Abstract: A wheel for use on soft granualar surfaces has a circumference having a plurality of concave cavities facing radially outwardly therefrom. The wheel may be used in combination with a cart, dolly, trailer, vehicle or the like.

Abstract: An in-line skate wheel and a applying indicia to a part thereof so that the indicia does not wear off before the wheel needs to be replaced. The skate wheel includes a hub having an internal bearing surface and an outer surface, a see-through tire formed about a portion of the hub and an element, such as a bladder, including indicia on an outer side thereof being positioned within the see-through tire. The method according to the present invention includes applying indicia to an element adapted to be located within a see-through material. The method comprises the steps of providing a bladder for locating within the see-through material and applying a first set of indicia on a first side surface of the bladder such that the indicia is visible when the bladder is viewed from a first side. The method also includes applying a second set of indicia on a second side surface of the bladder such that the second indicia set is visible when the bladder is viewed from the first side.

Abstract: A skate wheel (1) includes a gas-filled tire tube (30) that is secured to the tire rim (21) of a bearing frame (20) by molding a cover layer (40) around the tube and frame to form an integrated wheel assembly which provides buffering and shock-absorbing functions during skating.

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

Abstract: An axle assembly for in-line skate wheels is provided. Each wheel is arranged between frame extensions having a plurality of opposing apertures. The axle assembly comprises a housing having a first open end, a second open end, and a longitudinal axis. A first tapered axle end is movable along the longitudinal axis within the first open end of the housing. A second tapered axle end is movable along the longitudinal axis within the second open end of the housing. A mechanism biases the ends in a general direction away from each other to urge the ends into the opposing apertures in the frame extensions.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate comprises at least three running rollers (4, 5, 6, 7) disposed one behind the other in the running direction and said running rollers comprise along their periphery a rolling surface (18, 19) which extends in a curved manner in an axial cross-section and which is formed substantially symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal middle plane of the running rollers (4, 5, 6, 7), wherein the rolling surfaces (18) of at least one front running roller (4) and at least one rear running roller (7) with respect to an axis-parallel tangential plane (.tau.) to the rolling surface (18) comprise at a spaced disposition from the longitudinal middle plane (.epsilon.) a comparatively greater perpendicular spacing than the rolling surface (19) of two middle running rollers (5, 6), so that when the roller skate (1) tilts sidewards with respect to the tangential plane (.tau.

Abstract: An illuminating roller for in-line skates includes an outer circular body having an axial opening and an inner side provided with a plurality of pins, an inner circular body fitted inside the outer circular body and having an axial hole aligned with the axial opening, two battery recesses, and a vibration switch hole, a circuit board fitted in a cavity of the second half, the circuit board being provided with an IC, two battery mountings made of metal and fitted in the two battery recesses, batteries fitted on the battery mountings for supplying power to the IC, a battery cover made of metal and having holes engaged with the pins of the outer circular body, a vibration switch fitted in the vibration switch hole and electrically connected with the IC, and a plurality of light-emitting means fitted in the apertures and electrically connected with the IC and the batteries, whereby the circuit board is prevented from being broken even subjected to vigorous vibration and two bright tracks will be produced when the

Abstract: A urethane wheel including a hard urethane hub formed with a rim facing radially outward, and including stand-off ribs spaced equidistant thereabout. The stand-off ribs having centering notches opening radially outward. A thin wall polyurethane annular bladder with an interior annular stand-off skirt facing radially inward, contacting the centering notches of the stand-off ribs, and cooperating to position the bladder both radially and axially about the rim. The tire body is formed of soft polyurethane which surrounds the rim, encapsulates the bladder creating and integral cavity, and forms a contoured surface. A method of manufacturing the wheel which includes selecting a pressurized annular bladder, locating the bladder both axially and radially about the rim, forming a concentric bridge space having axial communication channels between the rim and bladder, and then pouring liquid urethane in a mold to form the tire.

