Top Shoes Patents (Class 188/29)
  • Patent number: 6398237
    Abstract: An in-line skateboard (10) includes a frame (18) located between-aligned wheels (14, 16). The frame (18) is pivotally connected at (32) to a leading wheel (14) by means of a fork member (30) which extends from an axle (15) of the wheel (14). The pivotal connection (32) is disposed below the level of the axle (15).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: Design Science Pty.Ltd.
    Inventor: Graeme Scott Attey
  • Publication number: 20020056595
    Abstract: A scooter has a braking structure comprising a support frame, an application portion, and two brake shoes. The support frame has two support arms which are located at two sides of the rear wheel of the scooter. The brake shoes are fastened with the support arms. As the application portion is exerted on by an external force, the support frame is forced to move downward, thereby causing the brake shoes to come in contact with the rear wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Anthony Shaw
  • Patent number: 6386330
    Abstract: A skid scooter has a board, a holding seat disposed on a front portion of the board, a down tube inserted in the holding seat, a front tube connected to the down tube, a handle connected to the front tube, a front wheel disposed on a bottom of the front tube, a rear wheel disposed on a rear end of the board, a rear wheel cover disposed between the board and the rear wheel, and a rear wheel brake device disposed in the rear wheel cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Inventor: Hao-Chan Wei
  • Patent number: 6382366
    Abstract: A brake device in a skateboard cart comprises a square fixed base, a brake cover, and two springs. The fixed base has an upright side and a projection ear with an engaging hole extending outward from an upper part of the upright side horizontally. Two circular grooves are provided at two lower corners of the upright side respectively and the fixed base is fixedly attached to a rear part of the skateboard cart. The brake cover has lower end is pivotally engaged to the engaging hole of the projection ear. These two springs are received in these two circular grooves respectively and urge against the lower end of the brake cover. The brake cover can be operated smoothly and conveniently to keep away the rear wheel of the skateboard cart by way of resilient forces of the two springs urging against the lower end of the brake cover in case of the brake cover being not pressed by a foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Yung-Tsun Chang
  • Patent number: 6352270
    Abstract: A brake assembly for a scooter has a braking assembly pivotally mounted at a rear end of a pedal of the scooter and in front of a rear wheel of the scooter. The brake assembly has an arcuate plate, two flanges respectively and concentrically formed at two bottom sides thereof, and two auxiliary wheels respectively and rotatably mounted on the flanges. A linkage assembly with a resilient member is mounted between the pedal and braking assembly. Whereby, when the braking assembly is trodden downward by a rider, the arcuate plate contacts the rear wheel and the auxiliary wheels contact the ground to increase friction to stop the scooter. When the braking assembly is released, it will return to the original position under the force of resilient member of the linkage assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2002
    Assignee: Modas Shing Company Ltd.
