Road skates

Abstract

A road skate that includes enlarged main wheels, enlarged axle assemblies, and an improved braking system. The road skates include a platform with a shoe or boot attached to a top side, and two sets of enlarged main wheels attached to a bottom side. One axle assembly is positioned generally below a toe area of the platform and one axle assembly is positioned generally below a heel area of the platform. The road skates may also include an improved braking system that incorporates one or more brake wheels. A brake wheel may be positioned forward of the fore main wheels or aft of the aft main wheels, and allows for smoother, more controlled braking. Each brake wheel assembly includes a tensioning screw that allows a user to adjust the frictional resistance that is applied to the free rotation of the brake wheel. Thus, the amount of resistance, and braking force, that the brake wheel provides is adjustable by the user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] This invention relates generally to roller skates.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Generally, roller skates are well known and appear in two basic varieties, the first having a boot or shoe permanently attached to a sole plate from which the skate wheel axles depend, and the second having a platform and safety straps that allow a user to temporally secure the roller skates to the bottom of an ordinary pair of shoes.

[0005] Roller skates typically have relatively small wheels and, therefore, usually require a fairly smooth and debris free skating surface.

[0006] While wearing roller skates, skaters must be able to control their speed and bring themselves to a quick and controlled stop, if necessary. To accomplish this, three basic braking techniques have emerged, which allow the skater to slow down or stop. The first technique involves the use of a hard rubber brake pad that is typically mounted in front of the skater's toe, approximately one inch above the skating surface. If the skater wishes to slow down or stop, he or she must lift the heel of the skate, thereby tilting the skate forward and contacting the brake pad with the skating surface. This contact creates friction and provides a braking action.

[0007] The second technique requires the skater to shift his or her weight over one skate, lift the wheels of the other skate and turn them substantially perpendicular to the direction of motion, then, gradually shift weight back over the perpendicular skate to force the wheels of the perpendicular skate onto the skating surface. In this manner, the wheels of the perpendicular skate create friction and providing a braking action.

[0008] The third basic braking technique requires the skater to perform one or more tight radius turns, which cause the roller skate wheels to skid slightly and thereby provide a braking action. This technique requires the skater to perform, for example, one tight radius turn to stop or several short radius, or “S”, turns to reduce or maintain speed, particularly while traveling downhill.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Unfortunately, because of their relatively small wheels, known roller skates are not well suited for travel over uneven or irregular skating surfaces, particularly if the surfaces include debris, such as pebbles, rocks, twigs, and the like.

[0010] Furthermore, known braking techniques and systems make it difficult for the skater, especially if the skater is a novice, to control the amount of friction, or braking force, that the brake pad produces. Thus, for example, if the skating surface is relatively rough or uneven, a skater may lift the heel of the skate to apply the brake, and immediately experience a substantial braking force. The immediacy of the braking force may result in the skater losing balance and control. Conversely, if the skating surface is substantially smooth or polished, a skater may find it difficult to apply enough force to the brake pad to achieve a desired amount of braking force. This may cause the skater to fail to stop before a collision.

[0011] Additionally, use of the brake pad or perpendicular skidding of the skate wheels results in wear on the brake pad and the wheels, which often results in the shape of the brake pad or wheels being changed. This change in shape can cause not only deterioration in the braking characteristics of the brake pad, but also a hindrance to the rotation of the skate wheels.

[0012] These situations may be exacerbated by various factors, such as, for example, the weight and relative speed of the skater, the skating surface and grade, and the size and condition of the brake pad. Yet, known skates fail to provide an adequately adjustable braking mechanism that can be tailored by the skater to various skating conditions or the skater's skill level.

[0013] Thus, the present invention provides a road skate with an improved braking system. In various exemplary embodiments, this invention includes a platform whereon a shoe or boot may be permanently or temporarily attached to a top side of the platform. Two sets of enlarged main wheels are rotatably connected, via two enlarged axle assemblies, to a bottom side of the platform. One axle assembly is positioned generally below a toe area of the platform (the fore axle assembly) and one axle assembly is positioned generally below a heel area of the platform (the aft axle assembly). In various exemplary embodiments, the axle assemblies are substantially similar to the axle, or truck, assemblies commonly found on skateboards.

