WO2008123889A1

WO2008123889A1 - In-line skates, skate wheels and wheel hubs

Info

Publication number: WO2008123889A1
Application number: PCT/US2007/073980
Authority: WO
Inventors: John A. Roderick; David R. Willis
Original assignee: Mearthane Products Corp
Current assignee: Mearthane Products Corp
Priority date: 2007-04-09
Filing date: 2007-07-20
Publication date: 2008-10-16
Anticipated expiration: 2009-10-09
Also published as: US20080246330A1

Abstract

A skate wheel (10) for an in-line skate (100) includes a skate wheel hub (12) having an inner hub (16), an outer rim (18), and, extending therebetween, a plurality of blade-form spokes (20, 20A, 20B). A skate tire (14) is mounted upon an outer surface (50) of the outer rim (18) of the skate wheel hub (12). Opposed surfaces (36, 38) of adjacent blade-form spokes (20, 20A, 20B), in cooperation with opposed surfaces (32, 34) of the inner hub (16) and the outer rim (18), define airflow passageways (40) through the skate wheel (10). Each blade-form spoke (20, 20A, 20B) includes a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface (22) exposed at a skate wheel face (24, 28), a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface (26) exposed in a region of a center plane (CP) defined by the skate wheel (10), and a body (30) extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces (22, 26). Also described are in-line skates (100) with skate wheels (10) of the disclosure, and skate wheel hubs (12) for such skates (100).

Description

In-line Skates, Skate Wheels and Wheel Hubs

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to in-line skates, and to skate wheels and skate wheel hubs for in-line skates.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In-line skates typically have a boot, shoe or other footwear device for attaching the skate upon the foot of a wearer, with an elongated wheel frame attached to the sole. The wheel frame often has a u-shape, with a pair of generally down- pending sidewalls defining a channel for receiving multiple skate wheels, e.g. 3 wheels to 5 wheels or more are typical. The skate wheels are mounted in a line on wheel axles extending between the sidewalls of the frame. In other skate models, the skate wheel may be mounted in cantilevered fashion from a single sidewall. In both designs, the combination of relatively large diameter skate wheels typical of an in-line skate, e.g. 72 mm to 110mm (about 2.8 inches to about 4.3 inches), and the elongated, down-pending sidewalls (or sidewall), present a significant surface area of resistance to wind blowing from directions transverse to the direction of skater travel. These wind forces are closely focused on the region of skate wheel engagement with a travel surface, and can adversely affect skater stability, performance and efficiency.

SUMMARY [0003] In one aspect, a skate wheel for an in-line skate includes a skate wheel hub having an inner hub, an outer rim, and, extending therebetween, a plurality of blade-form spokes. A skate tire is mounted upon an outer surface of the outer rim of the skate wheel hub. Opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel. Each blade-form spoke includes a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face, a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel, and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces. [0004] In another aspect, a skate wheel for an in-line skate includes a skate wheel hub having an inner hub, an outer rim, and a set of first blade-form spokes and a set of second blade-form spokes extending between the inner hub and the outer rim. Each blade-form spoke includes radially-aligned first and second spoke-edge surfaces and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces. Opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel. A skate tire is mounted upon an outer surface of the outer rim of the skate wheel hub. First spoke-edge surfaces of the first blade-form spokes are exposed at a first face of the skate wheel and second spoke-edge surfaces of the first blade- form spokes are exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel. The first spoke-edge surfaces of the second blade-form spokes are exposed at a second face of the skate wheel and the second spoke-edge surfaces of the second blade-form spokes are exposed substantially in a region of the center plane defined by the skate wheel and opposed to the second spoke-edge surfaces of the first blade-form spokes. The second blade-form spokes are offset from the first blade-form spokes in the direction of travel of the in-line skate by a predetermined arc of rotation about a skate wheel axis.

[0005] Implementations of this aspect of the disclosure may include one or more of the following additional features. The skate wheel hub has between two and twelve pairs of first and second blade-form spokes. In one implementation, the skate wheel hub has nine pairs of first and second blade-form spokes. The predetermined arc of rotation between the first and second blade-form spokes is between about 0° and about 90°. In one implementation, the predetermined arc of rotation between the first and second blade-form spokes is about 15°.

