Description DEVICE FOR INLINE SKATE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to an inline skate, and more particularly, to an inline skate which can be used by a wide range of users, including beginners and experts, through conversion from an inline skate to a roller skate or vice versa, which does not separately use auxiliary wheels and can selectively install wheels on the inside or the outside of a frame merely by adjusting the length of axles without changing the structure of the frame, and which can be configured in a variety of ways through increasing or decreasing the length of the axles in a stepwise manner. Background Art

[2] Several kinds of skates, which are devised to allow skating to be enjoyed not only on the ice but also on the ground, have been known in the art. Depending upon the installation arrangement of wheels for permitting travel on the ground, the skates are categorized as roller skates and as inline skates.

[3] First, in the roller skate, four wheels are installed on the bottom of a boot which can be made of various materials, at positions corresponding to the vertexes of a rectangle. Referring to FIG. 1, a roller skate 2 has a boot 10 which is integrally formed therewith and performs the same function as a conventional shoe. The boot 10 can be tightened or loosened using a lace to conform with the size of a user's foot.

[4] Also, a support frame (not shown) is provided to the bottom surface of the boot 10 to support the boot 10. A stopper 20 is provided on the front end of the support frame to reduce the speed of the roller skate 2 or stop the roller skate 2 using frictional force with the ground. The stopper 20 has a substantially circular column-shape configuration and is attached to the lower surface of the front portion of the support frame.

[5] Therefore, when the user wants to reduce the speed of or stop the roller skate 2, by raising the heel of the foot to allow the lower surface of the stopper 20 to come into frictional contact with the ground, the roller skate can be reduced in speed or can be stopped.

[6] Wheels 30 are provided to the respective corner portions of the support frame. The wheels 30 are formed to be wide to secure stability during skating, and are rotatably supported by bearings (not shown) disposed therein.

[7] However, in the roller skate 2, since the stopper 20 is installed on the front portion of the support frame, the center of gravity can shift in the moving direction when reducing the speed of or stopping the roller skate 2, which is likely to cause a user to lose balance. Conversely, if the center of gravity shifts rearward, the user is likely to

fall flat on his or her back.

[8] Above all, because the four wheels 30 are installed on the bottom of the boot 10 at positions corresponding to the respective vertexes of a rectangle, the width between the wheels 30 is substantial, and the fast feeling can be degraded while skating.

[9] While the roller skate 2 was popular before 1990, as a result of efforts to solve the problems of the roller skate 2, an inline skate, in which wheels are arranged in one line, has been disclosed in the art and has received great attention.

[10] Referring to FIG. 2, similar to the roller skate, an inline skate 52 has a boot 60 which is integrally or detachably attached thereto and extends beyond a user's ankle. Various tightening devices, such as a lace or a Velcro-brand strap, are provided to the front surface of the boot 60.

[11] A frame 80, in which a plurality of wheels 70 is arranged in a line, is formed on the lower surface of the boot 60. When viewed from the front, the frame 80 has the shape of a 'U' rotated 180 degrees. The upper surface of the frame 80 is locked to the lower surface of the boot 60. Further, the plurality of wheels 70 are rotatably coupled to the left and right sides of the frame 80.

[12] Meanwhile, a stopper 90 is provided on the rear end of the frame 80 to reduce the speed of the inline skate 52 or stop the inline skate 52 using frictional force with the ground. The stopper 90 is formed of a material such as synthetic rubber, which has a predetermined elasticity and does not generate noise upon contact with the ground. The lower surface of the stopper 90 is positioned higher than the lower surface of the wheel 70 locked to the frame 80, so that the wheels 70 are not interfered with by the stopper 90 when the wheels 70 rotate and the inline skate 52 moves on the ground.

[13] Nevertheless, in the inline skate 52, since the wheel is narrower than the interval between the wheels of the roller skate 2, it is difficult to learn skating, and a user is likely to frequently fall on the ground and thus be bruised or scratched.

[14] In consideration of this, in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0331387, a three-lined inline skate, in which auxiliary wheels are mounted to allow a beginner to easily learn skating, has been suggested. In this document, although the concern of a beginner is lessened to some extent, since the number of wheels is tripled, a serious problem is caused in that the total weight of the entire inline skate markedly increases. In particular, this type of inline skate is not appropriate for children or aged or feeble persons.

[15] In Korean Utility Model Registration No. 20-0219044, another three-lined inline skate, in which auxiliary wheels are mounted to allow a beginner to easily learn skating, has been suggested. In this document, since two lines of wheels are brought into contact with the ground when making a turning motion, stability is deteriorated, and since the distance between the main wheels and the auxiliary wheels is short, the

stability is further deteriorated. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[16] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inline skate which can be converted into a roller skate so that even a beginner can easily learn to skate.