[0014] By using the enlarged axle assemblies, relatively large main wheels may be fitted to the road skates. Preferably, the enlarged axle assemblies include an axle that allows the main wheels to extend beyond the platform or foot area. In this manner, wheels having a diameter that is significantly larger than the diameter of known roller-skate wheels can be used on the road skates.

[0015] While skating, the diameter of the enlarged main wheels provides an improved ratio between the size of objects on or variations in the skating surface and the enlarged main wheels, when compared to typical roller skate wheels. This improved object-to-wheel ratio allows a skater using the road skates of this invention to skate over a wider variety of skating surfaces than a skater using known roller skates, without having his or her progress overly impeded by the objects or skating surface variations.

[0016] In various exemplary embodiments, the road skates may also include an improved braking system. The improved braking system replaces known braking devices, such as brake pads, with at least one brake wheel. The brake wheel is positioned, via a brake wheel brace, similarly to known braking devices, but allows for smoother, more controllable braking. The brake wheel is rotatably attached to the brake wheel brace such that a tensioning screw allows a user to adjust the frictional resistance that is applied to the free rotation of the brake wheel. Thus, the amount of resistance, and braking force, that the brake wheel provides is adjustable by the skater.

[0017] In various exemplary embodiments, the improved braking system includes a single, fore brake wheel positioned above a planar rolling surface of the road skates and forward of the fore axle assembly such that at least a portion of the fore brake wheel is positioned forward of the main wheels rotatably connected to the fore axle assembly. Alternatively, the improved braking system may include a single, aft brake wheel positioned above a planar rolling surface of the road skates and aft of the aft axle assembly such that at least a portion of the aft brake wheel is positioned aft of the main wheels rotatably connected to the aft axle assembly.

[0018] In various exemplary embodiments, the improved braking system includes both a fore brake wheel and an aft brake wheel, each positioned substantially as described above.

[0019] The fore brake wheel and/or the aft brake wheel may be attached, via a separate brake wheel brace, to either the fore axle assembly or the aft axle assembly, respectively. Alternatively, the fore brake wheel and/or the aft brake wheel may be attached, via a separate brake wheel brace, to the bottom side of the platform.

[0020] Thus, it should be appreciated that the improved braking system may include a brake wheel positioned generally at the front of the skate, a brake wheel positioned generally at the rear of the skate, or a pair of brake wheel, one positioned generally at each end of the skate. Furthermore, the fore or aft brake wheel brace(s) may be connected to the road skate via either the fore axle assembly, the aft axle assembly, the platform, or both the axle assemblies and the platform.

[0021] While skating, if braking is not desired, the improved braking system of this invention maintains the brake wheel(s) above the skating surface, such that the brake wheel(s) do not generally contact the skating surface. However, due to the relative position of the brake wheel(s) with respect to the road skate and the skating surface, the brake wheel(s) is/are able to act as an additional stabilizing device for the road skate. For example, if a skater begins to lose balance while using known skates, the skates may “fly out from under” the skater. In contrast, if the skater begins to lose balance while using the road skates and improved braking system of this invention, the brake wheel(s) will contact the skating surface and assist the skater in regaining his or her balance.

[0022] If braking is desired, the improved braking system of this invention allows the skater to merely pivot the road skate in the direction of a brake wheel (by, for example, lifting the heel if the road skate includes a fore brake wheel, lifting the toe if the road skate includes an aft brake wheel, or lifting either the heel or the toe if the road skate includes both a fore brake wheel and an aft brake wheel), until the brake wheel contacts the skating surface. When the brake wheel contacts the skating surface, the friction caused by the brake wheel, as the brake wheel frictionally resists free rotation, causes the main wheels of the road skate to slow their rotation and, in turn, slow the road skate and the skater down. When braking is no longer desired, the skate is pivoted towards a direction that will allow all four main wheels to substantially contact the skating surface. In this manner, the brake wheel(s) return to a position wherein the brake wheel(s) do not generally contact the skating surface.

[0023] Because the tensionable screw is adjustable by the skater, the amount of frictional resistance that a brake wheel exhibits to free rotation can be adjusted by the skater. Thus, for example, the tensionable screw may be adjusted to allow a brake wheel to rotate freely, allowing the brake wheel to act merely as a stabilizer. Alternatively, the tensionable screw may be adjusted to substantially keep a brake wheel from rotating, allowing the brake wheel to act as a brake pad. Within these two extremes, the tensionable screw may be adjusted to allow a brake wheel to exhibit a desired degree of resistance to free rotation.

