CA3214836A1 - Rivet replacement for skates - Google Patents

Abstract

A rivet replacement for skates comprises a top threaded fastener and a bottom threaded fastener that co-operatively engage each with the other in inter-threaded relation. Rotation of the top threaded fastener and the bottom threaded fastener with respect to each other causes linear displacement of the top threaded fastener and the bottom threaded fastener with respect to each other along a common longitudinal axis. Spikes extending downwardly from the top threaded member adjacent the top thread end thereof, and are oriented to protrude into the top sole layer of the skate boot. In use, the top threaded fastener and the bottom threaded fastener are rotated with respect to each other such that the at least one spike is forced into the top layer of material on the sole of the skate, until the top threaded fastener and the bottom threaded fastener are tightly engaged each with the other.

Description

RIVET REPLACEMENT FOR SKATES
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to replacement hardware for skates, especially hockey skates, and more particularly to replacement hardware for replacing rivets that secure the blade holder to the underside of the boot of the hockey skate, in the event that the rivet breaks.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional ice hockey skates have a metal skate blade retained by a plastic blade holder. Rivets extend through co-operating aligned apertures in the blade holder and the bottom of the skate boot to secure the blade holder to the underside of the boot of the skate. Roller blade hockey skates may be constructed similarly.

[0003] During a hockey game, or even a hockey practice, it is somewhat common to break one of the rivets that secure the blade holder to the underside of the boot of the hockey skate due to a sudden impact from a hockey puck, a stick, the boards surrounding the playing surface, etc. If a rivet breaks, the skate may not be usable until the rivet is replaced.
Accordingly, it is important to be able to replace the rivet immediately.
However, since a rivet Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 gun is typically not available at a hockey game or practice, the repair typically needs to be done later.

[0004] Alternatively, other means of repair could be employed. However, there is no other hardware known in the prior art that is specifically meant to replace a broken rivet in this situation.

[0005] The closest prior art that has been found is described in Canadian Issued Patent No. CA2090275, issued June 30, 1998, to Graf, and entitled Ice Hockey Skate.
This ice hockey skate includes a boot 1 having a shoe sole (outer plastic sole 7, insole 9, insole reinforcement 10, foamed body 11, and textile weaving 12), a blade 2 mounted to the boot 1 by means of mounting units. The blade 2 includes a blade body 3 made of a plastic material and a runner body 4 made of metal and embedded in the blade body 3. Mounting units each comprise a bolt 17 and a nut 18. The bolt 17 extends through apertures in the rear blade plate 5 or the front blade plate 6 and also extends through a bore hole 26 in the outer plastic sole 7. The hub 23 of the nut 18 is partially disposed in a recess in the outer plastic sole 7 and also extends through a bore hole 27 in the insole 9. The head (disk) 22 of the nut 18 is received in a circular aperture in the insole reinforcement 10. Points 24 extend downwardly from the head (disk) 22 of the nut 18 into the insole 9. The nut 18 is covered by a further insole that comprises a foamed body 11 and a textile weaving 12. During assembly of the skate, the bolt 17 is rotated with respect to the nut 18 to tighten the bolt and nut assembly in place, thereby securely fastening together the front and rear blade plates 6,5, the outer plastic sole 7 and the insole 9.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28

[0006] Another related prior art document is described in United States Published Patent Application No. U520110316243A1, published December 29, 2011, and entitled Skate Assembly with External Mounting Blocks. The skate boot 120 having a sole portion 124 has a skate frame 102 fastened to the sole portion 124 of the skate boot 120. More specifically, threaded fasteners 134 are used fasten the skate frame 102 to the external mounting blocks 110 as secured by co-operating nuts 132, and similar threaded fasteners 130 are used to securely fasten the external mounting blocks 110 to the sole portion 124 at nut plates 125.

