James Leonard Plimpton

 James Leonard Plimpton (1828, Medfield, Massachusetts - 1911) was an American inventor who is known for changing the skating world with his patented roller skates in 1863. Plimpton's roller skates were safer and easier to use than the existing versions, his "rocker skates" or quad skates allowed people to steer just by leaning to the left or the right. He also opened some of the earliest roller skating rinks in New York City and Newport, Rhode Island. In addition to opening the first, official, roller skating rink he also established the first roller skating club, that included rules of roller skating rink conduct, with how to roller skate lessons, and proficiency tests for skaters to plot their progress.

James Plimpton also invented the Plimpton cabinet bed. He married Harriet Amelia Adams on December 6, 1852. 

Biography of James Leonard Plimpton (1828-1911)

 

James Leonard Plimpton was born in 1828 in Medfield (Massachusetts, USA). His first 16 years he lived on a farm where he discovered his talent as mechanic. He invested his savings in tools, drawing styles and books about mechanic. He built up an atelier in the farm of his father. When he was 16 years old, he left the farm for one year to learn in trade. He left it for a better offer in a bigger establishment in New-Hampshire. Before turning 18 he already became factory manager. During this time, he continued his studies and collected experiences as mechanism. In the age of 21, he funded a firm with his brother in Westfield, Massachusetts in which they built machines.

Plimpton moved to New-York to get in charge of his store.

 

 

His first steps on the quad roller skates

As he wasn't a very athletic nature, his doctor recommended him to practise sport; to be correct, he recommended him to start ice skating to stay in shape. Plimpton was convinced that roller skating would have the same effect on his body as ice skating. That's why he began to improve the usual quad- system to skate better in the corners. His weak ankles caused that he only was able to skate under good conditions.

The initial idea: a better side-stability on ice skates

An article in the Revue of Sport was saying that Plimpton met the outstanding ice skater M. Cook on the sea in the Central Park, New York (USA). This encounter lead Plimpton to the idea to invent an ice skate with better grip:

"... because he reached a high age without ever having tied ice skating. This weird skate is having four blades, two in front and two in the back: a small sled. The blades stay flat. Due to an mounted feather the skater was able to bend to the sides easily. If you look close to this invention, you can see the modern quad. When the ice began to melt, Plimpton's dream grew to keep on skating also in summer. That's how he invented the quad."
Even if his ice skate wasn't successful, his quad got very popular.