WO2006004319A1

WO2006004319A1 - Stopper operating apparatus for inline skates combined with shoes

Info

Publication number: WO2006004319A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/001471
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wan Gil Kim
Original assignee: Wan Gil Kim
Priority date: 2004-05-20
Filing date: 2005-05-19
Publication date: 2006-01-12
Also published as: KR200358916Y1

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a stopper operating apparatus for inline skates combined with shoes, which is capable of remarkably reducing the number of components, and precisely controlling a stopper function. The stopper operating apparatus includes a cylindrical locking unit (250) having a retraction prevention locking step and an extension prevention locking step, and an actuator (300) having a protruding actuation part and a key slot. An installation seat (205) is provided on an outer portion of a link rotating along with the actuator. Further, a protruding stop part is provided on a stopper that performs a stopper function in cooperation with the locking unit.

Description

STOPPER OPERATING APPARATUS FOR INLINE SKATES

COMBINED WITH SHOES

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates, in general, to a stopper operating apparatus for inline skates combined with shoes and, more particularly, to a stopper operating apparatus for inline skates combined with shoes, which is mounted to each of wheel assemblies having wheels and is operated to retract or extend each of the wheel assemblies into or from a housing accommodated in a lower portion of a shoe, thus remarkably reducing the number of components, and precisely controlling a stopper function. Background Art

[2] Since it is difficult for a beginner, with inline skates on, to ascend a slope or stairs, various accidents may occur. In order to prevent accidents from occurring, inline skates combined with shoes have been developed. Most conventional inline skates combined with shoes are configured such that wheel assemblies having wheels are retracted into or extended from a housing which is accommodated in a lower portion of each shoe.

[3] The most important parts of the conventional inline skates combined with shoes are an operating unit and a stopper. The operating unit serves to precisely retract or extend a wheel assembly having wheels into or from a housing. The stopper functions to stably maintain a retracted or extended state.

[4] FlG. 1 shows a conventional operating apparatus for inline skates combined with shoes (Korean Patent No. 0403815), which was filed by the applicant of this invention and was registered. As shown in the drawing, the operating apparatus includes an operating unit 13 having a rotating shaft and pinion gears, a rack gear assembly having rack gears 21 and 22 for driving stoppers and rack gears 19 and 20 for driving wheel assemblies, stopper operating units 6 provided on first and fourth wheel assemblies 15 and 18, and stoppers 10 for controlling the rotation of the stopper operating units 6.

[5] Thus, when a user manipulates the operating unit 13 using a key from the outside, the rack gears 21 and 22 for driving the stoppers move rectilinearly, and a triangular pulling part 63 provided on each of the rack gears 21 and 22 raises a rod-shaped guide 72 up. At this time, each stopper 10 is also raised, so a locking step 74 provided on a lower surface of the stopper 10 disengages from a retraction prevention locking step or an extension prevention locking step provided on each stopper operating unit 6.

[6] Consequently, the stopper function is released. Thus, pinion gears 12' rotate due to continuous rotation of the rotating shaft of the operating unit 13, and the rack gears 19 and 20 for driving the wheel assemblies are moved rectilinearly by the pinion gears 12', so pinion gears 66 for the stopper operating units 6 are rotated. Thereby, the wheel assemblies move to the retracted or extended position.

[7] However, when it is required to release the stopper function using the operating unit, the conventional operating apparatus is operated through an integral driving method, that is, all of the wheel assemblies are simultaneously rotated by the rack gear assembly. Thus, the conventional stopper operating apparatus is problematic in that a lot of components are required, and malfunction may occur during retraction or extension.

