CA2243095A1 - Ice skate blade assembly - Google Patents
Ice skate blade assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2243095A1 CA2243095A1 CA 2243095 CA2243095A CA2243095A1 CA 2243095 A1 CA2243095 A1 CA 2243095A1 CA 2243095 CA2243095 CA 2243095 CA 2243095 A CA2243095 A CA 2243095A CA 2243095 A1 CA2243095 A1 CA 2243095A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- holder
- runner
- ice skate
- cavities
- cavity
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C1/00—Skates
- A63C1/30—Skates with special blades
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63C—SKATES; SKIS; ROLLER SKATES; DESIGN OR LAYOUT OF COURTS, RINKS OR THE LIKE
- A63C1/00—Skates
- A63C1/30—Skates with special blades
- A63C1/303—Skates with special blades removably fastened to the blade holder
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- Footwear And Its Accessory, Manufacturing Method And Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
The skate holder of the present invention is of a design which is suitable for molding and allows a longer runner to be secured for a given size boot. The skate holder uses a combination of large upwardly opening cavities and smaller downwardly opening cavities to increase the size of the runner that can be received for a given size skate boot. In addition, the holder allows two different types of runner securement to be used. One securement arrangement uses vertical ports and the second securement arrangement uses horizontal ports.
Description
CA 0224309~ l998-07-lO
WH-10,143CA
TITLE: ICE SKATE BLADE ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to ice skates and has particular application with respect to hockey skates. The invention is directed to an improved holder and replaceable runner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ice skates with replaceable runners are very common with the replaceable runner being of steel and the holder being of a molded synthetic resin material such as a reinforced nylon. Care must be taken with respect to the molding of the holder to avoid problems caused by unequal cooling of the material during the molding process.
There are two main methods for securing of a replaceable runner to a holder and each method secures the runner at two locations which are positioned inwardly of the ends of the runner. One securement method uses a horizontal fastening arrangement where mechanical fasteners pass through horizontal ports in the runner as well as horizontal ports in the holder. The mechanical fastening arrangement draws the holder into contact with the runner.
The second method uses a vertical securing arrangement where two bolts are secured to the runner at different locations. Each bolt passes upwardly through the holder into an upwardly opening cavity of the holder and a nut is threaded on the bolt and draws the tunner into the engagement with the holder. This second method requires access to the upwardly opening cavities to tighten the nut and this arrangement makes it difficult to replace the runner after the holder has been secured to a skate.
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The present invention provides an ice skate blade assembly with improved operating characteristics while providing a holder which is easily molded.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An ice skate blade assembly according to the present invention comprises in combination a blade holder molded from a resin material which has an upwardly opening hollow cavity arrangement with a flange structure at the upper edge thereof for securing of the holder to a skate boot. The hollow cavity arrangement at a lower edge thereof includes a pair of opposed walls defining a groove therebetween which groove extends the length of the holder and is sized for receiving a runner. An elongate runner is received in the groove and captured either end of the holder. The runner extends downwardly below the groove. A
pair of mechanical securing arrangements cooperate with the holder and the runner to positively retain the runner in the holder. Each mechanical securing arrangement passes through holes in the holder and engages the runner to positively retain the runner in the holder. The mechanical fasteners are located intermediate the length of the runner to define a tip region ext~n~; ng forwardly beyond the mechanical fasteners, an intermediate region between the mechanical fasteners, and a tail region extending rearwardly beyond the mechanical fasteners. The tip region and the tail region each include a downwardly opening cavity located beyond the associated upwardly opening cavity and wherein each downwardly opening cavity is substantially deeper than the groove.
According to an aspect of the invention, each downwardly extending cavity is generally triangular and is located in a triangular end portion of the holder.
According to a further aspect of the invention each downwardly extending cavity is of a width generally of the same width as the groove.