[0006] In yet another aspect, a skate wheel hub for an in-line skate includes an inner hub, an outer rim having an outer surface constructed and arranged for mounting of a skate tire thereupon, and a plurality of blade-form spokes extending between the inner hub and the outer rim. Opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel hub. Each blade-form spoke includes a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face, a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel hub, and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces.

[0007] In another aspect, an in-line skate includes a skate boot or shoe, a skate wheel frame mounted to a sole surface of the skate boot or shoe, and a plurality of skate wheels mounted to the skate wheel frame. Each skate wheel includes a skate wheel hub having an inner hub, an outer rim, and, extending therebetween, a plurality of blade-form spokes. A skate tire is mounted upon an outer surface of the outer rim of the skate wheel hub. Opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel. Each blade-form spoke includes a radially- aligned first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face, a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel, and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke- edge surfaces.

[0008] In another aspect, a skate wheel hub for an in-line skate includes an inner hub, an outer rim having an outer surface constructed and arranged for mounting of a skate tire thereupon, and a plurality of blade-form spokes extending between the inner hub and the outer rim. Opposed surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes, in cooperation with opposed surfaces of the inner hub and the outer rim, define airflow passageways through the skate wheel hub. Each blade-form spoke includes a first spoke-edge surface exposed at a skate wheel face and disposed at an angle to an axis of skate wheel hub rotation, a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface exposed in a region of a center plane defined by the skate wheel hub, and a body extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces.

[0009] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following additional features. The first and second spoke-edge surfaces are relatively offset in a direction of travel of the in-line skate by a predetermined arc of rotation about a skate wheel axis. The predetermined arc of rotation between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces is between about 0° and about 90°. In one implementation, the predetermined arc of rotation between the first and second blade- form spokes is about 15°. The first spoke-edge surfaces of adjacent blade-form spokes are exposed at opposite skate wheel faces. The skate wheel hub has between two and 24 blade-form spokes. In one implementation, the skate wheel hub has 18 blade-form spokes. In some examples, the blade-form spokes are uniformly spaced about the inner hub. The first and second spoke edge surfaces may be smoothly radiused. Each blade-form spoke has a thickness of about 2.75 mm. [0010] Each blade-form spoke intersects the opposed surface of the inner hub at an angle of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane of a face of the skate wheel hub generally perpendicular to a wheel axis. In one implementation, each blade-form spoke intersects the opposed surface of the inner hub at an angle of about 75°, measured from the plane of the face of the skate wheel hub generally perpendicular to the skate wheel axis. Each blade-form spoke intersects the opposed surface of the outer rim at an angle of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane of a face of the skate wheel hub generally perpendicular to a skate wheel axis. In one implementation, each blade-form spoke intersects the opposed surface of the outer rim at an angle of about 65°, measured from the plane of the face of the skate wheel hub generally perpendicular to the skate wheel axis. [0011] The first spoke-edge surface is recessed from a plane of an associated first end of the inner hub. The first spoke-edge surface is also recessed from a plane of an associated first end of the outer rim. In some examples, the inner surface of the outer rim has a substantially constant diameter. The outer surface of the outer rim is substantially convex in shape. In some instances, the outer surface of the outer rim defines an upstanding, generally circumferential ridge. In some examples, the first spoke-edge surface extends from a skate wheel face to the region of the center plane defined by the skate wheel hub.

[0012] Objects of the disclosure include providing in-line skates, skate wheels and skate wheel hubs defining air passageways through the hubs of the skate wheels, effective to diminish adverse effects of wind forces impinging against the surface area of skate wheels and wheel frame sidewalls transverse to the direction of skater travel. [0013] The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings, and in the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one implementation of an in-line skate wheel.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a side view of the in-line skate wheel of FIG. 1. [0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a skate wheel hub of an in-line skate wheel.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a top view of a skate wheel hub.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of a skate wheel hub. [0019] FIG. 6 is a top section view taken at the line 6-6 of FIG. 5