[8] Further, an assembling process is complicated due to a great number of components. When the stopper operating apparatus breaks, it is difficult to repair or replace damaged portions of the stopper operating apparatus. Further, when the stopper operating apparatus has been used for a lengthy period of time, the rack and pinion gears installed in several places may wear out. In this case, the rack and pinion gears have difficulty in positively performing their function. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[9] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the preset invention is to provide a stopper operating apparatus for inline skates combined with shoes, which is operated through an independent driving method wherein front and rear wheel assemblies are independently operated, and which is constructed so that a protruding stop part controlling a stopper function is cooperated with a protruding actuation part controlling the rotation of each wheel assembly, thus allowing each wheel assembly to be precisely and stably retracted or extended. Technical Solution

[10] In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a stopper operating apparatus for inline skates combined with shoes, including a wheel assembly having a wheel rotatably mounted to an end of the wheel assembly, and a link provided on an opposite end of the wheel assembly and fastened to both sides of a housing via a link bolt, and a stopper to control the rotation of the wheel assembly such that the wheel assembly is retracted into or extended from the housing accommodated in a lower portion of a shoe, the stopper operating apparatus further including a cylindrical locking unit provided on an end of the link and rotatably fastened to both sides of the housing via the link bolt, with a retraction prevention locking step and an extension prevention locking step being provided on the locking unit, an actuator provided on an end of the link bolt in such a way as to be rotatably fastened to the link and having a protruding actuation part which is provided on an outer circumference of the actuator on a first end of the actuator and has a predetermined size, and a key slot provided on a second end of the actuator such that a key may be inserted into the key slot, an in¬ stallation seat provided on an outer portion of the link rotating along with the actuator and limiting a rotating range of the protruding actuation part such that the protruding actuation part rotates within a predetermined angular range, and a protruding stop part provided at a predetermined position on the stopper that performs a stopper function in cooperation with the locking unit, the protruding stop part being positioned to face the protruding actuation part, and being operated in conjunction with the protruding actuation part that rotates in the installation seat by manipulating the key, thus controlling the stopper function.

[11] The inline skates combined with shoes of this invention constructed as described above have a construction similar to those filed by the applicant of this invention. That is, each of the inline skates includes an upper, a sole, and a housing accommodated in a lower portion of each shoe. The housing is accommodated in a rectangular recess which is formed in the sole.

[12] When the inline skates combined with shoes are used, a user manipulates an external key, as necessary, so that each wheel assembly having wheels is retracted into or extended from the housing. Thereby, regardless of surrounding environments or conditions, that is, regardless of whether the user ascends a slope or stairs or skates on a flat road, this invention may be appropriately utilized as shoes or inline skates. Advantageous Effects

[13] As described above, according to the present invention, the release of a stopper function and the rotation of wheel assemblies are sequentially carried out, thus allowing the retraction or extension of the wheel assemblies to be very simply and precisely implemented.

[14] Further, the retraction and extension of each wheel assembly is individually performed, thus minimizing the number of required components, and affording a convenient assembling process. Above all, it is very convenient to repair damaged portions or replace a part with a new one, thus affording convenience to a user, in addition to having superior functionality.

[15] Further, the present invention does not have a part protruding outside, like a handle, thus allowing a user to safely enjoy inline skating. Each wheel assembly can be simply retracted or extended using a separately provided key, thus increasing the marketability of the product. Brief Description of the Drawings

[16] FIG. 1 is a view showing the internal construction of conventional inline skates combined with shoes;

[17] FlG. 2 is a view showing the internal construction of inline skates combined with shoes, according to the present invention; and

[18] FIGS. 3 through 6 are views showing the operation of the inline skates of this invention. Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[19] The construction of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[20] FlG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a housing 100 and wheel assemblies 200 of inline skates combined with shoes, according to this invention. The housing 100 is accommodated in a lower portion of a shoe, and the wheel assemblies 200 are installed in the housing 100.

[21] As shown in the drawing, each of the inline skates combined with the shoes, according to this invention, is constructed so that the wheel assemblies 200 are mounted on front and rear portions in the housing 100. Each of wheels 500 is rotatably mounted to an end of each wheel assembly 200, and a link 240 is provided on an opposite end of the wheel assembly 200 in such a way as to be fastened to both sides of the housing 100 via a link bolt 120.

[22] Further, a cylindrical locking unit 250 having a retraction prevention locking step

260 and an extension prevention locking step 270 is provided at an end of the link 240 that is rotatably fastened to both sides of the housing 100 via the link bolt 120. The retraction prevention locking step 260 and the extension prevention locking step 270 are made by cutting the outer circumferential surface of the locking unit 250.