[0024] A skater may, for example, adjust the tensionable screw of the fore brake wheel such that the fore brake wheel will exhibit a relatively high resistance to free rotation and thereby provide a more significant amount of braking force when contacting the skating surface. The skater may also choose to adjust the tensionable screw of the aft brake wheel such that the aft brake wheel will exhibit a relatively low resistance to free rotation, thereby providing a less significant amount of braking force when contacting the skating surface. Thus, the skater may adjust each tensionable screw such that a desired level of braking force may be exhibited by either the fore and/or the aft break wheel.

[0025] Accordingly, this invention provides a road skate that allows a user to skate on surfaces having a more varied texture than known roller skates.

[0026] This invention separately provides a braking system wherein the amount of braking force of a braking wheel is adjustable by the user.

[0027] This invention separately provides a braking system wherein the amount of braking force of a fore or aft braking wheel is independently adjustable by the user.

[0028] This invention separately provides axles that improve the skater's ability to turn.

[0029] This invention separately provides a design that supplies an adjustable amount of braking force through at least one brake wheel.

[0030] This invention separately provides a road skate braking system that allows the skater to apply a predictable braking force to the skating surface.

[0031] This invention separately provides a braking system that allows a skater to adjust the amount of braking force and avoid brake lock up.

[0032] This invention separately provides a braking system that allows a skater to maintain a greater degree of control while braking.

[0033] This invention separately provides a braking system that allows a skater to apply a more predictable amount of braking force while stopping or slowing down.

[0034] This invention separately provides a braking system wherein higher braking forces can be maintained without causing the brake wheel to skid on the skating surface.

[0035] This invention separately provides a braking system that provides a relatively consistent braking force as greater weight is placed over the braking wheel.

[0036] This invention separately provides a braking system that provides added stability to the road skates.

[0037] These and other features and advantages of this invention are described in or are apparent from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments, the accompanying drawings, and/or the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The exemplary embodiments of this invention will be described in detail, with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

[0039] FIG. 1A is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a road skate with an improved braking system according to this invention; 20 FIG. 1B is a side view of the road skate with an improved braking system of FIG. 1A, showing additional detail of the brake wheel assemblies and the axle assemblies;

[0040] FIG. 2A is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a road skate with an improved braking system according to this invention;

[0041] FIG. 2B is a side view of the road skate with an improved braking system of FIG. 2A, showing additional detail of the fore axle assembly;

[0042] FIG. 3A is a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a road skate component according to this invention;

[0043] FIG. 3B is a front view of the road skate component of FIG. 3A;

[0044] FIG. 4A is a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a road skate component according to this invention; and

[0045] FIG. 4B is a front view of the road skate component of FIG. 4A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0046] For simplicity and clarification, the design factors and layout of the road skate with an improved braking system and the road skate component according to this invention are explained with reference to two exemplary embodiments of a road skate with an improved braking system and two exemplary embodiments of the road skate component according to this invention. The basic explanation of the exemplary embodiments of the road skate with an improved braking system and the exemplary embodiments of the road skate component is applicable for the understanding and design of the constituent components employed in the road skate with an improved braking system and the road skate component of this invention.

[0047] Furthermore, for simplicity and clarification, the embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to road skates. However, it should be appreciated that the terms “road skate” and “road skates” are for a basic explanation and understanding of certain of the constituent components of this invention. Therefore, the terms “road skate” and “road skates” are not to be construed as limiting this invention, but should be understood to include any similarly configured rideable or drivable, wheeled apparatus, such as, for example, roller skates, skate boards, scooters, inline skates, or the like, whether user propelled or motorized.

[0048] FIGS. 1A and 1B show a side view of a first exemplary embodiment of a road skate with an improved braking system 100 according to this invention. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the road skate with improved braking system 100 comprises a boot 110, a platform 120, a fore axle assembly, an aft axle assembly, and at least one brake wheel assembly.

