Wheel rim and tire for a roller skate

Abstract

A wheel and tire combination is particularly adapted for use with a skate having large diameter, canted wheels. In one embodiment, the wheel rim has a generally “L”-shaped cross-section and a tire disposed within the notch of the “L”. The tire has a rounded contour and, when the wheel is canted, pressure of the ground against the tire forces the tire into the notch of the “L”. The tire may be molded in place on the rim of the wheel or may be molded as a separate part that is stretched over the rim of the wheel. In another embodiment, the rim has a channel-shaped cross-section. This embodiment is particularly adapted for use with air-filled or foam tires.

1 . A wheel and tire combination adapted for use on an axle inclined from horizontal comprising: 
 a hub portion defining an axis of rotation;    a rim portion;    a connecting portion radiating from the hub portion to the rim portion;    wherein the rim portion has a generally “L”-shaped cross-section with a first leg of the “L” generally parallel to the axis of rotation and a second leg of the “L” generally perpendicular to the first leg, the first and second leg defining a notch therebetween;    a tire disposed within the notch and having an outer contour extending outward beyond a line joining outermost edges of the first and second legs.    
   
   
       2 . The wheel and tire combination of  claim 1  wherein the tire is molded onto the rim portion.  
   
   
       3 . The wheel and tire combination of  claim 1  wherein the tire is removable from the rim portion.  
   
   
       4 . The wheel and tire combination of  claim 1  wherein the outer contour of the tire extends in a continuous arc between the outermost edges of the first and second legs.  
   
   
       5 . The wheel and tire combination of  claim 1  wherein the rim portion further comprises a lip disposed at the outermost edge of the first leg of the “L” and extending radially outward generally parallel to the second leg.  
   
   
       6 . The wheel and tire combination of  claim 5  wherein the tire is molded onto the rim portion.  
   
   
       7 . The wheel and tire combination of  claim 5  wherein the tire is removable from the rim portion.  
   
   
       8 . The wheel and tire combination of  claim 5  wherein the outer contour of the tire extends in a continuous arc between the outermost edges of the first and second legs.