[0007] Another related prior art document is described in United States Published Patent Application No. U520060145434A1, published July 6, 2006, and entitled Adjustable Hockey Skate Blade System. The blade assembly 11 having a blade holder 12 is fastened to the skate boot 4 at the stiff lower surface 6 thereof by releasable fasteners 10 extending through ports 8 in outwardly extending securing flanges 30,32.

[0008] Another related prior art document is described in United States Patent No.
U56,932,360, issued August 23, 2005, and entitled Ice Hockey Runner-Blade Assembly. The front cup 202 and the back cup 204 are secured to the bottom of the skate boot sole 216 by threaded fasteners 413 threadibly engaged in holes 414 in tops 410,412 of the cups 202,204.

[0009] Another related prior art document is described in United States Patent No.
U56,932,360, issued August 23, 2005, and entitled Adjustable Frame Assembly For Skates.
Threaded fasteners 28 extend through openings 30 and are threadably engaged in co-operating T-nuts 20 to secure the frame 32 to the boot portion 10.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28

[00010] Another related prior art document is described in United States Patent No.
US1,551,620, issued September 1, 1925, and entitled Skate. This skate has a blade assembly attached to a foot support by screws extending through aligned apertures in the foot support and an upper portion of the blade assembly.

[00011] Another related prior art document is described in United States Patent No.
U529,378, issued July 31, 1860, and entitled Skate. This skate has a sole plate attached to a sole shoe by screws extending through perforations in the sole plate.

[00012] Another related prior art document is described in United States Patent No.
U5605,285, issued June 7, 1998, and entitled Hockey Game Skate. This skate has a foot rest A and a runner B secured to the foot rest A. The skate blade B is secured to the foot rest A by clamping heel screw c that extends through ferrule h.

[00013] Another related prior art document is described in Korean Published Patent Publication No. KR20090012874U, published December 17, 2009, and entitled Multifunctional Skate. This skate comprises left and right skate blades on the bottom of the shoe, which are assembled to the bowl against the sole of the shoe. Bolts are used to secure the blade assembly to the sole of the shoe. A plate is formed with two rows of guide rails at intervals on the bottom. Each of the left and right skate blades is separated into the front and rear sides around the central portion, the upper portion of each of which is provided with a connecting Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 plate is inserted into the guide rail to move and adjust the length. In another embodiment, an inline wheel that is selectively fitted between the left and right blades.

[00014] It is an object of the present invention to provide replacement hardware for replacing rivets that secure the blade holder to the underside of the boot of the hockey skate, in the event that the rivet breaks.

[00015] It is an object of the present invention to provide replacement hardware for replacing rivets that secure the blade holder to the underside of the boot of the hockey skate, in the event that the rivet breaks, wherein the replacement hardware is inexpensive.

[00016] It is an object of the present invention to provide replacement hardware for replacing rivets that secure the blade holder to the underside of the boot of the hockey skate, in the event that the rivet breaks, wherein the replacement hardware is easy to install.

[00017] It is an object of the present invention to provide replacement hardware for replacing rivets that secure the blade holder to the underside of the boot of the hockey skate, in the event that the rivet breaks, wherein the replacement hardware can be installed quickly.

[00018] It is an object of the present invention to provide replacement hardware for replacing rivets that secure the blade holder to the underside of the boot of the hockey skate, in the event that the rivet breaks, wherein the replacement hardware can be installed during a game or practice.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28

[00019] It is an object of the present invention to provide replacement hardware for replacing rivets that secure the blade holder to the underside of the boot of the hockey skate, in the event that the rivet breaks, wherein the replacement hardware can be installed using only one simple tool.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00020] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel rivet replacement for skates having a skate boot with a top sole layer. The rivet replacement comprises a top threaded fastener extending between a top thread end and a bottom thread end and a bottom threaded fastener extending between a top thread end and a bottom thread end. The top threaded fastener and the bottom threaded fastener co-operatively engage each with the other in inter-threaded relation, and such that rotation of the top threaded fastener and the bottom threaded fastener with respect to each other causes linear displacement of the top threaded fastener and the bottom threaded fastener with respect to each other along a common longitudinal axis. There is at least one spike securely connected to the top threaded member adjacent the top thread end thereof and extending downwardly therefrom. The at least one spike is oriented to protrude into the top sole layer of the skate boot. In use, the top threaded fastener and the bottom threaded fastener are threadiby engaged with each other and are rotated with respect to each other such that the at least one spike is forced into the top layer Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 of material on the sole of the skate, until the top threaded fastener and the bottom threaded fastener are tightly engaged each with the other.

