therebetween, the first end and the second end extend at an acute angle with respect to each other, the attachment section including a non-circular portion in cross-section.

Abstract: A spoked wheel is described that uses flexible spokes having a termination on each end that couple with a rim using nipples. The flexible spokes are supported mid-span by a hub flange cradle that transfers torque from the hub to the rim via two sub-spokes. The hub flange cradle determines whether a sub-spoke is tangential or radial. A plurality of spokes may be used on each side of the wheel.

Abstract: A spoked wheel is described that uses flexible spokes having a termination on each end that couple with a rim using nipples. The flexible spokes are supported mid-span by a hub flange cradle that transfers torque from the hub to the rim via two sub-spokes. The hub flange cradle determines whether a sub-spoke is tangential or radial. A plurality of spokes may be used on each side of the wheel.

Abstract: A wheel, having a peripheral wheel rim, a central hub with a central axle and an outer flange, a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub, a connecting element connected to at least one of the spokes, and a bracing element connected to the connecting element. The spokes have a first portion connected to the rim and a second portion opposed to the first portion and connected to the hub and a span portion between the rim and hub. The spoke is a generally slender element with a longitudinal axis and also has a tensile axis of applied tensile load along the span portion. The bracing element includes at least a portion of at least one of the rim and hub. The connecting element includes a first portion and a second portion, with the first portion integrally joined to the second portion at a joining interface. This integral joinder of the first portion and second portion of the connecting element serves to at least one of retain and engage the spoke to the connecting element.

Abstract: A wheel, particularly for cycles or motorcycles, which comprises a rim which has, in transverse cross-section, a polygonal shape, preferably a V-shape. The rim has, at the internal region, an insert or guide which is arc-like, for the resting and sliding of a complementarily shaped end of a spoke which is shaped like an open loop. The ends of the spoke can be inserted at appropriately provided openings formed in the rim in a region that is adjacent to the arc-like guide or insert.

Abstract: A bicycle spoke and hub assembly comprises a hub and a connected device. The hub includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the hub has an installing portion. The installing portion has an opening distal from the second end of the hub. The connected device includes a seat and at least one spoke extended from the seat. The seat and the spoke are made of one piece. The seat of the connected device is installed to the installing portion. The spoke includes a first portion integrally formed on the seat and at least two second portions installed to a rim. The stress applied on the spoke will be dissipated on the seat because the first portion is integrally formed on an outer surface of the seat. Stress concentration will not be caused between the seat and the spoke.

Abstract: A spoked wheel is described that uses flexible spokes having a termination on each end that couple with a rim using nipples. The flexible spokes are supported mid-span by a hub flange cradle that transfers torque from the hub to the rim via two sub-spokes. The hub flange cradle determines whether a sub-spoke is tangential or radial. A plurality of spokes may be used on each side of the wheel.

Abstract: A spoked wheel comprises a rim, a hub, V-shaped spokes, nipples, and eyelets. There is true pairing of the spokes, because the rim has half the number of spoke attachments as there are nipples. True paired spoking means that there are no side wobble forces or rim twist caused by spoke tension. The rim has spoke attachment holes that are parallel to the axis of wheel rotation and are reinforced with eyelets. The rim has unnecessary material cut away between the spoke attachment holes. To ease adjustment, the nipples are located about midway between the hub and the rim. The hub has longitudinal ribs and that are aligned with each other. That allows the hub body to be machined from a relatively lightweight extrusion. To increase the wheel strength, the inboard spokes are moved outboard as much as possible. The hub has pairs of nipple attachment holes where each pair is located on a diagonal relative to the axis of the hub.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel, comprising a hub, a rim, and a plurality of spokes extending between the hub and the rim is provided. Each spoke comprises a first end portion coupled with the hub and a second end portion coupled with the rim. The first end portion comprises an abutment surface in contact with a first stop surface of the hub in a tensioning condition of the spoke. A surface substantially opposite the aforementioned abutment surface, on the other hand, does not make contact with the hub. The wheel further comprises locking means of the spoke with respect to the hub adapted to prevent or to limit a displacement of the abutment surface away from the first stop surface in a detensioning condition of the spoke, as in, for example, that which occurs for a violent impact against uneven or rough ground.

