Speed control pole for in-line skating

Abstract

The present invention relates to a speed control pole to be used by a skater. The speed control pole has an elongated shaft with an upper end and a lower end, a roller/wheel mounted to the lower end of the shaft, a braking mechanism for contacting the roller, and a hand grip system for actuating the braking mechanism. The braking mechanism includes a brake pad which is caused to be moved inwardly against the roller and downwardly into contact with a skating surface when actuated. The brake pad includes an arcuately shaped surface for contacting the roller and a lower surface formed by two angled substantially planar surfaces. During a braking mode of operation, the arcuately shaped surface is brought into contact with the roller. During a pushing off mode of operation, the arcuately shaped surface remains in contact with the roller and the substantially planar surfaces are sequentially brought into contact with the skating surface.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.