[00021] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel method of replacing a broken rivet in a skate having a skate boot with a top sole layer. The method comprising the steps of, subsequent to the removal of the broken rivet:
inserting the threaded shank portion of a top threaded fastener into the aperture in the sole of the skate boot; threadiby engaging the top threaded fastener and the bottom threaded fastener with each other; rotating the bottom threaded fastener to thereby causes linear displacement of the top threaded fastener and the bottom threaded fastener with respect to each other along a common longitudinal axis, such that the at least one spike is forced into the top layer of material on the sole of the skate, until the top threaded fastener and the bottom threaded fastener are tightly engaged each with the other.

[00022] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel rivet replacement for skates. The rivet replacement comprises a bolt having a head portion with a top surface and a bottom surface, a driver receiving portion in the head portion, and a threaded shank portion extending upwardly from the head portion between a proximal end and a distal end. There is also a nut having a head portion with a top surface and a bottom surface, a threaded shank portion extending downwardly from the head portion between a proximal end and a distal end, and spikes extending downwardly from the head portion of the nut. In use, the threaded shank portion of the nut is inserted into the aperture in the sole of the skate boot, the threaded shank portion of the bolt is inserted into the aperture in the blade holder, the Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 threaded shank portion of the bolt and threaded shank portion of the nut threadiby engage each other to form a fastener assembly. Also, in use, the bolt is rotated with respect to the nut to draw the bolt and nut towards each other, thereby forcing the spikes on the nut into the top layer of material on the sole of the skate to thereby preclude the nut from turning relative to the skate, until the bolt and nut are tightly engaged each with the other.

[00023] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel method of replacing a broken rivet in a hockey skate. The method comprising the steps of, subsequent to the removal of the broken rivet: inserting the threaded shank portion of the nut into the aperture in the sole of the skate boot; inserting the threaded shank portion of the bolt into the aperture in the sole of the blade holder; co-operatively threadibly engaging the threaded shank portion of the bolt and threaded shank portion of the nut with each other to form a fastener assembly; and rotating the bolt with respect to the nut to draw the bolt and nut towards each other, thereby forcing the spikes on the nut into the top layer of material on the sole of the skate boot, to thereby preclude the nut from turning relative to the skate, until the bolt and nut are tightly engaged each with the other.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00024] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 which an illustrated embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[00025] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates according to the present invention, showing the rivet replacement about to be installed in a skate;

[00026] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates similar to Figure 1, except that the rivet replacement has been installed in a skate;

[00027] Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 1;

[00028] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 1;

[00029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the bolt that is part of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 1;

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28

[00030] Figure 6 is a side elevational view of the bolt that is part of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 1;

[00031] Figure 7 is a bottom plan view of the bolt of Figure 6;

[00032] Figure 8 is a top plan view of the bolt of Figure 6;

[00033] Figure 9 is a side elevational of the bolt of Figure 6;

[00034] Figure 10 is a bottom plan view of the bolt of Figure 6;

[00035] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the bolt of Figure 6;

[00036] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the nut that is part of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 1;

[00037] Figure 13 is a side elevational view of the nut that is part of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 1;

[00038] Figure 14 is a side elevational view of the nut that is part of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 1;
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28

[00039] Figure 15 is a bottom plan view of the nut that is part of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 1;

[00040] Figure 16 is a top plan view of the nut that is part of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 1;

[00041] Figure 17 is a bottom plan view of the nut that is part of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 1;

