Abstract: A frame for a skate has a base, on which a shoe can be associated, and two wings for supporting two or more pivots for the wheels. A protective plate is slidingly and selectively associated with the two wings of the frame and can be interposed between two adjacent wheels. It is thus possible to provide optimum protection of the frame against impacts during sports practice.

Abstract: An in-line skate having a boot is provided with a roller assembly defined by an elongate rail having a central channel along a length thereof and including a plurality of wheels rotatably supported in spaced, co-planar relation along the length of the channel. The roller assembly mounts to the bottom of the boot and is pivotally movable between locked positions, including a lowered, operable position and a collapsed, stowed position. A rubber mat attached along a side plate of the rail provides a ground engaging cushion sole for walking with the roller assembly in the collapsed, stowed position.

Abstract: A ventilated in-line skate (10) includes a lower frame portion (12) mounting a plurality of wheels (14) and an upper shoe portion (16). The upper shoe portion is secured to a base (24) that defines an upper surface (26) adapted to receive the upper shoe portion (16), and an exterior, lower surface (28) to which the lower frame portion (12) is secured. The base defines multiple ventilation channels (30) that traverse its upper surface (26) from a corresponding plurality of inlet apertures (32, 39) to an outlet aperture (34) defined within the exterior surface of the base. The upper surface of the base receives a last board (54) and insole (58), each of which includes a plurality of vertical apertures that permit airflow from the interior of the upper shoe portion to the ventilation channel. The base draws air and moisture from the interior of the upper shoe portion during use.

Abstract: A shock-absorbing device for a skate, preferably an ice-hockey skate, comprising a surface covering (17) of elastically compressible material applied or appliable on at least a lower part (18) of the blade support (11) situated close to the blade (13) of the skate (10). The surface covering is arranged, when hit by a puck (19), to absorb a considerable proportion of the puck's kinetic energy through elastic compression of the material.

Abstract: An in-line skate with an attached walker that is pivotable securely downward to interpose a flat walking surface between the skate wheels and ground, and pivotable securely upward away from the wheels and skate undercarriage so as not to interfere with skating. The walker includes a first flange bolted to the undercarriage and hingeably connected to an angle member having a second flange integral with a third flange to which is attached a walking sole. In a first embodiment the sole is attached to an angle member third flange by a plurality of rivets. In a second embodiment the sole is adhesively attached to the angle member third flange.

Abstract: A generally rectangular housing includes an elongated strap for attachment of the housing to the rear portion of an in-line skate. The housing supports a rearwardly directed lens and an internal battery power source for illuminating a plurality of rearwardly directed light elements. An elongated transparent tube supports a plurality of additional light elements and is operatively coupled to the power pack to provide illumination of the tube. A pair of clip fasteners are secured to the skate frame beneath the boot sole thereof to position the elongated tube in alignment with the in-line skate wheel arrangement. The transparent tube further supports a forwardly directed reflector and forwardly directed light element to provide frontal illumination ahead of the skate. Different color lenses are employed for the rearwardly directed light elements, the transparent tube, and the front light to provide directional and position information to an observer.

Abstract: A removable wheel guard for an in-line type skate. The guard includes an elongated channel to receive the wheels with an upwardly curved forward portion to inwardly receive the front wheel. An adjustable bridle is coupled to the base of the channel for the purpose of firmly attaching the guard to the rear of the skate.

Abstract: A guard for use on in-line roller skates, to permit the wearer of the in-line roller skates to be safely ambulant comprises a main body portion, a substantially solid base member, opposed left and right substantially rigid side walls extending upwardly from the base member so as to define a wheel-receiving trough above the base member, and a ground contacting bottom surface. First and second loop-shaped securing members are connected to the main body portion for looped engagement around the toe portion and rear portion respectively of the boot of the skate.