Abstract: The present invention is a brake system for wheeled skates, and in particular in line skates. The brake system consists of at least one brake disk, but preferably two sets of interleaving disks. The first set of disks are keyed to a wheel's shaft, and the second set of disks are keyed to the inner hub of the wheel. The first set of disks cannot rotate around the shaft which is fixedly attached to the frame of the skate. The second set of disks rotate with the wheel. Both sets of disks are free to move axially. To brake, a skater shifts his weight onto the outside of his feet, which causes both the first set and second set of disks to move towards the inside of the skate and compress together. The frictional force between the rotating second set of disks and the nonrotating first set of disks causes the second set of disks to decrease in rotational speed.

Abstract: The present invention is a pre-pressurized in-line skate wheel which is capable of being pressurized at low levels and which further includes an integral bladder device having an annular tube and three bladder rods which are in fluid communication with respect to each other. The wheel is configured with a rigid polyurethane hub formed with a drop center and further having a pair of radially extending flanges with three pairs of axial openings. The hub is further formed with three radially projecting spokes. The tire body surrounds the bladder device and is constructed of a generally more resilient polyurethane which bonds to the hub, flanges and bladder. The method of manufacture utilizes blow molding techniques for the bladder device which includes a post vulcanization chlorine bath. The tire body is formed using liquid thermoset polyurethane poured into an open cast mold.

Abstract: A three piece in-line skate axle and related assembly method for in-line roller skates is disclosed. Advantageously, the three piece configuration provides improved load bearing stress points along the axle. In addition, the center member can be varied in size according to a specific skate design and assembled to the common two end members. This interchangeability reduces the amount of component inventory a manufacturing facility needs to carry. Further, the amount of high strength (and high cost) material can be minimized to reduce manufacturing costs associated therewith.

Abstract: An in-line skate wheel including a hub that positions and supports a bladder generally about the center line of the hub. The wheel hub comprises an inner surface forming a bore for receiving a wheel axle, an outer circumferential surface spaced from the inner surface and first and second edges. The hub also comprises a center line evenly spaced from the first and second edges of the outer surface. Contoured positioning tabs are located along the circumference of the outer surface and are alternately spaced on opposite sides of the center line to receive and retain the bladder therebetween in order to position it about the center line and support it during the use of the wheel.

Abstract: An in-line skate wheel includes an polyethylene closed cell foam ring surrounding the outer cylindrical surface of a hard plastic hub. Polyurethane is molded onto the outer cylindrical surface of the hub and surrounding the polyethylene ring. The polyethylene ring is provided with a substantially lower density than the density of the polyurethane.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved skate wheel for an in-line skate comprising a hub for rotation about an axis and a plurality of cores of material disposed about the hub to be coaxial therewith, the outer core of material being harder than the inner core to facilitate a rolling motion of the wheel over a surface while absorbing energy.

Abstract: A method for compression molding a composite, fiber reinforced wheel. The strength, stiffness and reliability of the wheel is maximized so as to resist failure under high shear and other mechanical loads by controlling the orientation of non-metallic fibers which run through the wheel. Substantially all of the fibers in an inner bearing housing of the wheel extend circumferentially therearound, substantially all of the fibers in a cylindrical outer attachment flange run in a radial direction with respect to the wheel, and substantially all of the fibers of an intermediate rim run in an axial direction. During compression molding, some of the axial running fibers of the rim are forced towards and interspersed among some of the fibers which run circumferentially around the bearing housing so as to establish a wave-shaped mechanical interlock at the interface therebetween.

Abstract: Each wheel of an inline roller skate incorporates multiple tires, with a center tire allowing straight-ahead skating and the two side tires allowing maneuvering forces. Leaning the skate such that none of the tires makes good contact with the skating surface causes the skater to skid sideways. By increasing the roll angle, the skater engages more sideways friction of the side tires, and comes to a controlled stop. By modulating the roll angle, a skilled skater can control the rate of deceleration. An added nose wheel allows the skater to tilt toward the toe, like an ice skater, to reduce straight line contact with the skating surface, and enable curvilinear skating.

Abstract: A polyurethane elastomer possessing high resilience and high clarity is obtained by subjecting to polyurethane elastomer-forming conditions a polyurethane elastomer-forming reaction mixture comprising:a) an isocyanate selected from the group consisting of diphenyl methane diisocyanate, isocyanate obtained from the reaction of polyol with MDI and mixtures thereof;b) at least one polyol; and,c) at least one diol chain extender of the general formula:HO--(CH.sub.2).sub.x --OHwherein x is an integer from 5 to about 16.