[00042] Figure 18 is a side elevational view of the nut that is part of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 1;

[00043] Figure 19 is a sectional side elevational view of the nut that is part of the first illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 1;

[00044] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a wrench that can be used to engage the bolt, and to turn the bolt with respect to the nut, to thereby tighten the bolt and nut with respect to each other;

[00045] Figure 21 is a side elevational view of a wrench of Figure 20;

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28

[00046] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates according to the present invention, showing the rivet replacement about to be installed in a skate;

[00047] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional side elevational view of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates sim ilar to Figure 22, except that the rivet replacement has been installed in a skate;

[00048] Figure 24 is a perspective view of the top threaded fastener that is part of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22;

[00049] Figure 25 is a side view of the top threaded fastener that is part of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22;

[00050] Figure 26 is a top view of the top threaded fastener that is part of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22;

[00051] Figure 27 is a perspective view of the top threaded fastener that is part of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22;

[00052] Figure 28 is a perspective view of the top threaded fastener that is part of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22;

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28

[00053] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the bottom threaded fastener that is part of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22;

[00054] Figure 30 is a side view of the bottom threaded fastener that is part of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22;

[00055] Figure 31 is a top view of the bottom threaded fastener that is part of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22;

[00056] Figure 32 is a top view of the washer that is part of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22;

[00057] Figure 33 is a side view of the washer that is part of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22;

[00058] Figure 34 is a top plan view of a wrench that is used in conjunction with the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22;

[00059] Figure 35 is a side edge view of a wrench that is used in conjunction with the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22; and,

[00060] Figure 36 is a perspective view of the second illustrated embodiment rivet replacement for skates as shown in Figure 22, also showing the wrench of Figures 34 and 35.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 LIST OF COMPONENTS AND REFERENCE NUMERALS
100 rivet replacement 101 fastener assembly 102 ice hockey skate 104 blade 106 blade holder 106a aperture in blade holder 108 skate boot 109 sole of skate boot 109a aperture in sole of skate boot 109t top layer of material 110 wrench 111 working end 120 bolt 122 head portion 122t top surface 122b bottom surface 123 driver receiving potion 124 threaded shank portion 124m male thread 125 proximal end 126 distal end Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 130 nut 132 head portion 132t top surface 132b bottom surface 133a first side edge 133b second side edge 133c third side edge 133d fourth side edge 134 threaded shank portion 134f female thread 135 proximal end 136 distal end 137 bore hole 140 spikes 143a first side 143b second side 143c third side 143d fourth side 145 proximal end 146 distal end AT angular taper of each spike LAB longitudinal axis of bolt LAS longitudinal axis of spike Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 LAN longitudinal axis of nut SN span of nut WN width of nut TN thickness LS length of spike WS width of spike TS thickness of spike 200 rivet replacement 201 fastener assembly 202 ice hockey skate 204 blade 206 blade holder 206a aperture in blade holder 208 skate boot 209 sole of skate boot 209a aperture in sole of skate boot 209t top layer of material 210 wrench 211 working end 220 top threaded fastener 221t top thread end 221b bottom thread end Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 222 head portion 222t top surface 222b bottom surface 223a first peripheral edge portion 223b second peripheral edge portion 223w wider edge portion 223n narrower edge portion 224 threaded shank portion 224m male thread 225 proximal end 226 distal end 227w wider edge portion 227n narrower edge portion 230 bottom threaded fastener 231t top thread end 231b bottom thread end 234f female thread 236 washer 240 at least one spike 240a first spike 240b second spike 243a first side 243b second side Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 243c third side 243d fourth side 245 proximal end 246 distal end "L" common longitudinal axis "LAS" longitudinal axis DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[00061] Reference will now be made to Figures 1 through 21, which show the first illustrated embodiment of the rivet replacement 100 for repairing a skate 102, which is shown as an ice hockey skate 102, according to the present invention. It should be noted that in use, an ice hockey skate 102 is usually generally vertically oriented, with the blade 104 at the bottom, the blade holder 106 above the blade 102, and the skate boot 108 on top of the blade holder 106. This orientation will be used for ease of reference when describing the parts and their orientation according to the present invention.