[23] An intersection angle between the retraction prevention locking step 260 and the extension prevention locking step 270 is equal to an angle of rotation from a retracted position to an extended position of each wheel assembly 200. A stopper 400 is provided on the locking unit 250, and is fastened to both sides of the housing 100 via a stopper holding pin 130, and controls the rotation of each wheel assembly 200.

[24] The stopper 400 has the shape of a rectangular solid, with a stopper locking step

430 and a torsion spring 420 being provided on lower and upper surfaces of the stopper 400, respectively. Particularly, the stopper 400 is elastically biased downwards, that is, toward the locking unit 250, by the torsion spring 420.

[25] Thus, the stopper locking step 430 is alternatively locked to the retraction prevention locking step 260 or the extension prevention locking step 270 provided on the locking unit 250 which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of each wheel assembly 200, thus serving as a stopper that prevents undesirable retraction or extension of each wheel assembly 200. [26] Meanwhile, the wheel assemblies 200, installed at front and rear positions, may be constructed as shown in the drawing. That is, the front wheel assembly 200 may have one wheel 500 and link 240. Further, the rear wheel assembly 200 may be constructed so that a pair of wheels 500 and links 240 are coupled via a link guide 290, and the wheels 500 are operated together by the link guide 290.

[27] If necessary, it is possible to provide a pair of wheel assemblies at each of front and rear positions. Further, one wheel assembly may be installed at a front position, and a pair of wheel assemblies may be installed at a rear position. Furthermore, one wheel assembly may be installed at each of front and rear positions. In addition to the above- mentioned constructions, various changes are possible.

[28] The important point of this invention is that each wheel assembly 200 is inde¬ pendently retracted into or extended from the housing 100. This is achieved by an actuator 300 and the stopper 400. The actuator 300 is rotatably fastened to the link 240 of each wheel assembly 200 having the locking unit 250, with a protruding actuation part 310 having a predetermined size being provided at a predetermined position on the actuator 300. The stopper 400 is provided with a protruding stop part 410 which is positioned to face the protruding actuation part 310.

[29] Preferably, the protruding actuation part 310, provided on an end of the actuator

300 and having a predetermined size, protrudes from a position on the outer cir¬ cumference of the actuator 300 in an arc form.

[30] Further, a key slot 320 is provided on an opposite end of the actuator 300, so that a key may be inserted into the key slot 320. The key slot 320 is exposed to the outside through a sleeve 140 provided on the housing 100. When the assembly has been completed, the key slot 320 is exposed to the outside, thus allowing a user to insert the key into the key slot 320 and manipulate the key.

[31] Thus, the actuator 300 constructed as described above is provided at an end of the link bolt 120, and is rotatably fastened to the link 240. The outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical actuator 300 is fitted into the sleeve 140 provided on the housing 100 such that the actuator 300 is rotatably supported by the sleeve 140.

[32] Meanwhile, an installation seat 205 is provided on an outer portion of the link 240 rotating along with the actuator 300, thus limiting the rotating range of the protruding actuation part 310 of the actuator 300 such that the protruding actuation part 310 rotates within a predetermined angular range. As shown in the drawing, the installation seat 205 has a depth corresponding to the thickness of the protruding actuation part 310 or the protruding stop part 410, and has a width suitable for accommodating both the protruding actuation part 310 and the protruding stop part 410, when each wheel assembly 200 is retracted into or extended from the housing 100.

[33] In a detailed description, the installation seat 205 is usable as a space where the protruding actuation part 310 and the protruding stop part 410 contact each other and are operated in conjunction with each other. Especially, the installation seat 205 functions to limit the rotating range of the protruding actuation part 310 such that it rotates within a predetermined angular range. To this end, the width of the installation seat 205 is defined by a retracting projection 210 and an extending projection 220.

[34] Thus, the protruding actuation part 310 is rotatably located in the installation seat

205 which is formed on the outer portion of the link 240. When an external key is inserted into the key slot 320 and manipulated, the protruding actuation part 310 may rotate in the installation seat 205 within a predetermined angular range defined between the retracting projection 210 and the extending projection 220.

