WO2009039415A1

WO2009039415A1 - Roller skate

Info

Publication number: WO2009039415A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/077081
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Conners; Erik Van Der Palen
Original assignee: Landroller, Inc.
Priority date: 2007-09-20
Filing date: 2008-09-19
Publication date: 2009-03-26
Also published as: US20090079147A1

Abstract

An angled large wheel and out-of-line roller skate having an engineered plastic frame forming fore and aft downwardly-angled openings. Each of the openings has secured therein fore or aft axles supporting two wheels with englneered-plastic wheel hubs and tires. The axles each have stepped configurations corresponding to the stepped configurations of their respective frame openings. Axle nuts are secured relative to the frame by retainer clips. Wheel washers have outward stepped configurations are sandwiched between the frame and the bearing races of the wheels. A frame cap Is secured to the top toe end of the frame. A pair of tapered posts extend laterally out from the boot cradle with the openings of a wheelguard are fitted onto the posts and screwed thereto. The brake arm assembly is attached at one end to the frame and has a recessed area proximate to and for the rear wheel.

Description

ROLLER SKATE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] In 2005 a radically new roller skate design was introduced by LandRoller Inc. of Hermosa Beach, California. This skate has a large (approximately five-and-a-half inch) front wheel and an even larger (approximately seven inch) rear wheel, both mounted in an inwardly-canted orientation to an outboard (lateral) side of the skate and in parallel offset planes with the plane of the rear wheel extending down and near the centerline of the roller skate. This design using large wheels provides for a smoother, more maneuverable and more stable ride with increased glide time than the ride provided by the previous in-line skates with their smaller and narrower wheels. The resulting reduced chatter and vibration reduces skater fatigue thereby allowing him to ride more comfortably and for longer sessions. Time Magazine selected this skate as one of the "most amazing inventions" in 2005. This large canted-wheel, out-of-Hne skate design is disclosed in U.S. Patents 5,951,028, 6,273,437 and 6,443,464 (see also U.S. Patent 3,885,804 (Cudmore)), and an improved wheel and tire combination therefor is disclosed in US 2007/0096542 (Van der Palen et al.). The entire contents of these patents and this published application are hereby incorporated by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0002] Disclosed herein is an improved large angled-wheel or "out-of-line" roller skate having a frame supporting fore and rear axles extending in a lateral direction from the frame and supporting canted fore and rear wheels, respectively, for rotation thereabout. Also disclosed herein is an improved axle assembly for that roller skate. [0003] According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention the frame is made of an injection-molded engineered plastic. The plastic for lightweight frames can be urethane or nylon-based plastics with at least five percent carbon fiber and for heavier frames it can be urethane or nylon-based plastics with at least twenty-five percent glass fiber, or Long Glass Fiber. [0004] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the wheels include hubs made of an engineered plastic and (urethane) tires on the hubs. The plastic for light-weight wheel hubs can be a urethane-based plastic with at least five percent carbon fiber, and for heavier and less expensive wheel hubs, it can be urethane-based plastics with at least five percent glass fiber.

[0005] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a retaining clip attached at one end to the frame retains relative to the frame, the axle nut on an end of the fore or aft axle.

[0006] According to a still further preferred embodiment of the invention, a boot cradle is attached to the frame, wherein the cradle has a pair of integrally-formed tapered posts extending in a lateral direction outwardly towards the rear wheel. A wheel guard has first and second openings in which the first and second posts are, respectively, positioned and secured thereto.

[0007] According to a yet still further preferred embodiment a frame cap is secured to a forward top surface of the frame. The frame cap can be secured with a fastener, which also secures a retaining clip for a front axle nut to the frame.

[0008] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, a wheelwasher is sandwiched between an outside surface of the frame and a bearing race of one of the wheels with the corresponding axle passing through the wheelwasher. The wheelwasher has a flat back face against the frame side surface and a raised inner ring on the front surface. The raised inner ring is dimensioned so that only the inner race of the inboard bearing of that wheel is contacted by the wheelwasheπ A property sized flat washer can also be used.

[0009] According to a further preferred embodiment, the axle has a stepped configuration and the corresponding frame opening has a similar stepped configuration.

A retaining nut is secured to an end of the axle and abuts a surface of the frame at the opposite end of the opening.

[0010] According to a stil! further preferred embodiment, a brake arm of a brake arm assembly is attached at one end to the frame and at another end to a brake pad, also of

Page 2 of 31

4863379vl the brake arm assembly. The assembiy includes a recessed area immediately adjacent to and for the rear wheel, thereby improving skating stability. [0011] According to a yet still further preferred embodiment, the frame has a lateral side protrusion, a frame member secured to, integrally formed with and extending in a lateral direction out from the side edge and including formed therein the downwardly- angled axle opening.

[0012] The present invention is also directed to and includes the individual components of the roller skate, such as the plastic frame, the retaining clip, the plastic hub, the wheel, the cradle, the wheel guard, the front plate, and the brake arm assembly, and various assemblies and subassemblies thereof. An example of a subassβmbly is the axle assembly of the invention.

(0013] Further, the present invention includes the method of making the roller skate and its various components. An example thereof is the method of forming the stepped axle opening in the plastic frame.