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According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the thickness of the side walls of each downwardly opening cavity increases from the end of the holder to the back of the upward opening cavity.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, each upwardly opening cavity increases in size upwardly from the bottom of the cavity towards the flanged structure.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the side walls of each downwardly opening cavity are reinforced by appropriate distribution of resin material to stiffen the holder at each end portion thereof.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention includes a skate boot connected to the flanged structure of the skate holder. The skate holder is of a molded resin material and includes two upwardly opening cavities. These cavities are spaced one from the other with a boot securing flange and an upper surface of each cavity. One of the hollow cavities is secured adjacent the toe portion of the boot and the other hollow cavity is secured to the heel of the boot. Each hollow cavity increases in width from the bottom to the top thereof with the hollow cavities being connected by a reinforced strut member located between the cavities. The skate holder includes a grooved lower edge for receiving the runner. The grooved lower edge is defined by a central region of the strut member, a support section either side of the strut member defined by such hollow cavities, a tip region defined by a downwardly opening cavity and a trailing region defined by a downwardly opening cavity. The ice skate includes at least two mechanical securing arrangements securing the runner to the holder.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the skate blade assembly showing the holder and the runner;
Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 showing an alternate arrangement for securing of a runner to a holder;
Figure 3 is a sectional view showing attachment of a runner to the holder;
Figure 4 shows a runner held in securement to the holder by a mechanical fastening arrangement;
Figure 5 shows a modified mechanical securing arrangement used after a runner has been used and has become seeded within the holder;
Figure 6 shows the runner secured to the holder with the modified gag fastening arrangement;
Figure 7 is a sectional view through one of the cavities of the holder and illustrates how the holder can be drilled to allow securement of the alternate mechanical fastening arrangement;
Figures 8 and 9 show various steps in the assembling of the alternate mechanical fastening arrangement;
Figure 10 illustrates the improvement possible by the holder of the present invention which results in lengthening of the runner;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of a holder without the benefits of end cavities that are part of the holder of Figure 10; and Figure 12 is a sectional view showing the various cavities of the holder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTI~N OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 shows a blade assembly 2 for a hockey skate and includes a molded synthetic resin holder 4 (typically made of a modified nylon material) and a CA 0224309~ l998-07-lO
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releasable runner 6. The holder 4 and the runner 6, when assembled, are referred to as a skate blade or blade assembly. A releasable runner 6 is fastened to the holder adjacent the lower edge thereof. The upper surface 7 of the runner 6 is received in the elongate recess 20 provided at the lower edge of the holder. Mechanical fasteners 8 include a female part 10 and a male part 14. The female part has a head 11 connected with the threaded sleeve 12.
The male part includes a head 15 and a threaded shank 16 which is received within the threaded sleeve 12 of the female part.
The runner 6 is provided on the upper surface thereof with mounting tabs 9 which are received within associated recesses 58 in the holder. Each of these mounting tabs include a mounting slot 18 sized for receiving the mechanical fasteners 8. The holder is provided with mounting ports 22 for receiving the mechanical fasteners with one part to either side of the holder.
The holder includes boot mounting portions 28 and 30 which allow securement of the holder to the bottom of a skate boot. Boot mounting member 28 includes an upwardly opening cavity 29 and a boot mounting member 30 includes an upwardly opening cavity 31. The upper edges of each of the boot mounting members 28 and 30 have a flanged region and a number of rivet ports are provided within each flange region. Typically, the holder is secured to the boot by rivets.
The holder includes an intermediate strut 32 connecting the two boot mounting portions. This intermediate strut includes sunken region 34 and sunken segments 36 which are present to reduce the thickness of the material and allow effective cooling. The wall thickness of the holder is designed to be of a similar thickness such that the holder cools at a generally CA 0224309~ l998-07-lO
WH-10,143CA
consistent rate. Unequal cooling leads to large tolerance variations and can significantly affect the finish of the product. In addition to the sunken regions provided in the intermediate strut 32, the holder has been provided with downwardly open recesses 24 and 26 and an intermediate downwardly open section 27.