Abstract: A lighted wheel which is preferably self-powered is provided which includes a rotatable wheel, an electrical power source connected to the wheel and a light-emitting member electrically coupled to the power source and carried by the wheel. The power source is preferably a dynamo carried by the wheel. The wheel preferably includes a traction tire and is a support wheel for use with a frame configured for supporting a person. The light emitting member can be a light bulb or a light-emitting diode mounted on the tire for displaying light when the wheel is rotated on the frame, such as a skate frame.

Abstract: An elongate light assembly for shoe skates removably encircles the skate frame below the shoe and is held in place by elastic tension. A plurality of light sources are positioned along the sides of the skate frame and are powered by a self-contained electric power source. The light sources may be a pair of elongate electroluminescent light sources or a plurality of LED's.

Abstract: A tag axle assembly has a frame having a pair of hanger brackets, an upper cross tube and a lower cross tube. A pair of rocker beams having a primary pivot for pivotally mounting the rocker beam to the support frame is mounted to the frame. A suspension air spring extends between the upper cross tube and each rocker beam, and a lift air spring extends between each hanger bracket and the front end of the rocker beam. An axle seat is hingedly mounted to the rear end of each rocker beam. An upper beam having an actuator beam and a lift bar are pivotally mounted to the axle seat and to the support frame. A linear actuator extends between the support frame and the actuator beam. Inflation of the lift air spring causes the rocker beams to rotate about the primary pivots, and expansion of the linear actuator causes the actuator beam and the interconnected lift bar to raise.

Abstract: A stabilizing or digger accessory for in-line skates is provided which is adapted to assist roller hockey goaltenders by permitting them to stabilize themselves in a stationary position in goal so that they may react laterally to incoming shots on goal. The digger accessory is easily installed and removed, replacing the frontmost wheel of the skate, so that it may be utilized while the skater is tending goal but removed when he or she wishes to skate normally. Furthermore, even when installed, because of its configuration and orientation with respect to the remaining wheels, the goaltender may skate normally with only a slight change of skating style, so that he or she may easily perform those goaltending duties which require mobility. Essentially, the digger accessory comprises a molded rubber insert wherein the bottom surface consists of a tread. When the heel of the skate is lifted, the tread contacts the skating surface to prevent rolling of the skate.

Abstract: A tread or cover for an in-line skate provides a walking surface to enable the skater to traverse unpaved areas, stairs, or steep grades. The cover is formed like a sheath which stretchably fits over the in-line skate wheels. The cover is at least slightly elastic and flexible, preferably having rubber walls. A tread pattern on the bottom surface of the cover increases traction. A strap on the cover is used to better secure the cover over the skate wheels.

Abstract: A tag axle latching mechanism is disclosed that includes opposed matching engaging components wherein a first is attached to a tag axle system and a second is attached to a truck frame. The components cooperate to direct supporting forces associated with the tag axle system through the truck frame. The tag axle system is mounted on a tailgate such that the engaging components are aligned as the tailgate is operated between a closed and an open position. The tag axle system is connected to the tailgate such that it is covered by the tailgate but forces associated with support provided by the tag axle system are not transferred to the tailgate.

Abstract: A new and improved skate light apparatus which includes a self-contained, battery-powered light assembly and either an adjustable bracket or an adjustable strap for connecting the light assembly to the skate. The light assembly includes a housing, a battery pack, a light source, and a switch connected between the battery pack and the light source. In addition, the light assembly may also include a rotatable reflector and an electric motor for rotating the reflector. The adjustable bracket which supports the light assembly is connected to support structures, such as struts or studs, on the skate. When a strap is used to attach the light assembly to the skate, the light assembly housing includes a slot for receiving an adjustable strap, and the adjustable strap is threaded through the slot and extends around the foot on which the skate is fitted. The adjustable strap can include hook material and complementary loop material for securing the adjustment of the strap around the foot.