[0014] Even further, the present invention includes the methods of assembling the roller skate, and/or subassemblies thereof. An example thereof is the method of assembling the frame cap and the front retainer clip using a single fastener. Another example thereof is assembling the axles using a retainer nut held in place by a retainer clip (or similar retaining means) which is secured to the frame. [0015] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those persons having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the foregoing description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roller skate of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view thereof;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a top plan view thereof;

[0019] FIG.4 is a bottom plan view thereof;

[0020] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view thereof;

Page 3 of 31

4S63379vl [0021] FIG. 6 is a front elevational view thereof;

[0022] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view thereof;

[0023J FlG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 3;

[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 9-9 of FIG. 3;

[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 10-10 of FIG. 3;

[0026] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the front or rear hub of the roller skate of FIG.

1 illustrated in isolation;

[0027] FIG. 12 is an elevational view of the hub of FIG. 11 ;

[0028] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the hub portion of the wheel taken on line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

[0029] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the frame of the roller skate of FIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

[0030] FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the frame of FIG. 14;

[0031] FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the frame;

[0032] FIG. 17 is a bottom plan view of the frame;

[0033] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 18-18 of FIG. 17;

[0034] FIG. 19 is rear end view of the frame;

[0035] FIG.20 is a front end view of the frame;

[0036] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the brake arm of the roller skate of FIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

[0037] FIG.22 is a top plan view of the brake arm of FlG.21 ;

[0038] FIG^23 is a side elevational view ^of the brake arm;

[0039] FIG.24 is a bottom plan view of the brake arm;

[0040] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 25-25 of FIG. 24;

[0041] FIG. 26 is a front end view of the brake arm;

[0042] FIG.27 is a rear end view of the brake arm;

[0043] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the brake pad of the roller skate of FIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

[0044] FIG. 29 is a top plan view of the brake pad of FIG. 28;

[0045] FIG. 30 is a side elevational view of the brake pad;

Page 4 of 31

486337SV1 [0046] FiG. 31 is a bottom plan view of the brake pad;

[0047] FIG. 32 is a front end view of the brake pad;

[0048] FIG, 33 is a rear end view of the brake pad;

[0049] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the frame cap of the roller skate of FIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

[0050] FIG. 35 is a rear end view of the frame cap of FIG. 34;

[0051] FIG. 36 is a top plan view of the frame cap;

[0052] FIG. 37 is a front end view of the frame cap;

[0053] FIG. 38 is a left side elevational view of the frame cap;

[0054] FIG. 39 is a right side elevational view of the frame cap;

[0055] FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the right side wheelguard of the roller skate of

FIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

[0056] FIG. 41 is an elevational view of the right side wheelguard of FIG.40;

[0057] FIG. 42 is a bottom plan view of the right side wheelguard of FIG.40;

[0058] FIG.43 is an end elevational view of the right side wheelguard of FIG. 40;

[0059] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of the front or rear axle of the roller skate of

FIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

[0060] FIG.45 is a rear end view of the axle of FIG.44;

[0061] FIG.46 is a front end view of the axle;

[0062] FIG.47 is a plan or elevational view of the axle;

[0063] FIG.48 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 48-48 of FIG.46;

[0064] f|G- 49 is ^perspective ^ view ofjhe retaining clip of the roller skate of FJG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

[0065] FIG. 50 is a top view of the retaining clip of FIG. 49;

[0066] FIG. 51 is a left end view of the retaining clip;

[0067] FIG. 52 is a side elevational view of the retaining clip;

[0068] FIG. 53 is a right end view of the retaining clip;

[0069] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of the wheelwasher of the roller skate of FIG. 1 illustrated in isolation;

[0070] FIG. 55 is an elevational view of the wheelwasher of FIG. 54;

Page 5 of 31

48S3379vl [0071] FIG. 56 is a side view of the wheelwasher;

{0072] FIG. 57 is a perspective view of the roller skate of FIG. 1 with a boot therein; and

[0073] FIG. 58 is a side elevational view of the roller skate and boot of FIG. 57.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0074] Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals designate like parts, disclosed herein is an improved angled (large) wheel and out-of-line roller skate shown generally at 100. It is shown from various angles in FIGS. 1-6 and informative cross-sectional views are depicted in FIGS. 8-10. Various ones of the individual components of the skate 100 are shown enlarged, in isolation, in detail and from various angles in FIGS. 11-56. Further reference will be made to them when the respective components are discussed in detail later in this disclosure.

[0075] To better understand the various components of the roller skate 100 and how they are assembled, an exploded perspective view is provided by FIG. 7. Referring thereto, reference numerals assigned to various of the components are as follows: frame 110, frame sidewall 120, frame fore member 130, frame fore opening 140, frame rib configuration 150, frame vertical fastener-receiving openings 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, fore axle 210, forward wheel 220, fore outer bearing 230, fore bearing spacer 240, fore inside bearing 250, fore wheelwasher 260, fore retainer nut 270, fore retainer clip 280, frame cap 290, cap fastener 300, rear axle 310, rear wheel 320, rear outside Deartng 330, rear bearing spacer 340, rear inside bearing 350, rear wheelwasher 354, rear member 360, rear opening 370, rear axle retainer nut 380, rear retainer clip 390, rear fastener 400, cradle 410, lateral opening 420, medial opening 430, front opening 440, front T-nut fastener 450, bottom fasteners 460, 470, rear opening 480, rear T-nut fastener 490, fastener side tapered pegs 500, 510, wheelguard 520 having openings 530, 540, screws 550, 560, brake arm assembly shown generally at 570, brake arm 580, brake arm recessed area 590, brake arm opening 600, brake pad 610, brake pad recessed area 620, brake pad opening 630, brake pad fastener 640, brake arm

Page 6 of 31

4863379VI openings 650, 660, brake arm fasteners 670, 680, brake arm fastener threaded insert caps 690, 700, and brake arm ribs 710.