[0049] In various exemplary embodiments, the platform 120 is made of laminated plywood. However, it should be appreciated that the platform 120 may be constructed of any suitable material, such as wood, plastic, metal, composite, or the like. Furthermore, the specific width, length, and shape of the platform 120 may vary depending on, for example, the size of the user's foot or the size of the fore or aft axle assembly.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the boot 110 is attached (either permanently or temporarily) to a top side of the platform 120. It should be appreciated that, in various exemplary embodiments, the boot 110 may be replaced with one or more safety straps (not shown) for securing a skater's foot to the platform 120.

[0051] Two axle assembles are attached (either permanently or temporarily) to a bottom side of the platform 120. A fore axle assembly is generally positioned below a toe area of the platform 120, and an aft axle assembly is generally positioned below a heel area of the platform 120.

[0052] The fore axle assembly comprises a fore base plate 130, a fore bushing 132, a fore hangar 134, a fore kingpin (not shown), a fore axle 136, and a pair of fore main wheels 138. Likewise, the aft axle assembly includes an aft base plate 160, an aft bushing 162, an aft hangar 164, an aft kingpin (not shown), an aft axle 166, and a pair of aft main wheels 168.

[0053] The fore axle assembly and the aft axle assembly are generally attached to the bottom side of the platform 120 via the fore base plate 130 and the aft base plate 160, respectively. The fore kingpin (not shown) and the aft kingpin (not shown) are typically bolts that are used to attach the fore hangar 134 and the aft hangar 164, via the fore bushing 132 and the aft bushing 162, respectively, to the fore base plate 130 and the aft base plate 160, respectively. The tension of the kingpin of either the fore axle assembly or the aft axle assembly may be adjusted to tighten or loosen the respective axle assembly.

[0054] It should be appreciated that, in order for the road skate with improved braking system 100 to turn properly, the fore axle assembly and the aft axle assembly must be positioned on the platform 120 such that the fore bushing 132 and the aft bushing 162 face each other.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 1B, the fore bushing 132 and the aft bushing 162 are positioned between the fore hangar 134 and the fore base plate 130, and the aft hangar 164 and the aft base plate 160. In this manner, the fore bushing 132 and the aft bushing 162 provide a “cushion” or shock absorber to absorb vibration created by the fore main wheels 138 and the aft main wheels 168 traveling over variations in a skating surface. The fore bushing 132 and the aft bushing 162 are available in various hardnesses. Thus, the skater may install fore bushing 132 and aft bushing 162 of a desired hardness and thereby customize the “ride” of the road skate with improved braking system 100 to a desired comfortable level.

[0056] In various exemplary embodiments, the fore axle assembly and the aft axle assembly are substantially similar to the axle, or truck, assemblies commonly used with skateboards.

[0057] Each of the fore main wheels 138 is rotatably connected to a separate end of the fore axle 136. Similarly, each of the aft main wheels 168 is rotatably connected to a separate end of the aft axle 166. Each of these elements of the aft axle assembly are constructed and operate similarly to the same elements of the fore axle assembly.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, two brake wheel assemblies are also attached to the bottom side of the platform 120. A fore brake wheel assembly is generally positioned forward of the fore axle assembly and an aft brake wheel assembly is generally positioned behind the aft axle assembly. The fore brake wheel assembly includes a fore brake wheel brace 140, a fore brake wheel 150, and a fore tensionable screw 142. Likewise, the aft brake wheel assembly includes an aft brake wheel brace 170, an aft brake wheel 180, and an aft tensionable screw 172.

[0059] The fore brake wheel brace 140 is a substantially “U” shaped bracket that allows the fore brake wheel 150 to be rotatably connected between the legs of the brace, to at least one leg of the wheel brace, via a tensionable screw. In various exemplary embodiments, the fore brake wheel brace 140 is a substantially “L” shaped bracket that allows the fore brake wheel 150 to be rotatably connected to a single leg of the wheel brace, via a fore tensionable screw 142.

[0060] The fore brake wheel brace 140 positions the fore brake wheel 150 generally above a planar rolling surface of the road skates and forward of the fore axle assembly such that at least a portion of the fore brake wheel 150 is positioned forward of the fore main wheels 138.

