ATR Braking System for In-Line Skates
Development History
Advanced Technical Research Inc. (ATR) developed and helped commercialize the ABT Extreme braking system for the RollerbladeÒ Coyote off-road skate in the late 1990's – Click Here to watch the Coyote Off-Road QuickTime Movie.
Figure 1 – Rollerblade Coyote All-Terrain Skate
Prior to this, ATR developed and extensively tested a version of this braking system for fitness skates. The ATR fitness skate braking system is similar to, but much smaller than the Coyote braking system. The braking system consists of a small brake drum, two brake bands, and a mechanical linkage between the brake bands and the cuff of the skate. The brake drum and brake bands are located in the space above and between two of the skate wheels. A fitness skate prototype with the brake installed between the two rear wheels is shown in Figure 2 (left frame of the prototype is removed to show the ATR braking system).
Figure 2 – Fitness Skate With ATR Brake Between Two Rear Wheels
In the prototype of Figure 2, the brake drum is a metal tube about one inch long and one inch in diameter. An insulating tire wraps around the center portion of the brake drum. The insulating tire is about one-half inch wide and is made from a plastic material similar to that used for oven bake ware handles. Two brake bands wrap around and support the brake drum – the brake drum "floats" within the brake bands above the skate wheels. The lower ends of the brake bands mount to the skate frame between the two wheels. A mechanical linkage connects the ends of the brake bands to the skate cuff.
The skater applies the ATR brake in the same way as RollerbladeÒ ABT braking systems – by moving the braking foot forward and causing the skate cuff to rotate to the rear. Here's a comparison:
- For Rollerblade ABT braking systems, cuff rotation causes a mechanical linkage to move a rubber brake pad into contact with the ground. Sliding friction between the brake pad and the ground slows the skater down
- For the ATR braking system, cuff rotation causes a mechanical linkage to move the brake drum into rolling contact with the two skate wheels. The insulating tire presses tightly into and rolls against the skate wheels, and the brake bands squeeze tightly around each end of the brake drum. This causes equal braking to be applied to the two skate wheels, and slows the skater down
Other prototypes were built with the ATR brake between the center wheels of the skate – see Figure 3. This prototype has much better braking performance compared to the prototype of Figure 2.
Figure 3 - Fitness Skate With ATR Brake Between
Advantages of the ATR Braking System
The performance of the ATR braking system has been proven through extensive laboratory testing and outdoor skating tests - see Figure 4 and Figure 5. It offers the following advantages:
- Brake is easy to apply, and provides outstanding and precise speed control
- Kids and beginners can set the brake to be lightly engaged for normal skating. The smooth action of the braking system helps them learn to skate and brake without losing control of speed or balance. It keeps them from going too fast before they're ready – greatly improved safety!
- Advanced skaters can precisely control speed, even while skating through turns. Brake does not cause excessive wheel wear like T-stops can
- Brake is compact and completely contained within the frame of the skate – it does not get in the way like a heel brake can
- "Panic" stopping distances are 15 percent shorter compared to a standard heel brake or Rollerblade ABT
- Brake is lightweight and very durable
- Brake provides smooth and consistent braking on rough surfaces. A standard heel brake and Rollerblade ABT can sometimes catch or grab cracks or uneven rough areas of the skating surface – not so with the ATR braking system
Other Notes of Interest
- Brake does not overheat or cause excessive wear to the braking wheels
- Brake does not affect wheel rotation – rotate them just as you normally would
- Brake is not prone to jamming or failures that could cause loss of braking
- Brake is moderate in cost
The ATR braking system is protected by the following U.S. Patents:
ATR owns all U.S. Patent rights
Commercialization Interests
ATR is interested in finding partners to commercialize the ATR braking system as a specialty product. The braking system offers improved safety for beginner skaters as well as improved speed control and braking for all skaters. One possible product is a high-end frame that contains the ATR braking system. The bicycle marketplace has a niche for high-end brakes, and ATR believes that a similar niche exists for the high-end skating market.
Please contact Bob Hoskin at 770 814 2454 or advtechresearch@mindspring.com if you have a serious interest in being a commercialization partner.