[00062] The first illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a rivet replacement 100 for repairing a skate 102. As can be seen in Figures 1 through 21, the first illustrated embodiment of the rivet replacement 100 comprises, in brief, a bolt 120 and a nut 130.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28

[00063] The bolt 120 has a head portion 122 with a top sur1ace122t and a bottom surface 122b, a driver receiving potion 123 in the head portion 122, and a threaded shank portion 124 extending upwardly from the top surface 122t of head portion 122 between a proximal end 125 and a distal end 126. In this case, the driver comprises a wrench 110 having a working end 111 with a hexagonal cross-section, such as might be found on an Allen key, and is shown in Figures 20 and 21.

[00064] The threaded shank portion 124 of the bolt 120 comprises a male thread 124f and defines a longitudinal axis "LAB" of the bolt 120. The driver receiving portion 123 is disposed in the bottom surface 122b of the head portion 122 and comprises a hexagonally shaped recess suitable for receiving an Allen key therein, such that the Allen key can be used to rotate the bolt 120 about its longitudinal axis "LAB". The driver receiving portion 123 may be of any other suitable type and shape.

[00065] There is a nut 130 having a head portion 132 with a top surface 132t and a bottom surface 132b, a threaded shank portion 134 extending downwardly from the head portion 132 between a proximal end 135 and a distal end 136, and spikes 140 extending downwardly from the head portion of the nut 130. The head portion 132 of the nut 130 has first and second opposed side edges 133a,133b and third and fourth opposed sides 133c,133d.

[00066] The threaded shank portion 134 of the nut 130 comprises a female thread defining a bore hole 137, which together define a longitudinal axis "LAN" of the nut 130. The Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 bore hole 137 in the threaded shank portion of the nut 130 extends through to the top surface 132t of the head portion 132 of the nut 130.

[00067] As can be readily seen in the figures, the head portion 132 of the nut 130 has a span "SN", a width "WN", a thickness "TN", and the thickness "TN" is thin compared to the span "SN" and width "WN" of the nut 130, so as to not project upwardly and dig into the sole of a foot of a person wearing the skate 102 when the nut 130 is in place. The threaded shank portion 134 of the nut 130 extends downwardly from the bottom surface 132b of the head portion 132. As illustrated, for the head portion 132 of the nut 130, the ratio of the span "SN"
to the width "WN" to the thickness "TN" is about 13.5:10.5:1Ø

[00068] The spikes 140 extend downwardly from the bottom sur1ace132b of the head portion 132 of the nut 130. Each spike 140 extends downwardly along a longitudinal axis "LAS"
from a proximal end 145 at the head portion 132 of the nut 130 to a distal end 146. Further, each spike 140 tapers in thickness from the proximal end 145 to the distal end 146 such that the distal end 146 terminates at a vertex. As illustrated, the angular taper "AT" of each spike 140 is about 9.4 degrees. Each spike 140 has a rectangular cross-section along the longitudinal axis "LAS" of the spike 140. The rectangular cross-section has first and second opposed sides 143a,143b and third and fourth opposed sides 143c,143d. As illustrated, the first and second opposed sides 143a,143b are longer than the third and fourth opposed sides 143c,143d. The ratio of the length of the first and second opposed sides 143a,143b to the third and fourth opposed sides 143c,143d is about 2:1.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28

[00069] As illustrated, the length "LS" of each spike is about 3.0 mm, the width "WS" of each spike at the head 132 of the nut 130, is about 1.0 mm, and the thickness "TS" of each spike at the head 132 of the nut 130 is about 0.5 mm. Accordingly, the ratio of the length to the width to the thickness of each spike is 3:1:0.5.