[0061] The fore tensionable screw 142 allows the user to adjust the amount of frictional resistance that is applied to the free rotation of the brake wheel. For example, if the fore tensionable screw 142 is tightened (typically by rotating a fore tensionable screw nut (not numbered) in a clockwise direction), the amount of frictional resistance that is applied to the free rotation of the brake wheel is increased. If the fore tensionable screw 142 is loosened (typically by rotating a fore tensionable screw nut (not numbered) in a counterclockwise direction), the amount of frictional resistance that is applied to the free rotation of the brake wheel is decreased.

[0062] It should be appreciated that each of the elements of the aft brake wheel assembly are constructed and operate similarly to the same elements of the fore brake wheel assembly.

[0063] In various exemplary embodiments, the pair of fore main wheels 138, and the pair of aft main wheels 168, include both an inner wheel portion and an outer tire portion, wherein an outer diameter of the outer tire portion for each of the fore main wheels 138 and the aft main wheels 168 is substantially equal. Likewise, the fore brake wheel 150 and the aft brake wheel 180 also include an inner wheel portion and an outer tire portion, wherein an outer diameter of the outer tire portion of the fore brake wheel 150 and the aft brake wheel 180 is substantially equal. In various exemplary embodiments, the outer diameter of the outer tire portion of the fore brake wheel 150 and the aft brake wheel 180 is less than the outer diameter of the outer tire portion of the fore main wheels 138 and the aft main wheels 168.

[0064] It should be appreciated that appropriate materials for the fore main wheels 138, the aft main wheels 168, the fore brake wheel 150, the aft brake wheel 180 are selected based on the conditions that are expected to occur during use of the road skate with improved braking system 100.

[0065] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a side view of a second exemplary embodiment of a road skate with an improved braking system 200 according to this invention. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the road skate with improved braking system 200 comprises a boot 210, a platform 220, a fore base plate 230, a fore bushing 232, a fore hangar 234, a fore kingpin (not shown), a fore axle 236, a pair of fore main wheels 238, a fore brake wheel brace 240, a fore tensionable screw 242, a fore brake wheel 250, an aft base plate 260, an aft bushing (not numbered), an aft hangar (not numbered), an aft kingpin (not shown), an aft axle (not numbered), a pair of aft main wheels 268, an aft brake wheel brace (not numbered), an aft brake wheel 280, and an aft tensionable screw (not numbered).

[0066] It should be appreciated that each of these elements operates similarly to and performs essentially the same basic role as the same elements discussed above with respect to the road skate with improved braking system 100. However, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fore brake wheel brace 240 and the aft brake wheel brace (not numbered) are attached, either permanently or temporarily, to the fore base plate 230 and the aft base plate 260, respectively.

[0067] When the fore brake wheel brace 240 and/or the aft brake wheel brace (not numbered) are attached to a portion of the road skate with an improved braking system 200, the platform 220 may take a different shape than the platform 120, as described above. For example, a length of the platform 220 may be shorter than a length of the platform 120. Alternatively, the platform 220 may comprise two individual platform areas, one positioned generally below a toe area of the boot 210 and one positioned generally below a heel area of the boot 210. These individual platform areas may be connected by a reinforcing member or may be separate from one other and connected only by their attachment to the boot 210.

[0068] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a side view and a front view, respectively, of a first exemplary embodiment of a road skate component 300 according to this invention. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the road skate component 300 comprises a platform 320, a base plate 330, a bushing (not numbered), a hangar 334, a kingpin (not shown), a axle 336, a pair of main wheels 338, a brake wheel brace 340, a tensionable screw 342, and a brake wheel 350.

[0069] It should be appreciated that each of these elements operates similarly to and performs essentially the same basic role as the same elements discussed above with respect to the road skate with improved braking system 100. However, the road skate component 300, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, may be attached, via the platform 320, to a variety of apparatuses. For example, the road skate component 300 may be used, with smaller diameter main wheels 338 and a smaller diameter brake wheel 350, as a replacement for one or both of the wheel assemblies on a skateboard. Alternatively, two of the road skate component 300 may be used to construct a road skate, a skateboard, a scooter, or the like.