[17] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inline skate in which the interval between wheels can be adjusted depending upon the degree of learning even in the case of a beginner.

[18] Another object of the present invention is to provide an inline skate which is lightweight so that a child or an aged or feeble person can enjoy skating.

[19] Still another object of the present invention is to provide an inline skate which can provide a steering function so that wheels can be reoriented in a direction following the turning motion of a user s body.

[20] A still further object of the present invention is to provide an inline skate to which various options can be detachably attached so that not only beginners but also experts can enjoy skating as they desire. Technical Solution

[21] In order to achieve the above objects, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inline skate having wheels which are installed on a frame secured to the bottom of a boot, to be capable of rolling, wherein the inline skate includes a pair of vertical frames which are formed at left and right positions on the bottom surface of the frame to extend vertically so that the wheels can be rotatably supported on the vertical frames, wherein a plurality of left and right holes is defined in the vertical frames to pass through the vertical frames and to respectively communicate with center holes defined in center portions of the wheels, such that axles are installed through the center holes and the left and right holes, and wherein each of the wheels is installed either between the vertical frames or outside the vertical frames such that an inline skate version and a roller skate version of the inline skate can be selectively used.

[22] Each axle is configured so that the length thereof can be changed and the distance between two wheels can be adjusted in a stepwise manner.

[23] Each axle is formed of three pipes which are formed with threads on ends thereof, so that the length of the axle can be adjusted.

[24] The left and right holes are defined to have a size greater than the sectional area of the axle, and a rubber packing is installed in the remaining space of each hole, so that,

when executing rotation or cornering using the inline skate, the wheel can change direction as the rubber packing is compressed by the axle to allow the axle to be changed in the extension direction thereof.

[25] In order to achieve the above objects, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inline skate having wheels which are installed on a frame secured to the bottom of a boot, to be capable of rolling, wherein the inline skate includes a pair of vertical frames which are formed at left and right positions on the bottom surface of the frame to extend vertically so that the wheels can be rotatably supported on the vertical frames, wherein four left and right holes are defined in the vertical frames to pass through the vertical frames and to respectively communicate with center holes defined in center portions of the wheels, such that axles are installed through the second and fourth left and right holes, and wherein the wheels are installed outside the vertical frames and are rotatably fastened by bolts.

[26] In order to achieve the above objects, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inline skate having a boot which covers a foot and protects an ankle, a frame which provides a base for the boot, and wheels which have center holes defined through center portions thereof and are rotatably coupled to the frame by axles, wherein the frame is composed of a base frame which provides the base for the boot to allow the boot to be secured thereto and a pair of vertical frames to which the wheels are rotatably coupled and which are formed at left and right positions to be spaced apart from each other, extend vertically with respect to the base frame to be elongate in a lengthwise direction of the inline skate, and are defined with a plurality of left and right holes in a lengthwise direction of the inline skate, and wherein at least one wheel can be installed between the left and right vertical frames at a position corresponding to the left and right holes, which are opposite each other, and at least one pair of wheels can be installed outside the left and right vertical frames depending upon a user's choice, so that the inline skate can be converted into the configuration of a roller skate or into the combined configuration of an inline skate and a roller skate.

[27] Axles for the inline skate and axles for the roller skate are separately provided, and, when the wheels are installed outside the left and right vertical frames, as in the configuration of a roller skate, the axles have a greater length than those when the wheel is installed between the left and right vertical frames, as in the configuration of an inline skate.

[28] Each axle has a pipe-shaped configuration and is composed of a pipe body which has internal threads on both ends thereof and bolts which are threadedly coupled to both ends of the pipe body.

[29] Also, each axle can have a rod-shaped configuration and can be composed of a rod

body which has internal threads in both ends thereof and bolts which are threadedly coupled to both ends of the rod body.

[30] When the inline skate is converted into a roller skate, a plurality of axles is used such that the distance between the pair of wheels can be adjusted in a stepwise manner by increasing or decreasing the distance between the left and right vertical frames and the wheels depending upon the degree of skating expertise.

[31] When the inline skate is converted into a roller skate, each of the axles is constructed such that the length thereof can be changed and thereby the distance between the pair of wheels can be adjusted in a stepwise manner by increasing or decreasing the distance between the left and right vertical frames and the wheels depending upon a degree of skating expertise.

[32] Each axle has a pipe-shaped configuration and is composed of a first pipe, a second pipe and a third pipe, which connects the first and second pipes to each other, first ends of the first and second pipes have stoppers which have a diameter greater than the center hole of the wheel and second ends of the first and second pipes are formed with external threads, and both ends of the third pipe are formed with internal threads, which correspond to the external threads, such that the length of the axle can be adjusted by changing the degree of threaded coupling.