[0020] FIG. 7 is a top section view taken at the line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a side view of another implementation of an in-line skate wheel. [0022] FIG. 9 is a top view of an in-line skate wheel.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a partial face view of an in-line skate having in-line skate wheels.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a toe end view of an in-line skate having in-line skate wheels. [0025] Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Referring to FIGs. 1-5, an in-line skate wheel 10 has a skate wheel hub

12 to which is mounted an in-line skate tire 14. The tire 14 may be constructed of urethane or other suitable materials, and formed according to the methods of U.S. No. 6,036,278 and/or U.S. Patent No. 6,227,622, the complete disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. The skate wheel hub 12 has an inner hub 16 and an outer rim 18, with a plurality of blade-form spokes 20 extending therebetween. For example, eighteen spokes are shown in the implementations of FIGs. 2 and 5, while the implementation of FIG. 8 has ten spokes, respectively. The blade-form spokes 20 are uniformly spaced about the in-line skate wheel axis, X, e.g. in the implementations of FIG. 2, the blade-form spokes 20 are spaced at regular, uniform intervals, S, e.g. about 20°. In implementations with other numbers of blade-form spokes 20, the intervals are different, e.g. in the implementation of FIG. 8, with 10 spokes, the interval, S, is about 36°. Non-uniform spacing of the blade-form spokes 20 about the in-line skate wheel axis, X, is possible as well. The inner hub 16, outer rim 18 and blade-form spokes 20 may be integrally molded, e.g. of thermoplastic urethane (TPU) or other suitable material.

[0027] Referring to FIGs. 3-5, each blade-form spoke 20 has a radially- aligned first spoke-edge surface 22 exposed at a first face 24 of the in-line skate wheel 10, and a radially-aligned, opposite, second spoke-edge surface 26 exposed substantially at a center plane CP defined by the in-line skate wheel 10 (FIG. 4), with a spoke body 30 extending smoothly therebetween. In some examples, the first spoke edge surface 22 and the opposite, second spoke edge surface 26 are smoothly radiused (see e.g., FIGs. 6-7). The first and second spoke-edge surfaces 22, 26 are generally aligned with radii, I, of the in-line skate wheel 10 and hub 12, and disposed perpendicular to the axis, X, of in-line wheel rotation. In some examples, the first spoke edge surface 22 is disposed at an angle to the axis, X, of in-line wheel rotation (e.g. extending from a first face 24 of the in-line skate wheel 10 to substantially at a center plane CP). The first spoke-edge surface 22 and the second spoke-edge surface 26 of each blade-form spoke 20 are relatively offset from each other in a direction of travel of in-line skate (arrow, T; FIG. 10) by a predetermined arc of rotation, A, of the in-line skate wheel about its axis, X. The magnitude of the arc of rotation of the offset may be in the range of about 0° to about 90°, e.g. about 20°.