(19) United States
`(2) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2004/0032099 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Feb. 19, 2004
`Szendel
`
`US 20040032099A1
`
`(54) IN-LINE ROLLER SKATES HAVING
`QUICK-RELEASE AXLE SYSTEM
`(76) Inventor: Adrian James Szendel, Strongsville,
`OH (US)
`Correspondence Address:
`Thomas J. Perkowski, Esq., P.C.
`Soundview Plaza
`1266 East Main Street
`Stamford, CT 06902 (US)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`10/408,843
`(22) Filed:
`Apr. 4, 2003
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(63) Continuation of application No. 09/935,295, filed on
`Aug. 22, 2001, now Pat. No. 6,607,198, which is a
`continuation of application No. 08/918,808, filed on
`Aug. 26, 1997, now abandoned.
`
`
`
`Publication Classification
`
`... A63C 17/06
`(51) Int. CI.7.
`(52) U.S. Cl. … 280/11.27
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A quick-release type axle system for in-line skates is dis
`closed. A pair of axle shafts cooperate with each other to
`support a wheel between a pair of frames. A release pin is
`inserted into a central bore formed through the axle shafts to
`lock the axle shafts relative to each other. In one embodi
`ment, the release pin is pulled outwardly to release the axle
`shafts from the locked configuration, whereas in another
`embodiment, the release pin is pushed inwardly to achieve
`unlocking of the axle shafts. In some embodiments, a pair of
`release pins are used to achieve the quick-release mecha
`nism of the present invention.
`
`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 1
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 1 of 11
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 2
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 2 of 11
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`§
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 3
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 3 of 11
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`US 2004/0032099 A1
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 4
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19 • 2004 Sheet 4 of 11
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 5
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 5 of 11
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 6
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 6 of 11
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`US 2004/0032099 A1
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 7
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 7 of 11
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`US 2004/0032099 A1
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 8
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 9
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 9 of 11
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 10
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 10 of 11
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 11
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
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`Patent Application Publication Feb. 19, 2004 Sheet 11 of 11
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`US 2004/0032099 A1
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 12
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 13
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
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`US 2004/0032099 A1
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`Feb. 19, 2004
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`[0024] FIG. 4 is an elevated side view of the bearing
`spacer used in the first illustrative embodiment of the axle
`system of the present invention;
`[0025] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the bearing
`spacer of the illustrative embodiment, taken along line
`4A-4A of FIG. 4;
`[0026] FIG. 5 is an elevated cross-sectional diagram of
`one of the axle shafts removed from the quick-release axle
`system of the first illustrative embodiment;
`[0027] FIG. 6 is an elevated side view of the spring-like
`lock washer used in conjunction each axle shaft of the
`quick-release axle system of the first illustrative embodi
`ment;
`[0028] FIG. 7 is an elevated side view of the release pin,
`spring and C-clip subassembly that slides along the central
`bore of each axle shaft of the quick-release axle system of
`the first illustrative embodiment;
`[0029] FIG. 8 is an elevated, cross-sectional schematic
`diagram of the second illustrative embodiment of the quick
`release axle system of the present invention, showing a pair
`of axle portions releasably engaged with a bearing spacer
`supported within a wheel of an in-line skate;
`[0030] FIG. 8A is an elevated side view of the release pin
`as used in conjunction with the quick-release axle system of
`the second embodiment of FIG. 8 which utilizes the “pull”
`method for axle release;
`[0031] FIG. 9 is an elevated, cross-sectional schematic
`diagram of the third illustrative embodiment of the quick
`release axle system of the present invention, showing a pair
`of axle portions releasably engaged with each other while
`passing through a wheel of an in-line skate;
`[0032] FIG. 10 is an elevated, cross-sectional schematic
`diagram of the fourth illustrative embodiment of the quick
`release axle system of the present invention, showing a pair
`of axle portions; and
`[0033] FIG. 10A is an elevated side view of the release
`pin as used in conjunction with the quick-release axle
`system of the second embodiment of FIG. 10 which utilizes
`the “push” method for axle release;
`[0034] FIG. 11 is a exploded diagram of the fifth illustra
`tive embodiment of the quick-release axle system of the
`present invention; and
`[0035] FIG. 11A is an elevated cross-sectional schematic
`diagram of the fifth illustrative embodiment of the quick
`release axle system of FIG. 11, which utilizes the “push”
`method for axle release.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE
`PRESENT INVENTION
`[0036] Referring to the figures in the Drawings, the illus
`trative embodiments of the in-line roller skate of the present
`invention, and the quick-release axle systems incorporated
`therein, will be described in great detail. In connection with
`this detailed description, like structures being indexed with
`like reference numbers.
