JPWO1993011836A1 - Elastic wheels and ski equipment using elastic wheels - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Abstract] This publication contains application data prior to electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] Resilient Wheels and Ski Equipment Using Resilient Wheels The present invention relates to resilient wheels whose tire portions can elastically deform in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel while in motion, and ski equipment using such resilient wheels.

A variety of exercise equipment has been developed for sliding downhill or downhill on snowless slopes or ground using techniques similar to skiing. A typical example is the roller ski, which has rotatable wheels attached to the front, rear, or underside of a ski boot platform, and which uses the propulsion of these rotating wheels to simulate the sliding and gliding functions of skis.

When using roller skis to slide down slopes, attempting to operate the skis using techniques similar to those used for traditional skiing on snow requires applying a strong force to the roller wheels in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel and causing movement (sideslip) perpendicular to the direction of travel. However, because conventional wheels rotate around their axles, their direction of travel is limited to a direction perpendicular to the axle. Moving the wheels perpendicular to the direction of rotation generally impairs the skis' handling and can cause significant damage to the tires.

For this reason, some vehicles have been developed in which the tire portion of the wheel is made of an elastic material such as rubber, and an edge portion is provided on the outer periphery of the tire portion (e.g., Japanese Patent Publication No. 61-59745). In other words, these vehicles actively allow the wheel to skid sideways to facilitate cornering, while the edge portion generates a braking action to make cornering sharper.

However, this type of side-sliding action, which relies on the normal elastic deformation of the tire, does not provide sufficient turning performance, nor does it allow for rapid braking or stopping, making it difficult to use as skiing equipment for high-speed downhill skiing.

To facilitate turning while riding, roller skis have also been developed that resiliently support the entire roller wheel and tilt the axle of the roller wheel by applying a load (see, for example, Japanese Patent Publication Nos. 52-24901 and 53-22494).

However, tilting the axle of the roller wheel while it is moving makes the movement extremely unstable and prone to tipping over. This is particularly dangerous when used as skiing equipment for sliding downhill at high speeds.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention was conceived in consideration of these points, and its object is to provide roller skis that can be used with the same techniques and provide the same riding performance as regular skis used on snow.

The inventors of this application discovered that roller skis can be turned and stopped in the same way as regular snow skis by creating lateral movement in the tire of the roller wheel, perpendicular to the direction of travel of the axle. To achieve this goal, the inventors developed a resilient wheel that facilitates movement perpendicular to the direction of travel and provides excellent turning and braking capabilities.

The elastic wheel according to the present invention is characterized in that it is constructed from a wheel support means having a circular rim portion formed on its outer periphery, and a tire portion attached to the circular rim portion of the wheel support means and capable of elastic deformation in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wheel.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tire portion is formed of a ring-shaped elastic member having a cross-sectional shape in which the width dimension on the outer circumferential side is larger than the width dimension on the inner circumferential side.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tire portion is formed of a plurality of elastic pieces arranged circumferentially.

According to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a core disk having a plurality of radially arranged disk pieces is provided within the tire portion.

According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tire portion is configured by arranging a plurality of swing members on the circular rim portion of the wheel, the swing members being supported so as to be swingable about axes extending in the same direction as the tangent direction of the circular rim portion.

With the elastic wheel of the present invention, the wheel travels in the direction of rotation of the wheel axle. When an external force acts in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel, the tire portion continuously displaces in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel depending on the magnitude of the external force, causing the wheel to move (skid) in the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel. This movement can be used to make a sudden stop or a sharp turn.

The ski equipment according to the present invention is constructed using the above-mentioned elastic wheels and comprises a shoe stand on which the skier's boots are placed and fixed, and rotating wheels rotatably attached to the front and rear ends of the shoe stand, at least one of which is an elastic wheel having a tire portion elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the wheel's direction of travel.

The ski equipment of the present invention combines the straight-line running action of the resilient wheels with the ability to ski sideways, stop suddenly, or turn, allowing skiers to glide down slopes with the same feel and controllability as regular snow skis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a first embodiment of a resilient wheel according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the same.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a resilient wheel.

j＠41ffl is a diagram explaining the function of the resilient wheel. (A) shows the resilient wheel from the front, (B) shows the side view, and (C) shows the view from below the ground contact surface.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the elastic wheel.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view showing another modified example of the resilient wheel.

FIG. 7 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a second embodiment of a resilient wheel according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing a third embodiment of a resilient wheel according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a fourth embodiment of a resilient wheel according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of a resilient wheel.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing a part of the tire portion.

FIG. 12 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of a resilient wheel.

FIG. 14 is an external perspective view showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a side view of the tire portion.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a resilient wheel.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a side view of the tire portion.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a resilient wheel.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of an embodiment of a core disk.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a resilient wheel.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing the action of the elastic wheel.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the action of the elastic wheel.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing the action of the elastic wheel.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the action of the elastic wheel.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing the action of the elastic wheel.

FIG. 30 is a partial side view showing another embodiment of the core disk.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view showing an eleventh embodiment of the present invention using the core disk shown in FIG.

FIG. 32 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 33 is an external perspective view showing another embodiment of the core disk.

FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a resilient wheel.

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view showing a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is a partial side view showing a combination of the core disk and the elastic piece.

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 38 is a side cross-sectional view showing a combination of an elastic piece and a core disk piece.

FIG. 39 is a partial perspective view showing a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is an exploded perspective view of the same.

FIG. 41 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view of the same.

FIG. 43 is a front view showing the operation of the sixteenth embodiment.

FIG. 44 is a partial cross-sectional view of the same.

FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional view showing a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 46 is a side view showing another embodiment of the core disk.

FIG. 47 is an external perspective view showing an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly structure of the bearing member and the swing member.

FIG. 49 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an assembly structure of a bearing member and a swinging member.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the swinging member is in its original position.

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the swinging member is swung.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 53 is an exploded perspective view showing the assembly structure of the bearing member and the oscillating member in the 19th embodiment.

FIG. 54 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 50 in the nineteenth embodiment.

FIG. 55 is an external perspective view showing the twentieth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 56 is an external perspective view showing the arrangement of bearing members in the twentieth embodiment.

FIG. 57 is a partially enlarged perspective view showing the mounting structure of the swinging member.

FIG. 58 is an external perspective view showing the arrangement of the swinging members in the twentieth embodiment.

FIG. 59 is a partially enlarged side view showing the assembled structure of the swing member and the bearing member.

FIG. 60 is an explanatory view showing a state in which the swinging member is in the original position.

FIG. 61 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the swinging member is swung.

FIG. 62 is an external perspective view showing the twenty-first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 63 is a partially exploded perspective view showing the structure of the 21st embodiment.

FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of an assembled wheel device according to the twenty-first embodiment.

FIG. 65 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of roller ski equipment according to the present invention.

The 66th item is an external perspective view showing the operation of roller ski equipment.

Figure 67 is a front view of the roller ski with the lower half sectioned, showing the function of the resilient wheels.

FIG. 68 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the roller ski equipment of the present invention is used to move straight ahead in a bluffing position.

FIG. 69 is an explanatory diagram showing a left turn in a bluff position using roller ski equipment according to the present invention.