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 5, the blade-form spokes 20 may be positioned about the hub 12 in pairs of first and second blade-form spokes 2OA, 2OB. The first spoke- edge surface 22 of the first blade-form spoke 2OA is exposed at the first face 24 of the skate wheel 10 and the second spoke-edge surface 26 of the first blade-form spoke 2OA is exposed in a region of, e.g. substantially at, or at, the center plane CP defined by the skate wheel 10. The first spoke-edge surface 22 of the second blade-form spoke 2OB is exposed at a second face 28 of the skate wheel 10 and the second spoke- edge surface 26 of the second blade-form spoke 2OB is exposed in a region of, e.g. substantially at, or at, the center plane CP defined by the skate wheel 10, opposed to the second spoke-edge surface 26 of the first blade- form spoke 2OA. The second blade-form spoke 2OB is offset from the first blade-form spoke in the direction of travel T of an in-line skate 100 by a predetermined arc of rotation about the skate wheel axis X. The skate wheel hub 12 has between two and twelve pairs of first and second blade-form spokes 2OA, 2OB. In one implementation, the skate wheel hub 12 has nine pairs of first and second blade-form spokes 2OA, 2OB. The predetermined arc of rotation S between the first blade-form spoke 2OA and the second blade-form spoke 2OB is between about 0° and about 90°. In one implementation, the predetermined arc of rotation between the first blade-form spoke 2OA and the second blade-form spoke 2OB is about 15°. [0029] Referring to FIGs. 6-7, The blade-form spokes 20 extend between the outer surface 32 of the inner hub 16 and the opposed inner surface 34 of the outer rim 18. At the inner ends, relatively closer to the axis, X, of the in-line skate wheel 10 and hub 12, the blade-form spokes 20 intersect with the outer surface 32 of the inner hub 16 at an angle, H, e.g. between about 15° and about 85°, and preferably about 75°, measured from a plane, V, of the first face 24 of the in-line skate wheel 10. At the outer ends, relatively further from the axis, X, of the in-line skate wheel 10 and hub 12, the blade-form spokes 20 intersect with the inner surface 34 of the outer rim 18 at an angle, R, e.g. between about 15° and about 85°, and preferably about 65°, measured from plane, F of the face 28 of the in-line skate wheel. The angle R can be measured relative the axis X, as angle Rl . The body 30 of each blade-form spoke 20 has a uniform thickness, B, e.g. about 2.75 mm. The opposed surfaces 36, 38 of adjacent blade-form spokes 20, in cooperation with opposed surfaces 32, 34 of the inner hub 16 and the outer rim 18, respectively, define airflow passageways 40 through the skate wheel 10, e.g. for reducing the combined effective surface area of the skate wheels 10 and the skate wheel frame 104 (FIGS. 10-11) and thus the resistance to wind blowing from directions transverse to the direction of skater travel (arrow, T), thereby to reduce potentially adverse effects, e.g. on skater stability, performance and efficiency. Air passing through the airflow passageways 40 cool the wheel 10. In some examples, the air cools the skate wheel tire 14, thereby reducing adverse tire characteristics associated with elevated temperatures. [0030] Referring again to FIGs. 5 and 9, the first spoke-edge surface 22 is recessed from the plane, C, of an associated first end 44 of the inner hub 16, and recessed from the plane, D, of an associated first end 46 of the outer rim 18. The second spoke-edge surface 26 is recessed from the plane, E, of an associated, opposite second end 45 of the inner hub 16, and from the plane, V, of an associated, opposite second end 47 of the outer rim 18. The face planes (V) and the planes (C, D; E, F) of the respective inner hub ends 44, 45 and outer rim ends 46, 48 at each face 24, 28 of the skate wheel 10 may coincide, as shown. All are generally perpendicular the axis, X, of the skate wheel 10 and skate well hub 12, which also coincide.