`Overview of the In-Line Skate of the Present
`Invention
`[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, a generalized embodiment of
`an in-line skate of the present invention, comprises a number
`
`of components, namely: a frame 1 having a pair of spaced
`apart frame rails 2A and 2B; a set of wheels 3, rotatable
`supported by way of the quick-release axle system of the
`present invention, between the frame rails; a brake structure
`4 typically made of rubber or hard plastic and mounted on
`the rear of the skate frame, for use in braking operations; and
`a boot portion 5 mounted to the frame and adapted for
`comfortably receiving the foot of its user. Details regarding
`the general design of prior art in-line skates are disclosed in
`Applicant’s U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,075, incorporated herein by
`reference. It is understood that the design of the boot and the
`frame structure of the in-line skate hereof may differ from
`embodiment to embodiment thereof without departing from
`the scope or spirit of the present invention. Any of the
`illustrative embodiments of the quick-release axle system of
`the present invention described below can be incorporated in
`such in-line skate designs.
`
`In-Line Skate Embodying The Quick-Release Axle
`System of the First Illustrative Embodiment of the
`Present Invention
`[0038] In FIG. 2, an exploded perspective view of the
`quick-release axle system of the first illustrative embodi
`ment is shown. As illustrated, the system comprises three
`subcomponents, namely: a bearing spacer 6 installed
`between the bearing assemblies 7A and 7B; first and second
`axle shafts 8A and 8B; and first and second axle-shaft release
`pins 9A and 9B. Notably as axle shafts 8A and 8B are
`identical, the description of the structure will be made with
`reference to axle shaft 8B for purposes of explication. Each
`wheel on the in-line skate consists of a tire portion 10
`surrounding an inner core 10A which has been formed with
`an inner bore so as to receive bearings 7A and 7B with
`bearing spacer 6 disposed therebetween.
`[0039] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the bearing spacer 6
`has a central portion 6A and hollow end portions 6B and 6C
`extending therefrom. The ends of the bearing spacer 6 are
`machined with an outer diameter that permits the bearing
`spacer to fit into the inner bore of the inner race of the
`bearings 7A and 7B. The center portion of the spacer 6A has
`a larger diameter than the end portions thereof 6B and 6C in
`order to create a shoulder that contacts the inner races of the
`bearings. The bearing spacers are provided with an inner
`bore 6D through which each wheel axle shaft 8A and 8B is
`passed enabling the wheel to be attached to the skate frame.
`In the illustrative embodiment, four equally-spaced indents
`11 (e.g., holes of 0.0940 inch diameter) are formed at a
`predetermined distance from the end of the bearing spacer.
`The function of these holes is to receive an axle-locking ball
`(i.e., spherical element) 12 (e.g., 0.09385 inch diameter).
`This arrangement forms a mechanism for locking the axle
`shaft relative to the bearing spacer. The steel material of the
`axle shaft around these ball bearings is crimped in order to
`keep them from falling back out of the detents.
