Background of the invention Over the past few years roller skating and particularly in-line roller skating has enjoyed an immense resurgence in popularity. No longer limited to indoor rings specifically designed for that purpose, skating today has become an outdoor leisure activity, an economic and healthy means of transportation, and a competitive sport.

The changes in the nature of skating have necessitated appropriate changes in the design and manufacture of the skates themselves. Today's skaters demand skates which are much lighter in weight and easier to control than the traditional bi-axle quad-wheeled skates of the past.

The original design of the modern in-line skate was relatively simple.

Generally, such skates consisted of a wheel frame attached to a skate boot.

The skate boot itself was based on either an ice skate boot or on a downhill ski boot. The former had a relatively flat sole interfacing with the planar surface of the foot and made from conventional material such as a thermoplastic material, while the latter was typically a molded plastic boot having an integral structure.

A first type of conventional roller skate boot comprises a boot upper sewn to a sole. The sole interfaces with and protects the plantar surface of the foot while the boot upper surrounds and secures the remaining portions of the foot (e. g. dorsal portion) instep. Soles may either be formed from a layer of a single material or from several layers of a single or different materials. In the latter case, the layers are bonded together to form a laminate. In both cases, at any particular point on the sole, the material (s) of which the sole is formed is (are) identical to that (those) at every (or almost every) other point on the sole. The second type of boot comprises a molded lower attached to a frame, and a molded upper, provided on top of the lower.

The wheel frame typically consisted of two parallel rails connected by a bridging portion to form a long inverted"U"-shaped structure. The wheels would be mounted within the frame by being rotatably mounted on the rails.

The bridging portion served to connect the rails together and acted as a point of attachment for the wheel frame to the skate boot. In this respect, the bridging portion was also generally flat. It would interface with the underside of the boot sole and would be secured thereto by suitable fasteners, such as bolts or rivets. A relatively thin planar attachment plate might have been placed between the frame and the sole in some skates.

Today, several types of in-line roller skates are manufactured, each one corresponding to a specific use. For instance, one can find skates specifically designed for speeding.

Among the newest types of skates, the so-called"aggressive"skate is probably the one that is the most subject to severe and though conditions.

Indeed, the skaters use their skates to slide on ramps or other similar structure types for instance. The most performing skaters even realize style figures while sliding down. Such uses are very demanding for the skates, in particular for the boot and frame, which must bear very intensive friction

forces. If standard skates are chosen for such a use, premature wear appears very quickly.

Considering the popularity of this type of skating, there is a strong demand for an in-line roller skate better adapted to these extremely severe use conditions.

Obiects and statement of the invention It is thus an object of the invention to provide a roller skate specifically adapted to the"aggressive"type of skating.

It is another object of the invention to provide a roller skate offering possibilities to extend the life of the skates subjected to intensive wear.

As embodied and broadly described herein, the invention provides a roller skate comprising an elongated frame, a plurality of wheels rotatably mounted to said frame, a footwear element mounted to said frame to accommodate a skater's foot, said footwear element being provided with a sole, wherein said frame and said sole are provided with corresponding fastening holes adapted to receive a fastener to secure said footwear element to said frame.

Such a design simplifies the connection between the boot and the frame. The removal and assembling operations of the frame are thus quicker and easier to carry out. This arrangement is of particular interest with a skate that is designed to be used in a rough environment or in rough conditions, for instance when sliding along ramps. A worn-out frame can thus be replace by a new one. If a symmetrical frame is worn out only on one side, it can easily be turned 180 degrees. The fasteners are advantageously of bolt and nut or screw types, but any other type of fasteners may also be used.

In a more specific embodiment the fastening holes are substantially perpendicular in relation to the wheels axis. Such a design is very simple to manufacture, very cost effective and the assembly/removal operations are easily done.

In another specific embodiment, the sole is comprised of a plurality of layers.

For instance, the layers may be required by the presence of a composite sole or a multi-component boot assembly like the one in the following specific embodiment, in which the footwear element includes a shell to accommodate the skater's foot, said shell including a heel portion to receive a heel of a skater's foot as well as a toe portion for the toes of the skater's foot, said footwear element further including a liner provided in said shell.

The liner is advantageously removable from the shell. It also preferably comprises fastening holes adapted to receive the fasteners.

In another specific embodiment, the frame is provided with wings extending laterally therefrom and the boot sole comprises corresponding housings or slots. This enab ! es a lateral pre-assembly of the frame in relation to the boot.