[0076] The front and rear wheels 220, 320 have the same constructions and shapes. The front wheel 220 (hub 720 plus urethane tire 730) has a diameter of between one hundred and ten and two hundred millimeters, or approximately one hundred and fifty millimeters. In contrast, the rear wheel 320 (hub 740 plus urethane tire 750) has a diameter of between one hundred and forty and two hundred and fifty millimeters, or approximately one hundred and eighty millimeters. The large diameter angled wheels 220, 320, as shown in FIGS. 12-13, on the skate 100 of the present invention need to be both strong and rigid (high flexural strength and modulus) to prevent excessive rim flexing during skating under load. Pursuant to the present invention, several urethane based "engineered plastics" can be used in injection molds to make strong, stiff, lightweight, low-cost wheel hubs 720, 740 that bond to the urethane tires 730, 750. For lightweight wheel hubs, urethane-based plastics with at least five percent carbon fiber can be used, and the carbon fiber upper limit can be forty percent. This material also provides for a new construction for lightweight racing wheel hubs for inline skates pursuant to this invention. For heavier, but less expensive wheel hubs, urethane-based plastics with at least five percent glass fiber can be used. For glass fiber the upper limit is sixty percent; there is long and short glass fiber. For the wheel hubs 720, 74O₁ generally any rigid thermoplastic polyurethane with enough carbon fiber or glass fiber loading to provide sufficient stiffness can be used.

[0077] Referring to FJGS₌ 14-2O₁ the frame 110 of the skate 100 needs to_^be both strong and rigid, having high flexural strength and modulus to prevent excessive flexing during skating under load. Because both wheels 220, 320 are only on one side of the boot 760 (see FIGS. 57 and 58), flexing under load will tend to twist the frame 110, which will then cause the wheels to turn so that they are no longer parallel to the centerline of the frame. Specifically, the front wheel 220 will turn in and the rear wheel 320 will turn out. This will cause the skate 100 to steer across the oenteriine of the skater's intended path. To compensate for this, the skater would have to continuously correct his direction of travel, resulting in an unsatisfactory skating experience.

Page 7 of 31

4663379V) [0078] The present invention provides for a novel construction which uses especially rigid (high flexural modulus) materials to resist this undesirable twisting of the frame 110 under load. The shape, construction and curvature of this frame 110, as depicted in FIGS. 14-20, are completely different than the diecast aluminum frame used in the above-discussed prior art out-of-line skate. The materials that were discovered by the applicant to provide the desired attributes of the frame 110 are urethane or nylon-based plastics with at least five percent carbon fiber (and less than forty percent) for lightweight frames. Urethane or nylon-based plastics with at least twenty-five percent glass fiber, or Long Glass Fiber, can be used for heavier, but less expensive frames. The weight of the frames 110 for thirty percent carbon-filled plastic is approximately two hundred and ten grams. The fifty percent long glass fiber-filled nylon frames weigh approximately two hundred and fifty grams. The "rigid" materials can have a flexural modulus of generally 2,400,000 psi for thirty percent carbon-filled polyurethane and 2,200,000 psi for fifty percent long-glass fiber-filled nylon.

[0079] The plastic frame 110 has a peripheral sidewall 120, a rib configuration 150 within the sidewall, and a plurality of vertically-disposed, fastener-receiving openings 160, 170, 180, 190, 200 within the rib configuration. On the outboard side of the sidewall 120 and extending in lateral directions out therefrom are a fore member 130 and an aft member 360. Each defines therein the fore and aft downwardly-angled openings 140, 370, respectively, for the fore and aft axles 210, 310, respectively. [0080] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, for example, the frame 110 has a generally hourglass shape configuration when viewed frprri the JoP_r similar jq that of the_^ user's footprint, with a wide forward area, a slightly smaller rear area, and a thinner connecting neck. The total length of the frame 110 can be between one hundred and fifty and three hundred and fifty millimeters, or approximately two hundred and ninety millimeters. The maximum width at the wide forward area can be between forty and one hundred millimeters, or approximately seventy millimeters; the maximum width at the rear area can be between twenty and one hundred millimeters, or approximately fifty millimeters; and the minimum width at the neck can be between ten and eighty millimeters, or approximately thirty-five millimeters. Referring to FIG. 16, the vertical distance between

Page 8 of 31

48ό3379vl the uppermost and lowermost points can be between twenty-five and one hundred millimeters, or approximately fifty millimeters.

