| 摘要 |
<p>A skate assembly (200, 300) that allows a skater forward/backward motion as well as side-to-side motion is provided. Various aspects of the skate assembly (200, 300) can be adjusted to fit the size and weight of the skater, the skill level of the skater, the skating or playing style of the skater, and the various surfaces (403) to which it might come into contact. In one configuration the skate assembly (200) is comprised of a plurality of linearly aligned roller assemblies (203). The skate assembly includes at least one friction plate (701) mounted on the inside edge of the skate frame (201) that provides a push-off area used by the skater to initiate motion, accelerate, or stop. In another configuration the skate assembly (300) is comprised of at least one roller assembly (203) interposed between a pair of conventional wheels (301). The pair of conventional wheels (301) provides stability when the skater is moving in either a forward or backward direction since these two wheels are confined to rotation in a single plane. When the skater wishes to move laterally he or she tilts the skates, for example by inwardly angling both knees, causing the conventional wheels (301) to be raised from the rolling surface and placing all of the skater's weight on the omni-direction, i.e., substantially spherical, rollers (205). At this point lateral skate motion is as easy as linear skate motion. The roller (205) within each of the roller assemblies (203) can be mounted between two sets of bearings (1203) mounted on either side of the roller; between an upper bearing set (913) and a set of bearings (905) that surrounds the roller (205); or within a roller cavity that has been coated with a low friction coating.</p> |