[0031] Referring to FIG. 7, the inner surface 34 of the outer rim 18 has a substantially constant diameter. The outer surface 50 of the outer rim 18 is substantially convex in shape, with an upstanding, generally circumferential ridge 52 and a generally circumferential flat ring 54 in a region adjacent to the generally circumferential ridge 52, e.g. to enhance securement of the skate wheel tire 14 upon the skate wheel hub 12.

[0032] Referring to FIGs. 5-9, in some implementations, the skate wheel 10 has an outer diameter, J, of between about 72 mm and about 110 mm, and a maximum width, K, measured in the region of the outer rim 18 of the skate wheel hub 12, of about 24 mm. The skate wheel hub has a similar width, L, e.g. about 24 mm (FIG. 7). The outer rim 18 of the skate wheel hub 12 has a diameter, M, e.g. about 62 mm, at the edges, and an overall diameter, N, e.g. about 70 mm at the crown. The inner hub 16 of the skate wheel hub 12 has an outer diameter, P, e.g. about 29 mm, and defines an inner bore 56 having an inner diameter, Q, e.g. about 22 mm, for mounting to the axle 112 of an in-line skate 100 (FIGs. 10-11). The inner wall 58 of the bore 56 defines multiple lands or pads 60 for engagement of with an axle. [0033] Referring to FIGs. 10 and 11, a typical in-line skate 100 has a boot, shoe or other footwear device 102 for attaching the skate 100 upon the foot of a wearer, with an elongated wheel frame 104 attached to the footwear device sole 106. The wheel frame 104 often has a u-shape, with a pair of generally down-pending sidewalls 108, 109 defining a channel 110 for receiving multiple skate wheels 10 of the disclosure, e.g. three wheels to five wheels or more are typical. The skate wheels 10 are mounted in a line on wheel axles 112 extending between the sidewalls 108, 109 of the wheel frame 104. In other skate models (not shown), the skate wheel may be mounted in cantilevered fashion from a single sidewall. In both designs, the combination of relatively large diameter skate wheels 10 typical of an in-line skate 100, e.g. 72 mm to 110mm (about 2.8 inches to about 4.3 inches) and the elongated, down-pending sidewalls 108, 109 (or sidewall) present a significant surface area of resistance to winds blowing from directions transverse to the direction of skater travel. These wind forces are closely focused on the region of skate wheel engagement with a travel surface, G, and can adversely affect skater stability, performance and efficiency, but the effect is diminished according to the in-line skate 100, skate wheel 10 and skate wheel hub 12 of the disclosure, as the airflow passageways 40 defined through the skate wheel 10 serve to reduce the combined effective surface area of the skate wheels 10 and the skate wheel frame 104, and thus the resistance to wind blowing from directions transverse to the direction of skater travel (arrow, T). [0034] A number of implementations of the disclosure have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A skate wheel (10) for an in-line skate (100), comprising: a skate wheel hub (12) comprising: an inner hub (16); an outer rim (18); and a plurality of blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B) extending between the inner hub (16) and the outer rim (18), wherein opposed surfaces (36, 38) of adjacent blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B), in cooperation with opposed surfaces (32, 34) of the inner hub (16) and the outer rim (18), define airflow passageways (40) through the skate wheel (10); and a skate tire (14) mounted upon an outer surface (50) of the outer rim (18)of the skate wheel hub (12); wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) comprises: a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface (22) exposed at a skate wheel face (24, 28) ; a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface (26) exposed in a region of a center plane (CP) defined by the skate wheel (10); and a body (30) extending smoothly between the first and second spoke- edge surfaces (22, 26).

2. The skate wheel (10) of claim 1, wherein the first spoke-edge surface (22) and the second spoke-edge surfaces (26) are relatively offset in a direction of travel (T) of the in-line skate (100) by a predetermined arc of rotation (A) about a skate wheel axis (X).

3. The skate wheel (10) as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined arc of rotation (A) between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces (22, 26) is between about 0° and about 90°.

4. The skate wheel (10) of claim 3, wherein the predetermined arc of rotation (A) between the first and second blade-form spokes (22, 26) is about 15°.

5. The skate wheel (10) as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first spoke-edge surfaces (22) of adjacent blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B) are exposed at opposite skate wheel faces (24, 28).

6. The skate wheel (10) as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the skate wheel hub (12) has between two and 24 blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B).

7. The skate wheel (10) of claim 6, wherein the skate wheel hub (12) has 18 blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B).

8. The skate wheel (10) as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the blade- form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B) are uniformly spaced about the inner hub (16).

9. The skate wheel (10) as in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second spoke edge surfaces (22, 26) are smoothly radiused.

10. The skate wheel (10) as in any of the preceding claims, wherein each blade- form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) has a thickness of about 2.75 mm.

11. The skate wheel (10) as in any of the preceding claims, wherein each blade - form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the inner hub (16) at an angle (H) of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane (V) of a face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (16) generally perpendicular to a wheel axis (X).

12. The skate wheel (10) of claim 11 wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the inner hub (16) at an angle (H) of about 75°, measured from the plane (V) of the face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (16) generally perpendicular to the skate wheel axis (X).

13. The skate wheel (10) as in any of the preceding claims, wherein each blade- form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the outer rim (18) at an angle (R) of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane (V) of a face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (12) generally perpendicular to a skate wheel axis (X).

14. The skate wheel (10) of claim 13, wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the outer rim (18) at an angle (R) of about 65°, measured from the plane (V) of the face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (12) generally perpendicular to the skate wheel axis (X).