[0081] An improved means for retaining the axles 210, 310, as depicted in isolation in FIGS. 44-48, more securely relative to the frame 110, at the correct angle, and with a tight fit for the axles can be used pursuant to the present invention. The engineered plastic frame 110 is injection molded with only a conical indentation at each axle hole location (in the respective frame member). After the frame is injection molded, it is positioned in a "fixture¹¹ which allows the axle holes to be drilled at a precise angle and location and to tight tolerances. Since the threaded length of the axle is a much smaller diameter than the main or load bearing part of the axles 210, 310 (six millimeters versus ten millimeters), the axfe hole diameter can be "stepped" with steps 780, 790, and plate 800 having a hole, to allow the nuts 270, 380 to contact the maximum surface area of the plastic frame. This can be done by using a precision step drill, or a non-precision step drill with a reaming follow-up step. If necessary, another third diameter to a step drill can be used to "clean up" the outer surface of the frame. This method forms dimensionally-precise axle holes 140, 370 without weakening the plastic in critical areas of the frame 110. (Instead of using the above-described method, a stepped slide pin alternatively can be used.) The front axle 210 is held in hole 140 at an angle of between fifteen and forty degrees, or approximately twenty-seven degrees, angled downwardly from the horizontal. Similarly, the rear axle 310 is held in hole 370 at an angle of between fifteen and forty degrees, or approximately twenty-seven degrees, angted downwardly from the horizontal.

[0082] Due to the angle of the axle, relative to the frame, that is necessary in an "out- of-line" skate similar to the above-discussed prior art skate, it has been found by the applicant that the axle nuts 270, 380 cannot be easily retained in any simple injection- molded frame design. And if the nut is not held in its place at all times, the nut may be pushed out of position during any operation that involves completely unscrewing the axle, such as when the user decides to change a wheel or a bearing. If the axle is not retained, the nut may be pushed out of its proper position when the axle is reinserted into the axle hole and it may fail to engage the threads of the nut.

Page 9 of 31

4863379vl [0083] Accordingly, novel nut retaining clips 280, 390 (or resilient retaining members or retaining means) are provided by the present invention which keep the nuts 270, 380 in their proper location when the axle 210, 310 is removed and then reinserted. The clips 270, 380 are shown in isolation and from various angles in FIGS. 49-53. Without this clip, the user will most likely have to remove the boot 760 (see FIGS. 57 and 58) from the frame 110 to realign the nut to engage the axle threads. This would be a frustrating and time consuming step by the user.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 49-53, it is seen that each of the clips 270 or 380 is formed from a single strip of metal, such as steel or aluminum, bent to form first, second, third, fourth and fifth portions, 810, 820, 830, 840, 850, each disposed at a different angle relative to the portion or portions adjacent thereto. The first portion 810 has a hole 860 for receiving therein a fastener 300 or 440 which secures the retaining clip to the frame 110, and the fourth portion 840 has a hole 870 for receiving an end of the respective axle 210 or 310. Referring to FIG. 52, the retainer clip 270 or 380 can have a horizontal dimension between tips of 19.82 millimeters, and referring to FIG. 58, it can have a width dimension of ten millimeters.

[0085] "Stepped" wheelwashers 260, 354 placed against the frame 110 at the members 130, 360 and around the axle hole provide significant advantages. The wheelwashers 260 or 354 is shown in isolation in FIGS. 54-56. The "step" formed by an inner ring 880 on the ring 890 allows only the inner race of the innermost wheel bearing race 250 or 350 to contact the wheelwasher. The outer diameter of the wheelwasher is Jwenty millimeters, thejnner_djajneterjs ten millimeters,. the outer _diarαeter^f_ the.iπαei ring is fifteen millimeters, the thickness of the ring is 1.0 millimeter and the additional thickness of the inner ring is .50 millimeter. Although a much smaller diameter wheelwasher could allow the same limited contact (which allows the bearing to free spin), it would have the disadvantage of not spreading the compression force loads acting on the plastic frame surface. The large diameter of the specially-shaped axle wheelwashers 260, 354 distributes the compression forces over a large surface area on the plastic frame 110 thereby minimizing stress concentration and localizing plastic deformation. The step portion (inner ring 880), which is sized to ensure that only the

Page 10 of 31

4863379vl inner race 250, 350 of the inboard bearing is contacted by the wheelwashers 260, 354 allows for smooth, unbinding bearing operation. The wheelwashers 260, 354 can be made of zinc-plated steel alloy, or similar material. A property sized flat washer can also be used.

[0086] The stepped axle 210 (or 310) thus passes through the outer race 230 (or 330), the center opening of the bearing spacer 240 (or 340) (in the center of the hub of the wheel 220 (or 320)), the inside bearing 250 (or 35O)₁ the wheelwasher 260 (or 354), the stepped frame opening 140 (or 370), and the retainer nut 270 (or 380) which is screwed onto or otherwise secured to the end tip of the axle. The step of the axle abuts the step at the end of the opening. The retainer clip 280 (or 390) is secured at one end by a fastener 300 (or 400) to the frame. The axle end passes through the opening 870 in the clip 280 and the end portion 850 of the clip wraps around the nut. [0087] The wheelguard 520 for the cradle 410 helps to prevent the user's pant legs, boot laces, fingers and the like from getting caught in the wheels 320. Pursuant to the present invention the wheelguard 520, as shown in isolation in FIGS. 4043, is attached to the cradle 410. Openings 530, 540 in the wheelguard 520 slip over tapered pins or pegs 500, 510 that are integrated into the boot cradle 410, which can be formed of plastic, for example. Screws 550, 560 are then passed through the wheelguard 520 and into the tapered pins 500, 510, providing a more secure connection. The wheelguard 520 can be made of plastic, for example.

[0088] The boot cradle 410 is secured to the frame 110 by the fastener 554 passing up through frame opening [170,Jhrpugh cradle_^ppening 400 a_nd_secured at its end_by_T- nut fastener 450, and also by fastener 470 extending up through frame hole 190, through a cradle hole and secured at an end by T-nut fastener 570. The boot cradle 410 has weight reducing and decorative holes 460, 470.