It also brings more rigidity and a better force transmission from the boot to the frame. The frame wings are also protected against wear.

In another specific embodiment, the boot is provided with an innersole, preferably removable. The sole is preferably placed on top of the fasteners to cover them. The foot is therefore not in direct contact with the fasteners, allowing more comfort and safety. The user can remove the innersole to have access to the fasteners. Preferably, the innersole is provided with a heel member formed with ribs. The heel portion is thus higher than the front portion, for more comfort. The ribs are preferably made of a resilient material.

They can thus absorb vibrations and shocks.

Other objects and features of the invention will become apparent by reference to the following description and the drawings.

Brief description of the drawings A detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided hereinbelow, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating a skater sliding along a ramp; Figure 2 is a perspective view of an in-line skate according to the invention; Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a skate according to the invention used to slide along a ramp; Figure 4 is a further perspective view of an in-line skate according to the invention; Figure 5 is a side elevational view illustrating an in-line skate according to the invention used on a rolling surface; Figure 6 is a side elevational view illustrating an in-line skate according to the invention used on a ramp or the like; Figure 7 is an exploded view of an in-line skate according to the invention; Figure 8 is a plan view of an in-line skate according to the invention; Figure 9 is a further exploded view of an in-line skate according to the invention;

Figure 10 is a further exploded view of an in-line skate according to the invention; Figures 11 and 12 are perspective views of the frame and the protection elements according to the invention; Figures 13 and 14 are underneath plan views of the frame and boot; Figures 15 and 16 are side elevational views of an in-line skate according to the invention; Figure 17 is an exploded side view of an in-line skate according to the invention; Figure 18 is a perspective view of a variant of an in-line skate according to the invention; Figures 19 and 20 are perspective views of a further variant of an in-line skate according to the invention.

In the drawings, preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of examples. It is to be expressly understood that the description and drawings are only for the purpose of illustration and are an aid for understanding. They are not intended to be a definition of the limits of the invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments Figures 1 to 6 show an in-line roller-skate according to the invention.

Examples of skating surfaces used with"aggressive skating"are also shown.

For instance in figures 1,3 and 6, various positions are shown of a skate sliding along a ramp or other silmilar structure. In such positions, the standard load supporting elements, namely the wheels, are less or not used.

The load is for instance supported by the frame and/or the boot. The rolling motion is also replaced by a sliding motion. The components in contact with the sliding surface are thus subject to wear.

Figure 7 illustrates a perspective exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the roller skate 10 according to the invention.

A footwear element 20 is provided with a sole 22 substantially covering the lowest and substantially flat plane of the footwear. A first lateral element 36 and a second lateral element 38 are provided on a first side and on the opposite side of the footwear element respectively.

According to the preferred illustrated embodiment, the skate boot 20 comprises a shell 30 advantageously obtained by a molding process. As shown in figures 2 and 7, the shell forms the outer lower portion of the boot 20 and comprises a sole 22, a front portion 34 or toe portion, a heel portion 32 and two lateral portions, all these portions being connected together in order to form a boot shape, that is advantageously in one single part. The front portion extends upwardly to cover at least partially the foot's toes. The lateral portions preferably extend upwardly, for example close to the bottom of the ankle area of the foot in order to provide an efficient lateral support. It also provides additional protection.

Provided is also a boot liner 40, that is preferably removable, is advantageously made of resilient material for more comfort and has a shape and some outer dimensions that substantially correspond to those of the inner portion of the shell. The shell walls extend upwardly along the liner and bring additional support and strength. However, for optimal strength, the liner

itself is substantially rigid, especially in the upper portion, where it is not covered by the shell. Thus, the liner may comprise a rigid formed structure of known type.

A frame 50 provided with axially aligned wheels 14 supports the shell 30 and liner 40 assembly. A connection side 54 of the frame is provided on the top portion, at the interface between the frame and the boot. A rolling side 56 is provided in the lower portion, with radially extending wheels. According to the invention, the frame is provided with fastening holes 24 longitudinally distributed thereof. The fastening holes are preferably substantially perpendicular in relation to the wheel axis.

The shell 30 and also preferably the liner 40 are provided with fastening holes 24. These are distributed longitudinally so that when the liner and the shelt are assembled to the frame, all the holes are aligned. Any appropriate type of fastener 57 may be used, for instance screws maintained with threads provided in the frame holes or a bolt and nut assembly, etc.