[0070] Although FIGS. 3A and 3B show the platform 320, the base plate 330, and the wheel brace 340 as separate and distinct portions of the road skate component 300, it should also be appreciated that two or more of these elements (or portions of these elements) may be integrated into a single combined element. Thus, for example, the platform 320 and the wheel brace 340 may comprise a single element that is capable of being affixed to the base plate 330 to form the road skate component 300. Similarly, all three of the elements, the platform 320, the base plate 330, and the wheel brace 340, may be combined to comprise a single element.

[0071] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a side and a front view, respectively, of a second exemplary embodiment of a road skate component 400 according to this invention. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the road skate component 400 comprises a base plate 430, a bushing (not numbered), a hangar 434, a kingpin (not shown), a axle 436, a pair of main wheels 438, a brake wheel brace 440, a tensionable screw 442, and a brake wheel 450.

[0072] It should be appreciated that each of these elements operates similarly to and performs essentially the same basic role as the same elements discussed above with respect to the road skate with improved braking system 100 and the road skate component 300. However, the brake wheel brace 440 of the road skate component 400, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, is configured similarly to the fore brake wheel brace 240 or the aft brake wheel brace 270, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B as a portion of the road skate with improved braking system 200. Thus, the brake wheel brace 440 is attached to the base plate 430. Although it is not necessary for the road skate component 400 to include the platform 420 (not shown), various exemplary embodiments of the road skate component 400 may include a platform 420 (not shown).

[0073] Although FIGS. 4A and 4B show the base plate 430 and the wheel brace 440 a single integrated element of the road skate component 400, it should also be appreciated that the base plate 430 and the wheel brace 440 may comprise separate and distinct elements that are capable of being attached to form the road skate component 400.

[0074] In the various exemplary embodiments described above and the various drawing Figures included herewith, the road skates are described and shown as including two brake wheel assemblies and the road skate components are described and shown as including a brake wheel assembly. However, it should be appreciated that various exemplary embodiments of the road skates of this invention may not include one or both of the brake wheel assemblies. Thus, a road skate having two brake wheel assemblies, one brake wheel assembly (either a fore brake wheel assembly or an aft brake wheel assembly), or no brake wheel assemblies is contemplated by this invention. Similarly, a road skate component having no brake wheel assembly is also contemplated by this invention.

[0075] It should also be appreciated that although the braking systems described herein have been described in conjunction with enlarged main wheels, in various exemplary embodiments, the braking systems described herein may be used in conjunction with roller skates having typical roller skate wheels. In these various embodiments, the diameter of any main wheels and the diameter of any brake wheels may be altered based on the particular application.

[0076] Likewise, it should also be appreciated that the braking systems described herein may be used on Skateboards. In such exemplary embodiments, braking may be achieved by tilting the front portion of the skateboard upwards causing a brake wheel (as opposed to the brake pad(s) typically attached to the bottom side of the skateboard, aft of the rear wheels), to contact the skating surface and produce a braking force.

[0077] While this invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, as set forth above, are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A road skate, comprising:

a platform having a top side and a bottom side;

a fore axle assembly, comprising a fore axle and a fore base plate, wherein the fore axle includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the fore axle assembly is attached to the bottom side of the platform at a location near a front end of the platform such that the fore axle is arranged substantially transversely of the platform;

an aft axle assembly, comprising a aft axle and an aft base plate, wherein the aft axle includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the aft axle assembly is attached to the bottom side of the platform at a location near a rear end of the platform such that the aft axle is arranged substantially transversely of the platform;

four main wheel assemblies, each main wheel assembly having a substantially similar outer diameter, wherein each main wheel assembly comprises an inner wheel portion and an outer tire portion, each outer tire portion having a substantially similar outer diameter, and wherein one main wheel assembly is rotatably connected on the first end of the fore axle, one main wheel assembly is rotatably connected on the second end of the fore axle, one main wheel assembly is rotatably connected on the first end of the aft axle, and one main wheel assembly is rotatably connected on the second end of the aft axle;

a brake wheel assembly attached to at least one of the platform, the fore axle assembly, or the aft axle assembly, wherein the brake wheel assembly comprises a brake wheel brace having a brake wheel rotatably connected to at least one leg of the wheel brace by a tensionable screw, such that the ease of rotation of the brake wheel is adjustable by the tensionable screw.

2. The road skate of claim 1, further comprising a boot including a boot sole, wherein the boot sole is attached to the top side of the platform.