[0089] For example, two frame sizes can be used to cover multiple sizes of the boots 760. Over the size range for each frame size, different length boot cradles with varying toe cap positions are used to allow for greater size flexibility over a given frame size. The smaller boot sizes for a given frame size use a toe cap positioned in a manner that does not fully cover the end of the frame, that is, the forward open end of the frame is

Page 11 of 31

486J379vl exposed. This exposure creates an unfinished and unattractive appearance, and more importantly, potentially allows dirt and water to accumulate in the front end of the frame. A tight fitting frame cap 290, as shown in isolation in FIGS. 34-39, is secured by a screw 300 through the cap hole 890 into the frame 110 (which simultaneously secures the nut retaining clip 280), solves both cosmetic and practical functions. The frame cap 290 can be made generally of any rigid plastic.

[0090] The brake arm assembly 530 is attached at one enό of the brake arm 580 (see FIGS. 21-27) and the (rubber) brake pad 610 (see FIGS. 28-33) extends out from the other end. The brake arm assembly 530 has a continuous recessed area 900 formed by recessed part 590 in the brake arm 580 and recessed part 620 in the brake pad 610. The brake arm 580 can be made, for example, of nylon 6/6 with fifty percent glass fiber fill. The recessed area 900 allows the rear wheel 320 to be moved closer to the centerline of the boot 760 than in the prior art brake arm. This improves skating stability by positioning the ground contact point of the rear wheel 320 as close to the centerline of the boot 760 as possible. In other words, skating stability is improved by being able to position the contact point of the rear wheel 320 closer to the boot centerline. Variations in distances of the rear wheel 320 from the centerline can be caused by the design of the boot and particularly the width of the rear third of the boot. [0091] The brake arm 580 is secured to the frame by fasteners 670, 680 passing through arm holes 650, 660, respectively, and frame holes 200, 180, respectively, and secured by insert caps 690 and 700, respectively. Ribs 710 on the top of the arm fit into openings ]n the bottom of the frame=_ Fastener 640 passes Jhrough arrn_hpie_60p__and onto pad peg 630 to secure the pad to the arm.

[0092] FIGS. 57 and 58 show a boot 760 fastened in and to the frame 110 of the roller skate 100. It is held in place by front and rear T-nut fasteners which slip fit into the fastener opening in the cradle 400 as shown for example in FIG. 1. [0093] From the foregoing detailed description, it will be evident that there are a number of changes, adaptations and modifications of the present invention which come within the province of those skilled in the art. For example, the roller skate can be an inline skate, or the wheel can be for skates other than the present out-of-line skate.

Page 12 of 31

48«3379vl Further, the scope of the invention includes any combination of the elements from the different species or embodiments disclosed herein, as well as subassemblies, assemblies, and methods of using and making thereof. For example, the axle assembly can form a separate invention. It is intended though that all such variations not departing from the spirit of the invention be considered as within the scope thereof.

Page 13 of 31

4863379vl

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A. A roller skate comprising: a skate frame having a forward lateral side opening at a forward portion thereof and an aft lateral side opening at an aft portion thereof; a skate front wheel; a skate rear wheel; a front axle extending into the forward lateral side opening and supporting the front wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a rear axle extending into the aft lateral side opening and supporting the rear wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame. the frame having a well; a front or rear axle nut disposed in the well and attached to the front or rear axle; and a retaining clip positioned to retain the axle nut in place in the well.

2. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein the retaining clip has an opening through which an end of the front or rear axle passes.

3. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein the retaining clip has a first clip portion, a second clip portion extending out from and angled with respect to the first dip port|on_L a third clip portion extending out from and angled with respect to the second clip portion, a fourth clip portion extending out from and angled with respect to the third clip portion, and a fifth clip portion extending out from and angled with respect to the fourth clip portion.

4. The roller skate of claim 3 wherein the second clip portion has an axle receiving hole and the fifth clip portion has a through-hole through which a fastener for attaching the retaining clip to the frame passes.

Page 14 of 31

4863379v1

5. The roller skate of claim 3 wherein all of the dip portions are formed from a continuous bent metal strip.

6. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein a frame cap is secured to a top forward surface of the frame.

7. The roller skate of claim 6 wherein the frame cap has a through-hole, a fastener passes through the through-hole and into an opening in the frame and the fastener securing the retaining clip to the frame.

8. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein the front wheel is generally smaller than the rear wheel, and the front and rear wheels lie in different planes.

9. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein at least one of the wheels includes a hub formed of urethane-based plastic with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least five percent glass fiber and a tire on the hub.

10. The roller skate of claim 9 wherein the at least five percent carbon fiber is generally less than forty percent carbon fiber.

11. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein the frame is made of urethane or nylon-based plastics with at least five percent carbon fiber or at Least twenty-five percent g!ass_ fiber or Long Glass fiber.

12. The roller skate of claim 1 further comprising a boot cradle fastened to the frame.

13. The roller skate of claim 12 further comprising a boot fastened to and in the boot cradle.

Page 15 of 31

4863379vl

14. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front hub and a urethane front tire on the front hub and the rear wheel includes a plastic rear hub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.

15. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein the rear wheel passes downwardly to near or through a center vertical longitudinal plane of the roller skate.

16. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein the frame has a peripheral sidewali and a ribbed configuration inside of and secured to the sidewali, and the ribbed configuration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed, fastener-receiving openings.

17. The roller skate of claim 1 wherein the frame includes a forward member extending in a lateral direction out from an outboard side of the frame and including therein the forward lateral side opening, and the frame includes a rear member extending in a lateral direction out from the outboard side of the frame and including therein the aft lateral side opening.

18. A roller skate comprising: a skate frame having a forward lateral side opening at a forward portion thereof and an aft lateral side opening at an aft portion thereof; a skate front wheel; j skate rear wheel; a front axle extending into the forward lateral side opening and supporting the front wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a rear axle extending into the aft lateral side opening and supporting the rear wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a boot cradle attached to the frame; the cradle including first and second posts extending in a lateral direction outwardly towards the rear wheel; and a wheelguard having first and second openings in which the first and second

Page 16 of 31

4Sd3379vl posts, respectively, are positioned and secured thereto.

19. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein the posts are tapered.

20. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein the posts are integrally formed with the boot cradle.

21. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein screws pass through the wheelguard and into the posts.

22. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein the posts are tapered and integrally formed with the boot cradle, and screws pass through the wheelguard and into the posts.

23. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein the front wheel is generally smaller than the rear wheel, and the front and rear wheels lie in different planes.

24. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein at least one of the wheels includes a hub formed of urethane-based plastic with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least five percent glass fiber and a tire on the hub,

25. The roller skate of claim 24 wherein the at least five percent carbon fiber is generally less tha.n_forty_perceπt carbon fiber..

26. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein the frame is made of urethane or nylon- based plastics with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least twenty-five percent glass fiber or Long Glass fiber.

27. The roller skate of claim 18 further comprising a boot cradle fastened to the frame.

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28. The roller skate of claim 27 further comprising a boot fastened to and in the boot cradle.

29. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front hub and a urethane front tire on the front hub and the rear wheel includes a plastic rear hub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.

30. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein the frame has a peripheral sidewall and a ribbed configuration inside of and secured to the sidewall, and the ribbed configuration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed, fastener-receiving openings.

31. The roller skate of claim 18 wherein the frame Includes a forward member extending in a lateral direction out from an outboard side of the frame and including therein the forward lateral side opening, and the frame includes a rear member extending in a lateral direction out from the outboard side of the frame and including therein the aft lateral side opening.

32. A roller skate comprising: a skate frame having a forward lateral side opening at a forward portion thereof and an aft lateral side opening at an aft portion thereof; a skate front wheel; a skate rear wheel; a front axle extending into the forward lateral side opening and supporting the front wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a rear axle extending into the aft lateral side opening and supporting the rear wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; and a frame cap secured to a forward top surface of the frame.

33. The roller skate of claim 32 wherein the frame cap includes a flat plate.

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34. The roller skate of claim 32 wherein the frame cap has a through-hole and a fastener passes through the through-hole and into an opening in the frame.

35. The roller skate of claim 34 further comprising an axle nut retaining clip, and the fastener securing the retaining clip to the frame.

36. The roller skate of claim 32 wherein the front wheel is generally smaller than the rear wheel, and the front and rear wheels lie in different planes.

37. The roller skate of claim 32 wherein at least one of the wheels includes a hub formed of urethane-based plastic with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least five percent glass fiber and a tire on the hub.

38. The roller skate of claim 37 wherein the at least five percent carbon fiber is generally less than forty percent carbon fiber. .

39. The roller skate of claim 32 wherein the frame is made of urethane or nylon- based plastics with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least twenty-five percent glass fiber or Long Glass fiber.

40. The roller skate of claim 32 wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front hub an<iajjrethane fronitire on the front hub and thejresr wheel includes a plastic rear hub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.

41. The roller skate of claim 32 wherein the frame has a peripheral sidewall and a ribbed configuration inside of and secured to the sidewall, and the ribbed configuration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed, fastener-receiving openings.

42. The roller skate of claim 32 wherein the frame includes a forward member extending in a lateral direction out from an outboard side of the frame and including

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4863379vl therein the forward lateral side opening, and the frame includes a rear member extending in a lateral direction out from the outboard side of the frame and including therein the aft lateral side opening.

43. A roller skate comprising: a skate frame having a forward lateral side opening at a forward portion thereof and an aft lateral side opening at an aft portion thereof; a skate front wheel; a skate rear wheel; a front axle extending into the forward lateral side opening and supporting the front wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a rear axle extending into the aft lateral side opening and supporting the rear wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; one of the front or rear wheels including a bearing race through which the front or rear axle passes; and a wheelwasher between the frame and the bearing race, the wheelwasher having a flat back surface abutting the frame and a raised inner ring on a wheelwasher front surface against the bearing race and promoting free spinning of the front of rear wheel, and the raised inner ring being dimensioned so that only the inner race of the inboard bearing is contacted by the wheelwasher.

44. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the wheelwasher has an inner diameter of generally 10 mm, an outer diameter of generally 20 mm, and the raised inner ring has an outer diameter of generally 15 mm, and the inner ring is raised generally .50 mm off of the 1.0 mm support ring, and the wheelwasher is made of metal.