`[0040] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, each axle shaft 8A and
`8B has a hollow bore 13 (of about 0.130 inch diameter)
`formed centrally therethrough, and an end cap portion 14. In
`the illustrative embodiment, the cap portion is about 0.1875
`inches at its thickest point. A recess, FIG. 2, 18 is machined
`into one half of the cap portion 14 in order to allow for an
`access point for the release pin. The outer diameter of the
`axle shaft has an outer diameter of about a 0.25 inch and is
`adapted for insertion through an aperture 15 formed in the
`
`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 14
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
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`frame rail and the hollow bore 6D of the end portion of the
`bearing spacer. The bore at once end of the axle shaft is
`enlarged to a diameter of 0.1875 for a length of about 0.215
`inches in order to accommodate a return spring 16 and
`retaining clip 17 slipped over the end of the release i pin 9A
`(9B)
`[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, each axle-shaft release pin 9A
`and 9b has a first cylindrical body portion 19 of a first length,
`and a second cylindrical body portion 20 of a second (i.e.,
`shorter) length separated by a tapered portion 21 of narrower
`diameter than the first and second cylindrical portions of the
`release pin. A hole 22 having a 0.0625 inch diameter is
`drilled through the release pin shaft 19 at about 0.093 inches
`from one end of the shaft, as shown in FIG. 3. The function
`of hole 22 is to allow a tool or pin to be used to pull the
`release pin 9A, (9B) out of the axle shaft during axle release
`operations. When the release pin is retained within the axle
`shaft, during the axle locked configuration, the hole 22 in the
`release pin is recessed within the end of the axle shaft (as
`shown in the left side of FIG. 3) and thus, cannot be
`inadvertently pulled out during roller skating activity.
`[0042] In the illustrative embodiment, a recess or slot 23
`(e.g., having dimensions of 0.0312 inch deepx0.145 inches
`long) is machined into the shaft at about 0.100 inches from
`the end of the axle shaft where the hole 22 has been drilled.
`The function of this slot 23 is to allow for the insertion of a
`retaining pin or screw 24 through a hole drilled laterally
`through the side of the cap portion extending therefrom into
`the inner bore of the axle shaft so that the release pin can be
`retained within the bore of the axle shaft.
`[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, a small return spring
`16 is installed over the end of the release pin shaft 20 and
`c-clip retainer 17 is pushed onto a machined groove 25 in the
`axle shaft in order to retain the return spring on the end
`portion thereof. The function of the return spring 16 is to
`hold the release pin in the locked position within the axle
`shaft during the vibration encountered while skating. With
`this arrangement, the return spring 16 is then trapped
`between the c-clip 17 and the inner flange 26 machined
`within the bore of the axle shaft, while the retaining screw
`24 is inserted into the slot 23 formed in the end of the release
`pin. As shown in FIG. 3, the release pin 22 is retained within
`the bore of the respective axle shaft and is permitted to slide
`therewithin a distance equal to the length of slot 23 formed
`in the end of the release pin.
`[0044] As shown in FIG.3, a curved spring steel washer
`27 (of 0.017 inches thickness and 0.500 inch outer diameter
`and inner diameter of about 0.251 inches) is positioned over
`the axle shaft. The spring washer 27 is pressed against the
`inner surface of the end cap 14 in order to provide tightness
`when the axle shafts are installed and locked to the bearing
`spacer. Also, a nylon plastic cover may be fashioned to
`snap-fit over the cap end 14 of the main axle.
`
`Assembly And Disassembly of the Quick-Release
`Axle System Of The First Illustrative Embodiment
`of the Present Invention
`[0045] Each bearing 7A and 7B is installed into the wheel
`from opposite sides, separated by bearing spacer 6A. As the
`axle shaft is inserted into the bore of the bearing spacer, the
`locking balls 12 held within the shaft by crimpings auto
`matically fall into place into the corresponding holes 11 in
`
`the bearing spacer. The release pin is then allowed to retract
`within the inner bore of the axle shaft due to the pressure of
`the return spring 16 which automatically forces the release
`pin inward toward the bearing spacer so that the central
`portion 21 thereof is positioned directly beneath detent holes
`11 and contacts the surface of the steel locking balls 12
`forcing them to remain locked within the holes 11 (detents)
`formed in the bearing spacer. In this locked configuration,
`shown in the left side of FIG. 3, the cylindrical portion 19
`of the release pin 9A renders it impossible for the ball
`bearings 12 to move downward, or out of their correspond
`ing detents, and thus provides an extremely strong and
`efficient locking mechanism.