15. A skate wheel (10) for an in-line skate (100), comprising: a skate wheel hub (12) comprising: an inner hub (16); an outer rim (18); and a set of first blade-form spokes (20A) and a set of second blade-form spokes (20B), each extending between the inner hub (16) and the outer rim (18), each blade-form spoke (2OA, 20B) comprises radially-aligned first and second spoke-edge surfaces (22, 26) and a body (30) extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces (22, 26), wherein opposed surfaces (36, 38) of adjacent blade- form spokes (2OA, 20B), in cooperation with opposed surfaces (32, 34) of the inner hub (16) and the outer rim (18), define airflow passageways (40) through the skate wheel (10); and a skate tire (14) mounted upon an outer surface (50) of the outer rim (18) of the skate wheel hub (12); wherein first spoke-edge surfaces (22) of the first blade-form spokes (20A) are exposed at a first face (24) of the skate wheel (10) and second spoke-edge surfaces (26) of the first blade-form spokes (20A) are exposed in a region of a center plane (CP) defined by the skate wheel (10); and wherein the first spoke-edge surfaces (22) of the second blade-form spokes (20B) are exposed at a second face (28) of the skate wheel (10) and the second spoke- edge surfaces (26) of the second blade-form spokes (20B) are exposed in a region of the center plane (CP) defined by the skate wheel (10).

16. The skate wheel (10) of claim 15, wherein the first and second spoke-edge surfaces (22, 26) are relatively offset in a direction of travel (T) of the in-line skate (100) by a predetermined arc of rotation (A) about a skate wheel axis (X).

17. The skate wheel (10) of claim 16, wherein the predetermined arc of rotation (A) between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces (22, 26) is between about 0° and about 90°.

18. The skate wheel (10) of claim 17, wherein the predetermined arc of rotation (A) between the first and second blade-form spokes (2OA, 20B) is about 15°.

19. The skate wheel (10) as in any of claims 15-18, wherein the skate wheel hub (12) has between two and twelve pairs of first and second blade-form spokes (2OA, 20B).

20. The skate wheel (10) of claim 19, wherein the skate wheel hub (12) has nine pairs of first and second blade-form spokes (2OA, 20B).

21. The skate wheel (10) as in any of claims 15-20, wherein the blade-form spokes (2OA, 20B) are uniformly spaced about the inner hub (16).

22. The skate wheel (10) as in any of claims 15-21, wherein the first and second spoke-edge surfaces (22, 26) are smoothly radiused.

23. The skate wheel (10) as in any of claims 15-22, wherein each blade-form spoke (2OA, 20B) has a thickness of about 2.75 mm.

24. The skate wheel (10) as in any of claims 15-23, wherein the second blade- form spokes (20B) are offset from the first blade-form spokes (20A) in the direction of travel (T) of the in-line skate (100) by a predetermined arc of rotation (A) about a skate wheel axis (X).

25. The skate wheel (10) of claim 24, wherein the predetermined arc of rotation (A) between the first and second blade-form spokes (2OA, 20B) is between about 0° and about 90°.

26. The skate wheel (10) of claim 25, wherein the predetermined arc of rotation (A) between the first and second blade-form spokes (2OA, 20B) is about 15°.

27. The skate wheel (10) as in any of claims 15-26, wherein the first spoke-edge surfaces (22) of the second blade-form spokes (20B) are opposed to the second spoke- edge surfaces (26) of the first blade-form spokes (20A).

28. The skate wheel (10) as in any of claims 15-27, wherein the first spoke-edge surface (22) is recessed from a plane (C) of an associated first end (44) of the inner hub (16).

29. The skate wheel (10) as in any of claims 15-28, wherein the first spoke-edge surface (22) is recessed from a plane (D) of an associated first end (46) of the outer rim (18).

30. The skate wheel (10) as in any of claims 15-29, wherein the inner surface (34) of the outer rim (18) has a substantially constant diameter.

31. The skate wheel (10) as in any of claims 15-30, wherein each blade-form spoke (2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the inner hub (16) at an angle (H) of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane (V) of a face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (16) generally perpendicular to a wheel axis (X).

32. The skate wheel of claim 31 , wherein each blade-form spoke (2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the inner hub (16) at an angle (H) of about 75°, measured from the plane (V) of the face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (16) generally perpendicular to the skate wheel axis (X).

33. The skate wheel as in any of claims 15-32, wherein each blade-form spoke (2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the outer rim (18) at an angle (R) of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane (V) of a face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (12) generally perpendicular to a skate wheel axis (X).