45. The roller skate of claim 43 further comprising the front of rear wheel being the front wheel, the bearing being a front bearing, the front or rear axle being the front axle, the wheelwasher being a front wheelwasher, the rear wheel including a rear bearing race through which the rear axle passes, and a rear wheelwasher between the frame

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4863379V1 and the rear bearing, the rear wheelwasher having a flat back surface abutting the frame and the raised inner ring on a front surface thereof against the rear bearing and promoting free spinning of the rear wheel.

46. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the front or rear axle passes through the wheelwasher.

47. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the bearing race defines an inside bearing race, the front or rear wheel includes an outside bearing race and a bearing spacer sandwiched between the inside bearing race and the outside bearing race.

48. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the axle has a stepped configuration, and the forward lateral side opening has a corresponding stepped configuration and a retaining nut is secured to an end of the axle abutting a surface of the frame at the end of the forward lateral side opening.

49. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the frame is an injection-molded plastic frame.

50. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the front wheel is generally smaller than the rear wheel, and the front and rear wheels lie in different planes.

51. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein at least one of the wheels includes a hub formed of urethane-based plastic with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least five percent glass fiber and a tire on the hub.

52. The roller skate of claim 51 wherein the at least five percent carbon fiber is generally less than forty percent carbon fiber.

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53. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the frame is made of urethane or nylon- based plastics with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least twenty-five percent glass fiber or Long Glass fiber.

54. The roller skate of claim 43 further comprising a boot cradle fastened to the frame.

55. The roller skate of claim 54 further comprising a boot fastened to and in the boot cradle.

56. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front hub and a urethane front tire on the front hub, and the rear wheel includes a plastic rear hub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.

57. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the frame has a peripheral sidewall and a ribbed configuration inside of and secured to the sidewall, and the ribbed configuration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed, fastener-receiving openings.

58. The roller skate of claim 43 wherein the frame includes a forward member extending in a lateral direction out from an outboard side of the frame and including therein the forward lateral side opening, and the frame includes a rear member extending in a lateral direction out from the outboard side of the frame and including therein the aft lateral side opening.

59. A roller skate comprising: a skate frame having a forward lateral side opening at a forward portion thereof and an aft lateral side opening at an aft portion thereof; a skate front wheel; a skate rear wheel;

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48.3379vl a front axle extending into the forward lateral side opening and supporting the front wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a rear axle extending into the aft lateral side opening and supporting the rear wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; the axle having a stepped configuration; the forward lateral side opening having a corresponding stepped configuration; and a retaining nut is secured to an end of the axle and abutting a surface of the frame at the end of the forward lateral side opening.

60. The roller skate of claim 59 further comprising a retaining clip secured to the frame and retaining the retaining nut in position relative to the frame.

61. The roller skate of claim 59 wherein the frame is an injection-molded plastic frame.

62. The rolier skate of claim 59 wherein the front wheel is generally smaller than the rear wheel, and the front and rear wheels lie in different planes.

63. The roller skate of claim 59 wherein at least one of the wheels includes a hub formed of urethane-based plastic with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least five percent glass fiber and a tire on the hub.

64. The roller skate of claim 63 wherein the at least five percent carbon fiber is generally less than forty percent carbon fiber.

65. The roller skate of claim 59 wherein the frame is made of urethane or nylon- based plastics with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least twenty-five percent glass fiber or Long Glass fiber.

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66. The roller skate of claim 59 further comprising a boot cradle fastened to the frame.

67. The roller skate of claim 66 further comprising a boot fastened to and in the boot cradle.

68. The roller skate of claim 59 wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front hub and a urethane front tire on the front hub and the rear wheel includes a plastic rear hub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.

69. The roller skate of claim 59 wherein the frame has a peripheral sidewall and a ribbed configuration inside of and secured to the sidewaϋ, and the ribbed configuration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed, fastener-receiving openings.

70. The roller skate of claim 59 wherein the frame includes a forward member extending in a lateral direction out from an outboard side of the frame and including therein the forward lateral side opening, and the frame further includes a rear member extending in a lateral direction out from the outboard side of the frame and including therein the aft lateral side opening.

71. A roller skate comprising: a skate frame having a forward lateral side opening at a forward portion thereof and an aft lateral side opening at an aft portion thereof; a skate front wheel; a skate rear wheel; a front axle extending into the forward lateral side opening and supporting the front wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; a rear axle extending into the aft lateral side opening and supporting the rear wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame;

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4fl63379vl a brake arm assembly attached to and extending out from the frame; the brake arm assembly including a brake arm and a brake pad attached to the brake arm; and the brake arm assembly including an assembly recessed area immediately adjacent to the rear wheel and for the rear wheel.

72. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the brake arm includes a brake arm recessed area for the rear wheel.

73. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the brake pad includes a brake pad recessed area for the rear wheel.

74. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the brake arm includes a brake arm recessed area for the rear wheel and the brake pad recessed area and the brake arm recessed area together form the assembly recessed area.

75. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the frame has a vertical through-hole, a fastener having a head at one end and an opposite end, the fastener passing up through the brake arm through-hole and into the frame through-hole with the head abutting a lower surface of the brake arm, and a cap secured to the opposite end.

76. The roller skate of claim 75 wherein the opposite end is. threaded into the cap.

77. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the frame is an injection-molded plastic frame.

78. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the front wheel is generally smaller than the rear wheel, and the front and rear wheels lie in different planes.

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79. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein at least one of the wheels includes a hub formed of urethane-based plastic with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least five percent glass fiber and a tire on the hub.