    Inventor: Jack Wu
  • Patent number: 6318491
    Abstract: A driving brake assembly of a scooter includes a connecting bracket secured to a frame and having two sides each provided with an ear plate for pivoting a wheel; a base pivotally mounted on the connecting bracket and having a first end formed with a front pedal, and a second end formed with a rear pedal, a wheel protecting slot defined in the base for receiving the wheel, a brake pad formed on the base to pivot with the base to press the wheel; an elastic member mounted between the base and the connecting bracket; a driver secured on the base and including a rotatable friction wheel pivoted with the base to press the wheel for driving the wheel to rotate; and a microswitch mounted on the base and connected to the driver for starting and stopping operation of the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2001
    Inventor: Ko Chen Tung
  • Patent number: 6298952
    Abstract: A scooter rear wheel brake comprises a first wheel cover and a second wheel cover. The first wheel cover is mounted on the support frame of the scooter and is located over a predetermined position of the wheel rim. The first wheel cover is provided with a connection portion. The second wheel cover is movably connected with the connection portion of the first wheel cover such that the second wheel cover is located over another predetermined position of the wheel. The first wheel cover can be freely disposed at the position of the second wheel cover. The second wheel cover can be pressed against the wheel rim to bring about the braking effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Inventor: Shui-Te Tsai
  • Patent number: 6296261
    Abstract: A brake assisted steering system for use in controlling movement of a bed including a frame and first and second wheels extending from the frame. The brake assisted steering system includes first and second hand levers and first and second brake mechanisms positioned adjacent the first and second wheels, respectively. The first hand lever being connected to the first brake mechanism by a first cable and the second hand lever being connected to the second brake mechanism by a second cable. The first hand lever is movable between a first position in which a force is not applied to the first brake mechanism and the first wheel is free to rotate and a second depressed position in which a force is applied to the first brake mechanism causing the first brake mechanism to engage the first wheel and slow down or halt rotation of the first wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Rolando I deGoma
  • Patent number: 6293369
    Abstract: A shopping cart locking system. A locking assembly includes a generally cylindrical retainer having a vertically extending axial slot along the first edge. A rigid bracket is secured along a second edge of the retainer. A clevis at the lower extent of the bracket has apertures, a first vertical space, an upper member with two forwardly extending fingers defining a second vertical space vertically aligned with the first space of the clevis. A foot is selectively positionable between an upper inactive orientation and a lower orientation into frictional braking contact with a wheel below the foot. An upper end of the foot has a generally rectangular recess. A coupling pin extends horizontally through a central extent of the foot and through the recess. A joining leg has an upper end with an aperture located between the first space of the clevis. A first pin rotatably couples the leg to the clevis. The leg has a lower end extending into the recess of the foot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: W. T. Bueneman
  • Patent number: 6286632
    Abstract: A brake unit for a scooter mainly includes a foot pedal having an eccentric head integrally formed at a lower rear portion thereof, a brake shoe, a rear-wheel support, and a push element having a spring put around it. The foot pedal is pivotally mounted to a front part of the rear-wheel support and the brake shoe is mounted to a rear part of the rear-wheel support between a rear wheel and the foot pedal. The push element is connected to a middle part of the rear-wheel support with a front end thereof normally pushed against the foot pedal by the spring and a rear end thereof connected to a fastening screw forward extended from the brake shoe. When the foot pedal is stepped down, the eccentric head thereof contacts with the front end of the push element and pushes the push element rearward to force the brake shoe tightly against the rear wheel and thereby brake the scooter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Kao Teh Chai
  • Patent number: 6286630
    Abstract: A shopping cart brake assembly for securing a shopping cart in place includes a cart that has at least one leg. A wheel is coupled to a distal end of the leg. A brake member extends from a hollow lower portion of the leg. A brake pad is coupled to the brake member. The brake pad is for frictionally engaging the wheel, thus preventing the wheel from rotating. In addition, a lever is coupled to the brake member for selectively extending the brake member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Christopher M. Obergfell
  • Patent number: 6260673