The alternate arrangement for securing of the runner to the holder is shown in Figure 2. In this case, bolts 40 are provided with round heads 42 and shanks 44. A
port 46 is drilled into the base of the cavities 29 and 31 to allow securement of the runner by having the bolts pass through the ports 46 to engage nuts 48 located within the cavities. The arrangement is tightened and then the holder may be secured to a boot. One problem with this type of fastening arrangement is the holder must be removed from the boot should the runner require replacement or heightening. In addition, this securement method opens the cavities 29 and 30 allowing moisture and other cont~min~nts to gain access to the cavities.
It can be appreciated that the holder as shown, allows either securement approach to be used. Preferrably, the ports 46 are drilled when required by the end user.
The lower surface of each recess 58 is provided with a locating recess for locating the drill bit when the second securement method is being used.
Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate how each of the cavities can be drilled by means of a drill 53 to form the port 46.
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the mechanical fastening arrangement 8 engages and secures the runner 6 in the groove 20 of the holder 2. This mechanical securing arrangement works quite well in that the user can easily tighten the fasteners as they are exposed either side of the holder, however, a problem does occur after some use.
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~ Essentially, the purpose of the fasteners is to hold the runner against downward movement of the runner relative to the holder. As can be appreciated, the weight of the skater forces the runner 6 into the recess 20 and in particular, forces the mounting tabs to seat with reinforced sections 21 of the holder provided adjacent the mounting taps. The actual seating of the runner in the holder requires about 10 hours of skating and then no further seating occurs. The seating of the runner in the holder causes some play between the mechanical fastener 8 and the runner 6 allowing a slight downward movement of the runner. This does not affect performance, however, it does cause concern of the user and the impression that there may be a problem with respect to the securement of the runner.
To overcome this problem, a second mechanical fastener is shown as 8a in Figure 5. The mechanical fastener of Figure 5 has a thin layer 19 provided on the sleeve 12a. This material takes up any play there might be between the mechanical fastening arrangement and the retaining slot 18 of the runner. This material will shear as necessary and takes up any play that otherwise may be present. In this way, any play that would have been present is taken up by the coating and as no further seating occurs, there is no further slippage of the runner, relative to the holder.
Figure 12 is a sectional view through the holder, showing the various cavities thereof. Cavities 29 and 31 open upwardly and increase in size from the base of the cavities towards the open tops. These upwardly opening and widening cavities are easily formed by generally vertical moveable inserts of the mold. Similarly the bottom of the holder has insert portions for defining the elongate recess 20 for receiving the runner 6, the forward downwardly open cavity 24 provided at the front of the holder, as well as the rearward downwardly opening cavity 26. Once again, these cavities progressively increase in size from the base CA 0224309~ 1998-07-10 WH-10,143CA
to the open surface thereof and therefore are easily molded. With this arrangement, it can be seen that the forward end of the runner 6 is supported within the holder but also within the cavity 24. This portion of the runner is supported in a cantilever manner and the cavity 24 allows some movement of the runner from side to side allowing for what is referred to as a whipping action.
This feature is also provided at the back edge of the runner. This arrangement is not only easier to mold than the prior art structures but it also has been found to provide a desirable characteristic due to the cantilevered support of the forward portion of the runner and the increased freedom of movement at the front of the runner and at the rear of the runner. The cavities 24 and 26 also allow the length of the runner to be increased providing a larger glide surface (intermediate section of the runner) and larger tip and tail regions. For a given size boot, the runner length has been increased approximately 8 mm. For example, a standard 250 mm runner and a 258 mm runner are used in the holder. Each runner is increased 8 mm in length.