`[0046] When the release pin 9A is pulled outwardly from
`the axle shaft 6A by an amount limited by the length of slot
`23, (i.e., against the outwardly directed biasing forces pro
`duced by return spring 16), the ball bearings 12 are permit
`ted to fall within the narrow circumferential groove 21
`formed in the portions of the release pin, as shown in the
`right side of the figure of FIG. 3. In this unlocked configu
`ration, the axle shaft is released from the bearing spacer and
`can be withdrawn from the bearing spacer, wheel assembly
`and skate frame. When both release pins on a particular
`wheel have been “released” or arranged into their unlocked
`configuration, then the associated axle shafts can be with
`drawn from the bearing spacer and the wheel assembly
`easily removed from the frame of the in-line skate.
`[0047] Pulling the spring-biased release pin 9A out from
`its corresponding axle shaft can be carried out using a small
`tool, (e.g., a paper clip or an accessory device). The tool is
`slid through the hole 22 formed in the end of the release pin
`and allows the release pin to be pulled out slightly (against
`the force of the return spring) so that the balls 12 retaining
`the axle shaft within the bearing spacer can be allowed to fall
`out of their corresponding holes, as described hereinabove.
`[0048] In the locked configuration, curved spring steel
`washer 27 applies pressure to the outside of the skate frame
`in order to take up any slack and provide a tight fit. The fit
`can be adjusted further, if desired, by using washers of
`different thicknesses as shims installed over the axle shaft to
`be positioned between the spring steel washer and the skate
`frame.
`
`In-Line Skate Embodying The Quick-Release Axle
`System of the Second Illustrative Embodiment of
`the Present Invention
`[0049] A second illustrative embodiment of the quick
`release axle system of the present invention is shown in
`FIGS. 8 and 8A. While this embodiment is quite similar to
`the embodiment of FIG. 3, there are a number of minor
`differences. In particular, the bearing spacer 30 in FIG. 8
`does not have an outer bore surface that slides into the inner
`bore of the inner race of the bearing, as in the first embodi
`ment shown in FIG. 3. Instead, the bearing spacer 30 is
`shaped like a bushing whose inner and outer diameters are
`exactly the same as the inner and outer diameters of the inner
`race of the bearing itself. Therefore, the axle shaft diameter
`is larger in order to correspond with the diameter of the inner
`bore of the inner bearing race.
`[0050] Circumferential grooves 31A and 31B are cut into
`the inner surface of the inner bore of the bearing spacer 30
`(about 0.030 inches deep) in lieu of the equally spaced holes
`
`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 15
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 16
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`flanges 65' and 67 will automatically force the release pin
`outwards (away from the center of the bearing spacer) so
`that circumferential flange 67' is disposed directly beneath
`and contacts the surface of the axle-locking balls 12, forcing
`them to remain locked outside frame rail 2A. In this con
`figuration, the end of the release pin will remain recessed
`within the bore of the axle shaft, while the axle shaft is
`securely locked between the frame rails 2A and 2B while the
`release pin 9B" is prevented from being inadvertently pulled
`out of its locked configuration. In this locked configuration,
`shown in the right side of the figure of FIG. 11A, the release
`pin 9B" renders it impossible for the axle-locking balls 12 to
`move downward, or away from the outer surface of frame
`unit 2A, and thus provides an extremely strong and efficient
`locking mechanism.
`[0066] When the release pin 9B" is pulled automatically
`outwardly by an amount limited by the length of slot 64,
`(i.e., against the outwardly directed biasing forces produced
`by return spring), the axle-locking balls 12 are permitted to
`fall within the central bore of the axle shaft. In this unlocked
`configuration, the axle shaft is released from the frame rails
`2A and can be withdrawn from the bearing spacer 6, wheel
`assembly and skate frame. When the release pin on a
`particular wheel has been “released” or arranged into its
`unlocked configuration, then the associated axle shaft can be
`withdrawn from the bearing spacer and the wheel assembly
`easily removed from the frame of he in-line skate.