Abstract: An improved wheel construction with a peripheral wheel rim, a central hub with a hub flange and a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub, wherein the spokes have a first peripheral portion connected to the rim and a second portion opposed to the first portion. At least one of the spokes is a duplex spoke, including two structural spans extending between the rim and hub with a common portion connected to the hub flange. The duplex spoke includes a portion to directly engage the hub flange.

Abstract: Improved vehicle wheel construction with a peripheral rim, a central wheel hub and a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub, wherein the spokes have a first peripheral portion connected to the rim and a second central portion opposed to the first portion. The hub includes at least two opposed outer flanges, with the central portions of the spokes secured to at least one of the outer flanges by hardened molding material.

Abstract: A spoke system includes at least three rim pivots, at least three hub pivots, and plural shafts each extending along a substantially linear path between a rim pivot and a hub pivot, each path being substantially aligned with the center of a rim pivot and the center of a hub pivot. Each shaft includes an integral rim end forming a loop around a rim pivot and an integral hub end forming a loop around a hub pivot. The present invention also includes a tensioning system for biasing the inner vertices away from the outer vertices, thereby tensioning the continuous spoke. The path of each shaft may be substantially aligned with the center of a rim pivot and the center of a hub pivot so that a tension along the length of the shaft will not produce a moment about the rim pivot or the hub pivot.

Abstract: A wheel for an inline skate type roller skate includes a wheel rim portion, a tread surface on the wheel rim portion and at least one ball bearing located entirely within the outer contour of the wheel. Disk-type seals mounted on the inner race of the ball bearing cover the axially outer surfaces of the bearing to protect the bearing against the entry of contaminants. The seals are also located entirely within the outer contour of the wheel.

Abstract: Improved support and adjustment of the frame on the boot are obtained by providing mounting brackets that extend transversely outwardly and beyond the underlying side walls between which the roller wheels are mounted and that contain transverse mounting slots whose transverse extents are at least as great as the spacing distance between the underlying side walls. Improved parallelism of the axles is obtained by providing diametrically opposed lobes in a mounting hole in one of the side walls at each wheel mount and by providing the corresponding axle head with a complementary shape fitting to that portion of the mounting hole containing the lobes. A tool for installing and removing the wheels from the frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: A skate with single-rail truck, particularly with in-line wheels, comprising a rail-shaped frame which is associable with a shoe and supports a plurality of in-line wheels, each wheel being formed by half-bodies arranged on opposite sides of the rail-shaped frame. The skate further comprises two bearings, for the connection of each wheel to the rail-shaped frame, which are arranged on opposite sides of the frame, and means for coupling the half-bodies of each wheel to make them rotate rigidly together.

Abstract: A bearing assembly (35) for in-line roller skates (10) comprises an outer race (42) having an inner diameter surface (47) with an exterior end (38) and an interior end (41). The inner diameter surface (47) has an annular groove (46) with its annular center (50) offset from a midpoint (52) of the outer race (42). The assembly (35) also comprises an inner race (37) that is concentric with the outer race (42). The inner race (37) has an outer diameter surface (45), an exterior end (39), and an interior end (43). The outer diameter surface (45) has a second annular groove (44) with its annular center (50) offset from a midpoint (52) of the inner race (37). The second annular groove (44) of the inner race (37) is aligned with the annular groove (46) of the outer race (42) and a plurality of bearings (40) are disposed therebetween. A bearing retaining cage (54) is provided at the interior ends (41,43) of the races (37,40) to retain the bearings (40) in a spaced apart relationship.

Abstract: A spoke for a bicycle wheel has a body of fiber reinforced plastic material provided at one end with a metal connecting element which is pivotally mounted on the spoke around an axis which is transverse relative to the spoke and having a threaded stem for connection to the wheel rim.

Abstract: A tool for removing a wheel assembly from an in-line skate is provided. The in-line skate has a boot portion and a blade frame having opposing apertures and mounted to the boot portion. The wheel assembly has a wheel axle releasably mounted within the apertures of the blade frame and a wheel rotatably mounted on the wheel axle. The wheel axle has first and second axle ends end movable toward each other and biased away from each other. The tool comprises a flexible substantially U-shaped member having a main body portion and first and second tip ends contactable with the respective axle ends. A gripping mechanism on the main body portion grips the wheel wherein flexure of the main body portion causes the gripping mechanism to grip the wheel and the first and second tip ends to contact respective axle ends causing the first and second axle ends to move toward each other freeing the first and second axle ends from the apertures. A blade frame for an in-line skate is also provided.