FIG. 70 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a roller ski according to the present invention is used for diagonal downhill skiing.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

Figures 1 through N3 show one embodiment of a resilient wheel 10 according to the present invention. Reference numeral 11 denotes a disk that supports the entire wheel. The outer periphery of this disk 11 is formed with a circular rim portion 14, which is comprised of two rims 12 and has a recessed groove 13. A radially inwardly extending rim flange 15 is connected to the inner periphery of the circular rim portion 14. Bolt holes 15a are drilled in this rim flange 15 for attachment to a wheel disk (not shown).

A tire portion 16 made of an elastic material is mounted on the outer periphery of the circular rim portion 14. As shown in Figure 2, the tire portion 16 is ring-shaped, and a plurality of cut grooves 17 are formed at equal intervals along the outer periphery in the radial direction.

The inner circumferential side of the tire portion 16 is a continuous base end portion 18 having an equal width.

By providing a plurality of cut grooves 17, a plurality of elastic pieces 19 that can be independently elastically deformed are formed on the outer circumferential side of the tire portion 16.

As shown in FIG. 3, the elastic piece 19 has a cross-sectional shape in which the width on the outer periphery side is larger than the width on the base end portion 18 side.

The depth D of the cut groove 17 is preferably 0.7 times or more the minimum width W on the base end side.

The tire portion 16 is mounted on the circular rim portion 14 by fitting the base end 18 into the groove 13 and positioning the elastic piece 19 so that it protrudes outward beyond the outer periphery of the circular rim portion 14.

Next, the operation of the elastic wheel 10 having such a configuration will be explained with reference to FIG.

In Figure 4, (A) shows the resilient wheel 10 as seen from the front, (B) shows a side view, and (C) shows a view from below the ground contact surface. For ease of explanation, the resilient wheel 10 operates under the following assumptions:

(i) The tire part is an elastic body, but the contact surface is a point contact (I! contact).

(11) The only force related to the lateral movement of the wheel is the thrust load acting on the axle.

(ii) In the front view (A), the wheel moves toward the front of the paper. In the side view (B), the wheel moves from left to right. In the view from below the contact patch (C), the wheel moves from below the paper toward the top.

■ shows the state immediately before rotation begins. The resilient wheel 10 is in contact with the ground G at line A-A'. When a thrust load is applied to the wheel axle in state 2, this thrust load is transmitted to the tire portion, and the first resilient piece P1 elastically deforms in the direction of the applied thrust load while maintaining line A-A' in contact with the ground G. The resilient wheel 10 moves laterally by the amount of this elastic deformation (X1) (state ■).

Next, when the resilient wheel 10 rotates in the direction of the arrow from state ■, the ground contact line of the tire moves to line B-B', and the second resilient piece P2 comes into contact with the ground G. From the moment the second resilient piece P2 makes contact with the ground, it receives a thrust load and elastically deforms, causing the resilient wheel 10 to move further laterally by the amount of this elastic deformation (X2) (state ■). Furthermore, the first resilient piece P1, having been released from contact with the ground G, elastically returns to its original position from its deformed state.

As the resilient wheel 10 continues to rotate from state ■, the ground contact line of the tire moves to line c-c', and the second resilient piece P3 contacts the ground G. The third resilient piece P3 also receives a thrust load and elastically deforms, causing the resilient wheel 10 to move further laterally by the amount of this elastic deformation (X3) (state ■3).

In this way, when the resilient wheel 10 receives a thrust load and rotates from the position where the first resilient piece P1 touches the ground to the position where the third resilient piece P3 touches the ground, the resilient wheel 10 moves laterally (perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wheel 10) a distance X1 + X2 + X3, the sum of the elastic deformations of the resilient pieces P1, P2, and P3. As a result, the resilient wheel 10 rotates and travels diagonally forward while maintaining its axle in the same direction.

The amount of lateral movement of the resilient wheel 10 varies depending on the thrust load applied. A large thrust load causes the resilient piece to deform significantly, resulting in a larger lateral movement. Conversely, a small thrust load reduces the amount of lateral movement. Furthermore, by changing the direction of the applied thrust load, the direction of lateral movement can be changed left or right. By controlling the magnitude and direction of the applied thrust load, the resilient wheel 10 can be freely moved in any direction and at any turning angle.

Thus, according to this embodiment, the thrust load applied to the resilient wheel 10 is utilized to actively elastically deform the tire portion 16, allowing the wheel's traveling direction to be freely changed without the need for a special steering device or tilting the axle.

By utilizing the action of the resilient wheels 10, as will be described later, equipment equipped with the resilient wheels 10, such as roller skis, can be made to exhibit the same feel and performance as skis on snow, providing excellent turning and stopping capabilities.

Figures 5 and 6 are diagrams equivalent to Figure 3, illustrating modified tire sections. In the modified example shown in Figure 5, the width W' of the innermost side of the tire section's base end 18g is larger than the minimum width W. This increases the grip of the base end 18g by the rim 12, thereby ensuring more secure attachment of the tire section to the circular rim.

Even in this case, the cutting depth D of the cut groove 17 is set to be 0.7 times or more the minimum width dimension W of the base end portion 18a.

In the modification shown in Figure 6, ribs 18b are provided between the cut grooves 17 to connect adjacent elastic pieces 19b. This allows the elastic deformation of one elastic piece 19b to be transmitted to the adjacent elastic pieces, allowing smooth continuous elastic displacement of each elastic piece as the elastic wheel 10 rotates. Even in this case, it is desirable that the cut depth D of the cut grooves 17 be at least 0.7 times the minimum lateral dimension W of the base end 18a, regardless of the ribs 18b, as with the tire portion shown in Figures 3 and 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, partially cut away, showing a second embodiment of a resilient wheel 20 according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, a plurality of radial cut grooves 22 are provided on the outer periphery of the tire portion 21, and a plurality of circumferential cut grooves 23 are also provided.

By providing the circumferential grooves 23 as shown in FIG. 2, a number of elastic pieces 24 are formed on the outer periphery of the tire portion 21. The base end 25 of the tire portion 21 is fitted onto the circular rim portion 14, as in the above-described embodiment.

In this embodiment, the elastic pieces 24 are divided into small segments, allowing for easy elastic deformation even with a relatively small external force. This makes the elastic wheel of this embodiment suitable for use by light children or beginners who may have difficulty applying sufficient force to the wheel.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view, partially cut away, showing a third embodiment of a resilient wheel 30 according to the present invention.

In this embodiment, multiple radial cut grooves 32 are provided on the outer periphery of the tire portion 31, and multiple circumferential cut grooves 33 are also provided, forming multiple elastic pieces 34, as in the previous embodiment. Also, a circular edge portion 35 is provided on the circumference adjacent to the outside of these elastic pieces 34 (the axially outward side of the wheel 30).

According to this embodiment, as in the previous embodiment, the elastic piece 34 is easily deformed by a relatively small external force, so that the elastic wheel can be used as equipment for children and beginners.

Furthermore, the circular edge portion 35 deforms less than the elastic piece 34, so when used in ski equipment, it can function as the edge of the ski. This allows for better turning and stopping capabilities than the elastic wheel 20 shown in Figure 6.

49 to 11 show a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 11, the resilient wheel 40 of this embodiment includes a tire portion 43 having a plurality of resilient pieces 42 formed on the outer periphery by a plurality of cut grooves 41 formed at equal intervals in the radial direction. The tire portion 43 further includes resilient protrusions 44 protruding from both side surfaces of each resilient piece 42.