[33] Each axle is composed of a left pipe, which is installed on the left vertical frame, and a right pipe, which is installed on the right vertical frame, the left pipe has a first end which has a stopper having a diameter greater than the center hole of the wheel and a second end which is formed with internal or external threads, the right pipe has a first end which has a stopper having a diameter greater than the center hole of the wheel and a second end which is formed with external or internal threads, and the left pipe and the right pipe are threadedly coupled to each other, such that the length of the axle can be adjusted by changing the extent of threaded coupling.

[34] Each axle has a pipe-shaped configuration and is composed of a first pipe, a second pipe and a third pipe, which connects the first and second pipes with each other, first ends of the first and second pipes have stoppers which have a diameter greater than the center hole of the wheel and second ends of the first and second pipes are provided with ball springs, and both ends of the third pipe are defined with a plurality of ball spring grooves at regular intervals, which correspond to the ball springs, such that the length of the axle can be adjusted by selectively engaging the ball springs into the ball spring grooves.

[35] When the distance between the wheels is adjusted in a stepwise manner, in order to prevent the wheels from being fluctuated between the stoppers and the left and right vertical frames, washers are installed between inner surfaces of the wheels and outer surfaces of the vertical frames.

[36] When the length of the axle is adjusted in a multi-stepwise manner, a plurality of washers is provided such that an appropriate number of washers can be installed depending upon the desired length of the axle.

[37] When the distance between the wheels is adjusted in a stepwise manner, in order to prevent the wheels from playing between the stoppers and the left and right vertical frames, springs are installed between inner surfaces of the wheels and outer surfaces of the vertical frames.

[38] A washer is installed between the left and right vertical frames to prevent the vertical frames from being deformed leftward or rightward.

[39] When the combined configuration of an inline skate and a roller skate is used, a wheel is installed through front left and right holes between the left and right vertical frames so as to form the configuration of an inline skate, and wheels are installed through rear left and right holes, outside the left and right vertical frames, so as to form the configuration of a roller skate, such that, when viewed from the top, the wheels are located so as to define the shape of a triangle.

[40] The frame uses one applied to an existing inline skate unchanged, and additional holes are defined between the left holes and between the right holes in the lengthwise direction of the frame, to be used only when converting the inline skate into a roller skate.

[41] The left and right holes are defined to have a size greater than the sectional area of the axle, and a rubber packing is installed in the remaining space of each hole, so that the axle can change the extension direction thereof forward, rearward, leftward and rightward while compressing the rubber packing.

[42] When the left and right holes are defined in the shape of an ellipse which has a major axis extending in forward and rearward directions, a rubber packing is installed in the remaining space in each hole, so that space for allowing the axle to move forward and rearward is defined.

[43] When the left and right holes are defined in the shape of an ellipse which has a major axis extending in upward and downward directions, a rubber packing is installed in the remaining space in each hole, so that space for allowing the axle to move upward and downward can be defined.

[44] When the inline skate is converted into a roller skate, both ends of the axle are symmetrically bent upward so that the contact area between the wheel and the ground can be maximized and upper portions of both wheels are inclined inward.

[45] A brake for decreasing speed using frictional force is detachably attached to the front end or the rear end of the frame.

[46] The brake has a brake hole defined therein and is installed through the left and right holes using the axle and the brake hole.

[47] The axle has the sectional shape of a polygon, and the brake hole and the left and right holes have the same sectional shape of the polygon.

[48] The inline skate further has support elements for aggressive skating such that the inline skate can be converted into an aggressive inline skate for enabling aggressive skating on a rail.

[49] The support elements for aggressive skating are installed through adjoining left and right holes which are defined at intermediate locations.

[50] The wheel is composed of a tire which is at an outermost position to come into contact with the ground and is made of a urethane-based material, a hub which is positioned inward from the tire and forms the skeleton of the wheel, and a bearing which is positioned inward from the hub and supports the rotation of the axle, and the center hole is defined in the center of the bearing.

[51] In order to achieve the above objects, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inline skate having a boot which covers a foot and protects an ankle, a frame which provides a base for the boot, and wheels which have center holes defined through center portions thereof and are rotatably coupled to the frame by axles, the frame being composed of a base frame which provides the base for the boot to allow the boot to be secured thereto and a pair of vertical frames to which the wheels are rotatably coupled and which are formed at left and right positions to be spaced apart from each other, extend vertically with respect to the base frame to be elongate in the lengthwise direction of the inline skate, and are defined with a plurality of left and right holes in the lengthwise direction of the inline skate, wherein an elastic rubber is fitted around the middle portion of the axle to extend in the lengthwise direction of the axle and to have a length which is greater than an interval between the left and right vertical frames, and wherein a pipe-shaped spacer is fitted around the outer surface of the elastic rubber, excluding portions thereof positioned inward from the left and right vertical frames, between the left and right vertical frames, whereby the wheels can change direction as the elastic rubber is compressed by the left and right vertical frames.