The inner portion of the liner is advantageously provided with an inner sole 42. Such a sole creates a simple means to cover or protect the fastener heads in order to avoid direct contact with the feet. The upper surface of the innersole is preferably inclined from the heel portion to the toe portion. It serves to absorb shocks, mainly during landing. With such a design, the force transfer from the foot to the chassis may also be optimized. A heel member 44 provided under the sole extends from the rear to the middle portion of the sole, the height decreasing from the rear towards the front of the sole. The length of the heel member 44 may vary and versions with a shorter or longer heel member may be available. The heel member may be manufactured integrally together with the sole or assembled thereof. The materials used to manufacture the sole and/or the heel member may also vary according to specific features. The heel member 44 is preferably provided with ribs 46,

advantageously made of a resilient material, for instance rubber, to absorb vibrations and shocks.

To protect the shell and to reduce wear, in particular when used to slide on ramps as illustrated in figures 1,3 and 6, protection members are provided.

First, a wear resistant plate 60 ensures lateral and bottom protection. The second element 38 includes the wear resistant plate 60. The plate 60 extends longitudinally along the shell. Advantageously, the wear resistant plate is made of a material highly resistant to wear, such as polyamide plastics, or any type of composite materials or engineered plastics. Known types molding techniques allow to produce cost effective components.

Furthermore the plate may be made of materials with either high or low friction coefficient to customize the skate according to the performance of the skater and desired sliding characteristics.

According to the illustrated preferred embodiment, the wear plate 60 substantially covers the side area of the shell from the front portion to the rear portion. It is thus advantageously provided with a removable portion 62, preferably substantially central. The removable portion 62 is advantageously made of polyurethane or other thermoplastic or composite material.

The wear plate 60 comprises a sole portion 64, substantially flat and extending advantageously lengthwise along the boot, and a side wall 66, substantially normal in relation to the sole portion. The shape and profile of the side watt 66 is adapted to generally correspond to the corresponding wall of the shell, so that the wear plate can be assembled side by side with the shell.

As illustrated in figures 7 and 8, the wear resistant plate preferably extends rearwardly and frontwardly to encircle at least partially the front and the rear portions of the boot. The wear resistant plate is preferably provided with

wings 68, extending transversally towards the inner portion of the boot. The wings are flat enough to be easily slidable in a recess 58 of corresponding shape provided in the upper portion of the frame. Fastening holes 24 are provided in the sole portion 64 of the wear plate. In the illustrated embodiment, the holes are in the free ending portion of the wings 68. These holes are used to assemble the wear plate 60 to the frame and shell assembly as illustrated in figures 7 to 12 and 15.

The removable portion 62, commonly called protection plate or"grind plate", is the second element used to protect the boot against wear. This component is more particularly intended to protect the immediate area of the boot that is in contact with the ramp or the like when sliding. In this respect, it is subject to intensive friction forces and should be manufactured with some material highly resistant to wear. In variants, different materials with different friction coefficients are used. The skater has thus the possibility to select a protection plate according to the desired performance and considering his skills and the available sliding surfaces. It comprises a side wall shaped to generally fit along the outer part of the boot, the shell or the wear resistant plate, as shown in figures 7 to 12 and 15. A sole portion, substantially normal in relation to the side wall, extends transversally towards the inner of the boot. It is generally flat and thin, so that it can easily be slidably assembled in a slot of corresponding profile and dimensions provided in the cooperating component. In the preferred embodiment illustrated in figures 7 to 12 and 15, the protection plate is removably assembled in a slot 63 provided in the wear resistant plate. Figure 14 illustrates the resulting assembly when the shell 30, the frame 50, the wear plate 60, the protection plate 62 and the fastener 57 are all assembled.

According to a variant, the shell protection is only ensured by a removable protection plate, provided substantially central.

Figure 9 illustrates a transversal elevational view of the different components before assembly. The elements 36 and 38 comprise at least one but preferably a plurality of housings 33 adapted to engage corresponding lateral wings 52 extending laterally from said connection side of the frame. In the first element 36, the housing is in the form of a slot 35.

The connection side 54 of the frame 50 comprises recesses 58 adapted to engage wings 68 provided on the second element 38 and extending laterally therefrom. The recesses 58 are provided between said lateral wings. As illustrated, the frame, as well as the sole 22 and the second element 38 have corresponding fastening holes 24 adapted to receive fasteners 57 to secure said footwear element to said frame 50.