The elastic protrusion 44 has a generally triangular pyramid shape, with a wider portion connected to the elastic piece 42 and a narrower width toward the tip. When the tire portion 43 is mounted on the circular rim portion 14, as shown in Figure 10, the tip portion 44a of the elastic protrusion 44 abuts against the inner wall surface of the rim 12. Reference numeral 45 denotes the base end of the tire portion 43.

According to this embodiment, when the resilient wheel 40 tilts or is subjected to a lateral external force, the resilient piece 42 elastically deforms and the resilient protrusion 44 abuts against the inner wall surface of the rim 12. The resilient deformation of the resilient protrusion 44 absorbs the impact load applied to the resilient piece 42, preventing cracks from occurring at the connection between the resilient piece 42 and the base end 45 and damage to the resilient piece 42.

Since the elastic protrusions 44 are generally triangular pyramid shaped, as the amount of deformation increases, the repulsive force against elastic deformation also increases, thereby restricting the elastic piece 42 from undergoing extreme elastic deformation.

This embodiment is suitable for situations where a relatively large external force is applied, and is particularly effective when used in ski equipment for advanced skiers who make sharp turns and sudden stops.

Furthermore, by adjusting the shape of the elastic protrusions 44, the amount of deformation of the elastic pieces 42 can be easily adjusted, making it easy to obtain ski equipment with functionality suited to the operator's skill level.

12 and 13 show a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

The resilient wheel 50 of this embodiment is composed of a tire portion 51, or inner tire 52, and an outer tire 53 that covers the inner tire 52. The inner tire 52 is composed of a ring-shaped base end 54 and multiple resilient pieces 56 formed around the outer periphery of the base end 54 by multiple radially cut grooves 55. As shown in Figure 13, the outer tire 53 has a storage space 57 formed therein that can store the inner tire 52, and radially cut grooves 58 formed on the outer periphery at equal intervals to the cut grooves 55 of the inner tire 52.

The inner tire 52 is mounted on the circular rim 14 while being housed inside the outer tire 53. As a result, the elastic pieces 56 of the inner tire 52 are covered by the outer tire 53 and can elastically deform together with the pieces 53a of the outer tire 53.

According to this embodiment, each elastic piece 56 of the elastic wheel 50 is covered by the outer tire 53, which reliably prevents damage to the elastic pieces 56. Furthermore, by replacing the outer tire 53 as needed, the elastic wheel 50 can be used for a long period of time.

14 to 16 show a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the tire portion 61 constituting the resilient wheel is composed of a circular base end 62, a plurality of cut grooves 63 formed at equal intervals in the radial direction around the outer periphery of the base end 62, and a plurality of resilient pieces 64 formed by the cut grooves 63. The approximate center of the top surface of each resilient piece 64 is a flat portion 65, and the sides adjacent to the cut grooves 63 are curved portions 66.

In this embodiment, the top surface of the elastic piece 64 is a flat surface 65. Therefore, when the wheel is tilted, the distance between the point where the top surface contacts the ground (the side end of the elastic piece 64) and the position where the load acts on the elastic piece 64 (approximately the center of the elastic piece) is large, making it easy for the elastic piece 64 to deform elastically. This allows the wheel to easily turn simply by tilting it, without applying a large load in the axial (lateral) direction of the wheel.

Furthermore, since the side adjacent to the cutout groove 63 is formed as a curved surface 66, when the position of the elastic piece 64 that comes into contact with the ground changes sequentially as the wheel rotates, a smooth contact with the ground is achieved, thereby reducing vibration of the elastic piece 64.

17 to 19 show an embodiment of tJ7 of the present invention.

This embodiment is a modification of the sixth embodiment, in which only the end of the top surface of the elastic piece, which is on the side facing the cut groove in the direction of wheel rotation, is curved.

That is, as shown in the figure, the tire portion 71 constituting the elastic wheel is composed of a circular base end portion 72, a plurality of cut grooves 73 formed at equal intervals in the radial direction on the outer periphery of the base end portion 72, and a plurality of elastic pieces 74 formed by the cut grooves 73.

The top surface of each elastic piece 74 is provided with a flat portion and a curved portion, and the flat portion 75 is formed at the end of the cutout 73 opposite the direction of rotation of the wheel as shown by arrow X, and at approximately the center of the cutout 73. The curved portion 76 is formed at the end of the cutout 73 facing the direction of rotation of the wheel.

According to this embodiment, as with the sixth embodiment, simply tilting the wheel allows for easy turning. Furthermore, because the flat surface is larger than in the previous embodiment, the elastic piece 74 deforms more easily, reducing vibration. Furthermore, because the end of the groove facing the direction of rotation is curved, the initial contact of the elastic piece 74 with the ground is smooth, reducing vibration.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the eighth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the tire portion 81 constituting the wheel has a relatively large width, and the top surfaces of the elastic pieces are flat. As shown in the figure, the tire portion 81 has a circular base end 82 and a plurality of elastic pieces 84 that are provided on the outer periphery of the base end 82 and are separated by a plurality of radially cut grooves 83 formed at equal intervals.

The top surface 84a of the elastic piece 84 is a generally rectangular flat surface, and the peripheral edge is provided with a cutout 85 having a width greater than the width of the cutout groove 83.

In this embodiment, the top surface 84a of the elastic piece 84 has a wide, flat shape, so that it easily deforms elastically simply by tilting the wheel, allowing the wheel to turn smoothly.

Also, the turning radius can be made smaller.

Furthermore, since the cut portions 85 are provided, when adjacent elastic pieces 84 are elastically deformed, interference between the adjacent elastic pieces 84 does not occur.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

This embodiment is a modification of the eighth embodiment described above, and similarly, the width of the tire portion 91 is made relatively large, and the peripheral edges of the elastic pieces 92 are each provided with a cut portion 94 whose width is larger than that of the cut groove 93.

In this embodiment, the top surface 92a of the elastic piece 92 is curved in the axial direction. Therefore, the elastic deformation of the elastic piece 92 when the wheel is tilted is smaller than that of the eighth embodiment, in which the top surface is flat. Therefore, the wheel of this embodiment can achieve the required elastic deformation by tilting the wheel and applying additional load to the side opposite the tilt, resulting in a turning motion.

The wheel of this embodiment is suitable for ski equipment used by a relatively experienced rider who is capable of performing load-bearing movements.

22 to 29 show a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the tire portion 101 of the elastic wheel according to this embodiment.

The second tire portion 101, like the tire portion shown in FIG. 20, has a circular base end 102 and a plurality of elastic pieces 104 formed by equally spaced cut grooves 10B on the outer periphery of the second base end 102. The top surfaces 104a of the elastic pieces 104 are flat, and cut portions 105 are formed on the peripheral edges.

In this embodiment, a disc 107 having a plurality of disc pieces 106 arranged radially and perpendicular to the axis of the tire portion 101 is embedded inside the tire portion 101.