[52] In order to achieve the above objects, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inline skate having a boot which covers a foot and protects an ankle, a frame which provides a base for the boot, and wheels which have center holes defined through center portions thereof and are rotatably coupled to the frame by axles, the frame being composed of a base frame which provides the base for the boot to allow the boot to be secured thereto and a pair of vertical frames to which the wheels are rotatably coupled and which are formed at left and right positions to be spaced apart from each other, extend vertically with respect to the base frame to be elongate in the lengthwise direction of the inline skate, and are defined with a plurality

of left and right holes in the lengthwise direction of the inline skate, wherein elastic rubbers are separately fitted around portions of the axle which are substantially positioned under the left and right vertical frames, adjacent to a middle portion of the axle, to extend beyond the interval between the left and right vertical frames, such that outer ends of the elastic rubbers are bent in a radial direction to form flanges, and wherein a pipe-shaped spacer is fitted around outer surfaces of the elastic rubbers excluding portions thereof positioned inward from the left and right vertical frames, between the left and right vertical frames, whereby the wheels can change direction as the elastic rubbers are compressed by the left and right vertical frames.

[53] In order to achieve the above objects, according to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inline skate having a boot which covers a foot and protects an ankle, a frame which provides a base for the boot, and wheels which have center holes defined through center portions thereof and are rotatably coupled to the frame by axles, the frame being composed of a base frame which provides the base for the boot to allow the boot to be secured thereto and a pair of vertical frames, to which the wheels are rotatably coupled and which are formed at left and right positions to be spaced apart from each other, extend vertically with respect to the base frame to be elongate in the lengthwise direction of the inline skate, and are defined with a plurality of left and right holes in the lengthwise direction of the inline skate, wherein an elastic rubber is fitted around a middle portion of the axle to have the same length as the interval between the left and right vertical frames, wherein a pipe-shaped spacer is fitted around the outer surface of the elastic rubber to have the same length as the elastic rubber, and wherein threads are formed on outer surfaces of both ends of the spacer, and threads corresponding to the threads of the spacer are formed on inner surfaces of the left and right holes, such that the spacer and the left and right vertical frames are threadedly coupled to each other, whereby the wheels can change direction as the elastic rubber is compressed by the left and right vertical frames.

[54] Fluctuation prevention members are installed between the wheels and the elastic rubber or the elastic rubbers to prevent the wheels from playing leftward or rightward.

[55] Release prevention members are installed between the fluctuation prevention members and the elastic rubber or the elastic rubbers to prevent the elastic rubber or the elastic rubbers from being released from the left and right vertical frames and to prevent the fluctuation prevention members and the elastic rubber or the elastic rubbers from coming into direct contact with each other.

[56] The fluctuation prevention member comprises a pipe having a predetermined length, an annular washer, or a spring.

[57] The release prevention member comprises a washer which has a diameter greater than that of the elastic rubber or the elastic rubbers.

[58] Also, in order to achieve the above objects, according to still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inline skate having a boot which covers a foot and protects an ankle, a frame which provides the base for the boot, and wheels which have center holes defined through center portions thereof and are rotatably coupled to the frame by axles, wherein the frame is composed of a base frame which provides the base for the boot to allow the boot to be secured thereto and a pair of vertical frames to which the wheels are rotatably coupled and which are formed at left and right positions to be spaced apart from each other, extend vertically with respect to the base frame to be elongate in the lengthwise direction of the inline skate, and are defined with a plurality of left and right holes in the lengthwise direction of the inline skate, wherein at least one wheel can be installed between the left and right vertical frames at a position corresponding to left and right holes, which are opposite each other, and at least one pair of wheels can be installed outside the left and right vertical frames depending upon a user s choice, so that the inline skate can be converted into the configuration of a roller skate or into the combined configuration of an inline skate and a roller skate, and wherein washers are installed between the left and right vertical frames to prevent the left and right vertical frames from being deformed leftward or rightward.

[59] Further, in order to achieve the above objects, according to a still further aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inline skate having wheels which are installed on a frame secured to the bottom of a boot, to be capable of rolling, wherein the inline skate includes a pair of vertical frames which are formed at left and right positions on the bottom surface of the frame to extend vertically so that the wheels can be rotatably supported on the vertical frames, wherein a plurality of left and right holes is defined in the vertical frames to pass through the vertical frames and to communicate with center holes defined in center portions of respective wheels, and wherein each of the wheels is installed either between the vertical frames or outside the vertical frames such that an inline skate version and a roller skate version of the inline skate can be selectively adopted.

[60] Here, axles can be additionally installed through the center holes and the left and right holes.

[61] Moreover, in the inline skate according to the present invention, at least one groove can be engraved on the outer circumference of each wheel.