    Abstract: Brake shoe for a traction sheave elevator, comprising a brake body (1), a brake shoe (2) attached to the brake body, a retractor (4) in the brake body for keeping the brake shoe clear of a brake wheel (5), and a mechanical pressure element (6) for pressing the brake shoe against the brake wheel. Moreover, the holding brake comprises an intermediate frame (7) disposed between the brake body (1) and the brake shoe (2), the pressure element being arranged to apply a pressure on the intermediate frame. The holding brake further comprises adjusting elements (8) between the intermediate frame and the brake shoe to allow adjustment of the position of the brake shoe in relation to the intermediate frame when the air gap (3) between the brake shoe and the brake wheel is being adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventor: Jorma Mustalahti
  • Publication number: 20010006282
    Abstract: A series of molded nylon or hard plastic pivotable wheel supports allow independent movement of each wheel. Resilient elastomeric shock absorbing bumpers are positioned between the wheel supports and the mounting plate attached to the sole of the skate boot. In the alternate embodiment a front and a back wheel support or truck are each attached to the sole plate by a bolt attached between holes in front and back side flanges extending downwardly from the sole plate, which holes may be slotted vertically and horizontally for greater movement. A rigid truck link interconnects the two trucks at pivot points which may coincide with inner wheel axle holes in the trucks. Each truck supports an outer wheel and preferably one inner wheel. A wedge-shaped compression bumper fits in a V-shaped cradle in each truck. Each bumper is compressed against the sole plate as each wheel encounters a bump and is elevated to pivot the truck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Publication date: July 5, 2001
    Inventors: Brian J. Green, Robert L. Bromley
  • Patent number: 6217038
    Abstract: An in-line skate includes a boot and frame secured to the underside thereof. The frame supports a plurality of rolling wheels in an in-line arrangement. A brake assembly operative upon the rearmost wheel in the in-line skate arrangement includes a wheel having a tire coupled to a rim which in turn is coupled to a bearing. The bearing includes an inner race which receives a channel spacer having a channel formed therein. A first hub securable to the frame is slidably supported within the spacer and a spring is captivated between the hub and the inner race of the bearing to bias the hub upwardly with respect to the remainder of the wheel. A second hub is coupled to the slidable first hub and an attachment is provided to secure the first and second hubs to the frame. As a result, the first and second hubs are secured to the skate frame while the spring and channel spacer allow the wheel to move with respect to the skate frame in response to changes in applied weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Inventor: Louis C. B. Moe
  • Patent number: 6102167
    Abstract: A brake device for braking a stroller, which has an axle and a wheel mounted rotatably thereon, includes a support post secured relative to and extending uprightly from the rear axle, and a mounting frame disposed on the support post and extending beyond the uppermost part of the wheel. The mounting frame includes two lug portions extending in a first direction transverse to the support post and towards the wheel. The lug portions are spaced apart from each other in a second direction transverse to the first direction. A brake shoe includes a pair of arresting portions with two anchoring ends which are mounted pivotally on the lug portions, respectively. The arresting portions extend in the first direction, are spaced apart from each other in the second direction, and form two arresting surfaces therebeneath. A biasing spring has a biasing action along a lengthwise axis, and two ends fixedly secured relative to the support post and to the brake shoe, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Ping-Jan Chiu
  • Patent number: 6089579
    Abstract: A braking device for skates including an item of footgear composed of a quarter articulated to a shell in turn associated with a supporting frame for one or more wheels. A rod member is articulated to a plate having a slot for the sliding and pivoting of rods which clamp a pair of disks laterally associated with one of the wheels, when the quarter is tilted back by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Nordica S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Pellegrini, Jr., Andrea Tormena, Ernesto Benvenuto
  • Patent number: 6065761
    Abstract: The brake is constituted by a cylindrical body (18) mounted rotatably and movably radially to its axis (17) in relation to the chassis (1) of the skate so as to come into contact with the two rear wheels (4, 5) on backward flexion of the leg. The cylindrical body (18) is preferably mounted with vertical play on a lever (11) actuated by a collar (9) of the boot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Skis Rossignol S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre Gignoux, Bernard Gatel
  • Patent number: 5938213