As shown in Figure 23, the core disk 107 is formed by molding a ring-shaped thin metal or synthetic resin plate, and has elongated disk pieces 106 arranged radially, the same number as the number of elastic pieces 104 of the tire portion 101. The tip of each disk piece 106 branches into two pieces 108, and a receiving washer 109 is attached between these two pieces 108, perpendicular to the disk piece 106. In addition, to reduce the weight of the disk piece 106, openings 110 are formed in the disk piece 106 to a degree that does not reduce its strength. By adjusting the size and number of these openings 110, the amount of elastic deformation of the elastic pieces 104 can be adjusted.

As shown in Figure 24, the core disk 107 is installed in the center of the tire portion 101, perpendicular to the axial direction of the wheel, with the base end 111 of the core disk 107 extending to the inner periphery of the base end 102 of the tire portion 1010. The tip end 108a of the core disk 107 is approximately flush with the top surface 104a of the tire portion 101, but extends slightly beyond it.

The base end 102 of the tire portion 101, together with the base end 111 of the core disk 107, is mounted on a circular rim portion 112 of the wheel support means, and the circular rim portion 112 is connected to an axle hub 114 via a disc-shaped connecting portion 113.

The operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be explained with reference to Figures 25 to 29.

When a force Y is applied to the resilient wheel 100 in a direction intersecting the wheel's rotational plane 115 from the state shown in Figure 24, the resilient piece 104, which is in contact with the ground, elastically deforms, as shown in Figure 25, and the wheel's rotational plane 115 is displaced in the direction opposite to the direction of the applied force Y. If this force Y is further increased, the amount of elastic deformation of the resilient piece 104 also increases, as shown in Figure 26, and the body of the operator riding on the ski equipment equipped with the resilient wheel 100 is displaced in the direction opposite to the direction of the applied force Y.

Next, as shown in Figures 27 and 28, when a force 2 is applied in a direction that tilts the wheel rotation axis 116, the elastic member 104 elastically deforms, causing the elastic wheel 100 to tilt.

In this state, if a force Y is again applied across the wheel's rotational plane 115, the elastic piece 104 will deform to its greatest extent, as shown in Figure 29, and an edging motion will occur around point 104b of the contact portion of the elastic piece 104. As a result, if the wheel 100 were traveling in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing, it would skid to the left and then turn to the right.

As described above, when the elastic wheel 100 is caused to turn, the elastic member 104 and the core disk 107 undergo large elastic deformation, with the base ends 102 and 111 as the base points, respectively. In this case, since the core disk 107 is embedded inside the tire portion 101 in this embodiment, the following advantageous effects are achieved.

<i>Compared to elastic wheels that are integrally molded using rubber materials, the strength against bending and torsion can be improved.

Furthermore, the load bearing capacity is improved, and buckling of the tire portion can be prevented.

(N) In addition to the elastic restoring force of the elastic piece, the elastic restoring force of the core disk can be utilized, which increases the restoring force after elastic deformation.

(jN) If the tip 108a of the core disk 107 is allowed to protrude slightly beyond the top surface 104a of the elastic piece 104, this protruding tip 108a will dig into the ground surface, preventing the wheel from slipping.

Furthermore, wear of the tire portion 101 can be reduced.

Nv) By attaching the receiving washer 109, a core is formed in the width direction of the elastic piece 104, which further improves the load-bearing capacity of the elastic piece 104.

30 and 31 show an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the core disk 121 has a plurality of disk pieces 123 arranged radially around the outer periphery of a ring-shaped base end 122. The distal end of each disk piece 123 is formed with three pieces: a central piece 124a and two side pieces 124b on either side of it. These three pieces are bent in opposite directions with the central piece 124a in between, as shown in Figure 31.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 31, the top surface 125a of the elastic piece 125 has an arcuate cross section that slopes smoothly toward both ends, thereby improving the straight-line running performance of the elastic wheel 120.

In the resilient wheel 120 of this embodiment, the central piece 124a at the tip of the disk piece 123 and the tips of the side pieces 124b bent in opposite directions are diagonally arranged in a left-center-right (or right-center-left) configuration relative to the top surface 125a of each resilient piece 125. As a result, when skating using the resilient wheel 120 of this embodiment, the tips of the disk pieces 123 are sequentially positioned at the position on the top surface 125a of each resilient piece 125 that comes into contact with the ground the most, thereby preventing uneven wear on the tire surface.

32 to 34 show a twelfth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, the elastic member piece 131 and the disk piece 132 are each manufactured independently, and a plurality of these are arranged circumferentially to form the elastic wheel 130.

That is, as shown in FIG. 33, the core disk 133 is constructed by arranging a plurality of elongated metal disk pieces 132 on the circumference, and a rubber elastic piece 131 is attached to the tip of each disk piece 132.

The tip of the disk piece 132 has three pieces 134a.

The central piece 134b and the two pieces on either side, 134a and 134c, are bent in opposite directions.

As shown in FIG. 34, the core disk 133 to which the elastic piece 131 is attached is connected to the wheel support means 138 by attaching the base end 135 of the elastic piece 131 to the circular rim portion 136 and directly clamping the base end 137 of the core disk 133, which extends further inward through the elastic piece 131, with the circular rim portion 136 holding it.

In the elastic wheel 130 of this embodiment, the elastic piece 131 and the disk piece 132 are manufactured individually, which reduces manufacturing costs compared to when they are molded integrally, as mold and sheet metal costs are lower.

Furthermore, the tip ends of the disk pieces 132 are bent in opposite directions and are positioned on the top surface 131a of the elastic piece 131, thereby reducing wear on the tire portion, as in the previous embodiment.

35 and 36 show a thirteenth embodiment of the present invention.

In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 36, the width of the radially arranged disk pieces 142 that make up the core disk 141 is increased. The tip of the disk piece 142 is branched into three pieces: a central piece 143a and two side pieces 143b, which are bent in opposite directions and approximately horizontally.

Each elastic piece 144 is formed independently, and its base end 145 is sized to fit partway along the disk piece 142. The elastic wheel 140 is assembled by first attaching the elastic piece 144 to the tip of each disk piece 142, then directly clamping the base end 146 of the core disk 41, which extends inward beyond the elastic piece 144, between two circular rims 147, as shown in FIG. 35, and then integrally connecting the base end 146 of the core disk and the circular rims 147 to the wheel support means 148.

According to this embodiment, the tip side pieces 143a, 143b of the disk piece 142 are bent horizontally, which increases the horizontal width of these side pieces and improves the load-bearing capacity of the elastic piece 144. Furthermore, elastic deformation of the elastic piece 144 can be caused by a relatively small force.

Furthermore, since the base end 145 of the elastic piece 144 is not clamped by the circular rim 47 but is clamped only by the base end 146 of the core disk 141, when an external force is applied to the elastic piece 144, the disk piece 142 is directly elastically deformed. Therefore, elastic displacement of the elastic wheel 140 can be caused with a relatively small force.

37 and 38 show an embodiment of the 'M14 of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 151 denotes an elastic piece, and each elastic piece 151 is formed independently. Reference numeral 152 denotes a disk piece, and the same number of disk pieces 152 are prepared as the elastic pieces 151, and each disk piece 152 is inserted inside the elastic piece 151.

Each disk piece 152 has an opening 154 at its base end 153, and a receiving washer 155 extending perpendicular to the disk piece 152 is attached to its tip end. The disk pieces 152, each with a resilient piece 151 attached to its tip end, are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference. Each disk piece 152 is sandwiched between two circular rims 156 and secured to a flange 158 on a hub 159 by bolts 157 passing through the circular rims 156 and the openings 154 in the base end 153. The hub 159 is then rotatably mounted on an axle 162 via a bearing 161.