[00070] As illustrated, the first and second opposed side edges 143a,143b are each straight and the third and fourth opposed side edges 143c,143d are each convexly curved.
The first and second opposed sides 143a,143b of each spike 140 are parallel to the first and second opposed sides 133a,133b of the head portion 132 of the nut 130.

[00071] In use, the threaded shank portion 134 of the nut 130 is inserted into the aperture 109a in the sole 109 of the skate boot 108, and the threaded shank portion 124 of the bolt 120 is inserted into the aperture 106a in the blade holder 106. The threaded shank portion 122 of the bolt 120 and the threaded shank portion 132 of the nut 130 are brought together and are threadiby engage each with the other to form a fastener assembly 101. Further, bolt 120 is rotated with respect to the nut 130 to draw the bolt 120 and nut 130 towards each other, thereby forcing the spikes on the nut 130 into the top layer of material 109t of the sole 109 of the skate boot 108, to thereby preclude the nut 130 from turning relative to the skate 102, until the bolt 120 and nut 130 are tightly engaged each with the other.

[00072] In another aspect, the present invention also provides a method of replacing a broken rivet in a hockey skate. The method comprising the steps of, subsequent to the removal of the broken rivet: inserting the threaded shank portion of the nut into the aperture in the sole Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 of the skate boot; inserting the threaded shank portion of the bolt into the aperture in the sole of the blade holder; co-operatively threadibly engaging the threaded shank portion of the bolt and threaded shank portion of the nut with each other to form a fastener assembly; and rotating the bolt with respect to the nut to draw the bolt and nut towards each other, thereby forcing the spikes on the nut into the top layer of material on the sole of the skate to thereby preclude the nut from turning relative to the skate, until the bolt and nut are tightly engaged each with the other.

[00073] Reference will now be made to Figures 22 through 36, which show the second illustrated embodiment of the rivet replacement 200 for repairing a skate 202, having a top skate boot 208 with a sole 209 having a top sole layer 209t of material. The skate 202 is shown as an ice hockey skate 202, according to the present invention. It should be noted that in use, an ice hockey skate 202 is usually generally vertically oriented, with the blade 204 at the bottom, the blade holder 206 above the blade 202, and the skate boot 208 on top of the blade holder 206. This orientation will be used for ease of reference when describing the parts and their orientation according to the present invention.

[00074] The second illustrated embodiment of the present invention comprises a rivet replacement 200 for repairing a skate 202. As can be seen in Figures 22 through 36, the second illustrated embodiment of the rivet replacement 200 comprises, in brief, a top threaded fastener 220, a bottom threaded fastener 230.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28

[00075] More specifically, the top threaded fastener 220 extends between a top thread end 221t and a bottom thread end 221b and the bottom threaded fastener 230 extends between a top thread end 231t and a bottom thread end 231t. As illustrated, the top threaded fastener 220 comprises a male thread 224m and the bottom threaded fastener 230 comprises a female thread 234f. In other words, the top threaded fastener 220 comprises a bolt 230 having the head portion 222 with a top surface 222t and a bottom surface 222b, and an elongate threaded shank portion 224 extending downwardly from the head portion between a proximal end 225 and a distal end 226. As illustrated, the bottom threaded fastener 230 comprises a nut 230.

[00076] The nut 230 is hexagonally shaped, in order to receive a suitable driver. In this case, the driver comprises a wrench 110 having a working end 111 with a hexagonal cross-section, and is shown in Figures 34 to 36.

[00077] The top threaded fastener 220 and the bottom threaded fastener 230 co-operatively engage each with the other in inter-threaded relation, and such that rotation of the top threaded fastener 220 and the bottom threaded fastener 230 with respect to each other around a common longitudinal axis "L" causes linear displacement of the top threaded fastener 220 and the bottom threaded fastener 230 with respect to each other along the common longitudinal axis "L".