[35] The embodiment of the stopper operating apparatus, which is constructed as described above and controls the retraction or extension of each wheel assembly, will be described below with reference to FTGS. 3 to 6.

[36] For an easy description of this embodiment, the drawings mainly show the operation of the stopper operating apparatus in the housing. Particularly, the left drawings shown by dotted lines omit the protruding stop part 410 (see, FTG. 2) so as to illustrate the state where the stopper locking step 430 provided on the lower surface of each stopper 400 engages with the retraction prevention locking step 260 or the extension prevention locking step 270 that are provided on each locking unit 250, thus changing the state of each wheel assembly.

[37] FTG. 3 shows the case where the wheel assembly 200 is extended from the housing

100 so as to inline skate.

[38] In order to prevent undesirable retraction of the wheel assembly 200 due to shocks or an external force during skating, the wheel assembly 200 is completely extended from the the housing 100 and is stopped by the stopper 400.

[39] To this end, according to this invention, the stopper locking step 430 provided on the lower surface of the stopper 400 engages with the retraction prevention locking step 260 provided on the locking unit 250, due to an elastic force of the torsion spring 420 provided on the upper surface of the stopper 400. Thus, even if a shock is applied to the wheel assembly 200, the wheel assembly 200 is not retracted into the housing 100.

[40] Next, when it is required to retract the wheel assembly 200 into the housing 100 at a place, such as stairs or a slope, as shown in FTG. 4, a user inserts a key into the key slot 320 of the actuator 300, and rotates the key counterclockwise. At this time, the protruding actuation part 310 provided on the actuator 300 also rotates counter¬ clockwise, thus raising the protruding stop part 410 contacting the protruding actuation part 310.

[41] When the protruding stop part 410 is raised up, the stopper locking step 430 provided on the lower surface of the stopper 400 disengages from the retraction prevention locking step 260. If the protruding actuation part 310 further rotates coun¬ terclockwise, the protruding actuation part 310 contacts the retracting projection 210 which is formed on the outer portion of the link 240.

[42] In this case, when the protruding actuation part 310 rotates further counter¬ clockwise, the downward movement of the raised stopper locking step 430 is prevented by the outer circumferential surface of the locking unit 250 between the retraction prevention locking step 260 and the extension prevention locking step 270. Thus, when the protruding actuation part 310 contacts the retracting projection 210, the wheel assembly 200 can rotate counterclockwise, as shown in FIG. 5, without any difficulty.

[43] In such a state, when the key is rotated further counterclockwise, the stopper locking step 430, rotating along the outer circumferential surface provided between the retraction prevention locking step 260 and the extension prevention locking step 270, contacts the extension prevention locking step 270 of the locking unit 250. At this time, the stopper locking step 430 moves downwards due to the elastic force of the torsion spring 420, and engages with the extension prevention locking step 270, as shown in FIG. 6.

[44] In this way, once the stopper locking step 430 engages with the extension prevention locking step 270 of the locking unit 250, the wheel assembly 200 is not un¬ desirably extended from the housing 100 due to the stopper function even when a shoe is lifted up or the wheel assembly 200 is forced to extend from the housing 100. Thus, this invention is capable of completely preventing the risk of undesirable extension of each wheel assembly 200, thus allowing a user to walk naturally.

[45] Meanwhile, in the state of FIG. 6, when a user desires to extend each wheel assembly 200 from the housing 100 and enjoy inline skating, the key is inserted into the key slot 320 and is rotated clockwise. At this time, the wheel assembly 200 is extended from the housing 100 in the same manner as described above.

[46] That is, the protruding actuation part 310 rotates clockwise, and raises the protruding stop part 410 up. At this time, the protruding stop part 410 disengages from the retraction prevention locking step 270. In such a state, when the protruding actuation part 310 rotates further clockwise, the protruding stop part 410 contacts the extending projection 220 provided at a predetermined position on the installation seat 205 which is formed on the outer portion of the link 240, and rotates the wheel assembly 200 clockwise. Thereby, the wheel assembly 200 is extended from the housing 100.

