History of Rollerblades
Rollerblades are used all over the world for both sport and recreation. Over the past 300 years, inventors have tried various models in attempts to create the perfect in-line skate. Although the design of the rollerblade is continually improving, its foundation has remained the same since its creation in 1983.
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The First In-Line Skate
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The first known in-line skate was created by a Dutchman in the early 1700's. In his effort to imitate an ice skate, he nailed wooden spools to the bottom of his shoes. These first in-line skate models were known as "Skeelers."
Roller Skates
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The public failed to catch on to the in-line skate concept, so in 1963 an American named James Plimpton created the roller skate. This skate design was comprised of four wheels per skate, using a two-by-two wheel formation similar to an automobile. In 1959, the metal wheeled roller skate became mass-produced and marked the first significant upgrade in 29 years. A second important addition came in the form of polyurethane wheels in 1973. Despite periodic upgrades, the basic outline of the roller skate would hold consistent over the next 10 years.
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Rollerblades
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Scott Olson and his brother, Brennan Olson, were hockey players in Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the early the 1980's. While in a sporting goods store, the brothers stumbled upon an old pair of roller skates based on James Plimpton's design. In an effort to create a skate that would serve as a training tool in the offseason, Scott and Brennan began reworking the wheel placement. Upon adding a rubber toe-brake and polyurethane wheels to their ice hockey boots, the brothers had sketched the first rollerblade.
Rollerblade Inc.
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Scott Olson, founder of Rollerblade Inc., began mass-producing the in-line skate in 1983. Even though the concept of the rollerblade drew the attention of many hockey players and recreational users, consumers began finding flaws within the Olson brothers' design. Scott and Brennan sold Rollerblade Inc. to owners who could afford to invest money and rework the original model. The second model, constructed under new ownership, put each flaw to rest. The Lightning TRS was the first successful rollerblade sold in the United States.
Modern In-Line Skates
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Contemporary design and advanced technology were the building blocks for Bert Lovitt and Warren Winslow's LandRoller. In 1999, the inventors opened LandRoller in order to produce, manufacture and market their version of the classic in-line skate. Bert and Warren's skate uses two side-mounted angled wheels that result in greater stability, a smoother ride and a longer glide time.
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References
- Photo Credit http://mrg.bz/sKfxiE (Morguefile)