[62] The inline skate according to the present invention, constructed as mentioned above, provides advantages in that beginners as well as experts can enjoy skating.

[63]

Advantageous Effects

[64] Thanks to the above features of the present invention, the following advantages are provided. [65] First, since an inline skate can be converted into a roller skate or vice versa, a wide range of users, from beginners to experts, can enjoy skating using one pair of skates. [66] Second, in enjoying inline skating and roller skating using one pair of skates, since it is not necessary to change the structure of a frame or replace the frame, economic efficiency is improved. [67] Third, since wheels can change direction forward, rearward, leftward and rightward when changing the direction of the inline skate, the changing of the direction can be smoothly executed. [68] Fourth, a brake can be detachably attached selectively to the front end or the rear end of the frame using left and right holes without changing the structure of the frame.

The brake can be securely held by defining the left and right holes to have a polygonal sectional shape, without having to provide separate means. As a consequence, user convenience is improved. [69] Fifth, since at least one groove is defined by engraving in the outer circumference of the wheel of the inline skate, when executing rotation or cornering using the inline skate, it is possible to prevent an accident from occurring due to the slip of the inline skate under the action of rotation force or centrifugal force.

Brief Description of the Drawings [70] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of a conventional roller skate; [71] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of a conventional inline skate; [72] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the inline skate version of an inline skate according to the present invention; [73] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the roller skate version of the inline skate according to the present invention; [74] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the construction of a frame in the inline skate according to the present invention; [75] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of an axle in the inline skate according to the present invention; [76] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the axle in the inline skate according to the present invention; [77] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating still another embodiment of the axle in the inline skate according to the present invention; [78] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a still further embodiment of the axle in the

inline skate according to the present invention; [79] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of a fluctuation prevention member in the inline skate according to the present invention; [80] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the fluctuation prevention member in the inline skate according to the present invention; [81] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating still another embodiment of the fluctuation prevention member in the inline skate according to the present invention; [82] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of a deformation prevention member in the inline skate according to the present invention; [83] FIG. 14 is one exemplary view illustrating the combined inline and roller skate version of the inline skate according to the present invention; [84] FIG. 15 is another exemplary view illustrating the combined inline and roller skate version of the inline skate according to the present invention; [85] FIG. 16 is a side view illustrating the holes dedicated for rollers in the inline skate according to the present invention; [86] FIGs. 17, 18 and 19 are, respectively, a side view, a transverse cross-sectional view, and an operation view illustrating one state in which rubber packings are fitted into left and right holes of the frame in the inline skate according to the present invention; [87] FIGs. 20, 21 and 22 are, respectively, a side view, a longitudinal cross-sectional view, and an operation view illustrating another state in which rubber packings are fitted into the left and right holes of the frame in the inline skate according to the present invention; [88] FIGs. 23, 24 and 25 are, respectively, a side view and operation views illustrating still another state in which rubber packings are fitted in the left and right holes of the frame in the inline skate according to the present invention; [89] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view illustrating one embodiment of an elastic rubber and a spacer in the inline skate according to the present invention; [90] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the elastic rubber and the spacer in the inline skate according to the present invention; [91] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view illustrating still another embodiment of the elastic rubber and the spacer in the inline skate according to the present invention; [92] FIG. 29 is a side view illustrating the construction of a bent type axle in the inline skate according to the present invention; [93] FIG. 30 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the construction of a brake in the inline skate according to the present invention; and [94] FIG. 31 is a side view illustrating the aggressive inline skating version of the inline skate according to the present invention. [95] <Description of Reference Numerals for Main Parts of Drawings>

[96] 100: inline skate 110: boot

[97] 120: wheel 122: tire

[98] 124: hub 126: bearing

[99] 128: center hole 130: frame

[100] 132: base frame 134, 136: vertical frames

[101] 140, 142: left and right holes

[102] 150: brake

[103] 160: axle 162: pipe body

[104] 164: bolt

[105] 170, 172, 174: first, second and third pipes

[106] 176, 178: left and right pipes

[107] 180, 182, 186: first, second and third pipes

[108] 184: ball spring 188: ball spring groove

[109] 190: fluctuation prevention member

[110] 192: deformation prevention member

[111] 194: rubber packing 200, 240: elastic rubbers

[112] 210: spacer

[113] 220: fluctuation prevention member

[114] 230: release prevention member

[115] 250: shaft

[116] 260: support element for aggressive skating

Mode for the Invention

[117] Hereafter, an inline skate in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[118] Referring to FIGs. 3 and 4, an inline skate 100 according to the present invention comprises a boot 110 into which the foot of a user is inserted, a frame 130 having an upper surface on which the boot 110 is installed and a lower surface on which wheels 120 are installed, and a brake 150 which decreases speed or stops the inline skate 100 using frictional force. The wheels 120 are installed on the frame 130 through axles 160 to thus be capable of rotating.