Abstract: A skate (10) including a plurality of quick release axle assemblies (26) for securing in-line skate wheels (44) to a skate boot (16). The skate includes a frame (12) having right and left side walls (18) and (20) that extend downwardly from a boot mounting platform (14), and having substantially aligned apertures 22 for receiving the quick release axle assemblies, which in turn secure the skate wheels. Each axle assembly contains a single spring-loaded plunger member (28), an axle housing (30) for receiving the plunger member, and at least one detent ball (32) which is held in a detent aperture (34) of the axle housing. When the axle is in the closed position for use, the detent ball projects from the aperture of the axle housing. The detent extends beyond the axle outer surface (38) and locates into a detent ball receiving groove (48) defined in the detent spacer (46) of the wheel to secure the axle.

Abstract: A wheel assembly for use on wheeled devices such as in-line skates. The wheel assembly includes a hub having plurality of support elements radially extending from the exterior of the hub. Each of said plurality of support elements has a first end that is connected to the hub and second end that faces away from the hub. The second end of adjacent support elements are separated by a gap. A wheel is molded to the hub. The material of the wheel envelops the support elements. AS a result, certain sections of the molded wheel are reinforced by the support elements, while others are not. Preferably each of the support elements terminates on the circumference of a common imaginary circle, wherein the support elements account for between 20% and 75% of the circumference of the common imaginary circle.

Abstract: A skate wheel includes a gas-filled tire tube that is secured to the tire rim of a bearing frame by molding a cover layer around the tube and frame to form an integrated wheel assembly which provides buffering and shock-absorbing functions during skating.

Abstract: A skate wheel includes a gas-filled tire tube that is secured to the tire rim of a bearing frame by molding a cover layer around the tube and frame to form an integrated wheel assembly which provides buffering and shock-absorbing functions during skating.

Abstract: An in-line roller skate wheel is formed of a polyurethane tire injection molded onto a plastic hub, also formed by injection molding. The hub includes semicircular recesses along the outside rim to prevent the tire from slipping with respect to the hub. The hub also includes sloped surfaces on its outer rim to prevent the tire from slipping sideways with respect to the hub. The hub further includes annular ridges formed on the sloped surfaces, to prevent sideways slippage of the tire with respect to the hub, and also to allow the hub to be removed from the injection mold. The bearing seats of the hub have notches cut out to allow the hub to slide and lock onto the tire injection mold.

Abstract: An in-line wheeled skate which includes one or more rollers located between the wheels and above the ground plane, thereby enabling the skater to jump up on a rail (or other supporting surface) and roll down the rail sideways, as in `extreme skating` maneuvers, by placing the skate on the rail with the rollers bearing upon the rail surface. The rollers may be, for example, cylindrical or spherical, and are preferably located between left and right side planes of the skate wheels.

Abstract: A roller skate wheel is described wherein the weight of wheel is significantly reduced by employing a bushing bearing instead of the usual ball bearing in at least one side of the wheel. The bushing is formed of Peek material so as to provide the necessary strength and low friction necessary to provide desirable skating characteristics.

Abstract: A process for making clear elastomers is disclosed. First, a polyol having a narrow molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn<1.5) reacts an aromatic diisocyanate at an NCO/OH ratio from about 1.3 to about 3.0 to give a non-viscous isocyanate-terminated prepolymer. A mixture that contains this prepolymer and an aliphatic diisocyanate is then reacted with an aromatic diamine to give a clear elastomer. The elastomers have excellent overall physical and mechanical properties, including resilience greater than 55%. The elastomers are valuable for in-line skates and other applications for which clarity is important.

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

Abstract: An illuminating device cooperative with an in-line skate or roller skate wheel the illuminating device having a power source, a centrifugal switch and a light emitting diode or similar illuminating device, the light emitting diode or illuminating device positioned within a radial bore of the wheel, and the power source and centrifugal switch mounted on an annular ring which is snap fit into the wheel of the in-line skate wheel or roller skate wheel.