80. The roller skate of claim 79 wherein the at least five percent carbon fiber is generally less than forty percent carbon fiber.

81. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the frame is made of urethane or nylon- based plastics with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least twenty-five percent glass fiber or Long Glass fiber.

82. The roller skate of claim 71 further comprising a boot cradle fastened to the frame.

83. The roller skate of claim 82 further comprising a boot fastened to and in the boot cradle.

84. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front hub and a urethane front tire on the front hub and the rear wheel includes a plastic rear hub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.

85. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the frame has a peripheral ^idewaiJ and a ribbed configuration inside of and secured to the sidewall, and the ribbed configuration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed, fastener-receiving openings.

86. The roller skate of claim 71 wherein the frame includes a forward member extending in a lateral direction out from an outboard side of the frame and including therein the forward lateral side opening, and the frame includes a rear member extending in a lateral direction out from the outboard side of the frame and including therein the aft lateral side opening.

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87. A roller skate comprising: a skate frame having an outboard side edge, a frame forward member secured to and extending in a lateral direction out from the side edge, and a frame rearward member secured to and extending in a lateral direction out from the side edge and spaced rearwardly from the frame forward member; the frame forward member having an opening extending downwardly and outwardly; the frame rearward member having an opening extending downwardly and outwardly; a skate front wheel; a skate rear wheel; a front axle extending into the frame forward member opening and supporting the front wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame; and a rear axle extending into the frame rearward member opening and supporting the rear wheel in a canted position with respect to the frame.

88. The roller skate of claim 87 wherein the frame forward member opening extends downwardly at an angle of between 15 and 40 degrees from the vertical, and the frame rearward member opening extends downwardly at an angle of between 15 and 40 degrees from the vertical.

89. The roller skate of claim 87 wherein thβ frame foiwaπlmember, the side edge and the frame rearward member are integrally formed together.

90. The roller skate of claim 87 wherein the forward axle has a stepped configuration, and the forward lateral side opening has a corresponding stepped configuration.

91. The roller skate of claim 87 further comprising a forward retaining nut secured to an end of the forward axle and abutting a surface of the frame at the end of the forward lateral side opening.

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92. The roller skate of claim 91 further comprising a forward retaining clip secured to the frame and retaining the forward retaining nut in position relative to the frame.

93. The roller skate of claim 87 wherein the rear axle has a stepped configuration, and the aft lateral side opening has a stepped configuration corresponding thereto.

94. The roller skate of claim 87 further comprising a rear retaining nut secured to an end of the rear axle and abutting a surface of the frame at the end of the rearward opening.

95. The roller skate of claim 94 further comprising a rear retaining clip secured to the frame and retaining the rear retaining nut in position.

96. The roller skate of claim 87 wherein the front wheel is generally smaller than the rear wheel, and the front and rear wheels lie in different planes.

97. The roller skate of claim 87 wherein at least one of the wheels includes a hub formed of urethane-based plastic with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least five percent glass fiber and a tire on the hub.

98. The roller skate of claim 87 wherein the at least five percent carbon fiber is generally less than forty percent carbon fiber.

99. The roller skate of claim 87 further comprising a boot cradle fastened to the frame.

100. The roller skate of claim 99 further comprising a boot fastened to and in the boot cradle.

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101. The roller skate of claim 87 wherein the front wheel includes a plastic front hub and a urethane front tire on the front hub and the rear wheel includes a plastic rear hub and a urethane rear tire on the rear hub.

102. The roller skate of claim 87 wherein the frame has a peripheral sidewall and a ribbed configuration inside of and secured to the sidewall, and the ribbed configuration includes a plurality of vertically-disposed, fastener-receiving openings.

103. A roller skate axle assembly, comprising: a roller skate frame having a side, downwardly-angled frame opening defining a chamber and an end member at an inward end of the chamber; the end member having a member opening communicating with the chamber and an end member outer face; a stepped axle having a body portion and a tip end extending out from the body portion; a portion of the body portion being positioned in the chamber; a retaining nut on the tip end and at the outer face and holding the axle to the frame; and means for resiliently retaining the retaining nut against the end member outer face.

104. The axle assembly of claim 103 wherein the retaining means includes a retainer member having a first portion secured to the frame and a second portion having a retainer member hole, the second portion abutting a face of the nut, and the tip end passing through the member opening, the nut and the retainer member hole.

105. The axle assembly of claim 104 wherein the retainer member includes a member portion which wraps down onto a side of the nut.

106. The axle assembly of claim 104 wherein the retainer member includes a

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486337»vl connector portion connecting the first and second portions.

107. The axle assembly of claim 104 wherein the first portion includes a first portion hole, and further comprising a fastener passing through the first portion hole and into the frame.

108. The axle assembly of claim 103 wherein the retaining means comprises a resilient retainer clip.

109. The axle assembly of claim 103 further comprising a wheelwasher abutting an outer surface of the frame and having a washer opening aligned with the frame opening.

110. The axle assembly of claim 109 wherein the wheelwasher has a stepped configuration with a projecting inner ring on an outward face thereof for abutting a bearing race of a skate wheel attached to the axle.

111. The axle assembly of claim 103 wherein the frame is an injection-molded plastic frame.

112. The axle assembly of claim 103 wherein the frame is made of urethane or nylon- based plastics with at least five percent carbon fiber or at least twenty-five percent glass fiber or Long Glass fiber.

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