The feature of the holder accommodating longer runners for a given boot size due to the various cavities is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 shows an existing holder and it can be seen that the holder has been extended at the forward and rearward edges by having the downwardly opening triangular-like cavities 24 and 26 and this allows a longer length runner to be secured to a boot of a given size. As can be seen, the boot 1 in Figure 10 has a defined heel portion and toe portion for receiving the boot mounting members 28 and 30. If the downwardly opening cavities 24 and 26 were formed using vertically removable mold inserts, the holder would be similar to Figure 11. In this case, the amount of runner forward of the mechanical securing arrangements has been reduced and also the total length of the runner has been reduced. In the design of Figure 10, you get a larger central section CA 0224309~ 1998-07-10 WH-10,143CA
which is generally flat and provides the glide characteristics of the skate with the forward and rearward ends providing the turning capability and characteristics associated with stopping and accelerating. The additional 8 mm of runner length provides a significant change in the characteristics of the skate.
The simple mold design is important for skate holders as each full size of a skate re~uires a new holder.
In addition, simple mold design reduces manufacturing difficulties.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
WH-10,143CA
TITLE: ICE SKATE BLADE ASSEMBLY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to ice skates and has particular application with respect to hockey skates. The invention is directed to an improved holder and replaceable runner.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Ice skates with replaceable runners are very common with the replaceable runner being of steel and the holder being of a molded synthetic resin material such as a reinforced nylon. Care must be taken with respect to the molding of the holder to avoid problems caused by unequal cooling of the material during the molding process.
There are two main methods for securing of a replaceable runner to a holder and each method secures the runner at two locations which are positioned inwardly of the ends of the runner. One securement method uses a horizontal fastening arrangement where mechanical fasteners pass through horizontal ports in the runner as well as horizontal ports in the holder. The mechanical fastening arrangement draws the holder into contact with the runner.
The second method uses a vertical securing arrangement where two bolts are secured to the runner at different locations. Each bolt passes upwardly through the holder into an upwardly opening cavity of the holder and a nut is threaded on the bolt and draws the tunner into the engagement with the holder. This second method requires access to the upwardly opening cavities to tighten the nut and this arrangement makes it difficult to replace the runner after the holder has been secured to a skate.
CA 0224309~ l998-07-lO
WH-10,143CA
The present invention provides an ice skate blade assembly with improved operating characteristics while providing a holder which is easily molded.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An ice skate blade assembly according to the present invention comprises in combination a blade holder molded from a resin material which has an upwardly opening hollow cavity arrangement with a flange structure at the upper edge thereof for securing of the holder to a skate boot. The hollow cavity arrangement at a lower edge thereof includes a pair of opposed walls defining a groove therebetween which groove extends the length of the holder and is sized for receiving a runner. An elongate runner is received in the groove and captured either end of the holder. The runner extends downwardly below the groove. A
pair of mechanical securing arrangements cooperate with the holder and the runner to positively retain the runner in the holder. Each mechanical securing arrangement passes through holes in the holder and engages the runner to positively retain the runner in the holder. The mechanical fasteners are located intermediate the length of the runner to define a tip region ext~n~; ng forwardly beyond the mechanical fasteners, an intermediate region between the mechanical fasteners, and a tail region extending rearwardly beyond the mechanical fasteners. The tip region and the tail region each include a downwardly opening cavity located beyond the associated upwardly opening cavity and wherein each downwardly opening cavity is substantially deeper than the groove.
According to an aspect of the invention, each downwardly extending cavity is generally triangular and is located in a triangular end portion of the holder.
According to a further aspect of the invention each downwardly extending cavity is of a width generally of the same width as the groove.
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According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the thickness of the side walls of each downwardly opening cavity increases from the end of the holder to the back of the upward opening cavity.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, each upwardly opening cavity increases in size upwardly from the bottom of the cavity towards the flanged structure.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention, the side walls of each downwardly opening cavity are reinforced by appropriate distribution of resin material to stiffen the holder at each end portion thereof.