Abstract: A method for making a non-metallic, fiber reinforced wheel for an in-line skate and similar rolling articles. Resin impregnated carbon fibers are compression molded to form a high strength and very stiff (i.e. rigid) annular hub having a central channel extending longitudinally therethrough to accommodate an axle. Bearing cavities are formed at opposite ends of the central channel in which to receive and retain respective axle bearings. A hollow air pocket is established so as to extend around and through the interior of the hub in order to occupy a majority of the volume of the hut) and thereby reduce the overall weight of the wheel. A scalloped wheel retaining rim is formed around the circumference of the hub to which an outer urethane tire is bonded to enable the wheel to roll along a flat surface.

Abstract: Single-track roller skate comprising at least three wheels which are disposed one behind the other and the rolling faces of which comprise in the cross-section substantially identical curvatures, wherein at least one front and/or rear wheel comprises at least in portions a comparatively different degree of elasticity than at least one central wheel. The rolling faces of the wheels comprise preferably a flat or slightly curved central portion and on both sides of this central portion in each case a more greatly curved running shoulder portion, wherein each running shoulder portion of the front and/or rear wheel comprises a comparatively higher degree of elasticity than that of the central wheel. In a convenient manner the tire body, forming the rolling face, of a front and/or rear wheel can be manufactured from a material having a lower Shore hardness than the wheel body of a central wheel.

Abstract: An in-line skate wheel having a shaped foam core which cooperates with load bearing side walls to dictate degrees of flexure of such walls in response to loading thereof from different directions. The wheel structure includes a polyurethane tire body which encapsulates a foam mandrel and a hub.

Abstract: A three piece in-line skate axle and related assembly method for in-line roller skates. Advantageously, the three piece configuration provides improved load bearing stress points along the axle. In addition, the center member can be varied in size according to a specific skate design and assembled to the common two end members. This interchangeability reduces the amount of component inventory a manufacturing facility needs to carry. Further, the amount of high strength (and high cost) material can be minimized to reduce manufacturing costs associated therewith.

Abstract: A skate wheel including a hard urethane hub formed with a drop center between radially projecting guide flanges, and including stand-off ribs disposed in equidistant spaced relation thereabout. Pairs of centering fins are spaced axially along a number of stand-off ribs thereby forming a central groove along the drop center. An annular bladder with an interior annular stand-off skirt is nested within the centering fins and concentric with the drop center. The wheel body is formed of a soft polyurethane and surrounds the drop center and encapsulates the annular tube, thereby forming a contoured surface. A method of manufacturing the wheel that includes selecting a welded seam annular tube, pre-pressurize it and then further pressurize it through the exothermic reaction by pouring liquid urethane in a mold to form the tire.

Abstract: Novel tempered rust resistant steel wheels for installation on conventional in-line four wheel roller skates, parallel four wheel roller skates, and, in-line five wheel roller skates that convert traditional ground roller skates into ice skates. The novel wheels can have different diameters, thicknesses and varying concave edges. The diameters and sizes of the tempered rust resistant steel wheels must be the same as the roller skates' composition or rubber type wheels, except for the thickness of the wheels can be 1/4 inch, 3/16 inch for in-line skates and 1/4 to 1/2 inches for a parallel wheel roller skate. The heights of the sharpened concave edges for the steel wheels can be approximately 30/1000" to approximately 40/1000". Optional scraper bars can be used. The wheels can be used for making ice skates used for figure, dance, pair, freestyle, and recreational skating.

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

Abstract: An inline roller skate includes a large number of small, light weight wheels arranged along a downwardly convex arcuate line to form a rocker. Braking elements are disposed along a common axis with at least some of the wheels, the braking elements may take the form of various surfaces of revolution, such as conical, cylindrical, ellipsoidal or semispherical. The braking elements are arranged to contact the skating surface when the skater shifts his foot to a direction perpendicular to his direction of movement and leans back on his skate so as to perform an "ice skating" type braking action.