    Abstract: A skate comprising a chassis (1) equipped with at least two rollers (5, 6, 7, 8) and with a boot whose upper (2), optionally fitted with a collar (3) articulated in the malleolar region (4), can be tilted rearward. The skate further comprises a brake (18), acting on the two rearmost rollers (7, 8) and secured to a lever (9) which is articulated via one of its ends (10) on to the chassis (1), in front of the penultimate roller (7), and is actuated by the tilting of the upper (3) of the boot by means of a bar (12) or a pusher. The brake preferably consists of a pair or disks which are driven by the rollers and brake when in contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 17, 1999
    Inventor: Pierre Gignoux
  • Patent number: 5911423
    Abstract: A braking device for skates including an item of footgear composed of a quarter articulated to a shell in turn associated with a supporting frame for one or more wheels. A rod member is articulated to a plate having a slot for the sliding and pivoting of rods which clamp a pair of disks laterally associated with one of the wheels, when the quarter is tilted back by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Nordica, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Pellegrini, Jr., Andrea Tormena, Ernesto Benvenuto
  • Patent number: 5882019
    Abstract: A braking device for skates including an item of footgear composed of a quarter articulated to a shell in turn associated with a supporting frame for one or more wheels. A rod member is articulated to a plate having a slot for the sliding and pivoting of rods which clamp a pair of disks laterally associated with one of the wheels, when the quarter is tilted back by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Nordica, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Pellegrini, Jr., Andrea Tormena, Ernesto Benvenuto
  • Patent number: 5836590
    Abstract: The invention provides a braking systems and methods for slowing or stopping a roller skate having a plurality of wheels. One exemplary system, at least one braking surface is spaced apart from the wheels. A means is provided between the braking surface and at least one of the wheels for slowing or stopping the wheel such that heat generated when slowing or stopping the wheel is created at the braking surface and is substantially prevented from reaching the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Out of Line Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Mitchell, Gregory C. Sturgeon, James R. Leto, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5836426
    Abstract: A roll brake to prevent relative movement between a pair of rolls, one or both of which may be driven, in a coil wrapping machine or the like is described. A metal brake plank is placed under each end of each roll in a respective pair of parallel rolls and an air bag actuator is placed intermediate each end of each plank and the roll frame. For rotation of the rolls during wrapping the air bags are deflated but when a new coil is loaded onto the rolls the airbags are inflated thus driving the planks into locking relationship with the rotatable rolls and thus preventing any relative rotational movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: Chadwick Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Dennis P. Chadwick
  • Patent number: 5829756
    Abstract: The invention provides a braking systems and methods for slowing or stopping a roller skate having a plurality of wheels. In one exemplary system, at least one braking surface is spaced apart from the wheels. A means is provided between the braking surface and at least one of the wheels for slowing or stopping the wheel such that heat generated when slowing or stopping the wheel is created at the braking surface and is substantially prevented from reaching the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Out of Line Sports, Inc.
    Inventors: David N. Mitchell, Gregory C. Sturgeon
  • Patent number: 5823302
    Abstract: For a shopping cart wheel, for example, a toggle brake assembly which can be automatically actuated by an audio frequency signal when the cart is taken out of a designated area. When actuated, a battery-powered solenoid coil of the brake assembly is energized, drawing a coil spring catch away from a locking position on a toggle. The toggle then drops with a pivotal or axial movement to a braking position against the wheel, either against the outside or inside of the wheel depending on the brake embodiment used. As the wheel rotates in either direction, the toggle wedges or hooks to brake the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Inventor: Quentin David Schweninger
  • Patent number: 5799959
    Abstract: A manually propelled, two-wheel supported hand truck for use in transporting products has a frame normally supported by the wheels in generally vertical inclination and comprises connected side rail members, and a fixed frame handle surface near its upper end. The frame supports a forwardly extending, load supporting nose plate. An axle, coupled to and extending crosswisely rearwardly of the frame journals the wheels. Supports on the frame side rail members journal a laterally extending pivotal brake applying rod having spaced apart brake shoes in a first position out of brake applying engagement with the wheels but aligned therewith, the rod being pivotal to move the shoes to a second position into braking engagement with the wheels. Fixed to the brake applying rod is a lever arm connected to a generally vertically extending rigid member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Magline, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph D. Krawczyk