`[0067] In the alternative embodiment of the axle system
`shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A, a cap can be used to engage
`with locking balls 12, outside of the rail frame 2A. In such
`an embodiment, the cap will have an inner bore with a
`diameter which is slightly larger than the diameter of the
`axle shaft 8B". A circumferential groove is then machined at
`a predetermined distance from one end of the cap within the
`inner bore. The cap is then pressed onto the protruding
`portion of the axle shaft 8B" from the opposite side of the
`frame 2A. The locking balls 12 then interlock within the
`circumferential groove in the cap when the release pin is
`allowed to slide into position within the bore formed through
`the axle shaft 8B".
`[0068] As in the previous examples, the axles may be
`designed so that releasing the axle from the skate is accom
`plished by pulling the release pin outward slightly, or they
`may be designed so that the release procedure involves
`pushing the release pin inward slightly.
`[0069] While the present invention has been exemplified
`by the illustrative embodiment thereof described above, it is
`understood that such embodiments can be readily modified
`without departing from the shape and spirit of the present
`invention set forth by the appended claims to invention.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. An axle system for use in an in-line skate having a
`plurality of wheels rotatably supported by a pair of wheel
`bearings disposed between a pair of spaced apart frame rails,
`said axle system having a locked configuration and an
`unlocked configuration and comprising:
`a pair of axle shafts for passage through said frame rails
`and one of said wheels for rotatable supporting said
`wheel between said frame rails along a rotational axis,
`and at least one of said pair of axle shafts having a bore
`formed therethrough along said rotational axis; and
`
`a release pin for insertion into said bore and releasably
`locking said axles shafts relative to each other when
`arranged in said locked configuration to prevent said
`axle shafts from disengaging from said wheel during
`skating, and for releasing said axle shafts from said
`wheel when arranged in said unlocked configuration.
`2. The axle system of claim 1, wherein said release pin is
`spring biased within said bore to a predetermined locking
`position which locks said axle shafts relative to each other
`when arranged in said locking configuration.
`3. The axle system of claim 2, which further comprises a
`plurality of balls arranged within at least one said axle shaft
`for engagement with said release pin so as to interlock said
`axle shafts in said locked configuration.
`4. The axle system of claim 1, wherein at least one said
`axle shaft has a cap portion with a hole formed therethrough
`in communication with said bore, and said release pin has a
`notch formed in said release pin so that when a retaining pin
`is inserted through said hole, said retaining pin is engaged
`within said notch and delimits the amount that said release
`pin is permitted to slid within said bore.
`5. The axle system of claim 4, which further comprises a
`bearing spacer disposed between said wheel bearings and
`said axle shafts engage said bearing spacer by way of said
`locking balls.
`6. The axle system of claim 1, wherein each said axle shaft
`has a bore formed along said rotational axis and a plurality
`of balls arranged within said axle shaft, and one said release
`pin is inserted through each said bore in order to engage said
`locking balls and lock said axle shaft within said wheel.
`7. The axle system of claim 1, wherein said release pin is
`pulled out of said bore by a predetermined amount in order
`to unlock said axle shafts in said unlocked configuration.
`8. The axle system of claim 1, which further comprises a
`curved spring washer to produce equalizing forces upon said
`frame rails.
`9. The axle system of claim 2, wherein at least one said
`axle shaft has a cap portion with a hole formed therethrough
`in communication with said bore, and said release pin has a
`notch formed in said release pin so that when a retaining pin
`is inserted through said hole, said retaining pin is engaged
`within said notch and delimits the amount that said release
`pin is permitted to slid within said bore.