[47] When the wheel assembly 200 is completely extended from the housing 100 as shown in FTG. 3, the stopper locking step 430 engages with the retraction prevention locking step 260, thus reliably maintaining this state. Thereby, a user enjoys inline skating, with each wheel assembly 200 being safely extended from the housing 100.

[48] Thus, the stopper operating apparatus of this invention is configured so that the protruding stop part is provided at a predetermined position on the stopper, and is operated in conjunction with the protruding actuation part rotating in the installation seat by manipulating the key, thus controlling the stopper function.

[49] As described above, according to this invention, the stopper operating apparatus for inline skates combined with shoes is installed at each of the front and rear wheel assemblies, thus allowing each wheel assembly to be individually retracted into or extended from the housing, therefore minimizing the number of components, and achieving precise and stable retraction and extension of the wheel assembly.

[50] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the ac¬ companying claims. Industrial Applicability

[51] As described above, according to the present invention, the release of a stopper function and the rotation of wheel assemblies are sequentially carried out, thus allowing the retraction or extension of the wheel assemblies to be very simply and precisely implemented.

[52] Further, the retraction and extension of each wheel assembly is individually performed, thus minimizing the number of required components, and affording a convenient assembling process. Above all, it is very convenient to repair damaged portions or replace a part with a new one, thus affording convenience to a user, in addition to having superior functionality.

[53] Further, the present invention does not have a part protruding outside, like a handle, thus allowing a user to safely enjoy inline skating. Each wheel assembly can be simply retracted or extended using a separately provided key, thus increasing the marketability of the product. As such, this invention is convenient to use.

Claims

[1] A stopper operating apparatus for inline skates combined with shoes, including a wheel assembly having a wheel rotatably mounted to an end of the wheel assembly, and a link provided on an opposite end of the wheel assembly and fastened to both sides of a housing via a link bolt, and a stopper to control the rotation of the wheel assembly such that the wheel assembly is retracted into or extended from the housing accommodated in a lower portion of a shoe, the stopper operating apparatus further comprising: a cylindrical locking unit provided on an end of the link, and rotatably fastened to both sides of the housing via the link bolt, with a retraction prevention locking step and an extension prevention locking step being provided on the locking unit; an actuator provided on an end of the link bolt in such a way as to be rotatably fastened to the link, and comprising: a protruding actuation part provided on an outer circumference of the actuator on a first end of the actuator, and having a predetermined size; and a key slot provided on a second end of the actuator such that a key may be inserted into the key slot; an installation seat provided on an outer portion of the link rotating along with the actuator, and limiting a rotating range of the protruding actuation part such that the protruding actuation part rotates within a predetermined angular range; and a protruding stop part provided at a predetermined position on the stopper that performs a stopper function in cooperation with the locking unit, the protruding stop part being positioned to face the protruding actuation part, and being operated in conjunction with the protruding actuation part that rotates in the in¬ stallation seat by manipulating the key, thus controlling the stopper function.

[2] The stopper operating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the protruding actuation part protrudes in an arc form from a predetermined position on the outer circumference of the actuator.

[3] The stopper operating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the installation seat has a depth corresponding to a thickness of the protruding actuation part or the protruding stop part, and has a width suitable for accommodating both the protruding actuation part and the protruding stop part when the wheel assembly is extended from or retracted into the housing, the width being defined by a retracting projection and an extending projection.

[4] The stopper operating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stopper has a shape of a rectangular solid, and is fastened to both sides of the housing via a stopper holding pin, the stopper comprising: a stopper locking step provided on a lower surface of the stopper; and a torsion spring provided on an upper surface of the stopper.

[5] The stopper operating apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein an intersection angle between the retraction prevention locking step and the extension prevention locking step, provided on an outer circumferential surface of the locking unit, is equal to an angle of rotation from a retracted state to an extended state of the wheel assembly, either of the retraction prevention locking step and the extension prevention locking step being locked to the stopper locking step by the protruding stop part which is operated in conjunction with the protruding actuation part.