[119] The boot 110 can be tightened or loosened using a lace, a ratchet-type buckle, etc., and is similar to a conventional boot, but has an elongate neck portion to protect the ankle.

[120] As shown in FIG. 30, each wheel 120 is composed of a tire 122, which is at an outermost position to come into contact with the ground and is made of a urethane- based material, a hub 124 which is positioned inward from the tire 122 and forms a skeleton of the wheel 120, and a bearing 126 which is positioned inward from the hub

124 and supports the rotation of the axle 160. A center hole 128, through which the axle 160 passes, is defined in the bearing 126.

[121] Referring to FIG. 5, the frame 130 is composed of a base frame 132, which provides the base for the boot 110 to allow the boot 110 to be secured thereto, and a pair of vertical frames 134 and 136, to which the wheels 120 are rotatably coupled.

[122] The vertical frames 134 and 136 are formed at left and right positions to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and extend vertically with respect to the base frame 132 to be elongate in the lengthwise direction of the inline skate 100.

[123] The size of the wheel 120 and the length of the frame 130 can vary depending upon the use of the inline skate. In order to move at high speed, the wheel 120 must have a large diameter, and the frame 130 must be long. In order to reduce the weight of the entire skate 100, it is preferred that the frame 130 be made of a synthetic resin-based material.

[124] At least two left and right holes 140 and 142 are defined in the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136. Since a conventional inline skate has four wheels 120 which are arranged in a line, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that the four left and right holes 140a, 140b, 140c, 14Od, 142a, 142b, 142c and 142d are defined in the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136.

[125] The wheels 120 are installed through the holes using the axles 160. That is to say, the wheels 120 are installed at positions corresponding to the left and right holes 140 and 142 between the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136 such that the axles 160 pass through the left and right holes 140 and 142 of the frame 130 and the center holes 128 of the wheels 120, whereby the wheels 120 can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise.

[126] In the inline skate 100 according to the present invention, an inline skate can be converted into and used as a roller skate.

[127] To this end, as shown in FIG. 6, the axles 160 can be divided into an axle 160a for an inline skate and an axle 160b for a roller skate. It is sufficient for the axles 160a for an inline skate to have a length corresponding to the interval between the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136, and the axle 160b for a roller skate should have a length which is greater than the interval between the vertical frames 134 and 136.

[128] The axle 160 has a pipe-shaped configuration, and is composed of a pipe body 162 which has internal threads in both ends thereof and bolts 164 which are threadedly coupled to both ends of the pipe body 162.

[129] As shown in FIG. 3, when it is desired to enjoy skating using inline skates, wheels

120 are placed between the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136, the pipe bodies 162 of the axles 160a for an inline skate are passed through the left and right holes 140 and 142 and the center holes 128 of the wheels 120, and then bolts 164 are locked to

both ends of the pipe bodies 162.

[130] As shown in FIG. 4, when it is desired to enjoy skating using a roller skate, after the bolts 164 are unlocked and the axles 160a for an inline skate are removed, the wheels 120 are placed outside the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136, the pipe bodies 162 of the axles 160b for a roller skate are passed through the left and right holes 140 and 142 and the center holes 128 of the wheels 120, and then bolts 164 are locked to both ends of the pipe bodies 162.

[131] In the above description, when an inline skate is converted into and used as a roller skate, since two kinds of axles 160a and 160b, as shown in FIG. 6 are needed, at least one of them is likely to be lost. Also, as the case may be, even when it is desired to use a roller skate, the interval between wheels must be increased to the maximum for a beginner or a person having an insufficient sense of balance feeling, and then can be decreased as the degree of expertise increases. In other words, since it is necessary to prepare several kinds of axles to adjust the interval between wheels, inconvenience is caused.

[132] In consideration of this fact, referring to FIGs. 7 through 9, the axle 160 is constructed to have a length which is greater than the interval between the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136 and to be adjusted in length in both directions.

[133] For example, referring to FIG. 7, the axle 160 has a pipe-shaped configuration. The axle 160 is composed of a first pipe 170, a second pipe 172 and a third pipe 174, which connects the first and second pipes 170 and 172 with each other. The first ends of the first and second pipes 170 and 172 are formed with external threads, and both ends of the third pipe are formed with internal threads, such that the first and second pipes 170 and 172 can be threadedly coupled to both ends of the third pipe 174.

[134] Also, referring to FIG. 8, the axle 160 is composed of a left pipe 176, which is installed on the left vertical frame 134, and a right pipe 178, which is installed on the right vertical frame 136. Internal threads and external threads are formed on ends of the left pipe 176 and the right pipe 178, respectively, such that the length of the axle 160 can be adjusted through threaded coupling of the left pipe 176 and the right pipe 178.