Abstract: A lighting kit that provides indirect lighting for roller skates or skateboards by mounting a lighting assembly under the shoe section of the skate or underside of the skateboard and providing a light directed down from the bottom of the shoe section of the skate or underside of the skateboard to the floor under the user. The color of the lighting system can be altered by placing a color filter in front of the lamp. In an alternative embodiment the conventional lamps used in the first embodiment are replaced by electroluminescent (EL) lamps. The EL lamps provide a flat structure which is relatively unnoticeable to observers when the skate is in use and the lamps turned off because they are positioned flat against the bottom of the skate or skateboard. When the lamps are activated, they illuminate the floor beneath the skate but are not directly seen.

Abstract: A roller skate is provided with a gripping apparatus comprising two buckles to which a holding strap is fastened in such a manner that the holding strap is attached in its entirety to the outer surface of the boot of the roller skate, and that the holding strap can be pulled out from a relaxed position to facilitate the carrying of the roller skate by hand.

Abstract: An accessory device for a roller skate is disclosed, for use to block the wheels of this roller skate. This device comprises a plurality of elongated members that are made of non-slippery material and sized to snugly fit transversely between two of the wheels. These members are linked together, preferably by an elastic rope which is forming a closed loop. The device can be secured to the frame of the roller skate whenever required by placing each member between two of the wheels to prevent the same from rotating. This device is very advantageous because it is inexpensive and very simple to install on a roller skate. It is also very light in weight and compact, thereby making it easy to carry.

Abstract: A roller skating shoe with a light emitting device includes an elongate inverted U-shaped plate fixed under a skating shoe, a plurality of rollers combined rotatably with the elongate inverted U-shaped plate by means of two locating plates and bearings and rod shafts passing through the inverted U-shaped plate, the locating plates, and the rollers to be tightly screwed with anti-loose nuts. Coils are electrically connected with light emitters fixed on both sides of each roller. Magnets are fixed on the two locating plates producing magnetism to cross each coil to allow the coil to produce electricity to light up each emitter when the rollers are rotated by a skater.

Abstract: A pair of toe thrusting blades for attachment to goalkeeper ice skates which are attachable to the underside of the toe of the boot and extend sideways and forwards at the toe of the boot which are normally clear of the ice but which will engage the ice when the goalkeeper rolls his foot at an extreme angle.

Abstract: A ventilated in-line skate having a boot with a frame that supports a plurality of wheels having the axles in a longitudinal array. Ventilating means for the boot are formed by a rotor having a plurality of vanes that are coaxially mounted and secured for rotation with one wheel. A housing having an opening defining an air scoop encloses the rotor and is connected to one end of an air conduit that may be secured to the frame with its other end in fluid communication with the interior of the boot through a series of openings in the bottom side of the boot. Exit holes or apertures are formed at the rear of the boot to promote escape of air.

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: To provide effective and protective sliding means for in-line roller skating, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW) plates are detachably fastened to the protective outerclothes and gloves of the user. Hook and loop fasteners are used in a manner that permits the UHMW plates to articulate on the fastening as the plate slides or skids on the pavement and the user's position changes during the slide. With the hook and loop fastening, excessive shear stress or pulling, from contact with an obstruction, permits the UHMW plate to separate before these stresses damage the skid plate, the hook and loop fastening, the adhesive bonds or the underlying protective clothing. The result is a slide or sliding fall as on ice in ice skating and various fall and slide maneuvers of the ice skater are made practical for the in-line roller skater on pavement.

Abstract: Shoe members having spaced parallel support flanges, wherein the flanges include a row of rotatably mounted wheels therebelow which are fashioned as a roller blade structure, having a pneumatic chamber within the side wall of the shoe structure of the roller blades employing a pneumatic pump bladder mounted relative to the tongue structure of the shoe to permit selective filling of the pneumatic side wall chamber.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vehicle having a load bed which has a back end that is supported by a wheel set which has a frame that is pivotally mounted below the back end and has extensible air bags connecting the frame to the back end of the load bed. The air bags are extensible to raise the back end to a raised position with respect to the frame and retractable to lower the back end to a lowered position. Included are non-compliant legs arranged to extend between the frame and the back end of the load bed when the back end of the load bed is in the raised position and a releasable locking operable to lock the legs in a locked position in which it serves to hold the back end of the load bed fast in the raised position. The lock is releasable to allow the load bed to be lowered to the lowered position. The air bags extend across the back end of the chassis to give high surface area contacts between the air bags and the frame of the load bed and wheel set frame.

Abstract: A decorative lighting apparatus for connection to a roller skate wheel and axle supporting the wheel includes a unitary housing which is positioned about the axle and brought into frictional engagement with the wheel. A battery operated light bulb is connected to the housing, and the housing and bulb rotate with the skate wheel about the axle.

Abstract: An ankle and foot protective device is provided for attachment to a skate. The device has at least one support layer adapted for releasable attachment to the outside of a skate and at least one protective pad adapted for attachment to the at least one support layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for shifting the body weight of a skier from a skier's legs to the skis for enhancing the skier's performance and minimizing leg strain comprises a spring assembly including a loop of elastic rod-shaped material stretchable during crouching movement of a skier's legs between a standing position and a fully crouched position of the skier. A housing defining an elongated channel for enclosing a portion of the loop supports the stretchable material and parallel rod-shaped branches terminating in a base bend. The base bend is secured within one end of the housing. The housing also includes a socket for receiving rigid poles therein and supporting the poles in vertical positions above the skis. The top ends of the poles have pulleys therein over which a cord is fed extending from a top bend of the loop of elastic material to straps disposed about the thigh or thighs of the skier's legs.

Abstract: Skiing equipment is disclosed including improvements in ski boots and ski poles. The inventive ski boots include two layers of material for added warmth as well as a plurality of illuminated regions. Each illuminated region includes a lens which is elongated and which may be colored. Within each lens, an optical fiber is disposed. All of the optical fibers are exposed to light from a light source contained in each boot so that all of the lenses are illuminated when a switch is activated. The inventive ski poles have a transparent housing with a handle containing batteries and a light and with an optical fiber extending through the transparent portion to be illuminated by the light within the handle.

Abstract: A truck-trailer-trailer combination including an intermediate trailer that has two load carrying bunk assemblies. The intermediate trailer carries the rearward end of a first set of elongate objects and the forward end of a second set of elongate objects. The forward end of the first set of elongate objects is carried by the truck and the rearward end of the second set of elongate objects is carried by a rear trailer. The truck-trailer-trailer combination carries such loads in a manner that complies with existing highway regulations and allows the user to reduce the number of trips required in order to transport a given number of elongate objects.

Abstract: A steerable, load-supporting dolly is provided wherein the dolly is self-steerable in response to the loading thereon. Controllable responsiveness of the steering is provided by at least one king-pin, the castor of which may be selectively varied.

Abstract: An apparatus for shifting the body weight of a skier from a skier's legs to the skis for enhancing the skier's performance and minimizing leg strain comprises a spring assembly including a loop of elastic rod-shaped material stretchable during crouching movement of a skier's legs between a standing position and a fully crouched position of the skier. A housing defining an elongated channel for enclosing a portion of the loop supports the stretchable material and parallel rod-shaped branches terminating in a base bend. The base bend is secured within one end of the housing. The housing also includes a socket for receiving rigid poles therein and supporting the poles in vertical positions above the skis. The top ends of the poles have pulleys therein over which a cord is fed extending from a top bend of the loop or elastic material to straps disposed about the thigh or thighs of the skier's legs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a pneumatic system for (a) raising and lowering the tag axle assembly and (b) applying a variable downward force to the wheels of the tag axle assembly when the wheels are in their ground engaging position. This system disclosed is intended to be tied into the pneumatic brake system which comes standard on most heavy duty work vehicles. The entire system is also controllable from the vehicle's cab.

Abstract: An over the highway truck or tractor suspension with traction enhancement. Air springs are provided for the rear axles of a 2.times.6 vehicle. Normally the load is evenly divided between driven and tag axles. When enhanced traction is desired, the tag axle springs are communicated with an auxiliary tank to reduce pressure in them while air under pressure is supplied to the driven axle springs to increase the pressure in them and thereby increase the portion of the load on the driven axle to provide enhanced traction.

Abstract: Apparatus which enhances the load carrying capacity of a dump truck without interfering with dumping of the dump bed. A rigid frame which is added to the back end of the truck includes a beam carrying an axle and a pair of wheels. A hydraulic cylinder pivots the beam between a load bearings position in which the wheels travel on the roadway to bear part of the dump bed load and a raised position in which the beam extends vertically between a pair of side by side tail gates. A hinged door operates in the space between the two tail gates to prevent spillage of the load through the space while accommodating extension of the beam through the space when the dump bed is raised to dump its load. A diverter in the dump bed deflects material away from the space and toward the tail gate openings.

Abstract: A detachable auxiliary load-carrying apparatus for mobile equipment includes first frame structure fixed to the mobile equipment, second frame structure detachably connectable to the first frame structure and having at least one pair of wheels rotatably mounted thereon, a rod and retaining pin for detachably connecting the first frame structure to the second frame structure, and a frame tilting hydraulic ram on the mobile equipment for varying the distribution of weight between wheels on the mobile equipment and the wheels on the second frame structure by tilting a rearward portion of the mobile equipment. The apparatus further includes a member fixed under the rearward portion of the mobile equipment for pivotably supporting the rearward portion of the mobile equipent on the second frame structure, and one or more steel plates on opposing sides of the second frame structure for holding the pivotably supporting member above the second frame structure.

Abstract: A concrete mixing vehicle having a retractable tag axle assembly and a distribution chute is disclosed. To ensure that the tag axle assembly does not come into contact with the distribution chute as the tag axle assembly as it moves between a first ground engaging position and a second elevated position, a limit switch is provided in the control circuit for the tag axle assembly. The limit switch only permits movement of the tag axle assembly when the distribution chute is outside of the tag axle assembly's path of travel as it moves between said first and second positions.

Abstract: An improved roller skate assembly with an interchangeable body is disclosed which comprises a roller skate, a roller skate boot, a plate positioned between the boot and the roller skate, and an interchangeable body. The plate is secured to the boot and the roller skate by nuts and bolts which fit through slots in the plate, apertures in the sole and heel of the boot and apertures in the roller skate. The interchangeable body is attached to the roller skate by pins at the front of the plate which fit into apertures located in a fastening plate attached to the front of the body and by a lip at the rear end of the body which snaps onto the rear end of the plate.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for illuminating shoe skates, such as roller skates or ice skates, the bracket assembly comprising one or more bracket units adapted to be detachably secured to the skate, the bracket units selectively containing fittings for mounting light sources, such as multicolored miniature light bulbs, a source of electrical current for the light sources, and switch means for selectively actuating and deactuating the light sources.

Abstract: A skate base for a goal-tender's skate having blade support means and foot protective means. A skate boot is mounted on the skate base to provide the skate.

Abstract: A skate boot for use with a hockey skate. The boot has a molded support structure. The support structure includes a portion which is the sole of the boot and first and second support portions for supporting a steel runner. Attached to the molded support structure is a soft flexible sock adapted to receive the skater's foot. A removable cover portion is adapted to meet with the molded support structure to fully enclose the sock and to thereby provide protection for the skater's foot. The cover includes fastening means which fasten under the sole portion and behind the ankle of the skater such that the cover and the molded support structure provide an integral unit when assembled.

Abstract: A tote apparatus or carrier for a pair of roller skates is disclosed herein having a central body member provided with identical skate securements carried on its opposite ends. Each securement includes a pair of releasable holders for retaining and supporting the wheels of the roller skates intended to be carried. A handle is provided across the central body member so that the weight of the roller skates is substantially and evenly distributed. The holders may include resilient snap-lock devices, flexible straps employing Velcro or latch mechanism utilizing clamps.

Abstract: An abrasion resistant covering for the toe portion of the shoe of a shoe-type roller skate, secured to the skate toe stop, with non-turning assembly, and securable to the laces of the shoe.