According to yet a further aspect of the invention includes a skate boot connected to the flanged structure of the skate holder. The skate holder is of a molded resin material and includes two upwardly opening cavities. These cavities are spaced one from the other with a boot securing flange and an upper surface of each cavity. One of the hollow cavities is secured adjacent the toe portion of the boot and the other hollow cavity is secured to the heel of the boot. Each hollow cavity increases in width from the bottom to the top thereof with the hollow cavities being connected by a reinforced strut member located between the cavities. The skate holder includes a grooved lower edge for receiving the runner. The grooved lower edge is defined by a central region of the strut member, a support section either side of the strut member defined by such hollow cavities, a tip region defined by a downwardly opening cavity and a trailing region defined by a downwardly opening cavity. The ice skate includes at least two mechanical securing arrangements securing the runner to the holder.
CA 0224309~ l998-07-lO
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the skate blade assembly showing the holder and the runner;
Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to Figure 1 showing an alternate arrangement for securing of a runner to a holder;
Figure 3 is a sectional view showing attachment of a runner to the holder;
Figure 4 shows a runner held in securement to the holder by a mechanical fastening arrangement;
Figure 5 shows a modified mechanical securing arrangement used after a runner has been used and has become seeded within the holder;
Figure 6 shows the runner secured to the holder with the modified gag fastening arrangement;
Figure 7 is a sectional view through one of the cavities of the holder and illustrates how the holder can be drilled to allow securement of the alternate mechanical fastening arrangement;
Figures 8 and 9 show various steps in the assembling of the alternate mechanical fastening arrangement;
Figure 10 illustrates the improvement possible by the holder of the present invention which results in lengthening of the runner;
Figure 11 is a perspective view of a holder without the benefits of end cavities that are part of the holder of Figure 10; and Figure 12 is a sectional view showing the various cavities of the holder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTI~N OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Figure 1 shows a blade assembly 2 for a hockey skate and includes a molded synthetic resin holder 4 (typically made of a modified nylon material) and a CA 0224309~ l998-07-lO
WH-10,143CA
releasable runner 6. The holder 4 and the runner 6, when assembled, are referred to as a skate blade or blade assembly. A releasable runner 6 is fastened to the holder adjacent the lower edge thereof. The upper surface 7 of the runner 6 is received in the elongate recess 20 provided at the lower edge of the holder. Mechanical fasteners 8 include a female part 10 and a male part 14. The female part has a head 11 connected with the threaded sleeve 12.
The male part includes a head 15 and a threaded shank 16 which is received within the threaded sleeve 12 of the female part.
The runner 6 is provided on the upper surface thereof with mounting tabs 9 which are received within associated recesses 58 in the holder. Each of these mounting tabs include a mounting slot 18 sized for receiving the mechanical fasteners 8. The holder is provided with mounting ports 22 for receiving the mechanical fasteners with one part to either side of the holder.
The holder includes boot mounting portions 28 and 30 which allow securement of the holder to the bottom of a skate boot. Boot mounting member 28 includes an upwardly opening cavity 29 and a boot mounting member 30 includes an upwardly opening cavity 31. The upper edges of each of the boot mounting members 28 and 30 have a flanged region and a number of rivet ports are provided within each flange region. Typically, the holder is secured to the boot by rivets.
The holder includes an intermediate strut 32 connecting the two boot mounting portions. This intermediate strut includes sunken region 34 and sunken segments 36 which are present to reduce the thickness of the material and allow effective cooling. The wall thickness of the holder is designed to be of a similar thickness such that the holder cools at a generally CA 0224309~ l998-07-lO
WH-10,143CA
consistent rate. Unequal cooling leads to large tolerance variations and can significantly affect the finish of the product. In addition to the sunken regions provided in the intermediate strut 32, the holder has been provided with downwardly open recesses 24 and 26 and an intermediate downwardly open section 27.
The alternate arrangement for securing of the runner to the holder is shown in Figure 2. In this case, bolts 40 are provided with round heads 42 and shanks 44. A
port 46 is drilled into the base of the cavities 29 and 31 to allow securement of the runner by having the bolts pass through the ports 46 to engage nuts 48 located within the cavities. The arrangement is tightened and then the holder may be secured to a boot. One problem with this type of fastening arrangement is the holder must be removed from the boot should the runner require replacement or heightening. In addition, this securement method opens the cavities 29 and 30 allowing moisture and other cont~min~nts to gain access to the cavities.