3. The road skate of claim 1, further comprising a boot including a boot sole, wherein the platform is the boot sole.

4. The road skate of claim 1, wherein the fore axle assembly and the aft axle assembly are permanently attached to the bottom side of the platform.

5. The road skate of claim 1, wherein the fore axle assembly and the aft axle assembly are removably attached to the bottom side of the platform.

6. The road skate of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the tire portion of each of the main wheels extends above the bottom side of the platform.

7. The road skate of claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of the brake wheel is less than the outer diameter of the main wheel assemblies.

8. The road skate of claim 1, wherein the brake wheel is positioned such that the brake wheel is above a planar rolling surface of the road skate.

9. The road skate of claim 1, wherein the brake wheel is positioned forward of the fore axle assembly such that at least a portion of the brake wheel is positioned forward of the main wheel assemblies rotatably connected to the fore axle.

10. The road skate of claim 1, wherein the brake wheel is positioned aft of the aft axle assembly such that at least a portion of the brake wheel is positioned aft of the main wheel assemblies rotatably connected to the aft axle.

11. The road skate of claim 1, wherein a fore brake wheel is positioned forward of the fore axle assembly such that at least a portion of the brake wheel is positioned forward of the main wheel assemblies rotatably connected to the fore axle, and an aft brake wheel is positioned aft of the aft axle assembly such that at least a portion of the brake wheel is positioned aft of the main wheel assemblies rotatably connected to the aft axle.

12. A kit for a road skate, comprising:

a platform having a top side and a bottom side;

two axle assemblies, each axle assembly comprising an axle and a base plate, wherein each axle includes a first end and a second end, and wherein each axle assembly is attachable to the bottom side of the platform;

four main wheel assemblies, each main wheel assembly having a substantially similar outer diameter, wherein each main wheel assembly comprises an inner wheel portion and an outer tire portion, each outer tire portion having a substantially similar outer diameter, and wherein each main wheel assembly is rotatably connectable to the first end or the second end of at least one of the axles;

at least one brake wheel assembly, comprising a brake wheel brace having a brake wheel rotatably connected to at least one leg of the brake wheel brace by a tensionable screw, such that the ease of rotation of the brake wheel is adjustable by the tensionable screw, wherein the brake wheel assembly is attachable to at least one of the platform or one of the axle assemblies;

attachment means for attaching the axle assemblies to the bottom side of the platform; and

retaining means for retaining a user's foot to the top side of the platform.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the tire portion of each of the main wheels extends above the bottom side of the platform.

14. The kit of claim 12, wherein the attachment means includes fastening means to attach the two axle assemblies to the bottom side of the platform.

15. The kit of claim 12, wherein the attachment means includes an adhesive for attaching the two axle assemblies to the bottom side of the platform.

16. The kit of claim 12, wherein the retaining means includes foot straps attached to the top side of the platform for retaining the user's foot on the top side of the platform.

17. The kit of claim 12, wherein the retaining means includes a boot attached to the top side of the platform for retaining the user's foot on the top side of the platform.

18. A road skate component, comprising:

an axle assembly including an axle and a base plate, wherein the axle includes a first end and a second end, and wherein the base plate allows the axle assembly to be attachable to a platform;

two main wheel assemblies, each main wheel assembly having an inner wheel portion and an outer tire portion, and each outer tire portion having a substantially similar outer diameter, wherein one main wheel assembly is rotatably connected on the first end of the axle and one main wheel assembly is rotatably connected on the second end of the axle; and

a brake wheel assembly attached to the axle assembly, wherein the brake wheel assembly comprises a brake wheel brace having a brake wheel rotatably connected to at least one leg of the wheel brace by a tensionable screw, such that the ease of rotation of the brake wheel is adjustable by the tensionable screw.

19. The road skate component of claim 18, wherein an outer diameter of the brake wheel is less than the outer diameter of the outer tire portion of the main wheel assemblies.

20. The road skate component of claim 18, wherein the brake wheel is positioned such that the brake wheel is above a planar rolling surface of the main wheel assemblies rotatably connected to the axle.

21. The road skate component of claim 18, wherein the brake wheel is positioned forward of the axle assembly such that at least a portion of the brake wheel is positioned forward of the main wheel assemblies rotatably connected to the axle.