Composite wheel for in-line roller skate

摘要

In-line roller skates capable of riding at high speed on a skating surface and of being braked by the skater without the need for braking pads or similar expedients for this purpose. Each skate is provided with a set of composite wheels supported for rotation in tandem on a frame secured to the underside of a boot. Each composite wheel includes a central section, a substantial portion of which is formed of a synthetic plastic material exhibiting a low coefficient of sliding friction having a slippery outer surface, the central section being flanked by side sections formed of a synthetic plastic material exhibiting a higher coefficient of sliding friction providing a slip-resistant outer surface. The relative values of the coefficient of sliding friction are such that when the skater travels in the forward direction, the skate wheels then roll on the skating surface, and when the skater wishes to slow down or brake, he then angles the skates with respect to the direction of forward motion, thereby causing the wheels to slide on their central section on the skating surface and causing the side sections to frictionally engage this surface to slow down the slide and thereby effect a braking action.