[135] For another example, referring to FIG. 9, in place of the threads, ball springs 184 are installed on ends of first and second pipes 180 and 182, and a plurality of ball spring grooves 188, into which the ball springs 184 are inserted, is defined in a third pipe 186, such that the length of the axle 160 can be adjusted by selectively engaging the ball springs 184 into the ball spring grooves 188.

[136] In the case where the inline skate is converted into a roller skate and the interval between the wheels 120 is increased to the maximum so that a beginner does not fall, but instead properly stands, because the wheels 120 can play between the ends of the

axles 160 and the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136, as shown in FIG. 10, fluctuation prevention members 190 are installed between the wheels 120 and the vertical frames 134 and 136 to prevent play of the wheels 120.

[137] The fluctuation prevention member 190 comprises a pipe having a predetermined length or an annular washer. In the case where the length of the axle can be adjusted in a stepwise manner, as shown in FIG. 11, a plurality of pipe-shaped fluctuation prevention members 190 is prepared so that the required number of fluctuation prevention members can be installed in conformity with a desired length. In place of the pipes or the washers, as shown in FIG. 12, springs can be installed as the fluctuation prevention members 190.

[138] Moreover, as shown in FIG. 13, a deformation prevention member 192 can be installed between the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136. The deformation prevention member 192 can comprise a washer or an elastic spring. This is because the frame 130 is made of a synthetic resin-based material in order to reduce the weight of the skate 100, and therefore the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136 can be applied with pressure and can be deformed inwards when wheels 120 are assembled to both ends of the axles 160.

[139] The combined configuration of an inline skate and a roller skate can be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the wheel 120 can be installed through the second holes 140b and 142b between the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136 to define the configuration of an inline skate, and wheels 120 can be installed through the fourth holes 14Od and 142d outside the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136 to define the configuration of a roller skate. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15, the wheels 120 can be installed through the second holes 140b and 142b outside the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136 to define the configuration of a roller skate, and the wheel 120 can be installed through the fourth holes 14Od and 142d between the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136 to define the configuration of an inline skate.

[140] As described above, since the wheels can be selectively installed through the first through fourth holes 140a through 142d both between and outside the vertical frames 134 and 136, depending upon the arrangement of the wheels 120, various configurations of skates can be formed.

[141] In another embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 16, it can be envisaged that the existing first through fourth holes 140a through 142d are maintained unchanged, and left holes 14Oe and 14Of and right holes (not shown) for a roller skate can be defined between the first holes 140a and 142a and the second holes 140b and 142b and between the third holes 140c and 142c and the fourth holes 14Od and 142d, to be used only when the inline skate is converted into a roller skate.

[142] Meanwhile, the left and right holes 140a, 140b, 140c, 14Od, 142a, 142b, 142c and

142d or the dedicated holes 14Oe and 14Of can be defined to have a size greater than the sectional area of the axle 160, and rubber packings 194 can be installed in the remaining spaces of the holes, so that, when executing rotation or cornering using the skate, the wheels 120 can change direction as the rubber packings 194 are compressed by the axles 160.

[143] Namely, as shown in FIGs. 17 and 18, when the left and right holes 140a, 140b,

140c, 14Od, 142a, 142b, 142c and 142d are defined in the shape of an ellipse which has the major axis extending in forward and rearward directions, since rubber packings 194 are installed in the remaining spaces in the holes, spaces for allowing the axles 160 to move forward and rearward can be defined and thereby the wheels 120 can change direction forward and rearward. At this time, as shown in FIG. 19, because the angles of the vertical frames 134 and 136 and the wheels 120 are changed, the rotating motion can be easily conducted.

[144] Conversely, as shown in FIGs. 20 and 21, when the left and right holes are defined in the shape of an ellipse which has the major axis extending in upward and downward directions, the wheels 120 can change direction upward and downward as shown in FIG. 22. As shown in FIG. 23, when the left and right holes are defined in the shape of a circle which has a sectional area greater than that of the axle 160, gaps for allowing the axles 160 to be moved upward, downward, leftward and rightward can be defined as shown in FIGs. 24 and 25, whereby the forward, rearward, leftward and rightward rotation of the wheels 120 can be facilitated.

[145] By defining the center holes 128 of the wheels 120 to have a size greater than the sectional area of the axle 160 and inserting rubber packings 194 into the remaining spaces of the center holes 128 to allow the axles 160 to be moved forward, rearward, leftward and rightward, the same effects as described above can be obtained.

[146] In the meanwhile, if the rubber packings 194 are installed in the left and right holes

140 and 142 of the vertical frames 134 and 136, the rubber packings 194 are likely to be released or lose elasticity upon extended use thereof.