34. The skate wheel of claim 33, wherein each blade-form spoke (2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the outer rim (18) at an angle (R) of about 65°, measured from the plane (V) of the face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (12) generally perpendicular to the skate wheel axis (X).

35. A skate wheel hub (12) for an in-line skate (100), comprising an inner hub (16); an outer rim (18) having an outer surface (50) constructed and arranged for mounting of a skate tire (14) thereupon; and a plurality of blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B) extending between the inner hub (16) and the outer rim (18), wherein opposed surfaces (36, 38) of adjacent blade- form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B), in cooperation with opposed surfaces (32, 34) of the inner hub (16) and the outer rim (18), define airflow passageways (40) through the skate wheel hub (12); and wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) comprises: a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface (22) exposed at a skate wheel face (24, 28) ; a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface (26) exposed in a region of a center plane (CP) defined by the skate wheel (10); and a body (30) extending smoothly between the first and second spoke- edge surfaces (22, 26).

36. The skate wheel hub (12) of claim 35, wherein the first and second spoke-edge surfaces (22, 26) are relatively offset in a direction of travel (T) of the in-line skate (100) by a predetermined arc of rotation (A) about a skate wheel axis (X).

37. The skate wheel hub (12) of claim 36, wherein the predetermined arc of rotation (A) between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces (22, 26) is between about 0° and about 90°.

38. The skate wheel hub (12) of claim 37, wherein the predetermined arc of rotation (A) between the first and second blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B) is about 20°.

39. The skate wheel hub (12) as in any of claims 35-38, wherein the first spoke - edge surfaces (22) of adjacent blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B) are exposed at opposite skate wheel hub faces (24, 28).

40. The skate wheel hub (12) as in any of claims 35-39, wherein the skate wheel hub (12) has between two and 24 blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B).

41. The skate wheel hub (12) of claim 40, wherein the skate wheel hub (12) has 18 blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B).

42. The skate wheel hub (12) as in any of claims 35-41, wherein the blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B) are uniformly spaced about the inner hub (16).

43. The skate wheel hub (12) as in any of claims 35-42, wherein the first and second spoke edge surfaces (22, 26) are smoothly radiused.

44. The skate wheel hub (12) as in any of claims 35-43, wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) has a thickness of about 2.75 mm.

45. The skate wheel hub (12) as in any of claims 35-44, wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the inner hub (16) at an angle (H) of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane (V) of a face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (16) generally perpendicular to a wheel axis (X).

46. The skate wheel hub (12) of claim 45, wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the inner hub (16) at an angle (H) of about 75°, measured from the plane (V) of the face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (16) generally perpendicular to the skate wheel axis (X).

47. The skate wheel hub (12) as in any of claims 35-46, wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the outer rim (18) at an angle (R) of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane (V) of a face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (12) generally perpendicular to a skate wheel axis (X).

48. The skate wheel hub (12) of claim 47, wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the outer rim (18) at an angle (R) of about 65°, measured from the plane (V) of the face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (12) generally perpendicular to the skate wheel axis (X).

49. The skate wheel hub (12) as in any of claims 35-48, wherein the inner surface (34) of the outer rim (18) has a substantially constant diameter.

50. The skate wheel hub (12) as in any of claims 35-49, wherein the outer surface (50) of the outer rim (18) is substantially convex in shape.

51. The skate wheel hub (12) of claim 50, wherein the outer surface (50) of the outer rim (18) defines an upstanding, generally circumferential ridge (52).

52. The skate wheel hub (12) of claim 51 , wherein the outer surface (50) of the outer rim (18) defines a generally circumferential flat ring (54) in a region adjacent to the generally circumferential ridge (52).

53. The skate wheel hub (12) as in any of claims 35-52, wherein the first spoke- edge surface (22) is recessed from a plane (C) of an associated first end (44) of the inner hub (16).

54. The skate wheel hub (12) as in any of claims 35-53, wherein the first spoke- edge surface (22) is recessed from a plane (D) of an associated first end (46) of the outer rim (18).