Abstract: In-line roller skate constituted by a frame on an upper plate of which a boot sole is fixed, and including a longitudinal lower portion on which the wheels are arranged, wherein at least one of the central wheels has an arrangement for adjusting the height with respect to the frames, which is constituted by off-centered zones interposed between the ends of a central hub of the wheel and a fixed portion of the frame, so as to modify the rolling plane of the wheels on the ground to the taste of the skater, depending on the type of skating involved.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a hub for a skate wheel. The hub includes a central core member defining a bore for receiving an axle. A central axis of rotation passes through the center of the bore. The hub also includes first and second anchors extending radially outward from the core and disposed in axially spaced-apart relation such that an outwardly opening channel is defined between the first and second anchors. The first anchor includes a plurality of first radial projections separated by first spacing gaps. The second anchor includes a plurality of second radial projections separated by second spacing gaps. The first and second radial projections are staggered relative to each other about the central axis of rotation such that the first radial projections are aligned with the second spacing gaps and the second radial projections are aligned with the first spacing gaps.

Abstract: An axle for in-line roller wheels allowing quick release of the wheels and axle from the in-line skate blade frame. The axle is constructed and arranged to allow the distal ends of the axle to move longitudinally relative to each other. There is a spring or other such mechanism forcing the ends of the axle into the openings in the blade frame. The ends of the axle that protrude into the frame are designed not to protrude beyond the outer sides of the frame structure so that the ends of the axle are not subject to wear. The present invention provides for an in-line skate axle that is secure and never needs tightening. Since the wheels are retained by springs there are no bolts or threaded connections to become loose. Other types of construction retain the axle and wheel in the blade frame using spring forces in tension rather than compression. In such arrangements the spring is stretched through the axle and the end retainers are pulled into place thereby retaining the axle and wheel to the frame.

Abstract: A wheel, wheel bearing and axle assembly wherein a cleaning and lubricating fluid passageway is provided axially into the outer end of the axle bolt of the assembly and through the latter radially outwardly through a passageway through a wheel bearing spacer carried by the axle bolt and between the latter and a shroud member surrounding the spacer so that the fluid is directed to the bearings on side of the spacer.

Abstract: Wheel assemblies including bearings for inline skates and skateboards with provision for lubricating. In one embodiment, a wheel is supported by the bearings which are in turn supported by an axle/spacer having a central chamber and at least one port extending therethrough to the inner surfaces of the bearings. Screws secure the axle/spacer to wheel supports of an inline skate or skateboard. At least one of the screws includes an interior passageway to accommodate a nozzle for introducing lubricant and/or cleaner under pressure to the central chamber from which it passes through the port or ports in the axle/spacer to the inner surfaces of the bearings. In another embodiment, a wheel includes a hub which is supported by the bearings which in turn are supported by an axle/spacer. The hub has at least one port extending therethrough from the outside to the inner surfaces of the bearings for the introduction of lubricant and/or cleaner under pressure.

Abstract: A wheel lock assembly for an in-line skate includes an axle assembly for supporting a skate wheel and defining an enclosed cavity, and an actuator assembly comprising an actuator member disposed in the cavity movable by a control member disposed externally of the axle assembly. The lock assembly further includes a lock pad assembly comprising a lock pad adapted to engage an inside surface of the skate wheel mounted on the axle assembly, a support beam extending from the pad inwardly through a portion of the axle assembly and into the cavity, and a spring urging the lock pad and support inwardly to bias a free end of the support against the actuator member. Manipulation of the control member causes movement of the actuator member in the cavity, to cause movement of the support, to cause radial movement of the lock pad selectively into and out of engagement with the skate wheel inside surface.

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.

Abstract: A shopping cart wheel assembly having an anti-friction or ball bearing portion and also having a journal bearing. Under severe side loads or conditions of wear, the journal bearing takes over and prevents the wheel from moving significantly out of alignment.

Abstract: A wheel for an in-line roller skate of the type having aligned wheels, wherein a hub has an axial hole within which there are receptacles for ball bearings and a supporting pivot. One or two rings concentric with the hole form a support for a moldable tire which is molded onto the hub. The outer concentric ring has a plurality of thin annular sections and transverse openings to define an annular space between each of the annular sections and the ring connected by the transversal openings. The annular spaces and the transverse openings are filled with the material forming the tire to secure the same to the hub.

