Guessing, but what else could it be - the main spring lifts the shoe/foot/sole part, this brings the wheels closer making the string loose, which then gets rolled around the hub of the back wheel (by a second spring inside). When the smooth operator presses down with their weight, the string turns the rear wheel.
However, design like this would make for a fairly limited top speed that can be achieved by the mechanism alone. Needs gearing.
This is the clearest example I could image search (gif):
... actually:
This thing also operates in the same way, just without the gravity assist:
Where can I buy these?
These look like they would be pretty nifty. The bigger wheels would be an advantage over most 'inline' skates.
how would bigger wheels be an advantage?
More easily roll over imperfections in the surfaces you skate on
Here's another image: https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2667/3693218848_3e53db3d64_z.jpg?zz=1
Looks like there's a cable that spins the rear wheel when one presses down.
Reminds me a bit of the Barbie roller skates that sparked when you pushed them down.
those look sick as fuck, tho turning quickly is probably not their strongest point
I desperately want to see these in action.
How do these work? It looks like there a reciprocating mechanism of some kind but I don't see any sort of chain that acts as a driveshaft.
Here's the patent, though I'm not sure I really understand it: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/5d/0a/ca/37a6df64179256/US809980.pdf
Guessing, but what else could it be - the main spring lifts the shoe/foot/sole part, this brings the wheels closer making the string loose, which then gets rolled around the hub of the back wheel (by a second spring inside). When the smooth operator presses down with their weight, the string turns the rear wheel.
However, design like this would make for a fairly limited top speed that can be achieved by the mechanism alone. Needs gearing.
This is the clearest example I could image search (gif):
... actually:
This thing also operates in the same way, just without the gravity assist:
Petition to bring these back.
bruder muss los
Makes me want to read The Diamond Age again