`10. A quick-release type axle system for use in an in-line
`skate, comprising:
`a bearing spacer for spacing a pair of wheel bearings
`within a skate wheel in said in-line skate;
`a pair of axle shafts for rotatably supporting said skate
`wheel on said wheel bearings about a rotational axis,
`and each said axle shaft having a central bore and
`engaging with said bearing spacer along said rotational
`axis; and
`a pair of axle release pins for insertion into said central
`bores of said pair of axle shafts, respectively, and
`causing said axle shafts to automatically lock with said
`bearing spacer when said release pins are pushed into
`said central bores of said axle shafts to a first prede
`termined position within said central bore, and auto
`matically unlock from said bearing spacer when said
`release pins are pulled outwardly from said central
`bores of said axle shafts to a second predetermined
`position.
`
`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 18
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`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 19
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`Feb. 19, 2004
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`bearing spacer when said release pins are pushed into
`said central bores of said axle shafts to a first prede
`termined position within said central bore, and auto
`matically unlock from said bearing spacer when said
`release pins are pushed inwardly into said central bores
`of said axle shafts to a second predetermined position.
`18. An in-line skate having a quick-release type axle
`system, comprising:
`a pair of axle shafts for rotatably supporting a skate wheel
`on a pair of wheel bearings about a rotational axis, and
`each said axle shaft having a central bore; and
`a pair of axle release pins for insertion into said central
`bores of said pair of axle shafts, respectively, and
`causing said axle shafts to automatically lock relative to
`each other when said release pins are pushed into said
`central bores of said axle shafts to a first predetermined
`position within said central bore, and automatically
`unlock when said release pins are pulled outwardly
`from said central bores of said axle shafts to a second
`predetermined position.
`19. An in-line skate having a quick-release type axle
`system, comprising:
`a pair of axle shafts for rotatably supporting a skate wheel
`on a pair of wheel bearings about a rotational axis, and
`each said axle shaft having a central bore; and
`a pair of axle release pins for insertion into said central
`bores of said pair of axle shafts, respectively, and
`causing said axle shafts to automatically lock relative to
`each other when said release pins are pushed into said
`central bores of said axle shafts to a first predetermined
`position within said central bore, and automatically
`unlock when said release pins are pushed inwardly into
`said central bores of said axle shafts to a second
`predetermined position.
`20. An in-line skate having a quick-release type axle
`system comprising:
`a primary axle shaft for rotatably supporting a skate wheel
`on a pair of wheel bearings about a rotational axis, and
`said primary axle shaft having a first central bore
`formed through at least a portion thereof;
`
`a secondary axle shaft for insertion into said primary
`central bore along said rotational axis, and having a
`second central bore extending along said rotational
`axis; and
`an axle release pin for insertion into said second central
`bore of said secondary axle shaft, and causing said
`primary and secondary axle shafts to automatically lock
`with each other when said release pin is pushed into
`said second central bore of said secondary axle shaft to
`a first predetermined position within said second cen
`tral bore, and automatically unlock said primary and
`secondary axle shafts from each other when said
`release pin is pulled outwardly from said second central
`bore of said secondary axle shaft to a second predeter
`mined position.
`21. An in-line skate having a quick-release type axle
`system, comprising:
`a primary axle shaft for rotatably supporting a skate wheel
`on a pair of wheel bearings about a rotational axis, and
`said primary axle shaft having a first central bore
`formed through at least a portion thereof;
`a secondary axle shaft for insertion into said primary
`central bore along said rotational axis, and having a
`second central bore extending along said rotational
`axis; and
`an axle release pin for insertion into said second central
`bore of said secondary axle shaft, and causing said
`primary and secondary axle shafts to automatically lock
`with each other when said release pin is pushed into
`said second central bore of said secondary axle shaft to
`a first predetermined position within said second cen
`tral bore, and automatically unlock said primary and
`secondary axle shafts from each other when said
`release pin is pushed inwardly into said second central
`bore of said secondary axle shaft to a second predeter
`mined position.
`
`Kranos Exhibit 1022, Page 20
`Kranos Corp. v. Riddell, Inc.