[00078] There is at least one spike 240 securely connected to the top threaded member adjacent the top thread end 221t thereof and extending downwardly therefrom.
More Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 specifically, the elongate threaded shank portion 224 of the top threaded fastener extends downwardly from the head portion 222. As illustrated, the at least one spike 240 comprises a plurality of spikes 240, specifically a first spike 240a and a second spike 240. Further, the first spike 240a and the second spike 240b are on opposite sides of the common longitudinal axis "L". The first spike 240a and the second spike 240b extend downwardly from the head portion 222 of the top threaded fastener 220. The first spike 240a and the second spike 240b are oriented to, in use in a skate boot 208, protrude into the top sole layer 209t of the sole 209 of the skate boot 208.

[00079] The head portion 222 has a first peripheral edge portion 223a and second peripheral edge portion 223b. The first peripheral edge portion 223a and the second peripheral edge portion 223b are on opposite sides of the common longitudinal axis "L".
The first peripheral edge portion 223a has a wider edge portion 223w and a narrower edge portion 223n.
The first spike 240 is disposed between the wider edge portion 223w and the narrower edge portion 223n of the first peripheral edge portion 221a. Similarly, the second peripheral edge portion 223b has a wider edge portion 227w and a narrower edge portion 227n.
The second spike 240 is disposed between the wider edge portion 227w and the narrower edge portion 227n of the second peripheral edge portion 223b.

[00080] In the second illustrated embodiment of the rivet replacement 200, as illustrated, each spike 240, or in other words both the first spike 240 and the second spike 240, is/are integrally formed with the head portion 222 of the top threaded fastener 220.
It has been found Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 that, for ease of manufacturing, each the spike 240 may readily be formed by a stamping operation.

[00081] Each spike 240 extends downwardly along a longitudinal axis "LAS"
from a proximal end 245 at the head portion 222 of the top threaded fastener 220 to a distal end 246.
Further, each spike 240 tapers in thickness from the proximal end 245 to the distal end 246 such that the distal end 246 terminates at a vertex. Each spike 240 has a rectangular cross-section along the longitudinal axis "LAS" of the spike 240. The rectangular cross-section has first and second opposed sides 243a,243b and third and fourth opposed sides 243c,243d. As illustrated, the first and second opposed sides 243a,243b are longer than the third and fourth opposed sides 243c,243d.

[00082] In use, the threaded shank portion 224 of the top threaded fastener 220 is inserted into and partially through the aperture 209a in the sole 109 of the skate boot 208 and through the aperture 206 a in the blade holder 206, until enough of the threaded shank portion 224 of the bottom thread end 221b is exposed underneath the blade holder 206 for it to be threadibly engaged by the bottom threaded fastener 230 (nut 230). In this manner, the top threaded fastener 220 and the bottom threaded fastener 230 are brought together and are threadiby engaged each with the other to form a fastener assembly 201. A
washer 236 can be used in conjunction with the bottom threaded fastener 230, as is well known in the art.

[00083] The top threaded fastener 220 and the bottom threaded fastener 230 are threadiby engaged with each other and are rotated with respect to each other around the Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 common longitudinal axis "L", such that the first spike 240a and the second spike 240b are forced into the top sole layer 209t of material on the sole 209 of the skate 208, to thereby preclude the top threaded fastener 220 from turning relative to the skate 202, until the top threaded fastener 220 and the bottom threaded fastener 230 are tightly engaged each with the other.

[00084] In another monument (not illustrated), it is contemplated that the top threaded fastener comprises a female thread and the bottom threaded fastener comprises a male thread, as in the first illustrated embodiment.

[00085] Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention.
Thus, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions without departing from the spirit of the inventions disclosed and claimed, only a limited number of embodiments or variations thereof have been illustrated or otherwise disclosed herein by way of non-limiting example. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims broadly construed.