It can be appreciated that the holder as shown, allows either securement approach to be used. Preferrably, the ports 46 are drilled when required by the end user.
The lower surface of each recess 58 is provided with a locating recess for locating the drill bit when the second securement method is being used.
Figures 7, 8 and 9 illustrate how each of the cavities can be drilled by means of a drill 53 to form the port 46.
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the mechanical fastening arrangement 8 engages and secures the runner 6 in the groove 20 of the holder 2. This mechanical securing arrangement works quite well in that the user can easily tighten the fasteners as they are exposed either side of the holder, however, a problem does occur after some use.
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~ Essentially, the purpose of the fasteners is to hold the runner against downward movement of the runner relative to the holder. As can be appreciated, the weight of the skater forces the runner 6 into the recess 20 and in particular, forces the mounting tabs to seat with reinforced sections 21 of the holder provided adjacent the mounting taps. The actual seating of the runner in the holder requires about 10 hours of skating and then no further seating occurs. The seating of the runner in the holder causes some play between the mechanical fastener 8 and the runner 6 allowing a slight downward movement of the runner. This does not affect performance, however, it does cause concern of the user and the impression that there may be a problem with respect to the securement of the runner.
To overcome this problem, a second mechanical fastener is shown as 8a in Figure 5. The mechanical fastener of Figure 5 has a thin layer 19 provided on the sleeve 12a. This material takes up any play there might be between the mechanical fastening arrangement and the retaining slot 18 of the runner. This material will shear as necessary and takes up any play that otherwise may be present. In this way, any play that would have been present is taken up by the coating and as no further seating occurs, there is no further slippage of the runner, relative to the holder.
Figure 12 is a sectional view through the holder, showing the various cavities thereof. Cavities 29 and 31 open upwardly and increase in size from the base of the cavities towards the open tops. These upwardly opening and widening cavities are easily formed by generally vertical moveable inserts of the mold. Similarly the bottom of the holder has insert portions for defining the elongate recess 20 for receiving the runner 6, the forward downwardly open cavity 24 provided at the front of the holder, as well as the rearward downwardly opening cavity 26. Once again, these cavities progressively increase in size from the base CA 0224309~ 1998-07-10 WH-10,143CA
to the open surface thereof and therefore are easily molded. With this arrangement, it can be seen that the forward end of the runner 6 is supported within the holder but also within the cavity 24. This portion of the runner is supported in a cantilever manner and the cavity 24 allows some movement of the runner from side to side allowing for what is referred to as a whipping action.
This feature is also provided at the back edge of the runner. This arrangement is not only easier to mold than the prior art structures but it also has been found to provide a desirable characteristic due to the cantilevered support of the forward portion of the runner and the increased freedom of movement at the front of the runner and at the rear of the runner. The cavities 24 and 26 also allow the length of the runner to be increased providing a larger glide surface (intermediate section of the runner) and larger tip and tail regions. For a given size boot, the runner length has been increased approximately 8 mm. For example, a standard 250 mm runner and a 258 mm runner are used in the holder. Each runner is increased 8 mm in length.
The feature of the holder accommodating longer runners for a given boot size due to the various cavities is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 shows an existing holder and it can be seen that the holder has been extended at the forward and rearward edges by having the downwardly opening triangular-like cavities 24 and 26 and this allows a longer length runner to be secured to a boot of a given size. As can be seen, the boot 1 in Figure 10 has a defined heel portion and toe portion for receiving the boot mounting members 28 and 30. If the downwardly opening cavities 24 and 26 were formed using vertically removable mold inserts, the holder would be similar to Figure 11. In this case, the amount of runner forward of the mechanical securing arrangements has been reduced and also the total length of the runner has been reduced. In the design of Figure 10, you get a larger central section CA 0224309~ 1998-07-10 WH-10,143CA
which is generally flat and provides the glide characteristics of the skate with the forward and rearward ends providing the turning capability and characteristics associated with stopping and accelerating. The additional 8 mm of runner length provides a significant change in the characteristics of the skate.