  • Patent number: 5713436
    Abstract: A motorcycle rear wheel brake functions to allow the driver to lock the rear wheel on an upward incline. This prevents the motorcycle from rolling backwards while freeing the driver's hands and feet. A simple hinge arrangement wedges the rear wheel and the hinge into the rear fork. A solenoid activates the hinge. An alternate embodiment uses a mechanical cable to move the hinge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1998
    Assignee: Gjovik Enterprises
    Inventor: Rolan C. Gjovik
  • Patent number: 5709200
    Abstract: A router machine for cutting a groove in pavement and the like for repairing cracks includes a pair of frame members mounting a shroud therebetween. A cutter head drive shaft is mounted by the frame members with axially spaced bushings keyed thereto within the shroud. Disks are bolted to the bushings. Circumferentially spaced cutter members are mounted to the disks, and include pins axially removably extended through apertures. Star bits and spacers are mounted on the pins. Retainers are pivotally mounted to the disks to selectively permit axial removable of the pins from the disks. A U-shaped mounting axle is pivoted to the frame members forwardly of the shroud for mounting ground engaging wheels. An operator guide handle is pivotally mounted to a console and operatively connected to brake members mounted by a brake axle to brakingly engage the ground engaging wheels when the handle cross bar is pushed downwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 20, 1998
    Assignee: Cimline Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony J. Mertes
  • Patent number: 5628386
    Abstract: A restrainer for shopping cart wheels is a strip of stainless steel or other resilient metal, bent into a generally C-shaped curve. The restrainer is compressed and inserted into the space between a shopping cart wheel and its frame; a shoulder and a tab on a straight end of the restrainer engage the wheel frame to hold the strip in place. A curved end of the restrainer bears against the wheel with sufficient force that resulting friction will prevent the cart from rolling freely down an incline of less than about 15.degree., while allowing the cart to be pushed by shoppers in the usual way. Corrugations in the curved midsection of the strip add stiffness to increase the amount of friction applied to the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Inventor: Robert W. England
  • Patent number: 5609346
    Abstract: A toe activated braking system for inline roller skates. A slidable plate is positioned under the wearer's toes. When the wearer bends his toes downwardly and rearwardly the plate moves rearwardly and moves an arm which is linked to a brake pad. As the toes are bent downwardly the brake pad is moved into contact with one or more of the inline rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 11, 1997
    Inventor: Alex R. Bellehumeur
  • Patent number: 5603517
    Abstract: A rollable walker for traversing stairs and substantially level surfaces, comprising a frame which includes a left and a right upright members, the left and right upright members including front legs, and an upper segment. The frame further includes a crossbar which is pivotaly connected to the left and a right upright members, the crossbar including a generally U-shaped transverse element and vertically disposed segments acting as rear legs. The crossbar is supported by supporting means. The supporting means is attached or integrally formed with the left and right upright members. A pair of rear wheels and a pair of front wheels engaged by wheel mounts, each wheel having two vertical planar surfaces. The rear wheels are connected to the rear legs, whereas the front wheels are connected to the front legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1997
    Assignee: Siudon Ltd.
    Inventor: Shmil Lorman
  • Patent number: 5551712
    Abstract: A skate brake and braking system for in-line skates, roller skates and like devices is disclosed. The skate brake comprises of a chassis which is comprised of a set of aligned runners with slots located therein to accept an axle mounted wheel, springs to hold the axle to one end of the slots and an adjacent braking surface to contact the wheel when the spring force is overcome by the skater's weight. The braking system comprises of multiple brakes arranged in the same chassis and provided generally at the frontmost and rearmost runner positions, although other locations on a single chassis are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Richard M. Repucci
  • Patent number: 5524731
    Abstract: A brake assembly is universally mountable to any one of several different types and sizes of hand trucks. The complete brake assembly includes a brake control handle that is removably attached to the upper frame of the hand truck; a brake bar assembly having a base removably attached to the axle of the hand truck, and a horizontally extending brake bar with brake pads on its two ends adapted to engage the wheels; a cam mechanism for depressing the brake bar; and a cable coupling the brake control handle to the cam mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignees: John R. Grieg, David M. Grieg, James J. Grieg
    Inventor: James J. Grieg
  • Patent number: 5499697
    Abstract: A new and improved shopping cart automatic dual brake with an inverted U-shaped frame secured to the shopping cart below its handle by a guide block. A pair of swivels are secured to the U-shaped frame. A pair of brake components each of which having an upper plate. The upper plate is secured to the pair of swivels. A lower plate aligns with the upper plate. An aperture is formed through the upper plate and the lower plate. A brake shaft is disposed within the aperture and extends outward of the upper plate. An acorn nut is secured to one end of the brake shaft. A brake shoe is secured to another end of the brake shaft. The brake shoe is positioned above the wheels of the shopping cart. A spring with a spring guide is secured to around the brake shaft. The spring serves to force the brake shoe onto the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventors: Willard R. Trimble, Robin D. Trimble, Emerson Trimble
  • Patent number: 5452775
    Abstract: A safety or emergency brake system for a slow moving off-road passenger vehicle has a brake lever that is adapted to pivot into contact with a wheel-mounted flexible tire that partially supports the vehicle and then be further pivoted by the tire, as it rotates in a forward direction due to vehicle inertia, into an interference position with the tire that locally deflects the tire to prevent further wheel rotation. The brake is activated by a device sensing impending vehicle impact with an obstacle, or by the vehicle operator, and is initially released by rotation of the tire in a reverse direction as the vehicle is caused to reverse or move backward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1995
    Assignee: Amigo Mobility International, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen L. Bussinger
  • Patent number: 5413362
    Abstract: A roller skate with a plurality of skate rollers including a front roller has a front end brake comprising a brake wheel forwardly of the front roller with a braking member between the brake wheel and the front roller. The brake wheel has a lower reach above that of the front roller when the skate is in the rolling position on the rollers and the brake wheel in a brake released position. The brake wheel is movable rearwardly against the brake member to a braking position when the skate is tipped forwardly away from the rolling position onto the brake wheel. A spring is provided which moves the brake wheel back to the brake released position when the skate is returned to the rolling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: Mario De Santis
  • Patent number: 5407031
    Abstract: A tread brake shoe for a railroad wheel has a cross-section with a bidirectional laminate structure, which includes a core element of a high-friction material for contacting the wheel tread and, at least one low-friction element positioned on the high-friction material sidewall for contact with the wheel flange and to inhibit wheel flange contact with the high friction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1995
    Assignee: Anchor Brake Shoe Company
    Inventor: C. Dale Christie
  • Patent number: 5403021
    Abstract: A brake assembly for in-line roller skates includes a frame having an inverted U-shaped configuration secured to a skate boot. A plurality of wheels are mounted in line for rotation in the frame and an elongated brake lever is pivotally mounted in the frame above the wheels for pivotal movement into sequential engagement with the wheels beginning with a rear wheel. Aligned apertures are provided in the skate boot and the frame to permit toe operation of the lever to pivot the lever against the force of an adjustable spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1995
    Inventor: Roy Shifrin
  • Patent number: 5388844
    Abstract: A braking device for skates including an item of footgear composed of a quarter articulated to a shell in turn associated with a supporting frame for one or more wheels. A rod member is articulated to a plate having a slot for the sliding and pivoting of rods which clamp a pair of disks laterally associated with one of the wheels, when the quarter is tilted back by the use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: Nordica S.p.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Pellegrini, Jr., Andrea Tormena, Ernesto Benvenuto
  • Patent number: 5383536
    Abstract: A foot actuated wheel brake for shopping carts and other wheeled equipment is disclosed. The wheel brake is designed for at least one wheel in a wheeled cart where each wheel is rotatably supported on a yoke at a lower end of a leg support in the wheeled cart. The wheel brake includes a first foot pedal that extends above and is movably mounted to the yoke. Preferably, the first foot pedal has a red colored stop sign shape. A second foot pedal extends laterally outwardly beyond the yoke and is movably mounted to the first foot pedal. Preferably, the second foot pedal has a green colored non-stop sign shaped element that extends outwardly beyond the red colored stop sign shape. Operating engaging/disengaging structure is associated with the first and second foot pedals for moving the brake shoe into braking engagement with the wheel when the first foot pedal is engaged and for releasing the brake shoe from the wheel when the second foot pedal is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 24, 1995