[00086] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are to Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening.
Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as", or, "for example") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed.
No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[00087] Currently preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein.
Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28

Claims (20)

1.
A rivet replacement for skates having a skate boot with a top sole layer, said rivet replacement com prising :
a top threaded fastener extending between a top thread end and a bottom thread end;
a bottom threaded fastener extending between a top thread end and a bottom thread end;
wherein said top threaded fastener and said bottom threaded fastener co-operatively engage each with the other in inter-threaded relation, and such that rotation of said top threaded fastener and said bottom threaded fastener with respect to each other causes linear displacement of said top threaded fastener and said bottom threaded fastener with respect to each other along a common longitudinal axis;
at least one spike securely connected to said top threaded member adjacent the top thread end thereof and extending downwardly therefrom;
wherein said at least one spike is oriented to protrude into the top sole layer of the skate boot;
wherein, in use, said top threaded fastener and said bottom threaded fastener are threadiby engaged with each other and are rotated with respect to each other such that said at least one spike is forced into the top layer of material on the sole of the skate, until said top threaded Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 fastener and said bottom threaded fastener are tightly engaged each with the other.

2. A rivet replacement according to claim 1, wherein said top threaded fastener comprises a male thread and said bottom threaded fastener comprises a female thread.

3. A rivet replacement according to claim 1, wherein said at least one spike comprises a plurality of spikes.

4. A rivet replacement according to claim 3, wherein said plurality of spikes comprises a first spike and a second spike.

5. A rivet replacement according to claim 1, wherein said top threaded fastener comprises and the elongate shank portion a head portion.

6. A rivet replacement according to claim 5, wherein said at least one spike extends downwardly from said head portion of said top threaded fastener.

7. A rivet replacement according to claim 6, wherein said at least one spike comprises a first spike and a second spike, and wherein said first spike and said second spike are on opposite sides of said common longitudinal axis.

8. A rivet replacement according to claim 7, wherein the head portion has a first peripheral edge portion and second peripheral edge portion, and wherein said first peripheral Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 edge portion and said second peripheral edge portion are on opposite sides of said common longitudinal axis.

9. A rivet replacement according to claim 8, wherein said first peripheral edge portion has a wider edge portion and a narrower edge portion, and wherein said first spike is disposed between said wider edge portion and said narrower edge portion of said first peripheral edge portion, and wherein said second spike is disposed between said wider edge portion and said narrower edge portion of said second peripheral edge portion.

10. A rivet replacement according to claim 1, wherein each said spike is integrally formed with said head portion of said top threaded fastener.

11. A rivet replacement according to claim 1, wherein each said spike is formed by a stamping operation.

12. A rivet replacement according to claim 2, wherein said top threaded fastener comprises a bolt having a head portion with a top surface and a bottom surface, a driver receiving portion in the head portion, and a threaded shank portion extending downwardly from the head portion between a proximal end and a distal end.

13. A rivet replacement according to claim 5, wherein the head portion of the top threaded fastener is thin.
Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28

14. A rivet replacement according to claim 13, wherein the spikes extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the head portion of the top threaded fastener.

15. A rivet replacement according to claim 14, wherein each spike extends downwardly along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end at the head portion of the nut to a distal end.

16. A rivet replacement according to claim 15, wherein each spike tapers in thickness from the proximal end to the distal end.

17. A rivet replacement according to claim 16, wherein the distal end terminates at a vertex.

18. A rivet replacement according to claim 17, wherein each spike has a rectangular cross-section along the longitudinal axis.

19. A rivet replacement according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of the length to the width of each spike is 3:1.

20. A method of replacing a broken rivet in a skate, said method comprising the steps of:
subsequent to the removal of the broken rivet:

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28 inserting the threaded shank portion of a top threaded fastener into the aperture in the sole of the skate boot;
threadiby engaging said top threaded fastener and said bottom threaded fastener with each other;
rotating said bottom threaded fastener to thereby causes linear displacement of said top threaded fastener and said bottom threaded fastener with respect to each other along a common longitudinal axis, such that said at least one spike is forced into the top layer of material on the sole of the skate, until said top threaded fastener and said bottom threaded fastener are tightly engaged each with the other.

Date Recue/Date Received 2023-09-28