Abstract: An inline skate having an inline skate wheel; an in line skate axle which extends through the inline skate wheel and has a female receiving element; an inline skate frame which supports the inline skate axle, wherein the inline skate axle has a first contacting surface for contacting the inline skate frame; a securing element that has a second contacting surface for contacting the inline skater frame, and a male thread element for engaging the female receiving element of the inline skate axle, and a positive acting element for exerting a retention force against the inline skater frame, wherein the female receiving element does not have threads prior to engagement of the female receiving element with the male thread element, and wherein the male thread element is a self forming thread which forms a thread in the female receiving element upon engagement.

Abstract: A novel quick release fastener system for efficient and reliable attachment, disengagement and reattachment of components secured by the fastener system. The fastener system includes an elongated fastener having a shank, a drive structure on one end, an opposite end of which having a threaded portion. The fastener system also includes an expandable nut body which is engaged with the threaded portion of the fastener, which nut body is adapted to be engaged in a bore. Nut spreading structures are provided on the nut member and the fastener which spread or expand the nut when the fastener is rotated and engaged axially of the nut member. The nut is initially retained on the threaded portion of the fastener with the nut spreading structures disengaged. A work piece is provided with a bore for receiving the expandable nut body. A key is provided in the bore and a slot is provided in the nut body being sized and dimensioned for receiving the key therein.

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

Abstract: The present invention includes a modular component skate wheel particularly usable in connection with preferably an in-line skate boot. All of the components are interchangeable and the components in preferred embodiments include snap fit surfaces. Preferably, a three piece wheel with interchangeable tire, hub and stationary drum is included to allow the user to adapt the modular skate wheels to the intended purpose. The tires may contain at least one light source for purposes of illuminating the preferably clear, transparent (or translucent) tires. The removable inner hub may be adaptable to contain a two-bearing configuration similar to existing skate wheels for the lightweight skating and maneuverability, such as required for roller hockey or speed skating. A generator may be snapped into the inner hub and used as a means of power to illuminate a light source contained within the tire or located on the boot if a flashy appearance is desired.

Abstract: A precision wheel, roller and track tread product newly developed consisting of a wheel, roller and track tread material capable of carrying a very heavy load for its size mounted on a new tread locking assembly hub, roller shaft or track tread cleat. The tread locking assembly is designed primarily to bond very difficult to bond materials to a given wheel hub or wheel rim without an adhesive which could be used for commercial, industrial, automotive, and all other purposes where a revolutionary state-of-the-art wheel product is needed. The resultant benefits of the tread alloys with the use of a newly invented tread retention device with super holding power is an inner tube perforated liner mounted over a circular groove derived from a precisionly designed tread locking assembly from specific mathematical, scientific tests and mathematical calculations. These mathematical advantages are a product of groove design dimensions.

Abstract: An in-line skate wheel includes an polyethylene closed cell foam ring surrounding the outer cylindrical surface of a hard plastic hub. Polyurethane is molded onto the outer cylindrical surface of the hub and surrounding the polyethylene ring. The polyethylene ring is provided with a substantially lower density than the density of the polyurethane.

Abstract: A skate wheel includes a gas-filled tire tube that is secured to the tire rim of a bearing frame by molding a cover layer around the tube and frame to form an integrated wheel assembly which provides buffering and shock-absorbing functions during skating.

Abstract: High performance, light-weight skate wheels are produced with special permeable cores and without air bubbles for in-line roller skates to attain greater strength, speed, maneuverability and control. In order to facilitate rotation, one or more bearings are seated in the hub of the gas permeable core. The gas permeable core which is preferably made of high-impact plastic can be reinforced with fibers. The gas permeable core can also comprise complementary core sections and can have an array of spokes which connect a hub and an inner rim. In the preferred form, the gas permeable core has an outer portion providing a hollow shell upon which a high performance non-pneumatic tire is secured. In order to prevent air bubbles from forming in the solidified core during molding, the core is formed with gas passageways, such as vent holes, openings, tunnels, air channels, micropores or apertures. Preferably, the micropores or apertures are formed in the tire-engaging surface of the gas permeable core.

Abstract: A miniaturized lighting apparatus for a rotating object includes a light-emitting diode (LED), a centrifugal switch, a tiny 3 volt power source, and electrical conduits. The switch is configured to provide power to the LED only upon application of a specific centrifugal force. As applied to an in-line roller skate wheel, the switch and LED may be sealed within the wheel, and the batteries never need replacement because the battery life exceeds the expected wheel life. An in-line skate wheel incorporating the lighting apparatus within it is activated to light the wheel at a predetermined centrifugal force equivalent to a given rotational speed of the wheel, such as 80 rpm. As applied to a reflector light for a bicycle wheel, the light draws power from the battery(ies) only while the wheel is turning at a minimum predetermined rotational speed such as 20 rpm. As applied to a rotatable flying disc, lighting apparatus are mounted on opposite sides of the disc, near the disc periphery.

Abstract: An in-line wheeled skate which includes a rolling element between the wheels that enables the skater to jump up on a rail and roll down the rail sideways, as in `extreme skating` maneuvers, by placing the skate on the rail with the rolling element bearing upon the rail surface. Adjustable brakes provide control of the speed of sideways motion. The rolling element is provided as part of an attachment or lower structure to be secured to an in-line skate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an in-line skate wheel that includes: (a) a braking portion including a high friction surface material having a hardness from about 75 to about 95 Shore A, and a coefficient of friction from about 0.45 to about 1.5; and (b) a skating portion including a low friction surface material having a hardness from about 75 to about 95 Shore A, and a coefficient of friction from about 0.1 to about 0.45. The skating portion includes a higher proportion of low friction surface material than the braking portion. The wheel delivers variable traction in response to the angle of wheel contact with the ground, without sacrificing a smooth ride or wheel durability. Utilizing the variable traction of the wheel a skater can stop safely and reliably, using known ice-skating maneuvers, wherein the wheel is turned away from the skater's direction of travel.

Abstract: An anti-abrasion and rockering system for an in-line skate. The skate includes a skate boot mounted on a chassis. The chassis includes two sidewalls which are parallel and opposite to each other. Each sidewall has a row of holes formed therein, such that the holes on the first sidewall align with and are opposite to the row of holes on the opposing sidewall. Two of the opposing sets of holes are oblong. A plurality of axles are disposed in the holes on the chassis so that the wheels are rotatably mounted on the axles and between the sidewalls of the chassis. The anti-abrasion and rockering system for the skate includes bushings disposed in the holes in the chassis. The bushings disposed in the oblong holes slide up and down in the holes. An anti-abrasion and rockering plate is disposed on the exterior of each sidewall. Each plate has a first and second row of holes for accommodating the axles.

Abstract: Wheel, particularly for skateboards or rollerskates, including a central hub with radial spokes, and a tire which is connected to the hub and which has wings arranged in the interspaces delimited by the radial spokes and the central hub. The wings are arranged to only partially fill the interspaces between the spokes such that empty spaces without material are arranged directly adjacent the spokes. The wings may have a degree of rigidity which is different than the rigidity of the outer portion of the tire.

Abstract: An inline hockey roller skate and wheel which includes braking and tread elements. The two elements have surfaces formed of a tough resilient material, such as urethane, disposed over a strong cage like frame. The frame and the tough resilient material provide a tread element which is a relatively hard surface so as to provide a fast wheel. The tread element is formed with an air chamber in the tough resilient material so as to be more easily deformable during the braking action. The braking element is arranged to contact the skating surface when the skater shifts his foot to a direction perpendicular to his direction of movement and leans back on his skate so as to perform an "ice skating" type braking action. The braking element is thus deformed and flattened against the skating surface to provide a larger foot print to improve gripping the surface for better cornering and ice hockey type stops.

Abstract: A wheel assembly including a magnetic core fixedly mounted on a wheel axle within a wheel, a winding wound round a reel around the magnetic core and turned with the wheel about the magnetic core, two induction ring caps mounted on two opposite ends of the reel and induced to produce electric energy upon rotation of the wheel, wherein the two induction ring caps have each four induction legs equiangularly and radially spaced around the border, the four induction legs of the two induction ring caps being disposed in parallel and arranged in a staggered manner; four light emitting diodes are respectively and electrically connected between the induction legs of the two induction ring caps and received in respective recessed holes in the wheel, and driven by electric energy induced from the induction ring caps to produce light.