Abstract: High speed, light weight wheels are provided for in-line roller skates. The high performance wheels each have at least one bearing, a special hub with a light weight fiber-reinforced core, and a high performance tire. The core can comprise symmetrical core sections and can have an array of spokes which connect a hub and an inner rim. Desirably, the light weight core can have a hollow shell upon which the tire is secured.

Abstract: A set of high speed, light weight wheels are provided for in-line roller skates. The high performance wheels each have a single large, light weight bearing, a special hub with a light weight fiber-reinforced core, and a high strength tire.

Abstract: An inline skateboard comprised of a board body, a pair of downwardly depending mounting rails integrally formed and smoothly merging from the bottom surface of the board body along a medial position thereof, a plurality of mounting shafts extending transversely across and through the mounting rails and ground engaging, interchangeable transit arrangements mounted on the mounting shafts in at least one of an inboard position between the mounting rails and an outboard position disposed to the outside of the mounting rails. An optional ball wheel is positioned at the end of the board body to define a pivot point which a rider may attain improved stability, balance and turnability.

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.

Abstract: A core assembly is disclosed to form a hub for a single bearing skate wheel. The core assembly includes a unitary core member having a radially inner portion defining an axial opening extending therethrough. An annular shoulder surrounds the axial opening and defines a socket which is sized and shaped to receive a single self-contained bearing therein. The socket is positioned to align the center line of the bearing with the center line of the core member when the bearing is disposed within the socket. A bearing retainer member is also provided for removably securing the bearing within the socket. Finally, a member is disposed axially outwardly of the socket for securely locking the retainer mechanism in place within the core assembly.

Abstract: A light emitting roller for roller skates, including a roller body having a center axle hole for mounting on a wheel axle, an annular groove around said center axle hole at an outer side, a battery chamber and two opposite through holes at said annular groove; an annular circuit board mounted within the annular groove on the roller, having a plurality of light emitting elements controlled to emit light through the through holes on the roller body, an automatic switch, an opening, two contact metal plates at two opposite sides of the opening, and a battery cell connected between the contact metal plates and mounted within the battery chamber on the roller to provide electric power supply to the light emitting elements through the automatic switch; and an annular cap mounted within the annular groove on the roller to hold down the annular.

Abstract: A skate wheel hub assembly incorporating confronting hub rims cooperating to form at their radial outer extremities a V-shaped tire seat. The tire seat supports an elastomeric tire having a rigid mounting ring projecting radially inwardly. The mounting ring is locked between the confronting rims to eliminate relative movement between the tire and the wheel hub. In one form, the bearing assemblies may be offset in staggered relation on alternating opposite sides of a longitudinal skate center line.

Abstract: A skate of the type with in-line wheels including a chassis formed by an upper horizontal plate which is solidly attached to the sole of a shoe by fasteners and by a lower part which runs perpendicular to the plate along its longitudinal axis and which includes two lateral flanges forming fork joints, between which the wheels are located on transverse axles, constituting a rolling train, each of the wheels having at least one bearing on which rests an elastic envelope of which the central part is composed of a tire which extends laterally into two flanks, wherein included is an arrangement for sealing the bearing, provided in the area of the envelope, between the envelope and a fixed part which is adjacent to it.

Abstract: A sporting device steerable by weight displacement, for example in the form of a roller skate or roller ski, comprises at least first and second wheels (10A, 10B) mounted on bearings for rotation about respective axles (46). The axles are mounted on a chassis (52) of the device, and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the device, with at least one of the wheels being steerable on displacement of the user's weight about an inclined steering axis (44) which intersects the ground substantially at the center (64A, 64B) of the contact patch of the respective wheel with the ground. The inclined steerable axis (44) extends downwardly and rearwardly for a front wheel (10A) and downwardly and forwardly for a rear wheel (10B). The steering axis is defined by a generally arcuate guide track (40; 42; 38; 87) provided within the inner race means (25).

Abstract: A power generator for a roller skate including a support and wheels. The generator includes a fan associated with the wheel and adapted to generate an air flow conveyed by channels provided in the support.

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.

Abstract: A two-piece axle bolt for mounting an in-line skate wheel between the spaced side walls of an in-line U-shaped skate frame. The side walls of the U-shaped skate frame have respective outer faces and respective axle receiving and mounting holes extending therethrough. A bolt head receiving counterbore is formed in the outer face of each of the side walls around the hole. The axle bolt includes a pair of shaft components, each having an elongated central axle shaft portion and an enlarged head disposed at one end of the shaft portion. One of the shaft components has a male threaded segment at the other end of the shaft portion and the other shaft component has a female threaded segment at the other end of the shaft portion. The male and female segment are threadably engaged so that the central shaft portions are in axial alignment to thereby present the two-piece axle bolt.