    Assignee: Saf-T-Loc, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryce G. Butter, James D. Houseman, Stephen R. Kovac
  • Patent number: 5346039
    Abstract: A wheelchair brake includes a pressing lever having a free end which pivots bout a first axis to make braking contact with a wheelchair wheel. The pressing lever is normally urged into a neutral position away from the wheel by an elastic, spring-like member, such as a rubber band or O-ring. A first brake lever for operating the brake by a companion is connected via a Bowden wire to the free end of the pressing lever, so that depression of the first brake lever causes the pressing lever to pivot into braking contact with the wheel. A manually releasable safety catch automatically engages the first braking lever when the lever is depressed, thereby locking the lever in its braking position. A second brake lever is also provided for use by the wheelchair user. The second lever pivots about a second axis causing a pressure part to bear against the same pressing lever causing a braking contact with the wheel. Further pivoting of the second lever also causes the mechanism to lock in a braking position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Assignee: Otto Bock Orthopaedische Industrie Besitz-und Varwaltungs KG
    Inventor: Gerhard Pfisterer
  • Patent number: 5328000
    Abstract: A foot actuated wheel brake for shopping carts and other wheeled equipment is disclosed. The wheel brake is designed for at least one wheel in a wheeled cart where each wheel is rotatably supported on a yoke at a lower end of a leg support in the wheeled cart. The wheel brake includes a first foot pedal that extends above and is movably mounted to the yoke. Preferably, the first foot pedal has a red colored stop sign shape. A second foot pedal extends laterally outwardly beyond the yoke and is movably mounted to the first foot pedal. Preferably, the second foot pedal has a green colored curvilinear shaped element that extends outwardly beyond the red colored stop sign shape. Operating engaging/disengaging structure is associated with the first and second foot pedals for moving the brake shoe into braking engagement with the wheel when the first foot pedal is engaged and for releasing the brake shoe from the wheel when the second foot pedal is engaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: SAF-T-LOC, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryce G. Rutter, James D. Houseman
  • Patent number: 5325938
    Abstract: A shopping cart brake adapted for use on commercially available carts designed to provide an automatic brake which remains engaged to hold the cart in a stationary position, unless the user manually disengages the brake of the cart for moving the cart. Upon parking the shopping cart, the interaction of the forward basket portion of the last cart in the stack contacting the back panel of the preceding cart automatically disengages the brakes of the preceding cart so that the brakes of the last cart in the stack of carts will be automatically engaged upon parking the cart and a user must manually disengage the brake of the last cart in order to move the stack of carts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Inventor: Clyde V. King
  • Patent number: 5234082
    Abstract: A tread brake shoe for a railroad wheel has a cross-section with a bidirectional laminate structure, which includes a core element of a high-friction material for contacting the wheel tread and, at least one low-friction element positioned on the high-friction material sidewall for contact with the wheel flange and to inhibit wheel flange contact with the high friction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 10, 1993
    Assignee: Amsted Industries Incorporated
    Inventor: C. Dale Christie
  • Patent number: 5226673
    Abstract: A braking assembly and method are disclosed for use with wheeled skating apparatus having a plurality of wheels rotatably connected with a support structure, the assembly including a band of relatively resilient material positioned at the outer circumference of a selected one of the plurality of wheels, a mount securable adjacent to the support structure, and a brake pad movably connected with the mount and positioned adjacent to the selected wheel for selectively contacting a surface associated with, and preferably in, the selected wheel. An actuator is operatively associated with the brake pad for selectively causing the pad to contact the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Donald E. Cech
  • Patent number: 5192099