[147] Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 26, it can be contemplated that the left and right ho les 140 and 142 of the vertical frames 134 and 136 are enlarged, an elastic rubber 200 is fitted around the middle portion of the axle 160 to extend in the lengthwise direction of the axle 160, and a spacer 210 made of a metallic material is fitted around the outer surface of the elastic rubber 200, excluding the portions thereof positioned inward from the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136.

[148] Fluctuation prevention members 220 are installed between the wheels 120 and the elastic rubber 200 to prevent the wheels 120 from playing leftward and rightward, and release prevention members 230 are installed between the fluctuation prevention members 220 and the elastic rubber 200 to prevent the elastic rubber 200 from being

released from the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136 and to prevent the fluctuation prevention members 220 and the elastic rubber 200 from coming into direct contact with each other.

[149] The fluctuation prevention member 220 can comprise a pipe having a predetermined length, an annular washer, or a spring. The release prevention member 230 can comprise a washer which has a diameter greater than the elastic rubber 200 and the left and right holes 140 and 142.

[150] In the case of the above example, since the release prevention members 230 and the vertical frames 134 and 136 can come into direct contact with each other, the frame 130 is likely to be abraded, or flaws are likely to be formed in the frame 130. In order to respond to this problem, as shown in FIG. 27, it can be contemplated that elastic rubbers 240 are separately fitted around the axle 160 and the outer ends of the elastic rubbers 240 are bent in a radial direction to form flanges, so that the release prevention members 230 and the vertical frames 134 and 136 do not come into direct contact with each other. In this case, since the elastic rubbers 240 are separately constructed, they can be easily assembled to the axle 160.

[151] Further, as shown in FIG. 28, it can be contemplated that an elastic rubber 200 and a spacer 210 are formed to be the same length, and the left and right holes 140 and 142 of the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136 are positioned on the spacer 210. In this case, in order to prevent the vertical frames 134 and 136 from playing on the spacer 210, threads are formed on the outer surfaces of both ends of the spacer 210, and threads corresponding to the threads of the spacer 210 are formed on the inner surfaces of the left and right holes 140 and 142.

[152] As a consequence, in the case where it is desired to incline the human body in a desired direction, as in an edging motion for turning, since the wheels 120 are inclined in the rotation direction of the human body, the rotation of the inline skate can be easily executed.

[153] Referring to FIG. 29, when converting the inline skate into a roller skate, in order to use the configuration of the wheels 120 as a sports wheel chair for a handicapped person, by bending both ends of the axle 160, the contact area between the wheel 120 and the ground can be maximized. Also, as upper portions of both wheels 120 are inclined inward, even a beginner can stably enjoy skating.

[154] In an inline skate, the brake 150 for reducing speed is positioned on the rear end of the frame 130, whereas, in a roller skate, the brake 150 is positioned on the front end of the frame 130. Therefore, when converting the inline skate into a roller skate or vice versa, the position of the brake 150 must also be changed.

[155] In the case of an inline skate, the brake is positioned on the rear end of the frame

130 and is installed outside the frame 130, and in the case of a roller skate, the brake

150 is positioned on the front end of the frame 130 and is installed inside the frame 130.

[156] To this end, when converting the inline skate into a roller skate, the brake 150 can be installed through the first holes 140a and 142a using the axle 160. The brake 150 is centrally defined with a brake hole 152 through which the axle 160 can pass.

[157] However, since the axle 160 has the structure of a cylindrical pipe, the axle 160 can idly rotate between the left and right holes 140 and 142 and the brake hole 152. In order to respond to this problem, as shown in FIG. 30, a shaft 250 having a polygonal configuration can be employed. The shaft 250 can be formed to have the shape of a quadrangle or a star.

[158] Further, when one surface of the brake 150 comes into contact with the ground, since only that surface is continuously abraded due to friction, by rotating the brake 150, the brake 150 can be uniformly abraded.

[159] As shown in FIG. 31, the inline skate 100 according to the present invention can be converted into an aggressive inline skating version for enabling aggressive skating by an expert on a railing.

[160] To this end, support elements 260 for aggressive skating are placed between the second holes 140b and 142b and the third holes 140c and 142c, which are defined in the intermediate portion of the frame 130 such that the support elements 260 can be installed between or outside the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136. In the case where the support elements 260 are installed outside the left and right vertical frames 134 and 136, the support elements 260 for aggressive skating are secured through the second holes 140b and 142b and third holes 140c and 142c. In this case, a user can attach and detach the support elements as he or she desires. Industrial Applicability

[161] As is apparent from the above description, in the present invention, the left and right holes of a frame are defined to have a size greater than the sectional area of an axle, and a rubber packing is installed in the remaining space of each hole, so that the axle can be changed in the extension direction thereof while compressing the rubber packing. Consequently, in the case where it is desired to incline the human body in a desired direction, as in an edging motion for turning, since wheels are inclined in the rotation direction of the human body, the rotation of an inline skate can be easily executed.

[162] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

[163]