The housings 33 and more particularly the slot 35 enable to realize a pre- assembly of the frame and the wear resistant plate in relation to the boot or the shell. As illustrated, the slot is preferably longitudinal and located sideways, below the sole of the boot. Figure 10 illustrates an advantageous configuration of the slot. According to this embodiment, the front and rear end portions extend towards the central longitudinal axis of the boot.

The wings 52 of the frame are substantially flat and shaped to correspond to the inner profile of the housings. The plane defined by these wings and corresponding housings is preferably substantially parallel to the sole of the boot. Figures 8 to 13 clearly show how the frame is assembled onto the shell. The wings 68 of the wear resistant plate 60 extend laterally to fit into substantially transversally oriented recesses 58 provided on the connection side of the frame. The length of the wear resistant plate wings may be adapted so that when the wear plate is assembled to the frame, the wings end near the frame edge, as shown in figures 11 and 12.

According to a variant, the wings extend laterally beyond the frame edge and are thus adapted to cooperate with the slot 35.

The removable portion 62 or protection plate is removably assembled in a similar manner. The protection plate assembly slot 63 provided in the wear resistant plate allows the sole portion of the plate to slide laterally into the wear resistant plate. A protection plate recess 58, provided in the central connection side of the frame, with shape and dimensions corresponding with those of the sole extending portion, allows the plate to be slidably assembled.

All these elements, that is to say the sole portion of the protection plate and the wings of the wear resistant plate, are provided with fastening holes. Once the fasteners are inserted, the assembly is secured.

The liner 40 is arranged with a substantially flat sole surface and extends upwardly to form the upper boot portion. Fastening holes 24 are preferably provided in the sole. These holes are used to provide a passage for the fasteners. Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the resulting assembly. The fasteners are connected to the frame body, thus maintaining the complete assembly.

The fasteners are preferably easy to remove, for instance of screw type. In such a case, the cooperating frame portion is advantageously provided with threads, or threaded inserts or bolts. This allows quick and easy assembly or disassembly of the skate.

The skater can thus easily and rapidly replace a worn out component, for instance the protection plate or the wear resistant plate with a new one. The skate is therefore tailor-made to be used as an"aggressive skate" : on the one hand, it is comprised of adequate wear-resistant elements avoiding premature excessive wear, and on the other hand, it offers the possibility to replace a worn-out component at very low cost.

The frame 50 is comprised of two longitudinal rails interconnected by bridging portions. Wheels are conventionally mounted within the frame. The frame is secured to the shell as described above, by conventional means, through fastening holes provided in the central portion of the frame.

To facilitate the sliding along the ramps or the like, the rolling side of at least one of the rails is provided with a ramp adapter 55, for instance an inverted-U shaped recess, in which the ramp may be located or guided. The adapter is preferably provided in the central portion of the rolling side and comprises a free end profile 53 adapted for sliding on ramps. Such a guiding means provides longitudinal stability and helps the skater to maintain his equilibrium when sliding along ramps or the like. The free end profile preferably has a concave shape, for instance, hemispherical.

According to a variant, the ramp adapter 55 is removable and preferably made of a different material than that of the rest of the frame. The adapter material is preferably highly resistant to wear. An example of such a material is polyurethane or other thermoplastic or composite material. Figures 19 and 20 illustrate an example of such a variant. The outer central portion of the rail is provided with an adapter seat 59, on which the adapter is removably connected with fasteners 57 for instance. Several fastener types can be used, for instance screws, bolts and nuts, etc. Corresponding fastening holes are provided in the adapter seat.

The frame is preferably of a reversible construction. When a first side or rail is worn out, the user can easily remove the frame, turn it to place the front portion at the rear and reassemble the frame to the rest of the skate. In doing so, the rails of the frame are changed from one side to the other. The portion of the frame in sliding contact with the ramp or the like, that can be worn out on a first side of the skate, may be changed for the opposite one. The life of

the frame is therefore double. A preferred reversible frame is of a symmetrical construction, such as illustrated in figure 17.

The frame is preferably made of conventional materials in accordance with known methods.

Figure 18 illustrates another variant of the skate according to the invention. The boot 20 is provided with a lace cover, preferably made of wear resistant material, such as kevlar or the like. The cover is preferably made of woven material.

The above description of preferred embodiments should not be interpreted in a limiting manner since other variations, modifications and refinements are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the invention is defined in the appended claims and their equivalents.