    Abstract: A roller skate brake in which the wheel support which rotatably couples the skate's wheels to the boot is slotted, allowing the support to flex when the skater bears down with the heel. Such flexing compresses the support, forcing a brake shoe against the skate's rear wheel. The braking force varies in proportion to the applied force, and is released when the skater stops bearing down. A roller skate starter aids initial propulsion of a roller skate's wheels. The starter incorporates a restraining mechanism which prevents reverse rotation of the skate's toe wheel, while allowing forward rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1993
    Inventor: Raine R. Riutta
  • Patent number: 5112044
    Abstract: A prosthetic-type device which that restores independent ambulatory ability to individuals who have experienced diminished mobility includes a "U"-shaped member that supports a flexible harness, similar to that employed by mountain climbers. This harness encloses the waist, with additional support for the occupant provided by a crotch strap, and maintains body position of the occupant at an appropriate height, adjustable via a button-operated pin locking system incorporated into a rear vertical support member, allowing the occupant's legs to reach the floor. The U-shaped support member is curved, and attaches to a height adjustment housing via the pin locking system, and subsequently into a base, on which are fixed a plurality of swivel mounted casters, each with a weight-activated braking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1992
    Inventor: Barbara A. Dubats
  • Patent number: 5090517
    Abstract: An apparatus for automatically braking a user-propelled cart such as a grocery cart, luggage cart or the like is provided. The preferred apparatus includes a braking mechanism (40) shiftable between braked and released positions, which brakes at least one support wheel (22) of the cart (12). A shiftable handle (44) is interconnected to the braking mechanism (40) and causes corresponding shifting of the braking mechanism. The braking mechanism (40) and handle (44) are spring biased toward the braked position for automatic braking of the cart when not in use. The braking mechanism includes a brake shoe (78) designed to engage the wheel (22) more tightly in accordance with the amount of forward force applied to the cart (12). In operation, a user pushes generally forwardly on the handle (44) which shifts the interconnected braking mechanism to a released position. When the user releases the handle (44) the spring automatically biases the brake shoe (78) to the braked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1992
    Inventor: Robert E. Doughty
  • Patent number: 5088748
    Abstract: A braking system for an in-line skate wherein an additional wheel is connected to the skate product by a linkage. The linkage is designed to provide progressive braking force on the hub of the additional wheel. The additional wheel is load bearing and can rotate freely when the brake is not actuated. The braking system has a four bar linkage, a preload spring, a load bearing wheel hub and a skate wheel. The four bar linkage is made up of the in-line skate and three linkage bars interconnected in such a manner that they can move relative to one another. Attached to the linkage is a load bearing wheel hub which is attached to a brake wheel. A preload spring is attached to the linkage so that a predetermined force must be applied to the linkage bars before they will move relative to one another. The geometry of the linkage is such that relative bar movement results in a braking force being applied to the wheel hub and thereby to the braking wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: Design Continuum Inc.
    Inventors: Harvey Koselka, Andrew R. Jones
  • Patent number: 5042622
    Abstract: A shopping cart has a foot brake assembly added as an improvement. The assembly comprises a shopping cart caster frame variable length mounting bracket with a worm clamp for mechanically attaching the brake housing and subsequent brake assembly to the shopping cart caster frame. The brake mechanism itself is comprised of a toggle pedal, connector arms, a brake arm, a brake foot travel adjuster rod, a brake foot, aligning and lubricating spacers, as well as required tension pins. The pedal is pivotably attached to the connector arms and pivotably attached to the brake housing. The connector arms are pivotably attached to the brake arm which is pivotably attached to the brake housing. the brake foot travel adjuster rod is screwed into the brake arm and is bonded to the brake foot. The brake foot engages the shopping cart caster wheel when the toggle pedal is depressed by a downward force applied by the operator's foot to the rear portion of the top surface of the toggle pedal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Inventors: Leonard Smith, Ralph L. Powers
  • Patent number: 5036959
    Abstract: A braking assembly is mounted on a wheelchair so it can be operated by an attendant. The braking assembly includes friction pads that are engaged with both wheels of the chair by operating a lever mechanism. The chair also includes an occupant-actuated assembly which operates the lever mechanism to slow the chair down, and then, after the friction pads have engaged the wheels with a predetermined pressure, will engage an element against one of the wheels to stop rotation of that wheel. The occupant-actuated assembly can be foot operated or hand operated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 6, 1991
    Inventor: Joanne Sarro