55. An in-line skate (100) comprising: a skate boot or shoe (102); a skate wheel frame (104) mounted to a sole surface (106) of the skate boot or shoe (102); and a plurality of skate wheels (10) mounted to the skate wheel frame (104), each skate wheel (10) comprising: a skate wheel hub (12) comprising: an inner hub (16); an outer rim (18); and a plurality of blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B) extending between the inner hub (16) and the outer rim (18), wherein opposed surfaces (36, 38) of adjacent blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B), in cooperation with opposed surfaces (32, 34) of the inner hub (16) and the outer rim (18), define airflow passageways (40) through the skate wheel (10); and a skate tire (14) mounted upon an outer surface (50) of the outer rim (18)of the skate wheel hub (12); wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) comprises: a radially-aligned first spoke-edge surface (22) exposed at a skate wheel face (24, 28) ; a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface

(26) exposed in a region of a center plane (CP) defined by the skate wheel (10); and a body (30) extending smoothly between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces (22, 26).

56. The in-line skate (100) of claim 55, wherein the first spoke-edge surface (22) and the second spoke-edge surfaces (26) are relatively offset in a direction of travel (T) of the in-line skate (100) by a predetermined arc of rotation (A) about a skate wheel axis (X).

57. The in-line skate (100) of claim 56, wherein the predetermined arc of rotation (A) between the first and second spoke-edge surfaces (22, 26) is between about 0° and about 90°.

58. The in-line skate (100) of claim 57, wherein the predetermined arc of rotation (A) between the first and second blade-form spokes (22, 26) is about 15°.

59. The in-line skate (100) as in any of claims 55-58, wherein the first spoke-edge surfaces (22) of adjacent blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B) are exposed at opposite skate wheel faces (24, 28).

60. The in-line skate (100) as in any of claims 55-59, wherein the skate wheel hub (12) has between two and 24 blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B).

61. The in-line skate (100) of claim 60, wherein the skate wheel hub (12) has 18 blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B).

62. The in-line skate (100) as in any of claims 55-61, wherein the blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B) are uniformly spaced about the inner hub (16).

63. The in-line skate (100) as in any of claims 55-62, wherein the first and second spoke edge surfaces (22, 26) are smoothly radiused.

64. The in-line skate (100) as in any of claims 55-63, wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) has a thickness of about 2.75 mm.

65. The in-line skate (100) as in any of claims 55-64, wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the inner hub (16) at an angle (H) of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane (V) of a face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (16) generally perpendicular to a wheel axis (X).

66. The in-line skate (100) of claim 65, wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the inner hub (16) at an angle (H) of about 75°, measured from the plane (V) of the face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (16) generally perpendicular to the skate wheel axis (X).

67. The in-line skate (100) as in any of claims 55-66, wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the outer rim (18) at an angle (R) of between about 15° and about 85°, measured from a plane (V) of a face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (12) generally perpendicular to a skate wheel axis (X).

68. The in-line skate (100) of claim 67, wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) intersects the opposed surface (34) of the outer rim (18) at an angle (R) of about 65°, measured from the plane (V) of the face (24, 28) of the skate wheel hub (12) generally perpendicular to the skate wheel axis (X).

69. A skate wheel hub (12) for an in-line skate (100), comprising an inner hub (16); an outer rim (18) having an outer surface (50) constructed and arranged for mounting of a skate tire (14) thereupon; and a plurality of blade-form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B) extending between the inner hub (16) and the outer rim (18), wherein opposed surfaces (36, 38) of adjacent blade- form spokes (20, 2OA, 20B), in cooperation with opposed surfaces (32, 34) of the inner hub (16) and the outer rim (18), define airflow passageways (40) through the skate wheel hub (12); and wherein each blade-form spoke (20, 2OA, 20B) comprises: a first spoke-edge surface (22) exposed at a skate wheel face (24, 28) and disposed at an angle (Rl) to an axis of skate wheel hub rotation (X); a radially aligned opposite, second spoke-edge surface (26) exposed in a region of a center plane (CP) defined by the skate wheel hub (12); and a body (30) extending smoothly between the first and second spoke- edge surfaces (22, 26).

70. The skate wheel hub (12) of claim 69 wherein the first spoke-edge surface (22) extends from a skate wheel face (24, 28) to the region of the center plane CP) defined by the skate wheel hub (12).