The elastic wheel 150 of this embodiment has a single elastic member 151 and a single core disk 152, each formed independently, thereby reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, because the base end 153 of the disk piece 152 is directly clamped by the circular rim 156, elastic deformation of the elastic wheel 150 can be generated with a relatively small force, similar to the embodiment shown in Figure 35.

39 and 40 show a fifteenth embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 171 denotes an elastic piece having a cross-sectional shape in which the width of the distal end 172 is greater than the width of the proximal end 173. These elastic pieces 171 are molded individually, and their proximal ends 173 are fitted into a circular retaining ring 174, so that they are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference.

The retaining ring 174 is further sandwiched between two circular rims 175 and attached to an axle device (not shown) by a rim disc 176 provided on the inner periphery of the circular rims 175. Gaps 177 are provided between the elastic pieces 171 to prevent them from interfering with each other.

The resilient wheel 170 of this embodiment constructed in this manner performs substantially the same function as the first embodiment shown in FIG.

The elastic wheel 170 of this embodiment has individually molded elastic pieces 171, which reduces manufacturing costs compared to the first embodiment. Furthermore, if the elastic pieces 171 become worn or damaged, they can be relatively easily replaced or repaired.

41 to 44 show a sixteenth embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 181 denotes an elastic tire formed in a ring shape from an elastic material, such as a rubber material. This elastic tire 18 has a cross-sectional shape in which the width of its outer peripheral portion 182 is greater than the width of its base end portion 183.

Reference numeral 184 denotes a circular rim portion formed by combining two rims 185, with a circumferential groove 186 formed in the center. The base end 183 of the elastic tire 181 is fitted into this circumferential groove 186, thereby mounting the elastic tire 181 on the circular rim portion 184, and the elastic wheel 180 is formed.

In order to more securely mount the elastic tire 181, a ring-shaped piano wire 187 may be embedded in the base end 183 as shown in FIG.

As shown in Figures 43 and 44, the elastic wheel 180 of this embodiment, like the previous embodiments, elastic tire 181 elastically deforms when a lateral external force is applied. The second elastic deformation occurs when outer peripheral portion 182 deforms with base end 183 as the base point, and this deformation of outer peripheral portion 182 is possible until it abuts against the inner wall of circular rim portion 184.

As described above, the elastic tire 181 continuously elastically deforms its ground-contacting portion as it rotates, allowing the elastic wheel 180 to turn and stop, as in the previous embodiment.

The elastic wheel 180 of this embodiment allows for easier manufacturing of the elastic tire 181, which further reduces manufacturing costs compared to the previous embodiment. Furthermore, since the elastic tire 181 does not have any cut grooves or gaps, it has the advantage of being less likely to be damaged by cuts or scratches.

45 and 46 show a seventeenth embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, reference numeral 191 denotes a ring-shaped elastic tire without any notches, as in the embodiment shown in Figure 41. This elastic tire 191 has a cross-sectional shape in which the width of the outer peripheral portion 192 is greater than the width of the base end portion 193. The top surface 192a of the outer peripheral portion 192 is flat to facilitate elastic deformation.

A core disk 194 having the same structure as shown in Figure 23 is embedded inside the elastic tire 191. The base end 193 of the elastic tire 1910, together with the base end 195 of the core disk 194, is sandwiched between two circular rims 196, which are connected to an axle hub 198 via a disc-shaped connecting portion 197.

The resilient wheel 190 of this embodiment incorporates a core disk 194, which significantly improves load-bearing capacity and resilient return force compared to the 16th embodiment. Furthermore, the same excellent effects of incorporating a core disk as described above, such as improved wear resistance, can be achieved.

Figure 47 is an external perspective view showing an eighteenth embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 211 denotes a disk that supports the entire wheel. A circular rim portion 212 is formed on the outer periphery of the second disk 211, and an opening 213 is provided in the center through which the wheel axle (not shown) passes.

Concave grooves (not shown) are formed on the outer periphery of the circular rim portion 212, and bearing members 214, such as those shown in FIG. 48, are fitted into the concave grooves and are arranged at equal intervals around the circumference.

This bearing member 214 is composed of a bearing portion 214C having a convex portion 214a that fits into the concave groove, a bearing hole 214b, and a pair of jaws 214d that abut against the circular rim portion 212 so as to sandwich the outer periphery of the circular rim portion 212 from both sides. One side surface 340c of the bearing portion 214C is formed with a step at a position axially recessed from the convex portion 214a and jaws 214d, and the other side surface 341C is formed to be flush with the convex portion 214a and jaws 214d.

A pair of semicircular grooves 214e, which abut the spring support shafts described below, are formed at symmetrical positions on one side surface 340c of the bearing member 214 on the bearing portion 214C side. A screw hole 214f for fixing the bearing member and a positioning hole 214g are drilled in the jaw portion 214d.

As shown in Figure 49, the other side surface 341c of the bearing member 214 is inclined at an angle θ with respect to a line perpendicular to the axis X of the bearing hole 214b, and the circumferential thickness dimension is smaller on the side of the convex portion 214a than on the side of the bearing portion 214c. This angle θ is determined by the HJ of the bearings arranged circumferentially on the circular rim Ws 212, and the angle θ decreases as the number of bearings arranged increases.

Furthermore, one side surface 340c of the bearing member 214 is formed perpendicular to the axis X of the bearing hole 214b.

The bearing members 214 are arranged around the outer periphery of the circular rim portion 212, with the two bearing members 214 and 214 assembled so that one side surface 340C of each bearing member faces the other, and the axis X of the bearing hole 214b is aligned in the same direction as the tangent to the circular rim portion 212. When assembling the bearing members 214 on the circular rim portion 212, a fixing screw (not shown) is inserted through the fixing thread hole 214f, and a positioning pin (not shown) is inserted through the alignment hole 214g.

Between the pair of bearings assembled in this manner, a rocker member 215 (215g) is arranged, which can rock around a rocker shaft 215a.

As shown in Figs. M2S and 49, the swinging member 215 is composed of a pair of swinging shafts 215a extending laterally, an arcuate flange 215d extending in one direction perpendicular to the swinging shafts 215a, an arcuate rim 215b formed at the outer end of the flange 215d and having a width t in the direction of the swinging shafts 215a, and an elastic portion 215c, such as a rubber portion, attached to cover the outer surface of the rim 215b. It is desirable to make the width t of the rim 215b as large as possible, provided that adjacent rims 215b do not interfere with each other.

The oscillating shaft 215a is rotatably supported within the bearing hole 214b via a bearing member (e.g., a sliding bearing or a rolling bearing) 26 disposed within the bearing hole 214b. The elastic portion 215c of the oscillating member 215 is disposed so as to protrude radially outward from the bearing member 214b.

Between the pair of bearings (214) is a leaf spring (217) that elastically displaces in response to the swinging of the swinging member (215) and returns the swinging member (215) from its swinging position to its original position. The leaf spring (217) is bent into an arc, and spring support shafts (217a, 217b) are fixed to both ends of the leaf spring (217). The leaf spring (217) is supported by the spring support shaft (217a).

By bringing bearings 217b into contact with semicircular grooves 214e formed on one side surface 340C of bearing portion 214C, the pair of bearings are disposed between member 214 so as to surround pivot shaft 215a (see FIG. 50).

The rocking members 215 assembled in this manner are arranged at equal intervals around the outer periphery of the circular rim portion 212 to form the tire portion of the resilient wheel 200 (see Figure 47).

Next, the operation of this embodiment configured as described above will be explained. Figure 50 shows the state in which no force is acting on the elastic wheel 200 from a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation. In the second case, the elastic portion 215C of the swinging member 215 contacts the ground and performs rolling motion, just like a normal wheel.

Next, when a force is applied from a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the resilient wheel 200, the grounded oscillating member 215 oscillates around the oscillating shaft 215a in the direction opposite to the direction of the force, as shown in Figure 51. In the second case, one spring support shaft 217a abuts against the seven-rung portion 215d of the oscillating member 215 and oscillates in the same direction. This elastically deforms the leaf spring 217, and a force is applied to the oscillating member 215 that tends to return it to its original position, as shown in Figure 50.

As the elastic wheel 200 rotates, the swinging swing members 215 alternate in sequence, and the swing members 215 that have left the ground surface are returned to their original positions by the force of the leaf springs 217, and the swing members 215 that have reached the ground surface are swingable by the lateral force.

This causes the resilient wheel 200 to move forward (slip) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation (opposite the direction of swing).

Figures 52 to 54 show a nineteenth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, edge members 218 are attached to both sides of the swing member 215 of the previous embodiment. Components identical to those in the previous embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

As shown in Figure 53, the edge member 218 is attached to both ends of a substantially rectangular frame 219 having a central opening 219a through which the elastic portion 215C of the swinging member 215 can pass. The frame 219 is composed of a pair of parallel side plates 219b and a pair of connecting plates 219C that are perpendicular to the side plates 219b and form an opening 219a with the side plates 219b.

The edge members 218 are attached to both outer end positions of the frame 219, which is surrounded by the connecting plate 219C and the pair of side plates 219b, so as to extend beyond the outer ends of the frame 219. The edge members 218 are made of a resilient material, such as a rubber material.

A semicircular protrusion 219d is provided in the center of each of the pair of side plates 219b, facing inward toward the resilient wheel 220. The second protrusion 219d fits into a semicircular recess 214h formed in the bearing portion 214C of the bearing member 214, and the radially inner sides of the pair of side plates 219b are shaped to abut against the outer periphery of the arc-shaped bearing portion 214C.

Wire holes 219e are drilled at both ends of the pair of side plates 219b, through which wires can be inserted. As in the previously described embodiment, the pair of bearings, with the swing shaft 215a supported at both ends by the members 214, are assembled between the swing members 215 and the leaf springs 217, and are arranged evenly spaced around the outer periphery of the circular rim portion 212. The frame 219, to which the edge member 218 is fixed, is then attached by fitting the protrusions 219d of the side plates 219b into the recesses 214h of the bearing members 214, with the elastic portions 215c of each swing member 215 inserted through the openings 219a and slightly protruding. The frames 219 are then connected to each other by wires (not shown) inserted through the wire holes 219e, and are fixed to the outer periphery of the circular rim portion 212.

The resilient wheel 220 assembled in this manner has a structure in which edge members 218 are disposed on both sides of the swinging member 215, as shown in FIG. 52, and the width of the tire portion is larger than that of the previously described embodiment by the width of the two edge members 218.

In the resilient wheel 220 of this embodiment, when a force perpendicular to the resilient wheel's rotational direction is applied, the rocking member 215 rocks, causing the resilient wheel 220 to move in a direction tilted at a certain angle relative to the rotational direction. In this embodiment, edge members 218 are located on both sides of the rocking member 215. Therefore, when the resilient wheel 220 tilts, the edge members 218 can also support the load, improving the load-bearing capacity of the resilient wheel 220. Furthermore, when skidding on an inclined surface, the edge members 218 can support the load and provide braking, allowing the resilient wheel 220 to change direction at a sharp angle without the need for a special steering device.

55 to 61 show a twentieth embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, rubber members attached to both sides of the swinging member are used as elastic return means for returning the swinging member from the swinging position to the original position.

Figure 55 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a resilient wheel 230 according to this embodiment. In the figure, reference numeral 221 denotes a disk that supports the entire wheel. A circular rim portion 222 is formed on the outer periphery of this disk 221, and an opening 223 is provided in the center through which the wheel axle (not shown) passes.

A recessed groove 222a (see Figure 60) is formed around the outer periphery of the circular rim portion 222, and the base ends 224a of bearing members 224, as shown in Figure 56, are arranged at equal intervals within this recessed groove 222a. The bearing members 224j have bearing portions 224c protruding from both side surfaces of the plate-shaped support portion 224b and the second plate-shaped support portion 224b, and base ends 224a formed approximately perpendicular to the plate-shaped support portion 224b. Each bearing portion 224c is drilled with a bearing hole 224d whose axis is inclined by an angle θ toward the base end 224a from a line perpendicular to the plate-shaped support portion 224b (see Figure 59). The base ends 224a are bent in an arc shape to fit the outer periphery of the circular rim portion 222.

Figures 57 and 58 show a swinging member 225 swingably supported by a bearing member 224. The swinging member 225 has a boss portion 225b with swing shafts 225a protruding from both ends, an arc-shaped rim portion 225c attached to the outer periphery of the boss portion 225b, and an elastic portion (e.g., a rubber portion) 225d attached to cover the rim portion 225c. The swinging member 225 of this embodiment further has a pair of rubber members 226 fixed between the boss portion 225b and the rim portion 225c. The rubber members 226 return the swinging member 225 from the swinging position to the original position, and their distal ends 226a extend to a position where they abut the inner wall surface of the circular rim portion 222.

The pair of bearings of the swinging member 225 are disposed between the members 224, and the swinging shaft 225a is rotatably inserted and held in the bearing hole 224d of the member 224. By disposing the swinging members 225 at equal intervals around the outer periphery of the circular rim portion 222 in this manner, the tire portion of the elastic wheel 230 is formed.

In the elastic wheel 230 of this embodiment, when no force is applied in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation, the swinging member 225 is in the position shown in Figure 60, and the wheel rotates normally. When a force is applied in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation, the swinging member 225 swings to the position shown in Figure 61. That is, the swinging member 225 swings about the swing axis 225a, and one rubber member 226 is pressed against the inner wall surface of the circular rim portion 222 and becomes elastically compressed, while the tip end 226a of the other rubber member 226 moves away from the inner wall surface of the circular rim portion 222.

The swinging of the swinging member 225 causes the elastic wheel 230 to move in a direction inclined at a certain angle from the direction of rotation and travel. When the swinging member 225 leaves the ground, it returns to its original position shown in Figure 60 by the elastic restoring force of the rubber member 226.

In this embodiment, a rubber member fixed to the swinging member is used as the elastic member for returning the swinging member to its original position, so the assembly structure of the swinging member is simple.

62 to 64 show a 21st embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the oscillating ring of the oscillating member has a semicircular cross section, and a rubber member that abuts against this semicircular cross section oscillating ring is used as the original position return member.

In Figure M63, reference numeral 231 denotes a disk that supports the load of the entire wheel. This disk 231 has a recessed groove 231a with a semicircular cross section on its outer periphery. Within the recessed groove 231a, circumferential positioning projections 231b for the rocker member are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, protruding radially outward.

Reference numeral 232 denotes a swinging member, which is composed of a swinging wheel 232a having a semicircular cross section, a plate-shaped support 232b extending radially outward perpendicular to the swinging shaft 232a, a rim portion 232c formed perpendicular to the support 232b, and an elastic portion 232d attached to cover the rim portion 232c.

Guide grooves (not shown) are formed in the circumferential direction around the outer periphery of the swing shaft 232a. The swing members 232 are disposed at equal intervals in the circumferential direction within the recess 231a of the disk 231, with the guide grooves fitted onto the protrusions 231b and the outer periphery of the swing shaft 232a abutting against the inner wall surface of the recessed groove 231a.

A pair of rubber members 233 are disposed in contact with the upper flat surfaces of the pivot shaft 232a, and these rubber members 233 are fixed and held in place by covers 234 with inwardly curved upper portions attached to both sides of the disk 231 (see Figure 64). In Figure 62, reference numeral 235 denotes a screw for fixing the cover 234 to the disk 231, and this screw 235 is threaded into a screw hole 236 (see Figure 62) drilled in the side of the disk 231.

In this manner, the rocker member 232 and the rubber member 235 are assembled and arranged around the outer periphery of the disk 231 to form a tire for the elastic wheel 240 (see FIG. 62).

FIG. 64 is a cross-sectional view of the resilient wheel 240 of this embodiment assembled in this manner, and further illustrates the axle 238 rotatably supported by the bearing 237 and the safety cover 239 of the resilient wheel 240.

In this embodiment, when the swinging member 232 is swung by an external force, one flat surface of the swinging wheel 232a presses against the rubber member 233, elastically deforming it, as shown in Figure 64. Then, when the swinging member 232 leaves the ground, the elastic force of the rubber member 233 causes the swinging wheel 232a to rotate and return to its original position.

According to this embodiment, the rocker shaft 232a of the rocker member 232 has a semicircular cross section. Therefore, unlike the previous embodiment, a bearing hole for supporting the rocker shaft is not required, facilitating the processing and assembly of the resilient wheel. Furthermore, since there are no bearings between two adjacent rocker members 232, the rocker members 232 can be positioned close to each other, as shown in Figure 62. This allows the tire portion to be constructed with a smooth, circular curve.

Figure 65 shows an embodiment of roller ski equipment constructed using resilient wheels according to the present invention. This roller ski equipment 300 comprises a flat shoe stand 301 on which a skier's boots are placed and rotatable wheels attached to the front and rear of the shoe stand 301. In this embodiment, one of the resilient wheels 302 according to the previously described embodiments is used as the rotatable wheel.

The bearings 303 of the resilient wheels 302 are supported by a pair of support frames 304, the base ends of which are fixed to the shoe rack 301, and a wheel support means consisting of an axle 305 attached to the other end of each support frame 304.

Shoe fixing devices, such as ski boot fittings 306a and 306b, are attached to the shoe stand 301. The fittings 306a and 306b are preferably attached to the rear (rear wheel) side, as with general ski equipment.

The operation of this embodiment when skiing using a pair of roller skis JL300 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to Figures 66 and 67.

The skiing operation using the roller ski 300 of this embodiment is basically achieved effectively by utilizing the action of the resilient wheels as explained with reference to Figure 4. However, in reality, as with ordinary skiing, a very complex motion is involved. Therefore, the most basic turning motion, the brookbogen, will be explained here.

Figure 66(A) shows the roller ski 300 held in an inverted V-shape, traveling straight toward the fall line on a bluff. Figure 67(A) shows the deformation of the elastic wheels 302 at this time. In this state, the ski player's left and right shoes 307A.

The load is evenly applied to ski 307B, and as shown in Figure 68, ski 300 moves in the direction of the resultant force of each force (toward the fall line).

Figure 66(B) shows the state in which a left turn is initiated from a proof position. Figure 67(B) shows the deformation of the elastic wheel 302 at that time. In this state, the load on the left shoe 307B is reduced from the straight-ahead position, reducing the force tending to propel the left foot (force tending to propel the leftward). This disrupts the balance of forces in the left and right directions, and a left turn is initiated.

As shown in Figure 67(B), the left and right resilient wheels 302 are deformed by approximately the same amount, but the resilient wheel 302 on the right foot (outside foot) is pressed more strongly against the rim 308, experiencing resistance from the ground and creating an effect equivalent to edging a ski. This creates a force that tends to propel the rider further to the left.

On the other hand, the elastic wheel 302 on the left foot (intentional foot) side is not pressed strongly against the rim 308, so the resistance from the ground is weak and the force tending to move to the right is also weak.

Figure 66(C) shows the state where the turn continues to the left from the start of the turn. Figures 66(C) and 66(C') show the deformation states of the rear-side elastic wheel 302 and the front-side elastic wheel 302, respectively.

In this state, the load on the left foot is reduced, just as it was at the start of the turn, so the turn continues to the left. Instead of proceeding straight ahead to the left, the turn traces an arc due to the difference in the amount of elastic deformation (side slip) between the front and rear elastic wheels.

That is, as shown in Figures 67(C) and (C'), when turning, the heel of the outside foot is pushed outward toward the outside of the turn, causing greater elastic deformation and greater sideways slippage on the rear wheel side than on the front wheel side. As a result, the ski 300 traces a smooth arc as shown in Figure 69, allowing the skier to perform a brookbogen with the same feel as regular snow skiing.

As described above, the ski 300 of the present invention allows for smooth turns by increasing the amount of lateral movement of the rear wheels relative to the amount of lateral movement of the front wheels.

Therefore, when assembling ski equipment using elastic wheels, the amount of lateral movement of the front and rear wheels can be changed in the following manner.

(D) The top surface of the elastic piece of the front wheel elastic wheel is curved in the axial direction of the wheel, and the top surface of the elastic piece of the rear wheel elastic wheel is flat in the axial direction of the wheel.

In this way, when the resilient wheel is tilted, the contact point of the resilient piece on the front wheel moves, resulting in less elastic deformation than the resilient piece on the rear wheel, where the contact surface is less likely to move (see the examples shown in Figures 20 and 21). This allows the lateral movement of the front wheel to be smaller than that of the rear wheel.

(it) The depth of the cut groove in the elastic piece of the rear wheel is made larger than that of the front wheel.

The deeper the cut groove, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic piece and the greater the lateral movement of the elastic wheel.

(iii) The gap between the rim and the tire of the rear wheel is made larger than that of the front wheel.

The elastic deformation of the tire is restricted by the rim, so the greater the gap between the rim and the tire, the greater the amount of elastic deformation and the greater the lateral movement of the elastic wheel.

(jv) The elastic modulus of the rear tire is reduced compared to that of the front tire. This can be achieved, for example, by reducing the hardness of the rubber material that makes up the rear tire.

This allows for greater elastic deformation on the rear wheels, allowing for greater lateral movement than the front wheels.

(v) The shoe fixing bracket is positioned on the rear wheel side.

This allows the pushing force from the skier's heel to be transmitted more effectively to the rear elastic wheel, making the rear wheel more susceptible to elastic deformation (lateral movement) than the front wheel.

Various embodiments of the resilient wheels have been described above. By appropriately selecting these resilient wheels to construct roller ski equipment, various roller ski equipment suitable for beginners to professionals, the size of the slope, the type of sport, etc. can be obtained.

Additionally, while this embodiment shows an example in which resilient wheels are attached to both the front and rear sections, roller skis with the features of this invention can also be obtained by attaching them to only one section, such as the rear section, and attaching a regular wheel to the front section.

Although the example in which the resilient wheels are attached using a pair of support frames has been shown, the resilient wheels may be rotatably attached directly to the shoe stand by forming longitudinal grooves in the shoe stand and locating the resilient wheels within the grooves.

Figure 70 shows the state of skiing diagonally downhill using the ski equipment of the present invention. By aligning a pair of skis 300 and applying weight to the valley side, the elastic wheels 302 move sideways, creating a sliding motion similar to that of regular snow skiing.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY As described above, according to the present invention, by applying an external force perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wheel, a desired elastic displacement is continuously generated in the tire depending on the magnitude of the external force, allowing the wheel to skid, stop suddenly, or turn at a sharp angle.

Furthermore, by utilizing the characteristics of the resilient wheels described above, the roller skis of the present invention allow skiers to perform movements such as running, turning, and stopping with a feel similar to that of regular snow skis. Therefore, by using the present invention on slopes or in sports facilities during the off-season when there is no snow, it is possible to enjoy full-scale skiing competitions similar to skiing on snow.

Claims (36)

[Claims] 1. An elastic wheel comprising a wheel support means having a circular rim formed on its outer periphery, and a tire portion mounted on the circular rim portion of the wheel support means and elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wheel. 2. The elastic wheel according to claim 1, wherein the tire portion is made of a ring-shaped elastic member having a cross-sectional shape in which the width dimension on the outer periphery is greater than the width dimension on the inner periphery. 3. The resilient wheel according to claim 1, wherein the tire portion is composed of a plurality of resilient pieces arranged circumferentially. 4. The resilient wheel according to claim 3, wherein the tire portion has a plurality of radially extending grooves. 5. The resilient wheel according to claim 4, wherein the tire portion further has a circumferentially cut groove formed therein. 6. The resilient wheel according to claim 3, wherein the tire portion is constructed by combining multiple resilient pieces that are upright relative to one another. 7. The resilient wheel according to claim 3, wherein a radial gap is provided between adjacent resilient pieces. 8. The resilient wheel according to claim 4, wherein the depth of the cut groove is at least 0.7 times the minimum width of the tire base end. 9. The resilient wheel of claim 3, wherein the tire portion comprises a plurality of circumferentially arranged resilient pieces and a circular edge portion formed adjacent to the axially outward side of each of the resilient pieces. 10. A resilient wheel according to claim 3, wherein the side surfaces of the resilient pieces are provided with resilient protrusions that come into contact with the inner wall surface of the circular rim portion. 11. A resilient wheel according to claim 1, wherein the tire portion comprises a plurality of circumferentially arranged elastic pieces and a cover portion covering these elastic pieces, and the cover portion has radially cut grooves formed at the same pitch as the elastic pieces. 12. The resilient wheel according to claim 3, wherein the top surface of the resilient piece is formed into a curved surface. 13. The resilient wheel according to claim 3, wherein the top surface of the resilient piece has a flat portion and a curved portion, the flat portion being formed in approximately the center of the top surface and the curved portion being formed on the cut groove side. 14. A resilient wheel according to claim 3, wherein the top surface of the resilient piece has a flat portion and a curved portion, the flat portion being formed at the end of the cut groove opposite the direction of wheel rotation and at approximately the center, and the curved portion being formed at the end of the cut groove facing in the direction of wheel rotation. 15. The resilient wheel according to claim 3, wherein the peripheral edges of the resilient pieces are each provided with a cutout having a width greater than that of the cutout groove. 16. The resilient wheel according to claim 1, wherein the tire portion has a core disk having a plurality of radially arranged disk pieces disposed therein. 17. The resilient wheel according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of disk pieces are respectively provided corresponding to the plurality of resilient pieces. 18. The resilient wheel of claim 16, wherein the tip of the disk piece is bifurcated into multiple pieces. 19. The resilient wheel of claim 16, wherein a receiving washer is attached to the tip of the disk piece perpendicular to the disk piece. 20. The resilient wheel of claim 18, wherein the pieces are bent in opposite directions. 21. The resilient wheel according to claim 16, wherein the core disk is constructed by arranging a plurality of independent disk pieces on the circumference. 22. The resilient wheel according to claim 16, wherein the tip of the core disc extends to the position of the outer circumferential surface of the tire portion. 23. A resilient wheel according to claim 16, wherein the base end of the core disc extends further inward from the inner circumferential surface of the tire portion and is directly connected to the circular rim portion. 24. A resilient wheel as recited in claim 1, wherein the circular rim portion has a plurality of rocker member support means disposed radially outward, the tire portion is composed of a plurality of rocker members supported by the rocker member support means so as to be rockable about axes oriented in the same direction as the tangent direction of the circular rim portion, and each of the rocker members is fitted with elastic return means that elastically deforms in response to the rocking of the rocker member and returns the rocker member from its rocking position to its original position. 25. The resilient wheel according to claim 24, wherein the swinging member comprises a swinging shaft, an arcuate flange extending in one direction perpendicular to the swinging shaft, and an arcuate rim formed on the outer end of the flange. 26. A resilient wheel according to claim 25, wherein the rocking member support means has a bearing portion formed with a bearing hole that rotatably supports the rocking shaft of the rocking member. 27. The resilient wheel according to claim 24, wherein resilient edge members are disposed on both sides of the rocking member. 28. The resilient wheel according to claim 24, wherein the resilient return means is a leaf spring bent into an arc shape. 29. The resilient wheel according to claim 24, wherein the resilient return means is made of a rubber material. 30. The resilient wheel according to claim 29, wherein the rubber member is disposed between the circular rim portion and the rocker member. 31. The resilient wheel of claim 25, wherein the pivot shaft of the pivot member has a semicircular cross section and is pivotally disposed within a semicircular groove formed on the outer periphery of the circular rim portion. 32. The resilient wheel according to claim 31, wherein a pair of rubber members are disposed in contact with the upper flat surfaces of the oscillating shafts each having a semicircular cross section. 33. A roller ski comprising a shoe stand on which a skier's shoes are placed and secured, and rotating wheels rotatably attached to the front and rear of the shoe stand, at least one of which is an elastic wheel comprising a wheel support means having a circular rim formed on its outer periphery and a tire portion attached to the circular rim of the wheel support means and elastically deformable in a direction perpendicular to the wheel's direction of travel. 34. The roller ski equipment according to claim 33, wherein wheel support means are provided at the front and rear ends of the shoe stand, and elastic wheels are rotatably supported by the wheel support means. 35. A roller ski device according to claim 34, wherein the wheel support means comprises a wheel support frame and a wheel support shaft attached to one end of the support frame. 36. The roller key tool of claim 33, wherein the shoe stand is provided with a shoe fixing device.