Abstract: A skate housing assembly for high speed in-line roller skates. There is a frame with a top surface attached to a sole of a skate boot and two descending side skirts having multiple linear transverse bores. A pocket located on the inside surface of each descending skirt surrounding a bore receives a flange from a bearing insert mounted within a skate wheel. A shaft axially mounted through the skirt bores and bearing insert aligns the wheel on the skate housing.

Abstract: A roller skate wheel is constructed for rolling in both the forward and lateral directions of the skate. A plurality of rollers are mounted on the wheel hub, each roller rotatable about an axis tangential to a circle on the wheel axis. The rollers conform to a second circle on the wheel axis for contact with a skating surface. Application of friction to the rollers controls the resistance to lateral rolling, thus providing a braking action to the skater.

Abstract: A wheeled board for riding downhill over the ground. The board has a generally flat riding board which is supported by four wheels through carriage assemblies. The carriage assemblies are held to the board through springs and supported so that when the board is tilted to the right, the front axle will turn in a clockwise manner, and the rear axle will turn in a counter-clockwise manner as viewed from above thereby causing the board to turn to the right. Conversely, when the board is tilted to the left, the front axle will turn counter-clockwise and the rear axle will turn clockwise causing the board to turn to the left. The wheels of the board have a diameter of between four and eight inches and a width of between three and nine inches.

Abstract: The skate includes an under-frame (3) equipped with two or several rollers aligned one behind the other in a common median plane. Each roller (4, 5) has a shape of a narrow-bobbin, with two circular flanges provided with bands and a central hollowed hub, fixed inside a ball-bearing. This bearing is put in an orifice of a central plate (24) of the under-frame, this plate holding also a front buffer-stop (6) and a back buffer-stop (7). An instrument absorbing the shocks in the radial direction is intercalated between the bearing and the plate (24). Preferably, the under-frame (3) of the skate is equipped with a support for a leg (1) which is articulated in relation to a transverse axis (Y) at the level of the ankle. A braking mechanism of the rollers (4, 5) can be fixed on the central plate (24) of the under-frame. Thanks to the special shape of the rollers, bearings and the under-frame are lightened.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate utilizes dual position, eccentric axle aperture plugs which are received in the axle apertures of the skate frame to allow mounting of the skate's wheels in either of two distinct orientations. The plugs also solve a serious assembly problem by allowing wheels to be installed in the skate frame without the alignment problems previously encountered between frames, wheels and hard to handle spacing washers.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate includes a new lightweight frame and brake of synthetic material and embodies structurally interacting components which cooperate to counter and absorb the strain and shock of road bumps and vibration encountered at high speeds by heavy riders and which have in the past required heavy, metal frames. An improved wheel hub solves the problem of overheating bearings and wheel melting encountered by earlier skates and permits prolonged, high speed use of the skates on nonlevel riding surfaces by even heavy skaters under hot road surface conditions.

Abstract: In a hair treatment device with a winding mandrel driven by a motor and used to wind up hair, the current used by the motor is led through a current limiter circuit in order to limit torque. The current limiter circuit comprises an operating stage and a safety stage. The safety stage is utilized to limit current if the operating stage fails.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate includes a new lightweight frame and brake of synthetic material and embodies structurally interacting components which cooperate to counter and absorb the strain and shock of road bumps and vibration encountered at high speeds by heavy riders and which have in the past required heavy, metal frames. An improved wheel hub solves the problem of overheating bearings and wheel melting encountered by earlier skates and permits prolonged, high speed use of the skates on nonlevel riding surfaces by even heavy skaters under hot road surface conditions.

Abstract: A roller ski that uses a wheel including a stationary member, a rotating tire member, and a liquid between the two to provide viscous damping to rotation of the tire member. The roller ski tire member can increase in width from a hub portion to a crown portion to provide crown edge portions that deflect during edging.

Abstract: A two wheel roller skate has a roller that has two distinct surfaces consisting of a central part that is a curved surface and matching right and left frusto conical sections that have an angle that equals the degree of arc in the central part measured from the central point of the central part's arc providing greatly improved maneuverability.