The simple mold design is important for skate holders as each full size of a skate re~uires a new holder.
In addition, simple mold design reduces manufacturing difficulties.
Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. An ice skate blade assembly comprising in combination a blade holder molded from a resin material with the blade holder comprising two upwardly opening hollow cavities, each having a flange structure at the upper edge thereof for securing of said holder to a skate boot, said hollow cavities, at a lower edge thereof being connected by a strut member, said strut member cooperating with said cavities to define an elongate groove which extends the length of said holder and is sized for receiving a runner, an elongate runner is received in said groove and captured either end of said holder, said runner extending downwardly below said groove, a pair of mechanical securing arrangements cooperating with said holder and said runner positively retaining said runner in said holder, each mechanical securing arrangement passing through a hole in said holder and engaging said runner to positively retain said runner in said holder, said mechanical fasteners being located intermediate the length of said runner to define a tip region extending forwardly beyond said mechanical fasteners, an intermediate region between said mechanical fasteners, and a tail region extending rearwardly beyond said mechanical fasteners, said holder in said tip region and said tail region including downwardly opening cavities located at opposite ends of said upwardly opening cavity and wherein each downwardly opening cavity is substantially deeper than said groove.
2. An ice skate blade assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein each downwardly extending cavity is located in a triangular end portion of said holder.
3. An ice skate as claimed in claim 2 wherein each downwardly extending cavity is of a width generally the same width as said groove.
4. An ice skate as claimed in claim 3 wherein the thickness of the sidewalls of each downwardly opening cavity increases from the end of the holder back towards the upwardly opening cavity.
5. An ice skate as claimed in claim 3 wherein the sidewalls of each downwardly opening cavity increases in size upwardly from the bottom of the cavity towards the flange structure.
6. An ice skate as claimed in claim 3 wherein the sidewalls of each downwardly opening cavity are reinforced by appropriate distribution of resin material to stiffen the holder at each end thereof.
7. An ice skate comprising in combination a boot connected on the bottom thereof to a skate holder and said skate holder supports a runner at the bottom edge thereof, said skate holder molded of a resin material and including two upwardly opening cavities, spaced one from the other, with a boot securing flange at an upper surface of each cavity; one of said hollow cavities being secured adjacent the toe portion of the boot and the other hollow cavity being secured adjacent the heel of the boot, each hollow cavity increasing in width from the bottom to the top thereof and connected by a reinforced strut member located between said cavities; said skate holder including a grooved lower edge for receiving said runner, said grooved lower edge being defined by a central section of said strut member, a support section either side of said strut member defined by said hollow cavities, a tip region defined by a downwardly opening cavity, and a trailing region defined by a downwardly opening cavity, and at least two mechanical securing arrangements securing said runner to said holder.
8. An ice skate as claimed in claim 7 including a further downwardly opening cavity between said strut member and one said upwardly opening cavities.
9. An ice skate as claimed in claim 7 wherein said hollow cavities of said tip region and said trailing region rapidly taper and are of a generally triangular shape.
10. An ice skate as claimed in claim 9 wherein said tip region and said trailing region are generally beyond the flanges of said upwardly opening cavities.
11. An ice skate as claimed in claim 11 wherein said flanges are located and secured to said boot to increase the spacing between said upwardly opening cavities.
12. An ice skate as claimed in claim 11 wherein each upwardly opening cavity tapers inwardly allowing generally vertical withdrawal of a mold insert used to partially form said cavities.
13. An ice skate as claimed in claim 11 wherein said flanges are of reduced width at a front edge and a rear edge on the centerline of the holder to allow the cavities to be located at the toe and heel of the boot to increase the spacing between said cavities.
14. An ice skate as claimed in claim 13 wherein said runner is mechanically secured to said holder generally centered in the length of each cavity.
15. An ice skate blade assembly comprising in combination:
a blade holder molded from a resin material, said blade holder comprising an upper, generally horizontally disposed flange means for securing said ice skate assembly to footwear; wall means including a pair of side walls downwardly dependent from said flange means, said side walls meeting along a lower edge having a groove extending therealong;
a blade having a lower, ice contacting edge and an upper edge generally opposed to said lower edge, said upper edge being received in said groove;
said blade having a pair of longitudinally spaced apart openings therein adjacent said upper edge;
each said openings communicating with said upper edge at a throat;
a first pair of bores extending upwardly in said blade holder from said groove respectively in communication with a throat;
a second pair of bores extending through said side walls respectively to intersect said groove in communication with said openings;
means for securing said blade to said blade holder selected from first fastening means extending in said first pair of bores respectively and second fastening means extending in said second pair of bores respectively.
a blade holder molded from a resin material, said blade holder comprising an upper, generally horizontally disposed flange means for securing said ice skate assembly to footwear; wall means including a pair of side walls downwardly dependent from said flange means, said side walls meeting along a lower edge having a groove extending therealong;
a blade having a lower, ice contacting edge and an upper edge generally opposed to said lower edge, said upper edge being received in said groove;
said blade having a pair of longitudinally spaced apart openings therein adjacent said upper edge;
each said openings communicating with said upper edge at a throat;
a first pair of bores extending upwardly in said blade holder from said groove respectively in communication with a throat;
a second pair of bores extending through said side walls respectively to intersect said groove in communication with said openings;
means for securing said blade to said blade holder selected from first fastening means extending in said first pair of bores respectively and second fastening means extending in said second pair of bores respectively.
16. An ice skate blade assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein said blade has a depth extending between said lower and said upper edges thereof, and wherein said depth increases locally proximate each said throat.
17. An ice skate blade assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein said first and second fastening means are threaded and comprise a stud and a nut threaded thereon.
18. An ice skate blade assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein said side walls in part define a pair of hollow, longitudinally spaced apart, inverted, generally conically shaped members interconnected by a rib.
19. An ice skate blade assembly as defined in claim 15 wherein said second pair of bores each comprises an entrance portion which communicates with one of said side walls respectively, and an intermediate portion having a reduced diameter in comparison with said entrance portion, which intermediate portion connects said entrance portion with said groove, and wherein a said intermediate portion on one lateral side of said groove has a larger diameter than the remaining portion of said intermediate portion.
20. An ice skate blade assembly as defined in claim 19 wherein said intermediate portion of said bore having a larger diameter is provided internally with a gripping surface, and wherein one of said second fastening means comprises an internally threaded tubular sleeve dimensioned to provide a interference fit with said gripping surface.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2243095 CA2243095A1 (en) | 1997-07-11 | 1998-07-10 | Ice skate blade assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2,210,386 | 1997-07-11 | ||
| CA 2210386 CA2210386A1 (en) | 1997-07-11 | 1997-07-11 | Ice skate blade assembly |
| CA 2243095 CA2243095A1 (en) | 1997-07-11 | 1998-07-10 | Ice skate blade assembly |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2243095A1 true CA2243095A1 (en) | 1999-01-11 |
Family
ID=25679484
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2243095 Abandoned CA2243095A1 (en) | 1997-07-11 | 1998-07-10 | Ice skate blade assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2243095A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6419241B1 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 2002-07-16 | Bauer Nike Hockey Inc. | Ice skate runner |
| US8297627B2 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2012-10-30 | Smith Ii George T | Skate with an accessible runner securing system and methods thereof |
-
1998
- 1998-07-10 CA CA 2243095 patent/CA2243095A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6419241B1 (en) | 1998-12-22 | 2002-07-16 | Bauer Nike Hockey Inc. | Ice skate runner |
| US8297627B2 (en) | 2004-02-03 | 2012-10-30 | Smith Ii George T | Skate with an accessible runner securing system and methods thereof |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |